New Car; 2010 Citroem DS3

Here's our first official look at the small car that opens a big new chapter for Citroen – and what’s more, the line-up will be headed by a hot 150bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged version.

This is the DS3 – a luxury supermini which revives the legendary DS badge and spearheads a fresh premium range for the French firm. It features a wide selection of engines – including that turbo flagship – and personalisation options, and is intended to compete head-on with the MINI, but will also battle the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Audi A1.

One of the most eagerly awaited Citroens since the original 1959 DS, it is hoping to carry on its successor’s legacy – and this striking car is certain to stand out on the high street.

First seen in concept form in February, the showroom version retains that model’s distinctive face thanks to bold headlights and a trapezoidal grille. The latter is the only detail to have been updated – instead of a complete chrome outline, it’s now split by a central strip. On the nose sits a DS badge, which comprises a rearranged version of the Citroen’s new double chevron motif.

Other details which have been carried over include the circular spotlights complete with LEDs ahead of the front wheelarches and the reverse-angled B-pillar, which kicks off above the arch and finishes just short of the ‘floating’ roof.

As with the MINI, DS3 buyers will be able to choose from a wide line-up of personalisation options – such as a range of contrasting roof colours.

The theme continues inside, where owners can select the colour of the strip that runs across the dashboard. Adding to the luxury feel are neat blue needles for the instruments, soft-touch plastics and high-gloss trim. Practicality will be a key part of the DS3’s appeal: this three-door has a bigger boot than the MINI Clubman (at 285 litres) and more rear legroom than a standard MINI.

Kit includes a gearchange indicator to help drivers shift up at the most efficient point, sat-nav, an MP3-compatible CD player, Bluetooth and a new hi-fi with a speaker mounted in the upper part of the dashboard plus a sub-woofer in the boot.

Under the skin, the DS3 is essentially Citroen’s new C3, and gets McPherson front struts with a transverse beam rear suspension layout. Five engines will be available, including two 1.6-litre HDi diesels, in either 90bhp or 110bhp form, and three 1.6 petrols, with 95bhp, 120bhp or, in the case of the flagship turbo, 150bhp. The 90bhp oil-burner will emit only 99g/km of CO2, making it free from road tax.

Buyers can expect to pay from around £12,000 when the DS3 goes on sale in March. The car will get its first public airing at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, alongside the all-new C3. A C4-sized DS4 and a C5-sized DS5 will follow. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express