Stylish inside and Out, fun to drive
Outdated 4-Speed Auto, Thigh Support lacking
Niche brand Citroen has released the Cabrio DS3 on Australian soil. With the company showcasing the Citroen DS3 Cabriolet to national media on the Gold Coast.
Neatly packaged with futuristic design the Citroen DS3 Cabriolet will not be to the liking of some, but those willing to tip their toe in to the water will be rewarded with a great little car.
Citroen DS3 Cabrio Overview
At first glance you will be lucky to notice that you can retract the roof on the Citroen DS3 Cabrio, it looks identical to its hatchback sibling except for the canvas roof.
Available in two trim levels the Citroen DS3 Cabrio lineup is:
Citroen DS3 Cabrio DStyle $30,990
Citroen DS3 Cabrio DSport $32,990
The Citroen DS3 DStyle comes with 16” “Ashera” Alloy wheels, single exhaust Piano Black Trim, 4-speed Automatic transmission, MP3, CS, Radio and Bluetooth.
The DS3 Dsport gains great looking 17” “Bellone” alloys, dual exhaust, carbon effect trim, colour 7” eMyWay infotainment system with standard Sat-Na.
Standard across both the DStyle and DSport is climate control, aerodynamic wind deflector, rear park assist, cruise control and Bluetooth.
Citroen DS3 Cabrio Engine
The Citroen DS3 Cabrio range is powered by the award winning 2013 International Engine of the Year, an award it won seven years in a row. You will also find versions of the engine in the Peugeot 208 GTi, Peugeot RCZ and Mini Cooper S.
The Citroen DS3 DStyle gets the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (88kW/160Nm) matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. The combined fuel consumption of 6.7L/100km and emits 154 ?g/km of CO2.
The DSport is powered by the1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine ?(115kW/240Nm) matched to a six-speed manual transmission. The combined fuel ?consumption of 5.9L/100km and the CO2 emissions figure a low 137g/km.
Citroen DS3 Cabrio Interior
It’s not only from the exterior that DS3 impresses. The interior on the DS3 is classy and full of French flair, for example it has a built in air freshener. The other big news is the ability to seat five people.
The finish on the inside is of high quality with excellent materials used throughout. Buyers have a choice of 3 different types of upholstery and 3 interior trim designs.
The sound systems on both the DStyle and DSport are both a little fiddly to use, not a deal breaker but just something to be aware of.
The roof has three opening positions, intermediate, horizontal and total. When the roof is in the total position rear visibility is poor.
The driving position isn’t perfect, a little more thigh support world be welcome.
The luggage capacity is 245 liters with 60/40 rear seats in place
Citroen DS3 Cabrio Exterior Styling
Citroen isn’t interested in creating a retro looking classic, it is actually marketing the Citroen DS3 Cabrio as “Anti Retro”.
At 3.95m long, 1.71m wide and 1.46m high the DS3 Cabrio has the identical dimensions to the DS3 hatchback, however it weighs in at 25 kilograms heavier.
Looking pretty much identical to that hatchback version of the DS3 range most punters will struggle to tell the difference. Those with a keen eye will notice the fabric covering the rear pillars instead of metal – oh and the fact the roof is made of fabric. Roof colours are Black, Blue and Monogram.
The rear of the car sees Citroen introduce concept car technology by 3D taillights that house 31 LED’s – with the clever use of mirrors the brake lights appear to go on in to infinity.
Citroen DS3 Cabrio On the Road
Surprising levels of grip and strong suspension are offered in the latest in the DS3 Cabrio. The DSport is every bit as good as its competitors, and the DStyle could be as good if the engine wasn’t matched to the 4 speed automatic. The 4-speed auto will suit those who want to potter around town in a stylish car but will never drive with enthusiasm.
Ride noise with the roof up is acceptable and with the roof down who cares, you are enjoying French topless motoring.
Safety comes in the form of electronic stability control system that will keep you out of trouble and with six airbags for back-up should they don’t.
Citroen DS3 Cabrio Challenges
There is no doubt that a niche car like the DS3 Cabrio will always attract buyers, but trying to achieve a decent resale value down the track may prove difficult.
Some buyers will find the suspension set-up on the DSport just too harsh, in fact Carshowroom thought it felt harder the Peuegot 208 GTi we drove last week.
The lack of manual transmission on the DStyle is real shame, the 4-speed automatic transmission is outdated, lets hope the 6 speed manual finds it way in to the mix, or even a 5 or 6 speed auto.
Citroen DS3 Cabrio Competition
Shopping for a small cabriolet lands you in a segment dominated by European heavyweights. If your budget is on the smaller side Fiat produce the retro styled 500C $21,785, doubling that budget gets you in to the Abarth version at $38,990.
Mini have both the Cooper Cabrio $40,350 and Mini Roadster $37,500. Audi win the top dollar award with the Audi A3 priced from $52,150.
Citroen DS3 Cabrio Verdict
If you are in the market for a stylish and affordable cabrio then it’s difficult to look past the Citroen DS3 Cabrio. For those that find the ride and handling of the DSport a little harsh, the DStyle might just be your perfect option.
