Citroën DS3

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Somebody stuffed the Citroen DS 4 so we’re riding in a DS 3 instead

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Sometimes in this job it’s difficult not to compare the car that’s just been delivered with the vehicle that is on it’s way back to the test compound. So it was yesterday.

The shiny red Audi TT was leaving Car Couture and being replaced with a Citroen DS 3 (it was meant to be a DS 4 but somebody stuffed it on its last outing).

Yes, I’m supposed to be neutral and keep an open mind but I know which car I’d like to drive to Goodwood next week – and it’s not this French hatchback. Or so I thought…

OK, so the TT costs almost twice the price of the Citroen and is a proper sports car. The DS 3 meanwhile has a badge that harks back to the company’s glory days but is otherwise a small family hatchback with ear-rings.

I’m going to try and keep an open-mind I promise. It’s comfortable, spacious and much cheaper than a Mini too. There, I’m back to normal now…

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Friday – Fun In The Sun

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Jeremy Another scorcher – I’m writing this in the garden as the sun still burns down bright over the Cotswolds. I have the cricket on the radio and Malin the dog is waiting for me to chuck a tennis ball into the long grass.

The Mazda2 has had a long run today and I have to say it’s remarkably refined for a small car. Despite the short wheelbase, the modest price tag and slightly budget interior, it’s another of those vehicles that does exactly what you expect of it.

The 2 reminds me of the Suzuki Swift – another great little runabout that you can read about on Car Couture. As I’ve already said, it’s not a head-turner like the Alfa Mito or Citroen DS3 but it’s just as much fun to drive and immensely practical. Having five doors and a decent-sized boot is a great advantage.

The Mazda2 hasn’t changed much since it was launched about five years ago but it still has a freshness about it. The new Mazda3 is out later this year and the design cues of that car will do doubt extend to the next version of the 2 too.

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Thursday – Fun Behind The Wheel

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Jeremy The Mazda2 is one of those city cars that rather blends in with the crowd. It’s well styled and almost cute but you aren’t going to turn heads like you would driving a Citroen DS3 or an Alfa Romeo Mito.

Never mind because it still has more about it than the bland Ford Fiesta and is something of a revelation once you slip behind the steering wheel. Why? Because just like the Suzuki Swift, this is a car that loves to be driven hard and rewards you with a thoroughly entertaining drive.

The 2 has such a short wheelbase that it is very controllable at speed. I found it very easy to turn in hard to a corner and come out the other side on exactly the right driving line.

If it all goes horribly wrong, then the good news is that this Sport version has Dynamic Stability Control to get you out of a fix. The 16-inch alloys add to the grip and the sporty seats keep you and your front seat passenger firmly in place.

Good things come in small packages and the Mazda2 is no exception.

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Wednesday – The Handbag Car

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Jessica The ds3 is what I would call a handbag car. It offers, as any decent handbag should,  good design, functionality and  is sized for purpose.  Anya Hindmarch it is not,  however, references to the old Citroen aesthetic, via careful design and innovative dashboard features puts it firmly in the running for a future classic.

Inside, it feels roomy, without the go-cart feel of other small cars, such as the Mini. The Citroen drives as if it has a more substantial stature, with pleasing power and road holding.  The seats (which generally are a cause for concern for me, particularly on long journeys) are exceptionally comfortable, this combined with a big drive feel means the DS3 does not have to be a short hop, urban car.

I did have a bad moment when I was forced to look through the driver manual to identify a small button on the dash board. That made me realise how many times I have rooted through one of these tedious books to find specific information. Why is it so tricky to make them a clear and logical read?

Why can’t manufacturers provide an online manual, also available on the in car computer, which only refers to the model you are actually driving, thus saving paper, costs and preventing drivers from manual rage!

The button I eventually discovered was for air freshener ( I thought it was a little movable light !). I’m not sure what that says about the potential demographic but it does look appealing as a physical feature.

Jeremy I doubted Citroen could make a car to rival the Mini. I was wrong. The DS3 is an exceptionally good hatchback and combines all that is best about Citroen – unconventional styling, leftfield think – into a very smart little car. The slick roof operation, comfortable seats and willing engine are the highlights for me. I’m now looking forward to testing the DS5.