The Citroën DS3 is one of our favorite Euro-market B-segment cars, and its Racing variant—powered by a 204-hp, 1.6-liter turbo four—is the ultimate DS3. Painted in white/gray or black/orange, the regular Racing cuts a jaunty, rally-themed figure. That makes sense, of course, as the DS3 competes in the World Rally Championship. The car’s only real issue is that just 2000 examples have been built, and they are all spoken for.
Until now. Citroën is adding another 200 units in the form of the DS3 Racing S. Loeb, named in honor of 38-year-old French rally driver Sébastien Loeb, the virtually unbeatable, eight-time defending champ who pilots a DS3 in the World Rally Championship. There are no changes to the mechanicals or the numbers: The DS3 Racing S. Loeb reaches 62 mph in 6.5 seconds and tops out at 146 mph. The matte-black paint; bright red roof, mirrors, and dashboard; and Loeb roof graphics are what distinguishes this version. There is no price yet. We wouldn’t be surprised if Citroën adds further limited editions later; demand for the DS3 Racing has already exceeded supply to a remarkable extent.
Will Americans ever see the DS3 in any form? There isn’t even the faintest prayer. Citroën is light years away from re-entering the U.S. market, but we can get close to the DS3 Racing with the Mini John Cooper Works, which is powered by the same basic engine. The Citroën’s character, however, is more resolutely modern—so much so that the car is advertised as the “anti-retro” choice in Europe.
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