Citroen: Funky pocket rocket

Rocketing through a series of tight bends, the DS3 felt confident and the suspension both taut and compliant. Photo / Supplied

The past year was an annus horribilis for the car industry - but it was especially horrible for those companies that couldn't get stock. Citroen sold just 99 cars to August 31, but then there wasn't much on dealer floors to sell. There is now, and it starts with this exciting bit of kit - the DS3, a premium small car that takes the fight to the Mini, Audi's A1 and the Alfa Romeo Mito.

What's new
DS3 uses the C3 platform with a stretched wheelbase, sportier suspension settings and a smart new three-door body with a few design quirks - like the sloping B-pillar and the front's LED driving lights - to lift the look.

The petrol engines are BMW units shared with Mini, here fitted as the $37,990 88kW, 1.6-litre DS3 Dstyle with a four-speed auto or the $41,990, 1.6-litre turbo DS3 DSport with 115kW corralled by a six-speed manual.

The company line
The DS nomenclature doesn't indicate a retro throwback - the only link to the original DS is innovation, Citroen says. The DS variants are stylish, sporty and set further upmarket than the C3, C4 and soon C5 cars on which they're based.

Premium small cars make sense in a world that's downsizing, when buyers seek a more compact, more frugal vehicle without compromising comfort, quality or features.

New Zealand gets a more restricted range of roof, body and trim options than Europe - more are available if you wait.

DS3 leads a raft of new arrivals that Citroen NZ reckons will double its sales in the next year.

What we say
DS3 may sell in small numbers but its funky looks and OTT persona make it a great flag waver for the brand.

This is a compact car but still practical - after all it's longer than the likes of Mini, with a bigger boot than even the Clubman.

My 1.6m frame fit in the back seat with sufficient leg and head room, and though the raked B-pillar blocks some rear vision, the relatively low waistline prevents you feeling too claustrophobic.

Spec is reasonably generous, with six airbags, ABS and stability control, cruise control and air con standard. The DSport adds climate control, drilled aluminum pedals, 17-inch alloys and more; our test car's smart cabin was lifted by loud yellow seat insets - we reckon dealers should throw in a free set of sunnies.

On the road
With autos landing as we hit the press, our launch drive was in the manual DSport.

This engine is delightfully tractable. It barely feels like a turbo so broad and progressive is the power delivery, though gearing from the otherwise slick and positive manual transmission felt rather tall, no doubt with economy in mind. Our lead-footed and undeniably brisk launch drive returned a 7.6l/100km thirst.

Rocketing through a series of tight bends, the car felt confident, the suspension both taut and compliant, cushioning some truly lurid road surfaces.

Why you'll buy one
DS3 is smart, modern, well-thought-out and fun to drive without compromising comfort or practicality (for the size). It feels like a premium car - and one that's a little bit different.

Why you won't
You prefer the path more travelled, and will never understand the appeal of an up-market vehicle with a small footprint.