Cool Citroen with red-hot appeal

Wherever our journey took us, cell phone cameras were whipped out and people stared and pointed.

At the local media introduction and evaluation runs along Cape Town's main arteries and though the Boland it quickly became obvious that it is an immediate attention-grabber. The little Frenchy's striking good looks make it stand out, even on crowded motorways, particularly when wearing bright yellow and black make-up as on the vehicle I was piloting.

Wherever our journey took us, cell phone cameras were whipped out and people stared and pointed. It's just that sort of car, made to parade.

A hit

The 'ordinary' DS3 has been a hit since its launch two years ago, selling well over 200,000 units world-wide. Now that it has decided to go the topless route its bold styling and sporty performance and handling have become even more attractive and enjoyable.

Its boulevard bragging rights have escalated with its fold-away soft top which is perfect for posing; not only does it look great but it can also be folded up or down on the move, even at speeds of up to 120km/h, in just 16 seconds.

Dare to go topless.

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As is the trend these days there are several options and choices to help personalise this new Cabrio. The roof is available with three roof colours and there are also three interior décor choices, varying to from Carbotech and Infiniti Blue to Moondust Grey.

Where it becomes really tricky is choosing between three model options, branded VTi 82 Manual, VTi 120 Manual and the flagship THP 155 6-speed Manual. Obviously there is a considerable difference in price between the three because of dramatic differences in the oily bits under their stubby hoods. The base model is pushed along by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine that produces 60kW and 118Nm. The 120 has a 1.2-litre engine with 88kW and 160Nm on tap while the top of the range THP's 1.6-litre engine churns out a healthy 115kW and 240Nm.

Eet eez 'ow you say...Cocky

All three engines are electronically fuel injected but the dash and top speed differ dramatically. At the local media introduction I drove the flagship and loved its BMW designed engine which is lively enough to kick out a zero to triple figure sprint time of just 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 210km.

It's claimed to have a zero to triple figure sprint time of just 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 210km.

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The Citroen handles with cocky confidence and when we gave it free rein on a few mountain passes it clung to the tar with remarkable resilience. The steering is sharp enough for fun and the suspension is nicely matched to give the THP lots of sporty character.

With ABS, EBD and EBA working in conjunction with its electronic stability programme the cheeky poser is happy to change its personality from pretty boy to party animal - and it's a role it plays with poise. Whip it instead of stroking it and it becomes a very likable and capable plaything.

Dare to go topless - you'll love it

When showing it a bit of whip it's rather comforting to know that the topless DS3 is well kitted out for occupant protection with stuff like an army of airbags, automatic hazard lights, auto headlights, ISOFIX child anchors, auto door locking and a cruise control with a speed limiter.

If you want street cred, this could be your baby.

Driving pleasure is enhanced by halogen headlamps, electric windows and mirrors, press-button roof operations, rear parking sensors, fully adjustable steering wheel and auto aircon with carbon filter, on-board computer, upmarket audio hi-fit system, Bluetooth with USB socket and satellite navigation.

However, as nice and as sporty as the Cabrio might be, there are some issues which deserve careful scrutiny before you whip out your credit card:
• The boot may be larger than that of the Fiat 500 and the MINI but it remains small and narrow, so forget big suitcases or even sufficient space to accommodate the weekend luggage of four people;
• It doesn't come with a normal spare wheel and if you have to change a tyre there is not enough space to park the damaged or flat tyre anywhere in the DS3;
• The suits claim the back seat will easily accommodate three people - yes, but only if they are garden gnomes. We tried three normal adults and it was about as comfortable as a sardine can;
• The cabin is not completely insulated against wind noises, even with the roof up;
• On the trot, particularly when the road surfaces are mottled and worn, it does display bouts of mild shiver and shake;
• The entry level doesn't have aircon of any description as standard;
• The price differences between the three variants amount to big numbers, from R219,900 for the starter model all the way to R291,900 for the Sport model;
• Although a stand-out beauty, the DS3 Cabrio is very much a niche car which will probably not retain fair value when it comes to resale;
• Its SATNAV is not intuitive and it will probably take you some time to get the hang of it;
• There are no control buttons on the face of the steering wheel, so you have to hunt for cruise control and other settings tucked away on stalks behind the wheel.

But hey, zees eez zee French car so eet has to be deeferent, qui?

Good looking, but don't expect much room in the back.

However, in spite of its minor quirks and impracticalities, trendies with a taste for flair and fashion and the urge to drive something quite different from the personality-deprived freezers and washing machines on wheels that pass for city cars, will love the Cabrio. So will people who enjoy cruising and those who love the excitement and special pleasure of enthusiastic performance and precision handling while comfortably cloistered in a smart environment

The sexy Citroen is not going to blast the brand's sales figures into orbit but it is going to set tongues wagging and anoint it owners with bucket loads of cool dude, street cred and lucky devil status.

The models and prices are:

DS3 Cabrio VTi Design - R219,900
DS3 Cabrio VTi 120 Style Manual - R258,900
DS3 THP 155 Sport Manual - R291,900.
Included in these prices are a three-year/100,000km warranty; four-year/60,000 service plan and three-year, 24-hour roadside assistance.

Specifications

Citroen DS3 VTi 120 So Chic

Citroen DS3 Cabrio - Which first look Paris Motor Show 2012

Citroën DS3 Cabrio 2013 - DESIGN