Citroen DS3 Cabriolet

 

Those familiar with the Citroen brand will remember one of its most famous and best loved models, the tiny and versatile, two cylinder 2CV.

Out of production for many years now, there's still an enormous worldwide 2CV owners club, that refuses to let the iconic model die.

Citroen had an ill fated attempt at recreating the unique ambience of the 2CV, with the C3 Pluriel,but it required far too much complicated disassembly to open the car up and the Pluriel wasn't a huge success.

Citroen I believe, now has the formula right with the DS3, incorporating one of the old Deux Chevaux's best selling features. A folding fabric roof that opens up the whole interior.
The roof can be operated at the touch of a button to any position, at speeds of up to 120 kph. Citroen also offers different roof fabric colours, so owners can personalise their DS3.   

You'd expect with only a four speed auto, and an 88 kw 1.6 litre engine, that performance would be mediocre. In the 'burbs, on take off from the lights, and in auto, the pace could be described as peppy, rather than punchy, but wind it out and it comes alive, zinging along effortlessly. 
Hustling through tight hills corners is a real hoot. The little engine is very willing when shifted from auto to manual mode, and its tall gearing and redline of 6 thousand rpm, means second and third gears are perfect for plunging in and out of corners. In short, it's eminently" chuckable."  I didn't miss the extra ratios found on most other modern cars. When driving hard there's even a "soupcon" (yes, it's a French word dear reader) of a sporty bark from the exhaust!
The DS3's ride, hints of the comfort of French cars of yesteryear and it absorbs most bumps and ruts with a smoothness belying its size.

Cruising with the roof up, there's very little outside noise. It's a quiet ride even at highway speeds. With roof open all the way, and door windows up, there's also little wind buffeting, thanks to an effective wind deflector and the side window configuration. That design also allows for the fitment of side and curtain airbags. The doors open wide for easy entry and exit.

Unlike the MINI cabriolet which has large rear and C pillar blindspots, the DS3's vision in this area is good, thanks to fixed rear quarter windows.
But, like the MINI and FIAT 500 Cabrios, and VW Beetle convertibles, when the roof is fully retracted, rearward vision in the driver's mirror disappears, as the cloth roof sits in a large folded bustle over the rear bodywork. You have to then rely on the wing mirrors. It's a mild annoyance in an otherwise exemplary design. Lock the top with the rear window exposed and it's a much better view out the back. 

 

 

With the front seats at their rearmost position, rear passenger legroom vanishes. The DS3   will seat four (five at a pinch) average sized people, or two adults and three children. The manually adjusted front seats are very comfortable and hold you nicely in position.
The boot however is tiny, accessed via a mailbox sized slot.
Just enough room for some shopping, or  a couple of pieces of soft luggage, but you have to do a lot of bending down to access it.
Citroen is one of  few car makers that thoughtfully provide a perfume stick in the dashboard with the choice of several subtle scents to keep the interior smelling nice. The vapours waft through the air vents. It's a nice detail touch. So is the taillight configuration.

I'm pretty sure no other car on the market today has 3D lenses, comprising concentric rings. The effect is something like the graphics from the old " Time Tunnel" TV series.  Vertical daytime running lights up front, distinguish it from others on the road.

 

I like the DS3 Cabriolet. It's a fun, funky car, full of French flair. Priced around 33K it's also great value.
Peter Sellen