Citroen chops roof off the DS3

What's the news?
Citroen has revealed its rival to the open-topped Fiat 500C and MINI Convertible. It's called the DS3 Cabrio and it debuts at the Paris Motor Show on September 27.

Exterior
With the new folding roof in place the DS3 Cabrio looks little different to any other DS3. That's because the sides and profile of the car are unchanged. The canvas roof slides back and concertinas into a relatively small package at the rear of the car in a choice of three positions. Buyers have three colour options for the roof: black, 'Infinite Blue' and 'DS Monogramme'. It takes 16 seconds to fully close at speeds of up to 120km/h.

If you look closely at the video below you'll see that the roof takes part of the rear hatch with it and though we don't have an image of the rear opening as yet Citroen says it's unique, 'allowing owners to fully open the boot even when parked close to obstructions.' Either side of it sit newly styled lights with '3D LED' technology giving them a signature look, and there's a new chrome strip too.

Interior
Most of the DS3 Cabrio's interior is the same as the hatch's, which means it still ostensibly sits five. White lighting is used in the instruments and elsewhere, while unique trim options are offered - colour-coded to the body's paint and the roof. 'Granit' blue leather is available too. The boot is 40 litres smaller than the hatch's at 245 litres, though a split-fold rear seat remains.

Mechanicals
Citroen has not announced which of the DS3's four engine options (DS3 Racing excluded) will be available, but it's safe to assume there'll be at least one diesel and several petrol. The current Irish DS3 line-up includes a 1.4-litre petrol engine with 95hp, plus a 155hp turbocharged 1.6-litre unit. The 1.6-litre HDi diesel is offered in 90- and 110hp guises.

The DS3 Cabrio weighs 25kg more than the equivalent hatchback so performance, economy and emissions shouldn't be drastically worse.

Anything else?
Those rear lights are a labour of love for Citroen's designers and the detailing is exquisite. In the centre is a rectangular set of 31 LEDs and 'semi-reflecting' mirrors to give them a unique appearance. A further 15 LEDs top off the light in a blade shape and illuminates for different reasons depending on whether it's day or night. The final flourish is a neat DS logo in the side of the lamp.

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