Citroën refreshes and upgrades DS3 model range

ITROËN SA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the iconic DS19 with a refreshed, upgraded DS3 range including, for the first time, highefficiency PureTech engines.

The simplified line-up includes the Cabrio (no longer a stand-alone model) and offers a choice of four engines, two transmissions and three trim levels across five derivatives.

A number of features that were previously extra-cost options are now standard issue, which probably won’t make your new DS3 any cheaper but will simplify the ordering process. You get to choose from seven colours – with either a black or white roof – while the only extracost options are metallic paint, a service plan upgrade and a warranty extension. Other than that, what you see is what you get.

And what you get starts with the PureTech Design, with a naturally-aspirated version of PSA’s 1.2-litre petrol three, rated for 60kW and 118Nm, and a fivespeed manual ‘box.

It rolls on 16-inch steel rims shod with 195/55 rubber and plastic covers, the exterior metalwork is chromed and the side mirrors are black to match the roof, which comes in black only. Halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights are standard, as are front foglights and 3D tail light clusters. Inside you get a mix of fabric and alcantara synthetic suede trim, a dark, soft-

Ctouch dashboard, height and reach adjustment on the steering column and height adjustment on both front seats. You get manual air-con, cruise control, remote central locking and Bluetooth-connected six-speaker audio with USB and auxiliary inputs.

An e-THP Style model adds a turbo to the 1 200cc triple, boosting it to 81kW and 205Nm. Look for black 17-inch alloys with 205/45 takkies, tinted rear side windows, rear-parking sensors and either black or white roof paint. Other than a gloss-black dashboard, automatic headlights and automatic windscreen wipers, the cabin is the same as the Design.

The Cabrio Style is exactly that – a DS3 Style with an electrically-operated folding roof in black fabric, while the VTi 88kW Style Automatic uses the extra grunt of a naturally-aspirated 1.6 petrol four to push a four- speed auto transmission.

The e-THP 120kW Sport comes with a 1.6-litre turbopetrol four for which Citroën claims 120kW and 240Nm, driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s blinged-up with LED Vision headlights – which combine Xenon and LED modules – perforated leather upholstery, auto air-con, an upgraded audio system and eMyWay satnav as standard issue. Prices: PureTech 60kW Design – R239 900 e-THP PureTech 81kW Style – R279 900 VTi 88kW Style AT – R294 900 Cabrio e-THP Puretech 81kW Style – R304 900 e-THP 120kW Sport – R329 900

These include a three-year or 100 000km warranty, a four-year or 60 000km service plan.