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Citroen DS3 1.6 THP (M) vs MINI Cooper S 1.6 (A)
25 Oct 2011|27,252 views
Cost reduction and efficiency are now buzzwords in this modern 21st century world we live in. In the automotive industry, companies have resorted to alliances with one another in order to maximise productivity with minimal outlays.
One such partnership is between the BMW Group, and the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group. The Franco-German alliance came together in 2002 to develop and produce a new engine together, called Prince, and the unit is now seen in a variety of small cars from both manufacturers.
The Prince engine is available in two forms, namely a 1.4-litre with about 98bhp that underpins cars like the MINI One, Peugeot 207 and Citroen C3, and a 1.6-litre, which is available in a few guises.
There is a naturally-aspirated version of the engine with about 120bhp that features in the MINI Cooper, Citroen DS3 and Citroen C4, while a turbocharged version of the same engine is offered in two tunes, with the 156bhp version fitted in the most powerful DS3 we have here, and the 184bhp unit powering the MINI Cooper S.
So, we have two chic, stylish hatchbacks with essentially the same heart, aimed at the fashion-conscious crowd. The similarities seem uncanny on paper, but are they really twins, or distant cousins?
Exterior
Choosing which one you think looks better between these two is like choosing which shirt you prefer to wear on a night out. It's basically down to personal preference.
One such partnership is between the BMW Group, and the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group. The Franco-German alliance came together in 2002 to develop and produce a new engine together, called Prince, and the unit is now seen in a variety of small cars from both manufacturers.
The Prince engine is available in two forms, namely a 1.4-litre with about 98bhp that underpins cars like the MINI One, Peugeot 207 and Citroen C3, and a 1.6-litre, which is available in a few guises.
There is a naturally-aspirated version of the engine with about 120bhp that features in the MINI Cooper, Citroen DS3 and Citroen C4, while a turbocharged version of the same engine is offered in two tunes, with the 156bhp version fitted in the most powerful DS3 we have here, and the 184bhp unit powering the MINI Cooper S.
So, we have two chic, stylish hatchbacks with essentially the same heart, aimed at the fashion-conscious crowd. The similarities seem uncanny on paper, but are they really twins, or distant cousins?
Exterior
Choosing which one you think looks better between these two is like choosing which shirt you prefer to wear on a night out. It's basically down to personal preference.
 |
While some may say that the MINI has suffered due to its ubiquitous presence on the roads, there's no denying that it is still a classic design that will undoubtedly attract its usual flock of young, trendy folks who are more into Prada than prata.
However, when put beside the Cooper S, the DS3 feels fresh and contemporary, with its soft curves surely appealing to buyers of the female set. Some might even go for one simply because it isn't a MINI.
The interesting thing about these two cars is that they are highly customisable, with both the DS3 and Cooper S featuring a roof that can be had in various designs and colours. The Citroen also offers unique colour options for the wing mirrors, wheels and even the hub cap and key fob.
 |
Interior
The tailor-made experience continues inside, with the DS3 available in a series of colours and customisation options, ranging from the floor mats to the upholstery, and even the dashboard and gear levers can be specified in various colours.
The Cooper S is slightly less flexible, but no less customisable, with a number of colours and interior surfaces available for the customer's choosing. There are also three option packages with varying degrees of equipment, and cheekily named Salt, Pepper and Chilli.
Being compact, three-door hatchbacks, one wouldn't expect loads of interior room, especially for rear passengers, and this is true for both cars. The DS3 has marginally more room in the back, but truthfully, you wouldn't want to put anyone there in either car for long distances.
As a whole, the DS3's interior just feels a smidgen more upmarket than the MINI. The overall ambience, with its soft-touch dashboard materials and glossy trim, gives the DS3 a slightly more premium feel than the MINI. Not that the Cooper S isn't a nice place to sit in, but you somehow feel a different sense of occasion when you step from one car into another.
The tailor-made experience continues inside, with the DS3 available in a series of colours and customisation options, ranging from the floor mats to the upholstery, and even the dashboard and gear levers can be specified in various colours.
