If there’s an automaker that best exemplifies chic lifestyle, it’s Citroen->ke22. Known for having its fair share of collaborations with fashion designers – Yves Saint Laurent, are you there? – the French automaker has teamed up with another designer for a set of special edition DS3->ke3360 hatchbacks.

In collaboration with renowned designer, Orla Kiely, Citroen is releasing a special edition DS3 that will be limited to only 500 units. Each of the cars come in four different colors and are painted with four different design patterns on the roof that feature Kiely’s signature stem or acorn design.

Commenting on her partnership with Citroen, Kiely was understandably ecstatic about the opportunity to work on her own special edition DS3.

“Collaborating with Citroën and DS3 was such an exciting project as it's so different from all my previous work,” the designer said.

“I love the designs we've created and the way they're incorporated into the car!"

We trust that these special edition models are catered to a specific audience because we can’t see ourselves driving around town with acorns on our roof. Not to say that we don’t like it because we actually do. It’s just not our, shall we say, cup of tea.

Details on the Citroen DS3 by Orla Kiely Collection after the jump.

2011 Citroen DS3 by Orla Kiely Collection

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Citroen DS3 by Orla Kiely Collection
  • Engine/Motor: 1.6-liter turbo THP
  • Horsepower: 155 horsepower
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

Orla Keily really went out of her way to make her special edition DS3 unique from all other DS3 models. On the outside, Keily dressed up the roof with four different designs featuring her signature stem or acorn patterns. In addition to that, colored side mirrors were also added, as well as a stem print graphic on the rear window, and a set of 17” wheels dressed in either black or white. Kiely’s stem graphics can also be found on the rear tailgate with the artist’s signature situated right in the middle of the rear spoiler.

Meanwhile, more goodies are in store inside of the DS3, including luxurious leather seats that have been embossed with an Orla Kiely-designed multi-colored headrests, carpet mats that have been printed in either stem or acorn prints, a color contrasting dashboard and door handle inserts that come in either cream or brown.

Performance

As a special edition model, this particular DS3 did not come with any performance upgrades so expect to see the same 1.6-liter turbo THP engine under its hood with the said powertrain capable of delivering an output of 155 horsepower.

Pricing

The DS3 by Orla Kiely Collection will begin to go on sale on February 1, 2011 with a price tag of £16,000 or about $25,500 based on current exchange rates.

Competition

Among the many competitors of the Citroen DS3, one notable rival is the Ford Focus, which is powered by a 2.0-liter Ti-VCT I-4 engine that produces around 155 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. As a special edition model, the Orla Kiely DS3 should garner its fair share of attention, no matter what type of competing car lurks out there.