Ateco chops DS3 prices as it axes Citroen

A SWITCH of distributor for French brand Citroen is paying short-term dividends for Australian car buyers as the current importer, Ateco Automotive, runs out stocks of DS3 light hatchbacks with discounts of up to $5000.

Ateco is set to hand the Citroen reins to another distributor – thought to be Sime Darby – on January 31, and in return has already taken on South Korea’s SsangYong.

Now, Ateco has started to clear the Citroen decks by announcing cut-price driveaway pricing for the two-model DS3 range.

The entry DS3 DStyle, powered by a 70kW/135Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine from BMW’s Mini, is out the door at $24,990 driveaway – $2000 cheaper than the $26,990 list price.

As well as free on-road costs, buyers get free options such as metallic paint and parking sensors, adding up to $3000 in extra value.

The deal also applies to the lustier DS3 DSport, powered by the 115kW/240Nm version of the 1.6-litre Mini engine. It is now priced at $27,990 driveaway, again $2000 cheaper than the list price.

The DS3 was the first of Citroen’s ‘DS’ sub-brand models designed to compete with more up-market European brands such as Mini and Audi.

The C3-based hatch arrived in Australia in 2010, but it has not set the world on fire, selling just 469 units to date.

The DStyle’s engine was switched from an 88kW unit to a cheaper, more fuel efficient and less powerful 70kW engine early this year, accompanied by a price cut from $32,990 to $26,990 in an effort to move more vehicles.

The DStyle comes standard with a four-speed automated gearbox, while the DSport is offered only with a six-speed manual.

DStyle standard equipment includes leather steering wheel, sports seats, MP3-compatible CD player with steering wheel controls, front fog lights, electric door mirrors, cruise control with speed limiter, six airbags, climate control, tinted rear windows, contrasting body and roof colours, 17-inch alloy wheels, and Bluetooth with USB/AUX ports.

DSport also has chrome side rubbing strips and door mirrors, a rear spoiler with an integrated third brake light, automatic digital air-conditioning, drilled aluminium pedals and chrome trim for the grille, tailgate and double exhaust pipe.