IF diamonds really are forever then the DS 3 Crossback could be around for quite a while.

That's because wherever you look on the car there are diamond shapes and glittering surfaces giving the car all the sparkle you expect from a premium marque.

DS split from Citroen back in 2014 to form its own brand but whatever emblem was on the front of the car, there's no denying the all-round appeal of the DS 3, complete with distinctive shark fin and floating roof design.

But now the model has a larger sibling in the shape of the DS 3 Crossback, a compact SUV that's bubbling over with technology and it can put in a very decent shift when it comes to performance too.

The DS 3 Crossback is difficult to ignore due to its dynamic styling with some very premium features along the way.

The door handles, for example, sit flush to the car's body and pop out as you approach the car. Drive away, look in the side mirror and they'll be flush to the bodywork again.

Then there's the jewel-like headlights, dynamic lines and that shark fin and floating roof side view that's so distinctive.

The DS monogram on the tailgate, a bi-tone colour roof, along with 18-inch Monza black onyx diamond cut alloys complete the look.

Move inside and it's unlike any other model I've sat in. There are touch-sensitive diamond-shaped tiles on the dashboard that offer shortcuts to functions such as the music, climate control, navigation, hazard lights, car settings and phone contacts.

Additional buttons control the audio volume, air circulation and front and rear screen de-misters - these are also diamond shaped. There is a push button starter button with red outline (diamond again) and the window controls are rather unusually positioned either side of the gear lever - you'll never guess the shape.

On-board techno teats include the likes of smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, air conditioning, Bluetooth and our test car featured an optional Advanced Technology Pack costing £850 that added connected 3D navigation, a 10-inch HD touchscreen, voice recognition and wireless charging.

The front-wheel-drive car in sporty Performance Line trim, was powered by a three-cylinder, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

It could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 9.2 seconds and topped out at 124mph. According to new WLTP figures, the DS 3 Crossback can deliver combined fuel economy of 45.6mpg with carbon emissions of 111g/km.

The car was priced at £25,955 although a number of optional packs saw the final cost reach £29,555.

Comfort levels are high inside the car, and although all the snazzy buttons and switches can be a tad mind-boggling initially, you soon get to grips with the quick key access to various functions.

The driver can choose between drive modes called Eco, Normal and Sport that alter the manner in which the car behaves, and for added fun there are steering wheel-mounted paddles to control the gear shifts.

Although the DS 3 Crossback may not be quite so fast out the blocks as some of its rivals, it handles really nicely with the emphasis on comfort rather than dynamics.

That said; it's no slouch and can be pushed hard into corners with a degree of confidence. The road-holding is assured and the car feels well planted at all times.

The engine note does become a little raspy at higher speeds or when firing through the gears manually, but generally the car feels well insulated from any road surface or outside noise intrusion.

Another plus factor is the highly effective suspension set-up that does a very thorough job of smoothing out all but the most severe bumps and dips along the way.

In congested traffic the DS 3 Crossback is beautifully agile and the excellent all-round visibility is very much appreciated when driving through city centres with cars, cyclists and pedestrians darting out from all angles.

This is certainly a car that would suit a growing family as there is ample room for four adults to travel in comfort, provided the front seats are not pushed back too far. And storage options are good too with a boot capacity ranging from 350 to 1,050 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat.

Additional storage options include a glovebox, deep door bins, a compartment next to the driver's right knee and cup holders.