The DS3 was awarded the maximum five stars for crash protection from Euro NCAP – the official crash test organisation. This was under the new tougher test regime which was introduced in 2009. Now one overall rating, it covers not only adult occupant safety but also child and pedestrian safety along with a rear impact whiplash test. Standard safety equipment includes ESP stability control, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, six airbags and Isofix child seat anchor points.

Well, it’s a hot hatch isn’t it, so it’s not much cop if you are planning a weekend away with the family. That said, it’s got a reasonably sized boot with 285 litres available with the rear seats up and 980 with the rear seats down. That’s bigger than a MINI John Cooper Works, but slightly outshone by the Clio Renaultsport. There’s also a decent amount of headroom wherever you are sitting but the sizeable sports seats seemed to have compromised legroom in the back.

The A-pillars are a bit hefty which affects forward visibility slightly and the rear window isn’t particularly large so visibility out of the rear view mirror is restricted somewhat. There are a number of cubbies that’ll hold your bits and bobs in, and that comes in very handy when you are throwing the DS3 Racing into the corners with gusto.