This is the Citroën DS3 Racing, a 204bhp, 1.6-litre turbo’d hot hatch that's a new chapter in the French maker’s fresh-faced DS range.
It may be an evolution of the 154bhp DS3, but the alterations wrought to it by Citroën Racing – who have earned themselves some significant silverware in the WRC – are enough to drag it up into a more serious class of hot hatch.
With 15mm lower ride, 30mm wider track, bigger brakes and carbonfibre body addenda the DS3 Racing has already proved that its aggressive looks are matched by its aggressive performance. Citroën quotes 0-62mph in 6.5sec and a top speed of 146mph.
The DS3 Racing's brakes have received some attention too, with four-piston calipers and upgraded discs at the front. Two distinctive exterior colour combinations are also offered, one black with an orange roof and the other white with a grey roof, and the DS3 Racing also features plenty of Citroën Racing branding. Kit levels are ample and include climate control, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
Well, to get straight to the point, out on the road the DS3 Racing's ride is firm. Enough that it’s a compromise that some may not want to take given the many talents of the softer, cheaper and more liveable DS3. It’s not rock solid as you may expect, but the vertical damper travel has a solid springiness to it that results in uncomfortable compression and rebound at speeds.