2013 Citro"en DS3 Cabrio shows trick folding top to the world

Fri, 28 Sep 2012

Citroën's DS3 line has been a huge success in its home market of France ever since the car was launched in 2009. Sitting in the fat-middle part of the luxury category, it only makes sense that a convertible variant for the DS3 pop up sooner or later – and later is the Paris Motor Show.

The 2013 DS3 Cabrio should provide a stylish roofless option for European customers when it goes on sale in the beginning of 2013, especially as it boasts the same buttoned-down bodylines of the standard hatchback. That pattered, fabric roof affair slides and folds neatly away automatically, and can come to rest in one of two positions. The whole affair reminds us a lot of the rag roof on the Fiat 500C, albeit fitted to a vehicle that is far more useful for back seat passengers.

While we already shared most of the details of the car, our gallery of live images is worth a browse, even if you're not mad for all things Citroën.

CITROËN DS3 CABRIO: PLEASURE NON-STOP

With the 2012 Paris Motor Show set to open, CITROËN is continuing the DS line story with the reveal of a new chapter, the DS3 Cabrio. Motorists enjoy the slightest ray of sunlight thanks to the newcomer's intelligent architecture that makes convertible life considerably easier. The DS3 Cabrio is all about pleasure. Non-stop.

The DS3, launched just two years ago, has proved an undeniable success, totalling nearly 180,000 registrations. Boasting enhanced personalisation possibilities with a range of roof collections and the Racing, Ultra Prestige and Just Mat models, the DS3 has played a major part in boosting DS line awareness and success. DS line sales have already topped the 250,000 mark.

The DS3 Cabrio is above all a real DS3. It features all the strong points behind the success of its sister model, namely bold styling choices, refinement down to the last detail, and instant driving thrills.

CITROËN has chosen a modern technical solution for the DS3 Cabrio to underscore the DS3's unique character and retain all of the original model's road feel. Contributing to the personalisation effort, three soft-top roofs are available: black, Infini blue and DS Monogramme. The DS3 Cabrio is also heir to all the sophistication of the DS line, with an innovative 3D rear light signature and a highly original tailgate opening motion.

The DS3 Cabrio blazes a trail in the cabriolet segment with a new wave of modernity:

- electrically manoeuvrable roof up to 120 km/h
- the only real 5-seater in the category
- the largest boot in the category

The DS3 Cabrio, produced at the Poissy production site in France, will be launched in early 2013. A version emitting just 99 g/km of CO2 will be available from release.

By Seyth Miersma