ONCE upon a time French car-makers were famed for their inimitable Gallic style.

Put simply, French cars had something that really set them apart, exuding an aura that was for want of a better description - quintessentially French.

Back in the fifties, sixties and seventies you could look at a Citroen, Renault or Peugeot and it was instantly evident exactly which country it came from, almost as if there was some kind of common design DNA.

And out of them all Citroen probably led the pack, with cars like the legendary 2CV and before it the iconic DS, not forgetting the majestic SM and one of my favourites the characterful CX.

At some point, I'm not quite sure when, French manufacturers seemed to collectively lose their way, and in the process lost that unique identity that set them apart.

In recent times they've done much to reclaim it, Citroen in particular through its DS sub-brand.

The DS3 led the way in a growing DS line-up that errs more toward the premium than mainstream market.

It's a great looking car that combines contemporary and sporty styling in a knockout package.

And although Citroen hasn't gone down the retro route like MINI and Fiat - it also manages to exude a character that's suitably Citroen and Gallic.

The DS3's delicious design lines are matched by an interior that is stylish and sumptuous. Switchgear that shouts premium quality is matched by a high quality and comfortable cabin.

There are two versions to choose from and this slightly more fun Cabrio offers a perfect halfway house between a conventional hard-top and a full-on convertible.

It pretty much retains the DS3's appealing design lines but features a vinyl roof that winds back so you can avail of the joys of open-top motoring.

It has echoes of the somewhat more basic folding roof that featured in the 2CV, helping to recreate some of that Citroen character of old.

Unlike a conventional convertible it also offers more choices than just open or shut, with a number of positions available.

Put simply you can stop the folding process at any point. So, slide it back slightly and it serves as an enlarged sunroof. Go a little further to the rear and it feels like a convertible that offers more protection from the elements.

Fully retracted it has more of the feel of a full-on convertible, though you are still somewhat cosseted.

The advantages of that versatile roof are somewhat balanced by one particular disadvantage, in the shape of one of the oddest boots you're ever likely to encounter.

It's almost as if the folding roof was developed and all of a sudden the designers remembered it needed a boot.

It's certainly somewhat awkward with its post box style opening.

The bottom line is that access is fairly limited and it doesn't offer a great amount of space either.

That said, using the car for an overnight stay away from home and having to squeeze quite a bit of stuff in I managed to cram more in than I thought I would.

Looks apart, the great thing about the DS3 is how well it drives - it's probably the best driver's car Citroen has delivered for a generation.

In essence it is fun, spirited and engaging, with responsive and well-weighted steering and handling that matches its sporty styling.

Peugeot-Citroen's 1.6-litre turbocharged engine certainly delivers when it comes to performance - smooth, refined and pleasingly potent - it feels perfectly suited to the DS3.

While the ride is on the firm side it somehow seems to fit with the car's sporty nature.