Take the driver’s seat in a DS5 and you feel more like a pilot than a motorist.

The overhead console between the two front seats with its array of switches and the two individual glass panels over the heads of driver and front seat passenger certainly give the interior of this car a futuristic feel.

And it’s not just the roof that the designers have obviously spent a lot of time and trouble on to give the interior of this car a very special look.

The seats too, for example, are all leather but feature an interesting block pattern and the elongated dashboard analogue clock could almost have been designed by Salvador Dali.

But it’s not just the interior of the DS5 that’s dramatic, the exterior too has a look all of its own - not too common in a world where one of the most voiced criticisms of cars by motorists is “they’re all starting to look the same”.

With its high waistline, muscular haunches, swept-back headlights and boomerang-style cut-outs for the lower lights the DS brand’s flagship model is certainly different.

The car packs in a lot of tinted glass, with rear seat passengers getting a sunroof in addition to the individual ones for front seat travellers.

And following on from the rear sunroof is more roof glass over the luggage compartment which then curves over to create the rear window.

The effect is dramatic but it necessitates a strengthening bar where the curve occurs and that can be a obstructive when looking through the rear view mirror.

The DS 5 – DS is now a stand alone brand having formerly been badged Citroen - is packed with a host of features which make it easy to live with, not least of which is the head-up display which allows you to see your speed and any sat nav directions while looking through the windscreen.

It also has a seven-inch touch screen which controls all primary functions, reversing sensors, an ultra sharp colour reversing camera, automatic hand brake, blind spot monitoring and keyless entry and start.

And while the two front seats are heated the pampered driver also gets a seat which massages his back on long journeys.

The DS 5 is a big car and on the road feels a little heavy on the front end. It’s smooth refined and supremely comfortable, however, and eats up the miles with ease.

For me a journey from Heathrow to the Midlands demonstrated just why this car is proving so popular. It may not be the fastest vehicle away from the lights but on the motorway its high speed performance takes the stress out of driving.

And its size means there is plenty of comfort ands space for five people as well as a generous boot.

If you are looking for something that looks a little different inside and out and will cosset you over long distances the avant-garde DS 5 could well fit the bill.

Fast Facts

Model: DS 5

Price: £33,280

Mechanical: 1997cc, 180 bhp four cylinder diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Max speed: 137 mph

0-62mph: 9.9 secs

Combined mpg: 64.2

CO2 emissions: 114 g/km

Insurance: 33E

BiK: 20%

Warranty: 3 years/ 60,000 miles