Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroën |
| Model | DS3 |
| Generation | DS 3 (Phase I) Cabrio |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 e-HDi Airdream (90 Hp) ETG |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.5 l/100 km (67.2 US mpg, 80.7 UK mpg, 28.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 99 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.8 kg/Hp, 77.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm, 199.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1750 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 9HP DV6DTED |
| Engine displacement | 1560 cm3 (95.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.75 l (3.96 US qt | 3.3 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1155 kg (2546.34 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1639 kg (3613.38 lbs.) |
| Max load | 484 kg (1067.04 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 245 l (8.65 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 900 kg (1984.16 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 570 kg (1256.63 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 46 kg (101.41 lbs.) |
| Length | 3948 mm (155.43 in.) |
| Width | 1715 mm (67.52 in.) |
| Height | 1458-1483 mm (57.4 – 58.39 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2452 mm (96.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1465-1468 mm (57.68 – 57.8 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1467-1471 mm (57.76 – 57.91 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.2-10.4 m (33.46 – 34.12 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Elastic beam |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 195/55 R16; 205/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
The Citroën DS 3 Cabrio 1.6 e-HDi Airdream (90 hp) ETG was a front-wheel-drive, four-seater convertible produced between 2012 and 2014. It represented Citroën’s attempt to establish a foothold in the premium small car segment, offering a stylish and distinctive alternative to more mainstream competitors. This particular variant, powered by the 1.6-liter diesel engine paired with the automated manual ETG transmission, occupied the lower-mid range of the DS 3 Cabrio lineup, prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability over outright performance. It was part of the first generation (Phase I) of the DS 3, built on the PF1 platform, also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform shared with Peugeot and Citroën models.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the DS 3 Cabrio 1.6 e-HDi Airdream was the PSA Group’s DV6DTED engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine, identified by the code 9HP, featured a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. It utilized a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at high pressure for optimized combustion. The engine produced 90 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 230 Nm (169.64 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. The “e-HDi” designation indicated the inclusion of a Stop & Start system, designed to automatically shut off the engine when idling to conserve fuel. The ETG (Efficient Tronic Gearbox) was a five-speed automated manual transmission. It was essentially a conventional manual gearbox with robotic actuators controlling the clutch and gear changes. While marketed as an automatic, it lacked the smoothness of a traditional torque-converter automatic and could exhibit hesitant shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The 90 hp engine and ETG transmission combination in the DS 3 Cabrio provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 11.2 seconds, and the top speed was 111.85 mph. The ETG transmission, while improving fuel economy, often felt sluggish and lacked the responsiveness of a manual gearbox. Gear changes were noticeable, and the transmission could sometimes “hunt” for the right gear, particularly during uphill climbs. The relatively low power output meant that overtaking required careful planning. However, the engine’s strong low-end torque made it reasonably drivable in urban environments. The Cabriolet body style added weight compared to the standard hatchback, further impacting performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The DS 3 Cabrio 1.6 e-HDi Airdream (90 hp) ETG typically came with a decent level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD stereo with USB connectivity, and alloy wheels. Safety features such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and front airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels offered options like leather upholstery, automatic headlights and wipers, a panoramic sunroof, and a more advanced infotainment system. The interior featured a distinctive dashboard design with a wave-like motif, and the cabin was generally well-built with decent materials for its class.
Chassis & Braking
The DS 3 Cabrio utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and an elastic beam rear suspension. The Cabriolet version featured reinforced chassis components to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were drums. This configuration was typical for vehicles in this weight class and provided adequate stopping power for everyday driving. Electric power steering was standard, offering light and precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The DS 3 Cabrio 1.6 e-HDi Airdream (90 hp) ETG was generally well-received for its stylish design and fuel efficiency. Critics praised its distinctive looks and comfortable ride. However, the ETG transmission was a common point of criticism, with many reviewers finding it slow and jerky. Compared to the more powerful DS 3 variants, such as the 1.6 THP petrol engine, the 1.6 e-HDi offered significantly less performance but superior fuel economy. Against competitors like the Fiat 500C and MINI Convertible, the DS 3 Cabrio stood out with its more spacious interior and distinctive styling.
Legacy
The 1.6 e-HDi engine and ETG transmission combination proved to be relatively reliable, although the ETG gearbox did experience some issues with actuator failures and software glitches. Today, the DS 3 Cabrio 1.6 e-HDi Airdream (90 hp) ETG represents an affordable entry point into the DS 3 Cabrio ownership experience. Its fuel efficiency and relatively low running costs make it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish and economical convertible. However, potential buyers should be aware of the limitations of the ETG transmission and ensure it has been properly maintained.
