THE iconic Louvre in Paris was the venue for the unveiling of a new car brand, to be known simply as DS Automobiles – in essence a high performance spin off from legendary car maker Citroen.
Headed for Australia later this year, the redesigned and re-powered DS 3 hatch and cabriolet bring new styling, new new drive trains and revised on-board technology, with the new model set to join the recently launched DS 5 (the company’s first official model).
The new look DS 3 will introduce an all-new turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine paired to a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission, which joins the existing EURO6-rated 121kW turbocharged, petrol-powered 1.6-litre manual model.
The most powerful DS 3 – the all-new 154kW, 300Nm DS 3 Performance, is yet to be confirmed for Australia (but like many fans of the parent marquee – we’re definitely hoping it comes here).
Quality materials, unique design and customer customisation are the hallmark of the new brand, which buyers able to choose specifications, features and colours – with 78 body and roof colour combinations and four canvas roofs available for the DS 3 Cabrio.
A French brand born in Paris, DS was officially founded on 1 June, 2014. Its stated ambition is to revive the tradition of premium vehicles in the French automotive industry. Drawing on the very best of French know-how DS perpetuates the values of innovation and distinction inherited from the first DS, launched in 1955.
Designed for customers looking for a means to express themselves as individuals, the DS range will eventually comprise the DS 3, DS 3 Cabrio, new DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback, new DS 5, DS 5LS and DS 6.
