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MEET DS3, AND NEVER LOOK BACK!

DS3 is the first model in Citroën’s brand new DS line, a product range consisting of three distinctively styled, attention-grabbing models that highlight the very best of Citroën’s ‘Créative Technologie.’  DS3 inaugurates the DS line, with DS4 and DS5 set to launch in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

 

Refreshingly new – not retrospective – DS3 represents a contemporary breath of fresh air for the ‘premium’ small hatchback/supermini class.  DS3 forges a new path by placing desire at the heart of the motoring experience, with its aesthetic appeal and vitality.

 

Designed to meet the aspirations and desires of the most demanding drivers, DS3 delivers rewarding on-road dynamics, a sophisticated and comfortable ride, and the very latest Citroën technology – including a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient, environmentally considerate engines.

 

DS3 boasts modern, head-turning good looks, with carefully considered design elements like the unique and distinctive ‘Shark Fin’ B-pillar, the ‘floating’ roof and the signature LED strips down either side of the front bumper.  

 

Quality is evident inside the cabin and out.  Refined materials such as leather and chrome are applied with precision and care to give DS3 its finely appointed, high quality appearance.  

 

Providing a unique ownership experience, DS3 redefines ‘bespoke’ motoring with an unrivalled choice of personalisation options – to reflect each customer’s individual performance, style and technology preferences. 
No DS3 need ever be the same, thanks to the virtually infinite array of different option combinations available.  Customers can specify exterior and interior colour combinations, materials, finishes, trims and equipment – even the key fob is tailored to the driver’s chosen body or roof colour for their DS3.  

 

DS3 can be masculine and sporty or feminine and chic – but always elegant, stylish and imaginative.

 

Compact yet spacious, DS3’s neat frame combines nimble dimensions with intelligent internal architecture – offering five real seats plus class-leading cabin and boot space (285l).  The 60:40 split/folding rear seats can be effortlessly folded down to accommodate larger load items.

 

Confident and connected, DS3 is packed with technology to assist and entertain its occupants.  For portable music players, DS3 can be specified with auxiliary, USB and Bluetooth® connectivity.  MyWay, Citroën’s integrated widescreen colour satellite navigation system, can be specified – and for exemplary acoustic performance, a new
eight-speaker Hi-Fi system creates a rich audio experience in the cabin.

 

Awarded a five star Euro NCAP rating for occupant protection, DS3 is both safe and secure.  High levels of standard safety equipment include ESP, ABS with EBD & EBA, six airbags, a reinforced body structure and two IsoFix child seat anchorage points.

 

With high-precision running gear, DS3 delivers a dynamic and engaging ride experience.  A small diameter steering wheel enhances feedback from the road to further increase driving pleasure.  

 

Top-level acoustic treatment around the cabin ensures occupants benefit from an impressively quiet atmosphere on board.

 

In Ireland, DS3 will be powered by a range of two Euro V compliant engines – the BMW co-developed petrol and the modern Citroën HDi diesel – with power output from 90hp for the HDi 90hp diesel to 95hp in the 1.4i petrol. The sporty 1.6 THP 150hp petrol will also be made available to customers later in the year as a special order.

 

A new Gear Efficiency Indicator – standard specification across the range – signals the optimum moment to change gear and encourages more economical driving.

 

DS3 is available in three trim levels; DSign, DStyle and DSport (arriving towards the end of 2010 on special order).  

 

The world of DS3 starts at just €18,950 for the petrol VTi 95hp DSign, rising to €21,500 for the 1.6HDi 90hp DStyle model.  Pricing for the DSport will be announced later in the year.

 

Thierry Calewaert, Managing Director of Citroën Motors Ireland, comments, “A bold, definitive statement of intent for Citroën and a confident step in the opposite direction to its main competitors, DS3 brings a real alternative to a market sector dominated by retro designs.  DS3 is about modernity, creativity, individual style and a driving experience packed with personality.”

 

He continues, “DS3 dares to be different – whilst delivering the comfort, quality, technology and ecologically considerate performance for which Citroën is well recognised.”

 

THE MARKET

DS3 is a new addition in the ‘premium’ small hatchback/supermini class, which includes competitor models such as Mini, Mini Clubman, Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo MiTo. 

 

In this sector of the market, customers are looking for a compact car with a distinctive character, an enhanced image and head-turning ‘look-at-me’ excitement.

 

DS3 will appeal to individuals who like to invest in quality of design, quality of construction and the quality of the ownership experience.

  
In today’s world where technology provides the ability to tailor products and services to individual lifestyles, DS3’s extensive list of personalisation options make it a natural choice for the expressive, the style-conscious and the most discerning of small car buyers.

 

With its practical space, responsive performance and consummate quality, DS3 will also appeal to 3-door
medium-size hatchback customers (the segment above), who are looking to downsize without compromise.

 

PRODUCT IN DETAIL

 

STYLING – EXTERIOR

Exuding vivaciousness and undeniable appeal, DS3 looks like no other car on the road today – if being noticed is on the agenda, then DS3 delivers!

 

DS3’s dynamic, engaging outline is characterised by three distinctive features.

