Citroen DS3 Cabrio Carpool

The car Citroen DS3 D-Sport Cabriolet

The price From $32,990 plus on-road costs

Vital statistics 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder; 115kW/240Nm; 6-speed manual; FWD; 5.9L/100km and 137g/km CO2

Why we're driving it

Citroen has just added a new open-air model to its funky DS3 range. We tested the D-Sport version (D-Style model shown above).

Likes

Sweet little 1.6-litre engine punches above its weight, with excellent power through the rev-range and smooth delivery. Slinky six-speed manual shift action. Steering has good feel to it and turns in eagerly. The design hasn’t been ruined by the addition of the roof. Nice exhaust note. Roof operates up to freeway speeds. Interior is relatively ruffle-free at high speeds. Has five seats rather than four. Boot is the same size as the hatchback version (245 litres). Has sat-nav standard. Classy interior presentation.

Dislikes

Doesn’t feel as rigid as, say, a VW Golf Cabriolet over bumpy sections of road, with flex and some wobble through the steering column. Poor rearward vision with the roof all the way down. Back seat not suitable for taller occupants. It’s not a ‘proper’ convertible and the roof operation takes three pushes of a button to close. No reversing camera. External noise intrusion is noticeable with the roof in place.

Would I buy one?

There’s not much competition for it - a Fiat 500C is a size smaller and only available in automatic, Mini’s Cooper Cabriolet is much dearer - particularly the Cooper S, and VW’s Golf drop-top is bigger and more expensive. Sure, it’s no Mazda MX-5 to drive, but it’s a suitably warm drop-top just in time for the summer months.