GETTING everything right with a new car is almost mission impossible but new French luxury brand DS is getting close with its latest offering.

Not only is it introducing an upgraded DS 4 hatchback it is also moving into the crossover zone with a pumped up version called the Crossback.

It is a breath of fresh air, good looking, trendy, very well equipped and economical.

Neither will it break the bank and priced from £23,495 for a 1.6-diesel that in the real world is good for more than 50 to the gallon, the DS 4 Crossback has a lot going for it.

Where it really scores is with its looks that include flared wheel arches, silver roof rails, black gloss door mirror cappings and 18-inch coloured wheels.

It is smart, different and eye catching and that's just what is wanted in today's hatchback market.

Despite a ride height that is increased by more than an inch over the regular DS 4 the suspension copes admirably and the Crossback delivers quite a sporty ride.

Features such as a flat bottomed steering wheel, colour changing backlit dials on the instrument panel and body-contoured seats add a touch of raciness.

The DS 4 Crossback we tried came with a 120bhp engine which is expected to be the one most will plum for.

It moves well through the gears but get high into the box and the torque can fade with fifth and sixth really only for cruising. At the bottom end there is enough get up and go to keep any enthusiastic driver content.

With stop/start as standard it is claimed to be capable of 72.4mpg with emissions of 103g/km which for business users gives it a tax banding of 18 per cent.

We managed 52 to the gallon and on a 60 mile run the car's given range on the trip computer was back where it started at 323 miles at the end of the journey, although it did dip to 304 miles at one point after some motorway work.

With a 13 gallon tank the Crossback has a range of around 600 miles and that is above average for cars of this ilk.

Comfort levels in the front are high and despite a sloping roof line there is an acceptable amount of space in the rear - although as with all versions of the DS 4 the rear windows don't open.

Boot space is the same as the DS 4 hatch at 385 litres and that's sensible proportions for a model which will make the grade as a compact family car. Drop the rear seats and cargo capacity is increased to 1,021 litres.

With DS now a standalone marque in the Citroen/Peugeot group it has already upped the ante with its models, starting off with a refreshed DS 5 before the revamp of the smaller DS 4.

The Crossback with its SUV looks is a new take but like the others it has a premium feel and comes with plenty of technology including a seven-inch touchscreen that incorporates sat nav, MirrorLink connectivity to a smartphone as well as Apple CarPlay - a first in a PSA car.

The Crossback is also available with a more powerful 180bhp diesel and a 130bhp petrol engine and while the 120bhp version may not be the quickest - 0 to 60 in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 117mph - its all round credentials when factoring in its good economy make it a sound proposition.

The line up is priced from £21,745 for the PureTech petrol version and tops out at £26,495 for the 180 diesel. An auto option is also available on the 120 diesel and that's priced from £24,695. On average the Crossback carries a premium of around £1,000 compared to the standard DS 4.

On looks alone the DS 4 Crossback scores highly and in this day and age, standout quality is all that matters.

As newcomers go the DS 4 Crossback really hits the mark with style, technology and all round performance.