Carbuyer Awards 2011: Citroen DS3 Is Best Hot Hatch

PARIS – March 10, 2011: Not one to rest on its laurels, Citroen’s DS3 has added to its heady collection of plaudits with the title of ‘Best Hot Hatch’ in the inaugural CarBuyer Car of the Year awards.

The turbocharged DS3 DSport 150 was singled out for special attention by the expert panel of road testers and reviewers as “great value” and a model that “will also make plenty of sense once its showroom shine has begun to fade, thanks to Citroën’s affordable service plan and maintenance costs.”

The first model in the distinctively styled DS line, DS3 has already won a number of important honours in its first year on sale, including TopGear magazine’s ‘Car of the Year’ and Fifth Gear’s ‘Small Car of the Year’.

CarBuyer said; “Hot hatches are emotive things, and Citroën’s DS3 stirred plenty of passion among our judges.

By combining smart looks, lively performance and entertaining handling in such an affordable package, Citroën has crafted the sharpest go-faster supermini around.”

Linda Jackson, Citroën UK’s Managing Director, commented; “Once again, DS3 has proved to be a winner with the critics, as it has been with the public. Its distinctive personality makes it a standout model in every way.”

The latest addition to the DS3 family, the special edition 207hp DS3 Racing, landed in the UK in February. Developed by the six-time World Rally Championship winning team, Citroën Racing, DS3 Racing delivers power and performance (0-62mph in 6.5secs) with efficiency (44.1mpg combined cycle fuel economy) and environmental consideration (149g/km CO2).