What is it?
In a phrase, Citroen builds a Mini rival. The DS3 is built on the C3 platform, but ramps up desirability with unique bodywork and a great cabin. This is Citroen rediscovering its mojo and that can only be good news. This 1.6 THP costs £15,900.
 
Technical highlights?
The suspension. It’s not radically different, but Citroen has worked hard to make this car handle enjoyably – just the sort of technical highlight we like. Meanwhile, the 1.6-litre turbo engine is the same basic unit as the Mini Cooper S’s, albeit with less power at the moment.
 
What’s it like to drive?
This is one terrific little car. It handles and rides fantastically and accelerates with real gusto. Steers just like a rapid hatch should, too - Renault can no longer claim sole ownership of fast French flair. On quick roads it turns in keenly and precisely and crucially you can feel the grip at the front and fine-tune the rate of turn even when the front wheels are well loaded up. It helps that the driving position is just right and the magic combination of fluency and precision that used to be the Peugeot-Citroen hallmark has been successfully reincarnated.
 
How does it compare?
The Mini is harder riding and more cramped and I, for one, would have a DS3 over a Cooper. A Clio 200 Cup is a more hardcore hot hatch, but (to some eyes) less desirable than the DS3.
 
Anything else I need to know?
You’ll be seeing Seb Loeb in one of these soon – the DS3 is expected to replace the C4 as Citroen’s rally weapon next year. There will also be a 200bhp hot hatch version in due course.