Citroën launches the DS3 and C5 Série Noire

As Henry Ford is oft misquoted, ‘You can have any colour you want, as long as it’s black.’ Whilst such limited choice is often lamented for restricting customer freedom, it should serve as a major selling point for Citroën’s latest special editions, both aptly named Série Noire.

Due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, buyers in mainland Europe will soon be able to specify Série Noire treatment for the C5 family saloon and the chic DS3 hatchback.

The DS3 Série Noire pack can be specified on either the petrol-engined THP 150 or the diesel powered HDi 110 and offers a matte black exterior with accompanying gloss black roof and 17-inch black alloys, whilst offering chromed wing mirrors and rubbing strips on both doors for some striking design contrast.

The black theme continues inside with gloss black interior door handles and gearknob, supplemented by black leather for the seats and dashboard inserts. The DS3 Série Noire comes with sat-nav as standard, and is set to cost 24,750 euros.

Meanwhile, the Série Noire package can also be had on Citroën’s C5, family saloon and station wagon variants. Again, buyers will be offered two different engines; this time the HDi 200 and HDi 240 diesel units, with a six-speed automatic being the only gearbox option.

The C5 Série Noire builds upon the Exclusive + trim level by offering a leather interior with microfibre roof lining as well as matte black paint, chrome door mirrors and 19-inch matte grey wheels for the exterior. The C5 Série Noire is set to start at a not-insubstantial 44,600 euros and should go on sale, alongside the DS3, later this year.