New here and needing some advice regards DS3 DStyle Auto

[DibbleCorse]

Afternoon all

We are looking at getting a new car, currently running a Mini Cooper Auto convertible but want something just a tad bigger and more practical, so we are seriouslyconsidering the DS3 DStyle Auto but can't find any info / reviews anywhere or real world views on the DS3 as an Auto.

So just looking to see if anyone here has one, or has had one, want to know whats good or bad about them, all info welcomed.

I know the manual is the purists choice but in a hatchback the driving position makes it a no no due to an artificial kneecap, its fine in low down cars such as my current Boxster (don't worry I'm not showing off, its a a 1998 R reg 2.5 that I suspect most DS3's could keep up with ) and my old Alfa Spider and Celica.

I look forward to hearing your views ...

Dibs

[Jimbob]

Welcome

Someone will be along soon as there are some auto's on here. Several people on a trip to France so check by Mon night. Meanwhile check the search function.
(me=two knee replacements and thrashing a manual!!!)

JB

[solent60]

Hi Dibs.

I took charge of a brand new DS3 DStyle auto 4-weeks ago today! She's so new that I've only done 872 miles so far.

Funnily enough, I was aiming to do a review on here because I could not find any reviews or help whatsoever on the internet regarding the automatic DS3. Thousands of reviews exist for manual DS3's of all types - but try finding one for the automatic cousin! Rarer than an honest politician!

I only have an automatic license due to contracting polio when I was a few months old. I have owned many automatic cars during my 25-years driving, so I do know the good from the bad. I don't need any adaptations at all - although I do drive with my left leg as opposed to the right. Other than that - no problem!

I have always loved the look of the DS3. When it came to choosing a new car recently, I had a personal shortlist of just 3 ; the Audi A1, the Seat Leon FR, and the DS3. I test drove them all - and the DS3 actually & honestly did win hands down. The A1 was overpriced (I thought) - and the Leon FR was great to drive - but very dull in the cabin & just wasn't....fun! So, I opted for the DS3 which - if I'm being totally honest - my heart was set on before I taking the other 2 out for a test drive.

My last car was a Ford Fiesta 1.4 Titanium auto which I had for 3 1/2 years from new. A nice car - and certainly a lovely drive - but I found the 1.4 both underpowered & very thirsty, averaging around 35 mpg at best under normal driving conditions. The first thing I have to say about the DS3 auto is the excellent mpg when compared to the Fiesta! It may have a bigger engine (1.6 as opposed to a 1.4), but so far - bearing in mind I have only covered 872-miles from new, it is averaging around the 40/41 mpg mark - exactly as stated by Citroen themselves in all the glossy brochures! This has been very pleasing - especially with the cost of unleaded being what it is nowadays. As the engine becomes ultimately run in, I expect to see a very slight improvement further still.

The gear change is incredibly smooth too Dibs. I have had auto gearboxes before that have been too eager to change, too jerky, totally misconfigured by the cars' computer to change too soon/too late, etc. In the DS3, you can tell the Citroen engineers & technicians set the auto box to change exactly when required & this results in a very smooth change indeed - even under demanding conditions. As you're probably aware, there is also a "Sport" button mode. This is fun when pressed - and it does exactly what it says on the tin! It makes the gearbox change up/down quicker & means a faster acceleration and additional "pace" for as & when you need it... or if you find yourself out and about on a winding country road & fancy some driving fun whilst putting her through some fast corners or winding lanes under a bit more aggression! The DS3 won't let you down. Every gear change is very smooth - whichever mode you're in. As for power ; the 1.6 is a damn fine engine! It is perfect for such a small car. If you need to overtake - the power is there... even in the auto. When you need to stop - it has discs all round. One thing's for sure ; it is such a beautiful-looking, well-made, powerful little car that a big broad grin comes as standard whenever you climb behind the wheel! Of all the cars I have owned over the years, never have I had one that ticks each & every box, is soooo much fun to drive, and one which makes me want to drive every single day - even if it's just down to the local shop for a loaf of bread & the daily paper! And remember ; all this in an automatic!!!

Any questions Dibs - fire away. I do know there are others on here with the auto DS3, so they will probably help out a little more with their views/opinions. I would have no reservations whatsoever in recommending the auto DS3 to anyone. As I type this & think of her sitting outside on the drive right now - sport yellow, black roof, 17"-inch black Bellone alloys, chrome wings mirrors.... ... I just want to grab my keys & take her out for a quick spin as the sun starts to set here in sunny Hampshire - just for the sheer fun of it!



