DS3 diesel and Racing models a no-go Down Under

With the showroom release of the new Citroën DS3 only weeks away, the French brand’s local importer, ATECO Automotive, has told the Carsales Network that diesel and sporty DS3 Racing (pictured) models are unlikely to find a place in the Australian line-up.

Speaking at the local launch of DS3 this week, ATECO cited issues in both supply and demand, saying the uptake of diesel-powered small prestige cars in Australia was too small to warrant efforts in importing the DS3 HDi, and that the model "would not be here in the foreseeable future".

Supply of the new DS3 for the Australian market is extremely tight, the funky new model so popular in its home market that export numbers are highly restricted, Citroën only able to secure approximately 35 examples per month for Australian sale.

Going on sale from September 18, the

Offering petrol-powered 88kW and 115kW (turbo) variants locally, Australia will miss out on the 1.6-litre turbodiesel Citroën DS3 HDi sold elsewhere, the ultra-frugal oiler available in two guises, named according to their output (in horsepower): HDi 90 FAP (66kW/230Nm) and HDi 110 FAP (81kW/270Nm).

Citroën’s diesel DS3s are capable of returning fuel economy figures as low as 4.0L/100km and 4.4L/100km for the DS3 HDi 90 FAP and DS3 HDi 110 FAP respectively. The pair boast CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km, meeting the sub-100 gram tax requirements of certain EU countries (DS3 HDi 110 FAP models emit 115g/km).

On the petrol front, Australia will also miss out on a 1.4-litre petrol version of the DS3 offering 70kW/135Nm that is also offered in Europe, the low output variant returning 5.8L/100km and 134g/km of CO2.

Perhaps worthy of a touch more regret, we will also miss out on the 1.6-litre high output, and highly desirable, WRC-inspired DS3 Racing. Sold in limited numbers in Europe (1000 only), the hot hatch version of Citroën’s hip new DS3 is said to rival the likes of the MINI John Cooper Works edition and RenaultSport Clio 200, its revised turbocharged petrol delivering 144kW/275Nm.

Riding on lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels, the Citroën DS3 Racing also features a wider front and rear track, cross-drilled large diametre disc brakes, revised suspension (with a lowered ride height) and a remapped stability control system for more 'enthusiastic' driving. The DS3 Racing's beefier wheel arches are made from carbon-fibre, as is the chunky rear diffuser.

The Citroën DS3 Racing will form the basis of the French brand's upcoming 2011 WRC car, footage of which is available below:

Visit the Carsales Network again for our local launch review of the Citroën DS3 range.

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