The reborn French car manufacturer DS, which now presents itself as an independent entity, has recently been supplying us with quite interesting cars. After the DS 7 and DS 3 models, it recently introduced a new model called the DS 9. The new model offers the proportions of a very elegant sedan, which proudly follows its modern predecessors with its style and appearance.
And since there is never enough French charm, the week before last we took the DS 3 model to the test again. This time, however, we tried the "top" version with the highest GRAND CHIC equipment and the most powerful 155-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine that worked with an eight-speed automatic.
Unmistakable exterior design
DS3 Crossback flew into the category of compact SUVs in style, fully in the spirit of its larger sibling. The basic shapes and proportions of the car are determined by its belonging to the mentioned category. The car therefore has shorter and taller proportions.
It wouldn't be "deeso" if it didn't come with a certain amount of playfulness and eccentricity. As part of the exterior design, the car will offer several recognition signs that will easily identify it. One of them is, for example, a kind of fin that the side doors have, and which refers to the previous DS 3 model. We also have the daytime running lights, which the DS 3 shared from the larger DS 7, so the car has a very typical lighting signature. And last but not least, we have the door handles, which are integrated into the body of the car most of the time. They then go out automatically when the car is unlocked, which, similarly to the locking itself, takes place completely automatically when you come into close contact with the car.
A certain visual connection between the currently offered models is most evident from the rear. The latter in both cars has very narrow horizontally oriented lamps, which are lined and at the same time connected by very rich chrome plating. I already mentioned the front daytime running lights and their light signature. I would also highlight the rear part for its very elegant circular exhaust tips, which are a privilege of the most powerful gasoline engine tested.
Interior, again interlaced with a diamond
The central motif of the DS 3 interior is again the rhombus motif, which is clearly defined within the dashboard in the individual controls, air conditioning vents or in the patterns created by the stitching of the dashboard or door side panels.
The dashboard of the DS 3 is therefore very playful and again very imaginative. The tested car was pleased with the large on-board infotainment display, which although quite "sticks out" from the dashboard, offers an already familiar and intuitive environment.
A slight disappointment for me was the fully digital display of the instrument cluster in front of the driver. It has traditionally offered several display modes, unfortunately, in the context of the pomp of the entire interior, it turned out to be small.
An original and rarely seen element are the side vents of the air conditioning, which are completely integrated into the side panels of the doors, not into the dashboard itself.
We also have a massive central tunnel, which, following the example of its larger sibling, will offer, in addition to the automatic gearbox selector, a rather unconventional control of the electric lowering of all windows.
The interior space is oriented more towards the front crew. The DS 3 does not offer much space in the rear seats and in the luggage compartment. In addition, the rear positions are optically narrowed by the relatively massive backrests of the front seats. The luggage itself will offer a volume of 350 l.
The interior of the DS 3 proudly follows the bold concept of the exterior and, together with a large amount of originality and high-quality workmanship, completes a very compact whole.
Motorization
The currently tested car was fitted with the most powerful gasoline engine. So it was a turbocharged PureTech three-cylinder with a volume of 1.2 liters. This refined engine had a decent power of 155 horsepower and a torque of 240 Nm.
The DS 3 is also offered with an engine identical in volume, only with lower outputs, i.e. 100 and 130 horses. The weakest motorization is exclusively associated with a six-speed manual, the other gasoline engines offered are then with an excellent eight-speed Aisin automatic.
The car is also available with a diesel under the hood, namely a 1.5 BlueHdi engine with 100 or 130 horsepower. Weaker again with a six-speed manual and stronger with an eight-speed automatic.
The current wave of electrification has also affected the new DS 3, specifically the car with the E-Tense designation, but we will certainly inform you about this sometime next time.
The most powerful engine tested offered more than adequate performance. Its three-cylinder sound is clearly visible in the cabin, but in no way unpleasant as a result. The cooperation of this engine and transmission is very comfortable for the user. Eight gear stages ensure a smooth pull and very low revs at highway speeds. As a result, I must definitely praise the most powerful engine tested for its performance and driving characteristics.
The car also had selectable driving modes, and here I have to admit that I drove most of the time with the sport mode activated. In normal mode, the tested DS 3 was quite bland, neutral and emotionless in terms of chassis and steering.
Sports mode, on the other hand, revived the car considerably, hardened it and the transmission worked in a different, sharper mode. In sports mode, you will also hear the artificial sound of the engine, which is artificially sent to you through the speakers into the cabin. Personally, I'm not a fan of this strategy, but the DS 3 presents the sound in a very non-violent and ultimately pleasant way.
Sports mode and a sharper pace also brought a slight increase in consumption. So, during the week-long test, I used the car below the 8 liters / 100 km limit.
So yes, the DS 3 is an original and handsome car, which can also offer a considerable amount of driving pleasure with this engine.
In conclusion
The DS car manufacturer will pay quite decently for this very stylish compact SUV. The basic version, i.e. the DS 3 with the basic BE CHIC equipment, with a "stokon" turbocharged petrol engine and a manual six-speed gearbox, can be purchased from CZK 560,000 including VAT.
The specification tested by us with the top GRAND CHIC equipment and with the most powerful 155-horsepower three-cylinder starts at 780,000 CZK including VAT. The particular tested car, with rich additional equipment, climbed to the amount of CZK 952,000 including VAT. The announced additional equipment included, for example, 18" aluminum wheels, the Extended Safety + DS Drive Assist package, a massage function for the driver's seat, wireless charging of a mobile phone or the FOCAL Hifi system with 14 speakers.
On the other hand, DS cars also include a 5-year / 60,000 km warranty in their purchase price, as well as a FreeDrive service contract included in this price, which includes all mandatory service, including service work and also the replacement of worn parts such as for example brake pads or wiper blades.
So the DS "troika" is a compact SUV that is very stylish. Imagination and originality are certainly not lacking in this car, and if you want to stand out, then this car is a very interesting choice in the given segment.
Source: Author's text
Image source: Author's own photos
