Putting Citroen's funky new DS3 to the test

Mini has cornered the trendy city car market for some time now, boasting both style and substance, but the fashionable high-streets currently dominated by the ever-expanding Mini range, the Alfa Romeo Mito and the smaller but all-conquering Fiat 500 are about to become even more lively with the arrival of the Citroën DS3.

When a production model resembles its concept predecessor so closely, it is a sure sign that the manufacturer is about to try something new. With the C3 updated for the new decade and the recent arrival of the practical but creatively styled C3 Picasso taking care of the volume compact hatchback and compact MPV sectors, the DS3 is a new attempt to break into the premium compact hatchback segment with a stylish, well-equipped and generally more luxurious model.

At first glance, Citroën appears to have cracked it. There are bold styling gestures that may or may not be immediately liked and that may or may not grow on car-buyers over time, but as a package the DS3 is every bit as attractive and arguably more forward thinking in its design than its rivals.

Unlike some of the competition, the DS3 is not a modern take on past glories. Attempting to be a design classic in its own right, the model can hardly be accused of trading on its name either. Car historians and Citroën fanatics may raise an eyebrow at the rekindling of the DS moniker, but the French manufacturer is not claiming the DS3 is a modern interpretation of the Fifties style icon. The DS4 and DS5 models that will follow shortly will make no such claims, either.

The intention of the DS sub (or über) brand is visible in the lack of Citroën chevrons on the rear. A special DS badge takes their place, marking the DS line-up as a range in its own right. In fact, Citroën has retooled its factory especially to deal with the two-tone bodywork and roof decals of the DS3. Dashboards can be specified in a range of colours, and shapely interior panels are soft to touch and lined with exuberant materials. Patterned carpets, coloured seat inlays and dashes of chrome add to the upmarket feel.

With the range-topping 154bhp turbocharged petrol engine, drivers will also be met with an appealing, sporty exhaust note. The engine, the result of a partnership between Peugeot, Citroën and BMW, proves well suited to the DS3 in 150 true horsepower form, making the car feel far keener than the Citroën C3. The crisp gear change and responsive, well-weighted steering help, too. The suspension is firm and the DS3 can be chucked into bends with confidence, but it's also damped to deal with rougher surfaces even on the DSport model's 17in wheels. As a compromise between city driving and the open road it's hard to fault.

The DS3 shouldn't prove a struggle to live with, either. The boot is very accommodating and, while the three-door body naturally restricts access to the rear, it will suit two adults over shorter journeys. The chunky B-pillar may spoil their view somewhat, but visibility from the driver's seat is very good and the front passenger benefits from a recessed glove compartment that allows extra legroom.

Three trim levels — DSport, DStyle and DSign — are available, dependant on engine choice and there are enough customisation options to give the DS3 a truly bespoke feel. The floating roof and LED running lamps provide the icing on the cake.

It is adequately equipped to tackle the competitive but lucrative premium small car segment in the styling stakes, and the DS3's enjoyable driving experience and neat packaging give it more than just high street chic.

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