The Citroën DS3 Cabrio has been officially unveiled at the Paris motor show.
The soft-top car, which is due to go on sale in early 2013, features an electrically operated canvas roof that can be closed in 16 seconds at speeds of up to 74mph. A button in the DS3 Cabrio’s ceiling console opens and closes the roof to three positions – intermediate, horizontal and total. When the roof is open, an air deflector net is automatically erected to negate buffeting in the cabin.
As with other cars in the style-led DS range, myriad personalisation options are offered. The roof itself is available in one of three styles – black, light-reflecting blue or a ‘DS Monogramme’ design. The body, door mirror housings and wheels can be selected in a range of colours. The DS3 Cabrio is about 25kg heavier than the hatchback, which weighs from 1085kg according to the engine variant.
There is a new spoiler along the width of the rear, aerodynamic deflectors on the quarter-light surrounds and rear LED lights with a 3D effect inspired by those seen on the Revolte and Survolt concept cars.
The folding roof doesn’t detract from the amount of space available in the five-person cabin. The boot is 40 litres smaller than the hatch’s, at 245 litres, but it has more seats-up room than rivals such as the Fiat 500C, which offers 184 litres.
UK pricing and full specification will be revealed at a later date.
Ashleigh Morris
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I can't see this as a stand alone convertible model purely because you won't be able to drop the back windows. With so much cladding around you, the idea of this being a "wind in the hair" car is laughable unless you have a Jedward.
Instead I prefer to look at it as a useful option on a DS3 if you want a little fresh air in your life.
This is a very neat job,
This is a very neat job, though it is of course just a long sunroof, and won't appeal to those who like the connection with your surroundings you get with a 'proper' soft top. It might be more appealling to those who prefer the cocooned, privacy glass type of driving environment, though. I wonder if the rear visibility is as bad as the 500, which doesn't seem to have any at all with the fabric pushed back.
I have to agree with stevie about the interior quality. I fail to see any difference between the DS3 and the cheaper C3 in this respect, and the icing on the cake for me was the whole instrument pack falling out when I adjusted the steering wheel towards me...
Neat.
Neatly done, Citroen.
For the "it's not a convertible" comments, here's the definition of convertible: "having a folding or detachable roof".
I think these are much more practical than your "standard" cabriolet, same goes for the 500. You've got that little bit more protection at high speeds but those who enjoy the "wind in the hair" sensation still have that plentifully.
I like what Citroen have done with the rear light graphics (perhaps I'm the only one who's noticed that) - perhaps they'll apply that to the rest of the DS3 range too.
It's certainly characterful, anyway!