The Cooper S is slightly less flexible, but no less customisable, with a number of colours and interior surfaces available for the customer's choosing. There are also three option packages with varying degrees of equipment, and cheekily named Salt, Pepper and Chilli.
Being compact, three-door hatchbacks, one wouldn't expect loads of interior room, especially for rear passengers, and this is true for both cars. The DS3 has marginally more room in the back, but truthfully, you wouldn't want to put anyone there in either car for long distances.
As a whole, the DS3's interior just feels a smidgen more upmarket than the MINI. The overall ambience, with its soft-touch dashboard materials and glossy trim, gives the DS3 a slightly more premium feel than the MINI. Not that the Cooper S isn't a nice place to sit in, but you somehow feel a different sense of occasion when you step from one car into another.
The MINI hits back though, with a slightly more impressive equipment list, with things like satellite-navigation, keyless entry, an engine push-start button, cruise control, HID headlamps, and a sunroof all present in the Cooper S and absent from the DS3. The Citroen however, features reverse sensors, an audio AUX/USB input port and leather seats, all of which the Cooper S lacks.
The Drive
To be fair, both cars are rather different in terms of set-up, with the DS3 featuring a manual transmission, and the Cooper S having more power and an automatic gearbox. So let's look at both cars on their own merits.
The Citroen first. While some may lament the manual-only option of the most powerful DS3 available in Singapore, the gearbox itself is a pleasure to operate, with its slick changes making it a joy to shift through the cogs. Mated to a rather eager engine, you find yourself indulging in the activity of moving the gear stick up and down fairly regularly. The only problem here is the slightly awkward driving position, with the pedals placed far too close together, which could be an issue for people with slightly larger feet trying to deal with three pedals.
The Drive
To be fair, both cars are rather different in terms of set-up, with the DS3 featuring a manual transmission, and the Cooper S having more power and an automatic gearbox. So let's look at both cars on their own merits.
The Citroen first. While some may lament the manual-only option of the most powerful DS3 available in Singapore, the gearbox itself is a pleasure to operate, with its slick changes making it a joy to shift through the cogs. Mated to a rather eager engine, you find yourself indulging in the activity of moving the gear stick up and down fairly regularly. The only problem here is the slightly awkward driving position, with the pedals placed far too close together, which could be an issue for people with slightly larger feet trying to deal with three pedals.
 |
Performance is decent, with the 1.6-litre powerplant delivering its 156 horses in a fairly smooth and linear fashion. But the engine's coarse-sounding soundtrack proves uninspiring, and feels a bit of a let-down.
Dynamically, the Citroen DS3 fares well, with a generally cosseting ride on smooth roads, and reasonably composed and controlled handling. However, the car's suspension does not soak up hard bumps well enough, and the steering feels a tad vague in the corners.
Moving on to the MINI Cooper S, and instantly you feel the difference between the two. The Cooper S feels more focused, with its pin-sharp, point-and-go handling, and incisive steering, making you feel like you're piloting a go-kart rather than a car.
With 28 more horsepower than the DS3, the Cooper S also feels quicker, with acceleration coming on instantly the moment you depress the right pedal. There is some torque steer, but that is natural if you put 184 horses through the front wheels only.
The trade-off of all that though, is that the MINI is not as refined or comfortable as the Citroen. The ride is firm, and there is noticeable noise coming through the cabin as you have your driving fun. Granted the exhaust warble sounds pretty sporty, but you would expect better from a premium hatchback.
Dynamically, the Citroen DS3 fares well, with a generally cosseting ride on smooth roads, and reasonably composed and controlled handling. However, the car's suspension does not soak up hard bumps well enough, and the steering feels a tad vague in the corners.
Moving on to the MINI Cooper S, and instantly you feel the difference between the two. The Cooper S feels more focused, with its pin-sharp, point-and-go handling, and incisive steering, making you feel like you're piloting a go-kart rather than a car.
With 28 more horsepower than the DS3, the Cooper S also feels quicker, with acceleration coming on instantly the moment you depress the right pedal. There is some torque steer, but that is natural if you put 184 horses through the front wheels only.
