This content is out of date and scheduled to be removed.

Review: DS 3 1.6 THP 165 2015

Image of James Fossdyke
Author: | Updated: 01 Jun 2015 15:08

We went to see if the loss of the Citroen branding and the power injection has made the slightest difference to the DS 3.

We were big fans of the Citroen DS3 155. With a peppy 1.6-litre engine producing 153bhp and lively handling, it made a decent warm hatch. Now, though, with the DS brand setting out on its own, the DS 3 has been given an extra few horses. We went to see if the loss of the Citroen branding and the power injection has made the slightest difference.

What’s changed?

In simple terms, not much should have changed about the new DS 3 because not much has been altered. Yes, the Citroen badges on the bootlid have gone, and though the double-chevron logo at the front is still in place, we’re told that it’ll be removed soon.

DS 3 Yellow Front

Other than that, the chic little supermini looks just the same as ever. The two-tone paintwork, the cute-but-not-too-cute ‘face’ and the triangular B-pillars are all present and correct, while the interior has the same seats, the same dashboard and the same steering wheel as before.

The big change is under the bonnet. The 1.6-litre THP petrol engine has been fettled to produce 163bhp, which, counter-intuitively, fails to make it much faster but does make it more efficient.

According to the official figures, the DS 3’s fuel economy has been upped by 3.3mpg to 50.4, while the CO2 emissions have fallen from 139g/km to 129g/km, putting the 3 in a lower tax bracket both for company car drivers and private motorists.

The sprint to 62mph, however, takes the same 7.3 seconds as before, but top speed has improved from 130mph to 135mph.

Does it feel any different?

Nope, but that’s a good thing in our book. The DS 3 didn’t really need any changes, so we’re quite pleased that it still feels the same.

As the performance figures suggest, the extra power never makes itself felt, even on a track, and the already fruity-sounding engine emits a very similar note to the old car. We didn’t spend long enough with the car to come up with anything meaningful about the fuel economy, but we doubt you’ll notice the extra couple of miles you might squeeze from a gallon of go-juice.

DS 3 Yellow Cabin

See all our DS 3 business leasing deals here

Fortunately, the handling has followed the engine’s lead in terms of not changing much. It’s a small car on a decently sorted chassis and the steering still provokes a sharp direction change, so the B-road-blasting credentials remain intact.

If we had a criticism, we might say that the pedals and steering are a tiny bit too light when you’re pushing on, but around town, where this car is likely to spend most of its time, it’s useful. Three-point turns soon get wearisome in cars with heavy clutches and steering.

Is it expensive?

Yes, it’s as pricey as ever. This engine is offered with all but the basic variants of the DS 3: the DSign and the DStyle, so prices start from £17,790 for the DStyle Ice special edition, with the DSire, DSport and Ultra Prestige knocking the price up to £18,100, £19,000, and £22,900 respectively.

There’s no denying that even though the Ultra Prestige comes with every toy under the sun, nearly £23,000 is an awful lot of money for a car with a 285-litre boot (just 5 litres larger than that of the VW Polo).

DS 3 Yellow Rear

See all our DS 3 personal leasing deals here

Our pick would probably be the £19,000 DSire, which comes with 17in alloys, sports seats, automatic lights and wipers, parking sensors, gloss black dashboard inserts and aluminium pedals. It’s available as a convertible in this trim, too, with prices from £20,145.

The verdict

Although the Citroen brand has all but washed its hands of the DS 3, it’s as good as ever. If we’re honest though, the power boost wasn’t really needed, so don’t feel disappointed if you’ve just splashed out on a 155 – you aren’t missing much.

Vital stats

Length: 3,948mm
Width: 1,715mm
Height: 1,483mm
Wheelbase: 2,462mm
Boot space: 285 / 980 litres
Kerb weight: 1,140kg
Engine: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol (163bhp)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Driven wheels: Front
0-62mph: 7.5s
Top speed: 135mph
Fuel economy: 50.4mpg
CO2 emissions: 129g/km
Prices: £17,790-£22,900

Categories:
Previous Post Next Post
Not sure what car you want?
  • Easy-to-use tool
  • Save time and money
  • Meet your match
Find your dream car

Manufacturer Spotlight

Related Deals

  • Citroen C4 X

    100kW E-Series 50kWh 5dr Auto

    Citroen C4 X 100kW E-Series 50kWh 5dr Auto
    Personal Contract Hire
    9+47 5k Miles p/a
    Initial Payment: £1,870.20
    £207.80
    p/m inc. VAT
    View
    Deal by: Stellantis &You Citroen Manchester
  • Citroen C4 X

    100kW E-Series 50kWh 5dr Auto

    Citroen C4 X 100kW E-Series 50kWh 5dr Auto
    Personal Contract Hire
    1+47 5k Miles p/a
    Initial Payment: £242.44
    £242.44
    p/m inc. VAT
    View
    Deal by: Stellantis &You Citroen Manchester
  • Citroen C4 X

    100kW E-Series 50kWh 5dr Auto

    Citroen C4 X 100kW E-Series 50kWh 5dr Auto
    Personal Contract Hire
    3+47 5k Miles p/a
    Initial Payment: £698.25
    £232.75
    p/m inc. VAT
    View
    Deal by: Stellantis &You Citroen Manchester
  • Citroen C4 X

    100kW E-Series 50kWh 5dr Auto

    Citroen C4 X 100kW E-Series 50kWh 5dr Auto
    Personal Contract Hire
    9+47 6k Miles p/a
    Initial Payment: £1,942.47
    £215.83
    p/m inc. VAT
    View
    Deal by: Stellantis &You Citroen Manchester