Citroën DS3 – Australian pricing & specs

Citroën has launched its funky little DS3 to the Australian market. The French usually get it right when it comes to hatchbacks, but the DS3 represents one of the more serious attempts to raise their sights to the premium segment. And Citroën has its sights firmly set on MINI.

Miles Williams, General Manager for Citroën in Australia, pretty much admits that with this comment, “The DS3 is a bold, definitive statement of intent for Citroën and a confident step in the opposite direction to its main competitors; it brings a real alternative to a market sector dominated by retro designs.”

Mind, this next comment from Williams could equally apply to the MINI brand, “DS3 is about modernity, creativity, individual style and a driving experience packed with personality. DS3 dares to be different – whilst delivering the comfort, quality, technology and ecologically considerate performance for which Citroën is widely recognised.” Williams is right, though, the DS3 is different and it does bring new life to the premium compact market.

At launch the DS3 offers a two-pronged model range. The DStyle ($32,990) and the DSport ($35,990), both are powered by 1.6 litre engines. The normally aspirated DStyle produces 88kW/160Nm and has fuel economy rated at 7.0l/100km while emitting CO2 emissions of 160g/km. The turbocharged DSport offers 115kW/240Nm with improved fuel economy of 6.7l/100km. CO2 emissions are also slightly improved at 155g/km.

The automatic only DStyle, weighing 1075kg, will reach 100km/h in 10.9 seconds. While the DSport, tipping the scales at 1165kg, uses a 6-speed manual to reach 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

Citroën use terms like “luxury touches” and “sporty styling” to describe the car’s interior. In pictures, at least, the DS3 does look quite smart inside. Although the contrasting yellow/black interior shown in the press photos below may not be to everyone’s taste.

As you would expect most of the modern bells and whistles are included across the range, including Electronic Stability Program, plenty of airbags, cruise control, air conditioning (climate control in the DSport) and an MP3 compatiable six-speaker stereo system with aux-in plug for iPods and the like. A full list of specs are available for download below.

Style comes in a new size from Citroën – the DS3 has arrived

Citroën has redefined the small prestige luxury car with the launch of the Citroën DS3, a car that combines the luxury and style of a larger car with the convenient size of a small car without the shortcomings of retro styling and design that limits its rivals.

“The DS3 is a bold, definitive statement of intent for Citroën and a confident step in the opposite direction to its main competitors; it 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,” says Miles Williams, General Manager for Citroën in Australia. “DS3 dares to be different – whilst delivering the comfort, quality, technology and ecologically considerate performance for which Citroën is widely recognised.”

More than just a new model, the Citroën DS3 is also 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.

“The DS3 is fresh, modern and totally in tune with the times, not harking back to a supposed past golden age, and this means it can use all the latest technology to best advantage without being restrained by a design ethos from a previous era,” says Mr Williams. “The DS3 represents a contemporary breath of fresh air for the ‘premium’ small car 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 choice 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 (285 litres). 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 has an auxiliary socket as standard with, USB and Bluetooth® connectivity as an option and for exemplary acoustic performance, an optional 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 child safety restraint attachments.

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.

The DS3 is offered with two engines optimised for the Australian environment, the 88 kW engine mated to a smooth automatic gearbox and a turbocharged 115 kW engine matched to a six speed manual gearbox for performance and driving excitement.

A new Gear Efficiency Indicator – standard on the 115 kW version – signals the optimum moment to change gear and encourages more economical driving.

DS3 is available in two trim levels: DStyle and DSport, the former dedicated to comfort and style, while the later adds a sporting edge in tune with 115 kW engine with which it is powered and with more than a nod in the direction of Citroën Rally Team that has dominated the World Rally Championship for the past decade. And, of course, in 2011, the DS3 will debut as Citroën new rally weapon.

The Citroën DS3 DStyle is priced from $32,990 excluding statutory charges and delivery charges, while the DS3 DSport is price at $35,990 excluding statutory charges and delivery charges.

Download

• DS3 – full Australian press release (1.2mb Word doc)

Citroën DS3 – Australian pricing (September 2010)

DS3 DStyle – $32,990*

• 1.6 litre Petrol (88kW/160Nm)
• Cloth trim
• Automatic transmission

DS3 DSport – $35,990*

• 1.6 litre Turbo Petrol (115kW/240Nm)
• Cloth trim
• 6 spd manual

DS3 Options

• Rear parking sensors – $500
• HiFi System – $800
• Bluetooth phone hands free/USB Port – $700
• Metallic/Pearlescent Paint – $800
• Climate Pack – $1000
• 17” Alloy Wheels – $750 (Standard on DSport)
• Techno Trim – $800 (Standard on DSport)
• Gray Leather Trim – $2000
• Amarente (red) leather trim – $2000

*Recommended prices not including statutory charges and delivery.