Citroen DS3 Cabrio THP165 (manual): Classy and confident compact cabriolet

An elegant and decidedly Francophone take on the small premium hatchback, the Citroen DS3 is a small car with a big car sense of maturity and comfort, and with Cabrio form features a rollback ragtop integrated and framed within its roof for added security and body rigidity. Driven in the next to top THP165 guise, the DS3 delivers frugal economy and confident mid-range muscle. 

First introduced in 2010 as the first of more stylish and luxurious parallel model range of cars offered by Citroen as part of its then nascent DS sub-brand, the DS3 was pitched at capitalising the same luxury compact segment as the modern Mini. The best selling of Citroen’s DS range, the DS3 is now being integrated within a standalone DS brand.

Elegant and urgent

Driven in Germany in Citroen guise weeks before being re-branded from “Citroen DS3” to “DS 3” in some European markets, the classy French city compact is, however, still sold under the Citroen brand in some Middle East markets. Intended to differentiate the DS line as more prestigious and luxurious, the standalone DS brand is in spirit to Citroen what Infiniti is to Nissan or Lexus to Toyota.

Mechanically unchanged and virtually identical in appearance in both guises, the DS3 has a distinctly French and classy presence, with prominent wheel-arches, 2-door configuration in Cabrio guise and a “floating” blacked out roof. Seemingly held up by a reverse angle triangular B-pillar, the DS3 features blacked out A and B pillars to create the effect, while a roof outline disguises the DS3 Cabrio’s rollback fabric roof section.

Taut and concise in design, but with chrome flourishes and big hungry gaping grille and side gills, the DS3 cuts a sculpted figure and features a pronounced sense of forward motion owing to its curved bonnet, ascending waistline and forward jutting B-pillar. Largely unchanged for service as a DS brand model, the DS3 gains slightly redesigned lights and bumper, including re-styled grille.

Little thirst, big thrust

Restyled from a two slat design incorporating the Citroen chevron logo — as driven and pictured — to a honeycomb hexagonal design with DS badge and more chrome heavy surround for new standalone Euro models, the DS3’s THP165 engine, however, remains the same. Economic and hearty, the THP165’s turbocharged direct injection 1.6-litre four-cylinder motor is refined, smooth and ample in mid-range.

Just shy of being a hot hatch in terms of performance, the DS3 THP165 is, however, not far off the pocket rocket segment. With little turbo lag and willingness to be revved hard, the THP165 develops 163BHP at 6000rpm, and more crucially, 177lb/ft torque from as early as 1750rpm. Riding a wave of mid-range thrust, the DS3 is quicker than expected in daily driving.

Overtaking and accumulating speed with seamless confidence, the DS3 THP165 was able to reach 180km/h effortlessly and briskly where possible on de-restricted segments of the German Autobahn. Weighing in just 25kg more than its hard top sister at 1,165kg, the DS3 Cabrio THP165 is capable of 217km/h flat out and dashes through the 0-100km/h benchmark in 7.6 seconds, yet returns 5.6l/100km combined cycle fuel efficiency.

Confidence and comfort

Driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and with 205/45R17 tyres putting power down to the road, the DS3 THP165 develops good traction even in wet weather. Though slightly rubbery, the DS3’s gear lever moves in a slick, quick and satisfying when handled with finesse, but is slightly notchy if handled roughly. Meanwhile, its clutch is light with an intuitive biting point.

Grippy and agile, the DS3 turns into corners tidily and displays good wet weather roadholding, while its suspension provides body control but is not overly stiff. If slightly on the firm side over sudden sharp texture changes, the DS3’s suspension and tyres, however, provided a comfortable and supple ride over the superbly surfaced autobahn, while rebound control was buttoned down and settled.

Confident, comfortable, refined and stable, the DS3 Cabrio feels like larger more luxurious car on the high-speed Autobahn, and remains reassuringly planted even in heavy downpours. A mature and relaxed cruiser despite its compact size, the DS3 Cabrio’s ragtop roof also provided better than anticipated noise insulation at speed, while ride refinement from harshness and vibration were good.

French flavour

Rolling back along its frame, rather than flipping backward, the DS3 Cabrio’s approach to top down driving provides three setting of exposure, from sunroof-like opening to full retraction and back halfway down the rear in 16-seconds. And while prevailing conditions didn’t allow open top driving, another advantage of the DS3 Cabrio’s roof configuration is that it can be operated at high speed, at up to 110-120km/h.

Alluding to the classic and revolutionary 1955-75 Citroen DS in the sub-brand’s name, the DS3 and other DS models aren’t exactly direct successors, but are meant to capture the elegance and associated with Citroen’s signature model and most quintessentially French car ever. Classy inside with attractive layouts and good quality materials and textures, the DS3 Cabrio imparts a distant sense of that heritage and features a comfortable and well-insulated ambiance.

Somewhat high set and armchair-like, the DS3’s front seats are comfortably well-cushioned with deep supportive bolsters, and complemented by a big high central armrest. Meanwhile, the DS3’s steering is also set high while its big is set lower. Well-spaced in front with good visibility, the DS3 Cabrio’s configuration does, however, mean that its smaller 245-litre boot is accessed by a narrower aperture than the hatchback version’s more practical tailgate.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 1.6-litre, turbocharged, transverse 4 cylinders

Bore x stroke: 77 x 85.8mm

Valve-train: 16-valve, DOHC, direct injection

Gearbox: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 163 (165) [121] @6000rpm

Specific power: 62.8BHP/litre

Power-to-weight: 139.9BHP/tonne

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 177 (240) @1750rpm

Specific torque: 150.2Nm/litre

Torque-to-weight: 206Nm/tonne

0-100km/h: 7.6 seconds

0-1000-metres: 28.4 seconds

Maximum speed: 217km/h

Fuel consumption, urban/extra-urban/combined: 7.1-/4.6-/5.6 litres/100km

CO2 emissions, combined: 129g/km

Fuel tank: 50 litres

Length: 3,948mm

Width: 1,715mm

Height: 1,483mm

Wheelbase: 2,452mm

Boot capacity, min: 245 litres

Kerb weight: 1,165kg

Suspension, F/R: MacPherson struts/torsion bar

Steering: Variable power assistance 

Turning circle: 10.4 metres

Brakes, F/R: Ventilated discs/discs

Tyres, F/R: 205/45R17