Citroen DS3 Design Competition Kicks-Off

Matching the company ‘creative technology’ motto, Citroen’s international design competition kicked-off today, inviting people to customize the roof and dashboard of the latest addition to the French brand’s lineup, the DS3. The competition, open to anyone, will allow enthusiasts to submit their designs until July 4, 2010.

According to Citroen, the entries will be judged by a prestigious panel of experts from the worlds of design, art and media including senior representatives from GQ, the Cartier Foundation and Louis Vuitton.

A series of video ‘briefs’ will be available on the competition’s website, as Citroen warns the jury will mostly pay attention to the ‘daring’ and ‘professionalism’ of the candidates.

In addition to a cash prize, the winning project will be presented at Citroën’s international showcase on the Champs Elysees in October 2010 to mark the start of the Paris Motor Show. As an ultimate reward, the design will also be put into production, available in 2011 as part of a special DS3 collection.

DS3 is Citroen’s response to the Fiat 500 or the MINI, and is the first car from its new DS range. The DS3 will have three trim levels - DSign, DStyle and DSport - and will be available with three engine petrol choices and two HDi diesel engines. All the powerplants were developed alongside BMW and will develop from 90 hp to 150 hp.

The car is offered with four different paintings for the roof, black, white, blue and red, as well as a couple of graphics offered as optional features. The exterior mirrors can be either chromed or painted in the same color as the body. The interior sports a new dashboard insert offered in six different finishes.