Skip advert
Advertisement
Car trim reviews

Citroen DS3 DSport

The Citroen DS3 is a worthy rival to the MINI Cooper, and the DSport is fun-to-drive, well-equipped and can average cheap to run, too.

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

The Citroen DS3 is the French carmaker’s rival for the MINI, Audi A1 and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Like the best in the class, deciding on the small Citroen is only the beginning of your journey as there are almost endless ways you can personalise your car, with a long list of optional extras.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Citroen DS3 DSport sits at the top of the DS3 range. It’s available with either a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol with 153bhp, or a more efficient 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel. There is only the option of a six-speed manual transmission.

Both engines are efficient, with the 118bhp diesel returning 78.5mpg while the more powerful 160bhp petrol averages 50.4mpg.

Like the rest of the range, standard equipment levels are good. The DSport comes with climate control, 17-inch alloys wheels, the option to contrast the roof colour, Bluetooth hands-free calling and the firm’s eTouch system – a panic button that puts you in touch with the emergency services or Citroen’s recovery service.

Good points

The Citroen DS3 remains a genuine alternative to the MINI Cooper. It might not be quite as much fun to drive, but its better ride comfort will make it easier to live with.Inside, the small Citroen has an interior that feels well made, with a logical and nicely constructed dashboard.Both engines perfectly match the DS3’s fun nature and each comes with brilliantly low running costs.

Bad points

Practicality isn’t a strong point of the Citroen DS3. It's only available as a three door, and adults will struggle to access the rear seats.Worse still, once there, they'll feel cramped and uncomfortable, especially on longer journeys.The boot is small, and on the move you'll notice a lot of unwanted wind and road noise permeates into the cabin. Be careful with the options list, too, as extras can be pricey.

What you get

  • Alloy wheels
  • Folding rear seats
  • Electric folding wing mirrors
  • Passenger & Driver airbag
  • Front side airbags
  • Curtain airbags
  • Auto climate control
  • Leather steering wheel
  • Single CD player
  • Cruise control
  • Automatic wipers
  • Sports suspension
  • Sports seats
  • Bluetooth

Recommended optional extras

  • Reversing camera
  • Satellite navigation

Our choice

Our choice would be the turbocharged THP 155 petrol. It's the fastest DS3 in the range, but it’s not just about speed, the DSport is fun-to-drive, well-equipped and can average 48.7mpg.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
4 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Top 10 best electric SUVs – the ones to buy in 2024
Best electric SUVs
Best cars
2 Oct 2024

Top 10 best electric SUVs – the ones to buy in 2024

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024