It’s a new name and a new start for the DS 3. The relaunched car has finally joined its DS 4 and DS 5 stablemates in shedding the Citroen prefix, and to celebrate its fresh standalone status the premium model gets a brace of new engines, bolder front-end styling, better standard kit and six revised trim levels.

We’ve driven the revamped three-door hatchback – which is also available as a cabrio – in 128bhp Puretech 130 form. This lightly tuned version of the existing 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo is gunning for the Mini Cooper, and has been launched just ahead of the DS 4’s other new offering, the 207bhp 1.6 THP-engined Performance. The Puretech 130 come in Elegance trim as well as the more upmarket Prestige seen here.

Its stylish cabin focuses on an upmarket feel, with better materials than before and a less cluttered centre console thanks to a new 7.0in touchscreen. Build quality is not perfect, and more cup-holders would be helpful, but the driving position and control ergonomics are pretty good. So is space for this class – just don’t try squeezing three six-footers in the back. The decent 285-litre

boot grows to 980 when you fold the 60/40-split rear seats.

The Puretech 130 produces the same 62.8mpg and 105g/km of CO2 emissions as the Mini Cooper’s 134bhp 1.5 three-pot turbo, but is a second slower from 0-62mph, at 8.9sec. It feels quicker than that, however, with strong and flexible mid-range pull and a more refined exhaust note than that of Fiat’s slightly hysterical 500 TwinAir. The six-speed manual gearbox’s obliging action complements it well.

While the ride is good if occasionally jittery, B-road fun is undermined a little by a combination of understeer, body roll and steering that, though responsive, could do with more feel. On motorways, suspension noise and tyre roar slightly inhibit refinement.

Standout styling, a premium feel plus a frugal and flexible engine make this a great model to go for. However, at £1900 less and with sports seats, DAB, cruise and climate control plus rear parking sensors, the Elegance package makes more sense. If you’re looking for ultimate driving fun, we’d recommend the Mini Cooper instead – and it’s cheaper, too.

DS 3 Puretech 130 Prestige

On sale: Now

Price: £18,795

Engine: 3cyl, 1199cc, turbo petrol

Power: 128bhp at 5500rpm

Torque: 170lb ft at 1750rpm

Gearbox: 6spd manual

Kerbweight: 1090kg

0-62mph: 8.9sec

Top speed: 127mph

Economy: 62.8mpg (combined)

CO2 rating & BIK tax band: 105g/km, 16%