French Manufacturers and their Special Edition models.

Over the years, the 3 most popular French manufacturers, Citroen, Peugeot and Renault, have produced millions of  their "Special Edition" models. They were called with the most bizarre names. Peugeot called the 106 "Mardi Gras", Citroen called the Saxo "East Coast" and Renault called the Clio "Le Sport". They were generally the most basic trims with some new jazzy upholstery and a few stickers to the back and sides with the identification name. Loads of people will wonder whether it was a way to boost the sales or a way to recycle excess of spare parts left wondering in a warehouse. However, while back in the '80s and '90s was a simple way to do it, nowadays it's probably more expensive and a "special edition" becomes almost a "top of the range" model. If you look at the Citroen C1 Connexion, it comes with alloy wheels, MP3 socket, darkened rear windows, metallic paint and even personalised carpet mats! Whatever the reason could be, Citroen has already brought out a new special edition for the 2013 similar in colors with the C1 Connexion. It's called the DS3 "Red".

Outside, there's a red grille up front, a red roof, red wing mirrors and red wheel-centre caps. Inside, you will be dazzled by a red dashboard, and red door handle surrounds.

As standard, on the DStyle you get the Bluetooth and USB compatibility, plus an upgraded radio with extra speakers. Without going too deep with gadgets and specs, we can clearly see which age range this DS3 is aiming to.

The DS3 Red also features automatic headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors, heated and folding door mirrors, and interior mood lighting. Apparently it will cost around £500 cheaper than a factory order with the same specification. Only time will tell how successful this "Special Edition" will be. All we know is that, in a busy car park, there will be loads of these charming french cars and their major rival, the BMW Mini, will have to come out with something really interesting and good-value-for-money to keep up with the competition. MG