Citroen’s boutique DS3 hatch and cabrio has received a fresh facelift for 2016 that includes minor styling changes, more entertainment options and a new engine selection. The DS3 was launched in 2010 which means this may be the final phase of facelifts before the second generation is revealed.
The DS3 continues with its avant-garde theme of exterior design. DS Wings surrounding the vertical air-intakes have been added to the DS LED Vision concept on the front bumper making for a more robust design. Options for the roof, body, rear view mirror housings, dashboard and gear knob have also been added meaning that potential customers will have the option of 78 body/roof colour combinations and four fabric roofs to choose from.
The new DS3 will also feature MirrorLink or Apple CarPlay which allows mobile users to mirror their devices to the 7-inch infotainment system. The experience is continued by the MyDS app which allows drivers to keep tabs on their servicing schedule, fuel economy and parking locations.
Safety and driving aid additions on the DS3 includes active city braking which identifies sudden obstacles and aid the driver in coming to a stop, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera with visual indicator guide lines and hill start assist for manual versions.
New to the range will be PSA’s award-winning three-cylinder PureTech engines (82 kW and 96 kW) adding to the and two THP four-cylinder petrol and BlueHDi diesel engines. The DS3 will retain the manual gearbox but the automatic has been replaced by an EAT6 transmission.
The DS3’s performance model will also be receiving and increase in power. It will now produce 155 kW and 300 N.m of torque through the 1,6 THP S&S engine with a six-speed manual gearbox with shortened ratios. It’s also an extra 15 mm lower than the previous performance DS3. Brake disk size and tire tracks have also increased at both the front and the rear.