However, there are caveats. The new DS brand is going to have to be even more premium than ever to live up to its claims and justify a break from the established link with Citroen. Can the new DS3 set the tone for the new offshoot and a create a memorable, premium drive?
First Impressions
The improvement over the outgoing DS3 model are subtle, but it's apparent that subtlety, attention to detail and little defining features are the name of the game here. Alongside more wholesale changes such as a revised front grill, with removed Citroen chevrons and a larger inside, small DS logos are visible throughout. A particular favourite were the little 'DS' logos within the rear quarter lights.
French chic - no matter how aware of its boutique this car is.
The drive out of London on our launch was designed to be as seamless as possible and this added to being able to get a good feel of the car early on. I drove the more powerful of the petrol engines available, the 1.6L THP in Cabrio form first, and immediately it was noticeable how lively the car was. It was welcome, and certainly didn't go unnoticed.
A sunny day in Sussex helps when you have a DS3 Cabrio. I made full use of this as best I could. It's a a nice system, that extends the fabric roof back between the main pillars, so it's more top 'off' than 'down', but it suits the car and improved what was already a very pleasurable morning drive.
Engines and Performance
There's no denying the THP variant of the DS3 brings a feeling of 'very nearly quick enough to think you're in a hot hatch.' The power output is impressive, but I have a feeling this engine could get expensive and confuses where DS want this car to be placed. It's not a decisive as a Mini Cooper S and you could pick up a cheapish Fiesta ST that would put a bigger smile on your face from a behind the wheel point of view. That being said, it pulls well and isn't exactly a slouch through any of the six gears.
The other petrol engines follow the brand's PureTech (view overview of this great engine in the Peugeot 2008 review) offering, with the 1.2L 110 being turbocharged and almost definitely the pick of the bunch. Otherwise, you have two diesel engines to choose from, and the BlueHDI 120 is the best one to go for here. I drove it with a reasonable six speed which improves fuel economy hugely and generally makes the car feel very smooth.
Interior and the DS Brand
As attention to detail is so important to DS, there are some elements of the interior that shout downsized premium and French chic. It's a lovely cabin to be in and the upgraded and well integrated sat-nav and music system, including Apple Play and the Android alternative, is a real bonus. The touchscreen really does look the part, too, and although slightly plastic-y in some areas, everything works with a nice action about it and the seats are comfortable and supportive. Headroom is surprising good, too.
The DS3 can almost match Mini for boutique quirkiness, but there's something so very French about this car that it's hard not to be charmed by it. The original DS3 heightened levels of quality for Citroen, and there's nothing to suggest that this latest incarnation doesn't do the same.
Ride, Comfort and Handling
I was a little disappointed with the firmness of the ride and how bumps seemed to resonate through the cabin, especially with the Cabrio model. That being said, that will have a lot to do with the 17-inch alloy options and if riding on smaller wheels, I'd imagine this would be improved somewhat. Although it thumps and bangs around a bit, it's still an enjoyable drive and steering feel is supportive if you lean on your right foot a bit through corners.
The little thing can feel a bit vacant at times, as if you've caught it napping and it suddenly realises what you're asking of it, but that's only compared to the likes of its competitors such as the Mini which positively bites at your heels. Don't expect a soft ride, but in a way it's quite nice to see that of the DS3, it certainly makes a break from what many people would expect from the French brand.
The Cabrio model does compromise on handling ability, and sometimes feels even more vacant and loose, but in all honestly I can't this being too much of a problem to those wanting to buy the top off version.
Competition, Practicality and Prices
It would have felt hard to say this a while ago, but the new DS3 really is a surprisingly good competitor to its direct rivals - especially the Mini. It's got decent space inside and it doesn't feel cramped, it's got a good boot and has an element of boutique premium quality that the German offering definitely doesn't.
Prices sadly could be seen to be as premium as the car itself, and with all options in the Ultra Prestige models you're looking at a shade more than £20,000. There's a lot of car here though, and for the more wallet-conscious the PureTech engines in Elegance spec look to be the way to go.
In terms of competition, the likes of the Mini and Fiesta could be seen as being slightly more engaging drives, and in many respects possibly more comfortable, but there's an element of French chic and knowing self-assurance about the DS3 that will warm it to the upwardly mobile city driver.
Summary
The DS3 is the equivalent of a small Parisian boutique hotel. Scratch away and you'll notice the façade, but you'd take it anyway for the feeling of spending time in something with character and flair.
Indeed, there is genuine flair about the way the DS3 has been put together. From the lovely interior to the small exterior details, the French way of caring about how things look has paid off here. Drive off in a Mini straight after this and you'd notice the difference in the way it drives, but in true French style, you'll be looking in the rear-view mirror for a long time at what you've left behind.