Citroën DS3 2009–2016 car dimensions: 3948 mm long, 1715 mm wide and 1458 mm high. Braked towing is 1,150 kg.
Cruise control with speed limiter is standard. Manual air conditioning is fitted on entry grades, with automatic climate control on mid and higher grades. A 7-inch colour touchscreen is standard on later base models and available with navigation packs earlier. Rear parking sensors are standard from mid grades, with front sensors and a reversing camera on higher grades or packs. Active City Brake automatic emergency braking is standard on higher grades from the mid-life update.
Boot space is 285 litres with seats up. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats expand it to 980 litres.
Braked towing capacity reaches 1150 kg on most engines, with unbraked at 570 kg. Sport suspension is standard on higher grades.
The cabin uses quality materials with soft-touch dashboard covering, lacquered trim strips and options for leather or Alcantara upholstery plus a sculpted leather steering wheel. Seats are body-hugging with height adjustment on the driver side as standard and passenger on higher grades. A fragrance diffuser is available on select trims or packs. Top acoustic treatment keeps the interior quiet. Cooled and illuminated glovebox comes with climate packs. Extensive colour and finish personalisation creates a unique feel.
Five-star Euro NCAP rating from 2009 tests with 87% adult and 71% child protection.
Standard safety includes ESP, ABS with EBD and EBA, six airbags, reinforced structure and two Isofix points.
Petrol and diesel engines from 82 hp to 165 hp with combined economy up to 83.1 mpg and CO2 from 87 g/km on efficient diesels.
Fixed-price servicing packages available covering recommended services and brake fluid for up to 3 years or 35,000 miles.
Service intervals typically every 15,000-20,000 km or 1-2 years depending on engine and conditions.
285-litre boot with 60:40 split-folding rear seats expanding load space.
Engines cover petrol VTi and THP units plus HDi and BlueHDi diesels meeting Euro 5 or 6 standards. Efficient diesels deliver strong economy figures and low emissions while petrol options provide responsive performance. A gear efficiency indicator helps optimise fuel use on manuals.
Servicing follows manufacturer schedules with oil and filter changes at regular intervals. Fixed-price packages simplify ownership costs. Owners manuals note service indicators based on distance and time, with BlueHDi models also monitoring oil condition.
Safety equipment is comprehensive as standard across grades. The five-star Euro NCAP result reflects strong occupant protection. Later models added Active City Brake for low-speed collision avoidance. Isofix points secure child seats on outer rear positions.
The car offers class-leading interior space and boot volume for its compact size. Split-folding seats add versatility for larger loads. Personalisation options and quality materials support long-term enjoyment. Regular checks of levels, filters and tyres keep it reliable.
Length 3948 mm, Width 1715 mm, Height 1458 mm, Wheelbase 2464 mm (DS3 2009–2016)
Sources: manufacturer data, Citroën DS3 Caratteristiche tecniche, Citroën Italia, February 2010, Citroën UK DS3 brochure, March 2012, confirms 3948/1715 mm, wheelbase, Citroën Japan specification sheet, 6 May 2010, states front-wheel drive.