Citroën DS3

Citroen DS3 was introduced in 2010. Like its main rivals, the DS3 was offered only in the back of a 3-door hatchback, which naturally limited the range of interested buyers. In 2013, a Cabrio variant was proposed. The name is too loud, as such a car is only equipped with a sliding soft roof. It doesn't look like a true convertible at all. The DS3 story is quite unusual. The DS models were designated as a separate premium brand, DS Automobiles, after four years of production. The DS3 is actually a three-door and sportier version of the second-generation Citroen C3. The car should be considered as a double with the ability to carry two people behind, but only in case of emergency. The second row is pretty tight. When the driver's seat is displaced by 1 meter from the pedals, only 59 centimeters remain between the backs of the first and second row seats. Due to the relatively short doors, it is difficult to get on the back sofa. But in the trunk can accommodate 285 liters of luggage. And if you fold the back of the sofa, the capacity of the cargo compartment will increase to 980 liters. The interior is made of very pleasant to the touch materials, emphasizing the belonging to the premium class. The truncated steering wheel with silver inserts is the standard, unlike the screen on the center console, which is more often monochrome than color. The front seats are quite soft and very comfortable. DS3, like Citroen, was offered in three versions: Chic, Soshik and SportShik. The basic version required additional payment for air conditioning, and the top one was serially equipped with automatic climate control. SoShik and SportShik were equipped with 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels, respectively. However, for domestic roads is quite enough and the 16th size. The DS3 suspension is much softer than the Mini and provides the proper level of comfort. It is worth noting that the main elements of the running gear (levers and shock absorbers) are the same as in the usual Citroen C3, on the basis of which the DS is built. However, the sports versions with 1.6 TNR have more rigid suspension settings.

Engines

Early copies with 1.6 THP often encountered problems with the chain tensioner and the HRM chain. At the same time, when starting a cold engine, a characteristic grinding appeared. Some copies "had" already the third set of valve timing. The chain with the tensioner was enough for only 60-80 thousand km. However, after 2013, the number of problems with the chain has decreased significantly. Other copies eventually began to consume large amounts of oil. And yet, when everything works properly, the DS with a 1.6 THP is a hell of a nice car. But in addition to the chain drive, the HRM sometimes worries and the tendency to accumulate sodium. And it's much more serious and dangerous. The defect affects cars that often travel short distances or do not experience heavy loads. Paradoxically, this disadvantage is avoided by those who prefer a dynamic driving style. It is not typical of cars operated mainly on suburban highways. If the stain is removed, it will have to be removed. Initially, the PSA used a kit for cleaning. It was simple, inexpensive, but not effective. After a while, PSA services began to apply more sophisticated methods of cleaning with soda, which was fed into the intake of a special device. However, the remnants of moths' scoop get into the cylinders, which will damage the cylinder walls. To avoid trouble, it is necessary to close the intake valves tightly. This can only be achieved by removing the intake camshaft from the head. In the case of the DS3, due to the dense layout in the engine compartment, the procedure is easier to carry out if the engine is dismantled. Atmospheric gasoline engines 1. 4 and 1.

Little trouble.

In addition to the interior, the appearance of the car deserves respect. However, despite the swing of premium, there were not without misses. For example, sometimes water accumulates in the taillights. The French saved on the penny sealers.

There are problems in the steering system. Malaise is characteristic of machines of the initial period of production. The electric motor with power steering is part of the steering rack.

Model history

2010 - Start of sales. Gasoline engines: 1.4 VTi / 95 hp, 1.6 VTi (120 hp) and 1.6 THP (156 hp). Diesel: 1.6 HDi (92 and 111 hp). At the end of the year, a racing version of Racing with 1.6 TNR with a capacity of 207 hp was presented. The VTi and 1.6 HDi / 92 hp engines were combined with a 5-speed mechanics, and the rest with a 6-speed box.

2011 - new 1.4 e-HDi / 68 hp and 1.6 e-HDi / 111 hp diesels for the Airdream version. Both with a start-stop system.

2012 - replenishment of the range of power units 1.2 VTi PureTech from the EB series with a capacity of 82 hp. It was equipped with a 5-speed mechanics and a 6-band automated transmission (robot).

2013 - removed from the list of offers 1.4 VTi. The version of the convertible, the so-called Lando, is presented. The 1.6 e-HDi increased from 111 to 117 hp.

2014 - prepared a new turbo engine 1.2 PureTech VTI 110 hp As an alternative, a 6-speed automatic transmission EAT6 developed by Aisin is proposed. Performance of 1.6 TNR increased from 156 to 165 hp Production of the Racing version has been discontinued. The new 1.6 BlueHDi/99 and 116 hp, meeting the Euro 6 emission standards.

2016 - modernization of the car, other front end, minor adjustments. The Citroen brand has been removed from the name. Now it is DS3 - the smallest representative of the new brand DS. Again appeared racing version of Racing now with the engine 1.6 TNR recoil 208 hp. The range of engines was replenished with a new PureTech VTi with a capacity of 130 hp.

Engines

• 6 THP often encountered problems with the chain tensioner and the HRM chain.
• However, after 2013, the number of problems with the chain has decreased significantly.
• To avoid trouble, it is necessary to close the intake valves tightly.
• In addition, from time to time there are problems with ignition coils and candles (due to too poor a mixture).
• Sometimes the coolant temperature sensor also fails, providing false information about overheating.
• Then they began to use seals of fluoroplasty, as in the engines of the TNR, where such problems do not happen. Good services can solve the problem.
• The good news is that the DS3 has barely been affected.
• When buying the original DS3 Racing, you should check whether modified pistons were installed.

Little trouble.

• There are problems in the steering system.

The Citroen DS3 is not the most popular car. Most of the instances have a relatively small mileage, and under the hood are more common engines of 1.6 liters (VTi, less often THP). The market is very pleased with this model, but for good reason. Overall, the DS3 is a very good car. The only dark spot on the reputation of the French brand is the 1.6 TNR turbo engine.

• Engines: 6 THPs often encountered problems with the chain tensioner and the timing chain.
• Small troubles: There are malfunctions in the steering system.
• Model history: 2010 - start of sales. Gasoline engines: 1. 4 VTi / 95 hp, 1. 6 VTi (120 hp) and 1. 6 THP (156 hp). Diesel: 1. 6 HDi (92 and 111 hp).

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