Overview

It was almost inevitable that Citroen would produce a go-faster version of its DS3 hatchback, but don’t be fooled by the name – this is not a track-day car or even a stripped-out hardcore enthusiast’s car, more a hot hatch in the traditional sense of the word. Unlike the Renault Clio Renaultsport the DS3 Racing has all the frippery inside to make life a little easier: you can even opt for a sat nav, which would seem like heresy for the performance diehards where weight-saving is seen as a pre-requisite.

Our test car was black with orange detailing and the registration plate featured the word ‘BOY’ which should tell you who this car is being pitched at. In some respects it harks back to the 80s where the hot hatch was king: it’s in the same vein as the Ford Fiesta XR2 and the Peugeot 205 GTi although with only 200 available for UK buyers – 100 white and 100 black versions – and a price tag exceeding £23,000 it will be out of the range of even the most well-heeled boy racers.

Citroen has been hard at work to set it apart from the standard DS3. The Racing’s engine has been remapped, the brakes, exhaust and steering enhanced, there’s the addition of a rear diffuser, the shock absorbers have been tweaked, the suspension has been lowered by 15mm and the front and rear track has been widened by 30mm. But what’s this latest offering from Citroen like to drive after all these mods have been added?

Read on to find out.