My Citroen DS3...hire car..!
Discussion
Yesterday I collected a hire car as I'm working ooop north and I am sick and tired of putting yet more miles on my lease car.
I was expecting an Alfa Romeo Giulietta from Avis. But, true to form the Alfa they had at Southampton Airport had been returned earlier in the day with a number of "engine electronics issues". I was quite disappointed, and even more so when they offered me a VW Golf Slowmotion as an alternative...eurrghh.. After a brief discussion (argument?)with the chap in the red blazer I managed to get myself a DS3. Specifically it's a 1.6 diesel (110bhp)DSport, which after having a quick go with the online "configure you model" jobby comes out at over £17k new....SEVENTEEN. This is a seriously large chunk of cash for a tarted up C3...these were my initial thoughts.
Anyhow...having driven the thing all the way up to Chester yesterday evening...I think I might be a convert...here's my verdict:
Engine & Gearbox:
I have been thus far very impressed with the little diesel motor in the DS3. It's quite rough on idle or at low speeds. However, get past around 2,000rpm and it gets a whole lot smoother - but there is absolutely no go to the engine beyond 4,000rpm...I doubt very much whether the engine can actually get to the indicated 5,000 red line! Having said that, there is sooo much torque available between 2,000 and 4,000rpm that there is no need to go beyond that.
This does mean you spend a lot of time changing gear but that's not too much of a hardship. As with all the Citroen/Pug cars I've driven before the change is quite notchy - but there is a nice direct feel to the change and box feels well weighted. The performance is satisfactory, and once you get used to the travel of the throttle pedal (too much with nothing happening!) you can make swiftish progress. Travelling up the motorway with the cruise set to "hire car" miles per hour it even returned 53mpg!
Cabin & Design:
The cabin is quite an exciting place to sit and it really makes you feel quite happy. It's a fun car to be in and it is very quirky. Which I like. The materials feel pretty solid and barring the cigarette lighter, nothing has fallen off/out of where it should be. However, although the interior design is good - they have undermined this with some of ergonomics in here. There are four stalks behind the steering wheel...which already seems too many. Couple this with the fact that Citroen seemed to take an approach of "oh we could put that on the car too" and then just lob the corresponding controls anywhere it makes some simple tasks such as changing the trip computer readout almost unfathomable! The radio also suffers from this, although I'd imagine if you upgraded to the full colour display unit this might be better.
Also, I'm 6ft3 and there's not a hope in hell you'd get anybody behind me whilst I was driving. The pedal box is also too tight for my size 13 feet! However, I felt very very comfortable during my drive and the cabin is well sound proofed, although there is a bit much wind noise.
Ride & Handling:
The ride is very compliant and good on a long journey. It rides potholes and speed bumps very well and really settled down on the long journey. However, try and brake that bit later or turn in that bit sharper and it does lurch around quite a bit...which under braking is quite unsettling. However, it does grip well and understeer is held off for quite a while...although I am almost sure the heavier diesel powerplant doesn't help the chassis out in this regard. Overall, the chassis of my latest Ibiza is a lot better if you're in the mood for chucking it into roundabouts...although both the Ibiza and the DS3 lack feel through the steering wheel.
Overall...I like...:
- Fun styling
- Diesel performance and economy.
- The way it makes you feel oddly happy (although this may well wear off?!)
- Good hi-fi
- Comfort
I dislike:
- Ergonomics
- The price!
- Body roll and unsettling lurching under braking!
Overall though I have really rather fallen for the car...I will update on completion of my rental to let you know if the love affair has lasted
Thanks for reading...and well done if you made it this far down!!
I was expecting an Alfa Romeo Giulietta from Avis. But, true to form the Alfa they had at Southampton Airport had been returned earlier in the day with a number of "engine electronics issues". I was quite disappointed, and even more so when they offered me a VW Golf Slowmotion as an alternative...eurrghh.. After a brief discussion (argument?)with the chap in the red blazer I managed to get myself a DS3. Specifically it's a 1.6 diesel (110bhp)DSport, which after having a quick go with the online "configure you model" jobby comes out at over £17k new....SEVENTEEN. This is a seriously large chunk of cash for a tarted up C3...these were my initial thoughts.
Anyhow...having driven the thing all the way up to Chester yesterday evening...I think I might be a convert...here's my verdict:
Engine & Gearbox:
I have been thus far very impressed with the little diesel motor in the DS3. It's quite rough on idle or at low speeds. However, get past around 2,000rpm and it gets a whole lot smoother - but there is absolutely no go to the engine beyond 4,000rpm...I doubt very much whether the engine can actually get to the indicated 5,000 red line! Having said that, there is sooo much torque available between 2,000 and 4,000rpm that there is no need to go beyond that.
This does mean you spend a lot of time changing gear but that's not too much of a hardship. As with all the Citroen/Pug cars I've driven before the change is quite notchy - but there is a nice direct feel to the change and box feels well weighted. The performance is satisfactory, and once you get used to the travel of the throttle pedal (too much with nothing happening!) you can make swiftish progress. Travelling up the motorway with the cruise set to "hire car" miles per hour it even returned 53mpg!
