I WAS hugely impressed by Citroen's petrol C4 when I drove it a few months ago, and the range-topping two-litre diesel is almost as good.

For some reason it does not seem to have the same cosseting ride as the cheaper car, which is by far the best in class.

That said it is marvellous fun to drive, with tremendous performance from a smooth and amazingly quiet engine and a real 47mpg without really trying, helped by a standard six speed gearbox.

It does look a bit expensive when compared to other similar cars like the Ford Focus, but when discounts are taken into account it is a lot cheaper, and it's also cheaper to run by quite a margin.

The ride is still very good and the handling and road-holding are excellent, with good body control, strong grip and informative power steering.

There is acceleration even in sixth gear, and you only need fifth or fourth for tremendous punch to overtake.

Exclusive trim brings leather covered steering wheel and part leather seats, climate, 60/40 split-fold back seat, drilled-look pedals and front and rear parking sensors.

: Ford Focus