For those who desire a French fancy

FLOGGING French luxury cars in the UK has always been about as easy as selling electric blankets in Riyadh.

Even if the cars are very good and desirable, like the lovely Citroen C6 from 2005 to 2012, UK buyers tend to shun them and buy BMWS instead.

Now something interesting has happened. DS Automobiles, the posh brand set up by Citroen, has launched a very smart SUV called the DS7 Crossback.

Prices start from £28,050 but the one we’re testing costs £43,185 which puts it into competition with some flash-badged German rivals. So, will the same rules apply or will people be less snobbish and go French?

From the outside, the DS7 looks smart rather than groundbreaking like older Citroens, but the interior is a bit more like it.

The materials, and there’s quite a mixture of them, are high quality. And there are some nice, if blingy, details. The switches on the centre console have a diamond like finish – diamonds being a common theme in this car with optional diamond stitching, diamond-shaped screen DS7 Crossback five-door SUV

Price: £43,185

Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder, 225bhp 0-62mph: 8.3sec Fuel consumption: 57.9mpg

graphics and more. Talking of screens, our top-of-the-range Ultra Prestige model has a 12in touchscreen that’s easy enough to use with good resolution. Our car also has the optional night vision system which shows what’s up ahead on the screen before you can see it.

Your choice of engine at launch is restricted to a 2.0-litre diesel with 180bhp and a 1.6-litre petrol

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