Irresistible by DSign – and DStyle and DSport
The Citroen DS3 proves every bit as enticing with a diesel engine, writes Richard M. Hammond
Published: 28/07/2010
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CITROEN’S DS3 has proved to be one of the big surprises of 2010. The styling has proved impossible to resist, shooting straight to the core of the market for fashionable, customisable small cars. With appeal across age-groups, sexes and socioeconomic divisions and at home in or out of the city, it has received praise from all quarters.
The DS3’s appeal also seems less susceptible to engine choice. Available with an impressive range of engines from the word go, the model line-up appears carefully tailored to avoid stigma being attached to the badging. The DSign and DStyle models prove every bit as enticing as the DSport despite the less powerful engines, and customers can opt for the road-tax-free 99g/km model without fear of badge snobbery.
Still, the 110bhp diesel engine option proves a particularly tempting choice – it offers a measured combination of performance and efficiency while retaining all the flair of its sister models in DSport form.
Priced to match the range-topping 150bhp petrol model, the most powerful of the diesel options available produces just 118g/km of CO, giving it a tax advantage over both the 155g/km CO 1.6-litre 150bhp petrol and, perhaps more relevantly considering the similar performance levels, the 120bhp version of the same petrol engine. An additional bonus comes from the extra 14.9 miles the diesel unit will wring from each gallon of fuel.
Of course, petrol fans will be right to point out that the diesel unit fails to offer the same enchanting exhaust or engine note, an aspect of diesel driving that can be resolved with the big diesel V8s of some SUVs but is harder to overcome in a small four-cylinder unit.
That said, it’s a harsh critic who accuses the 1.6HDi DS3 of being unrefined. One of the key attributes of a diesel engine is the higher torque output, meaning it need not be revved hard to find the performance, and allows the HDi 110 model to get up to speed and cruise with ease.
At motorway cruising speeds, the unit settles to a restrained hum barely distinguishable from the petrol variant. This is where the additional 20bhp of the HDi 110, compared with the HDi 90 units, proves its worth, allowing for greater in-gear acceleration and more comfortable higher-speed cruising.
Naturally, the less powerful diesel offers even more astronomical economy returns, and even road-tax-free status in special 99g/km guise, but a more powerful unit certainly has advantages away from the city.
Sprightly enough, the HDi 110 Sport is a pleasantly engaging drive, with a reassuring degree of feedback from the steering, responsive throttle and brakes and a crisp gear change from the six-speed unit. Turbo lag is well restrained, too.
Crucially, the DS3 retains a healthy portion of the ride quality and comfort that drivers have learned to expect from the French brand. Although body roll is restricted compared with the platform-sharing C3, the DS3 can still waft over neglected British roads without drama even on the stylish 17in alloy wheels of the DSport model.
Inside, there’s a feeling of quality to meet the aspirations laid down by Citroen when it first announced the premium DS project.
Current-generation C3 drivers will recognise the fixtures and fittings instantly, but they exude an additional air of sophistication and style – a grand homage to the classic DS models without looking backward in terms of style.
Aluminium pedals, an in-built air freshener and mood lighting is as metro-sexual a combination of additional equipment as you are likely to find, but they add to the ambience – helping to give the various models a distinct character.
Traits shared across the range are equally tempting, including LED running lights (with the exception of the DSign) and the shark-fin D-pillar. That feature does have the unfortunate effect of slightly restricting the view from the rear seats, but the DS3 offers an otherwise impressive internal experience for a three-door model, with adequate space for passengers and a very decent boot.
The egalitarian DS3 range offers plenty of choice for drivers from all walks of life. Regardless, the 110 HDi DSport is likely to prove a popular choice.
Model: Citroen DS3 DSport 1.6 HDi 110, £15,900 on the road
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol unit developing 110bhp and 199lb/ft of torque
Transmission: Six-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels
Performance: Maximum speed 118mph; 0-62mph 9.8 seconds
CO emissions: 118g/km
Economy: 62.8mpg
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