Don’t matter if it’s black or white

Most people would almost certainly see Citroen’s DS3 as a car with a radical personality. But for some buyers, radical is merely a good start. It’s for these people that Citroen has lately created a couple of special editions, the DS3 Black and White.

Before we get into what makes these limited run models that bit different, time for a quick recap. The DS3 is a sporty little 3-door hatch that aims to take Citroen into the growing premium small car market where for so long, the MINI has reigned supreme. It’s certainly a bold car with beautiful design touches. From that ‘shark fin’ B-pillar and the contrasting roof panel to the vertical strips of LED running lights that flank the front grille and the distinct sill line connecting the wheelarches, the DS3 is ferociously unconventional. It has the look of a concept car but Citroen has built it and you can buy it.

The Black and White special editions retain all that visual drama - and add to it, probably the most striking addition being the roof stripes. Both versions also feature chrome door mirrors, dark tinted rear windows and front foglights. Move inside and it’s no less shocking. You may have never seen a white dashboard before - we hadn’t - but there’s one here along with white trim for the gearknob and trendy mood lighting and even a scented air freshener.

More familiar touches include air conditioning, electric mirrors, cruise control with a speed limiter, front electric windows and a Gear Efficiency Indicator to tell you when to change up for best fuel consumption returns.

Go for the Black special edition variant and you can also expect to find 17” ‘Bellone’ white diamond-tipped alloy wheels with black centre caps, plus Obsidian Black (where do they get these names?) pearlescent paint and ‘Mistral Rayados’ cloth inside.