DS 3

in its origins DS it was a division of the brand itself Citroën. For years they have been in charge of creating the most luxurious and exclusive models of the French house. Now, since 2009, the work is the same, but instead of being a division within the brand, it is a separate firm. A new range with a clear focus on the SUV market, where the DS 3 is positioned as the access model.

Until now we have known various models signed by DS, such as the DS 3, DS 4 or  DS 5. However, those models were nothing more than derivative products of the Citroën C3 and Citroën C4, for instance. That caused the image to be very similar and not very daring. In 2014 that rule is fractured by creating its own DS brand. From then on, each product will be distinctly different, with a more refined touch and a more "French" design.

The DS 3 Crossback becomes the second product 100% manufactured by DS. Its commercial launch occurs at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The Crossback surname accompanies all the SUV units in the house, but as with the DS 7, the powerful renewal at the end of 2022 eliminates the surname, remaining only as DS 3.

Technical characteristics of the DS 3

Although the manufacturing is carried out by DS, the development is shared with the rest of the firms of the PSA conglomerate. Under the elegant body of the utility SUV we find the CMP platform usual in the house, the same used by many other products such as Opel Corsa or Peugeot 208, to mention similar examples. That gives you access to cutting-edge technology and puts you squarely in the utility segment.

More specifically in the B-SUV segment, one of the most popular and fastest growing in the European market. We are talking about compact measures and ideal for urban environments. 4,12 meters long, 1,79 meters wide and 1,53 meters high. To these external dimensions must be added a wheelbase set at 2,56 meters. Battle that allows you to homologate a cabin for a maximum of five passengers.

However, due to its habitability, the DS 3 assigns a very tight space in the back row, where it will be better to include two than three occupants due to the housing repercussions that this would have. Regarding load capacity, the trunk volume formalizes a minimum of 350 liters, expandable to 1.050 liters if the entire second row of seats is folded down. That volume is the same for all available mechanical versions.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the DS 3

One of the most important renovation lines at the end of 2022 focused on the mechanical range. After the update, the smallest model of the house now has only cuatro unidades motrices: un diésel, un gasolina, un híbrido y una versión 100% eléctrica denominada E-TENSE. Access versions are eliminated, and all units are associated with an automatic transmission and a front-wheel drive system.

The gasoline unit is recognized as DS3 PureTech. It mounts a small engine of three cylinders and 1,2 liters. It develops 130 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque.. Bill BlueHDi diesel It has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 1.5-liter displacement. In this case the power is 130 horsepower with 250 Nm of torque. El último modelo en llegar es el DS 3 Hybrid con etiqueta ECO. Emplea un conjunto híbrido de 136 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque con una autonomía eléctrica limitada.

The electric version DS 3 E-TENSE It is positioned as the most powerful and environmentally sustainable model of the entire range, earning the ZERO label from the DGT. It has a single front engine with 156 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery with 50,8 kWh of net capacity. Approves a range of 402 kilometers, and for recharging, high power systems are chosen: up to 100 kW in direct current and up to 11 kW in alternating current.

DS 3 Equipment

Inside the doors, the DS 3 demonstrates the excellent craftsmanship of the French luxury firm. A very well presented cabin, although not very ergonomic, with soft materials with a pleasant touch that increase the feeling of quality and comfort for all occupants. Added to this craftsmanship is a lot of technology, although not as much as that which the flagships of the house such as the DS 9.

The B-SUV segment is not characterized by excellent quality, but in this case it is intended to provide that environment in each of its trim levels: Bastille, Performance Line, Performance Line+, Rivoli and Opera. In each of them, not only the trim levels are increased, but also the available technology, the engines and the external appearance. In this way we can go from a more elegant style to a more sporty one according to our tastes.

As far as equipment is concerned, offers a wide range of next-generation systems and technologies, improved from the 2022 update. Many elements should be highlighted, such as: Full LED headlights, keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, browser, climate control, digital instrument panel, multimedia system with connectivity for smartphones and touch screen up to 10 inches, parking camera and an extensive catalog of security elements and assistants.

The DS 3 on video

The DS 3 according to Euro NCAP

As usual, Euro NCAP is in charge of analyzing the security of the DS 3. In 2019 the body carries out its crash tests and certifies four stars for the small Gallic SUV. The evaluations by sections were: 87 out of 100 in adult passenger protection, 86 out of 100 in child passenger protection, 54 out of 100 in pedestrian vulnerability and 63 out of 100 in operation of driving assistants. These valuations remain valid after the 2022 update as there was no change in the structure of the vehicle.

The DS 3 of Km 0 and second hand

The renewal of the DS 3 has recently made an appearance in the markets. Many buyers are still unaware of its existence, and many others dismiss it due to its high purchase cost. For these reasons, the secondary sales channels are partially empty of units, with a very blurred line between them. Depreciation is estimated to be 29%, a data similar to what we can see in other rival products.

If we take a look at the used and second-hand market, we verify that the available units present low mileage and a minimum price close to 21.000 euros for models with basic equipment and access mechanics. The Km 0 channel does not offer much. Starting prices are slightly higher than second-hand, although some better-equipped units do have an attractive price compared to factory orders.

Rivals of the DS 3

Although due to its size it is the model of access to the French family, its position directs it to a highly sought after and popular market. The B-SUVs are on their way to being the best sellers in Europe, although there are not many that we can consider as premium. For this reason the Frenchman is part of a kind of commercial limbo. We can stand out as main rivals: Mazda CX-3, Listen Q2, Volkswagen T ROC, Ford Puma, Hyundai Kona, MINI Countryman, Opel Mokka, Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur and Toyota CHR, among others.

Highlight

• Integrated
• Build quality
• equipment possibilities

To improve

• Price
• habitability
• Positioning with respect to premium rivals

DS 3 prices

In a segment where each euro counts, adding more can be a real problem. The starting price of the DS 3 is 27.341 euros, without offers or promotions. This value corresponds to a unit with Bastille finish and 130-horsepower PureTech mechanics with manual transmission. The most expensive option in the family is the 3-horsepower DS 156 E-TENSE with Opera trim. Its minimum price is 46.054 euros, without offers or promotions.

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