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  Citroen is returning the DS badge to its showrooms with a luxury tweak. Photo Gallery

A new range of luxury cars is being readied to expand the Citroen family.

Taking a lead from Toyota's work with Lexus, which sits above its boring basic models, the French carmaker is returning the DS badge to its showrooms with a luxury tweak.

The DS3 will be first into action and will be followed by the larger DS4 and DS5.

Citroen has previewed the upmarket action plan with more details on its DS Inside concept car, which points both to the exterior styling and cabin layout of the future cars. It is based on the regular C3, but with a bolder body and much more luxury on the inside.

Citroen says the idea is to focus on modernity and distinction, with a 'different spirit' supplied by British designer Mark Lloyd.

The cabin of the DS3 Inside is a major departure from the black- plastic slab look of most current Citroens. There is a leather roof lining, a sweet sweep across the dash with dials outlined in black chrome, and a new style of central console.

Citroen has also added leather seats with more shape and support, as well as deep-pile carpet, claiming the result is 'flowing and airy'
with added 'dynamism'.

"It will present an identity strong on modernity and distinction, drawing its DNA clearly from Citroen's history of innovation and unforgettable design," the company says.

The production version of the DS3 will hit showrooms in Europe in the middle of next year and the car is already confirmed for Austrlaia.

"The DS3 is one of three DS models, the others being DS4 and DS5, that will represent a separate range of premium models," says Citroen's Australian spokesman, Edward Rowe.

There is no timing yet for the DS4 and DS5 but they should also be in the lineup within 18 months.