2015 Citroen DS3 Cabrio THP 165 DSport first drive

A new version of Citroën’s distinctive DS3 cabriolet that benefits from a revamped 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and myriad equipment upgrades.

The engine is based on the existing THP 155 unit but has been upgraded in order to boost output and efficiency. This has been achieved thanks to tweaks that include increased fuel pressure, a modified turbocharger and a new stop-start system.

On paper, the net result of Citroën’s efforts look decidedly worthwhile. The outgoing THP 155 produced 154bhp and 177lb ft, while returning combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg and emitting 137g/km of CO2.

The revised THP 165, on the other hand, produces a higher 161bhp while averaging 50.4mpg and emitting a lower 129g/km of CO2. Peak torque of 177lb ft remains unchanged but is offered over a wider rev range than before, promising to improve the DS3’s driveability.

Also offered on the new DS3 is an automatic emergency city braking system, new LED and xenon headlamps and a selection of assistance and connectivity packages.

Citroën’s DS3 is, much as it always was, a pleasing car to drive. The steering is precise and fluid, the control weights light, the brakes suitably strong and the ride – despite 17-inch alloys and sports suspension – tolerable, albeit a little harsh through potholes.

The new THP 165 engine retains the smooth, willing nature of its predecessor and still sounds suitably sporting, with a pleasing burble during hard acceleration – and an audible cycling of the dump valve when you lift off.

It’s a very tractable engine as well, pulling heartily from low speeds in second gear, and its newfound punch is notable.

There’s a lot to like inside, too. There’s plenty of space in the front, comfortable seats, a powerful heater and a proper clutch foot rest. The steering wheel adjusts for height and reach, and finding a suitable seating position is easy.

Generally the cabin feels well built and the materials are of an appealing and tactile nature, but the lower down you go, the more harsh plastics you'll find. Rear visibility can be limited, too, particularly with the folding roof partially down.

With the roof down, on the plus side, the cabin remains comfortable. Even at motorway speeds it’s easy to hold a conversation with your passengers and there's not much in the way of buffeting.

Roof up, a little more of the outside world works its way into the cabin than it would in the equivalent fixed-roof model, but not to an intolerable degree.

Those looking for a compact cabriolet that can happily seat four adults should probably look elsewhere, though. The DS3 can seat two in the rear, but they will probably not want to remain there for long. A Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet is definitely a better choice if you regularly carry four or more.

Somewhat optimistically, there’s actually seating for three in the rear, but that’s probably only best attempted if the occupants are happy to be intimate with each other.