DS3 Test Citroen 1.6 THP 150 Hp

Formula for success
The advertising slogan for this model focuses on one word "antiretro", this means that when developing the DS3 have preferred a fresh start and do not draw on any model of the past to no limitations are imposed, a very successful for make optimum use of space. But to name this new series, chose the name of one of our most distinguished of its past: the Citroen DS, known as Shark in Spain and launched in 1955. Leaving aside this small advertising minor contradiction, these two letters are the beginning of a new series of models that are situated just a step above current C models, that is to be come a DS4 and DS5 during 2011. The first thing almost everyone says to see the DS3 is "reminds me of the Mini. " Actually that is the objective pursued by the French brand. Citroen have been well studied in its jurisdiction of Alfa, Fiat or Mini and have selected the most interesting and best work of all of them to produce the first offspring of a new generation of Citroen with aspirations Premium
More quality
As we sat in the DS3 we find higher quality materials than usual, everywhere we look we appreciate all you are good fits and higher quality plastic than the average. Being based on the platform of the Citroen C3 we can say that space is quite reasonable and well spent. Maybe the ceiling lower than the C3 you to lose height for passengers but the fact of not being inspired by models of the past, like its rivals, allows them to offer more space. In the rear of the DS3 two adults can sit comfortably and three a bit tight. The design of the dashboard collapsed on the right side located right where the glove makes it can scratch a few inches for releasing the rear seat passenger of the right if necessary. We have not seen other interior finish DS3 but what is clear is that the Sport trim we can not find a single hit. The whole design of the box, console and various finishes are really good, worthy of a sports car of a higher segment. All controls and knobs have a solid feel and appearance to raise questions why not make all to these aesthetic parameters and quality.Citroen
The range
The starting price for the DS3 is of 15,100 euros. This corresponds to the version of 1.4 liters gasoline of 95 horses. The rest of the cast is completed by the motor 1.6 of 120 and 150 horsepower, the latter is the one that illustrates our test and its price rises to 19,700 euros. For diesel mechanics is the starting price of 17,700 euros, 1.6 HDI 90 hp. The ceiling on price range puts 110 hp version with 20,000 euros. The standard features from the basic version, 8 airbags, ESP, traction control, gear shift indicator, regulator, speed limiter, etc, but we can also add a huge variety of customization options. Along with the four colors available for the roof: black, white, blue and brown in the interior can choose from eight in the dashboard. mirrors chrome, different finishes for the exterior of the body paint and adhesives for the roof; leopard, polka dots are some of them. The front LED lights are also part of the optional and at extra cost of 260 euros. Other options such as the browser they are included within a large aid package that includes the parking and air conditioning among many other extras, is priced at 1,874 euros.
Driving behavior
Although the base of DS3 is the humble C3, driving has little to do between them. It is evident throughout the range DS and especially in this version, which puts Citroen special care to provide stability over the medium and the rest of its range, an effort that seeks to turn the leadership of the DS3 in fun and effective. The optional 17-inch tires on our unit information transmitted to the steering wheel just to realize its full potential. The management of all controls necessary and welcome. Touch and developments gearbox six-speed is complemented perfectly with the 150 horses of THP by the wisdom of their developments. On the road the sound is very contained, it shows the new insulation, and only if you force them to have some fun, hear the welcome roar of the engine, which, in our view does not seem upset.
The heart
The mechanics of this DS3 derived directly from the mounted by the Mini Cooper S and is developed jointly with BMW. The engine is a 150 horsepower 1.6-liter turbo and variable valve timing. Soft quiet and mostly fun. We tried this same mechanism installed in the Peugeot 5008 and we were surprised by its good performance and sports performance in spite of talking about a minivan over 1,500 kilos. The push into the DS3 starts from just 1,500 rpm, maximum torque is offered from 1,200, and most surprising is the ease with rises of turns, acceleration from zero to 100 kilometers per hour is 7 3 seconds. In town is very pleasant because of this quality and do not need to play around with the change to move at a pace slow and jerk never even go with some more progress.
The most exciting part comes when we change of scenery and to highways or even better, winding roads. The suspension is perfectly complemented by the motor and thus the cornering speed is very high. Much more stable than a C3, the DS3 is not balanced in strong support. Along with the lower roll and the seats offer a proper grip on the sporty, the result is a model very fun to drive, but nothing demanding cash for smooth power delivery. It is not a violent thrust in any case, it would be more fun yet, but very steady and grateful to be from a few laps.
Rivals
The DS3 is a difficult pattern to classify a segment but what is clear is that among his potential rivals in the B segment, the DS3 does stand out with their extra contribution of personality and originality. Models like the Mini, the Fiat Cinquecento or the Alfa MiTo are the three that share the philosophy of DS3 at tremendous burden of personality they have. The largest are the DS3 Citroen and Alfa Mito followed by the Mini and Cinquecento. These last drag the "burden" of having to respect the lines of their ancestors and are limited in space for reasons of design. As for the particular model of our test, the THP, compare it to his nearest rival those listed above, the Mini. The Citroen faces without complexes and with the confidence they give their weapons: more spacious, both trunk, almost double, and passengers, and also fun to drive though the Mini sets the bar very high. The DS3 others to have slightly lower prices is somewhat less sporty but not enough to complexed compared to Mini. However, the Mini has an excellent reputation and resale value higher than the DS3 and the other rivals. The other contender, Alfa MiTo is also a tough opponent to take into account, space, money and have a design full of character.
We will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of the racing version of DS3 200 horses for comparison with the Mini JCW similar power. Two small pumps 200 horsepower, less than four meters and just over a thousand kilos of weight, numbers that sound very well.

