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Next DS3 Will Become an Urban SUV in 2018 to Compete with Audi Q1

Say what you will about the French, but they don't like to color within the lines, especially when it comes to car design. Citroen's DS brand is especially famous for thinking differently. So we're not surprised that the next DS3 model will be an urban SUV instead of a premium supermini like right now.
Divine DS Concept 1 photo
Photo: Catalin Garmacea
Arriving in 2018, the DS3 II will be based on the EMP1 platform co-developed with Chinese partners Dongfeng. As an urban crossover, it will compete directly with Nissan's Juke, the MINI Countryman and Audi's upcoming Q1 model.

Engines will include a 1.5-liter diesel with various outputs of up to 130 PS and the latest 3-cylinder turbos from PSA (1.2 PureTech with up to 130 PS).

According to a report from French magazine Auto-Moto, the new platform will make the car 40 kilos lighter and 20% more economically competitive. The good news is that while the chic softroader is being designed with the Chinese market in mind, it will also be produced in France at the Poissy factory.

The DS brand has a lot to gain from turning the DS3 into an SUV. For starters, it will be better differentiated from the Citroen C3 with which it currently shares its underpinnings. Also, the French stand a chance to tap into a market that Audi hasn't yet targeted. Rumored to be styled after the Divine DS concept, the DS3 could also be a stunner.

However, the risks are high, as the DS3 is arguably the most successful model they have, with over a third of a million produced. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, a mid-life facelift for the bigger DS4 will be revealed. However, it's unlikely to have much of an impact on the market.

Currently, the DS5 is the only model to get rid of its Citroen roots by adopting a chrome wing grille, new LED headlights and other distinguishing design features. The latest Euro 6 engines from the Peugeot 308 have also been launched.
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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.
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