Published: Aug 14, 2012

Citroen DS3 Cabrio Coming to Paris

The always fun DS3 is about to drop its top.

Citroen has seen solid success with their rally-inspired DS3 coupe. Launched in 2009 and named 2010 Car of the Year by Top Gear Magazine, the DS3 has sold well and has managed to bring younger customers into dealer showrooms. Classified as a supermini, it competes directly with the likes of the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Audi A1 - again neither of which are available to Americans. And that's a real shame because Auto Express is now reporting that a DS3 cabrio will be making its official debut at the Paris Motor Show this September.

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Although no official details have been announced by the French automaker, Auto Express is quite certain that it will feature a roll-back fabric roof similar to that of the Fiat 500C instead of the more conventional electric folding cloth top. This is a good move for two reasons: it prevents the usual weight gain that happens when turning a coupe into convertible and it will also be cheaper to build and therefore cheaper to sell. Expect to see 17-inch alloys and twin exhausts in the Sport trim along with the familiar 148 horsepower 1.6-liter turbo engine. A 1.6-liter diesel will also likely be offered and the car will go on sale sometime next year.

For now, here are some rendered images courtesy of Theophilus Chin (as well as a few pictures of the coupe). Although they don't have the supposed roll-back roof, we still think the DS3 looks great with a retractable top like that of the Mini Cooper Convertible.