THE new DS range has proved a winner as an up-market choice for people looking for a stylish, modern standout motor.

And the small, three-door entry-level DS 3 Chic will be the choice of many who are tempted to opt for French flair and value for money when it comes to a new registration vehicle.

The base DS 3 Chic comes with the latest 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine which produces 82bhp, but that doesn't mean to say it lacks torquey pulling power plus the bonus of great fuel economy and a refined drive.

Gearing comes from a slick, five-speed manual change and it is ideal for town, country and motorway trips and Citroen claim that on a combined run you should get around 62mpg from the Chic.

Top speed is rated at 108mph with a 0-62mph acceleration time of 12.3 seconds and with low a low CO2 rating of just 107 g/km road tax is low.

Outside features include the new DS 3 stylish front grille, slim headlights, 16-inch alloys, chrome exhaust tailpipe, chrome door handles and side rubbing strips plus 3D LED rear lights.

This may be the base model but the new DS 3 Chic doesn't lack high end equipment and driving aids.

It comes with air con, cruise control, variable assistance power steering, seven-inch colour touchscreen, a six-speaker RDS and DAB digital radio, remote central locking, tyre pressure monitor, alarm and immobiliser, Bluetooth hands free and media streaming with USB socket, remote central locking, driver, front passenger, front lateral and curtain airbags and many more useful and safety devices.

Inside, the DS 3 Chic offers classy fittings, with a nicely detailed dashboard with glossy black plastics, polished metal highlights.

Priced from £14,340 the DS 3 Chic is great value for a classy little motor in a line up which also includes a cabriolet costing from £16,295.