DS Automobiles DS3 vs. Citroen C3 III

2017 DS 3

The hatchback that wa once called the Citroen DS3 is now called simply "DS 3" because DS Automobiles is now a brand in its own right and served as the luxury marque of Citroen, much like Genesis does for Hyundai, separating the men from the boys.

While it looks vaguely similar to the old Citroen DS3, the new DS3 features a new front face and a new rear design that tells you that this car is no longer a Citroen. It's now a DS because DS is now a brand and everyone should stick it to their heads in case if anyone calls it a Citroen and that is very wrong, especially if you're ready, willing, and able to spend 15,950 Euros (or an additional 4,050 Euros for the Cabrio model with a canvas top roof on it).

2017 DS 3 interior

Although the inside very remind you of the old DS3, back when it was called a Citroen, but for the new DS 3, you have so much you can toy around at your free time. One such example is the Mirror Screen compatibility for your iPhone and Android Phone and thanks to its upgraded software on its touchscreen, you have all the time in the world to check on how is your DS 3 doing right now. Because it came from the diminishing line of three-door hatchbacks, getting through the rear seats can be very problematic and stressful if you have mates joining with you for a night out on a town, if you know what I mean.

2017 DS 3

2017 DS 3 Cabrio

Depending on the bodystyle, the DS 3 offers a wide range of petrol and diesel engine choices but if you are sticking with the normal DS3, the most powerful they'll ever offer is a 1.6L turbocharged engine with 208ps of power output and mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, resulting to 6.5 seconds of 0-100kph time and 230kph of top speed, almost similar to the old Citroen DS3 Racing would do, making it a luxury car with the soul of a hot hatch, especially when it comes with an array of safety tech.

The DS 3 has been with us for over half a decade and with this latest version, the new DS 3 by DS Automobiles still has the French chic and casual attitude as expected for a city car but between you and me, this new version feels a bit matured. It's no longer the DS 3 we are familiar with and it's no longer the DS 3 that propelled its rally car status to soaring heights. In fact, if I want a fun French car that is matured on its looks but not on its fun factor, there's a very good alternative to this now-matured DS 3.

2017 Citroen C3

This is the brand new Citroen C3. Starting at 12,950 Euros, this new model is the turning point for Citroen's lineup of affordable cars for all and by the looks of it, the Cactus-styled exterior means that the new C3 is ready for one trip to the mall after another. Best of all, it has five doors, meaning friends can't have a hassle to squeeze themselves through the rear seats and that is very good.

2017 Citroen C3 interior

Apart from its very generous spacing for such a Fiesta-sized car, there's one party piece that the new C3 had and this new car comes with a special dashcam that takes snapshots and then the driver can upload it on social media sites. Much better than showing an embarrassing viral dashcam video of a doofus driver on the road, or perhaps this new ConnectedCAM feature can do some weird dashcam videos like the ones you saw on the net. That is very savvy and very addictive. I like that.

2017 Citroen C3

Apart from the addictive features you can toy around, the new C3 comes with an array of new petrol and diesel engines to choose from. The most powerful is the one with the 1.2L PureTech petrol engine with 110PS of power and can be mated with either a six-speed automatic or a five-speed manual gearbox. Not that powerful by modern standards but it's nippy and cutting less cheeses than a fifth-grader feeling gassy in a classroom. Apart from that, the suspension has been improved to keep it comfortable and enjoyable to drive on the city streets. It maybe regular to drive but the urge to keep it driving for longer is what made the new model great, in my opinion.

2017 Citroen C3

In the end, looks like the new C3 is much more youthful and more enjoyable to own than the facelifted DS 3, and given to the fact that this should be the future rally car for Citroen Racing, looks like the racing pedigree has been revived and with this new model, expect such a strong following for this one because of the tech-savvy features that will keep them addicted for more. So, which would you prefer. If you're more of a socialite, go for the more matured DS 3 but if you're trendy, savvy, and young, best to go for the new C3.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen