A new line of prestige Citroën models is on the way carrying the 'DS' badge that decorated the most famous models created by the French company for over 20 years from 1955.

This harsh economic climate may seem a strange time to launch prestige models for the premium end of the market, but 90 years after the foundation of the company, Citroën has a long-term plan to reinvent is image. Alongside the new models there will be a major investment to rebrand sales outlets and build a new relationship with customers on the forecourts of its 8,000 dealerships worldwide.

The brand will get a new identity with a stronger chevron logo and, over the next three years, there are plans to launch six new cars which will include prestige models, the DS3, DS4 and DS5.

The first to arrive next year will be the DS3 which will have little in common in terms of styling with the C3. It is full of French flair and will be marketed as a rival to BMW's Mini, the forthcoming Audi A1 and the Alfa Romeo MiTo.

The concept was unveiled in Paris and shows strong muscular lines, flared wheel arches, reversed angle B-pillars over the rear wheel arches, and a high roof line though the car is still compact in length. The inside trim is a secret but more details are expected to be revealed at the Geneva motor show next month. Expect executive fittings and a luxurious finish in the cabin.

Pricing will be competitive with rival models in its segment. The DS4 and DS5 will also be attacking the luxury and performance cars in their sectors.

"These cars will be objects of desire," the marketing department at Citroën claims.

The original DS became known as the Goddess, after the French word Déesse, but the new badge stands for Different Spirit, a clear indication of Citroën's plans for the new breed.

Also to be launched within the next 12 months will be the all new C3 Picasso and there will also be a new version of the C3. Citroën hopes it will be as successful as the C4 Picasso which is the leading model in its class across Europe. Also in the planning stage is the Citroën Hypnos concept car which will bring diesel hybrid technology to the market, while there are revolutionary design features in the C-Cactus, a concept car of the future which is getting the go-ahead.

Along with the new models, Citroën plans big improvements in its sales/service outlets and more test-drive facilities for potential customers at the point of sale.

In future there will be improved warranties on all models. There are suggestions that the company is looking at a 'Citroën Select' warranty scheme of up to seven years for second-hand models.

Paul Cregan, managing director of the Citroën brand at Irish importers Gowan Distributors, said the renewal and extension of the product line-up was coming at a time when the quality of Citroën was at its best.

Cars such as the C4 Picasso were recession-proof and the new DS line-up would open up new marketing opportunities, he said.