Citroen’s C4 Aircross has glided into the local market. It is remarkably a quiet urban-SUV cross-over, thanks to extensive road noise insulation in the doors, under the hood and echoed by the plastic sound-dampening curtain which virtually surrounds the vehicle.

Speed took the entry level 2-wheel drive, 2 liter ‘Attraction’ model, out for a spin around town and was treated to a quality experience of confident driving.

The cool modern design of this sophisticated automobile accentuates its capabilities, complimented by ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution as well as its Emergency Brake Assist safety-technologies. Safety is enhanced by driver and passenger front airbags as well as height adjustable front seat belts with pre-tensioners and force-limiters.

That feeling of safety is radiated through the car’s easy responsiveness and the confidence inspired holding the soft-grip steering wheel and caressing the gear lever. The short-shift gear system helps get into that easy driving mood quickly.

The manual 2-litre engine can kick out 110kW of power at 6000rpm and produce 197Nm of torque at 4200rpm. Able to accelerate from zero to 100kmph in 9,3 seconds, the Aircross is anything but lazy and officially the ‘Attraction’ is capable of hitting 200kmph. But there is no need to be in a hurry as the Aircross slides out of town onto the longer road.

With a fuel tank capacity of 63 liters and plenty of space inside, this ride is made for plenty of fun and adventure. With its broad chin and confident good looks the C4 boldly strides down endless roads carrying a variety of comrades, family and friends along, plus all their toys. It has plenty of storage space with a two tier compartment under the central armrest containing the USB and 12V ports. The glove-box is equally generous and the convenient storage nets and pockets behind the front seats add to storage for rear passengers.

The original 394 liters of boot space, excluding its full sized spare wheel, can easily be increased by manually folding down all or some of the rear seats. Folded down, the vehicle has an almost flat bottom behind the front seats that can fit all kinds of bulky cargo.

Standard with the perimetric and volumetric anti-theft alarm, the C4 seems used to making an impression where-ever and when-ever, also features a high-frequency multi-function remote control for locking and deadlock function.

The manual height adjustable headlights as well as the height and reach adjustable steering wheel with its multi-function buttons, all add to high technology base. A central information display between the speedometer and the rev-counter displays the on-board computer interface and compliments the mono four-speaker radio with CD and MP3 capability.

Front and rear electronic windows are standard as are the electronically adjustable door mirrors. The C4 Aircross is available from Spes Bona Citroen in Independence Avenue in Windhoek.