The French have a flair for creating chic automobiles, and one of these stylish SUVs is the DS 4. DS Automobiles is a luxury French manufacturer whose name is synonymous with artistic creations that take cues from the fashion world. The cars turn heads like supermodels do on a catwalk, and Jeremy Webb discovered this while driving the delightful DS 4.

The DS4 is classified as an SUV, and after driving it for a week, I would say it meets all the requirements. It is practical, sporty, and has good engine performance. The DS4 also gives you a luxurious feel inside and out, with lovely features, comfort, styling and technology. 

The DS 4 has many rivals in the family SUV sector, such as the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40, BMW X2 and Cupra Formentor coupé SUVs. So it has to do a lot to beat these, and I drove it hard to find out if it could. 

The entry-level DS 4 is the 129bhp Puretech 130 petrol engine, which is acceptable for urban use but isn't impressive on fast roads, especially when trying to get up to speed. You also have the choice of a 129bhp Blue HDi 130 diesel, but if you want performance, choose the 221bhp E-Tense plug-in hybrid (PHEV). It is rapid; press the accelerator for instant response and power. The E-Tense can also benefit you by travelling 24 miles purely on electric power.

The DS 4 has a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, which is smooth going up the gears but a little clunky coming back down. It is unpleasant when trying to slow down as it is not smooth. The French know how to create great suspension, and the DS 4 excels in a comfortable ride. It glides over our increasingly potholed roads and the many bumps. 

As I said, the DS brand is known for its stylish interiors, and the DS 4 does not disappoint. Everyone entering the SUV will find it sumptuous. It is minimalistic, and few controls can be detracted from the dashboard. What buttons you do get are on the driver's door, and the barely visible air conditioning controls blend in perfectly. 

The DS4 feels solid, and the quality materials used throughout are excellent. I love the soft-touch dashboard, the leather on other surfaces, and the steering wheel. The driver gets a 7.0in the digital instrument cluster, which displays vital information clearly and precisely. All trim levels, except the entry-level Performance Line, have a large head-up display that projects your speed onto the windscreen and can show sat-nav directions.

There is a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system for all occupants, but it has small icons and can be challenging to find what you are looking for. A second touchscreen in front of the armrest allows you to shortcut to find applications. A DAB radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android mirroring are standard, as are 

Bluetooth connectivity.

 Driving the DS 4 is a pleasure, with superb visibility through the windscreen and both front windows, and you get decent bright LED headlights to guide you through any bleakness. To help with manoeuvring, you have front and rear parking sensors, and a rear camera comes on for reversing. 

For Occupants, leg and shoulder room are abundant in the front, along with a wealth of storage, with a cubby containing cupholders, a USB port and a place for your phone. A recess in front of the armrests is for nicknaks or keys. In the rear, taller people may get cramped up, with disappointing headroom, but they get lots of legroom. 

The DS 4 scored four stars by Euro NCAP tested it in 2022, but add the optional Safety Pack Plus, and it gets five NCAP stars as you get automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance, upgraded AEB that works at up to 85mph, plus the rear cross-traffic alert system 

After spending a week in the DS 4, I enjoyed the car, the luxurious feel and the styling, and it is delightful. However, there are better handling and performing SUVs, particularly the Skoda range and the superb Cupra Formentor.  

The range starts at £32450