DS 3 Review 2024

The DS 3 is likely to be a relatively niche proposition in the crossover family SUV market. This is due to its limited practicality, relatively expensive pricing, plus the fact it offers a driving experience that is not particularly inspiring.

Nonetheless, should you want a compact SUV that looks different to the rest, and do not have to worry about space inside, the DS 3 could appeal. The interior finish on the fanciest Opera models is particularly impressive, with plenty of luxurious Nappa leather.

All of the trim levels across the DS 3 range are notably plush, and all feature a generous level of standard equipment.

The entry-level Puretech 100 petrol engine, with a manual gearbox, is solely offered for the Performance Line version of the DS 3.

To truly engage with the DS 3’s luxury lifestyle image, a more powerful Puretech 130 engine is combined with an automatic eight-speed transmission. Not only does this bring more power, making the DS 3 easier to drive, the automatic gearbox naturally adds to the premium experience.

When it comes to trim levels, the range-topping Opera version is the most impressive. With its Nappa leather upholstery, extra equipment and styling enhancements, it offers the best DS 3 experience. It is not cheap, however, but going all-in makes sense if this is the compact crossover for you.

The world is not short of compact crossover SUVs, and the DS 3 is another addition to a very long list. Key competitors include the Ford Puma, Vauxhall Mokka, Peugeot 2008 and Skoda Kamiq.

More premium alternatives exist in the form of the Volkswagen T-Cross, MINI Countryman and Audi Q2. However, the DS 3 certainly stands out from these vehicles, given its emphasis on dramatic styling.

For those who like the DS 3, but prefer the idea of electric power, there is also the DS 3 E-Tense, which we’ll review separately.

Thankfully, the interior quality of the DS 3 matches its price tag and premium image that it comes with.

Even the most basic version of the DS 3 has seats and a dashboard that are trimmed in Alcantara, while the fanciest Opera model is upholstered in opulent Nappa leather.

This certainly helps lift the DS 3 above its siblings in the Stellantis automotive group, with some of the detailing being particularly impressive. However, looking more closely will still unearth some less-than-premium switchgear, shared with regular Peugeot and Citroen models.

DS has used the diamond theme consistently throughout the cabin, applying this to a host of touch-sensitive buttons. These may look neat, but the reality is that traditional switches would function far better. Sometimes the old ways just work.

All DS 3 models come with a centrally mounted 10.3 multimedia touchscreen. This features a DAB radio, plus the ability to wirelessly mirror Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone apps. Built-in satellite navigation is included on Esprit de Voyage and Opera models, along with voice recognition and over-the-air updates.

The DS 3’s touchscreen does work well, responding relatively quickly to inputs and moving smoothly between menus. However, the touchscreen has to be used to change some of the climate control settings, which is a lesson in complication and frustration.

A digital instrument panel is also included as standard across the DS 3 range. This is a relatively small 7.0-inch display, and only has limited customisation options compared to the offerings from rival manufacturers. Although it shows the important information clearly enough, finding other data feels like hard work.

All models come with a single USB-C connection in the front, while Esprit de Voyage and Opera models also gain a USB-A port in the rear. A head-up display is included on the range-topping Opera version, too.

By crossover SUV standards the DS 3 is relatively compact. It measures 4118mm in length and is 1802mm wide. Combine these dimensions with the DS 3’s dramatic styling and the result is an SUV that is not particularly spacious, and can feel claustrophobic inside.

For those in the front, a shallow windscreen and high seating position emphasise the limited space. There is still a respectable amount of headroom and legroom, but storage space is limited to a small glovebox and tiny door pockets.

Rear-seat space is noticeably limited. The unusual design of the B-pillar makes the windows quite small, which could make children feel claustrophobic. Adults will struggle with legroom, while headroom is in short supply due to the curving roofline.

Compared to other compact SUVs, the DS 3 also has a small boot capacity. With the rear seats in place, it can hold 350 litres of luggage. For comparison, a Ford Puma will take 456 litres and the Skoda Kamiq holds 400 litres. A high loading lip makes boot access in the DS 3 a little awkward, too.

The result is a crossover SUV that really prioritises style over practicality.

DS Automobiles has condensed the petrol options for the DS 3 down to just two choices, both of which are variations on a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine.

