THERE is no doubt about the innovation Citroen seems to be able to come up with every time it launches a new car.

The big DS5 is stunning and stylish from every angle both inside and out and under the skin of the Hybrid4 model I drove is a diesel-electric powertrain with excellent performance and ultra-low emissions.

This is the third car in the sporting DS range and living up to the company's aim, it has a real premium feel.

Main power comes from a 163bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel, which drives the front wheels through a clutchless manual ‘EGS' six-speed gearbox.

The 37bhp electric motor drives the rear wheels and under hard acceleration, smoothes out the automatic gearbox's changes, which can be slow unless the driver lifts off the accelerator every time.

There are a number of driving modes, including electric only and four wheel drive, and the handling and road holding are superb.

But the ride is pretty lumpy over anything but a very smooth road surface.

The driving position is excellent and even the heads-up speed display can be adjusted to suits different heights.

Equipment includes cruise, climate, rake and reach adjustable steering, MP3 connection, alloys, split-fold back seat, Bluetooth, alarm and stability control.