Citroen launch DS3 Cabrio

Citroen is continuing its chic and sporty DS line with the launch earlier this week of its DS3 Cabrio now on sale in Ireland priced from €21,145-€26,545, writes Trish Whelan.

The car is pictured above on the right alongside its hatchback sister.

Three engines and three equipment grades are offered, along with a full range of options.

Engines are an 82hp petrol; the HDI 90 diesel expected to be the main seller here; and the THP 155hp turbocharged petrol option. Grades are DSIGN, DSTYLE and DSPORT.

The little five-seater competes in a very small niche segment and the Irish distributor expects to sell around 10 here this year.

The car is very distinctive looking; its main feature being the folding canvass roof which folds back behind the three rear passengers but doesn't intrude on boot space at 245 litres (it has the same cabin space as its hatchback sister). It takes 16 seconds to fully close, or open, at speeds of up to 120km/h. The tailgate is designed so it can be fully opened even when parked rear to a wall.

The cabrio version is just 25kg heavier than the DS3 hatchback and comes well specced with cruise control with speed limiter, 3D LED rear lights, rear parking sensors and sports suspension all as standard.

The DSTYLE adds interior mood lighting, signature daytime-running LEDs, air conditioning and 16-inch alloy wheels. At this level, the e-HDi 90 EGS6 offers the lowest C02 at 99g/km and delivers fuel economy of 3.8 L/100km (74mpg). The EGS6 gearbox provides the range with a diesel automatic option. The range topping DSPORT adds digital air-conditioning, 17-inch alloys and double chrome exhaust pipes. This grade comes with the petrol THP 155hp engine with C02 of 137g or €280 annual road tax.

Pricewise, the Citroen DS3 Cabrio is positioned between main rivals the Mini Convertible and Fiat 500C.

The launch took place at the French Pichet restaurant owned by Nick Meunier of Masterchef Ireland fame who is already a brand ambassador for Citroen. Nick, who presently drives a C4, is the first customer to order a DS3 Cabrio. He is following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father who were both Citroen fans.

Our picture, right, shows Frederic Soulier MD Citroen Motors Ireland; Louise Murphy, Marketing Manager, Citroen Motors Ireland; and Paul Maher also of Citroen Motors Ireland, trying out the three rear seats in the DS3 Cabrio on launch day.