THE Citroen C3 Aircross is a compact SUV that makes a big fashion statement.

It is the dictionary definition of eye-catching with a snazzy exterior able to be personalised to your heart's content and an interior that runs with the funky theme.

There are a range of colour choices for the bodywork with contrast roof tones available as well as a number of different ways to decorate the cabin.

Citroen is clearly pitching the Aircross at the style-conscious car buyer with this C3 also adding a bit of muscle to its supermini sibling. So along with razor-thin daytime running lights that make the front end look like Marvel comic superhero Iron Man, there's more bulk introduced via black wheel arch extensions, while front and rear aluminium effect bumper protectors add to the purposeful attitude.

On the range-topping Flair model featured here there are also some of the coolest roof bars I've seen as well as 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels to complete the look.

Slide into the Aircross and you notice the comfortable seats resplendent with red-stitching while the air vents also get a bit of French flair as they are outlined in red with a gloss black background.

The multi-function leather steering wheel does its bit by sporting a touch of colour to lift proceedings and the unusual handbrake is another welcome surprise.

The centre console is home to a seven-inch colour touchscreen which gives access to the dual-zone climate control, Citroen's sat nav and the six-speaker infotainment system that can be hooked up to your smartphone.

The Aircross doesn't lack for kit with other goodies on the Flair model including rear parking sensors, tinted windows, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, plus automatic lights and wipers.

And it isn't just about good looks as practicality is also included as standard with families as well as young fashionistas being a target market.

The Aircross is longer than a normal C3 supermini - so it can handle two adults in the rear without them being bent up like pretzels by the end of a long journey as leg and headroom are more than adequate. A third adult can be accommodated in the back as the transmission tunnel is reasonably flat in the middle of the floor, but shoulder space is likely to be at a premium.

Open up the boot and 410 litres of space is ready for luggage or shopping with the rear seats pushed back. If you slide them forward capacity rises to 520 litres, while folding them over sees 1,289 litres become available.

Power is provided by a range of petrol and diesel engines with the 129bhp three-pot PureTech unit featured here proving no slouch as it propels the Aircross from a standing start to 62mph in a shade over nine seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 121mph. The six-speed automatic transmission provides reasonably seamless gear changes.

Fuel economy is good as I recorded around 40mpg during my week taking on motorways and the urban jungle while carbon dioxide emissions are 150g/km.

The Aircross is comfortable to drive with a solid feel to the handling while the suspension mostly soaks up the punishment dished out by our lamentable road surfaces.

Don't be fooled by the SUV styling though as serious mud-plugging isn't on the menu for this front-wheel drive motor although Citroen's Grip Control system, including a hill descent setting, is available as an option.