Citroen DS3 D Sport |
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Jez Spinks, The Sydney Morning Herald, October 22, 2010
There's nothing shabby about this French car maker's chic new challenger to the Mini, writes Jez Spinks.
- Fun to drive
- Amenable urban ride
- Refined engine with broad spread of power
- Distinctive design
- Plenty of scope for individualisation
- Cabin could be a bit more upmarket
- Some standard features missing
- Tight rear seat
- No cupholders
- Tyre noise
2 Minute road test (See full review)
Price and equipment
If you need further proof of the Mini's influence over this car, Citroen says "no DS3 need ever be the same" because of an extensive array of customisation options. The company describes these as "infinite", though in reality there are about 38 combinations.
There's no extra cost for selecting from 11 body or four roof colours - which can either match or contrast - though graphics such as polka dots or stripes are an additional $1350.
As for the overall price tag, the chic Citroen starts at $32,990 for what the company calls the more comfort-focused D-Style.
We tested the sportier D-Sport and, while it's more expensive again, its $35,990 price tag undercuts the rival Cooper S by more than $6000 to put an even bigger dent in the Mini's already slightly battered value proposition.
You won't get short changed on kit, either, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, six airbags, stability control, foglights, leather steering wheel, sports seats and trip computer.
A more luxurious interior can be achieved by ticking the options boxes for red or grey leather seats and an upgraded audio. Rain-sensing wipers, power driver's seat and dual-zone climate control are notable absentees from the offerings and, despite the car being aimed at twentysomethings and thirtysomethings, Bluetooth/USB connectivity are surprisingly on the options list.
Under the bonnet
The DS3's 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo is shared with its arch rival, though gets a slightly lower state of tune than in the Cooper S - with 115kW and 240Nm.
It doesn't have quite the same in-gear punch as the Mini (which also gets an overboost function) but the engine is still immensely likeable. It pulls willingly from idle before really getting on song from 2000rpm. There's no "on-boost" sensation as such - despite the turbocharger - just a progressive power delivery that only starts to taper off as you close in on the 6000rpm mark.
Citroen claims 7.3 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint, which is quicker than all rivals bar the Cooper S.
Only the non-turbo D-Style is available with an auto (as standard), though the six-speed manual is neither as loose nor as long of throw as the usual stick-shifts found in most other PSA (Peugeot-Citroen) Group products. The manual also contributes (along with the engine's direct fuel injection) to a superior fuel economy figure despite the D-Sport's power advantage (6.7 litres per 100 kilometres versus 7.0L/100km).
How it drives
If recent Citroens and their close Peugeot cousins are any guide, the DS3 should disappoint in both ride and handling. Fortunately, the DS3 turns form on its head. The Citroen's rear end - or should that be derriere? - has a terrific poise that readies the car for a succession of corners, while the front end is entertainingly responsive to throttle inputs.
The steering is precise and consistently weighted, if not as direct as the Mini's helm, and there's only a hint of torque steer when accelerating enthusiastically out of a bend. Back in the city, the sporty underpinnings are also adept at dealing with bumpy streets, even if it can be noisy and the rear torsion beam suspension trips over larger potholes.
Whether commuting or out for a Sunday drive, though, expect tyre noise to be the prevailing sound in the cabin if you don't turn the stereo up.
Comfort and practicality
The DS3's interior is available in bright colours, though apart from a few other spruced-up areas there are plenty of commonalities with the more humble C3.
Hard or tinny plastics are prevalent and some of the fit and finish is not perfect but the cabin is still a decent place to dwell.
Softer-touch materials are in key places, such as the leather for the steering wheel, door armrest and handbrake, and the carbon fibre-effect plastic dash of our test car added some visual flair.
Chunky sports seats also look the part and provide good support for both legs and upper body; while adults won't want to spend too long in the cramped rear quarters, there's more legroom than in a Mini.
The DS3 also offers a bigger boot. General cabin storage is decent, too, though the absence of cupholders seems a huge oversight, considering the DS3's latte-sipping target audience.
Overall verdict
The DS3 is more of a sporty three-door than a genuine hot-hatch but this is one of the best Citroens in years. It's also a promising start for Citroen's new DS range and a refreshing alternative to the almost ubiquitous Mini that no longer looks impregnable as the fashionable hatchback of choice.
Nuts & Bolts
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