THIS year’s DS 3 range has been given a facelift - but one of the most notable changes relates to something that is missing from the car, rather than a new addition.

This sassy supermini has been re-launched without Citroen badges, making it a fully-fledged member of the French manufacturer’s offshoot DS family.

Back in 2010, the Citroen DS 3 was the car that got the ball rolling as the company sought to create a premium brand within an existing brand.

And, following a move which might have been seen by some as an unlikely experiment, the DS3 has proved to be a stunning success as a fashionable alternative to cars such as the Volkswagen Beetle, Fiat 500 or Mini.

The car’s popularity is borne out by the fact that 400,000 of them have been snapped up, with Brits buying more than any other nation.

So what else has changed on the revised DS 3? Well, not a huge amount - but that’s no bad thing because there wasn’t a lot wrong with it in the first place.

Instead, the designers have focused on subtle changes to give the vehicle a little more class, style and refinement.

In terms of looks, the DS 3 has been given a new nose, which keeps it looking up-to-date.

It also has new LED headlamps and tail lamps, along with eye-catching twin-wing chrome grilles.

Otherwise, the basic lines have not changed a huge amount, meaning you’ll have no problem spotting the family resemblance between the latest DS 3 and its ancestors.

The car’s new interior is pleasant and very well laid-out.

The cockpit has fewer controls, giving it an uncluttered feel.

Drivers are also likely to appreciate the introduction of some of the latest in-car technology.

Indeed, the DS 3 has a new 7in touchscreen which dominates the dash and can be synched with Apple or Android smartphones.

Meanwhile, for motorists with a individualistic flare, there are a mind-boggling range of customisation options.

With 78 body and roof colour combinations, 10 decal options and numerous other ways to create a car to your taste, there are a remarkable three million possible unique outcomes for your DS3.

The engine line-up has also been expanded, with models suitable as a trendy runabout to a sporty 210bhp performance-focused hatch.

The 1.6-litre petrol version, tested here, provides a decent offering of power, offering 165hp at 6,000rpm.

With the turbocharged four-cylinder engine propelling the car from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds, it feels pretty nippy in most everyday situations.

Acceleration is smooth and sweet, allowing you to get a move-on when needed.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard and works well enough as does the engine.

It doesn’t perform too badly in terms of economy either, with a combined fuel consumption figure of just over 50mpg.

In terms of handling, the DS 3 feels stable and well-balanced through the corners.

It’s worth noting that the DS 3 is also available in cabrio form for those who prefer to be a little more in touch with the outdoors.

The car also comes with a bunch of safety kit, including parking sensors at the front and rear, a reversing camera, hill start assist, active city brake, a laser located in the windscreen that detects obstacles in your path. If you don’t react, it will start slowing down or brake to a halt without you touching the brake pedal.

Meanwhile, the SOS and Assistance pack automatically calls the emergency services in the event of an accident.

Every new DS3 comes with a three-year warranty package, plus a paint warranty lasting for the same amount of time.

All things considered, the latest DS3 is another promising step forward for the DS brand.