I got a second hand DS3 as my first car and absolutely love it. Carrying 3 people in the back is definitely possible but felt like a dive bomb when going downhill and a steam locomotive when going uphill.
I would prefer Ds3 :) I already have a 2011 DS3 1.6 thp. Driving a ds3 is really fun. It look different and iconic in the traffic, everyone is watching you. It's fast and fuel consumption is acceptable. Also it's cheaper than others. I wish Ds would change the look of new 2016 ds3, but they made minor changes, it still looks similar to previous (Citroën) models. I hope DS will make big difference next year. Maybe they put new 1.6 thp 270hp engine :)
@@roartt8348 not quite sure what you’re saying but since this comment was typed I’ve owned a Mini Cooper SD and now driving a BMW m240i. Safe to say petrol rules. But diesel is still good
+carwow - Really good review. Matt's car review/Cookery Program/Comedy puns (lol) is a really nice refreshing but relaxed way of doing a review. Makes it worth watching instead of knowing the script for "other reviews". Good job.
I have driven a mini ds3 and a a1 and the ds3 easily the best, comfortable , practical and stylish and that's why I now own one because they are very nice to drive
I still remember when the DS3 was first launched around 2010, how crazy bonkers it looked compared to the rest of the market. I loved it so much I couldn't wait to get my hands on one. Ten years on I think it doesn't stand out as much especially compared to the new Peugeot 208. I'd go for that one over any of these three
@@oddities-whatnot as much as I adore the MINI, theres no logical universe in which your point can be argued against. I'm 15 and am saving for a Mini for my first car, granted I plan on getting the slightly more grown up Clubman variant, the car is certainly aimed at youngsters, although the new clubman JCW is popular amongst older men.
@@oddities-whatnot Gimmicky..? I have one and it's awesome, not gimmicky at all, it's a fun car to drive in and it has a premium interior and build qaulity is actually really good, and the interior is really simple compared to the outdated Audi A1....
I own a 2016 DS 3 1.6 turbo petrol. Top spec. It's a stunning car, gets lots of attention, is fast and sporty, yet sensible and sophisticated. Leather interior completes the car. Everyone that has ever got into it has been blown away. Much better than a bland A1 (teachers car) or the materialistic Mini (female estate agents car).
DS is the best mix of the mini and audi and still best value for money. Mini has better quality interior and best infotainment system and handling so if you want that i think its worth to pay extra. But i dont know why would anyone buy audi. Its worst value, looks dull and cheap to me. It isnt best in anything. I would go for DS.
The main problem for these cars is, that some regularly priced superminis today are looking just as good as these. Like say the Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta and even the Kia Rio. So the design alone can not really justify the premium. The quality of these cars need to go much deeper than that.
if you are looking for comfortable nice budjet go for ds3.Its worth.Good car and good price.Dont expect much from ds3 but overall its one of the best small car.I’ll go for DS3!
Great review as usual. However to be perfectly fair, it would be better if all models had the same level of equipment (as much as possible at least). It's clear that the Audi is an entry level finition and for sure it does not make it favor. I have a S line version and it's look much more premium and sporty in and out. But well
the reason ..why I chose the Mini. I love to drive my mini.. it's a head turner and it's fun to drive! and quiet on the road when I'm driving it .. fits enough people too. love my mini
The DS3 is pretty comfortable in the rear seats, I'm a hefty guy, 16-17stone and I find it a good fit. I've been on long european trips with my brother and his partner, he likes his larger cars, Audi, Jag Merc etc. and I've had hardly seen much of a difference in space between them and my ds3
I ve had a 2010 ds3 1.6 thp for 7 years, it had 165 000 km on it in the end, I did 145 000 of them. Sure it was fun and engaging to drive, the low 6th ratio makes fuel economy acceptable on long drives ( 6.5l/100km ) but near the end almost everything on it had to be replaced, the engine block at 25k, new turbo at 90k, clutch at 110k, front springs snapped at 130k, finally the coolant reservoir went just before I sold it last month, fun and economical yes, but be careful about these frenchies
I think it's because the Audi is very conservative and bland looking. The Mini doesn't change a great deal, but there is no denying it has clear lines and shapes giving it a distinct look. Audi is not distinctive which in reality translates to better sales because people like 'safe'
MS it’s because mini wants to keep its heritage. If it changed the design completely, what would set it apart from other cars other than its small and has the same name as the old one?
Great videos Matt love this!! I have driven Mini's and own an A1 and I definitely agree the mini is just in a class of it's own regarding driving style. The option list on Audi's is just ridiculous though. Charge you for an arm rest!
Missed you on CarBuyer, loving carwow reviews and depth of details in them! Keep up the great work, would also like a review of small city cars on lover budget, like for example the Seat Ibiza facelift :)
+Nick Cobden Because it is a biased review, i ve seen professional german reviewers praising french cars over their own german ones. DS3 is by far the best in this review, stylish, most luxurious seats ,spacious and affordable!
+Nick Cobden Iconic? What planet are you living on. Who does not know a MINI, and who outside france knows a ds3!!!! I swear, I only know there is a ds3 for less than a week, and I watch car videos 90% of my youtube time.
BlueDragon Your ignorance isn't a reference to everyone, 90% car videos huh you said and never seen a car that came out in 2010? what planet were you living on for the past 6 years?
