DS3 has 154bhp already, is more on the way?
Citroen is planning a return to the hot hatch market with a spicy version of the new DS3 hatch.
Citroen is keeping tight-lipped about whether or not the new car exists - let alone revealing any details of specification - but when pushed a friendly Citroen spokesman did let slip a few hints.
"I can't tell you anything for certain," they told PH, "but let's just say that Citroen is seriously researching the possibility of a more powerful version of the DS3."
The new car will build on the just-launched DS3, which currently tops out with the already pretty warm 154bhp THP 150.
Like the THP 150, the new car would use a version of the turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder motor that the Peugeot-Citroen group has jointly developed with BMW (which uses it in the Mini).
As for power outputs, something with between 170bhp and 200bhp is likely, so don't expect a cheap 'n' cheerful successor to the Saxo VTS so beloved of the baseball cap brigade. Instead, the new hot DS3 will be positioned to take on the 173bhp Mini Cooper S, 180bhp Seat Ibiza Cupra and 197bhp Clio Renaultsport.
Performance should certainly be brisk enough to take on the Clio. Citroen quotes a feisty 0-62mph sprint of 7.3secs for the existing 154bhp THP 150, which puts it close to an Ibiza Cupra and in sight of the Clio Renaultsport's 6.9secs time, so a hotter DS3 should be one of the fastest cars in its class.
If the hot DS3 does happen, expect to see it in showrooms sometime in 2011, most likely with a rally-inspired badge, since 'VTS' 'GT' and 'VTR' are apparently off the cards. Citroen DS3 WRC, anyone?