Citroen DS3 Ultra Prestige

The DS3 Ultra Prestige is more than just a badge, with its unique seats and hide-covered dash. The makeover hasn’t harmed the DS3’s drive, but it’s hard to justify the extra £3,900. MINI’s £41,000 Goodwood edition proves there’s a  market for sumptuous special editions, but we’d be happy with the standard DSport.

We already love the Citroen DS3 DSport for its involving drive, unique looks and attention to detail inside and out. And the new DS3 Ultra Prestige takes the standard car and rolls it in glitter.

On the outside, this top-spec model gets the same 17-inch wheels as the DSport and a black roof embossed with the DS logo, regardless of what colour paint you choose. The most dramatic changes are inside, though, with bold Mistral Club Leather seats featuring a ‘watchstrap’ pattern that fades from dark grey to cream.

The same creamy hide trims the dash, neatly stitched around the display for the sat-nav and eight-speaker stereo. It’s more fiddly than a touchscreen, but works well with clear instructions and voice commands. The car also features auto lights and wipers, plus electric folding mirrors.

Although the rear of the Ultra Prestige is fairly cramped, up front there’s lots of room and the driving position and all-round visibility impress.

Those watchstrap seats aren’t just for show, either, as the soft leather is very comfortable and the bolstered sides hold you firmly in place through fast corners.

We drove the 155bhp 1.6-litre petrol turbo. The six-speed manual box is smooth with easy changes that match the clutch pedal’s light action, while the engine is refined and responsive. It just needs some revs to produce its best.

Prefer diesels? Go for the 110bhp 1.6-litre e-HDi with stop-start: it emits a road tax-dodging 99g/km and returns 74.4mpg.

The Ultra Prestige is sporty but highly luxurious. At £20,700, though, it’s £3,900 more than a DSport with sat-nav – so you’ll really have to love those seats...