FROM the very earliest days in their near century-long history which started just after the end of the First World War, Citroen has led the way with ionic style and flair.

Those who can remember the Traction Avant or original DS models will know what I'm talking about but for those too young for that then all you have to do is think of the current DS 3.

For if there was a model created specially today's differing lifestyles, then the DS 3 is a machine that ticks all the right boxes.

Citroen created the DS 3 to take on the likes of the MINI Cooper, Alfa MiTo and Fiat 500, but using a mix of modern styling rather than going down the retro road.

The outcome was a little gem that oozed personality which quickly endeared itself to a growing band of owners young and old.

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 DS 3 is an excellent drivers' car with a firm yet comfortable ride. The steering is also well weighted and noise levels are remarkably low.

It 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 can be said to be a bit on the tight side.

Just from the exterior point of view, the majority of DS 3 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 an e-HDi 90 Airdream oilburner, which broke through the magical 100g/km CO2 banding, meaning it came free from road tax.

For used car buyers 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.

Expect to pay around the £6,615 mark up to £8,625 for a 2012 e-HDi Airdream DStyle Plus on a 12-plate with 40,000 miles on the clock. A slightly less equipped but still well specced out DStyle should be anything between £6,115 to £7,965.

Move up to a 2013 year model on a 13-plate with around 30,000 miles and the price increases to between £7,385 and £9,490 for the DStyle Plus, with the less-equipped car coming in from around £6,825 to £8,770.