WHEN it comes to one brand that is famous for their innovation, style and that certain quirkieness that's typically French, then we can only be talking Citroen.
Those who can remember the old Traction Avant and original DS models will know exactly what I'm talking about, but for those too young to know about them, then all you have to do is think of the current DS3.
For if there was a set of wheels that had been especially created for the the early 21st century, then the DS3 is the one machine that ticks all the right boxes.
Citroen created the DS3 to take on the MINI Cooper, Alfa MiTo and Fiat 500, but using its own mix of new style rather than going down any old retro-style road.
And what they came up with was a truly cracking little gem that came with its own personality that from the very outset endeared it to a growing band of owners.
Sexy, sporty, sophisticated and superbly put together, this French fancy was the first model in what has now become a highly-successful sub-brand within the Citroen family.
The hatchback's cracking good looks starts with the bold "shark fin" door pillar and floating roof and continues to its sculped front end complete with LED daylight running light signatures.
The little Citroen also has one of the best interiors around. The instruments are easy to read and the piano black finish screams quality.
The DS3 is an excellent drivers' car with a firm yet comfortable ride. The steering is well weighted and noise levels are remarkably low.
The DS3 features a decent enough 285-litre boot and a reasonably roomy cabin, so there's plenty of space upfront and enough in the back for two adults, even if rear legroom is a bit tight.
Just from the exterior point of view, the majority of DS3 buyers have gone for a two-tone paint finish. There's plenty of colours available along with a host of upholstery designs, which gave buyers plenty of choice.
Add to that a range of alloy wheel designs, a host of engine choices and three distinct specification levels to the mix and the number of permatations for individuality became pretty much virtually limitless.
From the car's launch in 2010, there was a decent choice of power plants: two petrol in a 94bhp 1.4-litre and a 1.6-litre which had the choice of 118 and 154bhp - and a 1.6-litre diesel producing either 88 or 108bhp.
Later that year, Citroen added a e-HDi 90 Airdream oilburner, which broke through the magical 100g/km CO2 banding, meaning it came free from road tax.
For those seeking out a used DS3, that's the one I would go for. And look out for one in DStyle Plus trim, for it offers central locking, cruise control, electric front windows, air-conditioning, front LED daytime running lights and tinted rear windows.
Price-wise, you should be looking at paying from around the £7,850 mark up to £9,995 for a 2010 e-HDi Airdream DStyle Plus on a 10 year plate with 30,000 miles on the clock.
A slightly less equipped but still well specced out DStyle should be anything up to £500 cheaper.
Move up to a 2011 year model on a 61-plate with around 20,000 miles and the price increases to between £8,665 and £10,765 for the DStyle Plus, with the less-equipped car coming in at around £600 and £800 cheaper.