New Citroen Is A Real Head-Turner

As a motoring journalist you get access to new cars well before the general public. I’m used to the stares that inevitably come with driving vehicles that aren’t easily identifiable. I well remember being in the UK’s first Smart city car a decade ago, and pedestrians literally stopping slack-jawed as I buzzed past. I parked it outside a shop in North London and when I came back five minutes later there was a crowd of probably 10 people around it. I even got pulled over by the police once who wanted to inspect the interior of the new Chrysler Crossfire. In recent memory not much has caused such a stir – until last week when I drove the new Citroen DS3. As with all the best head- turners, it’s a model that looks like nothing else. People see the car, then you can follow their gaze as they check out the bonnet or boot badge. Citroen and sister company Peugeot are in the process of reinventing themselves from a design perspective. Together they have had some pretty ordinary cars in last decade, but as new industrial processes allow styling to get more flamboyant, they’re taking advantage. The DS3 is an excellent example. Personally I think it looks great but not everyone agrees. I’d be interested in your thoughts. Prices start at £11k. Would you buy one?