► DS Performance Line revealed
► Cosmetic tweaks for existing models
► No chassis or engine upgrades
It’s been a sporty year for DS, with the Citroen offshoot bagging its first ever Formula E win in Buenos Aires, unveiling a high-performance electric car concept and launching hot versions of its DS3 and DS3 Cabrio.
So what to do with all this racy stock? Reinvest it in the customer cars, of course, by introducing a line of models with go-faster looks – selling the dream of the above without the associated costs. Well, that and continue to attempt to convince people that ‘DS’ is still a brand in its own right, of course.
The DS Performance Line, according to DS, ‘will offer all the fundamental ingredients of a grand tourer, namely style and driving pleasure.’
Sounds expensive…
Not so. As with Peugeot’s GT Line and Ford’s new ST Line, the new DS trim offers customers with a beer budget the chance to drive something that looks like a champagne car.
The line will be available on DS3 hatchback and Cabrio, DS4 and DS5, and sits between the two current trims called Elegance and Prestige.
Prices have yet to be confirmed but DS estimates a starting figure of £17,900 for the DS3, £21,600 for the DS4 and £30,000 for the DS5.
What do I get for my money?
An exclusive collection of colours including Batman’s French-holiday rental-spec – a stealthy two-tone black with matching gloss black wheels.
Bold optional paint choices like Arctic Steel and Ruby Red also sound like Gotham villains, while more muted tones – including four (four!) shades of grey – are also available.
This is all offset against the door mirrors, rear spoiler and bonnet, which pick up the DS Performance Line contrast colours of white, gold and carmine red.
Any changes inside?
You’ll sit on new leather and Dinamica cloth seat upholstery with a DS Performance Line emblem, and the door panels, gear lever and steering wheel are picked out with coloured stitching.
Different grained or Nappa leather is available as an option, and some cars come with metallic cabin highlights and metallic door sills.
Gadget-wise, all models now offer LED interior lighting, plus there are LED headlamps on the DS4 and DS5.
Can we expect Formula E tech under the bonnet?
Actual performance remains the same, as the DS Performance Line draws from the existing stable of engines.
That means PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesels, ranging from the frugal 99bhp oil-burner in the DS3 to the thumping 208bhp THP unit found in the DS4 and DS5.
Fancy it? You can get your order in for a DS Performance Line car from 1 October.
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