IT couldn't have been anything other than coincidence that the four cars I drove at the latest Citroen reveal were all tuned in to Classic FM, but had it been a marketing ploy, it would have been perfectly understandable.
For, although the new C4 may have been beaten into second place by Toyota's Prius for the European Car of the Year title, this latest Citroen product, which goes on sale at UK dealerships from Monday, November 22, is most certainly a class act.
Designed to compete in the C-sector, hotly contested by the likes of the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 307, the C4 comes with a wide choice of engine options, five petrol, 1.4, 1.6, 2.0 138bhp, 2.0 143bhp and 2.0 180bhp, plus three diesels, 1.6 92bhp, 1.6 110bhp and 2.0 138bhp.
Trim levels are LX, SX, VTR Plus and Exclusive on the hatchbacks matched by VT, VTR, VTR Plus and VTS on the coupe models and both derivatives look to have all the required credentials to earn the C4 the accolade of the best Citroen to date.
The French carmaker views the two derivatives as completely different cars, the five-door hatch providing style and comfort as family transport while the radical styling of the three-door coupe, particularly with its raised rear and integrated spoiler, plus the rectangular chrome tailpipe on the 2.0 16-valve 180bhp model, will quickly become a familiar and memorable sight on UK roadways.
Both C4 variants are built on the same floorpan as the Peugeot 307 and this replacement for the now ageing Xsara is the first all-new Citroen to feature the company's bold new corporate styling, both variants sporting a chrome grille incorporating the large new double chevron logo flanked by a boomerang-shaped headlight set-up.
Although many of the car's most high-tech items are on the options list, Citroen has continued its love affair with innovative gadgetry on the C4. There's even a nine-fragrance, scented air freshener that doesn't "hang about," slotting instead into a dashboard vent and working in conjunction with the air con, where fitted.
Also optional are the Lane Departure Warning system, which is already proving a popular road safety aid on the new C5, headlamps which swivel to follow the curve of the roadway and both front and rear parking sensors.
However these cars are well equipped. Fitted as standard on all 22 models are cruise control and a speed limiter while a liquid crystal dash-top display, which stays very readable even in direct sunlight, and a rev counter mounted above the steering wheel, which turns completely red when approaching the rev limit, all add to the appeal of an innovative interior.
The cabin also has a well finished, quality look and feel to it, seating is comfortable and supportive and, while each variant gets a quite generous and easily accessed luggage bay, some models add a foldaway storage device in the boot to control your shopping while on the move.
There are more than 22 storage compartments in the spacious interior. Headroom in the rear of the coupe may prove a little limiting to taller passengers, as will legroom, but there is plenty of room front of house.
Driving position and overall visibility is good on both hatch and coupe and £500 for the optional panoramic glass sunroof will add further to the light and airy feel of the interior.
Arguably the most interesting innovation on the C4 is the fixed, multi-functional centre boss which houses controls for the audio system, cruise control and speed limiter and sat-nav. The boss itself doesn't move with the operation of the steering wheel, enabling the driver to up the radio volume, for example, without searching for the button.
On the road, both hatch and coupe are agile, yet neatly composed when it comes to stringing together a series of twisty bits. Noise levels were a little high in models powered by the 1.6-litre 16-valve 110bhp petrol engine which is carried over from the Xsara particularly when more urge was called for.
The two-litre engine, pulling 138bhp, on the VTR Plus proved a much more refined companion on both the Coupe and Hatchback models and, thus powered, the latter provided an extremely relaxing ride with few noises-off.
But the star of the show, enginewise, is undoubtedly the top of the range two litre, 138bhp HDi which, mated to a smooth-slotting, six-speed manual gearchange, provides refinement, economy and performance in equal measure, sufficient to satisfy the most critical new car seeker.
Overall, the Citroen C4, whether in beautifully proportioned, curvy hatchback form or the dramatic look of the coupe, is a well kitted out new challenger which is destined to raise more than a few eyebrows in a fiercely competitive segment which accounted for one in three of all new cars sold in the UK last year.
Prices kick in at £11,095 for the 1.4 VT C4 Coupe and £11,495 for the 1.4 LX Hatch, rising through £14,895 (Coupe) and £15,295 (Hatchback) for the 2.0i 138bhp VTR Plus petrol, to £17,995 and £18,395 for the range-topping Coupe and Hatch. There should be something for almost everyone.