 

The ‘floating’ roof design emphasises DS3’s low-slung waist line, giving the body purpose and the clear suggestion of agility.

 

The eye-catching outline of the B-pillar – inspired by the evocative silhouette of a shark’s fin – creates a dynamic posture and propels the lines of the side profile forwards towards DS3’s defined front end.

 

At the front of DS3, the piercing ‘gaze’ of two sparkling vertical LED strips assert the model’s sporty styling, illuminating the car’s sculpted bumper in a thoroughly premium statement for the segment.

 

Quality is evident across the exterior of DS3, from the textured patterns of the optional roof designs to the chrome trim sparkling on the door mirrors, door handles and side rubbing strips.  Even DS3’s badge – mounted in the centre of the bonnet – is crafted like a jewel.

 

The car’s dynamic stance is further enhanced with an extensive choice of attractive, sculpted alloy wheels in a range of sizes, colours and finishes – including 17” alloys with a ‘diamond-tipped’ design, in a choice of colours and with colour co-ordinated centre caps.

 

Dark tinted rear windows – standard specification on DStyle models and above – complete DS3’s sporty and exclusive appearance.

 

 

STYLING – INTERIOR

Inside, DS3 is beautifully appointed, sporty and driver-focused.  With low-slung, body-hugging seats, all commands and controls are neatly orientated towards the driver’s eye line.  The materials used in the carefully crafted interior have been specially selected to create a sophisticated and engaging cabin environment.

 

The top of the dashboard is finished with a soft-to-the-touch, tactile covering that contrast with the smooth lacquered effect of the dashboard strip.  A standard specification sculpted leather steering wheel – with chrome or aluminium inserts – emphasises the sporty ambitions of the model.    

 

All upholstery materials are of a prestigious quality, with fine tactile leather available to complement the range of refined and contemporary fabrics.  When specified, the optional leather upholstery adds features like a leather trimmed gear knob and leather door panels.

 

As much a design statement as functional technology, the main instrument binnacle features three
aviation-inspired displays.  When the driver turns on DS3’s ignition, the car bursts into life sending the glowing needles spinning around the dials, before returning to zero.

 

 

MY DS3

Each DS3 experience is unique, because each car is designed for the individual, by the individual.

 

With a comprehensive choice of customisable options – unprecedented for a new car by a mainstream manufacturer
– each DS3 can be tailored to a driver’s own performance, style and technology preferences.

 

Delivering dynamic sporty looks or a more elegant, chic appearance – according to the preferences of the customer
– there are 38 body and roof colour combinations to choose from, whilst door mirrors, wheels and wheel centre caps are available in a vast range of colours and combinations.  DS3 even offers a selection of ‘Spirits’, which include stylish roof graphics and matching carpet mats.

 

Inside, drivers can select from several colour cloths and premium leathers, with the dashboard available in up to six finishes including red, blue, white and even aluminium or carbon fibre effects.  The gearstick knob is also offered in several different colours, which blend with satin-finished chrome.

 

Using a special DS3 configurator, the DS3 personalisation process starts with customers selecting their preferred engine and trim level.  Depending on their initial choices, buyers are then presented with a choice of body colours, roof colours and roof graphics, as well as a host of other features to select from – such as chrome door mirrors and chrome rubbing strips; alloy wheels in different sizes, styles and colours; front bumper LEDs; upholstery materials; and the colour schemes of the dashboard and gear knob.

 

There are also equipment ‘signature’ packs to choose from, which include executive car features such as automatic headlamps, rear parking sensors, MyWay satellite navigation, Connect Signature (Bluetooth® with USB socket) and a front central armrest.

 

As a reminder of the bespoke nature of DS3 ownership, a disc mounted in each key fob is finished in the same colour as either the car’s body or roof.

 

 

COMFORT & SPACE

DS3’s intelligent internal architecture means it is both compact and deceptively spacious – a characteristic Citroën design paradox.

 

At just 3.95m long, 1.72m wide and 1.46m or 1.48m high, DS3 is easily manoeuvrable and perfectly suited to the urban environment, but offers one of the most generous cabin environments with five seats, class-leading levels of occupant space and the biggest boot in the segment at 285-litres.

 

Thanks to a 60:40 split-folding rear bench, DS3 delivers modular versatility.  With an effortless mechanism, tumbling the rear seats forwards allows DS3 to transport luggage with dimensions of up to 1029 x 1156 x 620mm, with a maximum load volume of 980-litres – a big feat for a small car.

 

Full consideration has been given to the maximisation of interior space and the comfort of occupants.  The raised dashboard, with its recessed passenger footwell, creates additional front leg room, and the slender design of the front seats also frees up room for rear passengers.  Front and rear elbow room are best in the segment.

 

 

Inside the cabin, the welcoming contours of the seats encapsulate occupants in an environment of quality and comfort.  A front central armrest, with a handy storage compartment, is available for additional comfort on long journeys.

 

Benefiting from meticulous levels of soundproofing, DS3’s cabin is both a calm and peaceful environment.

 

A chrome-finished, integrated air-freshener adds a contemporary Citroën touch.

 

TECHNOLOGY

DS3 is offered with an impressive array of technology to keep occupants connected and in control.

