Paris Motor Show 2012 New DS3 Cabrio unveiled

Citroen has revealed the DS3 Cabrio at the Paris Motor Show. Due to go on sale here early next year the new soft-top DS3 comes with an electrically sliding fabric roof which can be opened or closed at up to 75mph. It's expect to cost around £2000 more than the standard DS3.

Like the Fiat 500C, when the roof slides back the rear glass window folds down on top of the parcel shelf which obviously affects rear visibility. However it does mean that it's still easy to get to the boot with the roof down, although luggage room is cut by 40 litres to 245 litres. It also has a 60/40 split folding rear seat.

The roof closes in 16 seconds and there are three positions - intermediate, horizontal and total - while Citroen is promises 'standard-setting' soundproofing that it claims it comparable to a hatchback when closes. When the roof is slid back, there's an aerodynamic deflector net that springs up to prevent buffeting.

In keeping with the personalisation theme of the DS3, the roof itself is available in a range of colours - black, DS Monogramme and Infinite blue. The latter uses three different coloured threads - one of which is shiny - with each reacting differently to changes in light.

Inside there is white lighting around the instrument cluster and air conditioning controls while decors on the dashboard, air vent surrounds and gear lever are colour-coded to the body colour and roof. Six decors are available - grey, Brillant black, white, Carbotech, Infinite blue and Moondust grey.

Weighing just 25kg more than the standard DS3, Citroen is promising the same strength and body rigidity as the hatchback helped by structural reinforcements around the boot.