Citroen DS3 2016 News

French car followers are being promised a new deal, including more chic DS models, as Citroen enters a new era in Australia. Value will also be boosted across a nine-model lineup that's withered down under since the global financial crisis. Citroen showrooms will become more like a new-car boutique, with a special emphasis on the DS models including the upcoming DS3 cabrio. "We want to make Citroen stand out. It's not just a commodity brand," says John Startari, who heads the French brand for newly-appointed distributor the Sime Darby Motors Group. "We also need Citroen to be more relevant. So we're rationalising the lineup and increasing the competitiveness." Only 1702 Citroens were sold in Australia last year and, although Startari point-blank refuses to talk numbers, the target from France is obviously more than 2000 cars in 2013. That should finally mean a C3 price leader instead of today's $23,990 starter car, priced more in line with rivals like the Toyota Corolla that start at $19,990. The DS5 is also set for a bigger role, playing in a size and price class where Citroen wants to stand out from a huge range of rivals including the Ford Mondeo, Hyundai i40, new Mazda6 and even the Peugeot 508. "Australians really don't know about DS. I think there is an untapped demand for those cars, which are like the Mini," says Startari. "All the DS cars are here now, but they haven't really been pushed. It's about telling people what they are and what they can do. And building up the package that goes with them. "Our halo car is the DS5. It is already here but has never had a proper Australian launch. "So we are starting virtually with a clean slate in June.  The price won't come down but there will be better value." He also confirms the DS3 cabrio without getting any more specific on timing than "later this year" for its showroom arrival. Citroen's decision to switch its agency from Ateco Automotive to Sime Darby is, says the ex-Proton chief, a major opportunity - for both the brand and its buyers.  "Citroen should be more of a premium brand. The cars are good but people haven't been told about them," Startari says. "There are too many variants. That will be reduced. I think we will be one of the success stories this year. We can make Citroen stand out."  

These 2CVs will resurface this month at an international 2CV event. Organisers expect a record-breaking global gathering of Citroen 2CVs at the 19th International "Amis de la 2CV" (Friends of the 2CV) event on July 26-31. The gathering is expected to attract more than 6000 examples of the legendary and iconic Citroen model. Held every two years, the meeting attracts participants from all over the world who come together to celebrate one of Citroen's longest-running success stories. The 2011 event will be held on a 60-hectare site near Salbris in Central France. Four pre-war prototype 2CVs will be on show alongside the contemporary Citroen REVOLTe concept - a small, electric city car that has been inspired by the 2CV's distinctive silhouette. Originally developed in the 1930s, most of the 250 prototype 2CVs were destroyed before war. Only three were hidden to stop them falling into enemy hands. The fourth was stored by Michelin. The 2CV was finally unveiled at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, before going on to enjoy a fantastic career with 5,114,940 units sold between 1948 and 1990. Activities at the event will include a 2CV "disassemble-reassemble" competition; a bring-and-buy sale; various children's events; and the use of driving simulators.

Without saying so, the French are clearly eyeing the Mini as the main rival for its newest hatch. Its quirky styling, floating roof, `shark fin' B-pillar and inset LED lights in the front bumper scream the type of individuality made popular by BMW when it launched the new Mini. Like the Mini, DS3 buyers will also be able to personalise their cars with different exterior, roof and rearview mirror colours, as well as painted alloy wheels. This customization continues on the inside where buyers will be able to choose various interior trims and colours. Citroen says the DS3 is not only good looking but versatile. The dashboard is set high up to increase leg room and it says the slim-back seats and wagon-style rear free up room in the back. The car has a 285-litre boot with a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. Compared to the Mini, the DS3 is 251mm longer, 27mm wider and 53mm higher but shares the British car's engaging looks. The DS3 makes its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and arrives here in the second half of next year. Pricing and specifications are yet to be finalized, but buyers can expect it land close to the Mini's $33,000 price point. Like the Mini, DS3 buyers will have a choice of turbo-diesel, as well as petrol four cylinder engines, driving the front wheels. In Europe the car will be available with two HDi turbo-diesels and three petrol engines that meet Euro V emission rules. The HDi engines develop 68kW and 82kW while the petrol models include a 70kW and 90kW VTi four, as well as a 112kW turbo petrol. The engines will be mated to five-speed and six-speed manuals with automatics to follow. The DS3 will also spawn a range of up-market models and will be followed by the DS4 and DS5. In a veiled poke at the Mini, Citroen Australia general manager, Miles Williams says the DS3 represents a fresh new approach to small cars. “Existing models in this new prestige sub-sector have put the emphasis on performance and lack that flexibility and versatility that DS3 provides,” he says.