:-)

[Holden]

Great review solent60,

i have never been interested in auto, drove a Jeep for a little while with auto and hated it haha, none the less a great read and another positive remark for the much loved DS3,

amazing colour too

[ivorex]

I have an auto DS3, I have had it for over a year now and agree with everthing that Solent60 has said, I have a license to drive manual or auto and I usually buy auto's as a matter of choice, the DS3 auto box is one of the best that I have driven, the engine has plenty of poke and the car performs just as well as my previous Citroen C5 Exclusive. So yes, you will enjoy driving the auto especially in a City like Southampton, full of traffic lights meaning lots of gear changing that you do not have to do, and on the open road plenty of power and a smooth ride to provide an effortless journey. Enjoy!

[DibbleCorse]

Gents, thanks. some fantastic info there, and especially to Solent for the great and lengthy write up, now looking for one to demo

[solent60]

Gents, thanks. some fantastic info there, and especially to Solent for the great and lengthy write up, now looking for one to demo

Happy to help Dibs. Anything else you want to know ; just fire away. I should have added in my review that another "bonus" of owning/driving a DS3 is that you will get a lot of attention! People will point at the car whenever you drive past. Other motorists will come up to you and say things like "Nice car. What is it?". Heads will turn when you drive along busy high streets with lots of pedestrians. You will get plenty of people walking past whenever it's parked... and take a good look at it - inside & out. And in traffic jams - many drivers will you at you with envy at your beautiful French acquisition! There are cars - and then there's the DS3. ;-)

[CE11 LDB]

I have a C3 Exclusive Auto same engine and gearbox as the DS3. Ive put 5,500 miles on it in nearly 2 years.

Best mpg ive had is 49mpg and around town and in cold weather 28mpg

[NikiT]

Hi I have a D-styler auto since Dec last year and have had no problems with it

[THE_EGG]

I had a DStyle auto vti120 before my thp155 and I really liked it and I became familiar to how to get the most from that gearbox. My only gripe was that I think 4 gears was 1 or 2 too little. I thought at motorway speeds (110km/h) it was a little noisy from the engine revving a bit higher than I thought was needed. But it wasn't unpleasant or anything just a bit noticeable. Kick-down and manual control was excellent as well. And surprisingly sport mode actually does what it says and makes it feel a little sportier.

[Jonbays]

My wife has a C3 Auto (4 speed fully automatic with torque convertor not automated manual) and I have a DS3 THP manual and I feel exactly the same when driving her car on the freeway as I am always trying to change up as it sounds too busy in fourth on the motorway. I agree the Sport mode is a real sports mode the first real sports mode I have found in an automatic that lives up to it's name. I might be fussy but the gear changes aren't anywhere near as smooth as I would like them particularly 1-2nd but kick down is pleasantly responsive.

I had a DStyle auto vti120 before my thp155 and I really liked it and I became familiar to how to get the most from that gearbox. My only gripe was that I think 4 gears was 1 or 2 too little. I thought at motorway speeds (110km/h) it was a little noisy from the engine revving a bit higher than I thought was needed. But it wasn't unpleasant or anything just a bit noticeable. Kick-down and manual control was excellent as well. And surprisingly sport mode actually does what it says and makes it feel a little sportier.

[CE11 LDB]

My wife has a C3 Auto (4 speed fully automatic with torque convertor not automated manual) and I have a DS3 THP manual and I feel exactly the same when driving her car on the freeway as I am always trying to change up as it sounds too busy in fourth on the motorway. I agree the Sport mode is a real sports mode the first real sports mode I have found in an automatic that lives up to it's name. I might be fussy but the gear changes aren't anywhere near as smooth as I would like them particularly 1-2nd but kick down is pleasantly responsive.

I know what you mean as I have the C3 Auto. I had a C2 1.6i 5 Speed SensoDrive previously and I do miss that gearbox.

[Jonbays]

Over here in Aus until late last year you could get a DS3 THP 6 speed manual or 4 speed auto 1.6 VTI but then they dropped the fully auto for the 5 speed automated manual with the paddles but only with the little 1.4 VTI which while still fun to drive just isn't fast enough and does lack torque.