The DS3 is by far the most popular car in Citroen's posh range. Now that DS is to become an independent brand, separate from Creative Technology, we have to take a really close look at what makes the uncrowned French monarch tick.
As you all know, the DS3 has just received a mid-life facelift, which the carmaker hopes will rekindle past flames and attract customers away from MINI showrooms. This is their first advert for the 2014 model, and we're in no position to judge, it's not to our liking.
Because the headlights look like the eyes of a car, Citroen went the easy rout and presented glamorous people, with closeups on the eyes. It's as interesting to watch as sifting though the monthly edition of Cosmo, but hipsters, fashion victims and androgynous males might not be the best way to sell such an expensive little car.
The DS3 facelift is on sale in Britain today, with prices starting at a somewhat reasonable £12,615. The largest change over the previous generation is the new Xenon Full LED Signature headlights system, which not only looks better, but is also 35% more energy efficient. We looked though the official UK market configurator and found that this is by no means a cheap option to have. Only select models receive it, starting with the £17,000 DStyle Techno trim level, which comes as standard with a 1.6 THP turbo engine.
Besides the headlights, Citroen wanted to install EU6 engines in both diesel and petrol forms. The 2014 DS3 has thus received Blue HDi 100 and Blue HDi 120 engines, both 1.6-liter turbodiesels. The former is the cleanest in the range, capable of doing an amazing 94 mpg (3l/100km) and emitting 79 grams per kilometer of CO2.
If you're looking for a cheaper model, the new petrol 1.2-liter called PureTech e-VTi 82 is just as good a choice. It promises 69 mpg UK, making this one of the most frugal superminis around. However, you do have to put up with an automated-manual five-speed Efficient Tronic Gearbox (ETG).
Because the headlights look like the eyes of a car, Citroen went the easy rout and presented glamorous people, with closeups on the eyes. It's as interesting to watch as sifting though the monthly edition of Cosmo, but hipsters, fashion victims and androgynous males might not be the best way to sell such an expensive little car.
The DS3 facelift is on sale in Britain today, with prices starting at a somewhat reasonable £12,615. The largest change over the previous generation is the new Xenon Full LED Signature headlights system, which not only looks better, but is also 35% more energy efficient. We looked though the official UK market configurator and found that this is by no means a cheap option to have. Only select models receive it, starting with the £17,000 DStyle Techno trim level, which comes as standard with a 1.6 THP turbo engine.
Besides the headlights, Citroen wanted to install EU6 engines in both diesel and petrol forms. The 2014 DS3 has thus received Blue HDi 100 and Blue HDi 120 engines, both 1.6-liter turbodiesels. The former is the cleanest in the range, capable of doing an amazing 94 mpg (3l/100km) and emitting 79 grams per kilometer of CO2.
If you're looking for a cheaper model, the new petrol 1.2-liter called PureTech e-VTi 82 is just as good a choice. It promises 69 mpg UK, making this one of the most frugal superminis around. However, you do have to put up with an automated-manual five-speed Efficient Tronic Gearbox (ETG).