AT12MARSo you want a car that will set you apart from your neighbours; something stylish with a luxurious interior that will soothe away a bad day at the office. You have to buy German, don’t you? Well, not according to Citroen. With their DS range, they are hoping to tempt buyers out of their Teutonic barges and try something with a distinctly Gallic flavour.

Citroen refer to it as ‘a high stance coupe’, but in reality the DS4 is a larger, more upmarket version of the C4 hatchback. It’s wider and taller, so is a practical proposition, particularly for families with small children, but more importantly, the highly stylised exterior hides a passenger environment which can be compared to those of more established luxury brands with no excuses.

It has leather upholstery and all the gadgets you would expect, but it’s the little touches which separate the DS4 from its obvious rivals. Raise the sun visors into the roof and a panoramic windscreen is revealed, stretching over the driver’s head. The hues of the crisp dials can be changed to suit your mood and the ‘watch strap’ design on the seats give a touch of designer luxury. Reassuringly, it also has the same feeling of solidity and integrity as its German rivals.

It’s not wanting for power either; with a range of 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines there’s power to suit most tastes. A 2.0-litre 160bhp diesel model is also available, and is particularly impressive, providing ample overtaking urge whilst staying smooth, refined and economical.

So, if you were about to resign yourself to an anonymous briefcase on wheels in the pursuit of a classy car, don’t follow the herd, as Citroen could have the solution.

12-plate wish list

Feb 01: Hyundai i40 Tourer
Feb 02: Audi A4
Feb 03: Ford Focus
Feb 06: Citroen DS4
Feb 07: Volkswagen up!
Feb 08: Vauxhall Astra GTC
Feb 09: Audi A1 Sportback
Feb 10: Renault Scenic
Feb 13: Subaru XV
Feb 14: Renault Twingo (video)
Feb 15: MINI Coupe
Feb 16: Nissan LEAF
Feb 17: MINI Coupe (video)
Feb 20: Hyundai i30
Feb 21: Chevrolet Camaro
Feb 22: Porsche 911 (video)
Feb 23: Kia Picanto
Feb 24: BMW 1-Series
Feb 27: Honda Civic
Feb 28: Hyundai Veloster