New Citroen DS 3 revealed for 2016
Supermini undergoes a facelift to bring it in line with the rest of the range
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.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
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.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: November 2, 2024
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Citroën C3 You! review: what the car critics say
feature Cheap and cheerful, Citroën’s new supermini is compact and surprisingly comfortable to drive
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sport on TV guide: Christmas 2022 and New Year listings
Speed Read Enjoy a feast of sporting action with football, darts, rugby union, racing, NFL and NBA
By Mike Starling Published
-
Citroën DS 4 review: what the car critics say
feature The DS 4 is the most impressive and finessed DS car yet
By The Week Staff Published
-
Citroën C5 Aircross 2022 review: what the car critics say
feature Citroën’s family-friendly SUV has been treated to a facelift
By The Week Staff Published
-
House of the Dragon: what to expect from the Game of Thrones prequel
Speed Read Ten-part series, set 200 years before GoT, will show the incestuous decline of Targaryen
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
One in 20 young Americans identify as trans or non-binary
Speed Read New research suggests that 44% of US adults know someone who is transgender
By The Week Staff Published
-
Citroën C3 review: what the car critics say
feature Can the C3 revive Citroën’s ailing reputation for desirable small cars?
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Turner Prize 2022: a ‘vintage’ shortlist?
Speed Read All four artists look towards ‘growth, revival and reinvention’ in their work
By The Week Staff Last updated