French car-maker Citroen’s DS sub-brand has already spawned a number of funky, premium models in Australia, including the C3-based DS3 hatch that launched locally in 2010.

With plans to boost volume and grow beyond its core models, Citroen’s Australian arm has launched the DS3 Cabrio, priced from $30,990 before on-road costs.

Taking aim at Fiat’s 500 Cabrio, and the Mini hatch and Roadster, the DS3 Cabrio is competitively priced and has enough French flair and style to win some new local fans.

Fitting the top-spec DSport with the sweet 1.6-litre turbocharged engine co-developed by parent company PSA and German giant BMW is a smart move and should attract the attention of buyers looking for something beyond European style.