I HAD to wait a long time to get my hands on Citroen's DS4 stunner but it was worth it.

I have just parted with the 160bhp turbo diesel and it's another of those cars that can be all things to all men.

The 2.0-litre powerplant is one of the smoothest and best 2.0-litre diesels I have ever driven. It pulls happily from just above tickover in sixth gear and retains that smoothness right through its rev range.

Acceleration is brilliant in the gears, with huge torque meaning there's no need to change down a gear so that overtaking is always easy and safe.

Yet it is also capable, with careful driving, of 50-plus miles to the gallon. Who said you can't have your cake and eat it.

The clutch is light, the gearchange sweet, the brakes superb and the higher than average driving position marvellous.

The road holding is brilliant but there is an unsettled feel to the ride ride both at slow and high speeds on rougher surfaces and that's not good enough.

Inside, it's sophisticated and great looking, with very good equipment and comfortable seats.

Although the rear door apertures are narrow making it difficult to get in, there is enough space for one six footer to sit comfortably behind another.

The dramatic exterior is set off with chrome and it really looks superb from every angle.

: SEAT Leon FR