WIND the clock back a few years and you'll recall Citroen was known for its wacky styling, peculiar switchgear and general individuality. Not exactly bonkers, but characterful shall we say.

Then it all changed and cars like the mid-range C5 emerged, emulating Audi and BMW in a sort of Gallic way.

But the result wasn't quite as desired - it tended to fall between German and French camps and failed to appeal strongly to either. Anyway, that was yesterday and now Citroen has returned to its roots and is again making cars with real personality and commitment - models that could only come from the pen of a garlic-munching, Galois-puffing designer.

The ones I'm talking about are prefaced by the initials DS - itself an echo of the past.

Perhaps the most complete example is the DS4, a sleek, practical five-door hatch that has looks to die for and the sort of performance that wouldn't shame either a Beemer or an Audi.

I tried a DSport HDI version in pearlescent black with red and black leather interior. Stunning looking inside and out, it manages to deliver the sort of compromise us fussy car buyers now demand - plenty of practical bits and pieces yet stacked with feelgood factor architecture.

Power is from a familiar 1,997cc four cylinder turbodiesel that has been tweaked to emit just 149g/km CO2 yet can polish off 62mph in under 10 seconds and go on to 132mph.

The engine  installation and sound proofing is particularly good because there's almost no harshness or vibration, often an unwelcome diesel trait.

Noise levels are low with little mechanical or wind noise intrusion. There is plenty of high gear power for effortless fast cruising. The six-speed manual gearbox, itself is a treat with a fast light movement - so much better than the last generation of Citroens.

The cornering is flat and almost roll-free with little understeer despite its front drive format. Steering, though precise, doesn't offer quite enough feedback though. A little more weight at speed might help too.

The smooth flowing lines of the DS4 are almost coupe-like which obviously has some effect on its ultimate carrying capacity, nevertheless the hatchback boot will store 359 litres of luggage up to the parcel shelf - not quite as much as some rivals but enough for most families. The seats split and folds to boost the cargo area.

Citroens are usually miserly on fuel and this is no exception - my average over 600 miles was 47mpg, which is very close to the official combined figure of 49.6mpg.

Priced at £25,030, the DSport includes cruise control, dual air conditioning, drilled alloy pedals, electrically adjustable front seats and tinted back and side windows.

I particularly like the panoramic windscreen which allows you to slide the sun visors back to reveal a greater glass area. Other useful features are the storage drawers beneath the driver and front passenger seats. The optional red and black leather Signature seating is a reasonable £490 extra.

Swift enough for most and surprisingly economical, the DS4 in DSport guise is more than a pretty face and appears to have the build quality to match its German and Japanese rivals.