Citroen DS3 - Any good?
Discussion
They really are fab cars for town. So much so Im thinking about getting the next shape as it looks like it may look like this
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-...
Broccers said:
They really are fab cars for town. So much so Im thinking about getting the next shape as it looks like it may look like this
Not just a town car! Great fun on twisty roads & a relaxed motorway cruiser.As for that picture, typical magazine "prediction" - stick the front of later models in the range on a caricature of the current model & say that's what the new one will look like.
Dave Brand said:
Great fun on twisty roads & a relaxed motorway cruiser.
Re the twisty roads part maybe you are right if you have a revvy faster engine than thats in our 115. Going up from Hathersage to ringinglow on saturday it was a bit rubbish but then Im comparing it to my 5 series and an m coupe before that.On the motorway you are totally right (Id not say relaxing compared to a 5 series tho)
Mine's a 120VTi,which is a good revvy little engine - it needs to be revved hard to get the best out of it, but that's no hardship for me! (I also like big lazy V8's but that's another story!).
I would have liked a six-speed gearbox, but I don't find the engine noise too bad on motorways - only really noticeable when working hard on uphill stretches. It's certainly more relaxing than the Alfa 147 it replaced, partly on account of the much better ride.
I would have liked a six-speed gearbox, but I don't find the engine noise too bad on motorways - only really noticeable when working hard on uphill stretches. It's certainly more relaxing than the Alfa 147 it replaced, partly on account of the much better ride.
si_xsi said:
Saleen836 said:
So how is your good lady liking her DS3?
She is loving it. Coming up to 350 miles so far and its returning 43mpg on a decent A road run. The brakes are better than on my Gti!After the 107 She enjoys having all the gadgets to play with, esp the bluetooth connection to I-phone. Not sure if you have rear paring sensors but we have found they only really come on when you are right on top of aomething, might just need a clean.
How is yours going?
I bought the 90hp 2010 DS3 1.6tdi last weekend. Its a great fun car to drive.
even though i've owned it for only a week its already had its remap done by SP Tuning. So its now 129bhp and 230ft/lbs torque
makes it really punchy and so far hasnt affected the mpg, although it is more tempting to put your foot down.
even though i've owned it for only a week its already had its remap done by SP Tuning. So its now 129bhp and 230ft/lbs torque
makes it really punchy and so far hasnt affected the mpg, although it is more tempting to put your foot down.
Thought I'd chip in here with an almost 1 year mini review of my DS3, a 2013 1.6NA 120hp DStyle+ with 8600 miles on it. Most of the points/views are shared with what other people have said.
- Overall build quality has been pretty good. There's a strange dull rattle from somewhere in (or on the underside of) the car at a particular RPM or on slightly rough surfaces which I'll ask Citroen to look at when it has its first service in May. Other than that it's been good, and much better than any other French car I've been in.
- The 1.6 NA really comes alive in the upper half of the rev range. Lower down it will pull reasonably well but you get a noticeable step up in performance over 3250 RPM, and the exhaust note is pretty decent for an average 4-pot.
- The car gets used for a mix of short journeys around town and a 30 mile commute to work which is mostly on the motorway at rush hour. MPG on the in-car display has been a shade under 40MPG, so I'm guessing in real terms this is probably about 37MPG. Little bit disappointing as I'd hoped it would be over 40, and I think the lack of a 6th gear probably has a fair impact as you're generally at around 3500RPM. Not too bad though, and on a longer run with cruise control it improves. I think the DSport model might actually get better economy as it has a 6th gear and better low-down torque.
- My model has the basic radio rather than the upgraded one and it still sounds pretty decent. Stays clear when you crank it up and very rarely loses signal. When I take my wife's Peugeot 206 to work it usually has a couple of points on the journey where the signal cuts out, while the Citroen doesn't suffer.
- The heating comes up to temperature quickly, with only a couple of minutes cold air before it warms up. Air conditioning is instant (the DStyle+ has digitally controlled) and the auto-temperature control works well, with just a little bit of adjustment needed depending on outside temperature.
- Visibility out of the car is good. I know some reviews have said that the 'shark fins' reduce visibility but I'd say they make sod all difference really. Rear parking sensors do help a bit of course.
