autoevolution
 

Citroen DS3: 300,000th Car Produced in France

The Citroen factory in Poissy, France has just announced it has produced DS3 supermini number 300,000, four years after the DS brand was re-launched. The smallest member of the family is already past its youth days, having been launched in January 2010, so the new "facelift" model with LED headlights is what marked the production landmark occasion.
Citroen DS3 1 photo
Photo: Citroen
The DS3 rolled off its assembly line on June 26th and is defined by the "So Irresistible" limited edition look, which includes Perla Nera black body paint. Thanks to a cosmetic refresh unveiled back in May, the MINI rival packs three individual LED lenses and a xenon unit on each corner of the front end. Round the back, 3D-effect LED taillights complete the modern look and other touches like details etched into the chrome or 17-inch diamond-cut wheel complete the look.

The DS3's facelift has also brought about a number of new engines, including the new Euro 6 compliant 1.6-liter diesels producing 100 and 120 hp, joined by a PureTech e-VTi 1.2-liter petrol making 82 hp. 100 hp versions of the car can sip as little as 3 l/100km (94 mpg UK) and produce only 79 grams of CO2. The more expensive and powerful 120 hp diesel is slightly thirstier at 3.6 l/100km (78 mpg UK), but still puts out only 94 grams of CO2. The clean petrol is also very efficient, with a consumption of only 4.1 liters of fuel (69 mpg UK). However, you'll have to put up with an automated-manual five-speed Efficient Tronic Gearbox (ETG), the only gearbox option available.

Despite its age, the DS3 is clearly doing what the other DS models aren't able to – sell well. With 300,000 sales already, the 3 is miles ahead of the ill-designed DS4, which is just a jacked up version of the C4, and the DS5, considered by many to be an overpriced niche car. However, PSA Peugeot-Citroen have big plans for the brand, which will become standalone and has already seen its first sedan and crossover SUV launched in China.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories