It’s likely there are few people considering buying a car from the current range of DS models who are aware of the history behind the name and there’s little of that heritage evident to hint at what is a distinguished past.

The original DS was an automotive marvel. Designed by Italian sculptor and industrial designer Flaminio Bertoni and French aeronautical engineer Andre Lefebvre the DS set new standards for quality, handling and braking. With its aerodynamic, futuristic body and Paul Mages developed hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension it really was like nothing else on the road.

The current crop of DS models share none of the innovation present in the original but that doesn’t make these new cars, the DS3 DStyle Nav PT110 (or DS3 as it shall be known henceforth) that I drove among them, any less important to the marque.

The DS3 is, essentially, the more glamourous, better-looking, three-door version of the C3 but its arrival signalled Citroen’s bid to halt the brand’s push downmarket while at the same time cashing in on the growing demand for customisable, premium small hatchbacks.

To put it bluntly, they wanted to build their own Mini.

To that end, while it might share its DNA with the C3, this is an altogether more stylish motor car. What’s more, it offers a level of customisation that should keep all but the fussiest of drivers searching for an individual look satisfied.

The DS3 is marginally longer than the C3 – the wheelbase has been increased, adding 88mm to the overall length – and sits on revised suspension settings.

The front light clusters have been given a dramatic new look with a cluster of three LEDs sitting alongside a Xenon module. Citroen call it LED Signature and, as well as providing a fresh, bold new look, it serves a more practical purpose by creating a wide, uniform beam for improved visibility.

There’s also a near-vertical strip of LED daytime running lights mounted in the front bumper and, to complete the drama, 3D-effect rear LED lights.

Chrome rubbing strips and the reversed shark’s fin B-pillar that stops short of the roof add some interest to the side view but customisation is a core element of the DS brand and gives buyers enough scope to create as much, or as little, drama as they want with a choice of colours or graphics for the roof, alternative door mirrors and there's even the choice of colour for the key fob.

The links with the C3 are more profound on the inside but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, The dash is an attractive, ergonomic delight and, although the materials that sit below the eyeline don't quite live up to the premium feel of those above it, the cabin is an appealing place to be.

The options list includes a choice of dashboard and gearknob trim as well as a selection of seat fabrics so you can continue to create a car that’s ‘almost’ unique.

There’s a seven-inch touchscreen that controls all the usual features – Bluetooth, audio and sat nav – and, while is perhaps not quite up there with the very best, I’ve certainly encountered worse, sometimes in cars far costlier than the DS.

Standard equipment on the DStyle is impressive and includes cruise control with speed limiter, rear parking sensors – not that you should really need them on a car this size – eMyWay colour sat nav and an upgraded audio system.

The front seats are comfortable but could do with a little more lateral support. There was enough adjustability to find a decent driving position but visibility out of the rear three-quarters is a tad limited.

Legroom in the back is best described as okay. Anyone over six-foot will undoubtedly find it a little cramped but will at least take some solace in the fact that there's ample headroom.

It may have passed you by - though I would hope my loyal band of avid readers would have noticed - but there’s currently a trend in the motor industry for downsizing, at least when it comes to the power plant. The fashionable DS3 is nothing if not on trend and, consequently, my test car was fitted with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine producing 109bhp (or 110hp, hence the name) and 151lbft of torque at 1,750rpm. It is an eager performer across most of its range but it’s at low and medium speeds where the heft of torque really makes its presence felt. That translates into a car that’s usefully nippy in traffic and a bit of a hoot when circumstances allow.

The engine is a tad more intrusive than some of its three-cylinder rivals but it’s not an unwelcome sound and, in fact, could be described as a little on the sporty side.

The six-speed automatic gearbox is a deliciously slick companion that brings the very best out of the engine. It can be a little sluggish on kickdown but chooses ratios intelligently and there’s no hint of indecisiveness.

All the pep would be nothing without a decent chassis underpinning it all and, I’m pleased to say, that’s exactly what you get. There’s an honesty about the handling, which is nicely balanced and direct. The steering is nicely weighted and consistent and there’s ample feedback to keep you feeling connected to the road.

The ride is taut, but remains forgiving enough to ensure that things never get too uncomfortable for occupants. Refinement is good, particularly at cruising speeds so longer journeys are largely stress-free. Unless you’re tall, and stuck in the back, of course.

This latest version of the DS3 attempts to distance itself further from the Citroen brand. There is not, in fact, a mention of its parent company anywhere on the press material or the car. The only reference is the double chevron which is cleverly incorporated into the grille.

It’s a move that is clearly meant to create a distinctive premium brand, like BMW have with the Mini, unhampered by its humble origins and, for the most part, they’ve succeeded. The only thing the DS3 doesn’t have yet is its own website.

The DS3 is a lifestyle choice, a fashion statement, but this is a car that’s not only good to look at, it’s also good to drive and good value too. It’s got some stiff competition – the Mini, Audi A1 and even Vauxhall’s Adam – but I reckon it’s up for the fight.

DS3 DStyle Nav PT110

Price: £18,495

Engine: 3-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged

Power: 109bhp

Torque: 151lbft @1,750rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Maximum speed: 117mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 9.9sec

Urban: 48.7mpg

Extra urban: 68.9mpg

Combined: 60.1mpg

Emissions: 108g/km

For more information visit www.citroen.co.uk