- The auto-dimming rear view mirror goes a bit too dark, in my opinion. I find that being able to see where the light from cars behind hit the road in front of them allows you to judge their distance, but the mirror goes so dark you can't see the reflection. Maybe this is an issue with all auto-dimming mirrors, but I find it a touch annoying.
- My car is fitted with the standard seats rather than the sports ones. I didn't realise this when I bought it as it was one sat in Citroen's stock rather than fully configured by me. The standard seats offer very little support, to the point where you're having to brace yourself against the steering wheel and transmission tunnel when you take a roundabout a bit quickly. They're shocking. So so bad. If anyone's looking to buy a DS3 just make sure it has sports seats.
- The brake pedal is positioned quite a bit higher than the throttle pedal, making heel and toe only possible when you're really braking hard. My wife's 206 has them positioned nicely which makes it all the more frustrating when I can't do it in the car that I want to have a bit more fun in. The brakes do come on quite sharply as well which compounds the problem. For a lot of people the positioning won't be an issue, but to me it's a minor irritation.
- The handbrake light doesn't always come on, and on a couple of occasions the temperature gauge seems to drop down and then flick back up again quite quickly. Presumably these are just slightly iffy connections somewhere and don't cause a problem, but I'll get Citroen to take a look at the first service.
- The gearbox is a little clunky in its movement at times, especially when cold, but generally slots into place quite precisely. 2nd gear takes you up to just shy of 60mph, with 3rd taking you into naughty territory. Overtakes can be done pretty cleanly and quickly as long as you're in the top half of the revs when you drop a gear.
- Handling-wise the reviews are spot-on and I don't really need to say much. There's bags of grip, plenty of feeling, the steering is well-weighted and fast without being twitchy. On the occasions that you get a bit of understeer it's usually just a case of turning the wheel a bit more. That sounds obvious but it doesn't always work that way in other cars. Easy to adjust the balance with the odd dab of oppo when required. The standard Bridgestone tyres seem to be wearing reasonably well also, and they're nicely progressive as they get to the limits of grip. My first journey was a trip from Basingstoke to Cardigan, taking in the M4 and a selection of A-roads around the Brecon Beacons. Motorway cruising is comfortable, though a little noisy because of the lack of 6th gear, and getting onto the twisty stuff I felt confident straight away.
Overall I'd say the DS3 has been a great car, with only a few very minor niggles and one big issue with the seats. Even that isn't a deal breaker, it's just that the seats really p1ss me off sometimes! If I was buying again I'd go for the 150BHP Sport+ but was on a moderate budget when I got it and needed the car quickly before the MOT failure of my last car. If I stick with running a smaller car then I'll probably get another after the 3 years finance, and hopefully there will be a new, improved model out by then.
- Overall build quality has been pretty good. There's a strange dull rattle from somewhere in (or on the underside of) the car at a particular RPM or on slightly rough surfaces which I'll ask Citroen to look at when it has its first service in May. Other than that it's been good, and much better than any other French car I've been in.
- The 1.6 NA really comes alive in the upper half of the rev range. Lower down it will pull reasonably well but you get a noticeable step up in performance over 3250 RPM, and the exhaust note is pretty decent for an average 4-pot.
- The car gets used for a mix of short journeys around town and a 30 mile commute to work which is mostly on the motorway at rush hour. MPG on the in-car display has been a shade under 40MPG, so I'm guessing in real terms this is probably about 37MPG. Little bit disappointing as I'd hoped it would be over 40, and I think the lack of a 6th gear probably has a fair impact as you're generally at around 3500RPM. Not too bad though, and on a longer run with cruise control it improves. I think the DSport model might actually get better economy as it has a 6th gear and better low-down torque.
- My model has the basic radio rather than the upgraded one and it still sounds pretty decent. Stays clear when you crank it up and very rarely loses signal. When I take my wife's Peugeot 206 to work it usually has a couple of points on the journey where the signal cuts out, while the Citroen doesn't suffer.
- The heating comes up to temperature quickly, with only a couple of minutes cold air before it warms up. Air conditioning is instant (the DStyle+ has digitally controlled) and the auto-temperature control works well, with just a little bit of adjustment needed depending on outside temperature.
- Visibility out of the car is good. I know some reviews have said that the 'shark fins' reduce visibility but I'd say they make sod all difference really. Rear parking sensors do help a bit of course.
