24 August 2009 - 14:00
DS3 gets real
This is the Citroen DS3, the production version of the DS Inside concept.
But whereas some concept cars are often an excuse for a flouncy designer to fling his pen around in a self-indulgent frenzy before a Velcro-shoed marketing spod dilutes his vision like a gallon of water might thin a vodka shot, the DS is different.
Yup, it’s almost identical to the concept, minus the impractical leather roof and dash lining and watch bracelet-style seat facings. So the contrasting ‘floating’ roof remains, as do the chunky wheels, all the bodywork including the shark-fin B pillar, the LED light strips and most of the sparkly interior.
The car goes on sale in spring next year and will sit alongside the new C3 as a sort of posher, more expensive sibling. You’ll be able to spec the roof, wing mirrors and interior bits and bobs in all sorts of colours, making it as customisable as a Mini – though you’ll pay less for the Citroen.
We’ll see the car with our very own eyes at the Frankfurt show in September.
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It's a nice looking car on the whole from what I've seen (no shots of the backside yet?), but I'm not a fan of those b-pillars - think it'd look better if the line of the window continued as normal to the door; then it'd be very sweet. The white wheels are smart though.
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very niice very funky
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It's a lovely looking car and the build quality will be great because Citroen has improved on that. Just look at the C1 and the C-Crosser. Oh wait, those are Japanese cars in disguise.
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Looking good, that white & blue colour scheme is very reminiscent of the Mehari. Love it.
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cute little car, I love it!
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cute little car, I love it!
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a really good idea, with us all buying small cars but they are usually badly equipped and cheap feeling like hyundais. so a nice luxury small car is a fantastic solution and with citroens build quality getting better they are becomming a good choice
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I'd love to know some prices and insurance groups, being in the market for a small car. I don't want a BMW 0-Series (Read: Mini), and this looks way cooler, plus it would be a nice alternative to the obligatory Fiat 500.
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Nice, but itz French......
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dunno why people think it looks nice, i think it's HORRIBLE
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Looks very good on pictures, I'll wait to see it in real and it might be my next car... Good job Citroen. For the color, I'll go for a dark brown with cream roof, a bit like the original DS.
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Hope the ride and performance is as good as it's looks. Citroen like Audi, Mazda and Kia are just a few automakers making very impressionable well designed cars.
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I would still buy a Fiesta.
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Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!! I want one!!! I remember customizing the concept version and that was a real looker. Its a pleasure to see the production version looks pretty much identical to it. This is the best looking Citroen ever!!
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muhahhaaaa ....look at my moustache !!!
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mondieu , i'm french , i hate the americans .... and i have a small lip moustache , muhahaha , oui oui .... look at my moustache ...
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the fact that its french is good. its better than korean cars
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OK, it can take on the mini with customization but what about performance? When can i get a JCW/Abarth rivalling DS3?
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it looks good, but the concept version had much nicer looking wheels, these ones are ugly. Dear Citroen, please offer the other wheels!
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If there is a version with running costs to match my Fiat 500, I definitely want one. Thanks top gear for labelling us as estate agents or smug media types etc who live in West london. I don't fit into any of those categories, have the 1.4 petrol version in black with chrome extras, 17 inch alloy wheels, and red stripe which I think is best version you can get, ok a little pricey for little extra performance granted! Abarth models out of my price range unfortunately. How long before you label Citroen DS3 drivers? It's all harmless fun I know! I'm liking the DS3 much better than the new C3 what's with that big front windscreen? Running costs, insurance, road tax etc will make my mind up if I get one though. I can't afford a high maintenance woman who looks good so won't be making that mistake with a car either!
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It looks good but will cost alot to get the interior and exterior both looking great. Starting at somewhere in the region of £12,000 for a basic one is a little too pricey for what is a little car. Fiat 500 is a better buy in current economic climate. You can get a lot of extras on a 1.4 and it will still come under the starting price for this Citroen. I know it's a luxury item and will look great. For this money I would expect a bigger car. Love the concept though!
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I was in the Citroen Showroom today 8/Nov/2009 and spoke to a sound guy who was telling us all about the DS3 i was looking at getting a c2 1.6 vts code but he said i can get one but they r discontinued then this he showed me and advised me to wait. He was showing me all the pics of it rear end interior, customisations etc. It has a central square exhaust wrap around tailgate lights like the c4 and is sized between the c2 and c4 and also will have the mini cooper 1.6 engine as standard. So as u can imagine i am waiting for launch and will be informed of when launch date in spring 2010 is so i can go and buy mine. I am Sooooo Excited
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LeBonkers commented on this article
24 August 2009
is this suppose to be as small as the MINI? A little too big perhaps?
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