Citroën South Africa – Citroën DS

Citroën’s DS line gets stronger with the introduction of the striking new DS3 Cabrio

Citroën South Africa has added a striking new addition to its popular and stylish DS Line, the DS3 Cabrio, a multi-award winning vehicle which uses intelligent design to make top-down driving considerably easier and thoroughly enjoyable.

True to the legendary heritage of the DS Line, this is not a run-of-the-mill droptop, but a model that brings with it real innovation, bold styling and sophisticated refinement and is the only true five-seater Cabrio in its market segment.

It is a model without compromise in terms of interior and luggage space. It even has the versatile 60:40 split rear seat.The good news is that this new model is available from only R219 900.

The DS3 Cabrio whilst retaining the hatchback’s compact proportions and bold styling choices such as the ‘floating roof,  characteristic ‘shark fin’ and front LED daytime running lights,  now adds the soft top roof to its distinctive personality.

The major technical innovation of the Citroën DS3 Cabrio is the electrically adjustable folding canvas roof which can be operated at driving speeds up to 120km/h.

The roof takes just 16 seconds to close from the full open position and there are three settings operated by a button in the ceiling console. The three positions are: intermediate (partially open), horizontal, which leaves the rear window in position, and fully open, when the roof folds down on top of the rear window, which itself folds flat.

An important feature is that the folded roof does not go down into the luggage compartment, thereby providing the largest boot in the category at 245 litres.

The Citroën engineers and designers have also come up with a unique tailgate which opens with a circular motion that allows access to the luggage compartment even when there is very little space behind the car, such as when it is parked in the garage.

The engineers worked particularly hard on acoustics, to cut wind noise with the added benefit of preventing air buffeting of the occupants. This involved choosing the finest quality canvas which results in sound levels that are equal to the DS3 hatchback when the roof is closed, while a deflector net provides optimum acoustic comfort. This component springs into position as the roof opens, deflecting air currents and preventing air buffeting.

Extensive work in the wind tunnel on the aerodynamics of the DS3 Cabrio which maximises performance and helps maintain low CO2 emissions and fuel economy has resulted in an identical drag coefficient to the all-metal hatchback.  Assisting in this impressive achievement is a long spoiler and aerodynamic deflectors on the quarter-light surrounds.

There is only a 25kg weight penalty for the Cabrio, compared to the usual add-on for a cabriolet of at least 100kg. The engineers have also ensured the torsional stiffness of the body is equal to that of the DS3 hatchback.

Continuing in the DS3’s personalisation options, three soft top roof colours are available: Brilliant Black as standard ; Infini Blue and DS Monogramme Moondust as optional with the latter available on Sport models only  to enable purchasers to customise their car, which is part of the DS3’s DNA. The colour of the soft top is echoed by the colour of the upper part of the body sides, the front cross strip and rear spoiler.

The Infini blue canvas captures the hues of blue and velvet due to a weave of three different coloured threads. The DS logo, synonymous with refinement and elegance, features on the Monogramme Moondust canvas which contrasts two tones of grey highlighting the signature logo of DS on the canvas.

The DS3 Cabrio comfortably seats five adult  with all new upholstery, including three Claudia leather options, while the dashboard colour replicates the roof colour. Models ordered with eMyWay Satellite navigation feature the Carbotech dashboard.   This new model introduces a three-dimensional light signature with the 3D taillights, inspired by the Citroën Revolte and Survolt concept cars. The central part of the light comprises a set of 31 rectangular LED’s and semi-reflecting mirrors that reflect the light guide endlessly. In keeping with the elegance of the car, the 3D light features a chrome-finished DS logo in an embossed black DS setting.

The DS3 Cabrio is available with three petrol engine options:  VTi 82; a 1,2-litre three-cylinder producing 60kW of power and 118N.m of torque; VTi 120,  a normally aspirated 1,6-litre four-cylinder producing 88kW of power 160N.m of torque and the THP 155, which is a turbocharged 1,6-litre producing 115kW of power and 240N.m of torque.

The VTi 82 and 120 models are mated to a five-speed manual transmission, while the high performance THP 155 model sports a six-speed manual transmission.   “Following on from the global success of the DS Line to date and globally outselling Brands such as Infiniti, Alfa and Cadillac, the new DS3 Cabrio is yet another important addition to the DS3 in an image conscious market demanding individuality and personalisation.

A combination of attractive pricing as a market leader in customisation makes for a compelling purchase argument in the ultra-competitive supermini category,” said Grant Bowring General Manger of Marketing for Citroen SA. “Along with our re-positioning of DS3 Hatch from specification and price and the changes made to the DS3 line as a whole, owning a Citroen DS3 is more appealing than ever.”   Prices (including VAT) are:

Options

Design: 

• Style Pack: LED) + Alarm / Connecting Box / Manual air conditioning – R16 950
• 16” Alloy wheels – R4 000

Style:

• Safety Pack: Alarm / Connecting Box – R4 500
• Sport Pack: 17” Alloy Wheels + Akinen Mistral sport seats + Automatic air conditioning / Automatic rain wipers / Automatic headlamps / Electrochrome rear-view mirror / Aluminium drilled pedals  Height-adjustable front passenger seat   – R12 000

Sport:

• Plus pack: Front armrest  + Automatic rain wipers / Automatic headlamps / Electrochrome rear-view mirror / Aluminium drilled pedals / Height-adjustable front passenger seat
•  R4 000
• eMyWay Navigation  – R10 950
• Claudia leather signature  – R8 450
• Personalised dashboard  – R1 750