Citroen announces DS3 updates

Citroen has announced a raft of updates for the DS3 and DS3 Cabrio, with new engines, styling and safety kit. The revised DS3 and DS3 Cabrio go on sale in July and prices should remain unchanges, with an entry level DS3 starting at £12,495.

The updated DS3 and DS3 Cabrio will now be available with two new Euro 6 diesel engines, with more power and lower emissions. The BlueHDi 120 produces 94g/km of CO2 and returns a claimed 78mpg, while the frugal BlueHDi 100 will offer with 94mpg and just 79g/km of CO2.

Citroen has also created a new petrol engine for the DS3 range, but it is not clear if this unit will make it into UK cars. The PureTech e-VTi 82 ETG will offer 69mpg and produce 95g/km of CO2.

Both the petrol and diesel engines will be linked to a five-speed manual ‘box, with a creep function and optimised software mapping, which adjusts power delivery for smoother starts and a better driving experience.

Other improvement to the range include the fitment of Xenon headlights as standard, along with full LED light signatures. Styled on the Numéro 9 and Wild Rubis concepts, the LED and Xenon modules use 35 per cent less power in dipped mode and 75 per cent less in high-beam. 

Citroen has also broadened the DS3's options list, with two new colours – Pearl White, Belle-Ile Blue, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, laser-etched dashboard strips and Active City Braking, which will automatic stop the car at low speeds to prevent collisions.

Day-to-day manoeuvres should be easier too, with the addition of an optional reversing camera on both DS3 and DS3 Cabrio. This camera is automatically linked to the eMyWay navigation system for ease of use.