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Car Review: Citroen DS3

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Citroen DS3 in Sport Yellow

Over the weekend in June, I was given a Citroen DS3 to drive around and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. While I’m no expert in cars, I do look out for certain things as a consumer when I’m in the market for one. My dad is big on SUVs and European cars, so I’ve gotten used to those cars when I was reliant on him.

You know the case of “the grass is greener on the other side”? That’s how I feel about small cars.

My family uses SUVs so that spearheaded my desire for a compact. I also don’t believe in spending too much on a car but want one that comes with good safety features. And the Citroen DS3 offers pretty decent safety features for a reasonable price tag, I feel.

If there were to be an accident, the Citroen DS3 is designed to give maximum protection to the people inside – it was awarded a maximum 5-star rating from the Euro NCAP crash safety test. This compact comes fitted with six airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

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Two-tone paintwork, side spoiler, dynamic front face with vertical LED running lamps

We took the DS3 for a spin up north, and despite some bumpy and uneven roads, the ride was comfortable – this French hatch did a good job in tolerating bumps and holes. It is easy to drive and highly manoeuvrable; great for tackling tricky corners.

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Interior view

The interior is pretty standard. Nothing particularly exciting about the steering wheel (doesn’t come with control buttons) but I love the sporty feel and grip it offers. Some steering wheels are a bit too slim for my liking, like my mum’s C-class.

The door is solid – gives you a premium feel and the leather seats are comfortable. I found the dashboard sleek but leaves a lot fingerprints marks. Not too pleased about that.

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Air-conditioning vent

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Front seat

I took my parents for a spin around the neighbourhood and they too, remarked that the DS3 was good and steady. But they had their concerns about the compact and how it might not fit a baby seat comfortably. :roll: True that, but I’m looking at a car that gets me around quickly and safely. Not a car that fits everything and everyone. I want a car that fits MY lifestyle.

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17-inch Bellone Black Diamond-tipped alloy wheels

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A ‘shark fin’ that emphasizes the waistline

Petrol consumption is standard – 12-13km/L. Similar to the car I’m driving at the moment. For the OTR (on the road) price of RM117,888, I reckon you’re paying a bit more for safety features and design.

Citroen DS3 Specs:

  • Engine: 1.6-litre, in line four, Multi-point electronic fuel injection
  • Displacement: 1,598cc
  • Transmission: Four-speed automatic
  • Max power: 120hp at 6,000rpm
  • Max torque 160Nm at 4,250rpm
  • Fuel consumption (combined): 6.9 litres per 100km
  • Safety: Six airbags, ABS with EBD, EBA, electronic stability program (ESP), three-point seat belts, Isofix for child safety seat
  • Price (OTR): RM117,888

For more information about the Citroen DS3, click here. Thank you Naza Euro Motors Sdn Bhd, for the test drive opportunity! :)

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