Citro"en DS3 Cabrio ready to roll back its lid in Paris [w/videos]

Fri, 31 Aug 2012

Citroën is adding another member to its DS3 line, this one a Cabrio with a sliding fabric roof in either black, Infini blue or DS Monogramme (as shown). The two-position opening mechanism follows the path laid out by the Mini Cooper convertible and Fiat 500 Cabrio, the driver able to slide the roof back to the leading edge of the C-pillar or send it all the way down into a plinth-like pile atop the trunk hatch. And as with the Mini, the top can be opened at speeds up to 74 mph.

The rest of the very popular DS3 hatch has remained intact, but the addition of direct access to Helios has encouraged Citroën to say the DS3 Cabrio is "pleasure non-stop." If you'd like some of that for yourself, there's a trio of videos and the official press release below, along with a trove of high-res photos in the gallery. We'll see it live next month at the Paris Motor Show.

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 Jonathon Ramsey