Citroen DS3

Overview

To summarize our reviewed drive in one word, Citroen DS3 is an “uber-stylish” supermini, manufactured by the French auto maker Citroen known for its designing strengths more than anything else. Making its way in the European markets in 2010, this 3-door hatchback was named Car of the Year in 2010 by numerous automobile magazines worldwide and is now running successfully on Malaysia streets.

As such, Citreon DS3 is an upmarket small car which is eccentric, fun and comprises of very elegantly poised looks. This three-door hatchback has received special attention for its exterior and interior design lines. It has strong personality features including floating roof, surprising lighting signature, LED day time running lights, 3D LED rear lights, automatic rain sensitive windscreen wipers and rear parking sensors outside. Whereas, inside it exemplifies embellished premium material such as leather and chrome details, automatic air conditioning system, body-hugging seats, scented air freshener, foldable rear seats, Hi-Fi system with 8 speakers, powerful subwoofer and USB connectivity and active headlamp control. All these controls not only make this compact a very efficient drive in all the circumstances, but also increments the aesthetic feel of Citroen DS3 which distinguishes it from the competition.

There is no matching this hatchback when it comes to styling and design, however the new Citroen DS3 is also pleasingly efficient, when it comes to engine and performance. The supermini is powered with a gasoline engine, 1.6 litre VTi, comprising the capacity of producing 120 bhp maximum power output at 6000 rpm, along with 160 Nm of peak torque at 4250 rpm. Also, it has 4-speed automatic gearbox which enable you to select between the automatic mode, which adapts the gearshift speed according to your driving style and sequential mode, that lets the driver to change gears freely. For external safety backed by internal safety, this hatchback is loaded with numerous safety aspects such as six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for improving vehicle’s stability, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Braking Assist (EBA), automatic hazard warning lights and ISOFIX anchorage for your child protection. Overall, it becomes very difficult to ignore the latest Citroen DS3 from the first gaze.

Mileage and Fuel economy

Citroen DS3 is made available with a decent petrol engine embedded for a hatchback, the 1.6-litre VTi engine is both powerful and efficient. This car is reasonably economical to drive, as it gives a fair mileage of 6.9 litre/100 km. The CO2 emission is as low as 158 g/km. This petrol engine despite sporting 1598 cc is very frugal as it returns decent fuel economy and reduces the cost of usage.

Power

The new Citroen DS3 is available with an Eco-friendly 1.6 litre VTi petrol engine that offers incomparable drive in the city and even on the open road. This powerful engine have the capacity of producing a maximum power output measuring 120 hp at 6000 rpm, alongside a peak torque of about 160 Nm at 4250 rpm.

Acceleration & Pickup

The availability of most prominent petrol engine for Citroen DS3, makes this supermini an entertaining one, when it is taken out on your favorite winding road. However, it becomes clear from the acceleration output that major emphasis has been given on styling rather than all-speed factor. As such, the 1.6-litre VTi petrol engine takes 10.9 seconds to tick the speed mark of 100 km/hr from halt. Alongside, the top speed for the strong automotive comes at 190 km/hr.

Exterior

The latest Citroen DS3 is a dream of designer, presenting its elegant exterior styling. The compact, sensual and always ready for action, the latest DS3 is in the list of distinctive vehicles. Comprising a strong personality, its original design features including a floating rooftop, shark fin emphasizing its waistline and side recesses housing LED lights immediately arouses the desire. For an original and surprising lighting signature, this three-door car consists LED day time running lights at the front bumper. The natural part of the latest DS3 is its 3D rear lights with LED technology and the jewel-like DS logo (black in color) with discreet chrome finish is embossed stylishly on the side of the 3D rear lights. The appealing design line at the rear profile are impression of elegant and subtle motions. Furthermore, on outside it is installed with advance technology equipment including automatic rain sensitive windscreen wipers and rear parking sensors.

Exterior Measurements

This supermini of Citroen comprises specific dimensions, presenting a sporty mixed appearance. The overall width for DS3 is 1715 mm along with full length for the vehicle measuring as 3948 mm. The total height of DS3 measures 1483 mm. The wheelbase for the same remains 2464 mm.

Interior

Alike exterior, the interior of the latest Citroen DS3 is irresistible. The cabin, featuring premium material such as leather and chrome gives a glimpse of sophistication to the vehicle. The aluminum sport pedal arrangement is fitted with non-slip pads, however to acquire the perfect grip, the gear lever is embellished with a blend of satin chrome and glossy color or matt leather. Alongside, the automatic air conditioning controls embedded into the central console features chrome details surrounds. You simply will not want get out of the car which is appointed with body-hugging seats, in the low driving position, along with flat-bottomed steering wheel. The 3D information cluster makes the driving more convenient by giving numerous information to the driver such as speed and fuel consumption, rev counter and information on driving. Moreover, it has some advance equipment such as foldable rear seats, Hi-Fi system, 8 speakers and active headlamp control. The interior of the new DS3 is an amazing blend of subtle sophistication and pure design lines.

