New Citroen Ds3 DSport Special Offers

With turbocharged petrol power, the Citroen DS3 is better equipped to make the most of its abilities. Steve Walker reports.

The bold design is what will draw customers to the Citroen DS3 but it's built to entertain on more than a visual level, particularly with the 1.6 THP engine installed. Performance is brisk and the power delivery smooth with the DS3's sporty suspension set-up producing a highly enjoyable experience at the wheel. Space in the back is tight and the ride is firm but the young buyers Citroen is targeting should still be impressed.

If you're wondering how Citroen's DS3 fits into the grand scheme of the supermini market, just retreat about twenty paces from one and squint a bit. Suddenly everything becomes clear: this is the French manufacturer's answer to the sales phenomenon that is the MINI. If you can see past the DS3's detailing (which is where the squinting comes in), its gently curving lines, snub nose and that floating roof (often in a contrasting colour) hold more than a passing resemblance to BMW's baby. Still not convinced? Well the DS3 1.6 THP model shares an engine with the MINI Cooper S.

Citroen should be making cars like the DS3. It's a manufacturer with a proud history of innovation and flair that recently became better known for people carriers and cashback deals. By resurrecting the name of its most iconic model, the 1955 DS, the hope is that it can reconnect with this groundbreaking tradition and persuade young, fashionable types that a DS3 is a better bet than the MINI or Fiat 500 they had been considering.

The 1.6 THP model will be an important tool in this. It has a lively turbocharged petrol engine that gives the Citroen warm hatchback performance. It also invites comparisons with the MINI which uses a version of the same unit, as it does a number of the DS3's other engine options, thanks to a link-up between PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW.

Let's not beat around the bush, this is an outstanding engine for its size and type. The 1.6-litre capacity and multi-point fuel injection system help give rise to a 155bhp power output in the DS3 1.6 THP. That's enough to take it through 60mph from a standing start in 7.3s and onto a top speed of 133mph. Like the best of the modern turbo petrols, there's barely a hint of turbo lag with the performance surging forth from low revs. This DS3 sounds less charismatic than the MINI Cooper S which uses a 184bhp version of the same unit and the engine note grows boomy at the top of the rev-range but the strong pulling power through the gears is great fun.

There's the feel of a sporty hatchback about the DS3 that comes from firm suspension, which may be a touch busy for some tastes, and direct steering. The chassis provides high grip levels with taut body control and the DS3 can be a hoot on twisty roads where the opportunity to make the most of that engine arises.

The gearbox is the slickest unit Citroen has come up with for a long time. Even though it's slightly notchy, there's good weight and a positive feel to the shifting action. Although the driving position may not suit everyone with its widely spaced and slightly offset pedals, the wide scope of adjustment offered by the steering column and seat should accommodate most body shapes.

The basic shape might appear to have MINI influences but Citroen was keen to differentiate the DS3 with a forward-looking design approach and its 'anti-retro' launch marketing campaign. From that 'shark fin' B-pillar to the vertical strips of LED lights that flank the front grille and the distinct sill line connecting the wheelarches, the DS3 is ferociously unconventional. It has a greater capacity to turn heads than almost any other supermini.

The manufacturer claims there's room for five adults in the DS3 but this is extremely optimistic. Although legroom is OK, headroom is very restrictive for anyone on the taller side and the modest width of the rear bench means only two adults can really sit comfortably. The boot is 285-litres which is large for the supermini class and 60:40 split rear seats give options for extending that capacity.

The design of the cabin sets out to reflect the cutting-edge exterior and there are flashy materials in evidence throughout. The two-tone dashboard mirrors the contrasting roof and bodywork outside and the instruments are set into a trio of circular dials, in a motif that appears again in the round clusters of ventilation controls on the centre console. The DS3 sets out to feel special inside and succeeds. There are areas where the quality of the materials doesn't come up to scratch and storage space is in short supply but the Citroen consistently goes the extra mile to impress its occupants and that's likely to be appreciated.

Buyers who want the 1.6 THP engine will need to get the DSport version of the DS3. That's the range-topping trim level but prices are still on the reasonable side. You get digital air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, 17" alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and chrome for the exhaust and the side rubbing strips. Safety equipment includes ESP stability control as standard, an advanced ABS braking system and six airbags.

The performance of the 1.6 THP engine elevates the DS3 to warm hatch status and there are some desirable alternatives around with similar qualities. To match the performance of the DS3, buyers would need to spend considerably more on a MINI. They'd be getting a more involving driving experience but in a less practical package. The 1.4-litre turbocharged versions of Fiat's Punto and SEAT's Ibiza that you can get for similar money are slower than this DS3 and lack the wow-factor in its interior design. Perhaps the closest rival is the Alfa Romeo MiTo which is boldly styled inside and out but down on performance and less engaging to drive.

The 1.6 THP engine turns in only 42mpg on the combined cycle but that isn't bad going when this DS3's performance is taken into account. Economy and the 155g/km CO2 emissions are both competitive against other superminis in the same performance ball park. The DS3 is also equipped with a gearshift indicator that prompts drivers to change gear at the opportune moment for greater efficiency.

Citroen would dearly love to secure a slice of the success that BMW has enjoyed with its MINI and it thinks the DS3 is the car to do it. With a basic shape that isn't a million miles away from the MINI's and a similar focus on lively dynamics, the DS3 looks well placed to poach sales at the trendy end of the supermini sector. The 1.6 THP engine is a fine unit with strong performance and the DS3's flamboyant design sets it apart from rivals.

Citroen pulled out all the stops to make the DS3 stand out and it does. The flashy trim finishes inside and out might be a little too much for some tastes but the target market should lap it up and underneath is a very well engineered small car. The emphasis is on sharp handling which means the ride is on the firm side but the DS3 is impressively composed on the road and handles sweetly. The high hopes Citroen has for the car and its DS sub-brand generally would appear to be justified.