The DS3 made Citroen fashionable again and the Cabrio reinforces that fact
THE launch of Citroen’s upmarket DS sub-brand has done a lot to revive the famed French firm and re-establish them as designers of individual, stylish and sometimes quirky cars.
THE DS3 led the way in a line-up that now features three vehicles and is, in many ways, the pick of the bunch.
It seems to have capitalised perfectly on the current clamour for classy, distinctive and sporty small cars and is a genuine rival to the Mini.
In the wake of the DS3’s success comes the Cabrio version, offering another twist on this small car that will no doubt appeal to a nation that loves its convertibles.
One benefit is the Cabrio retains the DS3’s basic design lines, which are excellent.
It’s not a convertible in the true sense of the word but, rather like the Fiat 500C, the vinyl roof winds back so you can enjoy the wind in your hair – or the sun when it makes an occasional appearance.
It’s also reminiscent of the folding roof on the classic Citroen 2CV, albeit far more technically advanced, and it recreates some of that Citroen character of old.
The fact it has a number of positions is a bonus. Slide it back slightly and it’s an enlarged sunroof. Take it as far back as the rear columns and it feels like a car with all the benefits of a convertible but with far more protection.
When fully retracted, it feels more like a full-on convertible but still with a degree of cosseting. Another benefit is it can be opened and closed travelling at high speed.
Rear visibility is limited when fully retracted due to the way the folded roof is stored. But there are large wing mirrors to compensate.
The other downside is that having a folding roof results in a rather small boot.
However, like its hard-roofed stablemate, the Cabrio has everything going for it, from those stand-out design lines and funky exterior styling touches to an interior that is nothing short of sumptuous and exquisite.
The switchgear is definitely in the premium category and the cabin is comfortable and well appointed, with an impressive amount of space for a small car, front and rear.
If the DS3 was going to succeed, it had to offer the kind of driving dynamics that might persuade potential Mini buyers to jump ship.
It certainly delivers in this respect, being a fun and spirited car to drive.
Peugeot-Citroen’s 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is a great performer – smooth, refined and pleasingly potent – and it feels perfect for the DS3.
The ride might be noticeably hard but it falls short of being jarring and arguably adds something to the car’s sporting character.
The DS3 continues to be a great small car that has helped make Citroen fashionable again.
And in the Cabrio guise, it is arguably even more appealing.
Daily Record
THE DS3 led the way in a line-up that now features three vehicles and is, in many ways, the pick of the bunch.
It seems to have capitalised perfectly on the current clamour for classy, distinctive and sporty small cars and is a genuine rival to the Mini.
In the wake of the DS3’s success comes the Cabrio version, offering another twist on this small car that will no doubt appeal to a nation that loves its convertibles.
One benefit is the Cabrio retains the DS3’s basic design lines, which are excellent.
It’s not a convertible in the true sense of the word but, rather like the Fiat 500C, the vinyl roof winds back so you can enjoy the wind in your hair – or the sun when it makes an occasional appearance.
It’s also reminiscent of the folding roof on the classic Citroen 2CV, albeit far more technically advanced, and it recreates some of that Citroen character of old.
The fact it has a number of positions is a bonus. Slide it back slightly and it’s an enlarged sunroof. Take it as far back as the rear columns and it feels like a car with all the benefits of a convertible but with far more protection.
When fully retracted, it feels more like a full-on convertible but still with a degree of cosseting. Another benefit is it can be opened and closed travelling at high speed.
Rear visibility is limited when fully retracted due to the way the folded roof is stored. But there are large wing mirrors to compensate.
The other downside is that having a folding roof results in a rather small boot.
However, like its hard-roofed stablemate, the Cabrio has everything going for it, from those stand-out design lines and funky exterior styling touches to an interior that is nothing short of sumptuous and exquisite.
The switchgear is definitely in the premium category and the cabin is comfortable and well appointed, with an impressive amount of space for a small car, front and rear.
If the DS3 was going to succeed, it had to offer the kind of driving dynamics that might persuade potential Mini buyers to jump ship.
It certainly delivers in this respect, being a fun and spirited car to drive.
Peugeot-Citroen’s 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is a great performer – smooth, refined and pleasingly potent – and it feels perfect for the DS3.
The ride might be noticeably hard but it falls short of being jarring and arguably adds something to the car’s sporting character.
The DS3 continues to be a great small car that has helped make Citroen fashionable again.
And in the Cabrio guise, it is arguably even more appealing.
Daily Record
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