IN 2010, Citroen resurrected the famous DS name when they unleashed their sporty DS3 three-door supermini.

For those too young to remember, the original 1955 DS was a futuristic-looking executive saloon which went on to sell more than 1.5 million units during its long 20-year production run.

A high-tech aerodynamic masterpiece with innovative hydro-pneumatic self-levelling suspension, power steering and front disc brakes - all unheard of at the time - the DS was the culmination of 20 years development work.

While taking the motoring world by storm at its launch, the DS also stood the test of time, being named the most beautiful car of all time by Classic and Sports Car magazine.

The 21st century DS3 is also a superb head turner and just like its 1950s namesake, is highly innovative and beautifully put together... and it became the introductory model of a new sub sector within Citroen which has now turned into the stand-alone DS brand.

While the DS3 hot-hatch quickly built up a substantial following with the younger set, a larger DS4 quickly followed, offering much more practicality for families.

And already the DS4 has taken over some of the mantle from its original illustrious sibling, it too picking up a clutch of awards from around the world.

Under the skin of a sleek, coupe-styled body, the DS4 offered the choice of three petrol and two diesel power units.

The petrol trio, consisting of 120, 155 and 200bhp units, were developed in collaboration with BMW, while a smaller 1,560cc oil-burning 110bhp engine was also available in e-HDi guise which, with its start/stop technology, cut emissions to 114g/km while returning 64.2mpg on the combined cycle.

But my choice would be the 1,997cc DStyle HDi 160 diesel which I quickly fell in love with. Beautifully finished on the inside, it came with alloy pedals, leather-trimmed gear stick and door handles and interior lighting that could change colour according to mood.

Roomy enough for five to be transported in absolute comfort, there's plenty of cubby holes and storage space to accommodate life's little necessities.

It's simple to find the ideal driving position and like its C4 stablemate, the windscreen extended up over into the roof, greatly helping visibility while also adding to the car's good looks.

Out on the road, the DS4 excelled. For a sporty-looking, five-door coupe, it gave a supple, balanced ride which was nothing like the harsh, super firm suspension I had expected.

Even so, it gripped superbly through the corners, with little sign of body roll, making it a truly fabulous all-rounder.

Quiet and refined, the perky engine provided more than enough spark for most needs. With a top speed of 132mph and zero to 62mph taking just 9.3 seconds, combined fuel consumption came in at 55.4mpg, a figure most of us would happily settle for these days, while emissions worked out at 134g/km, putting the DS4 into VED band E with an annual £130 road tax bill.

A 2012, 62-plate DS4 D-Style HDi 160 with around 40,000 miles on the clock will set you back from £7,180 to £9,125, while expect to pay from £8,535 to £10,690 for a 2013 model on a 63 plate which has covered around 30,000 miles.

However, for those with a preference for petrol power, then a 1.6-litre VTi 16-valve in similar D-Style trim will work out slightly cheaper. So expect to chop between £600 and £900 off the above diesel prices.