Citroën DS3 1.6 THP DSport review

Your say

Citroën DS3 1.6 THP 155 DSport Road Test

Test date 20 February 2010 Price as tested £16,800

For Strong performance, scope for customisation, predictable yet fun handling

Against Some cheap cabin materials, excessive tyre noise, cramped rear seats

The Citroën DS3 exists for two reasons. The first is a need to counter the firm’s own decade-old push downmarket, a trend that has taken it into direct competition with Far Eastern brands such as Kia and Hyundai. And the second is to capitalise on the burgeoning market for premium-feel, customisable small hatchbacks created by Mini.

Chic, small runabouts used to be home turf for French manufacturers. But over the past decade Mini – or rather, BMW – has opened up fresh, profitable sales in that area. More recently, Fiat has jumped on the bandwagon with the 500. And now Audi is itching to get involved, with the A1 that’s due later this year.

So the DS3 faces a major task. It must feel considerably plusher than the C3 on which it’s based, deliver a driving experience that can at least push the Mini close on dynamics, offer enough customisation and options to satisfy the buyer in search of ‘individuality’, and still stay competitive on price. Only a blend of all four will justify bringing the classic DS badge out of retirement.