The DS3 was the last model in Citroen’s posh DS lineup to still bear the dual chevron badge
The DS3 was the last model in Citroen’s posh DS lineup to still bear the dual chevron badge. Now it too has been brought up to date with the rest of the range courtesy of its second facelift (since its launch in 2009).
Citroen has operated its biggest modifications on the front fascia which has been completely redesigned. It still looks like an evolution of the previous two versions (especially through the placement of the daytime-running lights and the shape of the headlights themselves), but it’s also quite different courtesy of the new-look grille.
The rear seems to have been left untouched, featuring the same creases over the light clusters it received via the previous facelift.
Buyers will be able to choose from six different engines, including PSA Peugeot-Citroen’s latest generation of downsized PureTech power plants. These range in output from 82 hp (for the only non-turbo version) to 130 hp for the three-cylinder units or either 163 hp and 208 hp respectively for the Performance variant.
The latter gets a subtle sporty makeover that includes a more aggressive front bumper, larger wheels featuring a unique design and faux-carbon fiber trim bits. These visual changes are completed by actual performance mods which include larger Brembo brakes (complete with DS Performance-inscribed front calipers), as well as stiffer, lower suspension with an enlarged track front and rear.
Citroen has also enhanced the range of personalization options and boasts about the 78 different body / roof color combinations that include 10 unique roof vinyl patterns (completed by a selection of alloys 15-strong).
One of the patterns used, the one shown in the gallery, actually repeats the DS logo to create a seamless recurring design in a manner similar to Louis Vuitton – it definitely does the trick and gives the car extra presence.
Inside, the automaker chose to keep things pretty much the same, although there are some minor trim changes to report. The big news here is the new integrated infotainment which supports both Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink for Android devices.
It is operated through a seven-inch touchscreen display which Citroen says eliminates some 20 physical buttons from the center console.
Along with the up-to-date infotainment, the DS3 has also gained an Active City Brake function, although it’s still lagging behind some rivals with their slew of passive and active safety nets. It doesn’t come with a head-up display (HUD) like its archrival, nor does it have active cruise control or lane departure warning (with lane-keep assist), although it does have a handy reversing camera.
Prices for the revised DS3 have yet to be announced, but they will be made public when the updated models are set to start hitting showrooms in April 2016.