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If you’re after a stylish and fashionable three-door hatchback, there are more models than ever to choose from.
The Mini has been a blinding success, as has Fiat’s revival of the plucky little 500. And now Citroen is in on the act too, although unlike the Mini and 500 the only thing retro about this offering is the name.
The DS3 is the first in a new line of high-end models from Citroen which will tie in with its current model range ‘ DS3 will sit alongside the C3, DS4 with the C4 and DS5 with the C5.
First impressions are that the DS3 is a staggeringly good looking hatchback, with interesting lines and features. Inside you’ll find a beautifully finished interior, which is largely based on the C3 but with various dash and seat personalisation options.
As with Mini, there are 38 roof and body colour combinations along with matching alloy wheels and a variety of roof decals to choose from ranging from stripes, spots or a tribal pattern depending on your taste.
Under the bonnet there’s a choice of three petrol engines; VTi 95, VTi 120 and the BMW co-developed THP 150 which can also be found in the Mini Cooper S. As for diesels, there are two versions of the 1.6-litre HDi offering 90 and 110bhp, while there is also a 99g/km CO2 version of the 1.6 HDi 90 available.
The DS3 feels much sharper to drive than its C3 sibling thanks to its lower body and stiffer suspension set up. Yet the damping and ride is also pretty good, with only heavily rutted roads causing the car to bobble around. The DS3 seems well balances too, sticking neatly to its line through corners.
In terms of practicality, the DS3 is longer and wider than the Mini and Fiat 500 and those extra dimensions have gone straight into the interior.
Citroen claims it will seat three in the rear, but although there is a decent amount of space, it is better suited to two for a longer trip. The boot also offers more space than its rivals with 285 litres.
Overall the DS3 is a quirky and chic little car that not only looks good, but is engaging to drive and should prove fairly practical on a daily basis.
The personalisation options are one step further than that already offered by Fiat and Mini, and add a level of individuality to the car which, for any buyer, will make the DS3 feel a little bit special.
STYLING
With all the different colour options available it’s hard not to find a DS3 to suit your taste.
It’s a great-looking car with clean lines and stylish features including daytime running lights which add a welcome bit of ‘bling’ to the front end.
HANDLING
The DS3 is agile enough and a slick gear shift and well-weighted steering makes it fun to drive. There’s not a lot of body roll which gives the driver confidence.
COMFORT
Sculpted, supportive seats and a roomy interior are real plus points in the DS3. The ride is a little on the stiff side, but it’s not harsh and cushions larger bumps and potholes well.
Citroen has put a lot of focus on sound-proofing too, and aside from a little road noise on larger 17-inch wheels, there’s not too much extraneous noise through to the cabin.
PERFORMANCE
The pick of the range is the zippy THP150 petrol engine, which is also found in the DS3’s rival, the Mini Cooper S. While it’s not staggeringly quick, it is fast enough to be fun and offers decent shove throughout the rev range. If economy is on your mind though, the 110bhp 1.6-litre HDi is also a decent choice.
ROOMINESS
From the outside, you might not expect the DS3 to offer much in the way of rear space, but it will swallow up two adults with relative ease. Citroen claims the middle seat will fit a third, but certainly not in any comfort. And there’s even a 285-litre boot as well.
RUNNING COSTS
All engines offer decent fuel economy. The most frugal will be the low CO2 version which not only qualifies for a free tax disc with 99g/km but returns a claimed 74mpg. Insurance should be reasonable too with all models ranging from group 12E to 22E (with the new 1-50 insurance groups).
VALUE FOR MONEY
How far you go to customise your DS3 will ultimately determine how much your car costs. The engine choice sets the base price of your car, followed by how many options you tick after that.
Basic prices look reasonable, undercutting the Mini, but it’s worth bearing in mind that a range-topping THP 150 fully kitted out will set you back around £19,000.
That said the individuality of each one – providing it’s been tastefully specified – should secure the DS3 a good resale value.
ENVIRONMENT
The DS3 range offers a low CO2 model boasting just 99g/km CO2, while all diesels come under 120g/km.
If you’re after a bit more performance, the VTi 120 offers just 136g/km while excellent THP 150 petrol unit still comes in under 160g/km.
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY
This is meant to be a premium car, and Citroen has spent a lot of time ensuring the fit and finish is of high quality.
The cabin feels solid and is finely detailed – even down to the neat contrast stitching on the door trim.
