Citroen unveiled the facelifted version of the DS 3 in 2016, along with the release of the DS premium brand.
The French carmaker introduced the DS 3 in 2009 as an exclusive range in the Citroen stable but, by 2016, it decided that along with the facelifted version, to release it as a separate brand known as DS. Honda, Toyota, and Nissan did the same with Acura, Lexus, and Infiniti, respectively. So while the 2016 DS 3 still relied on the same technical platform as the Citroen C3 and the Peugeot 208, it featured a different styling, available exclusively as a 3-door hatchback or a convertible.

On the 2016 model, the DS3 Cabriolet featured a new front fascia with a unique-shaped grille surrounded by a chromed trim. Its front bumper sported the LED daytime running lights incorporated vertically into side scoops. But the carmaker chose the light way of creating an open-top vehicle and installed a retractable roof and rear windscreen only. Its doors and rear side windows remained in place.

Inside, the interior offered a premium feeling with high-quality materials adorned by aluminum and piano-black trims. Its front high-bolstered bucket seats at the front provided good side support for their occupants during high-speed cornering, while at the back, there was room for two passengers on the 60/40 split-folding rear seatback.

Under the hood, DS installed Euro 6 engines, both gasoline, and turbo-diesel. Power ranged between 82 hp for the naturally aspirated 1.2-liter gasoline unit and 208 hp for the 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline four-pot. Two turbo-diesel versions were available as well.