WITH an excellent range of petrol and diesel engines and a huge array of personalisation available, few secondhand Citroen DS3's are likely to be the same.

That means that when looking for one, you may have to hunt around two or three dealers to find just the right car for your tastes.

But when you do find it, you won't be disappointed.

These are the cars that were made before DS became a brand in its own right and are distinguishable by having both the DS badge and the chevron Citoren marque.

The DS3 is funky and stylish with loads of bright colours and many have a different colour for the roof and striping pr decals to help them stand out from the mundane crowd in any car park.

This was Citroen's answer to the all-conquering BMW MINI and having driven a fair few of them, they certainly bring plenty of fun.

The petrol choice comprises 82 or 110bhp 1.2-litre versions, a 95bhp 1.4, or a 1.6 with 120, 155 or 165bhp. There is also a 1.6-litre turbo diesel with 90, 110, 115 or 120bhp released at different times.

The 90bhp diesel and 82bhp petrol only offer fair performance, but do give excellent economy.

The other diesels and petrols are much better performers and the diesels particularly still have the excellent economy, which should top a real 60mpg.

Top performance models are the THP 1.6 turbos, both of which offer scintillating acceleration from any speed, and yet driven carefully, will still manage reasonable economy.

That much power in a fairly small and light body gives tremendous verve in any of the five gears and the engine is smooth and reasonably quiet unless provoked.

For a car with sporting pretensions, comfort in the lower order cars is quite reasonable, but the THPs have stiffened suspension giving making them firmer and more unsettled.

Grip and roadholding are very good across the board with great poise and precision through the corners and responsive steering

The front seats hold well in the corners and the dash layout is great to use and stylish to live with.

Both inside and outside can be personalised from new and many of the extras are available to secondhand buyers as well.

That means a wide choice of paint colours, 38 body and roof combinations, and door mirrors and wheels can also be chosen in wide range of colours and styles.

Inside, the dash can be black, white, blue or red, or even a sporty carbon fibre effect.

Access into the back seats - even though the front ones tip and slide - is never easy, and legroom is also pretty small. Rear seat comfort is also not up to that in the front.

Basic Trim levels are DSign, DStyle, and DSport, but there is a huge range of add-on models so make sure you get all the kit you want.

Equipment in DSport includes audio remote, split fold rear seats, height adjust driver's seat, cruise, reach and height adjust steering, traction control, aircon and alloys.

Pay about £4,900 for a '14 14-reg 1.4 DSign, or £8,400 for a ‘15 15-reg 1.6HDi 115 DSport.