Citroen DS3 1.6 HDi: Test Drive Review

Date: 06 July 2012

Category: Supermini P11D price: £14,745 Key rival: Mini

Citroen's DS3, the car that launched the new age of DS branding that has since spawned DS4 and DS5 models, is now available at just 95g/km, down from 99g/km, due to a revised 90hp version of the 1.6-litre diesel engine. Official fuel consumption is also improved, up around 2mpg to 78.5mpg, and the performance, with that in mind, is still pretty perky, although this lowest-powered diesel model is obviously better suited to urban rather than long-distance applications.

The DS3 accounts for more than a third of Citroen's UK registrations, and has been a resounding success in providing competition to the previously all-conquering Mini. Residual values of over 40% aren't exactly common for the French brand, so it shows quite how well-received the DS3 has been. The price and cost per mile figures are roughly in line with the Mini One D hatchback thanks to similar RVs, although the DS3 does edge it by 4g/km for emissions. The car also offers much better rear passenger and particularly boot space, but is still compromised for fleet use in the way that all three-door models are.

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