Designers rally to spice up DS3

Citroen's limited-edition DS3 Racing is based on the standard DS3 design but features heavily reworked chassis and body trim. Photo / Supplied

Citroen will launch the go-fast version of its new premium DS3 in New Zealand in an effort to capitalise on the standout success of its rally team and star driver, Sebastien Loeb.

The French carmaker believes its dominance of the World Rally Championship - six manufacturers' titles and seven drivers' titles - over the past six years will help to boost sales of its hatchback DS3 range.

The standard DS3 will go on sale in New Zealand in August. The limited-edition DS3 Racing will follow later.

Citroen is holding back final performance figures for DS3 Racing until it takes the covers off the car at next week's Geneva motor show.

It was developed by the same engineers who produced the WRC Citroen C4. Its turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces 147kW at 5800rpm and 275Nm between 2500-4000rpm.

DS3 Racing features the same styling cues as the DS3 but adds full-blooded go-fast bits - a carbon-trimmed spoiler, chrome-finished exhaust pipe, carbon finish on the semi-rigid front bumper, lower body trim and wing extensions to emphasise the large 18-inch alloys, and carbon-trimmed side mouldings on the doors.

The carmaker says the standard DS3's chassis has been heavily reworked for performance. It gets lower suspension, wider track, stiffer springs, re-rated shock absorbers, bigger brakes and recalibrated stability control system.

A special paint job body stands it apart from the standard car. The body is painted dark grey, the roof, exterior rearview mirrors and brake callipers orange and the grille and wheels in chrome orange. DS3 Racing decals are on the roof, boot lid and fuel flap.

"The Citroen DS3 Racing represents an outstanding concentration of behind-the-wheel thrills with an artful blend of performance and efficiency," says Lawrie Malatios, general manager for Citroen in New Zealand.

"The DS3 Racing will take its place in the DS3 range with an appealing combination of verve and vitality and it provides a clear indication of what we can expect when the DS3 arrives."

DS3 Racing will be launched in Europe later this year with a limited series of 1000 units. New Zealand's allocation will be announced when the standard DS3 is launched here in six months.