Cabin & Design:
The cabin is quite an exciting place to sit and it really makes you feel quite happy. It's a fun car to be in and it is very quirky. Which I like. The materials feel pretty solid and barring the cigarette lighter, nothing has fallen off/out of where it should be. However, although the interior design is good - they have undermined this with some of ergonomics in here. There are four stalks behind the steering wheel...which already seems too many. Couple this with the fact that Citroen seemed to take an approach of "oh we could put that on the car too" and then just lob the corresponding controls anywhere it makes some simple tasks such as changing the trip computer readout almost unfathomable! The radio also suffers from this, although I'd imagine if you upgraded to the full colour display unit this might be better.
Also, I'm 6ft3 and there's not a hope in hell you'd get anybody behind me whilst I was driving. The pedal box is also too tight for my size 13 feet! However, I felt very very comfortable during my drive and the cabin is well sound proofed, although there is a bit much wind noise.
Ride & Handling:
The ride is very compliant and good on a long journey. It rides potholes and speed bumps very well and really settled down on the long journey. However, try and brake that bit later or turn in that bit sharper and it does lurch around quite a bit...which under braking is quite unsettling. However, it does grip well and understeer is held off for quite a while...although I am almost sure the heavier diesel powerplant doesn't help the chassis out in this regard. Overall, the chassis of my latest Ibiza is a lot better if you're in the mood for chucking it into roundabouts...although both the Ibiza and the DS3 lack feel through the steering wheel.
Overall...I like...:
- Fun styling
- Diesel performance and economy.
- The way it makes you feel oddly happy (although this may well wear off?!)
- Good hi-fi
- Comfort
I dislike:
- Ergonomics
- The price!
- Body roll and unsettling lurching under braking!
Overall though I have really rather fallen for the car...I will update on completion of my rental to let you know if the love affair has lasted
Thanks for reading...and well done if you made it this far down!!
Ash333 said:
Interesting. you can get the 120bhp petrol ds3 for about £200 a month on a lease. Would you?
I'd want a serious test drive first, but the stats on the petrol look pretty impressive. What trim level do you get for the £200 per month? I really like the DSport trim on the rental as it adds some really nice touches like the nicer wheels, bluetooth, USB for an MP3, chrome door handles, side strips and exhaust, better dash quality and a few other bits.But yes, think they're well worth thinking about!
I would only recommend the 150THP, its sooooooo much better than the 120.
The 150 is just a superb package, it feels right, dynamic, the best solution. As a package its a better deal than the DS3Racing, for the money.
The racing is a beautiful thing, but the THP 150 is £ for £ the best package
im sure you get what im saying
The 150 is just a superb package, it feels right, dynamic, the best solution. As a package its a better deal than the DS3Racing, for the money.
The racing is a beautiful thing, but the THP 150 is £ for £ the best package
im sure you get what im saying
xkrGiles said:
I would only recommend the 150THP, its sooooooo much better than the 120.
The 150 is just a superb package, it feels right, dynamic, the best solution. As a package its a better deal than the DS3Racing, for the money.
The racing is a beautiful thing, but the THP 150 is £ for £ the best package
im sure you get what im saying
Hearing you loud and clear! I'm quite tempted to try one at some point, especially seeing as I am changing my car in about 6 months! The 150 is just a superb package, it feels right, dynamic, the best solution. As a package its a better deal than the DS3Racing, for the money.
The racing is a beautiful thing, but the THP 150 is £ for £ the best package
im sure you get what im saying
Have you driven a few then xkr?
Nice review!
I decided back in April to go for a DS3 and initially was going for a 110Hdi Dsport but then after much head scratching I went for a DS3 Racing.
The THP is a great engine, plenty of power right through the range, the diesels are great but the THP is completely different again.
From the Racing perspective it is an excellent all rounder and whilst initially it may seem expensive, if you start to look at what you get you can see how the price difference adds up.
It's still cheaper than an identically spec'd MINI JCW.
Mine has had a few issues, both front strut top mounts were replaced as they creaked, I think this may have been due to the fact that the dealer I bought it from left the transit spacers in the springs and I did about 3000 miles before it was noticed! It also has an engine running issue at present which is believed to be the crank sensor.
I was given a 90Hdi C3 as a loan car a couple of weeks ago and even that model surprised me with it's smoothness and power of the engine.
One thing it did make me thankful for was that I went for the satnav upgrade which is so much better than the standard display.
A lot of car magazines slated the satnav in the DS3 but I think Citroen shot themselves in the foot a little as it doesn't show the 3D view by default which is perfectly adequate and you can also add speed cameras/red-light cameras to it too, and the satnav display also has a visual diagram of the rear parking sensors when fitted.
I totally agree about the pedal box comment, that's one thing that annoys me, the pedals being so close together!
