Citroen DS3 Sport – A Bundle of Fun
Well what a hugely entertaining few days it has been, test driving the bundle of fun they call the Citroen DS3 Sport. This diminutive car has delivered on all fronts, and it will be with a tinge of sadness that I will watch it go back to the manufacturer after test. PCSA has updated the compact, progressive DS3 hatchback range with a more focussed, five-strong model range, updated interiors with upgraded equipment levels, and the introduction of high-efficiency PureTech engine technology for the first time.
The DS nameplate which has special significance within Citroen is celebrating 60 years of DS heritage, and this shows in the avant garde styling and advanced technology that comes in the DS3 hatchback. The DS3 comes with high across the range equipment levels, and emphasizes Citroen SA desire to bring stylish & innovative products to SA car buyers.
The DS3 looks great and the black & white Sport model we drove with its compact 3 door design, ‘’floating roof’’, characteristic shark-fin C-pillar & distinctive front end design. The twin-exhausts at the rear, show off its sporty nature as well. The DS LED Vision headlights, which combine Xenon and LED modules to create a new, distinctive lighting signature.
Externally, the most obvious difference is the fitment of black, 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with 205/45 R17 tyres. Also notable are the dark-tinted rear side windows, while those with an eye for detail will also note the rear parking sensors. Both white and black roof colours are offered.
Into the cabin, and the sporty steering wheel & gear knob, aluminium pedals and black piano gloss finish, all scream,performance and athleticism. The perforated leather upholstery is warm and inviting & the automatic climate control air-conditioning keeps everyone at the required temperature. It has cruise control, remote central locking with integrated immobiliser and alarm, and an MP3-compatible CD player with six loudspeakers.
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephony and audio streaming is also included, together with USB and auxiliary audio inputs. The sat nav is included with a nice size screen and easy to operate.
The DS3 Sport is powered by a turbocharged 1 598 cc four-cylinder engine with a rated maximum power output of 120 kW at 6 000 r/min, tighter with maximum torque of 240 Nm at 1 750 r/min. Drive remains to the front wheels, but via a six-speed manual gearbox.
Not surprisingly, the DS3 Sport is the most athletic member of the DS3 range. It sprints from rest to 100 km/h in 8,1 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 218 km/h. Even so, fuel consumption is impressive at 5,6 litres/100 km for the combined cycle, with a CO2 emissions rating of 129 g/km.
The DS3 Sport is a joy in the Jozi traffic, as you have the power and peppy performance to move along at a clip, as well as the agility and size to be able to fit into gaps in the queue.
Safety is comprehensively addressed via six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), electronic stability programme (ESP) and Isofix child seat tethers.
Hugely enjoyed my test stint in the Citroen DS 3 and this Sport variant can stand up to anything that it competes against. I found the handling enjoyable and stable, very responsive acceleration. Comfortable within, with all the mod-cons you could want as well.
The recommended retail prices for the updated DS3 models are as follows:
DS3 e-THP 120 kW SPORT R329 900