The starting point in the range is now the Puretech 100, offered solely for the entry-level Premium Line model. This is also the only DS 3 to come with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Producing 100PS and 205Nm of torque, the Puretech 100 manages not to feel overwhelmed by the weight of the DS 3. It reaches 62mph in 10.9 seconds and can push on to a top speed of 118mph. For those doing urban trips it will be fine, but motorway runs will require more effort.

The DS 3 Esprit de Voyage and Opera models come with a more powerful Puretech 130 engine, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission. With an increased output of 130PS and 230Nm of torque, the 0-62mph time is reduced to 9.2 seconds.

While the eight-speed automatic gearbox copes well with higher-speed journeys, it can become flustered when pulling out of junctions around town. Engaging Sport mode increases the shift speed quite dramatically.

Although the DS 3 has been created with luxury in mind, the peppy three-cylinder petrol engines are not the last word in refinement. These engines also see service in other Stellantis products, such as the Vauxhall Corsa, and emit a familiar offbeat growl.

The engine noise is not unpleasant, but perhaps more noticeable than those buying a premium-brand model might expect. Naturally, the separate electric DS 3 E-Tense would be much quieter.

Thrummy petrol engines aside, the DS 3 does a good job of shielding those inside from external wind and road noise.

The latest DS 3 has not been tested by the Euro NCAP safety organisation since being rebranded in 2022. However, the pre-facelift DS 3 Crossback was evaluated back in 2019.

The standard model was awarded a four-star rating, but gained the maximum five stars when assessed with the Safety Pack, which added active safety braking.

As part of the changes to the DS 3 range, an impressive level of standard safety equipment is now standard across the range. All models come with active braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning and intelligent speed adaptation.

Opera models come with blind-spot monitoring, although this can be added to other trim levels as part of an option pack.

DS was not included in the 2022 Honest John Satisfaction Index, but Citroen (its related brand) did form part of the survey. Citroen was placed in the bottom five brands for reliability. With the premium image that DS wants to portray, the DS 3 will hopefully prove to be more reliable.

The DS 3 comes as standard with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty. This is standard when compared to other European brands, but lags behind the warranties offered by Hyundai and Kia.

DS does offer the chance to extend the warranty for the DS 3, along with adding European breakdown cover.

Despite its premium image and higher price tag, the DS 3 should be a fairly cheap crossover SUV to insure.

The 100PS manual version of the DS 3 falls into insurance group 15 (out of 50 groups in total).

Choosing the more powerful 130PS engine, combined with the automatic transmission, increases this insurance rating a little. Performance Line versions will be in group 20, while the Voyage de Esprit and Opera models are found in group 21.

When it comes to VED (road tax), the DS 3 is an affordable option, helping to offset its higher purchase price.

The petrol engines offered for the DS 3 come with relatively low CO2 emissions, keeping VED costs down. First-year costs range between £210 and £255, followed by a flat rate of £180 a year after that.

DS Automobiles has changed the model range during the lifespan of the DS 3, but the latest lineup offers a choice of three different trim levels.

Performance Line is now the starting point for the DS 3 range, and includes 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED headlights, a black front grille with black accents, chrome door handles and tinted rear windows.

On the inside, the DS 3 Performance Line has seats in a combination of black Alcantara and fabric trim, manually adjustable front seats, a black leather steering wheel and an acoustic windscreen. Keyless start, rear parking sensors and climate control air-con are all included.

A 10.3-inch multimedia touchscreen is fitted, featuring DAB radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel. Numerous safety features include lane departure warning and intelligent speed assistance.

The DS 3 Esprit de Voyage replaces the previous Rivoli trim level as the mid-range option. It comes with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels with black centre caps, plus LED tail lights.

Pebble Grey cloth is used for the upholstery, combined with diamond-stitched Nappa leather door trim. The steering wheel sees the airbag covered with leather and the dashboard gains a Pebble Grey fabric finish.

Other features include keyless entry and start, TomTom speed camera alerts and front door sill trims with an Esprit de Voyage logo. There is also 3D satellite navigation with voice recognition and over-the-air updates.

At the top of the DS 3 range is Opera trim. This wears 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, high-beam assistance and a black front grille with chrome detailing.

Basalt Black leather upholstery can be found inside, with the front seats heated and benefiting from eight-way electric adjustment. The driver even gets a seat with a built-in massage function. A head-up display comes as standard, as do front and rear parking sensors, plus a 360-degree surround-view camera.