Revamped DS 3 revealed
Facelifted versions of both the hatchback and Cabrio versions of the DS 3 have been unveiled.
The revamp includes a revised front end featuring the "DS Wings" that are sculpted around a vertically-oriented grille bearing the DS emblem. Surrounded in chrome, the grille extends towards the LED headlamps and fog lamps via two chromed-finished wings.
The new car offers more personalisation options for the roof, body, rear view mirror housings, dashboard and gear knob. Customers can now choose from 78 body/roof colour combinations and four fabric roofs for the DS 3 Cabrio.
The new DS 3 will be available in the UK with seven engines, including three PureTech three-cylinder petrol units. There are also two THP four-cylinder petrol engines and two BlueHDi diesels. There are two types of gearbox - manual and a latest-generation automatic. The result is CO2 emissions from 87g/km (for the BlueHDi 100) and no more than 129g/km for the range as a whole.
The range will also include Performance versions with revised styling and power from the top of the range 208hp 1.6 THP S&S engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox with shorter gear ratios. Despite 300Nm of torque, CO2 emissions are a modest 125g/km.
Chassis highlights include a Torsen limited slip differential (to improve traction, road-holding and handling), suspension which has been lowered by 15mm and the front and rear tracks that have been widened by 26mm and 14mm, respectively.
The Performance models are also fitted with larger 323mm brake discs at the front with special Brembo calipers, and 249mm discs at the rear.
On the styling front, highlights include a special twin tailpipe, carbon side mouldings, a new sill plate design and Matt Black wheel arch extensions, while on the inside, there are leather and Alcantara upholstered bucket seats, with special DS Performance embroidery.
New DS 3 models are equipped with Mirror Screen functionality, comprising Apple CarPlay or MirrorLink (for Android phones), bringing drivers a smarter, safer and more enjoyable way of experiencing all the personalised features of their smartphones.
Drivers can also download "MyDS", a free app (available for Android and iOS) informing them of their servicing schedule, fuel economy and parking location.
Active City Brake helps to prevent minor collisions at low speeds and the DS 3 is now also equipped with front and rear parking sensors, as well as a reversing camera with visual indicator guide lines on the 7-inch screen.
Britain is the leading market for DS 3 sales. More were registered in the UK last year than in France or any other global market.
Since launching in 2010, 390,000 have been sold in total.