{"id":8967,"date":"2014-08-12T04:30:57","date_gmt":"2014-08-12T04:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/?p=8967"},"modified":"2014-08-12T09:06:52","modified_gmt":"2014-08-12T09:06:52","slug":"citroen-ds3-benefit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/index.php\/citroen-ds3-benefit\/","title":{"rendered":"Ruth Scott drives the Citroen DS3 by Benefit"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ruth_benefit\"<\/a>The Citroen DS3 has been given a makeover – thanks to Benefit Cosmetics and our\u00a0<\/span>Guest\u00a0Reviewer, RT\u00c9 2FM\u2019s Ruth Scott\u00a0has been checking it out<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I copped on pretty quickly that this car gets a lot of admiring glances. For a half of a split second I thought it was my hair. No. This car is like dangling something pretty in front of people. In a stroke of genius, Citroen have teamed up with Benefit, an international make-up brand, and produced the DS3 DSIGN & DSTYLE by Benefit. \u00a0For specific nods to Benefit, there are 2 discreet logos on the exterior, branded floor mats inside and a black silhouette on the dashboard.<\/p>\n

In another stroke of genius, the car is being sold in the UK on the ASOS fashion website. \u00a0It clearly sets out its stall as a female-interest car. \u00a0The jokes were coming thick and fast about a make-up mirror, a bathroom sink & a socket for the hairdryer! All the marketing cleverness aside, how does it stand up to a good week-long road test with me? \u00a0On first look, the colour of the DSIGN is a nod to the famous Benetint lip & cheek stain. Ruby red metallic paint, a white roof and white alloys give it a very sporty look without looking too masculine. The grille is beautifully shiny chrome-surrounded. \u00a0Add to that halogen headlamps for something that looks super sporty. A real style gem inside, is the dashboard.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a swathe of white which gives the interior an American diner feel. \u00a0I was constantly hungry for a burger in this car! \u00a0The display dials over the steering wheel were a nod to a sporty looking interior. The sports seats have a very luxurious textured fabric with so much room for my front seat passenger. \u00a0He was thrilled because as 6 foot, he was expecting to be squished. \u00a0The back seat in the 2-door car can fit 3 and I would imagine that a quick spin is as long as they would be comfortable there. (I say that as a 5\u2019 9 \u00be\u201d height person, anyone shorter should easily sit in the back).<\/p>\n

From the driver\u2019s perspective, the pedals are stripped back to look incredibly sporty, the handbrake & gearshift are low down. \u00a0I had the distinct feel of sitting low in a luxury sporty-feel car. \u00a0Touches like the leather steering wheel with aluminium effect inserts make it look like an awful lot more than a city car. A car I thought would be more of a city car, really surprised me with 5 forward gears. \u00a0My jaw nearly dislocated with shock when I realised that it also has cruise control.<\/p>\n

(Top speed of 175kmh the brochure said.) \u00a0I never imagined bringing this neat Citroen down the nearest motorway. \u00a0I didn\u2019t need to. \u00a0There are still ample opportunities to use the cruise control. All too easily I became used to nipping in & out of small city centre parking spaces.\u00a0 No more was I driving up and down a road observing empty spaces saying \u201cno that\u2019s too small\u201d, this little gem fit everywhere. \u00a0I often look at cars this size parked up and am jealous that they fit so easily. The bits I always like to check for were there: Bluetooth, Aux inputs, cd player with steering mounted controls, Isofix points.\u00a0 Plus there are a few sweeteners which I liked, including automatic activation of hazard warning lights in case you need to jam on the brakes, or in case of impact \u2013 how clever is that?<\/p>\n

Connecting with a make-up brand is a huge signpost to the female car-buyers. \u00a0However it doesn\u2019t skimp on real & great features to keep all car enthusiasts very happy. \u00a0It\u2019s a superb city car; manages the national, regional & local roads adeptly.\u00a0 It handled really well on bends, and I felt very secure inside all the time.<\/p>\n

Ruth Scott<\/strong><\/p>\n

12th August, 2014<\/strong>