Citroen DS5 review: A stylish class act

For me, the DS5 comes in that first category and that applies particularly to the car's interior – a mix of exclusive club lounge and aircraft cockpit. It's a pleasant, even exciting, place to be even before you press the starter button.

I've been trying self-analysis with regard to this response. Is it just different, and new (as any car can be) or is there a hint of repressed nostalgia for that iconic French motor of the 50s and 60s, the Citroën DS?

To me that legendary motor, while not without its issues, was a real innovator: space age looks yet a world away from the winged wonders inspired by American cars of that era. Plus it pioneered innovative features such as hydraulic self-levelling suspension and directional headlights.

Now DS Automobiles is a stand-alone premium brand under the Citroën umbrella. Like Toyota with Lexus and Nissan with Infiniti, such a rebranding of flagship models is undoubtedly a sensible way of breaking the badge domination of the premium German brands, and Jaguar, in this sector.

The DS5 tested – Presitige Blue 180bhp version – at £32,040 is a prime example, a big, smooth and economical car oozing Gallic style which will certainly make its driver stand out from the crowd in the company car park. No, I can't say it looks like the original DS, but as you pass an eye over its sleek lines there are hints which stir memories for car fans of a certain age. But inside it is thoroughly modern, and unique: vive la difference, one might say.

There's the crystal clear virtual instrument display in front of the driver, while at his side is a high centre console (no, not a transmission tunnel as it's front wheel drive) which means the array of switches and gear change level fall easily to hand, just in the right place. All switches are big and solid, with chromed rims.

Overhead there are front and rear sun roofs (with electrically controlled blinds) which makes the cabin feel light and airy, and give an impression that its even bigger than it actually is – in fact the DS5 will seat five adults in comfort.

In front, the sun roof is split into two (both can be opened and closed individually) divided by an aircraft style roof console, housing more toggle switches and controls.

The seats themselves are superbly shaped, well-padded leather and multi-adjustable – some of the most comfortable I can recall.

There is a seven-inch touch screen in the centre of the dashboard, controlling satnav, audio, trip computer and a range of other vehicle functions, plus a steering wheel with remote controls. Dual zone automatic climate control, noise-reducing window glass and an upmarket sound system are also part of the luxury package,

Under the bonnet there's a two-litre turbo diesel, turning out 180bhp and a whopping 400Nm of torque which is a good combination for smooth, swift progress, with good response at low revs, It's quiet, too, rarely raising its voice above a whisper and the ride is particularly supple and comfortable, a true descendant of the DS philosophy.

Its vital statistics are 0 to 62mph in 9.9 seconds, official average fuel consumption of 64.2mpg and (for a car of this size) an impressively low and tax-efficient CO2 rating of 114g/km.

The six-speed torque converter automatic gear box does its job well enough although it isn't perhaps as responsive as some of the latest dual clutch systems if you're pushing on. But then I'm not sure if this is part of the DS5's character: it's a car which seems more about the smooth, relaxed covering of distance rather than the traffic lights grand prix.

There's a long list of standard equipment, including cruise control front and rear parking sensors. rear parking camera, stability control, emergency brake assist, hill start assist, automatic headlights, and door mirrors with kerb lighting.

The other DS5 in Prestige Blue trim is the 2.0 litre six-speed manual, 150bhp model which starts from £29,560. The range has a three year. 60,000 mile warranty.

The DS5 is a class act, offering a blend of performance with economy and tax efficiency. You could say many new cars do that – and that's true, but in the DS you do it in style, and dare to be different.

By John Griffiths