Howwe tested them

FROM £6,000 Funky supermini stands out from the crowd and is roomy and reliable

WE compared the various specs, not least the starting height – vital for owners of sports cars and those with lowered suspension. The maximum height is also a factor where taller SUVS and crossovers are concerned. We counted the number of pumps needed to reach 200mm – a common height for car jacking points.

We expected good instructions with each of our jacks and, ideally, on the jack arm. The saddle size was logged, plus a strong case is always useful to keep it clean and make it simple to carry in the car. Finally, we factored in the price.

CITROEN is known for building cars that put low purchase prices and running costs first, so when the French brand decided to moveove upmarket in 2010 with the DS3, some questioned its thinking.

But the DS3 soon proved popular with UK buyers, and it was easy to see why. As well as offeringg sharp design and decent value, it was goodood to drive, well made and reliable. Citroenen spun off DS as a separate brand in 2014,4, yet the ‘standalone’ DS 3 didn’t reach showroomsowrooms for another year.

Regardless of its name, eight years after the car’s introduction, does buying a second-handd one make sense?

History

THE Citroen DS33 was launched in spring 2010; fiveve years later the same car was unveileded as part of the new DS range, now a Citroen sub-brand.

A facelifted DS 3 went on sale in 2016 and in placeace of the previous Dsign, Dstyle, Dsport and Dsport Plus trims there werere now Chic, Elegance and Prestige. Topping the range was a line-up of Performance r form ance Black models (comprising Ultra Prestige, Performance and Performancence Black variants).

Engine choicesoices were between a naturally aspiratedated Puretech 82 1.2-litre pet roland a turbo charged rbochargedvers ion of the same unit (Puretech 110 or 130), a turbochargeded 1.6-litre petrol engine in THP165 and THP210 forms, or a 1.6 Bluehdi dieselel in 100 and 120 guises.

Which one?

THE petrol engines,nes, developed with BMW, are sweet and frugal, but the 1.6 HDI is the star. It’s economical, on omic al, smooth and torquey; even the 99bhp edition is nippy.

The EAT automatic transmission isn’t that slick, but owners generally get used to it in time. All DS 3s have reasonable equipment levels; the Chic has a seveninch touchscreen with DAB radio and Bluetooth, 16-inch alloy wheels, air-con and cruise control with a speed limiter.

Elegance trim brings climate control, privacy glass, rear parking sensors, sports seats and upgraded interior trim.

The Prestige features 17-inch wheels, xenon headlights, electrically folding heated door mirrors and front parking sensors. Automatic lights and wipers, auto emergency braking, Alcantara trim and an upgraded hi-fi are also fitted.

Alternatives

A MINI is the obvious alternative. It’s more expensive to buy and not as practical or as comfortable, yet the build quality is better and there’s more choice.

The Fiat 500 is another rival and, like the Citroen and MINI, comes in open or closed forms. But the Fiat is smaller and

much more cramped inside, with a far smaller boot. Still, it’s fun to drive and reasonably reliable, and there are some thrilling Abarth editions available.

For value and fun you can’t really beat the Ford Fiesta. There are lots to choose from and prices are keen, but you won’t stand out in one like you would in a DS 3.

Verdict

THE DS 3 might be nothing more than a rebadged Citroen, but does that matter when it is appealing on so many levels?

The metamorphosis from Citroen DS3 to standalone DS 3 didn’t fool anyone, but by the time the brand’s smallest car was facelifted in 2016 it looked sharper and brought some useful updates.

While range-topping DS 3s are costly to purchase new, they can be better value as a used buy, especially if they’ve got a few choice features from the options list.

Just be aware that there’s an extensive range of extras, with lots of opportunities to personalise every aspect of the car. So pin down exactly what you’re getting for your money before buying a DS.