Even though our test car is currently probably the sportiest Citroen in the whole line-up, at least until the "R" version arrives, it doesn't fail to provide a somewhat similar comfort to any other Citroen. Sure, the 17-inch wheels have sporty, low tire side walls and the suspension setup is much harder than you would expect, it doesn't feel as jittery as we first thought.
Of course, it doesn't exactly waft over pot holes or speed limiters like a C6, but it feels much better than its rivals on roads with poorer surfaces. Also, the front passengers bucket seats only look completely uncomfortable. As long as you're not a bit bigger than average, as in to actually fit between the gigantic side bolster supports, the feeling is like seating in a very comfortable and futuristic armchair.
The hi fi audio system isn't an eargasm provider, but it's sure one of the best you can find in this segment. We suspect this is, among other things, thanks to the sound proofing, which is actually too good in certain situations.
The single zone automatic climate control system is also better than average, but a dual zone one would have been better. Considering we tested the car in the summer, we didn't experiment with the front seat heating as well, but we suspect it's not bad considering other Citroens we tested with this feature. All in all, the DS3 in Sport Chic trimming is sporty enough to keep up with the big boys, but it's also comfortable enough not to make its passengers swear at every tram line or paved road you drive on.
If you're the "there's no replacement for displacement" type, you're probably going to be very surprised to hear about the technical specs of the Citroen DS3 1.6 THP. Although with only 1.6 liters, a tiny turbocharger and direct injection can really do wonders for such a small four cylinder engine.
As you probably know by now, the powerplant is the love child of a PSA Group-BMW marriage. Even though it's quite a bit less powerful than the unit found under the Mini Cooper S' hood, it's still able to provide 150 horsepower and 240 Nm (177 lb ft) of torque to the
LSD-less front wheel. Speaking of which, the torque numbers are identical between the two cars, despite the rather huge difference in horsepower.
Apart from the fabulous engine, which perfectly exemplifies what downsizing should be all about, we were almost even more impressed with the six-speed manual transmission. Don't get us wrong, it's nothing spectacular, but for a Citroen is probably extraordinary, especially on a sporty hatch like the DS3.
The gear ratios are close to perfect and there are simply no jolts, no gear misses and therefore no fuss about the six speed. On the whole, despite the C3-based semi-independent rear suspension, the DS3 provides a pretty good technical package. Test drive one before you make any preconceived judgment.
Apart from what the Sport Chic package brings in standard for a DS3, our test car was pretty much fully decked out. Sure, the Xenon headlights were missing, and so was the sunroof, but other than that, we had almost every other option ticked. Speaking of sunroofs, the DS3 doesn't share the C3's Zenith panoramic windscreen, making for a much cozier atmosphere inside.
Apart from the single zone automatic climate control we mentioned earlier, our car was fitted with a pretty cool navigation system that can be upgraded with maps via an SD card. The system itself was working just fine, but the ergonomics of it are pretty horrid, especially since it's integrated with the audio system as well.
For example, the center knob for working around the screen menu would lead you to believe it's also controlling the sound volume when in audio mode, but it doesn't, since there is a separate plus/minus button for that.
Other than that, our test car also had heated front seats (not that you would need them in the summer), light and rain sensors, an adjustable steering column on two directions and the fabulous leather upholstered sports seats. On the whole, not that many gadgets, but the personalization options for the interior are almost endless, just like on the exterior.
Just like most modern French cars, except maybe its C3 little brother, the Citroen DS3 scored a perfect five stars out of five at EuroNCAP. According to the crash test results in the front impact, the passenger compartment remained completely stable, while the readings indicated good protection of the legs of both front passengers.
Also, in the side barrier impact the car scored the maximum points available. The only tests where the DS3 didn't behave as it should have were the rear impact, since the protection against whiplash injury was only marginal, while any pedestrian to be struck by it wouldn't get almost any protection from the car's hood.
As far as the passive safety goes, the DS3 is equipped in standard with six airbags – two single stage frontal one, two side thorax airbags and two head airbags that run from the front to the rear. The standard active safety bit is equally impressive, with an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, seatbelt reminders for front passengers and a driver-set speed limitation system.
The best part about the Citroen DS3 1.6 THP we test drove is obviously its exterior and interior design. If you're a very pragmatic person this car is obviously not for you, since you may only see a more upscale, three-door version of the Citroen C3. We think it's much more than that, and the way it can be configured to look almost unique is really something special. We also respect Citroen's dare devil-ness in coming with a completely non-retro car in this soon to be crowded segment. Nice job!
The bad thing about it is probably the fact that it's not as sporty, or we should probably say as hardcore as some of its main rivals. Given its technical specs you're far from getting ashamed going into a race with a Mini Cooper S or an Alfa Romeo MiTo Multiair, but the sports feeling is much more sedated in the DS3, especially when talking about the exhaust sound or the somewhat too-assisted steering.
The only ugly bit we found during our Citroen DS3 test drive was probably the fact that it's too much of a compromised car. It's not as sporty as its rivals, but it's not as comfortable as a regular Citroen either. It's a good compromise, we'll give it that, but it's only the best if you're looking at a non-retro, more comfortable variant to the current segment leader, the Mini. The DS3 is not as involving nor as fast, but it's cheaper and completely devoid of the retro image some might be very fond of.