New Citroen DS3 Cabrio revealed

This is the new Citroen DS3 Cabrio, which has made its debut at the 2012 Paris motor show.

The DS3 Cabrio is the latest addition to the DS3 range and will be a rival for cars such as the Fiat 500C and Mini Convertible. It comes with personalisation options including three styles of soft-top roof: black, blue and a DS logo design.

The DS3 Cabrio's fabric roof can be electrically operated while travelling at up to 74mph. It can be fully opened in 16 seconds, and set to one of three positions: intermediate, horizontal and total.

A new three-dimensional tail light LED light cluster is also included, the design of which was inspired by Citroen's Revolte and Survolt concept cars. Each unit uses LEDs and mirrors to give a three-dimensional appearance.

As with other DS3 models the body, door mirrors and wheels can also be personalised.

Citroen DS3 Cabrio's fabric roof retracts on the move at up to 74mph.

Cabin space is identical to the hatchback, with room for five, while boot space is 245 litres. Another innovation is the tailgate, which opens with a circular motion, so that the boot can be opened even when the car is parked close to obstructions.

As with other DS3 models, the Cabrio can be personalised with various colours for the body, door mirrors and wheels.

The trims on the dashboard, air vent surrounds and gearstick are all colour coded to the exterior paint which is available in seven paint schemes. Interior trim can be specified in grey, black, white and blue.

Roof is avaiable in black, blue, or with this DS logo design.

At 3.95m long and 1.71m wide, the Cabrio is the same size of the hatchback, and weighs just 25kg more than its fixed-roof counterpart.

This relatively small weight gain means that the most efficient version of the DS3 Cabrio will have emissions of just 99g/km.

New-look tail lights use LEDs and mirrors to give a three-dimensional appearance.

By Pete Barden