2014 DS3 1.6L THP 6MT FWD (156 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Citroen launched the DS line of products in 2009, and its first model of this new range was the DS3. It received a facelift in 2014 and became a brand ambassador for DS Automobiles.

One of the biggest successes in the history of the French automaker was the 1955 Citroen DS. When launched, it stirred the market with its advanced technologies, such as adaptive suspension, variable ground clearance, and cornering lights. Fast forward to 2009, and the car manufacturer tried to impose a spin-off marque named DS. Unfortunately for it, the market crashed due to the world financial crisis. But Citroen didn’t drop the towel and pushed harder. As a result, the DS3 became a hit on the market, with almost 300.000 units sold in five years. Come 2014, the lineup went through a well-deserved facelift, which affected both the coupe and the cabrio version of this small-sized vehicle.

The refreshed DS3 was promoted as a new brand, known as the DS Automobiles, although that marque hasn’t been established yet. At the front, the facelifted DS3 featured new headlights, which featured an LED-Xenon combo for a broad and uniform beam on the road. Even though it wasn’t promoted as a Citroen, it sported the “double-chevron” badge on the chromed trim above the grille. On the lower bumper, the automaker installed a pair of air intakes on the outer area. A fog lamp set was placed between these, and the main grille extended downward into the apron.

From its profile, the DS3 continued the idea of the floating-roof styling, with blackened upper areas on the B-posts. At the same time, the dark D-pillars, along with the side and rear windows, created a wrap-around glass appearance. Depending on the grade and options, a chromed trim adorned the lower side of the doors and the rear quarter panels. Finally, out back, the DS3 sported LED taillights that flanked the tailgate, which was slightly raked forward on its upper area and adorned by a roof spoiler.

Inside, the automaker completely redesigned the dashboard. Atop the center stack, a touchscreen was placed underneath the center vents and above the HVAC controls. Below these, the DS3 featured the stereo, while on the center console, it had the gear stick or the selector for the available automatic transmission. The front bucket seats featured mild bolstered areas and were designed mostly for comfort. As an option, customers who got the most potent version got sportier seats. In the back, the split-folding bench seat could enlarge the trunk space.

Under the hood, the 2014 DS3 featured exclusively Euro6-compatible gasoline or turbodiesel powerplants that sent their power to the front wheels. The engines ranged between 82 PS (80 hp) and 163 PS (161 hp). Citroen paired them with either manual or automatic transmissions.