IF LOOKS really can thrill, the Citroen C3 XTR will slightly raise the pulse. The latest model to join the burgeoning C3 range, the XTR appears to have been on a workshop equivalent of a workout.
The rounded and practical shape of the supermini Citroen has been beefed up with the addition of black bumpers, grille, wheelarch extensions and side skirts with eye-catching 15in alloys, foglamps and roof bars to add those finishing touches.
Not only are the roof bars decorative, they are thoroughly practical, carrying up to 60kg while the big panoramic electric sunroof gives it a convertible feel and large blinds shade you on hot days.
Inside there is the now familiar Moduboard folding luggage assistance system which helps securely locate up to 1,155 litres of items and the cabin is splattered with bins, boxes and trays to take all manner of bottles, packets and oddments.
There is even what Citroen terms a child pack comprising seat-back trays and wide angle second interior mirror to monitor the little rascals and dashboard rear door locking switch.
There are two versions of the XTR, with 90hp 1.4 petrol or the model tested here, the 92hp 1.4 diesel, which is probably more purposeful for heavy use and high mileages, particularly with its modest fuel consumption.
The diesel is a strong unit with a broad power band to pull heavy loads and its flexibility also means it requires less gearchanges on the move. It is fairly brisk from rest but pushed hard it sounds clattery, particularly when cold.
The manual only five-speed transmission has a rubbery feel to its operation but the ratios give good acceleration and it cruises easily along the motorway. In town the clutch is light but needs to be fully depressed every time or you hear the gears crunch.
Underfoot the brakes are very powerful and slow it rapidly and with total control but the handbrake seems to have a long travel to it.
Behind the wheel there is not a lot of feel but the turning circle is good in town and it is not twitchy on main roads or plagued by vibration at speed.
Secondary switches are grouped on stalks or close to hand on the fascia or console and the digital instruments are big, clear and simple, backed up by warning lights.
Controls for heating and ventilation are on the lower central console, not particularly easy to read as a result, but the system works well with good output, distribution and temperature control.
Electric front windows and that massive full width and length sunroof give near maximum choice for cooling the car.
Oddments room, as stated, is truly plentiful in the front or back, but those children's trays are almost useless because they are far too small to serve any real purpose save storing a small plastic cup and pack of sandwiches.
Fixed as they are, some children would be too small to reach them. A good idea not thought through but rushed for marketing reasons.
The boot is easy to load or empty and the Moduboard separation system is useful while the back seats quickly fold to maximise capacity.
The seats are covered in a twin tone grey fabric and are big and comfortable with armrests on the front pair and reasonable adjustment range.
Ride quality is typically very comfortable although you can hear how hard the system is coping with bad surfaces.
There is pronounced body roll on tight turns, particularly four-up, and it scrambles for grip pulling away uphill but generally it has a predictable and safe feel in general driving situations.
Performance is quite lively once rolling and carefully chosen gears mean you can rapidly overtake but the driver has to remember it might reach its peak and need an upchange before completing the manoeuvre. Economy is extremely good.
With such a high roof, not only is there plenty of room but visibility is excellent and it can be parked very close to objects thanks to the high seating and low waistline. Good lights and wipers are also appreciated.
Bridging the gap between a family hatchback and multi-activity vehicle, the Citroen C3 XTR has few direct rivals and it fulfils many roles with ease.
But make no mistake, this is not a high performance vehicle but one that's built to survive modern motoring conditions and serve a variety of lifestyles and while it is good at many things it does not excel in any one area.
FAST FACTS
Citroen C3 XTR HDi
Price: £12,595
Mechanical: 92bhp, 1,398cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 110mph
0-62mph: 11.7 secs
Combined mpg: 65.7
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 112g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: Three years/ 60,000 miles