The Citroën C4 Cactus has captured the attention of many motor industry awards judges since its launch last year, and the first few weeks with our new long-termer have shown it has stirred the interest of the general public too.

I’ve already been approached in supermarket car parks by people asking about the car – named best compact SUV in this year’s Fleet News Awards – on a number of occasions.

Most are fascinated by the look. Our polar white model is certainly striking, with its black airbumps on the doors, piano black door mirrors and roof rails, and black plastic cladding around the wheel arches. The airbumps are the main talking point, though: a number of air capsules under a soft plastic cover. Spongy to the touch, these are designed to protect against the minor bumps and scrapes usually incurred in car parks, but also give the car plenty of character.

The interior adds to its quirkiness. Its upwards-opening glove box has looks based on traditional luggage, a theme carried over into its leather strap door handles, while its square digital instrument display enhances this individuality.

Our test model is in mid-level Feel trim, powered by a 100hp 1.6-litre diesel engine. This offers CO2 emissions of 87g/km and an official fuel economy of 83.1mpg.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, bluetooth hands-free and media streaming, remote central locking and a seven-inch touchscreen which is used to control all primary vehicle functions such as entertainment, heating and trip computer.

In addition, our car is fitted with optional flat white paint (£250), City Park (£595), which includes a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, self-parking system and front fog lights. The Navigation and Hi-fi pack (£545) includes sat-nav and an upgraded hi-fi.