Posh Performance: The New DS 3 Range

We’ve always been big fans of the Citroen DS range here at Average Joes, but it’s all change: Gone are the double chevrons, replaced by a diamond-themed logo for the new DS Automobiles brand and its updated DS 3 hatchback.

Unveiled with much ceremony within the hallowed halls of the Louvre, the new DS 3 stands apart from the market segment in which it typically sits with a truly fashionable look, customisable cosmetics and a premium visage.

DS 3: The Facelift

Still available as a hatchback and cabrio, the front is where the real difference is to be seen. The DS 3 now features a unique grille, with the prominent DS branding front and centre. Around this, the prominent features of the LED lights and DS ‘wings’, with the addition of chrome finishings, seemingly lower the nose, combining to give it a set of evil eyes.

The facelift to the DS3 is not just limited to the car’s front face. Although the rear and the sides remain remarkably similar, barring 3D effect taillights and some new touches to that floating roof design, the inside of the car has received more attention. Speaking of the roof, a few new options are available for that design, allowing you to tweak the personalised elements further.

DS 3: Tech Step Forward

Technology updates feature heavily on the inside with a wholly upgraded information and entertainment system. Working with their target market in mind, the ability to connect your smartphone has increased, allowing you to pair up to the seven-inch touchscreen display, which replaces the old button system of the old DS3. This switchover allows the dashboard of the DS3 to mirror its external visage with a smoother, cleaner look, befitting the Parisian boutique aspirations of the DS brand.

Additional touches include Apple’s CarPlay and Microsoft MirrorLink connectivity – allowing users to mirror their phone’s screen onto the display and use it just the same. Alongside the mirroring, Apple’s Siri personal assistant has made its way through, too, allowing you to compose and hear messages whilst on the move and giving Siri her usual commands.

There’s also a My DS app, which comes on iOS and Android, and contains many functions. There’s the parked car location (because who hasn’t forgotten where they left their car?), navigation, access to DS documentation, and reminders for when your service is due. It extends the car owner experience beyond getting from point A to point B, and in a welcome way.

DS 3: Style Over Substance?

The new DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio are very much all about style over substance. However, the canvas upon which the car has been painted bears up well to scrutiny. Seven engines are available here in the UK, including two BlueHDi diesels, two THP four-cylinder petrol engines and three PureTech three-cylinder engines. The number of different engines available matches the number of customisation options in its extravagance. Oh, but it doesn’t stop there.

DS 3: Performance

The DS 3 Performance was also unveiled, a shiny new hot hatch that sits aside the DS 3 range. It is, again, a bit of an update on the older DS 3 Racing. Whilst we don’t have all the interesting stats on this, the sporting hatchback has upped the ante with a 207hp, 300Nm 1.6-litre THP turbo petrol engine with a six-speed gearbox and a Torsen limited-slip differential. The DS 3 Performance also sits lower on the road by 15mm, with front and rear tracks widened and matched with updated 323mm front and 249mm back brake discs.

Whilst at first, the DS 3 Performance sits apart from the core design ethos of DS Automobiles, upon closer inspection, it merely builds upon it. Whilst it is a hot hatch, it is not one you would expect to see any boy racers in — it’s a car with more luxurious features and design. It caters to a slightly more niche market, where power and performance should not limit luxury and comfort.

DS 3: Verdict

It’s more of everything we loved about the Citroen DS range, now known as DS Automobiles. It’s begun to hone its identity and place in the market and is looking to carry that forward with the new DS 3 offerings — and those newer models yet to be released.

The price difference is hardly staggering, with the entry-level car being priced around £13,500, especially given all the newly available options mean you could create a truly unique vehicle — something around 3,000,000 different trim combinations can be achieved.

So, if you want a fine city car that drives well and delivers more in terms of appearance, uniqueness and premium luxury, then maybe DS Automobiles and the DS 3 are for you.