DS 3 PureTech 130 S&S So Chic
This year, PSA received the award for its new engine, the 1,2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection, for the second time in a row as International Engine of the Year in the 1,4-litre class. Like some models from both old brands, Citroën and Peugeot, the DS 3 also performed well. The sound of operation is a bit unusual when it's louder, but the sound of three-cylinder engines is now becoming more and more common, as many brands have already opted for three-cylinder engines, looking for solutions for greater economy and lower emissions. values.
Interestingly, a similar thing was done by BMW, which partnered with PSA, with a slightly larger 1,6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine. You can also reap the benefits of this collaboration, but with much more power, in the DS 3. But the aforementioned three-cylinder petrol engine, dubbed PSA PureTech, has been replaced by a less powerful four-cylinder. After the impression of the test in DS 3, we would write that the replacement was successful. Especially on the DS 3, driving and accelerating at lower revs was enjoyable, and when using really good torque, the gear changes are much less. This has already been said, but I will write again: in many characteristics, this engine is close in operation to turbodiesels. The result of another important feature of such engines is also fully in line with the DS 3 style.
Average fuel consumption can be very modest, as evidenced by what we measured within the normal range (5,8 liters per 100 kilometers). But if you use the power and torque offered by the engine, the flow rates can increase - even up to the test average. It could be lower, but then the DS 3 would no longer bring so much driving pleasure. He likes winding roads and here, thanks to a strong chassis and excellent handling, he is really in his element. In fact, it is like on motorways where we have to be very careful with the restrictions, here due to the power of the engine we quickly reach the maximum speed allowed here. The DS brand is well represented with its smallest model at the 3 mark. Looking for an offer that was a bit bigger, the French at PSA opted for nobler equipment, although this is slightly at the expense of higher prices. But for a little more money, you can get a little more car with the DS 3. We have already written about driving pleasure.
Another thing it also offers is more exclusivity in the small family car class, something similar to what they also count on in a Mini or Audi in their smallest, the A1. This is guaranteed because the Slovenian automotive community is not yet fully familiar with the DS brand. "Is this 'un' Citroën?" Too many times heard by passers-by! Yes, that's actually commendable. At least they noticed it! Staying in the DS 3 is definitely the part of the story that will satisfy the user. It will also be backed by richer hardware, for which DS has chosen a different name than that used by more traditional brands. For the French, it was not difficult: the So Chic label is probably understandable to almost everyone. Accessories can go even further. The grip and comfort of the front seats, which are upholstered in fine leather, are especially to be commended. The atmosphere in the cabin also seems pleasant and suitable for such a machine.
In our track record, we could have praised a little more for the quality of materials and workmanship in the cabin, if this good atmosphere had not been disturbed by some small detail. The center cranked screen was removed from the shelf by French technicians where inferior quality components are usually stored. Result: a cricket inside the DS 3. Too bad that was not an incentive to promote the DS brand! After all, this is somehow out of place in a car, for which much more than the average price has to be deducted. That sounded high for the DS 3 being tested. But a skilled and considerate buyer can make his DS 3 with a proven engine for a much lower cost, just a few thousand above the perfectly acceptable base selling price of a good 20 euros if he is willing to replace the seats. with a great leather hood as normal and ditch some of the other otherwise interesting and exclusive additions. But then it is no longer exclusive ... The decision is not easy!
Tomaž Porekar, photo: Saša Kapetanovič
DS 3 PureTech 130 S&S So Chic
Basic data
| Base model price: | 20.770 € |
|---|---|
| Test model cost: | 28.000 € |
| Power: | 96kW (130 KM) |
Costs (per year)
Technical information
| engine: | 3-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbocharged petrol - displacement 1.199 cm3 - maximum power 96 kW (130 hp) at 5.500 rpm - maximum torque 230 Nm at 1.750 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | front wheel drive engine - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 205/45 R 17 V (Michelin Pilot Sport 3). |
| Capacity: | top speed 204 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration 8,9 s - average combined fuel consumption (ECE) 4,5 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 105 g/km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.090 kg - permissible gross weight 1.600 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 3.954 mm – width 1.715 mm – height 1.458 mm – wheelbase 2.464 mm – trunk 285–980 50 l – fuel tank XNUMX l. |
Our measurements
| Measurement conditions: T = 20 ° C / p = 1.028 mbar / rel. vl. = 55% / odometer status: 4.283 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 9,3 ss |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 17,4 years ( 130 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 14,8s (IV) |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 11,4s (V) |
| test consumption: | 8,2 l / 100km |
| Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: | 5,8 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 38,3m |
| AM table: | 40m |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear | 61dB |
evaluation
Nice little car that offers a lot if you're willing to pay that much.
We praise and reproach
appearance
powerful and pleasant engine
front seat grip and comfort
handling and position on the road
Equipment
wide front pillar obscures the front view
little things that spoil a good impression with quality and performance
Cruise control
turnkey fuel tank cap