The trade-off of all that though, is that the MINI is not as refined or comfortable as the Citroen. The ride is firm, and there is noticeable noise coming through the cabin as you have your driving fun. Granted the exhaust warble sounds pretty sporty, but you would expect better from a premium hatchback.
Conclusion
Perhaps a more equal comparison should have been made between the less powerful versions of these two cars, namely the DS3 1.6 VTI, and the MINI Cooper, as they both also have the same Prince engine, with no turbo, the same 120bhp output, and are available as automatics.
But then again, the cars we have here are supposed to be the performance versions of the DS3 and Cooper, so in a certain way, it is a fair comparison after all.
From a driving standpoint, the MINI still stands head and shoulders above the competition as a driving tool. It offers the most fun and enjoyment a driver could get from a small package, and its image as THE premium hatchback to get is still unshakable.
What the Citroen DS3 offers then, is an alternative. In some areas it is capable of matching the MINI, and in others it has the Cooper beaten, like comfort and style. That, maybe, might be enough to swing a few buyers towards Citroen's way.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Perhaps a more equal comparison should have been made between the less powerful versions of these two cars, namely the DS3 1.6 VTI, and the MINI Cooper, as they both also have the same Prince engine, with no turbo, the same 120bhp output, and are available as automatics.
But then again, the cars we have here are supposed to be the performance versions of the DS3 and Cooper, so in a certain way, it is a fair comparison after all.
From a driving standpoint, the MINI still stands head and shoulders above the competition as a driving tool. It offers the most fun and enjoyment a driver could get from a small package, and its image as THE premium hatchback to get is still unshakable.
What the Citroen DS3 offers then, is an alternative. In some areas it is capable of matching the MINI, and in others it has the Cooper beaten, like comfort and style. That, maybe, might be enough to swing a few buyers towards Citroen's way.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Cost reduction and efficiency are now buzzwords in this modern 21st century world we live in. In the automotive industry, companies have resorted to alliances with one another in order to maximise productivity with minimal outlays.
One such partnership is between the BMW Group, and the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group. The Franco-German alliance came together in 2002 to develop and produce a new engine together, called Prince, and the unit is now seen in a variety of small cars from both manufacturers.
The Prince engine is available in two forms, namely a 1.4-litre with about 98bhp that underpins cars like the MINI One, Peugeot 207 and Citroen C3, and a 1.6-litre, which is available in a few guises.
There is a naturally-aspirated version of the engine with about 120bhp that features in the MINI Cooper, Citroen DS3 and Citroen C4, while a turbocharged version of the same engine is offered in two tunes, with the 156bhp version fitted in the most powerful DS3 we have here, and the 184bhp unit powering the MINI Cooper S.
So, we have two chic, stylish hatchbacks with essentially the same heart, aimed at the fashion-conscious crowd. The similarities seem uncanny on paper, but are they really twins, or distant cousins?
Exterior
Choosing which one you think looks better between these two is like choosing which shirt you prefer to wear on a night out. It's basically down to personal preference.
One such partnership is between the BMW Group, and the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group. The Franco-German alliance came together in 2002 to develop and produce a new engine together, called Prince, and the unit is now seen in a variety of small cars from both manufacturers.
The Prince engine is available in two forms, namely a 1.4-litre with about 98bhp that underpins cars like the MINI One, Peugeot 207 and Citroen C3, and a 1.6-litre, which is available in a few guises.
There is a naturally-aspirated version of the engine with about 120bhp that features in the MINI Cooper, Citroen DS3 and Citroen C4, while a turbocharged version of the same engine is offered in two tunes, with the 156bhp version fitted in the most powerful DS3 we have here, and the 184bhp unit powering the MINI Cooper S.
So, we have two chic, stylish hatchbacks with essentially the same heart, aimed at the fashion-conscious crowd. The similarities seem uncanny on paper, but are they really twins, or distant cousins?
