Citroen DS3 updates revealed

Citroen is updating the Citroen DS3 and DS3 Cabrio in an attempt to keep pace with rivals like the new MINI. The restyled car will be available from July with extra safety kit and new engines.

The most striking element of the updates is arguably the new headlight design, which incorporates LED and bright Xenon lighting modules for better visibility, energy efficiency and lifespan. They will be standard on top-spec DSport models of the DS3 and an option on the DSign and Dstyle versions.

Two new diesels will be added to the engine range, offering more power and lower emissions. The cleanest will be the BlueHDi 100, which will produce 79g/km of CO2, making the car road tax exempt. Citroen claims the car should be capable of 94mpg and these figures will make the DS3 the most economical car in the supermini class.

The second of the new diesel engines is the more powerful BlueHDi 120, which returns 78mpg and CO2 emissions of 94g/km of CO2 - still good enough to mean you’ll pay nothing in road tax.

An 81bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine capable of 69mpg and CO2 emissions below the 100g/km tax threshold will also be added to the range in some countries, but Citroen is yet to confirm whether it will be offered in the UK.

The trend for personalisation continues with new options for some DS3 models including laser-etching for the dashboard and screen printing on the rear windows. Both the DS3 and DS3 Cabrio will be made available in a new Pearl White paint, while Cabrio buyers will also be able to choose a new Belle-Ile Blue colour. Selected DS3 models will be available with a new 17-inch alloy wheel design too.

Technology updates for the car include Active City Brake, a system that prevents collisions when stuck in slow-moving traffic, and an optional reversing camera.

The updated DS3 and DS3 Cabrio will go on sale in the UK in July. To read our review of the car, plus others in the Citroen range, visit the Carbuyer Citroen reviews page.