- The auto-dimming rear view mirror goes a bit too dark, in my opinion. I find that being able to see where the light from cars behind hit the road in front of them allows you to judge their distance, but the mirror goes so dark you can't see the reflection. Maybe this is an issue with all auto-dimming mirrors, but I find it a touch annoying.
- My car is fitted with the standard seats rather than the sports ones. I didn't realise this when I bought it as it was one sat in Citroen's stock rather than fully configured by me. The standard seats offer very little support, to the point where you're having to brace yourself against the steering wheel and transmission tunnel when you take a roundabout a bit quickly. They're shocking. So so bad. If anyone's looking to buy a DS3 just make sure it has sports seats.
- The brake pedal is positioned quite a bit higher than the throttle pedal, making heel and toe only possible when you're really braking hard. My wife's 206 has them positioned nicely which makes it all the more frustrating when I can't do it in the car that I want to have a bit more fun in. The brakes do come on quite sharply as well which compounds the problem. For a lot of people the positioning won't be an issue, but to me it's a minor irritation.
- The handbrake light doesn't always come on, and on a couple of occasions the temperature gauge seems to drop down and then flick back up again quite quickly. Presumably these are just slightly iffy connections somewhere and don't cause a problem, but I'll get Citroen to take a look at the first service.
- The gearbox is a little clunky in its movement at times, especially when cold, but generally slots into place quite precisely. 2nd gear takes you up to just shy of 60mph, with 3rd taking you into naughty territory. Overtakes can be done pretty cleanly and quickly as long as you're in the top half of the revs when you drop a gear.
- Handling-wise the reviews are spot-on and I don't really need to say much. There's bags of grip, plenty of feeling, the steering is well-weighted and fast without being twitchy. On the occasions that you get a bit of understeer it's usually just a case of turning the wheel a bit more. That sounds obvious but it doesn't always work that way in other cars. Easy to adjust the balance with the odd dab of oppo when required. The standard Bridgestone tyres seem to be wearing reasonably well also, and they're nicely progressive as they get to the limits of grip. My first journey was a trip from Basingstoke to Cardigan, taking in the M4 and a selection of A-roads around the Brecon Beacons. Motorway cruising is comfortable, though a little noisy because of the lack of 6th gear, and getting onto the twisty stuff I felt confident straight away.
Overall I'd say the DS3 has been a great car, with only a few very minor niggles and one big issue with the seats. Even that isn't a deal breaker, it's just that the seats really p1ss me off sometimes! If I was buying again I'd go for the 150BHP Sport+ but was on a moderate budget when I got it and needed the car quickly before the MOT failure of my last car. If I stick with running a smaller car then I'll probably get another after the 3 years finance, and hopefully there will be a new, improved model out by then.
Some good comments there. I'm not sure if the other half has sports seats but I find them comfy enough, even coming from a Golf Gti. Think its a D style plus.
The car (or Cindy as she calls it
is up to 6000 miles now in 6 months.
She doesn't really rev the engine out much but when I have been alone in the car I agree it's definitely is better higher up the rev range. The gearbox is very clunky when cold. I've also noticed the engine is quite tappety on start up but quietens down after 20 seconds or so. I have checked the oil and it's at the correct level.
We generally get between 38-43 mpg. I have been impressed with the steering feel and handling. It is well damped over potholes.
As for the poster above, if you need a bit of poke, prob the 155bhp 1.6 petrol would do nicely. They definitely come with sports seats.
The car (or Cindy as she calls it
is up to 6000 miles now in 6 months.She doesn't really rev the engine out much but when I have been alone in the car I agree it's definitely is better higher up the rev range. The gearbox is very clunky when cold. I've also noticed the engine is quite tappety on start up but quietens down after 20 seconds or so. I have checked the oil and it's at the correct level.
We generally get between 38-43 mpg. I have been impressed with the steering feel and handling. It is well damped over potholes.
As for the poster above, if you need a bit of poke, prob the 155bhp 1.6 petrol would do nicely. They definitely come with sports seats.
Having driven most the engine range (generally Dstyle+) as loan cars when my C6 has been in for MOT, services, etc, I test drive a Sport convertible with a view to replacing both my RX7 (hardly driven now and also up for sale here) and my MX5 (gear box and diff on last legs but passed it's 14th MOT with just advisories on the tyres a week after the test drive).
There's very little difference in feel between the convertible and the hard top - had a 120 BHP DStyle+ for 3 days after the garage repaired the ding their valet put in my C6 - so have had a decent try and got to see what the 155 BHP version was like.
