• Not officially tested by EuroNCAP yet
• New DS Connect Box system is standard
• Lack of advanced safety kit offered as standard

We expect DS 4 hatchback safety levels to be very good, the 2011 model received a full five-star rating when it was tested by EuroNCAP and we see no reason why this new car will not follow suit.

All cars come equipped with rear parking sensors, a new traction control system, numerous airbags, hill start assist, tyre pressure sensors and automatic lights and wipers. There’s also a new system called DS Connect Box which includes an automatic call system used to locate the vehicle and obtain assistance in the event of an emergency or breakdown.

We are so used to modern cars coming with a suite of new advanced safety kit that we couldn’t help but feel disappointed here. No lane departure warning system or collision prevention aids are offered even as optional equipment.

For a premium you can buy a pack containing a blind spot monitoring system and front parking sensors though and top-trimmed cars also come with a reversing camera as standard.

• DS 4 offers a bigger boot compared with main rivals
• Re-chargeable torch will come in handy
• Lack of storage options for rear passengers

DS 4 hatchback practicality levels are very good. There’s 385-litres of boot space on offer which is fractionally bigger than the Audi A3 Sportback and 30 litres larger than the BMW 1 Series.

This does decrease slightly if you opt for the upgraded sound system though, which fits a subwoofer into the boot of the car and takes up 26 litres.

Inside the boot there is a power socket available as well as a very practical removable torch which is recharged by the car. Clips and elasticated straps are also fitted so you can secure your shopping bags. The tailgate is quite high though which can make it difficult loading and unloading heavier items in the boot.

If you’re moving house or need more luggage space for the next family holiday, the rear seats can all be folded down individually.

There are plenty of storage options up front, but the glovebox suffers from fusebox intrusion on right-hand drive cars. The door pockets are large, and there’s a handy drawer under the front passenger seat. There’s only one cupholder in the whole of the car though.

Those in the back only have thin door pockets available, unless they have opted for Prestige trim which adds pockets in the rear of the front seats. There is an additional power source in the back too, ideal for charging tablets or portable DVD players to keep the kids entertained over long journeys.