THE first Citroen DS4 looked great from every angle inside and out but it suffered from a knobbly unsettled ride.

Then in 2015 the company decided to launch DS as a standalone premium marque separate from the rest of its cars.

This was a good idea, since they are different in many ways, even though they're based on the same floorpans.

At the same time, the DS4's suspension was improved beyond recognition, giving a marvellously comfortable ride over all surfaces.

It's a stylish and avant garde family hatch with the addition of a high SUV stance and it really stands out from the crowd.

I've driven petrol and diesel versions and they have decent to superb performance with safe handling and good roadholding.

PureTech petrol engines start with a 1.2-litre turbo that has 130bhp and then comes a 1.6 turbo automatic with 165 and the same engine with 210bhp and a six speed manual.

By far the largest number of petrol models on the secondhand market are the 1.2 from what I can see and it is quite man enough for the weight of the car.

The benchmark 0 to 60 miles an hour takes 9.6 seconds, and it's capable of 56mpg at the very best.

The 1.6 auto gets to the mark in 8.4 seconds and can do 51mpg, while the 210 bhp range topper gets to 60 in 7.6 seconds with economy of 48mpg.

BlueHDi diesels are a 1.6 with 118bhp, and a 2 litre with either 150 or 180. The 1.6, despite its lowly power, reaches 60 in 10.9, but its economy is excellent, reaching a best of 74mpg.

The 2.0-litre 150bhp unit gets to 60 in 8.5 and yet can still do 72mpg, while the 180 comes with a standard automatic gearbox. This brings economy down to 64mpg and it takes 8.6 seconds for the sprint.

A six speed manual gearbox as standard in most and the automatic is a manual with an automatic clutch, which is great to use.

It's the 210bhp petrol you want if you really enjoy your driving. They are smooth and beautifully tuneful power units and while never intrusive, rev sweetly up a wide rev range.

But the 1.6 BlueHDi diesel is the economy king and in these days of rising fuel prices many will want to seek it out.

The clutch is light, the gearchange sweet, the brakes superb and the higher than average driving position marvellous.

Comfort, as I have said above, is second to none, but although the DS4 is always safe through the corners, there is a fair amount of roll when pressed and the steering is not particularly informative.

Mid-range DSign Nav models come with an alarm, traction control, audio remote controls, electric heated mirrors, air conditioning, alloys and cruise.

They also have excellent electrically adjusted part leather sports seats, parking sensors and sat nav.

Although the rear door apertures are a little narrow, there is enough space for one six footer to sit comfortably behind another.

Pay about £6,400 for a '16 16-reg DStyle Nav 1.2 petrol, or £9,800 for an '18 18-reg Elegance 1.6 BlueHDi diesel.