Citroën DS3 82 Design
Now that the Citroen DS3 has run its course on the showroom floors, the blokes at Citroën’s HQ in Saint-Ouen, France have decided that the old girl is deserving of one final push before the new model is announced.
That push comes in the form of a new variation, the DS3 VTi 82 Design – a mouthful I know – but in fact quite an interesting little car. With an interesting little price too, marked at just R199 900, the 82 Design is markedly cheaper than the rest of the DS3 range.
This cost saving comes in part due to the innovative 1.2 litre, three cylinder petrol motor that you’ll find in place of the old 1600cc MINI engine. Thanks to the DS3’s diminutive stature, the 60kW available to your right foot is plenty for zipping in and around town and perfectly adequate for a longer journey.
The 82 Design marks the arrival of Citroën’s PureTech petrol engine technology, which in this particular car offers up frugal consumption figures as low as 4.5 litres per 100km and emits very little carbon dioxide, so it avoids the dreaded CO2 tax.
Subtle design updates have made what was already a modern, distinctive and interesting looking car even better. After three years in production, with over 200 000 units sold worldwide, I still had people coming up to me everywhere I went commenting on how great the little DS3 looks.
There are additions to the interior as well, with new unique choices when it comes to both the colour and texturing of the leather trim, along with other bits and bobs that allow you to truly create a one off vehicle, without emptying your wallet in the process. It doesn’t feel cheap though, matching its more expensive sibling’s build quality and premium-feel materials.
One thing that often deters people from buying a French car is their reputation for expensive parts and poor service – a point Citroën has taken to heart of late. The proof is in the pudding, or rather the Kinsey Report on parts pricing, where the DS3 has performed favourably in the supermini sector over the last two years. And if that isn’t enough, there’s always the four year/60 000km service plan to fall back on.
If you’re in the market for a car that oozes style, but you’re on a bit of a budget, I’d seriously recommend you take yourself down to your local Citroën dealer. The DS3 VTi 86 Design may have a mouthful for a name, but it walks the talk when it comes to quality, affordability and all round gorgeousness.
Price: R199 900
Engine: 1199cc 3 cylinder petrol
Power (kW): 60
Torque (Nm): 118
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 14.2
Top Speed (km/h): 174
Fuel Consumption (l/100km): 4.5
Miles Downard
First published in Autodealer KZN