Exterior
Choosing which one you think looks better between these two is like choosing which shirt you prefer to wear on a night out. It's basically down to personal preference.
|
While some may say that the MINI has suffered due to its ubiquitous presence on the roads, there's no denying that it is still a classic design that will undoubtedly attract its usual flock of young, trendy folks who are more into Prada than prata.
However, when put beside the Cooper S, the DS3 feels fresh and contemporary, with its soft curves surely appealing to buyers of the female set. Some might even go for one simply because it isn't a MINI.
The interesting thing about these two cars is that they are highly customisable, with both the DS3 and Cooper S featuring a roof that can be had in various designs and colours. The Citroen also offers unique colour options for the wing mirrors, wheels and even the hub cap and key fob.
|
Interior
The tailor-made experience continues inside, with the DS3 available in a series of colours and customisation options, ranging from the floor mats to the upholstery, and even the dashboard and gear levers can be specified in various colours.
The Cooper S is slightly less flexible, but no less customisable, with a number of colours and interior surfaces available for the customer's choosing. There are also three option packages with varying degrees of equipment, and cheekily named Salt, Pepper and Chilli.
Being compact, three-door hatchbacks, one wouldn't expect loads of interior room, especially for rear passengers, and this is true for both cars. The DS3 has marginally more room in the back, but truthfully, you wouldn't want to put anyone there in either car for long distances.
As a whole, the DS3's interior just feels a smidgen more upmarket than the MINI. The overall ambience, with its soft-touch dashboard materials and glossy trim, gives the DS3 a slightly more premium feel than the MINI. Not that the Cooper S isn't a nice place to sit in, but you somehow feel a different sense of occasion when you step from one car into another.
The tailor-made experience continues inside, with the DS3 available in a series of colours and customisation options, ranging from the floor mats to the upholstery, and even the dashboard and gear levers can be specified in various colours.
The Cooper S is slightly less flexible, but no less customisable, with a number of colours and interior surfaces available for the customer's choosing. There are also three option packages with varying degrees of equipment, and cheekily named Salt, Pepper and Chilli.
Being compact, three-door hatchbacks, one wouldn't expect loads of interior room, especially for rear passengers, and this is true for both cars. The DS3 has marginally more room in the back, but truthfully, you wouldn't want to put anyone there in either car for long distances.
As a whole, the DS3's interior just feels a smidgen more upmarket than the MINI. The overall ambience, with its soft-touch dashboard materials and glossy trim, gives the DS3 a slightly more premium feel than the MINI. Not that the Cooper S isn't a nice place to sit in, but you somehow feel a different sense of occasion when you step from one car into another.
The MINI hits back though, with a slightly more impressive equipment list, with things like satellite-navigation, keyless entry, an engine push-start button, cruise control, HID headlamps, and a sunroof all present in the Cooper S and absent from the DS3. The Citroen however, features reverse sensors, an audio AUX/USB input port and leather seats, all of which the Cooper S lacks.
The Drive
To be fair, both cars are rather different in terms of set-up, with the DS3 featuring a manual transmission, and the Cooper S having more power and an automatic gearbox. So let's look at both cars on their own merits.
The Citroen first. While some may lament the manual-only option of the most powerful DS3 available in Singapore, the gearbox itself is a pleasure to operate, with its slick changes making it a joy to shift through the cogs. Mated to a rather eager engine, you find yourself indulging in the activity of moving the gear stick up and down fairly regularly. The only problem here is the slightly awkward driving position, with the pedals placed far too close together, which could be an issue for people with slightly larger feet trying to deal with three pedals.
The Drive
To be fair, both cars are rather different in terms of set-up, with the DS3 featuring a manual transmission, and the Cooper S having more power and an automatic gearbox. So let's look at both cars on their own merits.
The Citroen first. While some may lament the manual-only option of the most powerful DS3 available in Singapore, the gearbox itself is a pleasure to operate, with its slick changes making it a joy to shift through the cogs. Mated to a rather eager engine, you find yourself indulging in the activity of moving the gear stick up and down fairly regularly. The only problem here is the slightly awkward driving position, with the pedals placed far too close together, which could be an issue for people with slightly larger feet trying to deal with three pedals.
|
Performance is decent, with the 1.6-litre powerplant delivering its 156 horses in a fairly smooth and linear fashion. But the engine's coarse-sounding soundtrack proves uninspiring, and feels a bit of a let-down.
