CITROEN DS4, DS5

CITROEN DS4, DS5 points to Citroën’s DS-badged models, aimed at buyers who wanted a more distinctive, premium-leaning take on the hatchback and family-car idea. The appeal was the styling and the slightly more upscale cabin treatment than the standard range, which gave them a clearer identity than many plain mainstream cars. By our assessment, the compromise is that this sort of car often puts style first, so the layout and practicality can feel less conventional than in an ordinary hatch or estate. In use, the DS name usually means something a little more attention-seeking and less anonymous, with a design-led feel that may charm one driver and irritate another. Against the regular C-line models, it sits as the more expressive choice rather than the sensible default. It is for people who value character in a compact car, and not for anyone who wants the simplest, least fussy shape.