MARK JONES

I am not quite sure where to start a review of the Citroën DS3 THP Sport as we were kept away from it by Citroën SA when it was launched internationally.

By the time we came to cover it locally, it was basically old news.

Without getting into Citroën’s marketing strategies around this car, I have absolutely no idea why they don’t go out and simply say this is a good car.

All the press photographs and media material concentrate on the DS3 being a fashion accessory and not a whole lot else – which I am sure it will be for some.

But at R255 000 it would have to be somewhat more than a fashion statement to find itself part of a substantial number of homes in South Africa.

The looks and styling are modern and rather funky looking. Just like the MINI, which by no means has modern styling, I feel will attract mostly female buyers. Which is not a bad thing, and any lady who buys this car will be very happy with the way it drives and feels.

The DS3 is light and easy to drive – from the steering to the controls and down to the clutch action. Of course, going up against the MINI also means that you need to be able to customise until you have run out of money or taste or both.

And moving inside this theme continues with a choice of dashboard strip, gearstick knob and a host of other interior equipment with a range of colours, fabrics and materials that would make a chameleon commit suicide.

But for me, the best part of the DS3 was the 1.6 litre turbocharged engine, which ironically is also used in the MINI.

This motor ensures that although this car might look all girly, it gets its 115 kW and 240 Nm to the ground in a way that will humble quite a few butch type hot hatch boys.

The obligatory 0-100 km/h spring comes up in under eight seconds along with a decent true top speed that falls a whisker shy of 220 km/h.

The DS3 also does this while sipping a mere 7.0 litres of premium fuel for every 100 kilometres travelled.

And should you be late for your nail or hair appointment, you can also have fun in throwing the car around while knowing that you have the likes of ESP, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and six airbags all doing their bit to keep you safe.

I enjoyed the Citroën DS3 THP Sport as a car. I wouldn't buy one as a guy, but I would not be unhappy if my wife came home with one!