Citroen DS3

Citroen DS3

Recommended. Effortlessly cool and beautifully finished, the DS3 makes a good alternative to the Mini or Fiat 500.

If you're after a stylish and fashionable three-door hatchback, there are more models than ever to choose from. The Mini has been a blinding success, as has Fiat's revival of the plucky little 500. And now Citroen is in on the act too, although unlike the Mini and 500 the only thing retro about this offering is the name.

The DS3 is the first in a new line of high-end models from Citroen which will tie in with its current model range ' DS3 will sit alongside the C3, DS4 with the C4 and DS5 with the C5.

First impressions are that the DS3 is a staggeringly good looking hatchback, with interesting lines and features. Inside you'll find a beautifully finished interior, which is largely based on the C3 but with various dash and seat personalisation options.

As with Mini, there are 38 roof and body colour combinations along with matching alloy wheels and a variety of roof decals to choose from ranging from stripes, spots or a tribal pattern depending on your taste.

Under the bonnet there's a choice of three petrol engines; VTi 95, VTi 120 and the BMW co-developed THP 150 which can also be found in the Mini Cooper S. As for diesels, there are two versions of the 1.6-litre HDi offering 90 and 110bhp, while there is also a 99g/km CO2 version of the 1.6 HDi 90 available.

The DS3 feels much sharper to drive than its C3 sibling thanks to its lower body and stiffer suspension set up. Yet the damping and ride is also pretty good, with only heavily rutted roads causing the car to bobble around. The DS3 seems well balances too, sticking neatly to its line through corners.

In terms of practicality, the DS3 is longer and wider than the Mini and Fiat 500 and those extra dimensions have gone straight into the interior. Citroen claims it will seat three in the rear, but although there is a decent amount of space, it is better suited to two for a longer trip. The boot also offers more space than its rivals with 285 litres.

Overall the DS3 is a quirky and chic little car that not only looks good, but is engaging to drive and should prove fairly practical on a daily basis. The personalisation options are one step further than that already offered by Fiat and Mini, and add a level of individuality to the car which, for any buyer, will make the DS3 feel a little bit special.