We can also do what BMW with Mini or Audi with the A1 can do Citroen six years ago, and launched its premium division "DS". In a way, as a tribute to the legendary times when the avant-garde limousine DS, called the "goddess", was hovered over the streets with hydropneumatics.
The first more recent DS model was the DS 2010 in 3, the one with the striking shark fin on the flank. The compact car also featured the floating roof and the two-tone body, very similar to the Mini. Success was not long in coming. Citroen sold almost 400.000 DS 3, including the convertible version that added to the line in 2013. Meanwhile there is also a DS 4 and DS 5, in China even a DS 6 as an SUV. Last year, DS appeared as a separate brand for the first time. Therefore, the Citroen DS 3 will in future only be called DS 3.
It is nevertheless surprising that the facelift was only tackled after such a long time. It is usually three to four years. And after seven a new model is due. "The DS 3 already had several small model updates," says Eric Apode, Director of Product and Development DS. Externally, the designers especially changed the front. The chrome surrounds of the grill now run like wings right under the headlights. In addition, the cooler of the DS 3 no longer carries the traditional double angle, but for the first time the brand new emblem, a stylized DS.
The customer can still take advantage of an almost infinite number of customization options. Accessible through 78 color combinations for the body, roof, exterior mirrors, rims, dashboard, gear knob and covers. "The chance that a completely identical DS 3 will meet you is practically impossible," says Apode.
With the facelift, Citroen has also given its lifestyle vehicle two new engines. The more important one is clearly the small three-cylinder, called PureTech 130. It is already available in the Group in the Citroen C4, in the Peugeot 308 and 2008. The turbo petrol engine with 96 kW / 130 PS releases the old 1,6 liter vacuum cleaner with 120 PS turns off, purrs up with a slightly rough undertone and hangs well on the gas. The real fun, however, is provided by the relatively high and early torque. The maximum value of 230 Nm is already at 1.750 revolutions per minute (according to DS best value in the class), exactly the range that is constantly reached in city and after-work traffic.
This sovereignty is also reflected in consumption. The standard value of 4,5 liters is more of a theoretical nature, but with six liters everyday life should be easy to do as long as you are not driving at full speed on the highway to see whether the specified 204 km / h top is too really agree.
The new top model DS 230 Performance, the THP 3, is really fast (208 km / h). Its 1,6-liter four-cylinder sends 208 HP and 300 Newton meters into the six-speed gearbox and thus plays in the league of so-called "hot hatches", as high-powered bang boxes are often called in the scene. You don't need a Nobel Prize in physics to guess that so much power releases so much adrenaline with so little car. The THP 208 is a fun device and corner robber par excellence. And of course wants to communicate this externally. The body is 1,5 centimeters lower, the track is wider, the brakes more generous, the light alloy rims larger and the exhaust pipe thicker. There are also special color combinations for the body and roof, as well as other instruments and leather bucket seats in the interior.
Citroen sells a good ten percent of the DS 3 models as a convertible, or rather a convertible roof convertible, because the door frames and the side roof rails remain. The fresh air pleasure is somewhat clouded by this compromise, especially since the folded roof completely blocks the view to the rear. The trunk (245 liters), which is difficult to use in everyday life, is also annoying. The small tailgate only opens a 30 cm opening. Beverage crates must therefore remain outside.
Common to all DS 3 versions is the latest connectivity technology. With Mirror Screen, iPhones can be connected to the car via Apple CarPlay or Android phones via Mirror Link and then controlled via the 7-inch touchscreen. The Siri voice control also works with Apple CarPlay.
At the market launch in March, the new DS 3 started as a basic petrol engine with 82 hp at 15.890 euros. The new Pure Tech 130 motor already costs 20.490 euros. The 120 hp diesel is at the same level. DS will launch the 208 HP Performance model in April, but has yet to name an exact price. One wants to orientate oneself on the Mini Cooper and stay just under 29.000 euros.
Author: Michael Specht / SP-X