Autocar je napisal/-a:What is it?

It depends on your outlook. Were you feeling particularly uncharitable you might view the DS3 as little but a three-door version of the Citroen C3 supermini.

Citroen, however, would rather you saw it as more than that. The DS3 is the first in a line of 'DS' models that will, in status (and price), sit above the regular model (the workaday C3 in this case).

So this three-door-only supermini-sized variant features neat design touches you won't find on the regular C3, an interior constructed from higher-grade materials and a different chassis set-up. There's more soundproofing too, to add to the premium feel.

Think of the DS3, then, as a rival to the Mini, Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo Mito. Eyeing the success of the 500 and Mini, Citroen has given the DS3 a vast range of options and accessories to match. So although prices start at around £12,000, it's possible to spend £18,000 upwards on a DS3.
What's it like?

More than just a three-door variant of a Citroen supermini; that much becomes obvious quickly. The DS3's cabin is tastefully finished and most surfaces carefully finished, although Citroen has done nothing to alter switchgear and the cockpit's lower surfaces are ordinary.

It's spacious, too. Because the DS3 is based on a 'proper' supermini (and because it's not forced to follow a retro styling theme), the DS3 has more boot and rear seat space than its similarly fashion-conscious rivals.

Our test car was kitted with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, very similar to the one you'll find in a Mini Cooper, albeit with a different output: 154bhp at 6000rpm and 177lb ft at 1400rpm. It drives through a six-speed gearbox, and it's nice that neither engine nor gearbox is traditionally Citroen-like in feel. The 'box is precise and slick, while the engine does its best work at the top end, yet pulls well from the mid-range onwards and makes a willing noise throughout the range.

The ride and handling don't feel like a recent Citroen supermini either and, though Citroen might not thank me for saying it, they're all the better for it. The ride is firmly supple yet well controlled; it's far less soft than than a normal C3 but, conversely, because the body doesn't rock and the roll rate is slowed, I'd argue that it's actually a more comfortable experience overall. The seats are more supportive too.

The DS3 steers nicely. Slightly worryingly, Citroen says it has damped it thoroughly to suppress kickback, but as it turns out, weighting is good and consistent, and it's accurate, too.

Handling is tidy rather than stupendous, but it's engaging enough. Limits are respectable; initially it'll understeer, of course, but there's some playfulness in the chassis if you give it a lift or a bung. A Ford Fiesta Zetec S would shade it for engagement, but the DS3 would give a Mini Cooper a run for its money, which is no mean feat.

Should I buy one?

Maybe. We've only tried the fastest one so far and it was well equipped, so it's worth remembering that it's a nigh on £18,000 car, which is a lot of money for a small Citroen. However, the range starts far more cheaply and, pace apart, you get the same experience. Residuals are predicted to be in line with its rivals.

It's not an easy journey for a company to decide it's going to 'do premium', and my hunch is that it'll take Citroen a little while before consumers are prepared to engage with it as they might with a Mini. But the DS3 is a thoroughly positive start, a genuinely good product and quite a tempting one. One thing I'm certain about: it's a heck of a lot more than just a three-door supermini.
Matt Prior

drugmirko je napisal/-a:ali z drugimi besedami...

Tattoo- je napisal/-a:

drugmirko je napisal/-a:ali z drugimi besedami...

...je po napisanem običajen Citroen C3 navaden bullshit?!?

davorz je napisal/-a:Kaj se bo ta zadevca že začela prodajati v Sloveniji? Kajti včeraj sem na okencu v pošti že videl reklamo za DS3 in eno citroenovo avtohišo, kjer so vabili na ogled.

C3 in DS3 bosta imela Bridgestone pnevmatike (prva vgradnja). To je prvič, da ni Michelin.

aygo je napisal/-a:Na C3II bodo montirane Bridgestonke ali Michelinke, odvisno katera velikost platišč bo gor.

Citroen DS3: DS3 GT & DS3 Racing approach

January 31, 2010 at 19:26



And yes, you wait, you had dreamed and well it could be that your wishes are fulfilled because for the Geneva Motor Show next March Citroën has unveiled two versions of its new sports premium city (I hope you will take the time to explore).



