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Feann Torr16 Apr 2015
REVIEW

Citroen DS3 2015 Review

Does Citroen's premium compact warm hatch cut the mustard? Yes and no…

Citroen DS3 DSport
Launch Review
Brisbane, Queensland

You don't buy a DS3 DSport hot hatch for bragging rights or tyre-frying power, you buy one for the crisp avant-garde design, the 'zebra' roof, the primo interior. You buy it because it's different. And because it's among the best in its class in terms of dynamics. It's not cheap at $33,990, but Citroen argues an extra $5550 worth of extra features adds appeal, bringing sat-nav, autonomous emergency braking, LED lights, 17-inch alloys and an all-important sub-woofer to the table.

I've never driven a DS3 DSport before. And now there's a sense of regret swirling through my ganglions because as an avid purveyor of the hot hatch, this one's a ripper.

Snapping the six-speed manual gearbox from third to second, engine revs flaring momentarily, I wrench the DS3 DSport into a tight right-hander, expecting protestations from the tyres – and possibly other elements of the vehicle.

But like many French hot hatches, the DS3 DSport deals with the pressure effortlessly, the chassis telegraphing what's happening underneath, the engine generating loads of mumbo. The result? An engaging and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

As explained in the DS3 DSport product story, the new model range has been condensed – or rather slashed – to just one model. Priced at $33,990 for the three-door hatch or $36,590 for the cabrio, the compact car is now more expensive but comes with loads of gear, such as Xenon/LED combination headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot rubber and sports suspension.

It's significantly more expensive than the current hot hatch performance benchmark in the light car segment, the Ford Fiesta ST ($25,990), and pint-size hot hatches like the VW Polo GTI, Renault Clio RS and Citroen 208 GTi, but Citroen says the DS3 is shooting for more premium models like the MINI Cooper S, Audi A1 and Alfa MiTo.

Standard features like satellite-navigation, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth streaming, climate-control, reverse parking sensors and camera, auto headlights and wipers, a seven-speaker stereo with sub-woofer and autonomous emergency braking will add appeal too.

And the design of the European hatch is striking. From the bold front-end with its diamond-like LED headlights to the daring B-pillar along its flanks and that kick-up toward the roof like a concept car, this suave little Frenchie gets noticed.

Equal parts cheeky and sophisticated, the DS3 DSport also gets swish 3D LED brake lights.

There are four different coloured roofs on offer, which are a no-cost option; all told there are 200 colour combinations, says Citroen, plus there are number of optional decal or sticker sets ($1210) to really add some visual zing. My favourite? The zebra theme.

Stepping inside the diminutive hot hatch, the interior is just almost as striking with a lacquered effect on the upper dash complementing the stylised central climate controls and a very sexy instrument gauge inspired by premium chronographs.

The navigation system is average compared to some of the newer BMW and Audi offerings but the cruise control works well and parking the car is a doddle thanks to its small footprint, parking sensors and reversing camera.

Interior space for driver and front passenger is good, particularly head room. It measures less than four metres long, however, which means getting five adults in the car is easier said than done. Rear seat room is cramped and because it's a three-door configuration getting into the back seats is challenging.

On the plus side, the cloth/suede combination seats are supportive and comfortable and there's even a centre armrest. Leather seat trim is available in black or black/white can be had for $2000, and all cars get an integrated air freshener. Quirky but pragmatic, if you ask me, although refills are $50 – a bit more than your average AmbiPur.

Boot space is decent at 285 litres and the rear seats split and fold 60:40 via a one-handed latching system for more space.

Although Citroen no longer offers an automatic transmission, once underway the plucky little Citroen plods along with languid happiness at pedestrian speeds, and the six-speed manual doesn't require much attention because of the engine's improved torque delivery.

Its tiny size makes the smallest DS easy to place on the road, and it's quiet on the highway but responsive when it needs to be. Driveability is improved via tweaks to the engine, which include a new turbo design and higher-pressure direct-injection (from 120 to 200 bar), which enhances low-end response, says Citroen.

Meanwhile, the adoption of an engine idle-stop system has seen CO2 emissions drop from 139 to 129g/km, while fuel economy is now 5.6L/100km. During the launch drive we averaged 8.0L/100km, but that was after scything around Mt Glorious and Mt Nebo near Brisbane.

Although the engine doesn't have class-leading power or a fancy electric turbocharger, the reworked 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine is punchier than before, with power output rising from 115kW to 121kW at 6000rpm.

Factor in a larger torque band with 240Nm attained at 1400rpm, a flat torque curve to 4000rpm and just 1140kg to pull (+25kg for the cabrio), the diminutive front-drive Citroen feels fast.

The 0-100km/h dash takes a claimed 7.5 seconds and top speed is 218km/h. Both are believable – this Frenchie ain't slow.

The engine makes a bit of noise when the revs rise – certainly not the most pleasant noise I've heard from a four-pot screamer – but aural feedback is better than none.

Roll-on acceleration is good, allowing the DS3 DSport to punch out of corners with plenty of venom, but it's the way the car tracks through corners that makes it so engaging. The suspension is very, very good, giving the car the sort of high-intensity control that Fiesta ST buyers are used to – without compromising ride quality.

The 205/45 Michelin Pilot tyres provide good levels of grip and even when you override them the car feels progressive, settled and neutral. Lift-off oversteer was not experienced. Even attacking apexes at full tilt, when bumps or big cracks appeared mid-corner the car didn't blink, tracking faithfully through the corners.

The front-end is enormously confidence inspiring and the steering direct and communicative, providing the car with a real point-and-shoot personality. The brakes are also up to scratch, with 283mm front and 249mm rear disc brakes doing a good job in the mountains too, even on the descent.

Citroen's DS3 DSport is a hugely entertaining hatch – a compelling car on many fronts. A combination of classy design execution and engaging, well sorted dynamics unite to deliver a memorable experience in the tradition of French hot hatches past.

It comes with a very handy six-year warranty, which includes six years of capped-price servicing and road side assistance too.

The only real problem the car faces is price – the competition is now so fierce that forking out $35K-plus for a car this size, after on-road costs are added, will be too much for many. You'd have to be a Citroen-o-phile to justify the purchase.

It's certainly not the most affordable hot hatch in its segment, but it is among the most luxurious, stylish and engaging propositions. As a DS3 DSport virgin, I came away from this test with a big grin on my face, and I'd almost guarantee anyone who drives it will too.

2015 Citroen DS3 DSport hatch pricing and specifications:
Price: $33,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder
Output: 115kW/240Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 5.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 129g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

What we liked:
>> Punchy engine
>> Responsive chassis
>> Interior and exterior aesthetics

Not so much:
>> Expensive
>> Manual gearbox only
>> $50 for an air freshener refill?

Also consider:
>> Alfa Romeo MiTo QV (from $32,000 plus ORCs)
>> Audi A1 Sport (from $39,900 plus ORCs)
>> MINI Cooper S (from $36,960 plus ORCs)

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Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
74/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
17/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
9/20
Safety & Technology
15/20
Behind the Wheel
17/20
X-Factor
16/20
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