Road test: Citroen DS4 BlueHDi 120 S&S Elegance

Since DS distanced itself from Citroën to become a brand in its own right, it has produced some stylish and frugal cars. The latest is the new DS4, available as a hatchback or a Crossback crossover.

They’re both good-looking, with an attractive nose and neat rear styling, and both are pleasant to drive, with manual or automatic gearboxes and a range of six petrol and diesel engines. But don’t be fooled into thinking these are family cars. Despite having four doors, the rear seats are described by the company as “occasional” and rear access is awkward due to a large plastic “lip” round the door aperture.

So who’s this car for? DS says it is for couples without children, or perhaps with toddlers, who are interested in style more than practicality. Apart from the rear seats this is a practical car, with 380 litres of boot space and frugal motors offering 47.9 to 74.3mpg.

Engines have 120 to 210PS and the diesel units are particularly smooth and torquey. The car rides, steers and handles well and the well-made cabin looks elegant.