MOTORING NEWS - Peugeot Citroën SA has updated the progressive DS3 hatchback range with a more focused approach, now featuring five models. The interior also has upgraded equipment levels and for the first time, the high-efficiency PureTech engine technology gives the car an extra bit of va-va-voom.
The introduction of the 2015 DS3 line-up coincides with the celebration of 60 years of the DS range. The Citroën DS19, with its avant garde styling and advanced technology, was launched in 1955, and six decades later still serves as inspiration for the brand.
"The DS nameplate enjoys special significance in the Citroën universe," says Francis Harnie, managing director of PCSA. "It expresses the elegance, forward-thinking design, innovation and heritage that is at the core of our products, but in an even more concentrated and individual way.
"It is further proof of our commitment to the South African market and our intention to offer local buyers meaningful, desirable products," says Harnie.
The DS3 range now consists of five models, including the DS3 Cabrio, which now becomes a DS3 derivative. The line-up offers a choice of four engines and two transmissions, with three levels of standard equipment for all five versions.
Many of the DS3 features previously offered as added-cost options have now been included as standard. This simplifies the ordering process with significant added value.
The striking shape and powerful design of the DS3 remain unchanged. The compact three-door, with its 'floating' roof, shark-fin C-pillar and recognisable front-end, remains one of the most individualistic hatchbacks in a segment characterised by conformity.
Also retained is the DS3's interior, which delivers space and comfort at the front and rear. Wide-opening doors ensure convenient access, while stylish finishes and materials give the car contemporary elegance.
An extensive list of features is common to all DS3 models and personalisation is possible thanks to seven exterior colours with a choice of a white or black roof finish.
DESIGN
The most affordable member of the DS3 family is the DS3 PureTech 60kW Design. Offered with a five-speed manual gearbox only, the Design has 16" steel wheels with full-sized wheel covers and 195/55 R16 tyres. The DS3 Design's exterior has chrome door handles, exterior mirrors with roof-coloured housings and chromed mounts, and chrome side vanity strips.
Halogen headlights accompanied by LED daytime running lights are standard, as are front fog lights and 3D tail light clusters. The exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable and heated. The DS3 Design can only be ordered with a black roof.
The standard equipment list includes manual air-conditioning, 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.
SAFETY
Safety is addressed thanks to six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), electronic stability programme (ESP) and Isofix child seat tethers.
Powered by a 60kW version of the new generation PureTech engine, the Design is offered with a manual transmission only.
One step up from the DS3 Design, the DS3 Style combines an even more comprehensive standard specification list with a more powerful drivetrain.
Externally, the most obvious difference is the black, 17" alloy wheels 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. White and black roof colours are offered.
Inside, the dashboard is finished in a piano black gloss finish, but the remainder of the interior is the same as the Design. Additional standard equipment includes auto-activating headlights and windscreen wipers.
The biggest change is under the bonnet. The DS3 Design is powered by the turbocharged, e-THP version of the 1,2-litre PureTech engine, linked to a five-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels.
The DS3 e-THP 81 kW Style hatchback is partnered by two further Style models, both sharing the same standard specification levels. The DS3 Cabrio e-THP 81 kW Style is a cabriolet and features exactly the same execution, platform and drivetrain as its stablemate. The S3 Cabrio Style's canvas top is available in black and electrically raised and lowered.
The third DS3 Style model on offer is the DS3 VTi 88kW Style Automatic. It has the same equipment as the DS3 Style, but the drivetrain links a 1 598cc VTi four-cylinder engine to a four-speed automatic transmission. Performance shows a 0 to 100km/h acceleration time of 10,9sec and a 190km/h top speed. Combined-cycle fuel consumption is 6,6-litres per 100km, while the CO² emissions rating is 150g/km.
The flagship of the updated DS3 range is the DS3 e-THP 120kW Sport. It combines a more extrovert exterior treatment with an even more comprehensive standard equipment list, while a more powerful drivetrain ensures that the go matches the show.
Inside, the cloth/Alcantara combination of the other DS3 models is replaced with perforated leather upholstery, while the gear level and the door panels are also leather-trimmed. The manual air-conditioning makes way for automatic climate control air-conditioning.
For music fans, the DS3 Sport gets an upgraded hi-fi audio system, while the eMyWay satellite navigation system is standard, too. The remainder of the standard features list is the same as on the DS3 Style models.
The DS3 Sport is powered by a turbocharged 1 598cc four-cylinder engine with a rated maximum power output of 120kW at 6 000r/min, tighter with maximum torque of 240Nm at
1 750r/min. Drive to the front wheels is via a six-speed manual gearbox.
The recommended retail prices for the updated DS3 models are as follows:
DS3 PureTech 60kW DESIGN - R239 900; DS3 e-THP PureTech 81kW STYLE - R279 900; DS3 VTi 88kW STYLE Automatic - R294 900; DS3 Cabrio e-THP Puretech 81kW STYLE - R304 900 and DS3 e-THP 120kW SPORT - R329 900.
Prices include a three year or 100 000km warranty, a four year or 60 000km service plan and three year, 24-hour AA Roadside Assistance. A five year or 100 000km warranty extension and FreeDrive comprising a five year or 100 000km warranty plus five year or 100 000km maintenance plan can be specified at added cost.
Peugeot Citroën SA has updated the progressive DS3 hatchback range with a more focused approach, now featuring five models.
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