September 17, 2012 at 4:33pm by Jens Meiners
One of the most refreshing luxo-minis is getting an open-top derivative: The Citroën DS3—marketed as “anti-retro,” which directly takes aim at BMW’s Mini—will be shown at the upcoming Paris auto shows as the DS3 Cabrio.
Like the Fiat 500C Cabrio, but unlike the Mini convertible, the DS3 Cabrio features fixed B- and C-pillars and a fabric roof that folds down on top of the trunk. The top can be opened in three positions: Half open, fully open, and open-plus-lowered. These positions can be selected at velocities up to 75 mph, a definite advantage over traditional convertibles. Up-level versions of the DS3 Cabrio also feature what Citroën calls the “world’s first three-dimensional LED taillights.” Its trunk is almost twice as big as the Mini’s and bigger than the Cinquecento’s.
- Comparison Test: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth vs. Mini John Cooper Works
- Instrumented Test: 2012 Mini Cooper S Roadster
- Short Take Road Test: 2009 BMW 135i Convertible
The DS3′s seemingly only disadvantage? It won’t be offered in the U.S.
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