Classic Car Pricing

The worthiness of the classic car is decided not only by its type. There are also other factors that influence the prices which could make the difference from a reasonable cost along with a not so attractive price. The dilemma comes with the territory for both buyers and sellers. That's why either you choose to purchase a classic car or recycle for cash one you ought to have a concept of the way a classic car's value is estimated.
The process is similar to the method accustomed to price any other car, but there are a few differences that make pricing a bit more complex. First of all you should know there are a lot of guides that you could buy or access online that can help you determine the right price. These guides consider the year, the model and the condition of the car and offer an idea of the cost you need to ask or consider to pay.
Secondly, you should attempt to locate just as much information as possible about the systems accustomed to rate classic cars. The most typical methods are the 6 category system and the 100 points system. The first considers six types of conditions that comprise this type of car. Each one of the categories will be rated with a number from 1 to six, where 1 means best condition and 6 worst possible condition. The 100 points system approaches the subject slightly differently, given that 100 points should be granted for any car in perfect condition. Any type of flaws create a loss of points that is proportional towards the severity of the issue.
Thirdly, you need to pick one from the systems described above, the one which best suits your vehicle which makes pricing the classic car an easier task for you. To do so, you should take a goal consider the interior and also the outside of the vehicle. Performance and mechanical issues ought to be also part of your agenda, since it will determine if your vehicle is functional. That aspect will reflect the cost!
Moreover, if you discover that the car is really a rare or perhaps a unique car you should consider a greater price. Usually, those cars which are harder to locate or happen to be produced at their time in a limited edition tend to be more valuable the greater common ones. That's why you should give consideration and look for special designs, classic car and truck accessories or colors which make your car unique.
Last, but not least you should never forget to add extra value if your car has any original or authentic car features or parts. In case your car is not restored whatsoever or if perhaps a few of the parts were replaced you need to know that the prices are usually higher. The originality can refer to the paint from the car in order to important areas of the vehicle, like the engine. Either way, car collectors is going to be thrilled to listen to such good news and will be willing to pay the extra dollar.
Pricing this type of car can prove to be a serious task. Nowadays, with the development of the market for those, car collectors are curious about proofs of originality. But no matter the situation, any classic car deserves a fair deal there are a lot of tools that can help you receive the cost right.

Ford Freestar

When I heard that Ford was coming out with a Freestar with OE Wheel Covers to cover the rims that were on winter tires, I thought it was going to be something like a Mustang - but boy was I wrong. The Freestar is a van! I never would've guessed..

When the Freestar came out, Ford had no idea that Moms have such high expectations for minivans! I think they learned the hard way. When it came out, Ford had no idea that their sales were going to be so disappointing. The only thing that Ford should be really proud of is that when it came to the safety in this van, they did extremely well - I think that this includes the testing of the winter rims on the van. The Freestar had received five perfect stars in NHTSA frontal crash tests; so you know that Moms all over were thrilled about this.

The moms who bought the van with were safe because of different features like standard stability control and optional side curtain airbags - but this wasn't enough to sell it. It didn't accelerate as fast as expected and wasted a lot of gas; which is something that no one wants with gas prices these days. It didn't have very good handling and didn't have a very impressive cabin.. so I guess I can see why its sales didn't do as well as expected.

These are the three trims:

-The SE trim was pretty standard: it had the air conditioning, the power accessories, the factory hubcaps on the snow rims - and things like that.
-The SEL was the one that had the tri-zone air-conditioning, a power driver seat, and the second-row captain's chairs.. which is pretty intense for a minivan.
-Now the Limited Edition was what everyone wanted - I figure if they're going to do something, might as well do it big. The Limited edition minivan had the chrome wheels on the winter tires, a leather upholster, and automatic climate control.

There were two different engines offered on the van: A 3.9-liter V6 was for the SE and it offered 93 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque; so, wouldn't you say that's a lot of torque just for a van? Both the SEL and Limited models had a 4.2-liter V6 that produced 201 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.

When you first look at it, you'd think that the inside looks like it's great; but when you start looking closer and closer, that's not the case at all. The material looked nice but when you touched it, it wasn't as nice as it looked; the leg room in the second row was extremely crapped - not to mention that the second row seats were extremely difficult to remove.

It just makes me wonder, if there was a van as faulty as this one, Ford must have some market directors that are really good and really convincing. From what I can tell, the only good things that came from the van are the Hubcaps & the winter rims that the hubcaps were on. Sure it was something that Moms really wanted because of the grading the NHTSA gave it, but what about the gas and stuff? And how much room their kids were going to have if they have long legs and just so happen to sit in the back?