Dynamically, the Citroen DS3 fares well, with a generally cosseting ride on smooth roads, and reasonably composed and controlled handling. However, the car's suspension does not soak up hard bumps well enough, and the steering feels a tad vague in the corners.
Moving on to the MINI Cooper S, and instantly you feel the difference between the two. The Cooper S feels more focused, with its pin-sharp, point-and-go handling, and incisive steering, making you feel like you're piloting a go-kart rather than a car.
With 28 more horsepower than the DS3, the Cooper S also feels quicker, with acceleration coming on instantly the moment you depress the right pedal. There is some torque steer, but that is natural if you put 184 horses through the front wheels only.
The trade-off of all that though, is that the MINI is not as refined or comfortable as the Citroen. The ride is firm, and there is noticeable noise coming through the cabin as you have your driving fun. Granted the exhaust warble sounds pretty sporty, but you would expect better from a premium hatchback.
Dynamically, the Citroen DS3 fares well, with a generally cosseting ride on smooth roads, and reasonably composed and controlled handling. However, the car's suspension does not soak up hard bumps well enough, and the steering feels a tad vague in the corners.
Moving on to the MINI Cooper S, and instantly you feel the difference between the two. The Cooper S feels more focused, with its pin-sharp, point-and-go handling, and incisive steering, making you feel like you're piloting a go-kart rather than a car.
With 28 more horsepower than the DS3, the Cooper S also feels quicker, with acceleration coming on instantly the moment you depress the right pedal. There is some torque steer, but that is natural if you put 184 horses through the front wheels only.
The trade-off of all that though, is that the MINI is not as refined or comfortable as the Citroen. The ride is firm, and there is noticeable noise coming through the cabin as you have your driving fun. Granted the exhaust warble sounds pretty sporty, but you would expect better from a premium hatchback.
Conclusion
Perhaps a more equal comparison should have been made between the less powerful versions of these two cars, namely the DS3 1.6 VTI, and the MINI Cooper, as they both also have the same Prince engine, with no turbo, the same 120bhp output, and are available as automatics.
But then again, the cars we have here are supposed to be the performance versions of the DS3 and Cooper, so in a certain way, it is a fair comparison after all.
From a driving standpoint, the MINI still stands head and shoulders above the competition as a driving tool. It offers the most fun and enjoyment a driver could get from a small package, and its image as THE premium hatchback to get is still unshakable.
What the Citroen DS3 offers then, is an alternative. In some areas it is capable of matching the MINI, and in others it has the Cooper beaten, like comfort and style. That, maybe, might be enough to swing a few buyers towards Citroen's way.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Perhaps a more equal comparison should have been made between the less powerful versions of these two cars, namely the DS3 1.6 VTI, and the MINI Cooper, as they both also have the same Prince engine, with no turbo, the same 120bhp output, and are available as automatics.
But then again, the cars we have here are supposed to be the performance versions of the DS3 and Cooper, so in a certain way, it is a fair comparison after all.
From a driving standpoint, the MINI still stands head and shoulders above the competition as a driving tool. It offers the most fun and enjoyment a driver could get from a small package, and its image as THE premium hatchback to get is still unshakable.
What the Citroen DS3 offers then, is an alternative. In some areas it is capable of matching the MINI, and in others it has the Cooper beaten, like comfort and style. That, maybe, might be enough to swing a few buyers towards Citroen's way.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
MINI Cooper S 1.6 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|14.9km/L
Horsepower
137kW (184 bhp)
Torque
260 Nm
Acceleration
7.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used MINI Cooper SCitroen DS3 1.6 THP (M)
CAT B|Petrol|14.9km/L
Horsepower
116kW (156 bhp)
Torque
240 Nm
Acceleration
7.3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Citroen DS3
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