Focus on Citroen: The DS3 100% new: fresh, original & innovative DS3


ADI OFFER • Free Dual Controls,


also available on Citroën C1, C3 & New C4 models


• Free secondary GPS Speedo on Citroën C3 and DS3 only. • Free metallic paint,


DS: does it stand for Driving Schools? “Citroen joins the exclusive supermini class”


also available on Citroën C1, C3 & New C4 models*


by Alisdair Suttie There’s an elite of superminis that has been steadily growing over the past few years, swelling from just the Mini to now include the likes of the Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo Mito, with the Volkswagen Beetle playing a supporting role. Citroen now wants to join this exclusive club. Established as a major player in the mainstream of superminis with its C1 city car, C2 and recently introduced new C3, the French firm knows how to make affordable small cars, but has it rediscovered the chic of Citroen’s past to mix it with its premium rivals. Citroen has revived the DS badge for its new supermini, though it’s quick to point out the DS3 does not wallow in nostalgia the way its rivals do. There will also be additional DS models in 2011 to complement the range and augment the C4 and C5 line-ups. There’s certainly nothing retro about the looks of the DS3, which is neatly styled and stands out from the crowd. It’s based on the new C3, but don’t be fooled into thinking the DS3 is just a three-door version of the C3. For starters, rear seat space is more restricted, though the boot is bog for this type of car. Also, the DS3 is a much sportier proposition, which is immediately apparent as soon as you slink into the driver’s seat. The driving position is noticeably lower set than a C3’s and the dash, though largely borrowed from the C3, is stylish


and the build quality is reassuringly high, something that has disappointed in previous small Citroens. It’s the same story when you pull away in the DS3. Citroen says it has spent a lot of time and effort fine-tuning the suspension and steering to give the DS3 an instantly more assertive feel than the DS3 to the way it handles and goes. More often than not, this type of claim from a car maker is more marketing than engineering, but in the DS3 it truly does feel more alert and eager than a C3. The engines are shared with the Mini, so the DS3 is off to a good start and there’s plenty of pep around town. On more, open roads, the Citroen feels every bit a match for the Mini and even deliver a much more supple ride over bumps and greater cabin refinement. There are three petrol engines to pick from, covering 95bhp 1.4, a 120bhp 1.6 and the turbocharged 1.6 packing 150bhp that turns the DS3 into a very creditable hot hatch.


On the diesel front, buyers can pick 90- and 110bhp versions of the 1.6 HDi turbodiesel unit. The 90bhp model comes in standard form with 104g/km carbon dioxide emissions and 70.5mpg, but for exactly the same price you could has the 99g model. As the name suggests, the 99g DS3 emits just 99g/km of carbon dioxide to qualify it for free road tax and lower benefit in kind payments than its sister model. On top of this, the 99g model also turns in 74.2mpg


The Instructor : September / October 2011 Visit www.ukdicmagazine.co.uk


combined economy to make it the ideal choice for many business users. Even the performance of the DS3 99g is reasonable, taking 11.5 seconds to cover 0-62mph where the standard 90bhp 1.6 HDi is only marginally quicker at 11.3 seconds. The 99g comes in mid-spec DStyle trim, which includes air conditioning and alloy wheels, which are options for the more basic DSign trim. The top of the range DSport also comes with Bluetooth connection and carbon fibre-effect dash trim. All DS models have six airbags and ESP traction control fitted. If you go for the middle or high spec DS3 models, Citroen’s stylish supermini is better equipped than its direct competitor models from Mini and the DS3 costs less. With value for money added to the DS3’s already impressive driving manners, style, economy and cabin appeal, Citroen more than deserves to stand chic to cheek with the pick of premium superminis.


Facts at a glance Model: Citroen DS3 1.6 HDi 99g Price: £13,700 Engine: 1.6-litre turbodiesel Performance: 0-62mph: 11.5 secs; top speed: 114mph CO2 emissions: 99g/km Combined fuel consumption: 74.2mpg


For more details on the Driving School Programme please contact Citroën Fleet Connect on 08457 940 940.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44