Citroën DS3 (2010 - 2015) 1.6 THP 16V (155bhp) DSport Plus 3d (2012/62) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

A lot of people including strangers comment on my car and how nice it looks. So I guess it shows it have some sort of taste. I just wish it was as reliable as it looks.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They all agree with the strangers. Great looking car but not worth the trouble. A few of them have been put off buying one after my experience.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. As much as I love how it drives and how comfy the seats are, there has been far too many faults with it. Plus Citroen Customer Services are now refusing to comment on the many faults and are trying to fob me off. So overall a very disappointing experience for a car that has won 'the car of the year award'.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'd be happy to have back the '53 plate focus I traded in. Even with over 100,000 miles on, it was still more reliable than my brand new DS3. But now I'm used to having a bit of performance and modern gadgets, I'd be interested in a Ford Fiesta ST-3. The Fiesta ST-3 is loaded with all the options, has almost identical economy stats, is a little bit quicker and as it's a similar size, would still be easy to park.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£17,100

When did you buy the car?

July 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

It seemed a very good deal, as Luffield Cars of Loughborough were over £1,000 cheaper than my local dealer in Nuneaton.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

All the reviews were positive. Was great to drive. Came with the best spec for the price compared to other manufacturers. Was also one of the most economical and quickest.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was very helpful during the sale process - not so helpful now with all of the faults I have had with it.

What's it like to drive?

The THP 155 engine (when working) is a lot smoother than the 1.6 VTI. Revs well and picks up speed easily. The ride is quite harsh on normal roads and feels in between a normal car and a hot hatch. Sometimes you want a little more feedback through the wheel which would give you a bit more confidence in twisty lanes. Motorway ride is ok, a little noisy but the car has plenty of pull even in 6th gear. So overtaking is safe and easy.

What's it like to park?

The sport plus is fitted with parking sensors, so fairly easy to park. They come in very handy, as the rear window is quite small. But as it's quite a small car, with power steering, parking is easy enough.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes lots. The most recent bits, the Coolant disappears but Dealer says that coolant loss is normal with THP engine. Car has totally cuts out, AA diagnose 2 misfiring cylinders. Over a week at the dealer to get repaired, collected car and they had broken the engine temperature sensor but didn’t notice on 20 mile test drive. So I had to take the car back again. Gear Efficiency Indicator tells you to change up to 2nd gear whilst in 3rd, 4th & 5th. And now strange noise when engine is cold as if something is loose inside the engine.

What's most practical about your car?

Small glove box means lots of leg room for front passenger. Split folding rear seats has been handy.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Leather steering wheel - much nicer than the plastic ones in the courtesy cars. The Leather seats are a lot more comfortable too. The folding mirrors (standard on this spec) are a nice thing to have as well.