Citroen is a firm believer in using special editions to effectively broaden the appeal of a model range and keep interest in it alive.

Following on from the successful DS3 Black and White specials, the Ultra Prestige ramps up the luxury quotient with what Citroen describes as a combination of 'sophisticated style and premium specification' which sounds nothing less than a sum-up of the DS3 itself. A case of gilding the lily?

As Citroen presumably intended, the feel-good sensations start the moment you settle down into the DS3's low-slung sculpted seat and reach out for a compact steering wheel perfectly aligned with the pedals, while the white-dialled instruments gleam out from a deeply cowled pod. Turn the key and both speedo and rev counter zip around their dials and return to zero. You're ready to go.

Initially, the Citroen feels a more substantial, plusher car than, say, a Renaultsport Clio 200. So it is, and it's a car that's vastly more comfortable. Citroen has worked something akin to sorcery on the DS3's slightly stretched C3 underpinnings, rediscovering the sweet spot between pliancy and precision that was once the hallmark of its smaller cars. It may lack something in the way of initial excitement and involvement, but it stays composed and unruffled over bumps and ruts that would set more stiffly-sprung rivals bobbing and jiggling. No, the DS3 isn't the last word in hair-trigger transient responses but there's nothing wrong with its helm which is quick, accurate, well-weighted and communicative. It turns in keenly and, crucially, you can feel the grip at the front and trim the line even when the tyres are loaded up. In short, it flows and has wonderful roll-on pace as tested with the THP 155 engine.

It also has an excellent spread of power and torque, to the point where it almost doesn't feel like a turbocharged unit. Peak torque arrives at just 1400rpm, but it revs smoothly and eagerly to 5500rpm before the urge begins to tail off. Great gearchange, too.

Citroen styling has been on something of a roll in recent years and the DS3 reflects the renewed confidence. Although there's nothing too remarkable about the basic shape – essentially it's a three-door C3 – the result is highly distinctive thanks to the clever colour demarcation that creates a feature of the B-pillar and appears to 'float' the roof on top of the car. The elaborate detailing of the nose that could so easily look messy is a masterstroke in the metal, lending the DS3 an air of square-jawed aggression that makes most rivals look dead-eyed and dull.

It almost seemed as if Citroen had given up on the hot hatch scene altogether, despite laying claim to some of the better baby bombers from the '90s in the shape of the Saxo VTR and VTS. Not so bashful now.

The C3-based DS3 doesn't just mark the welcome return from the wilderness of Citroen's dynamic mojo but also a new take on the whole idea of a premium-grade supermini .

And it doesn't get much more premium than the Ultra Prestige which trumps even the Black and White special editions for opulence, equipment and assertive aesthetics. There's no shortage of able and attractive alternatives, but it's hard to think of one that can match the DS3's spread and depth of talents, not to mention its innate sense of style. The DS3 goes from strength to strength.