When the all-new Citroën C4 arrives in Australia in March 2005 it will arrive with a trophy cabinet already bulging with awards.

The British are the latest to give the Citroën C4 the nod with it beating such hopefuls as the Mercedes SLK, the BMW One and Six Series and the Toyota Prius to take the title of British Car of the Year.

The prize is presented by the UK's AutoExpress, part of Europe's largest group of motoring titles, and it means that the C4 will go on for the final judging early in 2005 for the title of Auto 1 European Car of the Year. Decided by judges from 21 countries, the Auto 1 winner will be announced in March 2005.

The judges picked the Citroën C4 because it "showcases a return to the Citroën flair of the past, as well as scoring highly because of its top quality interior, driving dynamics and driver aids and features, such as the fixed hub steering wheel."

AutoExpress is not alone in placing the C4 at the top of its list in the UK, with Top Gear, the UK leading TV show, also picking the Citroën C4 as the best new car in 2004, while in Italy it was voted the most beautiful small car in the world.

The Citroën C4 will make its Australia debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show in March 2005 and go on sale soon after. It will be available in both five door hatch and coupe versions. Full details will be announced when it arrives in Australia.