Citroen DS3 ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

At launch Citroen's DS3 had a lot to live up to spearheading the launch of the brands new premium DS range which promised to offer buyers a previously unseen level of premium luxury missing from the companies mainstream models. Entering the hotly contested premium hatch market dominated by the hugely successful MINI and Fiat 500 the DS3 had to be very good to succeed. Since then there have been further additions to the class from Audi and Vauxhall so we hit the road in a top spec DSport equipped with PSA's peppy 1.6 THP petrol engine to find out if it still has what it takes to compete.

Visually the DS3 packs a real punch. It hides it's C3 origins well with its premium looking grill incorporating the famous chevrons and eye-catching led daytime running lights. It's fairly squat stance is emphasised by its floating roof line and oddly attractive shark-fin B pillar. The rear is it's best angle with Citroen's new 3D tail lamps that look fantastic at night and twin exhausts. There are metallic finishes everywhere which add to the classy look making it a striking design. There are also heaps of personalisation options. Our cars silver finish contrasts particularly well with the vibrant purple roof and door mirror housings and generous 17 inch alloy wheels.

The DS3's interior is equally delightful and is a breath of fresh air from recent Citroens. The design has clearly been aimed at a younger audience with it's mock carbon fibre dash face and sporty looking dials that ooze class. The core design is superb peppered with neat touches everywhere and stacks of high gloss finishes. The only real gripes are the location of the stereo which is low down on the centre console in front of the gear stick and the pathetically proportioned glove box  What's particularly remarkable however is the depth of quality to the construction and choice of materials from the high quality leather to the richly textured plastics that cover the doors and dash top. There is no denying that a lot of thought and effort has gone into the design.

Where rivals such as the MINI and 500 are compromised in terms of interior space notably for rear passengers the DS3's more generous dimensions pay dividends. Thanks to big doors access to the cabin is pretty good with generous interior space in the rear for a pair of adult with just enough headroom. Thanks to a neatly scooped lower dash space in the front is also praiseworthy with particularly good visibility all round for the driver. It is also tremendously easy to get comfortable thanks to well shaped seats that offer plenty of support and lots of steering wheel adjustment. At 285 litres the boot can easily swallow a couple of weekend bags and trumps the MINI's poultry 160 litres and the 500's 185 litres.

Kit levels on our top spec DSport model are plentiful with standard fit digital climate control, tinted windows, electric door mirrors, electric windows, cruise control, a leather steering wheel, carbon fibre effect dashboard, aluminium pedals and a CD stereo with steering-wheel-mounted controls plus Bluetooth and USB connection.For external glitz the DS3 comes with chrome door handles and door strips, front LED daytime running lights, fog lights, 17 inch alloy wheels, roof-coloured door mirrors, two-tone body and roof colours, tinted rear windows, an alarm, rear spoiler and double chrome exhausts. At £17,330 the little Citroen just undercuts the MINI Cooper S but is significantly more expensive than the similarly equipped Fiat 500 Abarth. Running costs are also low with economy in the high 40s over combined driving. It's also kind to the environment emitting just 135g/km slotting it neatly into VED band E. Depreciation is also a lot more respectable compared to any Citroen before it thanks to the premium badging.

It's clear on the road that a lot of effort has gone into making the DS3 drive well. Despite its lackluster C3 origins the DS3 turns in crisply with real poise and has plenty of grip. It tackles corners with real neutrality and offers decent feedback from the well weighted steering, the six speed gearbox also has a clean throw and snappy nature making it enjoy to use. Only when really pushed will the chassis begin to reveal its limits with a little under steer but the process is gradual and there is still lots of fun to be had at the helm. The cars playful nature makes it easy to exploit its healthy 155 bhp on offer from the superb turbocharged 1.6 litre engine. Power delivery is smooth and strong and it's an engine that is always eager to be revved to get the best from it which is reflected in the 0-62 mph dash taking just 7.3 seconds. The brakes are also excellent at scrubbing off speed and although the ride is firm it still does a supreme job even on the worst rutted surfaces remaining compliant and composed at all times.

Tech Data

Price as tested: £17,330
Engine: 1.6 litre 16v 155 bhp - 0-62 mph: 7.3 secs - Maximum Speed: 130 mph -
Economy: 34.4 mpg (urban) –60.1 mpg (extra-urban), 47.1 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 135 g/km (Band E) - VED (12 months): £120
Dimensions: Length: 3948 mm - Width: 1715 mm - Height: 1483 mm - Wheelbase: 2464 mm

*data from Citroen UK

DriverVIBE Verdict

For anyone in the market for a premium small hatch the DS3 should definitely feature on the list of hopefuls. It may not have the razor sharp driving dynamics of the MINI or ooze the retro cool of the Fiat 500 but it still holds plenty of appeal. Its design is refreshingly different and both looks and feels thoroughly premium in every way and has plenty of character. It also drives incredibly well never failing to put a smile on the drivers face especially when equipped with the meaty 155 bhp engine tested here. Arguably as a package it's clearly a better all rounder than its closest rivals as it is comfortable and refined with a well judged ride, has decent cabin space and comes laden with standard equipment at a very reasonable price. It is definitely worthy of Citroen's premium DS badge and is probably the most complete Citroen of the past few decades.

All photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated, projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of Rob McSorley (info@DriverVIBE.co.uk).