Citroën DS3 (10 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 18 February 2011
The DS3 is the first in a range of very different Citroen models that put the emphasis on style and personality, along with strong performance and driver appeal. With its stylish look and compact size, it's easy to see why so many comparisons have been drawn with the popular MINI and Fiat 500. In contrast to those two, the DS3 isn't a 'retro' model, but it is similar in many ways with an elegant cabin, a sporty stance and impressive handling. It really is great to drive with tremendous poise in corners and responsive steering, while the ride remains forgiving. It's also very well built - something that can't be said for all Citroens - with a genuinely premium feel to the interior and impressive refinement at higher speeds. Overall, it's the best car Citroen has made for a long time.
4 out of 5

Other Citroën reviews

4 out of 5

Summary

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£7,880 - £16,594

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Genuinely great to drive, high-quality feel, stylish and chic look, low running costs, wide range of customisation options

Lacks the image of a MINI

The DS3 is the first in a range of very different Citroen models that put the emphasis on style and personality, along with strong performance and driver appeal. With its stylish look and compact size, it's easy to see why so many comparisons have been drawn with the popular MINI and Fiat 500. In contrast to those two, the DS3 isn't a 'retro' model, but it is similar in many ways with an elegant cabin, a sporty stance and impressive handling. It really is great to drive with tremendous poise in corners and responsive steering, while the ride remains forgiving. It's also very well built - something that can't be said for all Citroens - with a genuinely premium feel to the interior and impressive refinement at higher speeds. Overall, it's the best car Citroen has made for a long time.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "There's a good choice of engines in the DS3 line-up, ranging from the super-economical to those with..."

  • Handling

    4 out of 5

    "The DS3 is unlike any recent Citroen model in the way it handles and is a genuinely great car to..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    4 out of 5

    "The DS3 only comes as a three-door, so getting into the back seats can be a little challenging, but..."

  • Practicality

    3.5 out of 5

    "Few small three-door cars are especially practical but the DS3 is better than many alternatives. For..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "There are three trim levels - DSign, DStyle and DSport and all models come well equipped as..."

  • Behind the wheel

    4 out of 5

    "The DS3 builds on the interior seen in the 2010 C3, with a similar layout and style. But the quality..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    4 out of 5

    "It may be stylish and sporty, but the DS3 is also cheap to run. List prices are competitive and all..."

  • Green credentials

    4 out of 5

    "All the engines in the DS3 range are economical and even the top 1.6-litre THP emits just 155g/km of..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4.5 out of 5

    "The DS3 was awarded the maximum five stars for crash protection from Euro NCAP - the official crash..."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "More often than not, this has been the weak link in Citroen cars. But the firm is striving to..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3 out of 5

    "Citroen dealers are known for having very good offers running and for being generous with discounts."

  • Buying used

    3.5 out of 5

    "With so many different paint and interior combinations available, it's very rare to find two DS3s..."

  • Selling

    3.5 out of 5

    "The DS badge hasn't been seen on a Citroen for many years, so the majority of buyers will be more..."

Gallery

  • Interior Citroën DS3 (10 on)
  • Exterior Citroën DS3 (10 on)
  • Exterior Citroën DS3 (10 on)
  • Exterior Citroën DS3 (10 on)

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