Citroen DS3 - New Pics

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

By Chris-R / Sunday, 23 August 2009 / Loading comments

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.