Citroen DS3 hatchback (2010 – ) expert review

According to its manufacturer the Citroen DS3 is ‘anti-retro’, which is a bit of a dig at retro-inspired cars like the MINI and Fiat 500. The DS3 is certainly a striking car, especially when finished in the most daring colour combinations on offer. Its most original feature is a ‘floating roof’, a trick of the eye by its designers made possible by discreet black window pillars. An optional vertical array of LED lights mounted either side of the front bumper, boomerang front and rear lights, bold alloy wheels and DS badging give the DS3 a unique style of its own.

The DS3 takes Citroen interiors on a step, building on the improvements already seen in the C3 Picasso. Dark soft touch materials, intricately designed dials and funky design touches are all welcome. An optional ‘white pack’ adds a white swathe across the dashboard, air vents and gear knob, giving the DS3 a bespoke feel. There’s a choice of fabric colours, which can be selected to match – or clash – with the car’s paint colour, depending on preference. For an extra cost, red or black leather upholstery can be specified too.

The DS3 is much more practical than the MINI and Fiat 500, with a 285 litre boot which can expand to 980 litres with the rear seats folded down. The MINI and Fiat 500’s measure 160 and 185 litres, while the Ford Fiesta has a 295 litre boot. Unlike the five-door Citroen C3, the DS3 is available only as a three-door model, but the rear seats are quite spacious once you get in the back.

The 1.6 THP D-Sport model we tested was the most fun Citroen we’ve ever driven. The chassis strikes a great balance, with entertaining handling, without a bone-shaking ride. Light and accurate steering, a small and well-shaped wheel and a precise gearchange make driving a pleasure. Outright grip isn’t as huge as in the MINI Cooper S, but we loved the slightly softer and more cosseting ride of the DS3, along with its potential grin factor.

There’s a choice of 95, 120 and 150bhp petrol or 90 and 110bhp diesel engines available, making the DS3 accessible for most driver’s budgets and needs. We drove the 150bhp THP, which makes the DS3 the hot hatch its looks suggest. It’s an engine co-developed with BMW for the MINI, and power is delivered smoothly and from very low revs, giving the DS3 real get-up-and-go, with a top speed of 133mph. For those seeking lower insurance and running costs, the non-turbo petrol engines make most sense, and Citroen expects the 120bhp petrol to be the best seller.

Even the hot hatch THP engine returns 47.1mpg on the combined cycle, emitting 139g/km. The 95 and 120bhp models manage 48.7 and 47.9mpg and emissions of 134 and 136g/km CO2. The 110bhp diesel manages 99g/km and 74.4mpg, making it free to tax. The DS3 is available with a fixed price servicing offer, costing £199 for services over the first three-years or 35,000 miles. Insurance group ratings range from 12E to 22E and BIK company car tax from 13 to 20 per cent.

Being based on the all-new Citroen C3, it’s a little early to say how reliable the DS3 will be. This is an area Citroen has come under flak for in the past, so great effort has been made to improve build quality, and this can be felt in the cabin and at high speeds where refinement is very good.

The DS3 has been awarded the full five-stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, scoring 87 per cent for adult occupant protection. All trim levels come with ABS and ESP as standard as well as six airbags and ISOFIX rear child seat anchor points.

Three trim levels are available, all with a high level of standard kit. A leather steering wheel, CD player with steering wheel controls, front fog lights, electric door mirrors, cruise control, electric windows and remote central locking are all standard. The range-topping D Sport model boasts chrome rubbing strips, rear spoiler, twin exhausts, aluminium pedals and 17-inch alloy wheels. It also includes the ‘Connect Signature’ pack, with Bluetooth connectivity, USB socket, eight-speaker hi-fi and digital air-con.

The DS3 is Citroen’s best car in recent memory, with fantastic looks, charm and brilliant handling. It’s not quite as sporty as a MINI, but it’s more comfortable and grown-up.