With the celebratory bells of success of the DS3 still ringing in the ears of the hierarchy at Citroen, the French manufacturer has decided to continue the DS theme and followed up with the introduction of the DS4.

Based on the C4 hatch, the Citroen DS4 is the more premium version of the French firm’s more sedate hatchback. It is meant to blend coupe and hatchback bodystyles and the effect is pretty striking.

It is shorter (60mm) and higher (40mm) than the C4 it is based on. The coupe lines draw in the eye, while the hidden rear door handles give the car a certain elegance.

Having two doors at the rear also makes it much more practical than many other coupes, with rear passengers not having to squeeze behind the driver or passenger’s seat to get in to the back of the car.

It also has a surprisingly useful 385 litres of bootspace on offer – one of the advantages this kind of hatchback/coupe crossbreed has over a standard, less practical coupe.

Inside the car, however, there are no real signs of this being an upgraded and more exclusive car compared to the standard C4. From the rear the DS4 is decked out with LED lights, a sloping hatch and a dash of chrome to set the rear splitter off.

While it’s not as sleek as the Volkswagen Scirocco or even the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, there is no getting away that this shape is intriguing.

Of course, if you regard it as a straightforward coupe it has its work cut out to match the mighty Volkswagen Scirocco, Audi TT or Peugeot RCZ, but it’s not a fair comparison.

It comes with a choice of petrol engines, ranging in power from 120bhp to 200bhp. The range-topping 200bhp engine will power the car from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. Two diesel choices are also available with a choice of 123bhp or 161bhp engine.

The trim levels are fairly straightforward with a choice of three; DSign, DStyle and DSport, and all come with a good level of standard equipment. It certainly looks the part whichever way you view it, but can it deliver hatchback practicality and driving pleasure to go with those svelte lines? Read the full Citroen DS4 review to find out more.