Citroen DS3

Citroen DS3

Citroen DS3
Citroen DS3

Citroen DS3
Citroen DS3
Citroen DS3

DS3 is an assertive, urban 3-door supermini with radical styling, elegant detailing and an extensive choice of customisable design options for a bespoke driving experience. DS3 is the first model from Citroën’s new DS line, which will consist of three distinctively styled, attention grabbing cars – DS3, DS4 and DS5 – that highlight the very best of Citroën’s ‘Créative Technologie’.

DS3 will be offered in three new Citroën trim levels – DSign, DStyle and DSport – with a choice of three petrol and two HDi diesels ranging from 90hp to 150hp. All three DS3 petrol engines were co-developed with BMW.

An environmentally considerate 99g/km 1.6HDi 16V 90hp will also be available – delivering up to 74.3mpg.

The DS3 range starts with the petrol 1.4 16V VTi 95hp in DSign trim, which is priced from just £11,700.

The price of a fully specified, fully personalised, range-topping DSport model, powered by the punchy 1.6 THP 150hp petrol engine, is £18,775.

Due to great customer interest in the model, Citroën has taken the exceptional step of launching an online DS3 configurator – significantly in advance of the car’s on-sale date – so future owners can create their perfect DS3, based on their own performance and style preferences.

Customers start using the configurator by selecting the engine and trim level for their DS3. Then, depending on these initial choices, they can specify body colour, roof colour and roof graphics, as well as a host of other features like chrome door mirrors, chrome rubbing strips, up to 17” alloy wheels in different styles and colours, front LEDs, upholstery material and colour scheme, and even one of six colours for the dashboard and gear knob.

There are also equipment packs to choose from, which include features like automatic headlamps, rear parking sensors, MyWay satellite navigation, Connecting Box (Bluetooth with USB socket), and a front central armrest.

The choice is comprehensive and unprecedented for a new car by a mainstream manufacturer.

Citroen DS3 R

Citroen DS3 R
Citroen DS3 R
Citroen DS3 R

Citroen DS3 R to stick to the road, the car has undergone some significant sporting enhancements. The steering has been made even more precise, with the control system modified for the new tyres. The fitment of stiffer suspension springs, adapted front and rear shock absorbers (to handle the increased power), and the widening of the front and rear tracks by 30mm - plus lowering the car by 15mm - all dramatically change the driving dynamics.

These important developments reinforce both the stability and dynamic control of the car, and enhance the feedback between the road and the driver.

The braking system has also been up-rated to ensure control over the car’s additional horsepower. The front wheels get 4-piston racing callipers and special disc-brakes - with drilled discs at the rear. For enhanced control, the ESP has been adapted to complement the sportier handling, but can be disengaged according to the driver’s preference.

In addition to the distinctive, radical styling of Citroen DS3, the new Racing edition inherits Citroen Racing’s expertise in motorsport design to provide advanced technological and stylistic sporting prowess.

Citroen DS3 R3

Citroen DS3 R3
Citroen DS3 R3

FIA’s new Group R3T regulations, DS3 R3 features the same structural design and appearance as the production model, with the production steel body shell reinforced by a welded, multi-point roll cage, improving the resilience of the chassis and safety for the driver pairing.

Under the bonnet lies a four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP (high pressure turbo) engine, which has been developed using the PSA production engine. Specific racing parts (air box, camshaft, pistons, connecting rods, exhaust and turbo systems, electronic unit, etc.) have been deployed to boost the car’s power to 210bhp. In addition to its overall power, special attention has been given to increasing the engine’s torque to improve traction, one of the key factors in delivering efficient driving performance. With 350Nm, the DS3 R3 engine offers unrivalled flexibility on the road.

DS3 R3 has benefitted from the extensive expertise acquired by Citroen Racing through its involvement in the World Rally Championship. As with the C4 WRC, the six-speed gearbox features semi-automatic sequential control, enabling gear changes to be made twice as quickly as with a manual gearbox, whilst also improving the reliability of the car’s powertrain.

The suspension system uses the very latest technologies and has been designed for all road surfaces, from rough gravel to smooth tarmac. A wide variety of setup options are available, allowing DS3 R3 to be adapted to all driving styles. Citroen Racing recommends the use of BFGoodrich tyres.