Finally, at RM117k, one could get a Citroen DS3 at the now authorized Citroen distributor, Naza Euro Motors. Official launching could be soon as pricing is available, and booking is open. In fact, there are already some units at their showroom. The DS3 was originally incepted to compete with the like of MINI in 2009 and now it has started to look dated.
The front of the car still look uniquely Citroen, and attractive, but the side profile is a let-down. If not for the sexy rims and the shark-fin B-pillar, the DS3 is not as sexy as its sibling 3-door Peugeot 208. It looks like a mini station wagon instead of being a hot hatch.
The rear lamp cluster has nothing unique, it is as boring. Malaysia only get the car in 2014, a 5-year late since the DS3 is available. Whoever that buy this car could see a new model in the next 2 years, as the existing model marches into its usual 7-year lifecycle.
Powering the Malaysia-spec DS3 is the standard VTi 120 engine, which is the same unit in the Peugeot 208 and 2008, mated to the same 4-speed slush box producing the familiar 118hp/160Nm of power. Many are asking why? We want the turbocharged unit in a hot hatch, not the lame unit for the ordinary people. Everyone knew very well that only extra-ordinary people dare to own a Citroen anyhow.
Looking further into the interior, ALAMAK is the first response. At RM117k, you get a very old fashioned single zone aircon control, and the non-integrated single-din player with dot matrix display is for the nineties, and not in this century! Even the Peugeot 208 has better interior. The DS3 has a different colour roof and matching side mirror, but where is the panoramic glass roof?! The DS is suppose to be a luxury range from Citroen, and this DS3 literally blew its brand off.
OK, now for the consolation, the meter cluster still look classy, but anyone notice it has a very clean and plain steering wheel. Look ma, no button at all! In summary, Naza is bringing in the most basic DS3 to be priced competitively for the "mass" Citroen fans, but wouldn't the Peugeot 208 kill this completely, especially with tons of missing specifications. Unless you like to be different, like the double chevrons logo, there is no other reason to get this car at RM117k. I would only consider it if it were below RM90k, plus the dealer throw in 5-year free service, with reputable tinting, and maybe free insurance and roadtax for as long as you own the car.
Anyone notice the "DS" logo is actually formed with two chevron logo!
