Citroën DS3 – it’s like a MINI, but French

You may remember the DS Inside Concept from earlier this year. Well, as it turns out, that was pretty much an exact preview of the new DS3 model which will be launched at, yep, you guessed it, the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

Back in February, the sizing, use of exterior colours and desire to create something fresh and different for the small car segment screamed of chasing MINI sales. Now, with more detail on the DS3 released, that target on the MINI brand has become larger with Citroën revealing plans for highly customisable options, including paint colours and interior trims. You know, just like MINI offers.

Naturally, competition is a good thing, so it will be interesting to see how MINI counters this new threat. I don’t think it will be by reducing their prices!

Due for release in the European spring next year the DS3 has evolved from Citroën’s “créative technologie” mantra. It will be the first model released from the company’s new DS line, which Citroën describes as being “distinctively styled, attention-grabbing models”.

Loads more after the jump, and, as always, if you want larger sized images, just knock yourself out by clicking on the pic you like and voila a wallpaper friendly 2000px super image will be all yours.

THE NEW CITROËN DS3: ANTIDOTE TO BLANDNESS

Citroën has announced the new DS3 will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2009.

The DS3 will be the first model from 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.’

With razor sharp styling and a visually-arresting design, DS3 is a radical take on the compact urban vehicle and a contemporary breath of fresh air for the class.

Designed to meet the requirements of even the most demanding connoisseur, DS3 offers an extensive array of style, personalisation and quality materials for a bespoke and refined driving experience, whilst at the same time embodying the very latest Citroën technology including fuel-efficient, environmentally-considerate engines.

STUDIO STYLING
Citroën’s creative talent for innovative vehicle design manifests itself on every feature of the DS3.

From all angles, the car’s undeniable on-road presence and refreshing style is evident with stand-out elements such as the colour-contrasted ‘floating roof’, ‘shark fin’ B-pillar and sleek design of the front LED lights – a desirable feature usually seen on premium models.

Inside, the atmosphere in the cabin is one of class and contemporary elegance with an exceptional attention to detail and an extensive use of luxury materials such as leather and chrome. The upper part of the flowing dashboard echoes the floating roof. Thermo-coated components are used throughout – an organic, soft grain material, which contrasts perfectly with the smooth, lacquered effect of the strip runs the full width of the dash from driver to passenger side.

“MY DS3!”
Offering freedom of expression, the innovative DS3 provides extensive levels of personalisation – both inside and out.

In addition to a range of body shades, the DS3’s distinctive ‘floating’ roof is available in a choice of four colours – Black, White, Blue and Red – to contrast with the main body of the car. The wing mirrors and rubbing strips can also be personalised in colours or smart chrome finish and the wheels and wheel centres are available in a wide spectrum of colours.

Inside, DS3 can offer further personalisation with the dashboard strip – which encompasses the air vents, instrument cluster, multi-function screens and even a scented air-fresher – in a choice of six finishes.

The modern seat upholstery design is available in a variety of coloured fabrics and leather; even the gear knob can be tailored in five different trims, combining satin-finish chrome with an array of colours and leather. The smart chrome touches which adorn the DS3’s cabin will also be available in a satin-textured finish. You can even carry a bit of your DS3 with you thanks to each distinctly styled DS3 key fob featuring a disc coloured to match your choice of body paint.

ENERGY AND ELEGANCE
Proving that environmentally-considerate motoring doesn’t mean having to compromise on style or performance, the DS3 will be available with a choice of five CO2-efficient Euro V power plants consisting of two HDi diesel units and three BMW co-developed petrol engines, combining refined performance with strong fuel economy.

The two HDi diesels – a 90bhp and an 110bhp – are fitted with Citroën’s lauded DPFS (Diesel Particulate Filter System) and the three petrol engines – VTi 95, VTi 120 and THP 150 – are fitted with either 5 or 6 speed manual gearboxes.

Fully in line with Citroën’s commitment to producing cleaner, more environmentally considerate vehicles, the two HDi DPFS engines will deliver ultra low CO2 emissions of just 99g/km and 115/g km, whilst the petrol units will emit between 136/km and 160g/km.

LOST IN SPACE
Both enjoyable and easy to live with, the DS3 combines high-end style with practical versatility, creating an exceptionally spacious cabin out of its compact external dimensions – a Citroën speciality.

One of the smallest vehicles in its class – 3.95m long, 1.71m wide and 1.46m high – the DS3’s interior belies its neat frame, setting a new class standard for spaciousness. The result of extensive work on the architecture of the car’s interior design, occupants can enjoy levels of roominess normally associated with models in the segment above.

A ‘raised’ dashboard design creates increased amounts of front leg room whilst the slender front seats and intelligent rear design increases space for rear occupants with all passengers able to enjoy five full-sized seats and ample arm, leg and headroom.

The DS3 also boasts the largest boot in its class at 285-litres, and for additional load capacity the 60:40 split-fold rear bench can be tumbled forward in a single, effortless movement.

FUN AT THE WHEEL
A cockpit-inspired driving position puts the driver firmly in control with a sports-styled instrument cluster featuring three conical dials, small-diameter wheel and low-slung, body-hugging seats. DS3 delivers a nimble driving experience with a turning circle of around 10.3m also making it a surefooted companion for manoeuvring around cramped urban environments.

Building upon Citroën’s extensive experience in producing smooth running-gear, DS3 delivers impressive ride comfort together with responsive road-handling and dynamic poise. Drivers also benefit from excellent body roll control, responsive and confident cornering thus providing a secure and fulfilling drive.

I.C.E. COOL
DS3 is available with Citroën’s latest in-car technology such as the integrated MyWay satellite navigation unit which incorporates a sophisticated audio and multimedia system, wide format colour screen, MP3 and WMA compatible CD player and Bluetooth® hands free kit. Providing exceptional acoustic clarity, the audio system benefits from a third speaker in the middle of the upper dashboard as well as an amplified subwoofer mounted in the boot for a broader frequency response and immersive audio experience.

A convenient range of driving aids will also be available including cruise control with speed limiter, and an intelligent indicator which recommends the optimal moment for gear changes allowing drivers to improve their fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

PLAY IT SAFE
The DS3 is designed with an emphasis on robustness, strength and optimum safety to ensure protection for all occupants. For reassuring control in any driving situation DS3 models will feature as standard ESP, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) as well as six airbags and Isofix anchor points on the rear side seats.

The DS3 will arrive in the UK in Spring 2010. ‘On Sale’ date, prices and further details on this exciting new Citroën model will be announced in the forthcoming months. The DS3 will join Citroën’s latest vehicle range as the Company continues its 90th birthday celebrations at the Frankfurt Motor Show which runs from 15th to the 27th of September.