I have previously reviewed both the DS3 DSport and the DS3 DSport Cabrio and now, here are some of my thoughts after testing the hard-core DS3 Racing edition.
Day – 1 First Impressions
Setting my eyes on the DS3 Racing for the first time was a real treat. I love the styling of DS3 and the Racing edition has an even bolder look. The model on test was in stealth black, with a black grill, black mirrors and a red stripe down both doors. The lower edge of the car, all the way round, was dressed in carbon fibre.
The design is a little crazy, but I like it! Sitting in the car for the first time I instantly fell in love with the huge racing seats, they hug you very close, letting you know that you are not in your everyday commuting car, you are in a track ready road car.
Day 2 –Getting to Know the DS3R
I had a bit of time on my hands, so I took the hatch out for a good spin and really got to know the car. The thing that impressed me most about the car was how much more immediate the power felt compared to the DS3 DSport. The engine has been tuned up to 207bhp, which is a fair chunk of power over the 155bhp DSport. This boost has moved the DS3 into a new league of performance, which is fantastic.
It is worth saying that you don’t need to be going full throttle everywhere to enjoy the additional power of the DS3R. Even on roads with 60mph speed limits you can safely enjoy the car’s power and the experience. This week was certainly going to be a good one.
Day 3 – Getting that Shot
We know the DS3R is one mean looking mother of a car and that is exactly how we wanted to portray it in the photography. So myself and Ross Jukes took the car to an active land fill site in utter darkness to attempt to perfect the ultimate firewall picture. The photo is designed to give the DS3 the ultimate demon look and after 3 hours of trying not to set ourselves, or the car, on fire we captured it. To be fair this was the second exposure that worked a treat, but we continued at different angles to see if it could be improved on.
Day 4 – Everyday Use
Although the DS3 is razor sharp and ultra-firm, you can still use it on a daily basis. I figure if you’re buying this car anyway, you’re buying it because you want the true Citroen hot hatch experience and with that comes feeling the paint on the road through that rock hard suspension. But who says that’s a bad thing anyway. I used the car as if it was my own for a week and truly enjoyed it on a daily basis, the only thing that was a little bit difficult for me was the small boot aperture, which is because of the Cabrio roof, but we all have to make compromises here and there.
Day 5 – Evening Photo Shoot
With every car on test we always try and capture the spirit of the car in the photography. The DS3R is a stealthy looking animal that is just waiting to be fed, so with the intention to make the car look exciting and snappy we took the DS3R to a badly lit car park to try and portray just a touch of the car’s crazy side. 
Other than some nice images, I also learnt just how manoeuvrable and urban friendly the car is. It’s not just about the size that makes it so usable though, it’s actually a lot more, it comes down to the available steering lock, throttle response, visibility, and also simply the shape of the car, meaning that I know just how wide it is when going through a gap. I was very impressed with it.
Day 6 – Is the Inside Cool Enough?
Of course it is, with a mix of carbon fibre, plastic, leather, and aluminium the interior of the DS3R is the best interior I have seen from Citroen yet. There is so much to love about this car. The flat bottomed steering wheel with carbon insert and perforated leather around the sides feels great in your hands, whilst the other touch points of the car such as the gear stick, hand brake, and door handles all have elements of aluminium which give them a real premium feel.
Look up close and the car has the version number marked above the gear stick showing that your car is one of a limited number.
Day 7 – The Ultimate Special Citroen
Six days have gone by with the Citroen DS3 Racing and the car has had lots of glances and looks over the week. People have been intrigued to find out what is so special about this car, even to the point that they would approach me to ask questions about it.
The car appears to have it all, the looks are, in my opinion, pretty good and certainly very unique, the performance on the road is fantastic and lots of fun behind the wheel, and most shockingly the MPG is also very good. Overall if you want a performance limited edition hatch back and are happy to pay the premium, then you can’t go wrong with the Citroen DS3 Racing.
Highlights Video
Supplied by: Citroen
