Citroën has given its DS3 a breath of fresh air with the creation of a Cabrio version. Like the Fiat 500C, this open-air DS3 is not a traditional cabriolet in that it retains its hatchback body shell but gains an electric folding soft top that folds all the way down to the bottom of the rear window line.
This design allows the car to match its hatchback cousin's five-seat interior practicality and best-in-class 245 litre boot.
Fitting in with the DS3's high degree of personalisation, the fabric roof is available in three styles - black, Infinite blue and a DS Monogrammed design. These can be combined with one of seven body colours.
LEDs go 3D
Design changes are minimal, but the rear end of this DS3 does feature a new three-dimensional LED light design.
The fabric roof is said to have sound proofing qualities that make it just as quiet as a hatchback when the roof's up and it can be closed in just 16 seconds and at up to 120km/h.
The DS3 Cabrio also has a few distinctive features in the cabin, like white LED ambient lighting on the ceiling-mounted console, decors that match the exterior colour and the option of an all-new Granit blue leather upholstery.
Citroen hasn't announced the engine line-up, but there's little doubt it'll mirror that of the hatchback range, which means two 1.6-litre petrol engines - 88kW normally aspirated and 115kW turbo - as well as a 68kW/230Nm 1.6-litre turbodiesel.
Performance shouldn't be too badly affected, given that the Cabrio weighs just 25kg more than the hatch.