The limited-edition Moondust version of the DS4 Crossback is stylish and silky without being big or brash.

The eye-catching matt finish and raised ride height guarantee you’ll be noticed – but it’s more subtle than sensational.

The Crossback is a chunkier, slightly higher-riding tweak to the usual DS4.

Small crossovers are an increasingly-fashionable commodity, which makes the market ripe for the picking for a brand that specialises in giving its vehicles the trendy treatment.

With that in mind, this Moondust edition is designed to be seen both inside and out.

The 18-inch ‘Brisbane’ gloss black alloy wheels and black wheel arch trimmings are a nice touch, while sleek roof bars come as standard in aluminium and add a mildly rugged look to the vehicle.

Inside, the driver and passengers are able to sink into relaxing Basalt Black grained leather seats and enjoy the refined surroundings of the cabin.

Behind the wheel, the Crossback is pleasurable to drive, especially if you like to keep fuel consumption to a minimum.

During a half-term trip to north Wales, the DS4 lapped up the motorway miles on cruise control with the minimum of fuss, with a round trip from West Yorkshire to Llandudno achieved on little more than half a tank of fuel.

Indeed, it was easy to see how this 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine has achieved official average fuel economy figures of 72.4mpg and equally impressive emissions stats of 103g/km, making it the cleanest Crossback model you can buy and also among the best DS4 models too.

On a day trip inland to Snowdonia, the Crossback also proved capable of showing a turn of pace on roads typified by challenging corners that open out into lengthy straights.

However, it’s only fair to say that the car doesn’t provide any out-and-out driving thrills for the purist.

Although its 120bhp of grunt means it is no slouch, the 0-60mph time of nearly 11 seconds was never likely to capture the attention of the Heddlu.

When cornering with urgency, the handling is pretty trustworthy and grippy, although there is a certain amount of body roll to be mindful of.

The steering feels accurate and nicely-weighted for a vehicle of these proportions, offering sufficient manoeuvrability around town while providing just enough feel and feedback out on the open road.

When you opt for the Moondust version over the standard Crossback, you get a slight increase in on-board technology.

Now included is a Mirror Screen for better smartphone access, DS LED Vision headlights technology and a reversing camera.

There’s plenty of seat adjustment to be had within the Crossback, with drivers of all proportions able to get comfortable in a driving position that offers a slightly elevated view of the road ahead and good all-round visibility.

The feeling of airiness in the cabin is helped by an extended windscreen, which rises up way above the point where the roof would usually start and affords excellent views of your surroundings – something that was especially appreciated in the mountainous surroundings of north Wales.

Space in the back isn’t too bad either, while the boot was deep and wide enough to swallow my six-year-old son’s bike.

In conclusion, the DS4 Crossback proved a faithful companion on our excursion to the principality.

Its dimensions offer genuine family practicality, the leather trim provides a dash of luxury, while its frugal engine allows you to keep motoring costs to a minimum.

The DS is a strong contender in the increasingly competitive small SUV sector, with a good deal of personality and individuality on offer.

The Lowdown

DS4 Crossback Moondust

PRICE: £28,140 on the road

ENGINE: 1.6-litre diesel, four cylinders

ACCELERATION: 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds

MAX SPEED: 117mph

TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual

ECONOMY: 72.4mpg combined and emissions of 103g/km