Driven: Citroen DS3 DSport Cabrio Review

DRIVEN: Citroen DS3 DSport Cabrio Review

Here is Citroen’s treat for the sun lovers, namely the Citroen DS3 DSport Cabrio.

What’s the Citroen DS3 DSport Cabrio all about?

The Citroen DS3 DSport Cabrio is based on the already brilliant DS3 DSport but with the added functionality of having a convenient soft-top cabriolet roof.

Citroen DS3 Cabrio (12)

The DS3 DSport is a super cool hatchback with modern looks and a rewarding driving experience, with a punchy 1.6 litre turbo engine.

Citroen have taken the DS3 to another level by creating the Cabrio. They have removed the roof and fitted a cloth based, fully electronic, sliding roof. This allows you to have even more fun in the car than before, by opening you up to the surroundings.

Citroen DS3 Cabrio (24)

How does it drive?

The DS3 DSport is a very impressive drive. The DSport uses a 1.6 litre petrol turbo engine that puts out 155bhp and 240Nm of torque. All this power goes very nicely through the front wheels using a 6 speed manual gearbox.  This setup gives a 0-60mph time of 8.2 seconds, and a top speed of 132mph. The Cabrio is 1 second slower to 60mph than the hard top DS3 DSport, but you can’t tell this from the driver’s seat. If anything with the roof off it feels faster and louder.

Citroen DS3 Cabrio (3)

Even though the roof panels have been altered to open it up, it hasn’t taken away from the handling of the DS3. The feedback through the steering wheel still feels well connected, and gives you loads of confidence in the corners to push it a little harder when you want to have a little bit more fun in the car.

Citroen DS3 Cabrio (52)

The cloth roof does let in more road noise, as you would expect, but it’s not enough to put you off. Driving the DS3 DSport Cabrio with the roof down on a nice day increases the fun factor a lot more than I expected, it’s amazing how a bit of sun on the skin can change the driving experience.  The roof folds back with the touch of a button, and at any speed up to 75mph. Once down, you have all the headroom you will ever need and you are still well protected from the wind. In town or out in the country, it’s  nice every now and then to stop and take a look up, and take in your surroundings in a way that you normally can’t experience.

Citroen DS3 Cabrio (45)

What’s it like inside?

The Citroen DS3 has one of the best interiors in its category, and now we can drop the roof down and let some more light in on it. Citroen fit a large media screen in the centre of the dashboard that is controlled by the buttons below the screen. My favourite feature of the interior is the well designed carbon fibre effect dashboard trim that stretches the full length of the cabin.

Citroen DS3 Cabrio (47)

The nice touches to the interior don’t stop there, Citroen have beautifully crafted a flat bottom steering wheel that feels great in your hands whilst driving the DS3. To highlight details on the car, Citroen have used chrome touches throughout the interior including the instrument surrounds, door handles and let’s not forget that dash integrated air freshener.

Citroen DS3 Cabrio (17)

The Experience

The DS3 DSport as an overall enthusiasts car is brilliant and having the option to remove the roof gives the car just one more thing to enjoy. The car looks fantastic; it’s very useable, enjoyable and feels like a premium hatchback to the touch.

Citroen DS3 Cabrio (5)

The engine and gearbox setup is brilliant and the driving experience with the roof down is one not be forgotten. Dropping the roof is effortless and takes seconds. Letting the additional light, sound, and smell into the cockpit gives such a nice feeling of exploration as you go on your journey. One of the best bits about it, is that it comes with minimal compromise, as you still have a boot you can use.

Citroen DS3 Cabrio (38)

Verdict

The DS3 DSport just got better by introducing the Cabrio. The Cabrio is slightly more expensive than the DS3 DSport, but it completely enhances the driving experience giving you a great element of freedom for those wanting a bit more from their everyday car.

Citroen DS3 Cabrio (11)

Specification

Citroen DS3 DSport Cabrio
  • Price: £22,340
  • Engine: 1.6-Litre turbocharged
  • Power: 155bhp
  • Torque: 240Nm
  • Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
  • 0-62mph: 8.2 Seconds
  • Top speed: 132mph
  • Weight: 1,250kg
  • Economy combined: 47.9mpg
  • CO2: 137g/km

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Author: Paul Hadley