The Citroën DS range has been further enhanced with the addition of its latest member, the DS3 VTi 82 Design.
Launched with the latest PureTech petrol engine, the DS3 VTi 82 Design comes in a 1,2-litre three-cylinder model and brings the DS entry-point down to just R199 900. The VTi 82 nomenclature, in line with the brand’s conventions, alludes to a power output of 82 horsepower, or 60 kW in metric-speak. Four-wheeled sex appeal has never been this attainable.
When it comes to performance the newcomer punches above its weight too, and heralds the arrival of Citroën’s PureTech petrol engine technology – further proof of the Brand’s commitment to ‘Créative Technologie’. It represents a number of advances in terms of environmental impact, driving pleasure and efficiency.
It is possible with this car to achieve fuel consumption levels as low as 4.6 litres per 100 km and with emissions of just 107 grams/km it doesn’t incur any CO2 penalty.
Over and above a frugal appetite, owners of a DS3 VTi 82 will get zippy performance in the urban environment, with the engine response and chassis agility combining to whisk one through traffic effortlessly en route to the open road.
The new addition to the DS3 line brings the engine offerings to four for 2013: the 1.6-litre petrol models continue unchanged in both the VTi120 and award-winning THP155 (115 kW) guises while turbodiesel fans can opt for the e-HDi Airdream 90 engine – introduced late last year and featuring fuel-saving start/stop technology.
Launched almost three years ago, the DS3 has proved to be an outstanding success for Citroën. Over 200 000 units have been sold worldwide, making it a global phenomenon with demand outstripping supply in most markets, proving beyond doubt that modern consumers want a design which is creative, innovative, and individualistic, without compromising on an inspired driving experience.
The DS3 has been the main contributor in steering the overall DS line’s sales to over 300 000 units in three years. Local sales have played their role in attaining this figure with sales of the funky three-door hatch exceeding more than 1000 since launch in 2010.
The bold, distinctively styled DS3 has always dressed from the most fashionable wardrobe, and that continues across all models, thanks to a wider colour palette being offered, with Moondust metallic grey and Infini blue as new additions to the roof colours over and above the black and white roof options.
A striking three-dimensional effect for the LED lighting of the rear clusters are a key differentiator for the 2013 model year.
Says Citroën’s General Manager, Marketing, Grant Bowring: “The DS3 is a highly desirable car, with unrivalled emotional appeal and now it is far more attainable thanks to the introduction of the 1.2 VTi Design. It is a worthy bearer of the DS badge, and combines style, innovation and technology in equal measure.”
Adding to the pleasure of the actual purchase process are new unique choices when it comes to both the colour and texturing of leather trim, while broader feature combinations allow prospective buyers to drive away with a ‘custom’ vehicle – without a ‘custom’ price.
All this is even more appealing when considering the list of value-adding benefits – including a growing awareness of keen parts pricing, a claim borne out by DS3’s Citroën’s strong performance in the annual Kinsey Report over the past two years where it performed extremely favourably in the supermini sector.
Not that owners will have to worry about parts pricing in the short to medium term, thanks to a four year/60 000 km service plan as standard. Further peace of mind comes in the form of an optional Freedrive programme, in terms of which the service plan can be converted to a full maintenance plan at point of sale.
As part of Freedrive plan the warranty is also extended to the same distance and time levels, leaving the consumer with comprehensive five-year/100 000 km cover which extends to almost everything on the car.
“The DS Line and the DS3 in particular has been a massive hit worldwide,” concluded Citroën’s Managing Director Didier Gerard. “With the arrival of the DS3 Cabrio in due course, we will present South African consumers with a range of cars which offer unrivalled panache and style with high levels of comfort, control and safety whilst being a pleasure to own and drive.”
