The All-New Citroen DS3 Cabriolet
Set to make its real-world debut at the Paris Motor Show this upcoming weekend, Citroën’s newest drop-top supermini has already created an excited buzz amongst enthusiasts. The canvas roof folds back and the rear window descends into the car’s body in a zippy 16 seconds at speeds of up to 120km/h , and owners can customize things like colour and design on the canvas itself, making the DS3 Cabrio a funky and charming addition to the Citroën stable.
Aside from the fact that the Cabrio is a teeny bit shorter and a little heavier – due to the enforcement placed around the boot to improve handling - than the popular DS3 Hatchback, the Cabrio’s other specifications remain indistinguishable from its hatchback brother. The interior and boot space practicality is maintained, with the Cabrio only losing 40 litres of space from the Hatchback’s best-in-class 245 litre capacity.
Design-wise the Cabriolet features a funky new taillight design with LED lights and mirrors creating a 3-D effect at the Cabrio’s business end. At the very heart of Citroën’s design aesthetic is their attention to detail when it comes to their interiors, and the DS3 Cabrio is no different. The supermini features acoustic damping that, according to Citroën, makes the Cabrio just as quiet a ride as the hatchback. The Cabrio’s interior boasts ambience lighting that is located at the ceiling-mounted console, as well as new upholstery which includes the option of Granit blue leather and colour-coded inserts.
While the engine specs will most likely only be announced in Paris, it is fairly safe to assume that Citroën will replicate the formula used with the DS3 Hatch. This means that the Cabrio will most likely be available in two versions of 1.6-litre petrol engines, one being the normally aspirated 88kW engine and the other a 115kW Turbo, as well as a 1.6-litre turbodiesel which produces 68kW and 230Nm. While the Cabrio does weigh a fraction (25kgs) more than the Hatch, it is unlikely that performance will be affected in any noticeable way. South African drivers can expect to see the Cabriolet on our roads in early 2013.
Make sure to visit MyCars to see the CS3 for sale on auction.
Image sourced from Citroen UK.