New Citroen DS3 at Frankfurt
24 August 2009
The new Citroen DS3 supermini will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
It's the first in a new line of DS models from Citroen which will eventually include the DS4 hatchback and DS5 saloon models.
The DS3 features a colour-contrasted 'floating roof,' shark-fin-shaped B-pillar and front LED lights.
It's based on the Citroen DS Inside Concept which made its appearance at the Geneva Motor Show 2009 to widespread acclaim.
The DS3 will come with a pick of five engines - two diesel and three petrol engines, the latter co-developed with BMW.
The two HDi diesel engines will emit a tax-free 99g/km and 115/g km of CO2, while the petrol units will emit between 136/km and 160g/km.
Citroen claims the DS3 will be one of the smallest vehicles in its class. Here's what it's up against:
• Mini Cooper - 3.69m long, 1.68m wide and 1.41m high
• Citroen DS3 - 3.95m long, 1.71m wide and 1.46m high
• Ford Fiesta Titanium - 3.95m long, 1.72m wide and 1.48m high
• Alfa Romeo Mito - 4.06m long, 1.72 wide and 1.44m high
Boot size is the largest in its class with 285 litres of space, without folding the rear seats down.
Citroen is encouraging buyers of the DS3 to personalise the supermini with a choice of colours for the 'floating roof,' wing mirrors and wheels.
Inside the DS3 can be tweaked further, with extra colours available for the dashboard, gear lever and air vents.
The five-seater boasts a leather and chrome interior with optional sat-nav, MP3 compatible CD player and Bluetooth hands-free kit.
The DS3 will also feature ESP, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) as standard, as well as six airbags and Isofix child seat anchor points on the rear side seats.
Other driving aids include cruise control with a speed limiter and an intelligent indicator which recommends when to change gear. Find out how to drive green and save fuel.
Citroen also promises "fun at the wheel" and says the DS3 "delivers impressive ride comfort together with responsive road-handling and dynamic poise."
The Citroen DS3 will go up against the Mini, Alfa Romeo Mito and Ford Fiesta Titanium when it goes on sale next year.
Citroen hasn't revealed the exact price and launch date for the DS3 yet, but you can expect the premium supermini to go on sale in spring 2010.
It will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15.
View images of the Citroen DS Inside Concept:
View video footage of the Citroen C2:
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