I would not go back too much on the GT version which we already have about December 8 last, which should have the engine of new Mini Cooper S, but in a slightly less powerful because talking 180 horsepower for DS3 GT 184 for the cons new Mini Cooper S. This DS3 Sports should also propose ways a little wider, a lowered suspension, big brakes and an interior ambience that combines sportiness, exclusivity and premium spirit. A car that would hurt the 207 RC to which it will not much!

http://blogautomobile.fr/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/future-citroen-ds-3-racing.1.jpg

The other real novelty Sports is announced (not yet official) of a DS3 Racing propose that between 210 and 220 horsepower (engine in the Mini JCW), which propose a very sporty look and is also a spirit and cozy gentlemandriver. This DS3 Racing should appear on the market later this year and would be produced in small series of talks since about 1000 units annually.

The real competitor to the Mini JCW should be the future DS3 Racing pending the arrival very likely an Audi S1.

http://blogautomobile.fr/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ds3-racing.2.jpg

Whether or GT Racing these new premium sports will make their first laps before the end of the year and most probably after the submission of final lines and equipment of these cars at the Mondial de Paris 2010. A quick follow and your little pigs ...

http://blogautomobile.fr/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/citroen-ds3-Racing.3.jpg

Via Drien, C Forum, WAS, ClubCitroen.

DS3 Racing: First details

February 4, 2010 at 17:48



You want more, you'll be more careful and it will heat in small sports, the DS3 Racing is in place ... ..


Start with the little disappointment ... no version 218 or 210 horsepower car with only a 1.6 L engine THP 200 hp and 275 Nm of torque at 2500 rpm. BVM6 An upstairs sports for better performance, a chassis adapted to new ways of performance with expanded by 30 mm and a ride height lowered by 15 mm. The DS3 Racing relies on large wheels 17 (205/45 ZR 17) or 18 inches mounted 205/40 ZR 18 in either Michelin Pilot Sport 2 or Bridgestone Potenza goes to the "light". The DS3 sees its damping provided by the combined spring / shock BOS (provider Citroen Racing), braking is assured by 4 discs pinched (drilled and ventilated front and rear drilled) with fixed calipers with 4 pistons at the front again from a provider Citroen Racing. The PSE is specific and déconnectbale for driving enthusiasts SportsThe steering also has new laws assistance for clarity and vivacity.



Outside, we found a DS3 Sport Chic with small changes and insert "carbon finish" on:

The blade spoiler, the fender flares, rocker panels, the protective side strips and rear diffuser.

The DS3 Racing is available in two color combinations namely:

White / Blue flag Botticelli

Black Obsidian / Orange flag

Mirrors, grille rods, angle brackets, brake calipers, edges polished rims and ... Supension springs are the same colors as the flag of the DS3 R. The exhaust is also specific to DS3 Racing. The DS3 will benefit from chrome logos or R Racing in several places and on the door sills. Inside, all the inserts are made of carbon and the shift lever, and its trim strip of the scoreboard are the same color as the flag that is blue or orange. The interior also benefits from a specific finish with R embroidery on the seats and center console is seen fitted with a metal plate showing the number of self (recall we are talking about 1000 cars produced per year). By cons, no information on whether there are bucket seats, leather, velvet or alcantara in the DS3 Sports.

Regarding performance, we talk a Vmax of 230 km / h, a 0 to 100 km / h in 6.8 seconds shot and a 1,000 m standing start folded in 26.9 seconds. Also according to my information, it was announced a weight of 1,165 kg (a weight / power ratio of 5.83 kg / hp) and CO2 emissions of around 155 g / km.

[img]http://blogautomobile.fr/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/DS3-caractériqtiques.22.png[/img]

[img]http://blogautomobile.fr/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/DS3-Racing-caractéristiques.jpg[/img]

This is the first information I have, however, it will officially confirm the news with CitroenBut there is no reason that the differences are important ... To be continued very soon!

Via RCo for WAS.