WHY only 1000 Citroen DS3 Racings,  I asked the Citroen man at the Geneva Motor Show.

Surely you could make it a permanent addition to the range, underlining its MINI John Cooper Works-challenging status?

The reason why, he revealed, was a blast from the past. It’s a mainstream maker’s homologation special. Like the Ford Escort RS 1600i, like the Alfa Romeo 155 Silverstone, like the Mercedes 190 Evolution. And thus, for me, cool.

It’s even diverted off the production line for final finishing: Citroen Racing (for it is they) send the instructions to the production line men, who add on a ‘parts kit’ of bits that turn a standard DSport into a DS3 Racing.

Changes include:

•    Stiffer springs, lowered by 15mm
•    New-spec front and rear dampers
•    30mm wider track front and rear
•    4-piston brake calipers
•    Drilled rear brake discs
•    18-inch alloys
•    Wing extensions
•    Carbon-fibre air diffuser
•    Remapping software for EPAS and ESP (including ‘off’ button)

Chuck in an interior makeover and STRICT limitations to 1000 units, and you have something that won’t be cheap but will be exceedingly collectable.

It’s quick, too. The 1.6 THP turbo has, at 200hp, 30 percent more power, plus 15 percent more torque. Thank uprated components, tuned turbo and remapped ECU for this. Rortiness is provided by a special exhaust back box.

But what is it homologation for? Next year’s new WRC rules, that’s what. These stipulate more real world cars with front-drive chassis. Kimi Raikkonen will be driving one of these next year. We’ll be able to buy one before that.

Citroen, you’ve sold me: add my name to the press fleet booking list now, please..!

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