The Citroen DS3 Cabrio is now on sale in Australia, adding a drop-top option to the French brand’s premium city car line-up.
The DS3 Cabrio is priced $3250 above the three-door DS3 hatch on which it’s based, and is available in two trim levels that are almost identically equipped to their equivalent hardtops.
The entry-level Citroen DS3 DStyle Cabrio is priced from $30,990 while the top-spec Citroen DS3 DSport Cabrio costs from $32,990.
Motivating the DStyle is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 88kW of power and 160Nm of torque. Offered only with a four-speed automatic transmission, Citroen claims combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.7 litres per 100km.
The performance-oriented DSport features a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 115kW of power and 240Nm of torque, the latter produced between 1400-4000rpm. The engine is available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and uses 5.9L/100km combined.
At 3950mm long, 1710mm wide and 1460mm tall, the DS3 Cabrio retains the proportions of the hatchback.
Like its Italian rival, the Fiat 500C, the DS3 Cabrio uses the same side architecture as the hatchback to reduce weight and complexity. Citroen says the canvas-roofed DS3 is just 25kg heavier than the hardtop, with the only structural reinforcement required added around the boot.
Citroen says the electrically operated roof – available in three colours – can be closed in 16 seconds at vehicle speeds up to 120km/h. Cleverly, the Cabrio retains the hatchback’s five-seat layout, 60:40 split-fold rear bench and 245-litre boot, which Citroen claims is the largest in its class.
The DS3 DStyle Cabrio comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels (space-saver spare), LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and reverse parking sensors on the outside, while the cabin features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, cruise control with speed limiter, climate control, piano black dashboard trim, aluminium pedals and footrest, AUX and USB inputs, and Bluetooth phone connectivity.
The DS3 DSport Cabrio adds 17-inch alloys, chrome-tipped exhaust, an upgraded audio system, satellite navigation, carbon-effect dash trim, and floor mats.
The standard safety package includes six airbags (dual front, side and curtains) and electronic stability control, among other active and passive features.
Citroen also offers fixed-price servicing on the DS3 Cabrio, capping the cost of the first three services (completed at 12-month/20,000km intervals) at $360.
