21 limited edition models are available
Hannah Gordon checks out the new and very stylish DS 3 PureTech 110
What is it? The DS 3 has been a huge success for DS and since its launch in 2010 it has been the car of choice for more than 320,000 customers worldwide. The revised DS 3 comes from the new DS brand, one that stands apart from its sister company Citroen, there is in fact no Citroen badging to be found on the DS 3 for the first time.
Who is it aimed at? Predominantly aimed at the female population and first time drivers, the new ambassador for the vehicle is a 94 year old fashion icon Iris Apfel. The huge array of colour combinations and personalisation again would appeal to the youth of today.
What abou the Styling? The new DS 3 has retained its 3 door shape and the front wings and bonnet have been carried over from the previous model. Changes have been made to the front end of the car with new LED headlights and chrome detailing around a new grille. The DS ‘wings’ can clearly be seen at the front and they sculpture around the front headlights and grille. On the rear the Avant-garde styling continues with the familiar floating roof, shark fin posts and new 3D LED taillights.
Under the bonnet? Powering our test car was the new 3 cylinder 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine which would be our engine of choice. It has 110 bhp, a top speed is just over 190km/h and takes just under ten seconds to dash from 0-100km/h. The petrol engine is quiet around town and super nippy, the pick up through the majority of gears has barely any lag and is a pleasure to drive. The 6-speed gearbox is well matched and whether driving around city or motorway it performs exceptionally.
There are 2 body styles: hatchback and Cabrio
What about inside? Inside it is well styled and the addition of a 7 inch touchscreen infotainment system means 20 less buttons on the centre console. The touchscreen has Sat Nav, Bluetooth, DAB and Apple Play which enables you to look at messages and send them using Siri, there is also a DS App that you can download for greater connectivity to the car. The seating position within the car is good and the dials and instruments are easy to read. There is plenty of room and the boot is one of the biggest in its class at 285 litres.
On the road? The DS 3 is a good all round car on the road, it handles well especially when you are punching the car around corners at speed, the suspension isn’t too harsh but is definitely not spongy either. The steering lightens up around town which helps it skip through the city with ease and then gets heavier when pushing through the country lanes. There is some intrusion of tyre noise into the cabin especially on motorways and in the Cabrio version noise from other vehicles does penetrate the roof.
And Safety? A Euro NCAP rating of five stars and plenty of airbags; Two front airbags, Two side airbags at the front and two curtain airbags at the front and the back so this little car is a safe option. Active City Brake is also available.
What are my options? The New DS 3 models are now equipped with front and rear park assist, a reversing camera with image projection on a 7-inch screen, hill assist (with manual gearbox) making them a concentrate of technologies in a body under 4 metres long. And as expected there are plenty of options are available with the DS 3 and these include 78 body/roof colour combinations and more than three million possibilities with the wheels, dashboard strip and other features, the DS 3 has a powerful character and plenty of personality.
Will it break the bank? Priced at €23,995, (model range starts from €18,995) our test car with a 1.2 litre turbo petrol emits just 108g/km of CO2 so the annual tax bill is €190. On a mix of urban and motorway driving the DS 3 promise 4.3 litres per 100 or 65.1mpg
So the Verdict? This was my first time driving a DS 3 and I was extremely impressed by it. Its a great alternative to the Mini and other superminis mainly because of the drivability, space and the array of engines available. The pick of the bunch is the PureTech petrol engine which is refined, nippy and suits the car and gearbox so well. The interior is easy to use but the Sat Nav does feel a bit dated. The DS 3 also comes in a Cabrio version which retains all the best qualities plus a bit of wind in your hair. Overall the DS 3 should pick up where it left off and remain DS’s best selling car.
DS 3 PureTech 110
Engine: 1199cc
Max speed: 190 km/h
0-100 km/h: 9.6 seconds
Emissions (Motor Tax): 108 g/km (€190)
Model price range: from €18,995
No of Doors: 3
Euro NCAP : 5
Fuel type: Petrol
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 4.3 litres per 100 or 65.1mpg
Boot Capacity Seats up(down): 285 (980) litres
Length: 3948 mm
Width: 1715 mm
Height: 1483 mm
Wheelbase: 2452 mm
For more information on the DS Brand check out the DS Ireland website, their facebook page or follow the company on twitter here
Hannah Gordon
4th April, 2016
