Citroen DS3: more details

Citroen has confirmed more details of its Mini rival, the DS3.

The all-new model, which goes on sale next spring, will be available with a choice of five engines and multiple ways to personalise the car's looks.

Close to concept
New pictures reveal that the DS3's styling is close to the DS Inside concept car, with the noticeable changes limited to different interior fabrics and alloy wheels, as well as the addition of LED lights in the front bumper.

The blacked-out front windscreen pillars, wrap-around side and rear windows and distinctive 'shark fin' side pillars contribute to what Citroen calls a 'floating roof' look.

The DS3 shares its front end and basic underpinnings and engines - with the new C3 supermini, but it's aimed at a younger market, with three rather than five doors and a sportier, more distinctive look.

The personal touch
Buyers will be able to personalise their DS3 according to taste, says Citroen.

As well as a wide range of main colours, the roof panel will be offered in a choice of black, white, blue or red. Door mirrors and running strips will also be available in a choice of colour or chrome finishes, while the wheels and wheel centres will also offer a range of colour choices.

The interior will come in leather or a variety of coloured fabrics. There'll even be five gearknob finishes available.

Range of engines
The entry-level engine will be a 95bhp 1.4-litre petrol, with a choice of 120- or 150bhp 1.6-litre petrols to complete the line-up. CO2 emissions will range from 136g/km to 160g/km.

Two 1.6-litre diesels will be available from launch: one with 90bhp and CO2 emissions of 99g/km, and a 110bhp unit with emissions of 115g/km.

More Citroen DS models will be launched over the next couple of years, including a C4-based DS4 and a C5-based DS5.