Overview

A slimmed-down DS 3 range has chopped the trim and power choice down to two apiece. That means this dinky SUV with premium aspirations is no longer available with a manual gearbox or a pure petrol engine. The new hybrid system is shared, along with the DS 3’s underpinnings, with a selection of other small SUVs from Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall. Is it one of the best SUVs? No, but it is a comfortable and potentially very plush option that’s a bit different to the norm.

Rivals in this class are plentiful. There’s the Ford Puma, which is good to drive and surprisingly practical, the Skoda Kamiq is the most spacious offering in the class, packed with clever touches, and the Peugeot 2008 is our favourite of the DS’s three Stellantis siblings, offering plenty of style, plenty of space, and a similar price tag.

You might also be considering the DS 3 E-Tense electric SUV – we’ve reviewed that separately to the petrol variant you’re reading about here. Need more space? DS also offers the 7, which competes with a whole raft of excellent family SUVs.

The DS 3 range is simple. Discounting the electric powertrain, there is one engine and two core trim levels. Entry-level Pallas models get cloth upholstery, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-camera with bird’s eye view, LED headlights, a wireless phone charger, 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen loaded with connected tech. A small jump to Etoile trim brings 18-inch alloy wheels, part alcantara upholstery and keyless entry.

DS is working incredibly hard to establish itself as a premium brand, both in the UK and in Europe. In fact, the company has outsold Lexus in Europe since 2020 – but it still isn’t satisfied. One of the ways it’s trying to steal customers away from more established marques is with its customer service levels and offers. Some dealers even provide free exclusive tours of the Louvre for customers.

Over the next few pages we’ll be reviewing every aspect of the DS 3, from its practicality to its interior layout and quality, running costs and what it’s like to drive.