Interior Comfort

The acoustics is the main key of comfort which is set as standard in the latest DS3. Ensuring quiet ride, this car effectively damp vibration, engine noise, wind noise and road noise. The source of emission in the vehicle are appointed with soundproofing and noise absorption arrangement that specifically emphasis on the engine compartment and doors. The DS3 is made available with a scented air-freshener adorned with appealing chrome finished roller control, which enable you to adjust the intensity of the fragrance and diffuses a subtle and amusing fragrance around the cabin. Furthermore, it has five real seats which are as roomy as close-packed hatchback, cruise control, active headlamp control, electric folding and heating door mirrors, foldable central armrest and generous legroom for both front and rear seat passengers. the sleek body lines underneath, unveils the qualities of a versatile car.

Interior Measurements

The Citroen DS3 comprises of a decent boot capacity, but lacks a bit when it comes to storage space in the cabin. It offers a boot volume of 285 litres which is combined with rear seats enclosing 60:40 ratio and can be folded in a single movement with one hand. Also, the 13-litre glove box and compartment in the doors, central console and fascia let you store your belongings effectively.

Engine and Performance

The latest Citroen DS3 is offered in a single 1.6-litre VTi petrol engine, which is a perfect combination of efficiency and fast hatch performance. The sole petrol engine variant is good choice in the DS3 line up which results super economical performance and delivering numerous overtaking punch. This efficient engine has the capacity of producing 120 hp at 6000 rpm, alongside 160 Nm of maximum torque in 4250 rpm. The latest DS3 is bound to be a very efficient performer on the road which combines the driving pleasure with everyday practicality. Strong aspects of Citroen DS3 offers the driver a dynamic drive, such as its 4-speed automatic gearbox that let you select between the automatic mode, which adapts the gearshift speed according to your driving style and sequential mode, that lets the driver to change gears freely.

Stereo and Accessories

With latest Citroen DS3 you can enjoy the premium Hi-Fi system (CD MP3/WMA Player) boasting incredible audio reproduction, that makes any journey an excuse to drive further, as it is lauded with a powerful subwoofer and USB connectivity. This audio system ships an additional third speaker which is placed on the dashboard. And, the assigned Connecting box allows you plug in you MP3 player or USB directly, to listen the music on your Smartphone but in Bluetooth streaming audio mode. You can simply browse through your playlists, using your mobile phone which is compatible with the Bluetooth hands-free kit. Also, the cabin is equipped with 8 speaker system for giving audible sound output.

Wheels

The DS3 is available with 17-inch Bellone Black diamond tipped alloy wheels comprising the tyre size of 205/45 R17. This rims further increment the ornamental features of the drive with the wheel hub colored to match the body or roof of the vehicle.

Braking and Handling

The new Citroen DS3 is provided with Ventilated disc brakes in the front and disc brakes in the rear. Along side, it is loaded with advance features such as Anti-lock Braking system (ABS) which allows the wheels to maintain tractive contact with the road surface, by preventing the wheels from locking up that avoids undisciplined skidding with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) for varying the amount of applied force automatically on each of the vehicle’s brakes and Emergency brake assist (EBA) that increases the braking pressure at the event of emergency. For firm driving, the front suspension comes with McPherson type arrangement and rear suspension is programmed with Flexible Transverse Beam.

Safety and Security

In the crash test carried out by EURO NCAP, the new DS3 has received five star rating for its safety features. The cabin of the vehicle has been made stiffer that prevents objects pervading into the survival cell and make other non-inhabited areas to crush. The occupants enjoy full protection in DS3 with standard six airbags (2 front airbags, 2 side airbags and 2 curtain airbags built into the roof). Fitted Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which keeps the vehicle in course and stop the wheel skidding using traction control. Alongside, it is loaded with advanced safety braking system including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Braking Assist (EBA) increasing the braking pressure at the time of emergency and automatic hazard warning lights that automatically activates under situation of hard braking or sudden stoppage. Further, the latest DS3 sets its standard high when it comes to child safety, as ISOFIX anchorage that let to install child seats with the with the two rear side seats.

Pros

Immensely attractive designing
Loaded with safety features
Total Value for money drive

Cons

Available with single petrol engine
Confined cabin space
A bit costlier than rivals in the same segment