Citroen DS3 Car Reviews

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citroen ds3 review

citroen ds3 review

Overall BuyYourCar Rating
Rating: 4/5

Car Review

Citroen DS3

The Citroen DS3 is the first in a new line of models from the French company designed to link up with its current model range - so the DS3 will sit alongside the C3, DS4 with the C4 and DS5 with the C5. The DS3 is a stylish and well-equipped supermini that delivers decent pace and good handling.

Citroen DS3 Car Review Summary

The Citroen DS3 is a gorgeous looking hatchback with interesting lines and features. Step inside and you will find a beautifully finished interior.
The Citroen DS3’s delivery of power is one of its main strengths as it benefits from potent petrol engines and dynamic, economical diesels
Under the bonnet there’s a choice of four petrol engines - VTi 95, VTi 120 and the BMW co-developed THP 150, which can also be found in the Mini Cooper S, as well as the hot 197bhp version found in the DS3 Racing that is also used in the Peugeot RCZ.
 As for diesels, there are two versions of the 1.6-litre HDi offering 90 and 110bhp, while there is also a 99g/km CO2 version of the 1.6 HDi 90 available.

Practicality

Rating: 3/5

Life Style

Rating: 4/5

Security and Safety

Rating: 5/5

The Finishing Touches

Rating: 4/5

Overall Rating

Rating: 4/5

Practicality

Rating: 3/5

The Citroen DS3 has a large 285-litre boot and surprisingly spacious cabin. The car is bigger than its direct competitors and this can be seen in the interior where there’s plenty of space up front and enough in the back for a couple of adults - with three able to be accommodated  if needed although it wouldn’t be recommended for longer journeys.
The driving position is a long way back from the windscreen so it feels like you are driving a small people carrier. The pedals are offset as well which can take a bit of time to get used to.
The dashboard is user-friendly and thoughtfully styled with chrome-rimmed dials and colour-coded panels giving the DS3’s cabin a real verve. The plush trim and slick switchgear add to the luxury feel while the steering wheel column has controls for the audio system and cruise control.
All the engines available with the Citroen DS3 offer decent fuel economy. Insurance should be reasonable as well with all models ranging from group 12E to 22E (with the new 1-50 insurance groups).
The level to which a DS3 is customised will determine how much the car costs. The engine choice sets the base price of the car, followed by how many options you tick after that. Basic prices look reasonable but it’s worth bearing in mind that costs can quickly mount with included options. That said the individuality of each car - providing it’s not been outlandishly decorated - should mean the DS3 has a good resale value.

citroen ds3 review

citroen ds3 review

Life Style

Rating: 4/5

The Citroen DS3 is one for those who like making a car their own as there are 38 roof and body colour combinations along with matching alloy wheels and a variety of roof decals to choose from ranging from stripes, spots or a tribal pattern depending on your taste.
Citroen has spent a lot of time ensuring there is a quality fit and finish in the cabin which feels solid and is finely detailed - even down to the neat contrast stitching on the door trim.
The DS3 is much more a driver’s car than the more sedate C3 it is based on thanks to its lower body, stiffer suspension set up, slick gear shift and well-weighted steering. It turns into bends quicker, offers great handling characteristics, and also has decent body control through corners.
The ride is also pretty good, with only the worst Britain’s roads have to offer causing the car any problems.
Every version of the Citroen DS3 creates a nice atmosphere for driver and passengers by keeping wind noise to a minimum thanks to a focus on good sound proofing, while the seats are sculpted and supportive.
As far as the environment is concerned the DS3 range offers a low carbon dioxide model boasting just 99g/km of emissions while all the diesels come under 120g/km. The petrol power units are also competitive in this sphere.

citroen ds3 car review

citroen ds3 car review

Security and Safety

Rating: 5/5

The Citroen DS3 is competitive with its rivals when it comes to security equipment to deter the criminal element.
As far as safety is concerned there’s full electronic stability control, traction control and six airbags fitted as standard. This commitment to safety has seen the DS3 achieve an excellent  five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests.

The Finishing Touches

Rating: 4/5

All Citroen DS3s come with central locking, cruise control and electric front windows. Step up a level and air conditioning, front LED daytime running lights and tinted rear windows are added. DSport cars also get climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, chrome side rubbing strips, and aluminium pedals. The Racing models get climate control, Bluetooth and rear parking sensors.
The stereo is the same unit found in the C3 which sounds good and is easy to use and navigate and includes MP3 connectivity and USB.