Skip advert
Advertisement

Citroen DS3 DSport HDi 110

Petrol hot-hatch tops the range but is the diesel version just as impressive?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Citroen DS3
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

As the first car in Citroen's latest design revolution, the DS3 is under a lot of pressure to perform. Thankfully, with striking looks and excellent on-road manners the newcomer looks set to be a success. Add a frugal and responsive diesel engine and the DS3 really becomes an attractive proposition.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The DS3 is one of Citroen's boldest designs yet- its floating roof, cut off B-pillars and colour-coded wheels and wing-mirrors make it an easily recognisable sight on the road. Fit it with a zebra striped-roof, a sky-blue paint-job and 17-inch diamond tipped alloys though and it becomes a real attention-grabber.

Look inside and the funky touches continue. A flash of 'Botticelli Blue' runs across the width of the dashboard while bezeled and recessed dials add a futuristic feel. The contrasting cream and black leather seats are luxurious, comfortable and offer plenty of lateral support.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Citroen DS3

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"69256","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Under the bonnet sits a 1.6-litre HDi engine which puts out 109bhp. Extra sound-proofing means refinement is impressive and 270Nm of torque gives the DS3 plenty of shove and allows a 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds. A sixth ratio and plenty of low down pulling power means the Citroen is just as at home on the motorway.

But, more surprising is how frugal the diesel unit is. Considering the punchy engine rarely feels underpowered, the 62.8mpg combined figure is astounding, let alone kind to your wallet. The same applies to the 118g/km CO2 rating, which will only cost you £30 a year in tax.

The French car rides well, too, soaking up bumps and potholes with ease. The soft suspension set-up means the DS3 isn't quite as engaging as a MINI but it still feels agile and body roll is limited in the corners. Only a lack of steering feedback lets it down.

Our model came in flagship DSport trim, which adds a rear spoiler, double chrome exhaust pipe, automatic air conditioning and Bluetooth over the mid-range DStyle trim. But even basic DSign models come generously equipped, with six airbags, cruise control and air conditioning all standard. Fitted with the basic 1.4i engine, a DSign variant starts at just £11,700.

With the DS3, Citroen have managed to create a quirky premium supermini that is comfortable, handles well and now, with this diesel engine, is incredibly cheap to run. The only thorn in its side, is the MINI D which has a more efficient engine and is marginally more engaging to drive.

But, if you want to stand out from the crowd, the DS3 is an incredibly appealing proposition.

Rival: MINI Cooper D
The Cooper leads the way in chassis dynamics and interior quality. The original customisable hatch has great residuals and running costs that the DS3 can't quite match. Although, if you're thinking about buying a MINI but don't want to follow the crowd, then the DS3 is an excellent alternative.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,773
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,879 off RRP*Used from £15,598
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £1,882 off RRP*Used from £18,900
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025