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Citroen DS3 vs. MINI Cooper

It’s the most important Citroen in years – so we see if the new DS3 premium hatchback is worthy of its famous name as it takes on the class-leading MINI

Citroen DS3 vs. MINI Cooper

February 2010

*Note: The model pictured is a MINI Cooper S, not the Cooper model used in the actual test.

Citroen is being brazen as it launches the DS3. Advertising straplines claim theall-new premium hatch is “Anti Retro” – so it doesn’t take an awful lot of imagination to work out that the car is aimed squarely at the MINI.

Opponents don’t get much tougher, because the nostalgic British hatchback has seen off all-comers in the premium supermini sector, and it delivers first-class handling, too.

Don’t underestimate the new DS3, though – it stands a better chance than most. Its 118bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine is the same as the unit under the bonnet of the MINI Cooper in our twin test. A more powerful turbocharged version, with 148bhp, is also available, but the former looks set to give the MINI a real run for its money, with a price tag of £13,700 and the promise of virtually identical performance.

The Citroen has another trick up its sleeve: it’s bigger than the current class leader. It can accommodate three passengers in the back – something its competitor has never been capableof doing. What’s more, the French company has beefed up its aftersales service to woo buyers attracted by MINI’s tlc package.

We hit the road to see if the DS3 is a true MINI rival – or simply a three-door C3 in a posh frock...

For an alternative review of the latest Citroen DS3 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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5 Comments

French Comfort & Style or Anglo-German Sportiness?

Yes, the Mini is fun. It handles well and is great to drive - for a while that is. The trouble being that the fun factor wears a little thin. The ride is fairly uncompromising - particualrly on larger wheels and its just plain cramped: there's less room inside for four than there was in the original Mini and the new one is big in comparison: have you ever seen the two models side by side?. Also it's becoming a little ubiquitous ...zzzz. I would guess that most people in day to day driving would be happy to trade in some handling dynamics for something a little softer - something more refined and defintely more practical. Design is of course subjective but I have never been that crazy about the Mini whereas the Citroen displays real flair and a degree of uniqueness usually somewhat lacking in this sector. I know what I would prefer!

By thorntonjames on 23 February, 2010, 12:08pm

I totally agree with "thorntonjames" comment, the mini is getting very dull and boring now, having a 58 reg John Cooper Works mini in the family has really shown that they are not all they are made out to be, rattly interior, shody build, terrible brakes and worse of all the resasle value!!! it cost £23,000 new and now is worth just £13,000 trade in after less than a year!!!!!!!!! you really do not get back what you paid, go for the DS3, looks the better of the two and you get more equipment for a lower price.

By Holliecat on 23 February, 2010, 6:36pm

I've got a 58 reg factory JCW. Absolutely solid car, no problems and it stops, goes and handles better than cars twice its price. It's my 3rd MINI and nothing much else compares for a fun driving experience. As for resale value, Holliecat, my £24K factory JCW should be selling around £21K, holding its value superbly. I've recently heard of French hot hatches selling at 50% of their value in 1 year. The DS3 will fall to bits and be worth nothing in a year or two - and if it doesn't, it'll still have that reputation.
As for the MINI being cramped, I've carried four people many times, five occasionally (try that in a Fiat 500). The space is really dedicated for the front two passengers though.
Each to their own but I'd always prefer a car based on BMW quality and tech rather than Pug/Cit.

By big_steve on 11 March, 2010, 4:21pm

gud

re: big steve's comment about citroen falling to bits,what a load of rubbish .think back big steve to the sub frames ,A panels, doorsinner and outer sills front wings even the boot lid??? ,i could go on forever about the mini,now that's a load of rubbish

By woodbine16 on 18 March, 2010, 10:36am

diesle ds3

no tax 80 mpg cheaper than mini. no brainer

By davesc on 1 April, 2010, 10:30pm

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MINI Cooper

1st MINI Cooper

Retro-styled sales smash puts up a strong fight against new competitor
Citroen DS3

2nd Citroen DS3

Can new premium hatch set blueprint for class?
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

BY targeting the MINI, Citroen has set its DS3 a tough brief. The Brit car is king of the premium superminis, delivering an electrifying drive, bags of desirability, a host of customisation options and a first-class ownership experience.

The Citroen stacks up well. It makes a bold visual statement and is spacious, comfortable and refined. Also in its favour is its lower price of £13,700 and more generous spec. Kitting out the MINI to the same level will cost £14,760.

Yet while residual values have yet to be calculated, we’d be surprised if the DS3 matches the Cooper’s 55.2 per cent. So although you spend more to buy a MINI, you’re likely to get more back at resale time. Add quality, desirability and driving fun, and it keeps its crown in the premium supermini pecking order. The Citroen runs the MINI closer than any contender yet, but the 1.6-litre DStyle has to concede defeat.

 
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