Depreciation becomes irrelevant when you pay extra 7000 pounds to match the same equipment of a ds3 Used vs Used you will not get your 7k back ( REGARDLESS )
Trouble with minis is ... everyone's got one. Great if you want to blend into anonymity but you may as well plump for a fiesta or golf if that's the case.
Retro1989 it looks shit, its cheap and nasty. I hate gloss black plastic and that fake chrome looking plastic trim that some car makers use. Awful. I have an Audi, but if I chose again I would get a Subaru. Hard wearing, no nonsense. Forget your fashion brands.
The DS3 is actually a souped up C3, introduced back in 2009 and really showing its age by now. The interior is the same as the C3 save for some fancier materials.
Minis are built like tanks, the Audi is bland but doesn't do anything wrong and the DS is really good looking and the interior is very nice but.... it's a Citreon.
MINI ALL THE DAY, ALL THE TIME, FOREVER MINI, I BOUGHT ONE BY JANUARY, I´M FROM MÉXICO AND MINI FOR ME, IS ONE OF THE BEST CARS YOU CAN BUY FOR A LOWER PRICE ¡ SUCH A GREAT CAR
The dimensions of the audi kind of look off, like the shape doesn't fit the design very well. Like the front looks like every other audi you don't get a sense of a1 of it so when you look at it from the front quarter it just looks awkward because it's a big car front and the rest is like a supermini.
I would pick the mini every time, it really is a fun car to drive and the build quality is superb, i love it, keep nicking my daughters new cooper d every chance I get.lol.
Good one. Agreed, mini would get my vote. After having driven all of the above as well as the Polo, the mini feels the most fun. The A1 feels like other Audis and is very sensible, solid and sturdy. The DS3 is a little tacky and cheap. The polo is a nice good quality all rounder but not sporty enough. The mini has a Great engine range and they perform well with good steering feedback and although the interior is a little gimmicky, just adds to its sense of youthfulness and cheek.
can people stop saying he's biased in every one of these reviews, he chooses a british car, people call him biased to britain. he chooses a german car, people say he's biased to germany. he can't bloody win can he if people disagree with whatever he chooses
In the dedicated review to that Mini, Matt talks about £5k in options on that car, but in this video it happens to have more than £7k... A little bit inconsistent, isn't it?
Save even more money and get a Ibiza FR, same engine as the Polo, better looks and a nice interior but not as expensive especially when you add the deals Seat do for them
Get the mini!! I love mine. It’s tiny, low down and can be a pain but it’s fun to drive (and this is coming from someone who Dosent really like driving). 1st year insurance is under 900 and it’s relatively standard price to run x
Dont go vag group Audi VW seat Skoda that all.look the same the Audi looks like a polo and a Ibiza only the Fabio looks a bit different also interior is the same old conservative boring vag group across the range . I'd rather buy a fiat cinquemtito at least its individual.
So bad BMW Mini and Audi have ditched diesel engines in the mini hatch and new A1...big mistake, there are lots of people that do more than 15000~20000 km/year
The plastics in a Mini are an embarrassment esp. on the old model. It's also overpriced like most BMWs if you take in all the most common sense options.
Ds3 body is way sexier than the dull conservative boring A1 and the BMW mini I've never liked , the Austin mini is a beautiful iconic car ruined by the Germans. Ds3 everyday all day over these options at least
I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!! :D there's no sport cars, exotic cars, or hyper cars (review)???? without 360 video is better for me... hehehehhehe :D *sorry if my english bad :D
Even blind can tell that DS3 has the best look, space? mini n audi have 2 seats while DS3 has 3 which are the most comfortable and stylish unique watch-strap design , now think again who has more room.Besides, the camera angel of view at the back seats was too zoomed when showing the ds3 knee room,what is the proof u didnt stick ur knees to the front seat and simply recorded it? because your trying to dis the ds3 no matter what that is why you dont do same knee room angle of view for the 3. Interior? Audi's is a decent one? and looking for practicality in a 3 door style car? LMAO. Biased review.
Calm down me old mate. I'm not biased. Neither of these brands pay me. I just say my honest opinion. And we do more extensive practicality testing than any other site. Plus we show you in video. The DS just isn't as well thought out as the Germans and is the tightest in the back. As for camera angles - this cut away is shot hand held so to match angles is very difficult. And don't think I don't like the DS3 - it's balance of fun and ride comfort is spot on. It just falls down in useablitity and perceived quality. Still a great choice and the best value - as I said. Hope this explains things. FYI - I'm actually a big Citroen fan. The DS, SM and 2 CV are some of my fave cars ever. And I'm actually looking to buy a C6, if I can find a 3.0 V6 diesel for sale.
+Wael Mkawer The DS3 doesn't even have cup holders and as silly as this might sound that is a deal breaker. It's not thought through, they put style first. It's a good car for people who want to look good stylish but objectively it's not as good as the other 2.
S Miller cup holder might be a deal breaker? God save us. This is a 3 door car segment, the people 'who want to look good stylish' you mentioned are like 99% of those who buy such cars in the first place, they ain't looking for any cup holders whatsoever, instead, they looking for style first and foremost. Practicality shouldn't even cross anyone 's mind.
I just watched this video for less than thirty seconds then I quit coz I saw already the winner podium (carwow style) on 0:23 tell me if the result is wrong
Mini is not a premium car. Or particularly a quality car. Rather expensive to maintain over a period of years. Basically BMW took over someone else's design and showered it with the BMW 'marketing glitter'. BMW's are not premium cars.
