The Citroën DS 3 (Phase I) 1.4 HDi 70 hp FAP was a popular entry-level variant of Citroën’s stylish supermini, produced between 2010 and 2014. Positioned as an affordable and economical option within the DS 3 range, it aimed to attract buyers seeking a fashionable and fuel-efficient city car. This model was a key component of Citroën’s strategy to introduce a more premium and design-focused image to its compact car lineup, leveraging the success of the larger DS series. The DS 3 itself was based on the PF1 platform, shared with the Peugeot 207 and Citroën C2, but distinguished itself through unique styling and a more sophisticated interior.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | DS3 |
| Generation | DS 3 (Phase I) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 HDi (70 Hp) FAP |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.5 l/100 km (62.8 UK mpg, 52.3 US mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.4 l/100 km (83.1 UK mpg, 69.2 US mpg, 29.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.8 l/100 km (74.3 UK mpg, 61.9 US mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 99 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 163 km/h (101.28 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 70 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 50.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 2000 rpm (118.01 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 8HR DV4C |
| Engine displacement | 1398 cm3 (85.31 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73.7 mm (2.9 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1070 kg (2358.95 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1553 kg (3423.78 lbs.) |
| Max load | 483 kg (1064.83 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 285 l (10.06 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 980 l (34.61 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 70 kg (154.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 700 kg (1543.24 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 570 kg (1256.63 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 46 kg (101.41 lbs.) |
| Length | 3948 mm (155.43 in.) |
| Width | 1715 mm (67.52 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2004 mm (78.9 in.) |
| Height | 1458-1483 mm (57.4 – 58.39 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2464 mm (97.01 in.) |
| Front track | 1465-1468 mm (57.68 – 57.8 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1467-1471 mm (57.76 – 57.91 in.) |
| Front overhang | 824 mm (32.44 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 660 mm (25.98 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.2 m (33.46 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Elastic beam |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The DS 3 1.4 HDi 70 hp FAP was powered by the PSA Group’s 8HR (DV4C) engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine was a mainstay in many small Citroën and Peugeot models of the era. It featured a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The engine utilized a diesel common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at high pressure for improved combustion and reduced emissions. The ‘FAP’ designation indicates the presence of a Diesel Particulate Filter, a crucial component for meeting Euro 5 emission standards. The engine’s valvetrain consisted of two valves per cylinder (SOHC). The 5-speed manual transmission was the only gearbox option available with this engine, prioritizing fuel economy over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4 HDi 70 hp engine provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. With 70 horsepower and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque, acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 12.8 seconds, and top speed was approximately 101 mph. The engine’s strength lay in its low-end torque, making it suitable for urban driving and overtaking at lower speeds. However, it could feel strained when pushed hard, particularly on inclines or when fully loaded. The 5-speed gearbox was well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, offering reasonable gear spacing. Compared to the more powerful DS 3 variants, such as the 1.6 THP petrol engines, the 1.4 HDi felt significantly slower, but it offered a substantial advantage in fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 HDi 70 hp typically represented the entry point to the DS 3 range. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD player with auxiliary input, and ABS brakes. Safety features such as driver and passenger airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels, such as DSport and DSign, added features like alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a more premium interior trim. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a navigation system. The interior typically featured cloth upholstery and a functional, if somewhat basic, dashboard layout.
Chassis & Braking
The DS 3 1.4 HDi utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and an elastic beam rear suspension. This setup provided a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were drums, a cost-saving measure common in entry-level models. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a relatively soft ride, but it could exhibit some body roll during cornering. The steering was light and easy to use, making it well-suited for city driving.
Market Reception & Comparison
The DS 3 1.4 HDi 70 hp was well-received by critics as an economical and stylish city car. Its fuel economy – around 62 mpg combined – was a major selling point. However, some reviewers criticized its lack of power, particularly when compared to the more potent petrol variants. Compared to rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, the DS 3 offered a more distinctive design and a more premium feel, but its performance was generally lower. The 1.4 HDi was often seen as a sensible choice for drivers prioritizing fuel efficiency and low running costs over outright performance.
Legacy
The 8HR DV4C engine, while generally reliable, is known to require regular maintenance, particularly regarding the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). DPF issues can arise from frequent short journeys where the filter doesn’t have a chance to regenerate. The engine itself is relatively robust, but potential issues can include injector failure and turbocharger wear. On the used car market, the DS 3 1.4 HDi 70 hp remains an affordable option, appealing to buyers seeking a stylish and economical supermini. Its relatively low running costs and readily available parts contribute to its continued popularity, though potential buyers should be aware of the potential DPF-related issues and ensure the vehicle has been properly maintained.
