Photo: Citroen
No, we didn't forget to add another 0 to that number. Only ten examples of the latest DS3 version will be coming to the UK. By our accounts, that makes it much rarer than the LaFerrari or the McLaren P1. So what's so special about this car that only a few Brits will be able to buy? Let's find out.
The DS3 Cabrio Racing has an ultra-low production run of just 100 units, most of which will stay in France. By comparison, Ferrari is making 499 LaFerraris. But fear not, this hot hatchling will not set you back millions. Prices in Britain start at £29,305 and basically end there, since there isn't really an options list. That's cheaper than a Ferrari, of course, but it's quite expensive for a car of this type.
Just to give you an example, the Golf R is £29,900 and offers 300 hp for 0 to 62 in 5 seconds. By comparison, the DS3 Racing convertible has only a 1.6-liter THP with 207 hp, good for 0 to 62 in 6.5 seconds.
But if you think of this as an alternative to the Abarth 500c or any of its Ferrari or Maserati badged derivatives, the 595's and 695's, this little Citroen does start to make sense. Just check out all the factory-fitted goodies, which should give you a better idea why Citroen asks so much for such a small package:
• Re-mapping of the engine control unit (ECU)
• Modified sports exhaust system & sports silencer
• Modified turbo system with integrated carbon-trimmed components & specialist motor sports equipment
• High-performance suspension with adapted front & rear shock absorbers (to handle the increased power)
• Widening of the front & rear tracks by 30mm - plus lowering the car by 15mm
• Revised steering mapping & a modified steering control system
• Up-rated braking system, including 4-piston racing callipers at the front
• Switchable Electronic Stability Control programme (S.ESC) to complement the sports handling, which can be deactivated according to the driver’s preference.
Trim is also of the highest level. The car is based on the DS3 DSport and comes standard with LED daytime running lights, automatic digital air conditioning and rear parking sensors. Besides that, the motorsport people have added Alcantara trim with red stitching.
But by far our favorite feature on the car is the Moondark Matte Grey body. Yes, you get striking matte paint with contrasting red stripes as standard. There are version of the Fiat 500 Abarth with matte paint, but they don't have a 1.6-liter engine with over 200 horsepower. The DS3 Cabrio body is also slightly bigger and more practical than its Fiat kin. Our verdict: C'est Maginifique!
Just to give you an example, the Golf R is £29,900 and offers 300 hp for 0 to 62 in 5 seconds. By comparison, the DS3 Racing convertible has only a 1.6-liter THP with 207 hp, good for 0 to 62 in 6.5 seconds.
But if you think of this as an alternative to the Abarth 500c or any of its Ferrari or Maserati badged derivatives, the 595's and 695's, this little Citroen does start to make sense. Just check out all the factory-fitted goodies, which should give you a better idea why Citroen asks so much for such a small package:
• Re-mapping of the engine control unit (ECU)
• Modified sports exhaust system & sports silencer
• Modified turbo system with integrated carbon-trimmed components & specialist motor sports equipment
• High-performance suspension with adapted front & rear shock absorbers (to handle the increased power)
• Widening of the front & rear tracks by 30mm - plus lowering the car by 15mm
• Revised steering mapping & a modified steering control system
• Up-rated braking system, including 4-piston racing callipers at the front
• Switchable Electronic Stability Control programme (S.ESC) to complement the sports handling, which can be deactivated according to the driver’s preference.
Trim is also of the highest level. The car is based on the DS3 DSport and comes standard with LED daytime running lights, automatic digital air conditioning and rear parking sensors. Besides that, the motorsport people have added Alcantara trim with red stitching.
But by far our favorite feature on the car is the Moondark Matte Grey body. Yes, you get striking matte paint with contrasting red stripes as standard. There are version of the Fiat 500 Abarth with matte paint, but they don't have a 1.6-liter engine with over 200 horsepower. The DS3 Cabrio body is also slightly bigger and more practical than its Fiat kin. Our verdict: C'est Maginifique!
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