Citroen's jettisoned DS luxury division has revealed a new version of its DS 3 hatchback, with design tweaks, new technology and a new Performance model with hot hatch credentials.
Most notably, the vehicle has had a facelift to bring it in line with the design language used on the larger DS 4 and 5 siblings. Nearly 400,000 units have been sold since the supermini's introduction in 2010 as a Citroen and given that it's the entry level, big volume seller of the new standalone DS brand, the nip and tuck is essential.
"Since the upmarket DS brand split from Citroen in 2014, the popular DS 3 has had to make do with little more than the chevron badges scraped off," says Auto Express, highlighting the importance of the changes.
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The changes translate to a chunkier and more aggressive square-cut grille with a chrome surround at the front, replacing the Citroen chevron-adorned one. Higher spec models will get LED lights, but there are new alloys too, as well as a slightly revised rear end.
With customisation and personalisation still a high part of the car's appeal, there's now 78 different car and roof-colour combinations available and up to three million trim and colour possibilities.
The interior has also been slightly tinkered with to give it a premium feel, but it’s the new tech options that take centre stage. An improved 7ins touchscreen links to Apple CarPlay while smartphone connectivity includes hands-free texting and Siri commands for iPhone users, as well as safety features such as active city braking. Parking sensors, hill start assist and a reversing camera come as standard.
The DS 3 will continue to be offered as both a conventional hatchback and cabrio and the same engine line-up will return, featuring a range of 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbos and larger petrol and diesel units.
However, a new model is coming in the form of the DS Performance, which will get the 205bhp 1.6-litre turbo from the Peugeot 208 GTI, pitting it among key rivals such as the Peugeot it borrows its power from as well as the Ford Fiesta ST.
Lowered suspension, a shorter six-speed gearbox, bigger brakes, bucket seats, a wider stance brought on by wheel-arch extensions and some Performance decals are also added to the hot version of the supermini.
Prices will be revealed in February, when the car goes on sale in the UK.
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