Expect plenty of new model announcements in the run up to the Paris Motor Show at the end of the month. Citroën are the latest manufacturer to release details and images of a new car, in this case it’s their DS3 Cabrio.

It’s actually not a true cabriolet, which is likely why they cut the name short too. The DS3 Cabrio retains the DS3 hatchback’s hard roof, but the center section of the roof has be removed in favour of a folding canvas top. Electrically operated, the DS3 Cabrio’s fabric roof is available in three designs: Black; Infinite Blue; DS Monogramme. The ‘DS Monogramme’ trim incorporates the DS logo into a subtle design using two contrasting grey tones.

The roof takes 16 seconds to open or close at speeds of up to 120 km/h and has three preset positions, fully open, intermediate and horizontal. The roof mechanism also incorporates an aerodynamic deflector to prevent air buffeting when completely retracted. The addition of the retractable roof adds 25kg to the DS3 Cabrio over that of the regular DS3 and shaves 40-litres off the total available boot space (to 245-litres). Citroën claim no loss in structural rigidity, strength, or driving agility due to the additional weight or redesigned roof.

Other than that, the DS3 Cabrio remains pretty much the same as the regular DS3 hatch, with the exception of a new 3D LED tail-light design, inspired by the Citroën Revolte and Survolt concept cars. The interior features white LED ambient and instrument cluster lighting, all-new upholstery and colour-coded trim highlights on the dashboard, air vent surrounds and shift knob. The DS3 Cabrio offers the same interior space as the hatchback and features a 60/40 split-folding rear bench.

The engine range is borrowed from the regular DS3 model, which includes a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated (88 kW) or turbocharged (115 kW) petrol engine and a 1.6-litre (68 kW) diesel engine.

The new Citroën DS3 Cabrio will be manufactured at the company’s Poissy plant in France and will go on sale in Europe in early 2013.