Citroen C3 Aircross Rip Curl

FIRST DRIVE: We discover if the range-topping Rip Curl is riding the crest of Aircross wave

- Alex Ingram

THERE'S a new range-topper for the Citroen C3 Aircross line-up, called the Rip Curl. It's not the first time the Australian surfing brand has given its name to a French five-door model; along with previous versions of the C3 Aircross and the first-generation C4 Cactus, the name found its way onto a Mk3 Renault Clio trim level, too.

While the link between any of those cars and carving Bondi barrel waves might seem like a bit of a stretch, it's possibly the least tenuous here. Given that this is one of the most spacious compact SUVS around - and has roof rails as standard - it shouldn't be too hard to load some boards and surfing gear on top of or inside the car. It's also available with Citroen's Grip Control, a traction control system that adapts to different surfaces, including a sand mode.

In reality, though, most buyers are going to be more interested in the Rip Curl because it's essentially a C3 Aircross with all of the possible extras thrown at it.

It gets a few select styling features to help it stand out from the rest of the range. Unique exterior details come in the form of anodised blue trim for the door mirror caps and skid-plate inserts. There are 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tyres (more handy on the UK's wintry roads than on a summer beach, probably) and a choice of four exterior paint colours.

Inside, the blue theme continues. The colour can be found on the soft-touch area spanning the top of the dashboard, the half-leather-effect, half-cloth seats, the air vent surrounds and the dash. The floor mats also feature Rip Curl branding.