Monday 24th August 2009

Citroen DS3 - New Pics

Production version of new 'Mini rival' revealed prior to Frankfurt show

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These first official pics reveal that Citroen's new Mini-rivalling DS3 will look almost identical to the concept car revealed at the Geneva show back in March.

We'll get our first chance to see the new DS3 in the metal at Frankfurt next month, but as far as we can tell the only differences between the cars pictured here and the concept are a set of twin tail-pipes and a conventional aerial.

According to Citroen's press release, the top DS3 engine option will be a 150bhp four-pot turbo petrol (shared with a variety of Peugeots, and related to the 1.6-litre turbo motor in the Mini Cooper S), with a six-speed manual gearbox.

With a power output mid-way between the the 173bhp Mini Cooper S and the 118bhp Cooper, the new DS3 has the potential to provide an engaging drive, but it will depend on weight and the level of extra tweakery to the new C3 chassis on which it is built.

"Building upon Citroën's extensive experience in producing smooth running-gear, DS3 delivers impressive ride comfort together with responsive road-handling and dynamic poise. Drivers also benefit from excellent body roll control, responsive and confident cornering thus providing a secure and fulfilling drive," says the blurb accompanying these pics, so for now we'll take their word for it!

The DS3 appears to be taking the 'personalisation' theme to a new level for Citroen, with the 'floating roof' available in a choice of four colours, six different colour options for the fascia, and even five colour configurations for the chrome and leather gear knob.

Even the key fob is painted the same colour as the car, which should at least give you a clue in the supermarket car park if the DS3 becomes as popular as Citroen hopes when it goes on sale here next Spring.

 

[gumsie]

So much nicer than the crass OTT Audi jobs.

[BelperJim]

I hope it looks better in the flesh.

[zac510]

They still appear to be placed there as a styling/fashion statement rather than a functional item unfortunately.

[rhinochopig]

Strange little thing. Looks ok from the front but from certain angles looks almost like a mini-SUV. I hate the sharks-fin though.

[Mr Gear]

I can't tell how big it is supposed to be.

[andyps]

I like it, and unlike the Beetle, MINI and 500 it isn't pretending to be anything from the past.

[Staffy1984]

Looks good, I wouldn't have one personally, but I know the missus will like it, and she'll prefer it to the mini.

Something tells me this wasn't meant for us lads

[james_tigerwoods]

I wonder what it'll look like in a low spec version - think smaller wheels and non-smoked windows - I'm not sure that shark fin will make it to production as I'm not convinced it's something that can be easily mass-produced.

Also, will it be available in a 5 door version - what will that look like?

However - I like it

[andyps]

james_tigerwoods said:

I wonder what it'll look like in a low spec version - think smaller wheels and non-smoked windows - I'm not sure that shark fin will make it to production as I'm not convinced it's something that can be easily mass-produced.

Also, will it be available in a 5 door version - what will that look like?

However - I like it

The story says they are official pictures of the final car so the shark fin will be there. I am not sure there will be low spec versions, my understanding is that the DS line will all be more bespoke cars, efectively meaning the low spec DS3 is the C3 - I am happy to be corrected however.

[grumbledoak]

Is it me, or is that 'floating roof' just a question of painting different bits in different colours?

[Carpie]

grumbledoak said:

Is it me, or is that 'floating roof' just a question of painting different bits in different colours?

Were you expecting it to actually float?

Looks good, I like it.

[Staffy1984]

grumbledoak said:

Is it me, or is that 'floating roof' just a question of painting different bits in different colours?

Looks like it, but it does look pretty good, citroen and renault really seem to be bringing their A game on the design front these last few years (except for those front silver bits on the new meganes )

I doubt Peugoet can match the rest of their french comrades, they're still holding on to the 406 coupe as their best looking car EVER!!!!

[grumbledoak]

Carpie said:

Looks good, I like it.

Looks good in those photos, but I think UK spec clear glass is going to bugger up their roof illusion.

Edited by grumbledoak on Monday 24th August 14:12

[Chris71]

andyps said:

I like it, and unlike the Beetle, MINI and 500 it isn't pretending to be anything from the past.

Same here. I'm not overwhelmed by it, but it's at least as interesting as the current contenders and I prefer something original, not another over sized retro re-hash.

[Staffy1984]

grumbledoak said:

Carpie said:

Looks good, I like it.

Looks good in those photos, but I think UK spec clear glass is going to bugger up their roof illusion.

Edited by grumbledoak on Monday 24th August 14:12

Yea the privacy glass won't be as dark as that this is true. I shall wait to make final judgement, but so far so good.

[james_tigerwoods]

I like that the french like making different cars

[fluffyducky]

Staffy1984 said:

Looks good, I wouldn't have one personally, but I know the missus will like it, and she'll prefer it to the mini.

Something tells me this wasn't meant for us lads

Then strap my tackle up and call me Pauline cus I like it...

[Carrera RS]

Whats the point in the key fob being painted the same as the car? I only see that as a benefit to citroen dealers who have a key cabinet full of them?

[Carrera RS]

andyps said:

I like it, and unlike the Beetle, MINI and 500 it isn't pretending to be anything from the past.

You mean it doesnt have heritage and will quickly be forgotten?

[pilchardthecat]

Utterly undeserving of the DS moniker