The man that gave Citroen its name was André Citroen. An arms manufacturer during World War 1, he turned his skills to the burgeoning automobile industry in 1919. Citroen showed his marketing know-how by emblazoning the Eiffel Tower with his company's name to create the world's largest advertisement between 1925 and 1934.

Citroen was owned by tyre manufacturer Michelin from the mid 1930s through to the early 1960s, a period that gave us the classic 2CV in 1948 and saw the famous Citroen DS produced. This was a car streets ahead of its time when it was launched in 1955 with hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension, power steering and powered brakes. It was also the first car to use directional headlamps in 1968.

Citroen and Peugeot were merged in 1974 to form the PSA alliance that still holds strong today. The brands current models show evidence of the quirky flavour and passion for technological innovation that have always played a part in its best efforts down the years.

The Citroen line-up runs through the usual citycars, superminis and hatchbacks but also holds a great range of practical MPV products, a 4x4 and an executive saloon. The brand also produces a complete range of light commercial vehicles, has some of the world's finest small diesel engines and retains the same flare for marketing that led its founder to deface France's most recognisable landmark all those years ago.