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Citroen's Next Move: The DS3

Citroen is expanding its avant-garde "DS line" of stylish vehicles. At the 2012 Paris Motor Show,Paris Motor Show DS3 Cabriowas unveiled. Additionally, the hybrid concept car "Numero 9" announced at the Beijing Motor Show represents Citroen's signature cutting-edge design. Meanwhile,the electric DS3is generating anticipation for its potential market release. Here is a report from the scene by Yasuhisa Shimashita, who covered the Citroen booth on press day.

Text by SHIMASHITA YasuhisaPhotographs by SHIMASHITA Yasuhisa & MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko

The Refinement and Edge of the DS3

With the DS line achieving over 250,000 sales worldwide, Citroen appears to be successfully progressing towards its stated goal of "moving into a higher market segment." The star of this show is the "DS3 Cabrio," an addition to the DS line's inaugural model, the "DS3."

Its most distinctive feature is a roof system that opens and closes from the soft top to the rear window, leaving the frame intact. This system can be operated freely while driving at speeds up to 120 km/h. With options like patterned soft tops, it's a stylish vehicle that truly impresses.

New models aimed at emerging markets were also revealed, exclusively on press day. The "C4 L," a sedan version of the "C4," and a compact sedan called the "C-Elysée" are both targeted at these markets. Simultaneously, Citroen plans to introduce the DS line in countries like China and Russia, aiming to cultivate new markets from both directions.

Further proposals for next-generation mobility were presented. While the electric vehicle "C-ZERO" is already on the market, the "DS3 Electrum" was announced as the next model. It features two electric motors, each producing 88 ps, driving the front wheels. The lithium-ion battery is supplied by Panasonic, offering a range of 120 km. Although its market release is undecided, the driving experience with two motors is intriguing.

Citroen showcased a wealth of other offerings, including a new three-cylinder engine and an updated "C3 Picasso" not available in Japan. We particularly hope for an early introduction of the DS3 Cabriolet.