THE Citroen C3 Aircross is close to being the perfect family oriented mini-SUV and I would be delighted to own one.

Citroen had high hopes when it was launched and I have only been more and more impressed with every model I've tried.

Both petrol and diesel versions are all fantastic - right at the top of the supermini class.

This is a brilliant, not so small SUV/estate, with a big interior and a huge range of abilities that have it snapping at the heels of all the other small SUVs and of their supermini stablemates.

I suppose it's rather bluff nose is hardly pretty, but nonetheless, other car makers will be looking to their designs to see if they can bring their products up to the same high standard. It really is that good.

It has all the SUV looks and extra height, but also drives brilliantly in every way and is much more comfortable than most cars in the next class up.

Even models from the lower end of the range come well equipped as standard and all have a wide range of standard safety, and connectivity including Bluetooth, Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

The ride is fantastic over all surfaces and at all speeds. It takes speed humps and rough town roads with ease, but also manages excellent comfort over poor surfaced country roads at 50 miles an hour.

Yet it also has the holy grail of good car design - excellent and very safe handling with grippy roadholding. There's very little lean in the corners but the steering is a little too light at times.

There are three versions of the same well-known and excellent 1.2 three cylinder Pure Tech petrol engine with 82, 110 and 130bhp.

The 82bhp unit takes a leisurely 13.6 seconds to reach 60 from rest, while the 110 brings that down to 9.8 and the 130 to a decently quick 8.5. All are capable of around an excellent 55 miles per gallon.

There are three BlueHDi diesel choices - a later designed single 1.5 and two versions of the same 1.6.

The 1.5 comes with 100bhp and can get to 60 in 10.5 while managing an excellent 67mpg.

An older 100bhp version of the 1.6 takes 12.4 seconds for the sprint but can do 70mpg, while the later 120bhp version almost matches it with 68mpg and gets to the benchmark in 10.4.

Lower powered models have a five speed gearbox and all the others have a six speed. There has also been an optional automatic that works well.

The Aircross is very stable in strong wide winds, and some top models come with the Citroen Grip Control system, which in slippery conditions, uses the traction control to send power to the wheel with the most grip.

This doesn't make it an off-roader of course, but it might well help keep going in ice and snow, or get it out of a muddy field.

The seats are quite firm but very comfortable and supportive through the corners, and rear legroom is excellent, with seats that slide fore and aft to adjust it.

The boot is big, the body colour is matched on the inside, and new models came with a wide choice of personalization.

Equipment is excellent in all, and includes cruise control, audio remote, remote locking, alarm, plenty of airbags, air conditioning, electric mirrors and windows and excellent seat and column adjustment.

Mid-range ‘Flair' adds alloy wheels, front foglights, sat nav and parking sensors.

The C3 Aircross is hugely impressive all round - really good family transport with a smaller footprint.

Pay about £9,945 for a ‘17 17-reg Feel 1.2 110bhp petrol, or £15,600 for a '20 20-reg for a Flair 1.5 100bhp diesel.