Citroën DS3 (10 on) - Review Review by David Ross on 25 Jan 2010 Last Updated: 10 Jan 2013 4 The Citroen 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. Indeed, it has a lot going for in the looks department: the sharkfin-shaped mid-pillar isn’t traditional – you might even call it quirky – and the overall shape is much slicker than the more sedate C3 on which it is based. Summary Driving & Performance Equipment Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Owners' Reviews Also Consider Facts & Figures Company Car Info Gallery 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 New price range: £12,700 - £21,480 View all new prices Used price range: £7,317 - £16,483 View all used prices Summary Parkers Rating: 4 out of 5 The Citroen 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. Indeed, it has a lot going for in the looks department: the sharkfin-shaped mid-pillar isn’t traditional – you might even call it quirky – and the overall shape is much slicker than the more sedate C3 on which it is based. Reliving past gloriesThe ‘DS’ badge reflects Citroen’s glory days when it built armadillo-shaped super saloons with hydro-pneumatic suspension that wafted and wallowed with a sense of occasion that no other manufacturer could match. This model, the first in the new DS range, doesn’t attempt to ape those cars, it merely revives a name that commanded so much affection. With its stylish looks 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 that it has 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.Engine line-upThere’s three petrol engines designed by BMW and they start with the entry level 1.4 VTi , then the 1.6 VTi and the most powerful of the three, the 1.6 THP, which makes 150bhp. Two 1.6-litre diesels are available with either 90bhp or 110bhp and the lowest powered version boasts an impressive averaged claimed fuel economy of 74mpg while emitting 99g/km of CO2. So, the DS3 has the looks, low running costs, road holding and that certain 'Je ne sais quois' that sets it apart from established rivals such as the MINI and the Fiat 500, but can it come out on top? Read the full Citroen DS3 review to find out. Parkers Ratings Overall 4 out of 5 Performance 4 out of 5 Handling 4 out of 5 Comfort 4 out of 5 Practicality 3.5 out of 5 Behind the wheel 4 out of 5 Safety 4.5 out of 5 Reliability 3.5 out of 5 Running costs 4 out of 5 Green credentials 4 out of 5 Buying new 3 out of 5 Buying used 3.5 out of 5 Selling 3.5 out of 5 Equipment 4 out of 5 Parkers Recommends... Handling: DSport Red THP 155 6-speed manual Handling: 1.6 THP 16V (155bhp) DSport What owners say... “ Its functional. We wanted a smaller car than the previous Vectra. ” 3 out of 5 David Boon , 17 Sep 2012 ... read more “ The size of the car is very misleading, it looks like a small car, feels like a sporty car, feels like a small car to drive with the small windscreen but then when you actually think about it and look... ” 5 out of 5 Jonny Kirby , 02 Apr 2012 ... read more “ It's not a big car, so for the size it does well. i'm 6'0 and my wife and i have lots of room in the front, and we managed to get 4 blokes in the car too which is good going! ” 4 out of 5 Anonymous , 15 Feb 2012 ... read more See all Owners' Reviews Read the full facts and figures about this car Compare this car to other cars Next steps View 53 new Citroën DS3 Hatchbacks for sale Read 4 owners' reviews Tweet Other Citroën reviews Continue to: Driving & Performance Best deals on Citroën DS3 Hatchbacks New Citroen DS3 Hatchback 1.6 VTi 16V DStyle Plus 3d Now £12,990 Save £2,815 List Price £15,805 New Citroen DS3 Hatchback 1.6 THP 16V (155bhp) Ultra Prestige 3d Now £17,839 Save £3,366 List Price £21,205 Used Citroen DS3 Hatchback 1.6 e-HDi Airdream DStyle Plus 3d (2012/12) Price £10,490 Save £2,275 Oldham Motor Park Used Citroen DS3 Hatchback 1.6 THP 16V DSport 3d (2010/10) Price £9,995 Save £1,580 Duffmorgan Citroen
“ Its functional. We wanted a smaller car than the previous Vectra. ” 3 out of 5 David Boon , 17 Sep 2012 ... read more
“ The size of the car is very misleading, it looks like a small car, feels like a sporty car, feels like a small car to drive with the small windscreen but then when you actually think about it and look... ” 5 out of 5 Jonny Kirby , 02 Apr 2012 ... read more
“ It's not a big car, so for the size it does well. i'm 6'0 and my wife and i have lots of room in the front, and we managed to get 4 blokes in the car too which is good going! ” 4 out of 5 Anonymous , 15 Feb 2012 ... read more
New Citroen DS3 Hatchback 1.6 THP 16V (155bhp) Ultra Prestige 3d Now £17,839 Save £3,366 List Price £21,205
Used Citroen DS3 Hatchback 1.6 e-HDi Airdream DStyle Plus 3d (2012/12) Price £10,490 Save £2,275 Oldham Motor Park
Used Citroen DS3 Hatchback 1.6 THP 16V DSport 3d (2010/10) Price £9,995 Save £1,580 Duffmorgan Citroen