I love my little car. It’s a 1.6 diesel Citroen DS3, pretty sporty, and it takes me everywhere. It’s easy to park, economical-yet-nippy, and above all else, it’s a whole lot of fun to drive. I’ve had big cars before, but they had no charm or personality. There was no excitement, just a fear of watching the fuel gauge go down! It was almost a Honda Jazz, not a DS3, but I was impatient and couldn’t wait for it to travel across the world! My little car, which I’ve had since new for over 5 years, zips and weaves and goes fast if required. I love it. When it’s poorly I cry and the courtesy car is never the same.
We have driven from London to Spain in my car and the journey was brilliant. The car fitted everyone in (two kids, two dogs and all) along with all our luggage in a roof box. We drove via the Channel Tunnel down to Motril near Malaga via Pamplona and Madrid.
My Citroen DS3 near Madrid Airport, Spain
We stayed in a beautiful mountain villa, in the hills surrounded by olive groves and fruit trees. The drive through Spain was fabulous with rolling hills, sunflower fields, olive groves, desert and even lush green valleys and riverscapes. Such diversity. My little DS3 was fantastic during the entire trip. With the temperatures outside approaching 40°C the air conditioning kept us cool throughout the journey and the car performed effortlessly.
My car at our mountain villa near Malaga, Spain
My little DS3 has also taken us all to Chamonix in the French Alps, on a pre-Christmas getaway (where she got stuck on a slippery slope!) Also roadtrips to Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Germany … she has certainly been a huge part of our family travels.
I like small cars now. But the children are getting older – and taller. My DS3 only has two doors so the children have to climb in and out of the back seats, and it’s not so practical anymore. The dogs are now full-size, whereas they were puppies on most of our journeys (or we only had one dog at that time).
With my car being over 5 years old, it will soon be time to think about retiring her. But what to buy next? I honestly have no idea. I am very fussy!
What I want from my next car
Thinking back to what drew me to the DS3 … well, in honesty it was helped by a good trade in price for my old car, and a 0% interest deal on the outstanding balance! But as well as that, I wanted a car that was personal to me – I picked the colour of the body and of the roof. The car needed to be sporty with a bit of oomph under the bonnet (two exhausts is a plus!) Good alloy wheels, as many gadgets as possible, good HiFi etc. But I also wanted a car that didn’t cost me a fortune in road tax. My DS3 has a CO2 emission of under 100 – it means I pay no road tax. Yet it feels like a sports car … I kind of want the same next time around, but with a slightly bigger, more practical vehicle.
I’ve always liked the Honda Civic. This model is built in the UK. I like this. It’s a lovely looking car – and definitely scores on the sporty looks and ample interior space (five doors).
Copyright: Honda
Copyright: Honda
Diesel or Petrol?
Although my last four cars have all been diesel engines, I’m resigned next time around to get a petrol. The new Civic has two petrol engine options, and they are both very economical, yet the BHP is pretty good. However, the CO2 levels are such that I would have to start paying road tax again if I opted for one of these. There’s also not as much personalisation as with my DS3 – colours are limited to just a handful. But for the record, I like it in red!
A Honda Civic would certainly give the children more room on long journeys, and the dogs more boot space. Take a look at the handbook here . The Honda Civic, especially with its UK connection, has become a genuine ‘contender’.
What car do you have? Would you recommend it? What would you swap it for if finances allowed? I’d love to know!
