Ahead of the launch in spring 2010, Citroën has released prices and specification details for its most hotly anticipated model to date - DS3. Citroën has also unveiled an online configurator that allows members of the public to create their perfect DS3.

DS3 is an assertive, urban 3-door supermini with radical styling, elegant detailing and an extensive choice of customisable design options for a bespoke driving experience. DS3 is the first model from Citroën's new DS line, which will consist of three distinctively styled, attention grabbing cars - DS3, DS4 and DS5 - that highlight the very best of Citroën's ‘Créative Technologie'.

DS3 will be offered in three new Citroën trim levels - DSign, DStyle and DSport - with a choice of three petrol and two HDi diesels ranging from 90hp to 150hp. All three DS3 petrol engines were co-developed with BMW.

An environmentally considerate 99g/km 1.6HDi 16V 90hp will also be available - delivering up to 74.3mpg.

The DS3 range starts with the petrol 1.4 16V VTi 95hp in DSign trim, which is priced from just £11,700.

The price of a fully specified, fully personalised, range-topping DSport model, powered by the punchy 1.6 THP 150hp petrol engine, is £18,775.

Due to great customer interest in the model, Citroën has taken the exceptional step of launching an online DS3 configurator - significantly in advance of the car's on-sale date - so future owners can create their perfect DS3, based on their own performance and style preferences.

Customers start using the configurator by selecting the engine and trim level for their DS3. Then, depending on these initial choices, they can specify body colour, roof colour and roof graphics, as well as a host of other features like chrome door mirrors, chrome rubbing strips, up to 17" alloy wheels in different styles and colours, front LEDs, upholstery material and colour scheme, and even one of six colours for the dashboard and gear knob.

Citroen DS3 (2010)
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There are also equipment packs to choose from, which include features like automatic headlamps, rear parking sensors, MyWay satellite navigation, Connecting Box (Bluetooth with USB socket), and a front central armrest.

The choice is comprehensive and unprecedented for a new car by a mainstream manufacturer.

As an example of the extensive personalisation DS3 offers and the resulting prices, a mid-range 1.6 16V VTi 120hp model in DStyle trim, specified with a metallic body colour, contrasting roof, chrome door mirrors, chrome rubbing strips, 16" white diamond-tipped alloy wheels, LED diodes, mistral and cloth interior, a shiny black dashboard and the Connecting Box with HiFi system has an OTR price of £14,650 - just £950 more than an un-personalised model with the same engine and trim.

DS3 is already one of the most eagerly awaited new cars of 2010, and now customers can pre-order with the full confidence of knowing that individuality is just a click away.