THE new DS3 is a sporty rival to the MINI. So says Citroen. But are they right? Jason King, head of market intelligence at Glass’s Guide, provides the expert view.WHAT is the Citroen DS3? Good question. It’s the three-door sister model to the recently launched five-door Citroen C3 supermini – a competitor to the Ford Fiesta or VW Polo. But the DS3 is prettier, sportier, and having a bit more go, it is bound to cause jealousy within the Citroen household.
So what’s good about the Citroen DS3?
- The first of the Citroen DS models that are set to change the perception of the Citroen brand. Higher quality, sportier and with a ‘desire to own’ factor. It will provide a halo effect for the rest of the models, reckons Citroen.
- The exterior design is dramatic and the interior equally impressive and has a quality feel. It can also accommodate five passengers, so it has some level of practicality, too.
- The handling does not disappoint and, with many of the engines being jointly developed with BMW, the MINI comparisons may well be justified. There’s a choice of three petrol and two HDi diesels ranging from 90hp to 150hp.
- The three trim level line-up is clear and concise and has equipment levels similar to the key supermini competitors. The trim levels are DSign, DStyle and DSport. A vast array of personalisation is available which, although attractive to new car customers, can make buying used more of a challenge. Not everyone will have the same tastes and trends do change over the years.
Verdict on the Citroen DS3
On paper, to pitch a Citroen as a direct competitor to a MINI seems like madness. However, in reality the first of a new breed of Citroens comes pretty close.
It looks great, has that mischievous nature that makes you want to drive it, and is sensibly priced. There are brand issues, of course, but the DS strategy can only help change people’s opinions. As long as the huge discounts that Citroen has been famous for are not offered, the future for DS3 and Citroen look very rosy indeed.
If you want to read more of Jason King’s verdicts, click on www.glassguide.co.uk/Jason.
Citroen DS3 prices
- 1.4 VTi 16V 95bhp DSign L11,700
- 1.6 HDi 16V 110bhp DSport L15,900
- 1.6 HDi 16V 90bhp DStyle L13,700
- 1.6 THP 16V 150bhp DSport L15,900
- 1.6i VTi 16V 120bhp DStyle L13,700
