FRENCHFANCY
The DS3 Cabrio is a small car with big ambitions, writes Ed Wiseman
THE DS brand is one of the youngest and least-understood on British roads. Intended as an upmarket spinoff from Citroen, DS began life selling upgraded versions of existing models from the popular French carmaker. Now, though, it has truly begun the process of building its own name, identity and style.
The latest addition to their stable is the DS3 Cabrio, a stylish little roll-top that will compete with the likes of the Mini Convertible.
It looks like nothing else on the road, let alone the supermini segment. Strong, assertive lines and in-your-face decorative touches make this one of the only small cars guaranteed to turn heads.
The ability to personalise your DS is something the company is proud of. With millions (literally) of possible combinations across the whole DS3 range, you’re likely to build yourself a unique car if you delve into the almost-endless options list.
It’s a small car, but the DS does let itself down a bit in the practicality stakes. The DS can transport five adults, but they’d all be fairly cramped. The driver sits in an unusual position, which might not suit taller (or wider) individuals. A lack of cupholders is also noticeable.
Still, the boot is larger than that of the Mini Convertible, and as an urban runaround, the DS presents a good combination of style and space. If you want out-and-out functionality, look elsewhere.
The petrol DS3 Cabrio is an immediately likeable car with a pretty engine note – important in a car with a folding roof. The steering is light and responsive, enough to rival the Mini’s handling.
The ride quality is adequate around town, but on high-speed roads with potholes, you begin to notice that this is a small car rath- er than the old-fashioned French saloon it sometimes feels like. DS uses the word “hypercomfort” to describe the trade-off between driving pleasure and conventional physical ease. On the tatty, pockmarked surfaces of British motorways, there’s nothing hypercomfortable about the DS3.
Some say pricey, others say premium – the fact remains that the fit and finish of the DS3 is superior to most other cars in the segment. Throw in the open roof and you have a fun, sophisticated, upmarket car, which you can expect to pay more than £20,000 for. Prices start at around £18,000, but can soar above £26,000 if you tick all the options.
That puts it broadly in line with the Mini Convertible, but twice as pricey as non-cabrio cars of comparable sizes. If you’re looking for a practical city car for less, perennial favourites such as the Ford Fiesta might be attractive alternatives.
What’s more, the DS3 doesn’t deliver the most scintillating driving experience. The Mazda MX-5 is a far more engaging car to have fun with if you can sacrifice those paltry rear seats, and costs around the same.
However, anybody looking for a compact, stylish car that stands out against the ubiquity of supermini staidness should at least try to find a DS dealer.