Tax-free Citroen DS3 on sale soon

A new low-powered version of Citroen’s 1.2-litre e-THP engine means the Citroen DS3 will soon be available in road-tax busting specification. The engine is the same one that will feature in the groundbreaking new Citroen Cactus.

The new 1.2-litre petrol engine means the Citroen DS3 returns 99g/km of CO2 emissions and should also be capable of around 65mpg.

The engine suits the DS3’s sporty nature by providing nippy performance of 0-60mph in less than 10 seconds and a decent top speed, which should make the Citroen a refined motorway cruiser.

The news means that the Citroen DS3 now has a distinct advantage over the new MINI. It can only offer tax-free emissions on its diesel models, which are significantly more expensive to buy than the Citroen.

As with the MINI, premium looks and a range of customisable options are key to the appeal of the Citroen DS3. Buyers can choose from various accessories to make their car almost completely unique, including everything from alloy wheel designs, eye-catching LED lights, a rear spoiler and even a choice of interior fragrance dispensers.

The Citroen DS3 is also more spacious than the MINI, with a 282-litre boot that trumps the MINI’s 211 litres. The DS3 is also very safe thanks to a five-star rating from Euro NCAP and standard-fit equipment such as electronic stability control, six air bags, and anti-lock brakes.

The Citroen is lots of fun to drive, too – although not quite up to the standards of the MINI – thanks to light and accurate steering and excellent grip for fast cornering.

Citroen is currently offering a range of competitive finance deals across the DS3 range, and the manufacturer has also started offering fixed-price servicing deals.

The new engine is expected to join the range later this year, with a price tag for the basic model of around £13,500. To view Mat Watson’s video review of the DS3, visit the Carbuyer Citroen reviews page, where you will also find road tests on the entire Citroen range.