High-quality interior

Regardless of how you specify your DS3 you'll end up with a smart, high-quality package, that features a dashboard punctuated by three central dials, sculpted colour-coded panels, neat chrome highlights, plush trim, supportive seats and slick-operating buttons and switches.

With more than a passing nod to practicality, the DS3 comes with a good-sized 285-litre boot, split-folding rear seats and a pretty roomy cabin.

Citroen boasts that the DS gives you the most rear shoulder room in the class, and we can confirm that there's certainly enough room in the back for a couple of burly blokes, even if the claim that the DS3 is a full five-seater looks a wee bit optimistic. What's more, getting your mates into and out of the rear will definitely be a lot easier than to cramming them into the back of a Mini.

Engine line-up
The DS3 will be available with five engines. An entry 1.4-litre petrol and four 1.6 engines complete the line-up. Two diesels of 90 and 110bhp outputs will appeal to the cost-conscious and 120 and 150bhp petrol derivatives represent the fun factor.

Our test car was powered by the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine similar to that found in the Mini Cooper. In the DS3, it produces 154bhp and 177lb ft of torque, and if anything, it's actually more cultured in the Citroen, proving willing to pull from low revs all the way up to the red line.

It's mated to a slick six-speed gearbox which is fitted with well chosen ratios, making it easy to keep the engine bang in the middle of it powerband.