When it was tested under the auspices of Euro NCAP’s crash test experts back in 2011, DS 5 safety was rated highly, with five stars.

Not only that but the DS 5 comes with a lot of safety-related equipment as standard, but we’ve not awarded it the full five stars in our rating due to some items being left on the optional extras roster.

All models come with electronic stability control, hill start assist, six airbags, height adjustable front seat belts, and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points in the outer positions of the rear bench.

Prestige specification DS 5s benefit from combined LED and Xenon headlamps (a £1,200 option on Elegance versions) in addition to the partial LED tail lights that all models are fitted with.

Optional safety equipment includes a colour head-up display on Prestige models, a blind spot monitoring system on Elegance trims and a combined package of lane departure warning and automatic main beam headlights on both trim levels.

French cars are normally famed for their flexibility and ease of use but DS 5 practicality seems to have been lower down its maker’s list of priorities.

While its interior feels opulent and well-constructed you’ll only be driving a short while before you spot an apparent absence of cup holders. There are some, but they’re located awkwardly in the forward portions of the front door bins and not suitable for all types of cups and bottles.

The DS 5’s roofline might not be ideal for rear seat passengers but it gives it a luggage capacity edge over other similar-sized premium hatchbacks for taller items. Due to the way the tailgate opens into the roof too, it’s a particularly large opening for bigger cargo.

All front-wheel drive DS 5s have a boot capacity of 465 litres with the rear seats in place, which compares with the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe’s 480 litres and 430 litres for Volvo’s V60.

Choose the Hybrid model and it drops by 143 litres due to the additional space required for its battery pack and rear electric motors.

Fold over the 60:40 split rear seats – they don’t lie completely flat – and the luggage capacity extends to 1,288 litres for petrol and diesel DS 5s. Again, compared to the BMW and Volvo it loses out to the former (1,300 litres) but beats the latter (1,241 litres).

Storing the usual cabin detritus in the DS 5’s passenger compartment is not all that easy either. Aside from the small glove box, there’s a much deeper cubby between the two front seats.

Overall, this is a car with the potential to carry five people and their luggage but those who try to do so will find the experience a somewhat cosy one. Best to travel four-up and allow the middle-rear seat space to be folded over for the armrest.