Citroen DS3 Inside concept leaks out before Geneva debut
by Damon Lavrinc on Feb 5th 2009 at 2:27PM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Citroen DS3 concept
Citroen announced plans earlier this week to revive the DS nameplate for a line of mid-range premium models based on the new C3, C4 and C5. Germany's AutoBild decided the world couldn't wait for the Geneva Motor Show debut of the Citroen DS3, and published a few images of the concept a few weeks early.
What you see here is more than just a styling exercise. According to early reports, the concept, which is officially called the DS3 Inside, is very close to the production version due to arrive in Europe as a 2010 model. With underpinnings pulled from the new C3, Citroen is likely to offer a range of gasoline and diesel powerplants ranging from 1.2- to 2.0-liters.
Expect more information to follow in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, check out the gallery of the Citroen DS3 below.
UPDATE: More official images of the Citroen DS3 Inside Concept added to gallery.
Gallery: Citroen DS3 Inside Concept
[Source: AutoBild via Autoblog Spanish]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
TRL 2:33PM (2/05/2009)
A DS should never be so bland looking you need to read the badges to tell what it is. Doesn't have to be retro, just distinctive, though I do think having the rear wheels so exposed is sacreligious.
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ChrisL 3:41PM (2/05/2009)
You're right. Sadly not distictive enough. It's like the badge engineering that GM is infamous for has struck at Citroen now. A C3 in a suit.
Where's the long low elegance, the covered rear wheels, or the roof-mounted rear turn lights? Anything of the original smooooth spacey design?
BUT if the new DS series is actually a re-skinning of existing Citroens, I'll anxiously await the C6 rebody (sorry, DS6) to follow. At least the C6 starting point is long low and elegant.
LoneWolf 7:56PM (2/05/2009)
agree
bvz 9:49PM (2/05/2009)
Yup. Exactly.
inline6 2:36PM (2/05/2009)
Wow. Well that gaping maw makes this concept look a little more like its Peugeot cousins.
This concept doesn't look out-of-this-world radical, nor does it really bring to mind the DS of the '50s-70s by resurrecting much of its particular styling.
That said, it's nice-looking, I think. It's chunky, but fluid. And it certainly has a character to it. Not bad. But not quite what I was expecting.
I wonder what the interior looks like. And will this have a new generation of hydropneumatic suspension?
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Colin Smith 2:40PM (2/05/2009)
Just another three door hatch with an iconic name glued on.
Perfectly fine I'm sure, but not divine.
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Level 2:41PM (2/05/2009)
a very good looking car...
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zamafir 2:55PM (2/05/2009)
So that's what an FJ hatch would look like. Very nice, it actually works, kind of a bulldog cute sorta car.
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Alex 2:55PM (2/05/2009)
I like the looks of this car, but i have to agree with the others. Hardly deserves the DS moniker.
that said, i would definintely consider it if it was sold state-side.
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chemistrusaz 2:57PM (2/05/2009)
Its a non retro mini copper. Its really cool looking.
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MajorGeek 3:04PM (2/05/2009)
+1
bvz 9:49PM (2/05/2009)
funny, I had a similar thought...
Like a clubman and a fiesta had a love child...
Vik 9:09AM (2/06/2009)
It's Cooper, not copper
gerrrg 3:11PM (2/05/2009)
Oh damn. This is 100000x better looking than anything Kia has ever put out, including the Soul.
I lust over this Citroen.
:O
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Richard 3:11PM (2/05/2009)
Certainly not deserving of the "DS" nameplate, IMO.
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pmalloy4391 3:17PM (2/05/2009)
Am I the only one who sees pontiac vibe?
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leather bear 3:18PM (2/05/2009)
The flipping sound I heard in the background while reading this article must have been Flaminio Bertoni spinning in his grave.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flaminio_Bertoni
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Soccer Mom 3:29PM (2/05/2009)
Too bad we will not see it here. It would have been nice to have a variety of good-looking small cars that don't scream "I am a result of cost cutting".
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Tony C 3:39PM (2/05/2009)
Nothing for me to say but GORGEOUS!
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lorincdm 4:15PM (2/05/2009)
Jesus Christ! It's an insult to the name!
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