Citroen’s DS3->ke3360 supermini is stripping its cape in favor of a black soft top roof and although the DS3 Cabrio won't be making its official appearance until the 2012 Paris Auto Show in September, the company has opted to reveal the full list of specifications a little early.

The new droptop DS3 was rumored to be called the DS3 Airflow, but it looks as though the French company has opted to keep the car’s simple namesake intact. The future Citroen->ke22 will be similar to the hatchback version, except, of course, for its soft top, which takes 16 seconds to open or close and can be operated at speeds of up to 120 km/h (74 mph). When this top is down, the edges and the side windows will remain in their place, just like the system set up for the Fiat 500C. The new model is also the only real 5-seater in the category and offers the largest boot.

As for the engines, the model will be offered with the same ten diesel and petrol engines as its hard-top brother, with power ranging from 89-204 HP. Citroen will also offer an Eco-friendly version emitting just 99 g/km of CO2. Performance will vary because of the extra weight provided by the convertible setup, but who buys a DS3 because of it performance times?

European sales for the 2013 Citroen DS3 Cabrio will begin in the first part of 2013 when the market will be privy to three different versions: Racing, Ultra Prestige, and Just Mat.

UPDATE 08/31/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images for the Citroen DS3 Cabrio.

UPDATE 01/08/13: Citroen has announced the pricing for the DS3 Cabrio. Well, at least the pricing in Germany. Check out how much it costs in Deutschland after the jump and from there, you can have a rough estimate on how much it'll cost in your currency.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Citroen DS3 Cabrio.

citroen-ds3-cabrio

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: citroen-ds3-cabrio
Pros
Cons

2013 Citroen DS3 Cabrio

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Citroen DS3 Cabrio
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The new Citroen DS3 Cabrio is 3.95 m long, 1.71 m wide, and 1.46 m high. Its design architecture was inherited from the standard DS3, except, of course, for its canvas roof that becomes a new source of personalization with a range of original colors and designs. The cabrio version adds all-new 3D LED lights at the rear and a chrome finished handle that elegantly highlights the top of the tailgate.

Customers will have the option of choosing between three roof colors: Black, Infini Blue, and DS Monogramme. These colors will be combined with six decors for the dashboard insert, air vent surrounds, and gear stick handle: Grey, Brilliant Black, White, Carbotech, Infini Blue, and Moondust Grey.

On Board Atmosphere:

-The ceiling-mounted console, home to the roof opening control, features white LED ambiance lighting

-The instrument cluster and automatic air conditioning displays match the ambient lighting with their white lighting

-The inner lining of the soft-top roof underscores the high-end feel inside the DS3 Cabrio and provides topnotch acoustic comfort

-The DS3 Cabrio boasts all-new upholstery, including Granite blue leather and Akinen weft now available in Mistral, Chic brown, and Infini blue

Engine

Just as many may have expected, the new DS3 Cabrio will keep the same ten diesel and petrol engines as its hard-top brother, with power ranging from 89-204 HP. Performance will vary because of the extra weight (25 kilos) provided by the convertible setup, but like we said, who buys a DS3 because of it performance times?

Citroen has promised that an Eco-friendly version emitting just 99 g/km of CO2 will be available right from the beginning.

Prices

The new DS3 Cabrio will be built at Citroen's Poissy plant in France and will go on sale in Europe early next year. The entry level DS3 Cabrio VTi 82 will set you back €17,790 ($23,500) while the higher-up model, the So Chic VTi120, costs €21,120 ($28,000). If you ask us, we're staying away from the VTi82 and jumping straight for the VTi120. For an extra $4,000 and change, you get a whole lot more accessories, not to mention 40 more horsepower than the 82.

Competition

The new Citroen DS3 Cabrio is not a convertible in the real sense of the word: when its top is down, the edges and the side windows will remain in their place, just like the system set up for the Fiat 500C.

Those who want to enjoy a real convertible model will have to opt for something like the MINI Cooper S Convertible. This model is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4 cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 181hp at 5,500 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque at 1,600-5,000rpm.