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.