Citroen DS3 1.6 VTi launched in Malaysia, priced at RM117,888



This is one of the cars that I’ve personally been waiting for, the Citroen DS3. Previewed for the first time at the KL International Motor Show in November 2013 by its new distributor, the price was speculated to be around RM125,000. Today, Naza Euro Motors launched the Citroen DS3 at Bangsar Shopping Center, with the confirmed price tag of RM117,888.

Citroen DS3 launched in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

QUICK FACTS

Name Citroen DS3
Segment  Premium B-Segment
Engine 1.6-litre VTi, Inline four
Max Power 120hp @ 6000rpm
Max Torque 160Nm @ 4250rpm
Price  RM117,888 (OTR)

 

Citroen DS3 launched in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

Performance
This premium B-segment car is powered by  a 1.6-litre VTi  that produces 120 horsepower and 160 Nm of torque, the same as the Mini One. It gets from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds. It can go all the way to its maximum top speed of 190 km/h. However, I do believe, anyone who is interested in the DS3 will not really mind on what’s under the hood. The looks is what matters.

Citroen DS3 launched in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

Exterior
The first thing you would notice when you see one of these DS’s is the 2 tone roof and body color. There are seven colour combinations to choose from, enough to colour your life. The palette available for the body of the cars consists of red, black, white, blue and yellow. The roof however is only limited to black and white. There is a special ‘Blue Infinity’ roof colour, which only goes with a white body. You must be asking now if you can cuztomize the colour combination. I asked the same thing too, but no. Only preset colours are available.

Citroen DS3 launched in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

 

The significant look of the DS3 that sets it apart from other B-segment competitors is the ‘shark-fin’ B-pillar, that creates an illusion of a floating roof. For me, at least, the design of the entire car is simply brilliant; its headlights, the very prominent side slits on the front bumper, the ‘shark fin’, the ‘floating’ roof and not forgetting, the ‘3-D’ rear lights, which are mesmerizing.

Interior
Once you open the door, you can feel the weight of the door that gives the solid and premium feel. Its ‘Mistral Claudia’ leather seats are very comfortable. The dash as reported earlier has the piano black finishing, which I like, a lot! Even though there were like hundreds of finger prints on it just now, it’s still classy.

Citroen DS3 launched in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

 

Meter display panel is out of the ordinary. Citroen somehow managed to make it modern and yet retro at the same time. It also has gear change indicator to remind you on ideal gear change timing for better fuel efficiency. The DS3 has among the largest boot space in its class at 385-litre. If that’s not enough for you, the rear seats can be folded to a 60:40 configuration.

Also, there’s a typical French touch to the interior of the car; there is a slot insert for perfume! The ‘cartridge’ will have to be purchased from Citroen though. If it’s able to make the car smell like a French lavender farm in spring all year long, then why not?

Citroen DS3 launched in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

Safety
The Citroen DS3 was awarded a maximum five-star rating from the Euro NCAP crash safety test, an impressive achievement there for sure. It is fitted with six airbags, yes SIX airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and of course Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Summary
Chief Operating Officer of Naza Euro Motors, Dato’ Samson Anand George is confident that which the completion of the Citroen DS line-up in Malaysia, they are able to achieve a sales figure of 600 units in 2014, with the Citroen DS3 alone contributing 30% to 35% to the sales figure. Dato’ Samson also  added that in another three years time, they should be able to achieve 1,000 units annually.

Citroen DS3 launched in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

This French B-segment hatchback is a popular car mainly among the Europeans and it is considered as an alternative to the Mini. However, acceptability of French marques among Malaysians has yet to mature as compared to products of Japanese automakers. For the price of RM117,888 for the premium supermini Citroen DS3, it is probably time for more Malaysians to explore European creations.

Citroen DS3 launched in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

For me, it was love at first sight. However, I must not be blinded by only its good looks. I will get hold of the media test unit and have a thorough test and review to see if it drives as good as it looks.

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