Sizzling DS3 gunning for Cooper S

GT version of bold new Citroen is getting ready to turn up the temperature in the hot hatch class
Likely to be called the DS3 GT, the model will go head-to-head with rivals such as the Abarth 500, MINI Cooper S and forthcoming Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA. As you can see from our illustrations, it promises even more visual impact than the DS3.

Rally-inspired white alloys, a big rear wing and muscular bonnet vent mark the GT out, while flared wheelarches and a chunky bodykit provide a more purposeful look.

Elsewhere, the DS3 GT retains the same remarkable styling as the standard car, with anose dominated by an oversized chrome chevron badge. The newcomer should be every bit as sharp to drive as it looks.

The standard DS3 is based on the chassis of the next-generation C3, but will be optimised for better responses. Expect the GT version to take it a step further with an even stiffer set-up.
Under the bonnet, the engine most likely to be used is a 175bhp 1.6-litre turbo unit from sister firm Peugeot’s 207 GTi and the MINI Cooper S. Performance should be similar on paper, with 0-60mph in around seven seconds and a top speed approaching 135mph.

These are exciting times for Citroen. The launch of the DS3 revives a badge that was first used on the revolutionary DS of the Fifties – and this car will be the first of a whole new model line-up.

Next to appear will be the DS4 – a premium take on the C4 that’s likely to be based on the C-SportLounge concept which debuted at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Following this will be the DS5. Sharing mechanicals with the C5, it aims to take luxury executive cars to a new level.

Citroen’s focus isn’t only on opulence, though. Eco-friendly stop-start technology will be offered as standard across the range, while Peugeot-Citroen’s diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain is set to debut in a DS model.