Grille test: DS 3 BlueHDi 120 Sport Chic
Yes, it's true, the Citroën DS "sub-brand" started five years ago - of course, with this model marked 3. We forgot about this interesting example of French production. Well, our “ignorance” was also to blame, because the DS 3 could only be seen on the rally to the World Championship, and on Slovenian roads it seemed to many that it had not proven itself so well.
But even this is actually a bias that can be dispelled based on the sales data in our country. Last year DS 3 found a relatively good number of customers in the Slovenian market and, with 195 registrations, took 71st place, just three places behind the most unusual Citroën C-Elysee, which found 15 more customers. In any case, it was well ahead of both rivals, the Audi A1 and Mini, whose total sales were the same as the DS 3. It seems that the smallest premium car Citroën has found enough space among Slovenian buyers.
Now that we have experienced it again after five years, it should be noted that Citroën has found a suitable way to attract new customers. The DS 3 convinces with most of the features. The light touchdown, first unveiled at last year's Paris Motor Show when the brand split between Citroën and DS was unveiled, is less visible than felt - the look was convincing enough from the start that the designers didn't have to make any significant changes. Changes will please you better. The DS 3 now has better xenon headlights and slightly different LED turn signals (with daytime running lights). The rest of the rear lighting is also made on LEDs.
Otherwise, our tried and tested premium-brand style DS 3 did have quite a bit of equipment that the wearer can feel good with and give a higher quality feel to. This is further enhanced by the good craftsmanship and quality of the materials in the car's interior. For those who are looking for something different, i.e. a French style that is different from the two German competitors, the DS 3 is indeed a really suitable alternative. This was also provided by a new convincing turbodiesel engine with BlueHDI markings and increased power to 120 horsepower. The engine seems like a dubious decision by heart, the DS 3 for some reason would prefer to be paired with a gasoline engine. But the HDI blue turns out great - it's quiet and it's hard to tell in the cabin that this is self-ignition technology, even immediately after starting on cold days.
When driving, it surprises with excellent net torque just above idle (from 1.400 rpm). Thus, while driving, we can be very lazy when changing gears, the engine has enough torque to accelerate spasmodically, even if we chose a higher gear. In the end, we were a little surprised by the high test consumption, but this can be attributed to the cold and snowy winter days when we tested the car. In the normal round, it turned out well, although of course the difference between the brand and our result is still quite large.
Another thing that convinces is the chassis. While it's otherwise sporty stiff, it also provides plenty of comfort that rarely feels too hard in the extreme conditions of Slovenia's bumpy roads. Together with the reasonably responsive steering, the Dees sports chassis makes for an enjoyable ride, and the fact that this trio seems like a great choice. Of course, for those who know how to appreciate how much you have to pay for an acceptable car.
word: Tomaž Porekar
DS 3 BlueHDi 120 Sport Chic (2015)
Basic data
| Sales: | Citroën Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 15.030 € |
| Test model cost: | 24.810 € |
| Power: | 88kW (120 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 11,3 with |
| Maximum speed: | 190 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 3,6l / 100km |
Costs (per year)
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 1.560 cm3 - maximum power 88 kW (120 hp) at 3.500 rpm - maximum torque 270 Nm at 1.750 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | front wheel drive engine - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 205/45 R 17 V (Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25). |
| Capacity: | 190 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 11,3 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 4,4/3,2/3,6 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 94 g/km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.090 kg - permissible gross weight 1.598 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 3.948 mm – width 1.715 mm – height 1.456 mm – wheelbase 2.460 mm – trunk 285–980 46 l – fuel tank XNUMX l. |
Our measurements
| T = 1 ° C / p = 1.023 mbar / rel. vl. = 84% / odometer status: 1.138 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 10,5s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 17,5 years ( 128 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 8,9 / 18,7s (IV/V) |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 11,3 / 14,1s (Sun./Fri.) |
| Maximum speed: | 190km / h (WE.) |
| test consumption: | 8,5 l / 100km |
| Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: | 5,7 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 43,2m |
| AM table: | 40m |
evaluation
Thanks to the renovation, Citroëns has managed to keep all the good things and add an impression of superior quality, so that the DS 3 for many remains the sporty still water of small cars.
We praise and reproach
appearance
quality of materials and workmanship
good handling and position on the road
engine performance
Equipment
turnkey fuel tank cap
Cruise control
fuel consumption
