CITROEN is raising the bar when it comes to exclusivity with a stunning take on its stylish new cabriolet.

The DS3 Cabrio Racing is making its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed before being seen at Europe's biggest motor show at Frankfurt in September.

Officially unveiled as a concept car, it is likely the model will be made to order with a price tag close to £30,000.

Decked out in matt grey paint job which Citroen is calling Moondark the car features plenty of carbon trim around the wheel arches, at sill level, on the front spoiler and inside.

There is also some snazzy red striping across the dash and on the bodywork while the leather sports seats have coloured back panels.

Designed to compete against the hot versions of the open top MINI and Fiat's Abarth 500 the high performance DS3 Cabrio has the same engine set up as the DS3 Racing hatch which was launched last year.

Using a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine developing 202bhp it is said to have a brisk 0 to 60 acceleration of around seven seconds with a top speed approaching 140mph.

Despite the power, fuel consumption should be in the region of 50 to the gallon with emissions likely to be around 150g/km.

It sites on 19-inch alloys and with daytime running lights flanking the nose it commands huge road presence.

As a little convertible, the DS3 has already made a mark as being a five seater with a sensibly proportioned boot as well as having a retractable top which can be operated at motorway speeds.

Citroen says it will gauge reaction from the crowds at Goodwood before making a decision about putting the car into a limited production run.