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If you’re after a stylish and fashionable three-door hatchback, there are more models than ever to choose from.
The Mini has been a blinding success, as has Fiat’s revival of the plucky little 500. And now Citroen is in on the act too, although unlike the Mini and 500 the only thing retro about this offering is the name.
The DS3 is the first in a new line of high-end models from Citroen which will tie in with its current model range ‘ DS3 will sit alongside the C3, DS4 with the C4 and DS5 with the C5.
First impressions are that the DS3 is a staggeringly good looking hatchback, with interesting lines and features. Inside you’ll find a beautifully finished interior, which is largely based on the C3 but with various dash and seat personalisation options.
As with Mini, there are 38 roof and body colour combinations along with matching alloy wheels and a variety of roof decals to choose from ranging from stripes, spots or a tribal pattern depending on your taste.
Under the bonnet there’s a choice of three petrol engines; VTi 95, VTi 120 and the BMW co-developed THP 150 which can also be found in the Mini Cooper S. As for diesels, there are two versions of the 1.6-litre HDi offering 90 and 110bhp, while there is also a 99g/km CO2 version of the 1.6 HDi 90 available.
The DS3 feels much sharper to drive than its C3 sibling thanks to its lower body and stiffer suspension set up. Yet the damping and ride is also pretty good, with only heavily rutted roads causing the car to bobble around. The DS3 seems well balances too, sticking neatly to its line through corners.
In terms of practicality, the DS3 is longer and wider than the Mini and Fiat 500 and those extra dimensions have gone straight into the interior.
Citroen claims it will seat three in the rear, but although there is a decent amount of space, it is better suited to two for a longer trip. The boot also offers more space than its rivals with 285 litres.
Overall the DS3 is a quirky and chic little car that not only looks good, but is engaging to drive and should prove fairly practical on a daily basis.
The personalisation options are one step further than that already offered by Fiat and Mini, and add a level of individuality to the car which, for any buyer, will make the DS3 feel a little bit special.
STYLING
With all the different colour options available it’s hard not to find a DS3 to suit your taste.
It’s a great-looking car with clean lines and stylish features including daytime running lights which add a welcome bit of ‘bling’ to the front end.
HANDLING
The DS3 is agile enough and a slick gear shift and well-weighted steering makes it fun to drive. There’s not a lot of body roll which gives the driver confidence.
COMFORT
Sculpted, supportive seats and a roomy interior are real plus points in the DS3. The ride is a little on the stiff side, but it’s not harsh and cushions larger bumps and potholes well.
Citroen has put a lot of focus on sound-proofing too, and aside from a little road noise on larger 17-inch wheels, there’s not too much extraneous noise through to the cabin.
PERFORMANCE
The pick of the range is the zippy THP150 petrol engine, which is also found in the DS3’s rival, the Mini Cooper S. While it’s not staggeringly quick, it is fast enough to be fun and offers decent shove throughout the rev range. If economy is on your mind though, the 110bhp 1.6-litre HDi is also a decent choice.
ROOMINESS
From the outside, you might not expect the DS3 to offer much in the way of rear space, but it will swallow up two adults with relative ease. Citroen claims the middle seat will fit a third, but certainly not in any comfort. And there’s even a 285-litre boot as well.
RUNNING COSTS
All engines offer decent fuel economy. The most frugal will be the low CO2 version which not only qualifies for a free tax disc with 99g/km but returns a claimed 74mpg. Insurance should be reasonable too with all models ranging from group 12E to 22E (with the new 1-50 insurance groups).
VALUE FOR MONEY
How far you go to customise your DS3 will ultimately determine how much your car costs. The engine choice sets the base price of your car, followed by how many options you tick after that.
Basic prices look reasonable, undercutting the Mini, but it’s worth bearing in mind that a range-topping THP 150 fully kitted out will set you back around £19,000.
That said the individuality of each one – providing it’s been tastefully specified – should secure the DS3 a good resale value.
ENVIRONMENT
The DS3 range offers a low CO2 model boasting just 99g/km CO2, while all diesels come under 120g/km.
If you’re after a bit more performance, the VTi 120 offers just 136g/km while excellent THP 150 petrol unit still comes in under 160g/km.
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY
This is meant to be a premium car, and Citroen has spent a lot of time ensuring the fit and finish is of high quality.
The cabin feels solid and is finely detailed – even down to the neat contrast stitching on the door trim.
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