SINGAPORE, July 11 — French cars occupy an interesting niche between the mass affordability of East Asian brands and other more expensive European makes.

Gallic machines have combined features of each but with varying levels of success, and Citroen is one brand that has typically managed that balancing act well. Now, however, the French carmaker is approaching things differently.

Having relaunched its DS vehicles (named after the first, classic Citroen DS from 1955) as a standalone brand in 2014, the first examples of this “new” breed, the DS 4 Crossback, and DS 5, have only just arrived in Singapore.

Head in the clouds, feet on the ground

DS places an emphasis on design and luxury, which also means the cars will inch up, price-wise, towards German territory. It is an interesting — if risky — approach and it is good that the brand’s flagship DS 5 makes good on that first claim at least.

The first DS 5 was launched in 2011, so this is essentially a major update for the same model, though the Citroen brand name has been dropped.

Originally tagged as a car that combined a crossover, hatchback and estate into one, it still looks like nothing else on the roads. It retains that love-it-or-hate-it chrome “eyebrow” at the front and the general sense of being a concept car that somehow escaped into the real world.

As before, the cabin has been inspired by aircraft design so the controls and the centre console are oriented towards the driver, while A-pillar windows and individual sunroof portholes strengthen the idea.

As on a real (small) plane, everything feels closer.

In contrast to the aviation theme, the car drives in an earthy, planted manner, thanks largely to the diesel engine.

The newer 1.6-litre BlueHDI variant is cleaner than the models it replaced (it is also found in the C4 Picasso MPV). The power and acceleration figures are modest but like most diesels, a plentiful supply of torque makes the DS 5 a powerhouse below 70kmh, while also sipping fuel.

High life

The feeling of luxury has translated to some of the aspects of driving. The DS5 has that solid feel of an upmarket car. Its plush and well-damped interior is very quiet and the diesel engine’s clatter is less audible than in other Citroens.

There’s a slew of amenities, including active xenon headlamps, two sunroofs and a new, less finicky touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink. Even the switches and smaller details, like the cupholders, imply careful thought and finishing. In other words, it is quite hard to spot any issues in this French car.

The biggest danger for the DS 5 is the competition: Since it is a multi-genre car, anything from a BMW 2 GT to a Honda Jade to a Mercedes-Benz B-Class could be construed as a rival. All the better that the DS 5 proclaims its unique identity loudly.

Before the launch of the new brand, outgoing types who wanted something different would have bought the DS 5. Now, DS 5 customers choose it because it offers decent usability with French flair, with an added dash of luxury.

Citroen DS 5

Engine: 1,598cc, in-line four, turbodiesel, 120hp, 300Nm

Performance: 189kmh, 0-100kmh: 12.9s, 4.1L/100km, 114g/km CO2

Price: S$139,988 with COE

On Sale: Now

PROS: Unique looks, refined, torquey diesel engine

CONS: Heavy steering, cabin can feel small — TODAY