Citroen launched the DS3 at the recent Frankfurt International Auto Show, one look at this car and you get a feeling that they are out to compete with the Mini Cooper, and true to its purest form, that is the real intention. One of the similarities here is the fact that you can customize the DS3 to your liking in terms of the colours of the alloy wheels or if you like the roof and the rearview mirror colours as well. Of course, allowing you to do that will be nothing if you are not allowed to customized the insides as well. The interior trims and colours can be matched to what you like.
One thing which sets this car apart from its closest rival is the sheer size of it. The DS3 is made longer, wider and higher than the Mini and you get more space inside where the dashboard has been set on a bit higher. Inside the hood, Citroen has fitted wither the turbo-diesel or the petrol engines which typically are 4 cylinder types powered through by either the 5 or 6 speed manual or automatic transmission gearboxes.
According to Miles Williams, the general manager of Citroen Australia, “Existing models in this new prestige sub-sector have put the emphasis on performance and lack that flexibility and versatility that DS3 provides,”
If you like a lot of space, the boot comes with 285 liters and more would be available if you fold down the back seats. Perhaps the most distinct feature of the D3 is the ‘floating roof’ which is one of those areas where you can choose your own colour. Inside the car, you get some very nice leather and chrome interiors while ESP, ABS with EBD and EBA are all standard safety features. 6 airbags are fitted in around the car with ISOFIX child anchor points too come standard in this which is set to compete against not only the Mini but the Ford Fiesta Titanium and the Alfa Romeo Mito as well.