Fuel economy of the THP is good too, my DS3R can return 56MPG but averages about 43MPG, interestingly the Racing model returns better MPG and is cheaper to tax than the 150THP.
It's also pretty cheap to insure, the Racing was only £20 a year more than the diesel.
The other thing I like about the DS3 is that it's still a pretty rare car on the road.
Stef
I decided back in April to go for a DS3 and initially was going for a 110Hdi Dsport but then after much head scratching I went for a DS3 Racing.
The THP is a great engine, plenty of power right through the range, the diesels are great but the THP is completely different again.
From the Racing perspective it is an excellent all rounder and whilst initially it may seem expensive, if you start to look at what you get you can see how the price difference adds up.
It's still cheaper than an identically spec'd MINI JCW.
Mine has had a few issues, both front strut top mounts were replaced as they creaked, I think this may have been due to the fact that the dealer I bought it from left the transit spacers in the springs and I did about 3000 miles before it was noticed! It also has an engine running issue at present which is believed to be the crank sensor.
I was given a 90Hdi C3 as a loan car a couple of weeks ago and even that model surprised me with it's smoothness and power of the engine.
One thing it did make me thankful for was that I went for the satnav upgrade which is so much better than the standard display.
A lot of car magazines slated the satnav in the DS3 but I think Citroen shot themselves in the foot a little as it doesn't show the 3D view by default which is perfectly adequate and you can also add speed cameras/red-light cameras to it too, and the satnav display also has a visual diagram of the rear parking sensors when fitted.
I totally agree about the pedal box comment, that's one thing that annoys me, the pedals being so close together!
Fuel economy of the THP is good too, my DS3R can return 56MPG but averages about 43MPG, interestingly the Racing model returns better MPG and is cheaper to tax than the 150THP.
It's also pretty cheap to insure, the Racing was only £20 a year more than the diesel.
The other thing I like about the DS3 is that it's still a pretty rare car on the road.
Stef
Great review,
I m on the edge of which DS3 to go for my self .
I ve driven both diesels ( as the first dealer could nt get a 110 ( and the 2 150 THP)
I was very impressed with the ride quallity on the 17 rims & drove over lots of speed bumps, pot holes and as many twistys as poss etc
I felt the diesel was slightly flat a top end to but beleive this can be sorted , but , with great Torque, but the heavier Engine can be felt when cornering with any enthusiasm, , but still very impressive , i liked it over the mini sd Cooper,
But I THINK the DS 150 thp / DS3 R will be future classics ( they remind me of my much loved 205 GTI 1.9 Cheetah ),
The 150 version is great valve wth £1500 back on Flex plan offer
DS3 DSPORTS have real world drivabilty / comfort and are truley entertaining to drive .
A refreshing change from most ( utterly Competent) but boring modern "Slow motion style euro boxs
I wish i could get a test drive in a ds3 r ( even as a passenger ) but expect it to be slimilar in characteristics, only more focused
I head early DS3 had the wrong grade oil fitted ???.
I m on the edge of which DS3 to go for my self .
I ve driven both diesels ( as the first dealer could nt get a 110 ( and the 2 150 THP)
I was very impressed with the ride quallity on the 17 rims & drove over lots of speed bumps, pot holes and as many twistys as poss etc
I felt the diesel was slightly flat a top end to but beleive this can be sorted , but , with great Torque, but the heavier Engine can be felt when cornering with any enthusiasm, , but still very impressive , i liked it over the mini sd Cooper,
But I THINK the DS 150 thp / DS3 R will be future classics ( they remind me of my much loved 205 GTI 1.9 Cheetah ),
The 150 version is great valve wth £1500 back on Flex plan offer
DS3 DSPORTS have real world drivabilty / comfort and are truley entertaining to drive .
A refreshing change from most ( utterly Competent) but boring modern "Slow motion style euro boxs
I wish i could get a test drive in a ds3 r ( even as a passenger ) but expect it to be slimilar in characteristics, only more focused
I head early DS3 had the wrong grade oil fitted ???.
miln0039 said:
xkrGiles said:
I would only recommend the 150THP, its sooooooo much better than the 120.
The 150 is just a superb package, it feels right, dynamic, the best solution. As a package its a better deal than the DS3Racing, for the money.
The racing is a beautiful thing, but the THP 150 is £ for £ the best package
im sure you get what im saying
Hearing you loud and clear! I'm quite tempted to try one at some point, especially seeing as I am changing my car in about 6 months! The 150 is just a superb package, it feels right, dynamic, the best solution. As a package its a better deal than the DS3Racing, for the money.
The racing is a beautiful thing, but the THP 150 is £ for £ the best package
im sure you get what im saying
Have you driven a few then xkr?
Ive also driven the DS3R out on the road (Weston Super Mare have a demo DS3R if your interested)
Great car, the peach in what is a good Citroen car kine up these days, however I need 4 seats as i have an 18 month old daughter.
SO I am looking at the THP200 DS4 DSport
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