 

For added comfort, safety and convenience on long distance journeys, cruise control with speed limiter is fitted as standard.  Automatic digital air-conditioning, rear parking sensors, automatic headlamps and automatic rain-sensitive windscreen wipers can also be specified.

 

With a focus on environmentally conscious motoring, DS3 is fitted as standard with a Gear Efficiency Indicator that signals the optimum moment for the driver to change gear – encouraging more fuel efficient driving.

 

Citroën’s integrated satellite navigation and entertainment system, MyWay, offers European-wide guidance with live traffic updates all displayed on a full-colour 7” wide screen.  The standard specification CD player is MP3 compatible, and Bluetooth® allows hands-free telephony and wireless music streaming.

 

Auxiliary inputs are standard across the range, so MP3 players can always be connected to the car’s audio system.  For enhanced functionality, the ‘Connect Signature’ pack can be specified that adds a Connecting Box (Bluetooth® and USB connectivity) – with a socket on the central console that allows portable MP3 players to be controlled via the car’s audio system buttons. 

 

‘Connect Signature’ also incorporates the eight-speaker Hi-Fi system, with an additional speaker located in the middle of the upper dashboard and an amplified subwoofer in the boot.  This high quality sound system delivers a rich acoustic range with impressive depth for concert-like audio clarity. 

 

 

POWER & DYNAMICS

As comfortable on the open road as it is in built-up urban environments, DS3 boasts high-precision running gear with springing and damping developed to ‘read’ the road.  The result is responsive handling, minimal body roll and impressive poise in corners.

 

A small-diameter steering wheel and precisely calibrated power steering combine to give drivers a rewarding sense of feedback from the road.  A tight turning circle of just 10.2m or 10.4m – dependent on wheel size – means DS3 is easily manoeuvrable and perfectly suited to congested city streets.

 

A ‘part by part’ focus on limiting overall weight, optimising aerodynamics, and advancing the engine technology, ensures DS3 manages both fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions intelligently and efficiently.

 

Spirited and environmentally responsible, DS3’s range of refined powerplants offer sporty credentials with Citroën’s new punchy THP 150hp engine and low CO₂ emissions of just 104g/km with the HDi 90hp diesel.

 

The petrol powerplant – VTi 95hp, – was co-developed with BMW and is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.  Over the combined cycle, CO₂ emissions are just 134 g/km. 

 

The punchy performance of DS3’s top-of-the-range THP 150 engine offers a thrilling driving experience with a
finely-tuned sporty feel (6-speed manual gearbox, emitting 155 g/km).

 

The highly efficient HDi 90hp – is fitted with Citroën’s lauded DPFS (Diesel Particulate Filter System), and is also mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.  Benefiting from Citroën’s 12 years of experience in HDi innovation, DS3’s diesel engines are not only exceptionally frugal, but with high levels of responsive torque, are also fun and easy to drive.

 

 

SAFETY

A cocoon of safety and reassuring security, DS3 has been awarded a maximum five star Euro NCAP rating for occupant protection.  Providing capable handling in the most slippery of driving conditions, all models are equipped with ESP as standard, together with ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist).  DS3 features six airbags as standard, plus two Isofix child seat anchor points on the outside rear seats.  

 

 

TRIMS

DS3 features three trim levels – DSign, DStyle & DSport..

 

With DS3 style as standard, DSign models are far from being a basic proposition – not the case with many competitors’ entry-level models in this class.  The DSign trim features generous levels of standard equipment, which includes leather steering wheel, an MP3-compatible CD player with steering mounted controls, front fog lights, electric door mirrors, cruise control with speed limiter, ESP, six airbags, electric windows, remote central locking and Gear Efficiency Indicator.

 

At the heart of the range, DStyle models gain the striking front bumper mounted LEDs, air-conditioning, dark tinted rear windows, contrasting body and roof colours, roof coloured painted door mirrors with a chrome base,
shiny-finished black dashboard and 16” diamond-tipped alloy wheels.

 

Combining luxury touches with sporty styling, DSport models feature chrome side rubbing strips, a rear spoiler with an integrated third brake light, a chrome double exhaust pipe, drilled aluminium pedals and 17” black
diamond-tipped alloys.  The ‘Connect Signature’ pack, which includes Bluetooth®, USB socket and the eight-speaker Hi-Fi system is standard specification – as is automatic digital air-conditioning.

PRICES

The DS3 range starts at €18,950 for the petrol VTi 95hp DSign, rising to €21,500 for the 1.6HDi 90hp DStyle model.  Pricing for the DSport will be announced later in the year.

 

As an example of the extensive personalisation that DS3 offers – and the resulting price – a 1.6HDi 90hp DStyle, specified with a metallic body colour, contrasting roof, chrome door mirrors and rubbing strips, 16” white diamond-tipped alloy wheels, LEDs, mistral cloth upholstery, a shiny black dashboard and the ‘Connect Signature’ pack (Bluetooth®, USB socket and the eight-speaker Hi-Fi), has a Recommended Retail Price of €22,640 – just €1,140 more than an unpersonalised DStyle.

 

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