Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing news, price and specs
Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing confirmed as exceedingly limited and expensive special edition
The new limited-run Citroën DS3 Cabrio Racing is now officially on sale in the UK.
Citroën Racing-developed, only 10 right-hand-drive examples will be brought to the UK out of a full production run of just 100.
As with the three-door DS3 Racing, the 207bhp version of the DS3 Cabrio was developed in conjunction with Citroen’s WRC division using a tuned version of the 1.6-litre engine.
The 0-60 sprint takes 6.5sec, and the DS3 can hit a top speed of 143mph - and, the simple roof mechanism means a negligible weight increase of 25kg. The racing credentials are corroborated by the special running gear, brakes and carbon kit, also taken from the hatchback. Additional racing paraphernalia include red brake calipers, wheel hubs, lettering and side strips on the doors.
Lavishly equipped with all the usual high-quality trimmings, the cars will include special ‘Moondark’ matt grey paint, 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels and black chrome inserts on the handles, door mirrors and boot trim. The distinctive ‘DS’ logo makes an appearance on the door mirror covers as well as on the black fabric roof, where it is woven in with a glossy carbon fibre-esque look.
Citroen has continued this DS Racing theme on the inside of the car as well, installing bucket seats with a bespoke DS ‘watchstrap’ design and finished in DS-embossed Nappa leather with additional Alcantara trim. Carmin red DS pearl top-stitching extends from the seats to the dashboard and the gear lever.
Its price could be a stumbling block for many, though; the Cabrio Racing costs £29,305. There's a wealth of standard equipment and rarity value is high, but there is a vast number of alternatives: the Abarth 500C Competizione is probably the Cabrio’s closest competitor and a decent stab at the options list only asks for you to cough up around £22k.
If you’re not too bothered about the open top, a BMW M135i is over 100bhp healthier and rear-wheel drive, while if your heart is set on limited-run hot hatchery, there’s always the Renault Mégane RB8 for £28,245 or a used Mini Cooper Works GP for anywhere between £22-£30k.
