Citroen and Peugeot dealers who also acquire the DS franchise have an SUV to look forward to in the near future.

Arnaud Ribault, global sales and marketing director of DS Automobiles, confirmed two waves of DS models to AM’s sister brand CAR.

He said: "The first wave was DS3, DS4, DS5 and E-Tense,' he said. 'The second wave will be six new cars, from SUV to sedan , B-segment to D-segment ."

CAR reports that the first new DS model will take the form of an SUV, ready for a 2017 unveiling and dealer launch the following year.

Senior figures at DS have expressed concerns over the future of heavy diesel-powered cars, citing worries over emissions as a reason to concentrate on petrol and hybrid-electric powertrains. Hence the company's involvement in the ePrix electric race series with its DS Virgin Racing team.

Such an attitude resonates with Ribault’s forward-thinking mission statement for DS. "Two words that summarise DS are refinement and technology," he said. 

"We want our cars to embody the know-how of French luxury."