Citroen’s now stand-alone offshoot DS Automobiles has revealed its new DS3 supermini at an event in Paris.
It’s an important car for the premium brand as, when sold by Citroen, the DS3 was by far its biggest seller – especially in the UK, where more were sold than in France or any other market.
Read more:
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- Frankfurt exclusive: no sales projections for Citroen’s DS brand
- Why Citroen’s standalone DS brand should have VW worried
Since its launch in 2010, 390,000 DS3 hatch and cabrio models have been sold worldwide.
This new model is based on the same underpinnings as its predecessor, but has been blinged-up in a bid to take it further upmarket with the DS brand.
It now features the trademark DS grille (note the absence of any Citroen chevrons), along with ‘DS wings’ running around the grille and below the headlights.
The big news for hot hatch fans is the introduction of a new ‘Performance’ model, powered by a 208hp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, emitting 125g/km CO2. Performance figures are yet to be confirmed – but expect them to be similar to the previous limited edition DS3 Racing, which sported a £23,100 price tag and could hit 62mph in 6.5 seconds.
The Performance trim will come with a six-speed manual gearbox, as well as a Torsen limited slip diff. It’s been lowered, too – by 15mm, and its front and rear tracks have been widened. Larger brakes are fitted as standard (with Brembo calipers) and it’s available in four colours – and with special Performance graphics.
Other engines have been carried over from the previous model – ranging from a 1.2-litre 81hp three-cylinder petrol, to a 120hp BlueHDi diesel. For the first time, buyers can opt for a 130hp three-cylinder petrol, emitting 105g/km CO2 and returning a combined MPG figure of 62.8.
Inside will be familiar to anyone who’s driven the outgoing DS3, but with a new infotainment system to appeal to a young target market. It comprises a seven-inch touchscreen (replacing 20 buttons from its previously cluttered dash), including Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink connectivity.
Prices for the new DS3 are yet to be confirmed, but expect a small increase over the outgoing model – which currently starts at £13,295. The new range will arrive in dealerships from February, when prices will also be announced.
What does Twitter say?
Loving the new DS3, wouldn’t mind one myself pic.twitter.com/4C5Lrcb2nI
— Ashley Bonnar (@_bonje) January 19, 2016
Not a fan. Moving on with the next car… 3 DS3’s in a row is probably enough anyway #DS3 https://t.co/yQUbTx38nj
— Paul P (@paulphilby) January 19, 2016
The ‘new’ ds3 is such a disappointment.. It’s legit only had a face-lift and that’s it
— Holly (@fekafff) January 19, 2016
@DS_Official A lot of love for this from the ds3club guys and girls!
— DS3Club.co.uk (@DS3_Club) January 19, 2016