Used Citroen DS3 review: 2010-2011

Buying a small car doesn't mean you have to forsake some of the pleasures of motoring.

NEW

The Citroen DS3 is a case in point. At the upper end of the small car market it's a fun-filled little device that looks good, performs well, has plenty of features, and sets you apart from the run-of-the-mill small car owning population.

Most small cars are bought by people wanting economy of transport first and foremost, that's not what the little Citroen is about. It's for people who want to have fun at the wheel and are happy to have it in a small, city-sized package.

The DS3 looks like a bundle of fun even standing still, with its zippy looks and sporty stance, large wheels that fill out the guards, and spoilers and blackout panels. It was offered in two versions, the stylish DStyle that put looks ahead of performance, and the DSport that cranked up the go-fast factor.

The DStyle came with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with class average output that gave it acceptable performance on the road, while the DSport was powered by a turbocharged version of the same engine and injected it with the zippiness to match its looks.

The transmission choices were limited to a four-speed auto if you chose the DStyle, and a six-speed manual if your choice was the DSport. Both were front-wheel drive.

On the road the DS3 handled as you might expect with a wheel at each corner anchoring it to the road. It got along well enough on the open highway, but it really came into its own when pushed along a winding road where it hugged the tarmac like a long lost sibling.

Small cars like the DS3 are often compromised when it comes to cabin space and the Citroen was no exception. It's best suited to singles or couples, is ok if your kids are small, but it struggles with a full complement of four adults aboard.

Some small cars are also compromised when it comes to features, but not the DS3 in this case. It had air, cruise, six-speaker sound, alloy wheels and fog lamps. It was also on the money when it came to safety with ABS braking, ESP stability control, and front, head and side airbags standard, all of which added up to a five star tick from ANCAP.

NOW

As we've written before buying a Citroen should be a considered decision, not one taken in haste driven by emotion.

While it's an old and well respected brand in its home country, and loved by a few fanatics here, it's had a somewhat chequered history in this country. Over the years it has come and gone, different
distributers have handled the brand, and dealers have changed. That said it's been relatively stable for some time now, which should give buyers some comfort.

Before buying a car check out where you would get it serviced, dealers aren't on every street corner. Consider an independent specialist, hopefully a factory-trained mechanic who has struck out on his own after spending time learning the brand with a dealer.

Consider having your potential choice checked by an expert in the brand, one who is familiar with the quirks. Thoroughly test drive it to make sure you're comfortable with the choice, driving it in as many varying situations as possible.

Look for evidence of crash damage, making sure repairs are up to scratch. Also look for oil leaks around the engine, check the oil, get down and look at the tyres for even wear and signs of having been thrashed. Make the usual checks for a service record; it's vital for a long life that a car has been serviced as per the recommended service schedule.

SMITHY SAYS

Worth a look if you want to be different. It's solid, with decent performance and vice-like grip on the road.

CITROEN DS3 - 2010-2011

Price new: $32,990 to $35,990
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 88 kW/160 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo, 115 kW/240 Nm
Gearbox: 4-speed auto, 6-speed man, FWD
Thirst: 6.9 L/100 km (DStyle), 6.7 L/100 km (DSport)
Body: 3-door hatch
Variants: DStyle, DSport
Safety: 5-star ANCAP