Short test: Citroën DS3 HDi 90 Airdream So Chic
Test Drive

Short test: Citroën DS3 HDi 90 Airdream So Chic

Had we stepped out of a Berlingo-designed van and lined up all Citroën passenger cars and rated their comfort, the DS3 would probably be on a completely different end than the astounding C6, and there wouldn't be anything wrong with that. The DS3 is for all non-classic Citroën aficionados who don't want the velvet finish of the bumps on the road, but full sportiness.

That the DS3 is so different from its little siblings is noticeable from mile to mile when you need to turn the steering wheel, which requires much less energy than siblings (which gives a sense of where the wheels are, much more authentic) and when the lever (in the case of this engine is only five-speed) the manual gearbox shifts well, which Citroëns has only dreamed of. The strength of this part of the mechanics of the little Citroen is perfectly matched to its playful, sporty exterior.

It's no coincidence that Citroën is likely to highlight its baby's dynamic design in 2011, as their new World Rally Championship race car is based on this model. Passers-by, because of his appearance, forget the etiquette and simply point the finger at him. While we were exploring its limits with the first DS3 with a 1,6-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the Auto Shop test car fleet, the latest DS3 had a different heart - diesel.

The 1,6-liter diesel engine is the weaker part of the mechanical package, as its capabilities do not allow for a good chassis that keeps the DS3 in neutral for a long time and the rest of the mechanics (transmission, steering) for optimal use. Against 68 kW (88 THP), 1.6 kilowatts read worse on paper than in practice, where the missing kilowatts in many cases are successfully compensated for by the ideal amount of torque.

The diesel is not happy to run below 1.800 rpm, however, and third, fourth and fifth gears face the same problem in the upper rpm range. The aforementioned THP has a six-speed gearbox and a diesel for the shorter gear, but it must be admitted that the fifth gear is well positioned. According to the speedometer and tachometer readings, the highway is in use at about 130 rpm and 2.500 km / h in fifth gear, and the ears are also happy with what is (in) audible.

The DS3 has good sound insulation, the diesel engine that can be heard from the cabin is only too loud on cold mornings, which is typical for gas-oil engines. In the hustle and bustle of the city, assuming regular gear changes and catching the most generous revs, driving it is a real pleasure, because it is fast, agile and dynamic. It's also pretty good on the open road, but if you're looking for real joy, just grab the 1.6 THP spinning. Compared to it, this diesel DS3 only impresses at the gas station, where you will have to unscrew the key-protected fuel cap less often.

The test DS3 showed a minimum consumption of 5,8 and a maximum of 6,8 liters, and we were satisfied with this part of the assessment. The smile also attracted "comfort-ready" equipment, which raised the price of the test DS3, but compared to the Mini, a direct competitor in the fight for driving pleasure-seeking customers, the Frenchman is on the better side. . We really liked the front seat retract system for easier access to the cramped rear bench seat, the sleek interior and the interior light off button. Only the speedometer lights up - magically.

The enlarged trunk shows no steps or how it opens (interfering with the outer “hook” of the door means wiping dirt), there is only one light inside, the leather center seatback for the front passenger elbows rubs against the door leather seats when driving we missed more specific places to store drinks and automatically move the passenger window up and down, but we do not understand why the switched off ESP automatically turns on again at speeds above 50 km / h with this engine. This allows you to play more THP.

Mitya Reven, photo: Ales Pavletić

Citroën DS3 HDi 90 Airdream is so chic

Basic data

Sales: Citroën Slovenia
Base model price: 17.100 €
Test model cost: 21.370 €
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Power:68kW (92


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 11,3 with
Maximum speed: 182 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 4,0l / 100km

Technical information

engine: 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 1.560 cm3 - maximum power 68 kW (92 hp) at 3.750 rpm - maximum torque 230 Nm at 2.000 rpm.
Energy transfer: front wheel drive engine - 5-speed manual transmission - tires 205/45 R 17 W (Bridgestone Potenza RE050A).
Capacity: 182 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 11,3 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 4,9/3,4/4,0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 104 g/km.
Mass: empty vehicle 1.080 kg - permissible gross weight 1.584 kg.
External dimensions: length 3.948 mm - width 1.715 mm - height 1.458 mm - wheelbase 2.460 mm.
Inner dimensions: fuel tank 50 l.
Box: 280-980 liters

Our measurements

T = 16 ° C / p = 1.111 mbar / rel. vl. = 41% / Odometer Condition: 22.784 km
Acceleration 0-100km:12,0s
402m from the city: 18,2 years (


122 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h: 10,3s
Flexibility 80-120km / h: 12,7s
Maximum speed: 182km / h


(V.)
test consumption: 6,3 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 36,4m
AM table: 40m

evaluation

  • The 3-liter HDi is enough for the DS1,6's driving pleasure. It pays off with its low fuel consumption and low torque, but if you want to get the most out of the Citroën Special, we recommend buying the turbocharged petrol version. Then it will be a great pleasure for you to meet Mini.

We praise and reproach

materials

appearance

steering precision and straightness

fuel consumption

Transmission

chassis, road position

Equipment

interior lighting

engine less than 1.800 rpm

turnkey fuel tank cap

back bench seat

automatic activation of ESP

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