THREE'S A CHARM (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_ds3_2023

By Jonathan Crouch

If you want a premium small SUV that's a little different, this improved DS 3 model might fit the bill, thinks Jonathan Crouch.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 67

The DS 3 is hardly inexpensive but in compensation it's a satisfyingly desirable take on small SUV motoring, especially in this revised form. The design is individual, the cabin feels special and it's well equipped. Plus the combustion engines are willing and economical - and there's the option of full-electric technology if you want it. This is the car tasked with really moving the DS brand forward.

Backgroundword count: 173

Here's an interesting stat. It won't be long before SUVs account for a quarter of all car sales. And premium brands account for 11% of all worldwide car production but 37% of automotive segment profits. Which explains why the Stellantis Group conglomerate needs the DS brand. And why, back in 2018, the DS brand needed to launch its first bespoke-designed small SUV, the DS 3 Crossback, now known simply as 'DS 3'. The most recent updates have been more than merely about a change of name of course: this DS has gained a smarter look, a bit more interior luxury, a useful upgrade for the E-TENSE EV version and the option of a new 48V Hybrid engine. As before, the DS 3 in all its forms shares most of its engineering with new-generation versions of familiar Stellantis Group small SUVs like Peugeot's 2008 and Vauxhall's Mokka, but packages it all up with a stylised expression of Gallic savoir faire. Buyers are promised distinctive looks, jewel-like detailing and cutting-edge technology. Let's take a look.

Driving Experienceword count: 287

The core DS 3 engine remains the usual PureTech 130 petrol unit, which only comes with an 8-speed auto gearbox. At the foot of the range, the same engine can also be had in lesser 100hp form with a manual gearbox. If funds permit though, we'd council you to find the relatively small amount extra needed for the 136hp Hybrid powertrain, which is mated to its own specific 6-speed auto. Built into that transmission is a little 28hp electric motor which can power the car for up to 50% of the time in urban travel. As usual, there's also an all-electric DS 3 E-TENSE model at the top of the range. This gets a 155hp electric motor (revised as part of the most recent model update and assembled in Tremery-Metz). Also changed over the original DS 3 Crossback E-TENSE model is the reduction gear set-up (produced in Valenciennes) and the 54kWh battery (assembled in Poissy). These have allowed for increases in power and range (now rated at 250 miles). As before, the DS 3 E-TENSE offers three main selectable driving modes - 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport', the last of which delivers the powertrain's maximum 260Nm torque figure to the tarmac the instant the wheels begin to turn. Also as before, you can maximise range via two driver-activated energy recovery settings - 'Normal' and 'Brake'. If you've chosen a petrol PureTech 130 model, as many DS 3 customers will, as part of the auto transmission package you get steering wheel paddle shifters and a set of selectable driving modes - 'eco', 'normal' and 'sport' - the latter being the one you'll need if you want to replicate the claimed 9.2s 0-62mph sprint time, achieved en route to 124mph.

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