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The Citroen DS3 Cabriolet mixes old with new

We all know the Citroen DS3 is a very good car, it was a runaway hit when it was launched, taking on BMW's sainted Mini and holding its own. The convertible version has hit showrooms, and it borrows more than just a name from Citroen's past.

Alex Goy Editor / Roadshow
Alex Goy is an editor for Roadshow. He loves all things on four wheels and has a penchant for British sports cars - the more impractical the better. He also likes tea.
Alex Goy
2 min read
Watch this: The Citroen DS3 Cabriolet mixes old with new

I like the Citroen DS3. It's a happy little car, it looks good and with the right engine under the hood it goes pretty well, too. The only thing that irks me is its lack of useable cup holders. You do get one, but it's shallower than Paris Hilton and therefore useless. Oh, and some of the plastics are a bit shiny. As an alternative to a Mini it's a winner for many though. Presumably they don't like coffee.

Citroen, in 2013, decided to give the DS3 some extra headroom and created the Cabriolet. Rather than making a "normal" convertible, Citroen has scalped the DS3. In doing so, it's kept the hatch's slinky profile but given it a sunroof that goes all the way back. A sunroof you can open at 75 mph, I hasten to add.

Going the scalping route also means the DS3 stays stiff, so it's still just as fun to drive as its hard top sibling.

The DS cars borrow their name from the legendary Citroen DS -- a car that was way ahead of its time. Some argue that slapping the name on "normal" hatch is a little wrong, trading on a name that isn't fitting. But what Citroen's done is create a car that offers a little bit of luxury and refinement where other hatches simply offer a lump of "car."

The Cabriolet doesn't only borrow from the DS' heritage, though. It also takes from the equally legendary 2CV. There was a cabriolet version of that, too. And it came with a roof that scalped the car as well.

So as well as creating a car that's good to drive, good looking and good fun, Citroen has also made a car that does its heritage justice.