Citroen DS3 Racing 1.6i 16V THP 207 Road Test Report

Performance

Considering the talent behind the DS3 Racing, anything less than a rousing and stimulating drive would immediately demote this collaboration to last place. Fortunately the 1.6L four-cylinder high pressure turbo-charged 207bhp petrol engine can send you hurtling at 62mph within 6.5 seconds before topping out at 146mph. With a turning circle of 10.4m, steering is equally slick and meets its end of the bargain in emulating the rally experience. It makes perfect sense that the BBC’s flagship motoring programme named this their ‘Car of the Year’. Each up-shift in gear thwacks on an extra dollop of gee-whizz and any driver with the slightest taste for speed will struggle containing their elation when getting heavy with the right peg. Put simply, this hot hatch couldn’t be any more of a hoot if it had an owl perched on each wing mirror.

Ride & Handling

The development team has certainly put in the hours when it comes to delivering a dynamic and thrilling ride by focussing on optimising precision and control. Sporty handling and effortless cornering could convince you that there’s a chequered flag waiting at the end of each outing while recalibrated shock absorbers, remapped turbocharger and a tighter braking system all contribute towards shaping an enjoyable driving experience usually reserved for the race track. Or Mario Kart.

Build Quality & Reliability

More than just a pretty face, the DS3 Racing’s high style equates to a positive and confident build with carbon fibre found throughout, from the central dashboard fascia, steering wheel and door handle surrounds to the front bumper spoiler, side rubbing strips and wing extensions. There was no Reliability Index rating available for the DS3, let alone the Racing variant, at time of going to press although considering the French manufacturer’s efforts to repair its reputation for reliability, it may be the case that this model proves much sturdier than predecessors. Time will tell.

Safety & Security

Speed is undoubtedly the central focus here, but it would be unwise to assume exhilaration comes at the expense of safety. A five star NCAP safety rating puts paid to that accusation from the off and the DS3 Racing sees the introduction of Citroen’s prize-grabbing eTouch Emergency & Assistance System along with a Switchable Electronic Stability Programme (S.ESP). Pairing these with an anti-lock braking system, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA) and it’s clear that the DS3 Racing is well equipped to avoid a collision. Throw in six airbags (driver, front passenger, curtain and front lateral), five 3-point inertia reel seat belts, auto-activated hazard lights in the event of an emergency stop, an energy absorbing side impact protection and few could argue that safety hasn’t been a top priority during development.

Space & Practicality

The DS3 Racing’s interior isn’t representative of its acceleration; far from pokey, there’s enough load space for 285 litres with the seats up. The whole car stretches for nearly four metres by 1.7m with a wheelbase of 2.4m and standing at 1.4m. Up-front, comfort is immediate thanks to the specially sculpted, height adjustable Citroen bucket seats upholstered in a blend of cloth and Alcantara – the same flame retardant material found in Formula One race cars. Rear passengers also benefit from the same seat covering and rear head restraints. There are pockets aplenty for shoving stuff in while automatic digital air-con as standard means stuffiness should never be a problem for any DS3 Racing owner.

Ownership & Value

With only 200 models available in the UK (2,000 worldwide), the DS3 Racing is sure to be a rare treat on the road. However priced at £23,205 OTR - over twice the cost of an entry level 95bhp DS3 - it is reserved for the more well-off boy racer, and that’s before you include the optional extras; £800 for the MyWay Signature sat-nav or £450 for ‘Spirit’ roof and side stickers (yes, stickers!) is comparatively small change. With carbon emissions of 149g/km, the DS3 Racing just about manages to slip inside the F tax band and keeping it on the road will set you back £125 every 12 months. While fuel economy isn’t a particularly strong selling point at 44.1mpg on a combined cycle, it bests closest rivals, the £22,320 MINI John Cooper Works and Renaultsport Clio 200, outdoing them in the VED and 0-60mph departments too. A three year/60,000 mile warranty comes as standard.