The year 2010 was undoubtedly one of the most important in its recent history for the Citroën car company. It was then that the exclusive DS series, which for many years was considered an icon and an unattainable goal for a wide range of motoring fans, was revived. The smallest of the currently sold " dées ", the DS3 model, recently passed an editorial test. The extravagant three-door hatchback arrived in the Young & Wild limited edition with bright blue body paint and a black roof with a design sticker.
Design
The shapes of the 3948 millimeter long three-door hatchback are not interchangeable with any competing car ever produced. The relatively tall front part is dominated by a large bumper with an integrated radiator grille and vertical LED strips for daytime running lights. The emblem of the DS model line found its place above the classic Citroën logo. Huge headlights complete the dynamic whole, thanks to which the car attracts attention at first glance.
The profile of the car stands out best in combination with the light body paint. The Chrome package , which is represented at the front and rear of the Young & Wild limited edition , is complemented by wide side moldings, chrome door handles and the handle part of the exterior mirrors. The biggest terno is the oppositely inclined B-pillar, thanks to which you are guaranteed not to mistake the DS3. With that comes the negative in the form of only a three-door body, but those who would like a more practical small Citroën can reach for the C3 model, which, after all, is the basis of the DS3.
The cute rear end features large taillights with a contrasting color background, an elegant spoiler located above the low window, a chrome exhaust tip and an aggressive diffuser. Although it is practically unnecessary under the hood of the 1400, it does a great job of fine-tuning the overall image of the hatchback. We must not forget that the offer does not end with the tested engine. In the case of choosing a turbocharged THP sixteen, that piece of black plastic can be quite helpful at high speeds.
Interior
Inside the Citroën DS3 we find everything a young and wild driver could need. The equipment of the limited edition does not lack manual air conditioning, six airbags , (unfortunately) not completely switchable ESP , cruise control or radio with CD and MP3 . All controls in the interior are very easily accessible and handling them is without reservation. The horizontal sliding switch of the internal air circulation and the knob for setting the temperature of the flowing air without marked °C give a somewhat retro impression.
I sat comfortably behind the sporty-looking three-spoke steering wheel, but at that moment the back seat became only a place to store unnecessary clothes. The seats are just right in the transverse direction, and thanks to the excellent shaping of the center console, the driver and passenger have enough room for their knees. The front seats would deserve longer seat cushions and more pronounced lateral guidance. The current design, on the other hand, is very comfortable during long journeys. I admit that I only went back to take pictures of the interior. I could tolerate a smaller passenger in the driver's seat to a certain extent, but the space above my head was noticeably lacking. Persons with a height of up to 165 centimeters will find the space they need without much difficulty.
Recently, I have not come across such a simple, clear and at the same time very successful interior design. The alarm clocks in the instrument compartment are very easy to read and, thanks to the location of the on-board computer in the upper part of the center console, there is practically no distracting element in them. I must not forget the elegant head of the lever of the five-speed manual transmission. However, you will curse its metal design in winter operation.
Engine – Atmosphere on departure
The tested DS3 Young & Wild had under the hood a naturally aspirated VTi four-cylinder engine with an output of 70 kW and a torque of 135 Nm. There is no time left until the engine is still revving for the maximum rush of horses. The peak is laid at 6000 revolutions per minute, the peak torque is at 4000 revolutions. In practice, this means that you won't have much fun in the middle range, but on the other hand, you will achieve an average fuel consumption of around 6 l/100 km.
Small naturally aspirated engines have never been a great friend of highway traffic, but the DS3 1.4 VTi is quite brave despite the absence of a sixth gear. At a speed of 130 km/h, the engine spins at 4,000 rpm and claims about 6.4 l/100 km.
However, all this information is now irrelevant, as the tested motorization with a manual transmission is no longer found in the price list of the DS3 model. Fans of naturally aspirated engines can also choose between the 1.2 VTi (60 kW) and 1.6 VTi (88 kW) versions. Personally, however, I am inclined to buy a car with a turbocharged atmospheric four-cylinder THP 155 with a volume of 1.6 liters and an output of 115 kW. With it, the DS3 becomes a completely different car, which, among other things, thanks to the six-speed gearbox, drives easily under 6 liters of petrol per 100 kilometers and offers much more fun behind the wheel.
Driving – Not Citroën
The Citroën DS3 has always been a bit high in the car manufacturer's portfolio. When I remember testing the DS3 Racing version the year before last, I didn't really want to get out from behind the wheel at the time. Of course, the tested piece with a naturally aspirated engine is not so wild, but if you learn to work with the engine and still maintain high revs, the driving pleasure will come.
It's pretty hard to find a car these days that has at least a little bit of feedback in the steering. The DS3 performs decently by Citroën standards, but don't expect miracles. It would benefit from a reduction in the effect of the power steering and a more sensitive response around the center position of the steering wheel. The hatchback throws itself into corners with vigor and has a high limit, beyond which it turns into natural understeer of the front wheels. You can tell the difference compared to other representatives of the car company's portfolio. Citroën's developers skillfully implemented the findings from the rally and the whole works for the well-being of everyone. Only slight inclinations of the body in corners are pleasing, but on broken road sections, the sports chassis slightly detracts from the comfort of travel. The only major complaint is directed at the manual five-speed gearbox, which is still not one of the most accurate.
Conclusion
The Citroën DS3 is an extravagant hatchback that can be quite HOT with the right engine choice. Thanks to the clever design, you will not miss the car, and if you open the Internet configurator, you will find out what the term " individualization " actually means. The car will delight both with the processing and design of the interior, as well as with the driving characteristics that stem from the long-standing success of the Citroën car manufacturer in rallying. Most interested parties can easily stop at the higher basic price. But it must be taken into account that you are not buying an ordinary hatchback. You are buying the DS series , which has already shown excellent qualities and an edge over the competition several times in the past.
Pros:
– design
– cozy and high-quality interior
– drive ability
– exclusivity
– comfortable seats
– refinement of the engine
Cons:
– higher basic price
– less precise gearbox
