The Citroen DS3 gets four stars in Autocar’s ‘90 second’ verdict, mostly compared to the Mini Cooper S and Fiat 500 as its main competitors. The entry level engine model is a respectable 1.4-litre 94 hp, while the top of the range is the 1.6 turbo with 154 hp. The big plus for the DS3 is that it’s got more rear passenger and boot room than either of its nominated rivals – the Fiat 500 on the boot front is particularly cosy. The DS3 is also said to be easier to drive with better steering feel and comfort than the Mini. While in some ways you could see the car as just a ‘tarted up’ version of the Citroen C3, it does have more performance and more style and personality which justify its higher cost than the C3.
