Citroen DS3

For: Bold looks, customisation, refinement, value, space

Against: Lack of steering feedback, five-speed gearbox

The French firm’s stylish new DS3 has been charged with knocking MINI from its place at the top of the premium supermini tree. Eye-catching looks, an upmarket cabin and plenty of personalisation options help boost the car’s showroom appeal. Better still, a sharp chassis and keen turbocharged petrol and diesel engines ensure the French hatch is as fun to drive as its British arch-rival.

Our choice: DS3 DSport 1.6THP

Designers at Citroen have ignored the retro-route taken by the MINI, VW Beetle and Fiat 500. As a result, the DS3’s bold shapes, creases and curves certainly make it stand out from the crowd. Buyers can pick from DSign, DStyle and DSport trim levels, with the latter two models benefiting from alloy wheels and eye-catching LED daytime running lights. As with the MINI there’s plenty of scope for personalisation. Owners can colour code the roof, wheels and door mirrors, as well as add decals and extra chrome trim.

Decent build quality and classy detailing mark out the DS3’s cabin. The dashboard is carried over from the firm’s C3 supermini, which means you get eye-catching dials and a logical layout. Buyers can colour co-ordinate the dash, gearlever and key fob with the exterior paint finish. A top-notch driving position and decent refinement help to make the DS3 a surprisingly relaxing long distance cruiser. All models benefit from air-con, electric windows and leather trim for the steering wheel.

Three petrol engines are available, all co-developed with BMW and also used in the MINI. Entry–level models get the 93bhp 1.4-litre, while further up the range is a 1.6-litre unit in either 118bhp normally aspirated or 148bhp turbocharged tune. At the top of the range is limited edition, fire-breathing 204bhp DS3 Racing As you’d expect from Citroen there’s a line-up of punchy and refined diesel units – an 88bhp 1.4-litre and 108bhp 1.6-litre. The most powerful petrol and oil-burning powerplants get a slick shifting six-speed gearbox. All versions of the DS3 get a sports suspension set-up. Body control is good and grip is strong, but the direct steering lacks weight and feedback, while the five-speed gearbox has a slack and vague action. A supple ride and low noise levels make the Citroen a relaxing long distance cruiser.

Not only does the DS3 undercut the MINI on price, but it’s also much better equipped. All versions get air-conditioning, cruise control and a trip computer. Citroen is also offering a three-years inclusive servicing package for £199. The range-topping 1.6-litre turbo emits 155g/km of CO2, while the fuel efficient 1.4 HDi diesel returns a claimed 74.3mpg at the pumps. However, don’t expect the French car to match the MINI’s excellent residuals when it comes time to trade-in.

The newcomer steals a march on the MINI thanks to its five-seat layout – the British car can only accommodate four occupants. Opening the DS3’s tailgate reveals a useful 285-litre load bay, which can be extended to healthy 980-litres with the rear seats folded flat. The Citroen’s cabin is littered with storage cubbies, although the glovebox is next to useless due to the fact most of its volume is taken up by the car’s fusebox.

The DS3 has already earned a five-star EuroNCAP rating, making it one of the safest models in the class. All trim levels get six airbags and electronic stability control as standard. Sadly Citroen still struggles to deliver the upmarket ownership experience that comes as standard with the MINI and Audi A1. The French firm’s dealers could only manage a lowly 26th place finish in our 2010 Driver Power awards.

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