Especificaciones y análisis del Citroën DS3
Power
120HP
Torque
160Nm
Consumption
6.9l/100
Emissions
158g/km
0-100 km/h
10.9s
Top Speed
190km/h
Weight
1220kg
Price
18,150€
Technical summary
Gasolina
Automático 4v
FWD
5 / 3 doors
285 L
50 L
88 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Citroën DS3 VTi 120 CAS · 120 CV (2009-2010)
General description
The Citroën DS3 burst onto the scene in 2010 as a breath of fresh air and audacity. It wasn't just a small car; it was a statement of intent, Citroën's first step in creating a premium line that merged avant-garde design with driving pleasure. This VTi 120 with an automatic gearbox promised a balance of style, comfort, and ease of use in the city.
Driving experience
Behind the wheel, the DS3 conveys a charming agility. Its chassis feels lively and willing to play on winding roads, offering a firm footing without sacrificing the brand's characteristic comfort. The 120-horsepower VTi engine is willing and smooth, but its energy is noticeably hampered by a mere four-speed automatic gearbox. This transmission feels outdated, is slow in its reactions, and detracts from the verve the car could have, turning the experience into something more bourgeois than sporty.
Design and aesthetics
Design is its soul and its greatest selling point. The DS3 is a rolling sculpture that captivates at first sight. Details like the floating roof, the shark-fin-shaped central pillar, and the vertical LED daytime running lights created a unique and unmistakable identity. Inside, the love affair continues with an original dashboard, good quality materials for its segment, and a feeling of being in a higher-category car. It is an object of desire that has aged with exceptional dignity.
Technology and features
For its time, the DS3 offered decent equipment, with features like automatic climate control, a quality sound system, and basic connectivity. However, the weakest technological point of this version is undoubtedly its transmission. A torque converter automatic gearbox with only four speeds was already an outdated solution in 2010, limiting both performance and engine efficiency compared to the dual-clutch or multi-gear alternatives offered by its rivals.
Competition
The Citroën DS3 aimed directly at the heart of the chic segment, where the iconic MINI Cooper reigned with its go-kart handling and British heritage. It also faced the Alfa Romeo MiTo, which played the card of passion and Italian design. Shortly after, the Audi A1 would arrive, bringing German sobriety and build quality. Against them, the DS3 offered a different alternative, a masterful balance between French comfort and a bold, customizable design.
Conclusion
The Citroën DS3 VTi 120 CAS is a car chosen with the heart. Its power of seduction lies in a spectacular aesthetic and an interior that makes you feel special every day. Although this specific version with an automatic gearbox is not the most exciting to drive due to its slow transmission, the charm of its agile chassis and its undeniable personality make it a very attractive option for those who value style over pure performance. It is a design icon that still turns heads.