MEET DS3, AND NEVER LOOK BACK!
DS3 is the first model in Citroën’s brand new DS line, a product range consisting of three distinctively styled, attention-grabbing models that highlight the very best of Citroën’s ‘Créative Technologie’. DS3 inaugurates the DS line, with DS4 and DS5 set to launch in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
Refreshingly new - not retrospective - DS3 represents a contemporary breath of fresh air for the ‘premium’ small hatchback/supermini class. DS3 forges a new path by placing desire at the heart of the motoring experience, with its aesthetic appeal and vitality.
Designed to meet the aspirations and desires of the most demanding drivers, DS3 delivers rewarding on-road dynamics, a sophisticated and comfortable ride, and the very latest Citroën technology - including a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient, environmentally considerate engines.
DS3 boasts modern, head-turning good looks, with carefully considered design elements like the unique and distinctive ‘Shark Fin’ B-pillar, the ‘floating’ roof and the signature LED strips down either side of the front bumper.
Quality is evident inside the cabin and out. Refined materials such as leather and chrome are applied with precision and care to give DS3 its finely appointed, high quality appearance.
Providing a unique ownership experience, DS3 redefines ‘bespoke’ motoring with an unrivalled choice of personalisation options - to reflect each customer’s individual performance, style and technology preferences. No DS3 need ever be the same, thanks to the virtually infinite array of different option combinations available. Customers can specify exterior and interior colour combinations, materials, finishes, trims and equipment - even the key fob is tailored to the driver’s chosen body or roof colour for their DS3.
DS3 can be masculine and sporty or feminine and chic - but always elegant, stylish and imaginative.
Compact yet spacious, DS3’s neat frame combines nimble dimensions with intelligent internal architecture - offering five real seats plus class-leading cabin and boot space (285l). The 60:40 split/folding rear seats can be effortlessly folded down to accommodate larger load items.
Confident and connected, DS3 is packed with technology to assist and entertain its occupants. For portable music players, DS3 can be specified with auxiliary, USB and Bluetooth® connectivity. MyWay, Citroën’s integrated widescreen colour satellite navigation system, can be specified - and for exemplary acoustic performance, a new eight-speaker Hi-Fi system creates a rich audio experience in the cabin.
Awarded a five star Euro NCAP rating for occupant protection, DS3 is both safe and secure. High levels of standard safety equipment include ESP, ABS with EBD & EBA, six airbags, a reinforced body structure and two IsoFix child seat anchorage points.
With high-precision running gear, DS3 delivers a dynamic and engaging ride experience. A small diameter steering wheel enhances feedback from the road to further increase driving pleasure.
Top-level acoustic treatment around the cabin ensures occupants benefit from an impressively quiet atmosphere on board.
DS3 is powered by a range of five Euro V compliant engines - three BMW co-developed petrols and two modern Citroën HDi diesels - with power output extending from 68kW for the HDi 90hp diesel to 115kW with the sporty 1.6 THP 150hp petrol.
A new Gear Efficiency Indicator - standard specification across the range - signals the optimum moment to change gear and encourages more economical driving.
DS3 is available in three trim levels: DSign, DStyle and DSport. An environmentally-considerate DStyle 99g version - equipped with a new version of the HDi 90hp diesel engine - is also available and, as its name suggests, this models emits just 99g/km of CO2.
The world of DS3 starts at just £11,700 for the petrol VTi 95hp DSign, rising to £15,900 for the top-of-the-range petrol THP 150hp and diesel HDi 110hp DSport models.
From launch, DS3 customers can take advantage of a fixed price servicing offer. Priced at just £199 (inc. VAT), this covers all recommended and scheduled servicing, and brake fluid replacement for up to 3 years/35,000 miles.
Alternatively - and exclusively available with DS3 - Citroën FreeDrive offers an extensive range of services that can be personalised to meet the specific needs of customers. Citroën FreeDrive represents a new generation of aftersales care, with a menu of service options plus variable periods of cover and mileage parameters.
Gary Savage, Managing Director of Citroën UK, comments, “A bold, definitive statement of intent for Citroën and a confident step in the opposite direction to its main competitors, DS3 brings a real alternative to a market sector dominated by retro designs. DS3 is about modernity, creativity, individual style and a driving experience packed with personality.”
He continues, “DS3 dares to be different - whilst delivering the comfort, quality, technology and ecologically considerate performance for which Citroën is well recognised.”
THE MARKET
DS3 is a new addition in the ‘premium’ small hatchback/supermini class, which includes competitor models such as MINI, MINI Clubman, Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo MiTo.
In this sector of the market, customers are looking for a compact car with a distinctive character, an enhanced image and head-turning ‘look-at-me’ excitement.
DS3 will appeal to individuals who like to invest in quality of design, quality of construction and the quality of the ownership experience.
In today’s world where technology provides the ability to tailor products and services to individual lifestyles, DS3’s extensive list of personalisation options make it a natural choice for the expressive, the style-conscious and the most discerning of small car buyers.
With its practical space, responsive performance and consummate quality, DS3 will also appeal to 3-door medium-size hatchback customers (the segment above), who are looking to downsize without compromise.