Only weak one for me was the base 1.4 petrol which I found too crashy, probably due to the lighter engine with the DS suspension setup. Also I find the arm rest a waste of time (except on long journeys) as it gets in the way of the gear lever (I'm only 5'4" so it might be fine for taller people). Seats can be awkward to get in a comfortable position as well and some might find the steering light and a little lacking in feedback. Still if I do manage to sell the FD3 I may well pick up the one I test drove.
There's very little difference in feel between the convertible and the hard top - had a 120 BHP DStyle+ for 3 days after the garage repaired the ding their valet put in my C6 - so have had a decent try and got to see what the 155 BHP version was like.
Only weak one for me was the base 1.4 petrol which I found too crashy, probably due to the lighter engine with the DS suspension setup. Also I find the arm rest a waste of time (except on long journeys) as it gets in the way of the gear lever (I'm only 5'4" so it might be fine for taller people). Seats can be awkward to get in a comfortable position as well and some might find the steering light and a little lacking in feedback. Still if I do manage to sell the FD3 I may well pick up the one I test drove.
Mrs Saleen's DS3 is due an interim service shortly along with it's first MOT, I spoke with my local indie garage and they quoted me £162 + VAT for the service (£50ph labour) and £40 for the MOT, I thought this was a bit steep so had a look on the website of the Citroen dealer she bought the car off, they have an offer on at the moment, for £388 you get....
1 x Interim Service
1 x Premium Service
1 x Major Service
3 x MOT Tests
3 x Travel Checks
Unlimited puncture repairs
So Mrs Saleen has signed up for that to save a fair few £££'s
1 x Interim Service
1 x Premium Service
1 x Major Service
3 x MOT Tests
3 x Travel Checks
Unlimited puncture repairs
So Mrs Saleen has signed up for that to save a fair few £££'s
Hi have a citroen DS3 and the air bag and seat belts lights come on at least once every minute and I have taken it back to citroen loads of times and all I get is nothing wrong then I took it back again with a video recording of it and then I went in holiday and they have it for two weeks!! And I come home to find out the have changed the faulty part and put it to the passenger side which is illegal!! I would never get a citroen car again!! Also my friend has a DS3 and someone has looked at it told him it needs a new engine and taken it back to citroen and they have told him there is nothing wrong and he is a mechanic and he knows there is something wrong!!
Edited by Sop14793 on Wednesday 6th August 09:42
Not a DS3 but I have a C4 hire car in Spain at the moment, and I am really impressed.
It is really spacious, took 3 large suitcases and a holdall in the boot, has as much rear legroom as my Audi A6 and all the same gadgets except for the electric handbrake. Its an eHDI whiatever that means, but its a great motowway cruiser, really good ride, build quality and materials are excellent.
The only down side is that it feels bigger to drive and park than it really is with the front corners being very hard to judge
It is really spacious, took 3 large suitcases and a holdall in the boot, has as much rear legroom as my Audi A6 and all the same gadgets except for the electric handbrake. Its an eHDI whiatever that means, but its a great motowway cruiser, really good ride, build quality and materials are excellent.
The only down side is that it feels bigger to drive and park than it really is with the front corners being very hard to judge
Hi,
New to the forums... was wonderig if anyone had any feedback regarding a slightly higher mileage diesel DS3, about 60-70k?
I currently own a toyota celica t sport which i really like and hasnt given me any bother but im doing more miles lately approximately 12k a year and have finally just about settled on a ds3 diesel ,maybe 2011/12 reg with no more than 70k on clock. Anything in paticular to look out for when viewing one? How accurate is there 70mpg claimed economy?
If i could choose i would be getting a 350z but im planning on saving up and eventually getting one of those as a weekend toy ^.^
New to the forums... was wonderig if anyone had any feedback regarding a slightly higher mileage diesel DS3, about 60-70k?
I currently own a toyota celica t sport which i really like and hasnt given me any bother but im doing more miles lately approximately 12k a year and have finally just about settled on a ds3 diesel ,maybe 2011/12 reg with no more than 70k on clock. Anything in paticular to look out for when viewing one? How accurate is there 70mpg claimed economy?
If i could choose i would be getting a 350z but im planning on saving up and eventually getting one of those as a weekend toy ^.^
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