Now here’s a review for a car boasting plenty of character and flavour. Citroen have come up with a hot little number that captures bystander’s attention like you wouldn’t believe. It looks so good that even a Porsche 911 would struggle to gain as much interest.

French car designers have managed to produce some eye-catching designs of late, and where credit is due credit should be given. The styling team have done a sensational job at producing a very vibrant and fresh looking small car. In a world of cars that can end up looking somewhat clonal in design, it was with great pleasure to see the Citroen DS3 boasting funky shark fin b-pillars, a massive grille, racy alloys, indented side sills, a large rear bumper, a sporty roof aerial, compact and racy wing mirrors, twin exhausts, a balanced and compact nose, complete symmetry, aggressive headlights and a stylish chrome Citroen emblem that reminded me of how Zorro used to mark his signature.

Everything on the little Citroen DS3 is beautiful. Side on, you’ll notice a shark fin present – look carefully and you will see where that is. A state of the art, three conic-dial dashboard relays instant information of speed, engine revs and onboard computer information. The distinctive interior has chrome finishing and tailored upholstery that is impeccably crafted. Classiness is all about the Citroen DS3 cabin, and spending time in the fresh well-lit cabin is a pleasure, always. Leather seats or cloth, quality plastics and vibrant colour shades work together in a harmonious blend of style and cosseting luxury. Easing back inside the Citroen DS3 seats is relaxing and supportive. If driven quickly, the Citroen DS3 front seats provide excellent support. The dashboard strip comes in six finishes. I personally like the lighter coloured strips, as they complement the darker surfaces around the cabin – completely a matter of taste. Simple switchgear, clear dials and an excellent onboard computer screen ensure that the Citroen DS3 is extremely functional and easy to live with.

There is ample storage space in the boot, with a load capacity which will swallow plenty of golf bags. It has one of the roomier boot spaces in its class. To make things even more functional, Citroen provide rear seat backs that are split and fold to increase the volume further. Ample storage space throughout the rest of the cockpit is always a must, so the cockpit with rear and front pockets, a central console, and sliding drawers under the passenger seat give you an idea of how forward thinking the new Citroen DS3 is.

Economical and responsive engines are delightfully punchy. The DS3 engines remain well muted so that you can whisk yourself across the tarmac and hold an unruffled, meaningful conversation in the cabin.

Let’s start by taking a look at the diesel powered options. Citroen have always produced excellent diesel motors to power their motorcars, and the reliable and frugal diesel engines offered to the Citroen DS3 are no different. Two variants of the 1.6 HDi advanced diesel unit are offered. The base model provides 68 kW while the slightly tuned version, of the same engine, boasts a handy 82 kW output.

Switch your attention to the petrol versions, and there is plenty of choice here. Again a smooth base model offering instant response offers around 70 kW. The mid range performer has 90 kW at the ready, while the quickest of the Citroen DS3 range peaks out at 112 kW. Even the 1.4 litre injected petrol, offering 70 kW, will spin freely to over 180 km/h on the right road.

A fun driver’s car, the Citroen DS3 most certainly is. Great handling and directional control make the Citroen DS3 a blast to drive fast. All the commands and controls are turned towards the driver to enhance your control on the road. Optimum safety, a design focus on strength and robustness, combined with efficient driving aids and instruments all add up to a very fun and very safe little car.

The full range is yet to be fully finalised for Australia, however the current model series in the UK includes the:

• DS3 1.4 VTi
• DS3 1.6 VTi
• DS3 1.6 THP
• DS3 1.6 HDi (68 kW)
• DS3 1.6 HDi (82 kW)

For anymore information on the Citroen DS3, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Citroen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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