It’s the Citroen DS3 Cabrio

Citroen has revealed the DS3 Cabrio, an open-top version of the very good DS3. Debuts at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

We did expect the Citroen DS3 Cabrio to come with the ‘Airflow’ badge attached, but Citroen has decided to keep it simple, so DS3 Cabrio it is.

Interestingly, this isn’t really a cabriolet in the sense you’d expect, with the folding roof being more of a full-length landaulette; a pretentious sunroof, if you like.

Going a similar route to the road driven by the Fiat 500C does have advantages, however. For starters, the costs involved are a lot lower and the structural rigidity is much greater with the roof pillars still in place.

There’s also just a small weight increase over the DS3 hatch – just 25kg – and you can stick the roof up or down even on the motorway.

But perhaps the biggest plus is that the DS3 Cabrio retains – roof up – the floating roof silhouette of the hatch, and that’s a good thing because the DS3 is one of the best looking cars on the market (although its looks are a bit colour dependant).

Other changes for the DS3 Cabrio include a new set of LED tail lights (which are inspired by the Revolte and Survolt concepts), a slightly smaller boot with a circular opening mechanism for easy opening even in tight spaces and all new upholstery.

The DS3 Cabrio debuts at Paris next month and Citroen say it will go on sale in early 2013.

By Cars UK