Citroën DS3 Cabrio 1.6 THP 155 DSport first drive

The Citroën DS3 Cabrio is the new rival to cars such as the Mini Convertible and Fiat 500C in the convertible hatchback market.

A soft-top DS3 makes sense: with us Brits being such an optimistic bunch in spite of the climatic mayhem that ruins most summers, the UK remains one of the biggest European markets for convertibles, and Citroën’s stylish DS range has been pretty successful here too.

The DS3 Cabrio shares the 500C’s ‘sardine tin lid’ style roof opening, in which the canvas roof concertinas back onto the rear quarters of the car at the push of a button.

Although such a set-up is stretching the strict definition of a ‘cabriolet’, it also has merit from a technical perspective. More of the hard-top’s structure remains than with a full convertible, so less chassis strengthening is required. The DS3 Cabrio has extra cross-bracing at the top of the boot space and weights within the rear overhang to counteract vibrations that are common in cabrio designs.

Small styling tweaks differentiate the DS3 Cabrio from its hard-top sibling. There is a new spoiler along the width of the rear, aerodynamic deflectors on the quarter-light surrounds and a beguiling new three-dimensional LED rear light signature that was inspired by Citroën’s Revolte and Survolt concept cars. The snazzy lamps complement the DS’s prestige feel.

As usual, a dizzying array of body colours, roof designs, wheel styles and other customisation options are available.

The DS3 Cabrio will be available from launch with a choice of three petrol engines – the VTi 82, VTi 120 and THP 155, mated to either five or six-speed manual gearboxes. Three trim levels will be offered – DSign, DStyle and DSport, with prices for the most basic model starting at just over £15,000.

The most popular model in the UK line-up is expected to be the mid-spec DStyle VTi 120, which will cost about £17,425, but the only variant on offer for us to test was the range-topping DSport THP 155.

One thing is for certain – if manufacturers are going to tout their drop-tops in Blighty, they’re going to have to make sure the lids can be redeployed pretty quickly to cope with our unpredictable conditions.

At the push of a button on the ceiling console of the DS3 Cabrio’s well-laid-out cabin, the folding soft-top can be set to one of three positions – intermediate, horizontal and total. The roof can be operated at speeds of up to 75mph and takes 16sec to close from the fully open position. The Mini’s roof is quicker to lower, but you have to slow down to 20mph to do it. The 500C’s lid can be retracted up to 37mph.

If you try to retract the Citroën’s roof at speeds above 75mph, you get a polite warning on the infotainment screen telling you it’s not possible, but the fact you can operate the roof at motorway cruising speed is a big advantage.

With the car’s major structural pillars still in front and to the side of the driver, you never get the full ‘wind-in-your-hair’ sensation that you would in a classic cabrio, but there’s still plenty of potential to feel at one with the elements in the DS3 Cabrio.