Citroen’s DS3 will cost from £11,700 when it goes on-sale in the spring.
When it was launched at the Frankfurt motor show, Citroen hinted it would be priced under the Mini, but the introduction of the Mini First has ensured the Mini will undercut the entry-level DS3 by £750. However, the standard DS3 is more powerful and comes with more features as standard than the Mini.
The three-door DS3 shares its underpinnings with the new C3 and has been conceived to give the brand an image boost with a range of Mini/500-style customisable options.
Engine choices for the DS3 consist of two diesels and three petrol motors. The diesels are 1.6-litre HDi units with either 90bhp or 110bhp; the lower-powered unit emits just 99g/km of CO2.
The four-pot petrol engines have outputs of 150bhp, 120bhp and 95bhp. All engines come with five or six-speed manual gearboxes. Three trim levels – DSign, DStyle and DSport – will be offered.
Citroen has launched an online configurator to allow prospective buyers to spec their DS3 models ahead of the car’s official on-sale date.
Depending on what trim level is initially selected, users can specify body colour, roof colour and roof graphics, as well as chrome door mirrors, front LEDs, upholstery material and colour scheme, and even one of six colours for the dashboard and gear knob. Alloy wheels up to 17 inches in size can be selected in a range of different styles and options.
Options including automatic headlamps, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth connectivity can also be specced.
The DS3 will be joined by two other DS models: the DS4 in 2011 and, a year later, the DS5, a big estate/MPV inspired by the C-Sportlounge concept from 2005. The cars could add as much as 40 per cent to the sales of the mainstream models on which they’re based.
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