Overview

The DS 3 (formerly the DS 3 Crossback, and not to be confused with the previous DS 3 hatch) is a premium small SUV from the giant Stellantis conglomerate. Sharing its underpinnings with a variety of other SUVs from Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall, DS pitches the 3 as the stylishly upmarket and avant-garde sibling – like your glamorous aunt who wears colourful kaftans and let you have a sip of her red wine at the dinner table when you were six.

Rivals in this class are manifold. There’s the Parkers award-winning Ford Puma, which is fantastic 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 pretty simple. Discounting the electric powertrain, there are two engine options and four trim levels. Entry-level Performance Line models get Alcantara upholstery, rear parking sensors, climate control and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen loaded with connected tech. Snazzy. Stepping up to Performance Line+ nets you LED headlights, a navigation system, keyless start and larger alloy wheels. A small jump to Rivoli trim brings leather upholstery and a glitzier body with extra chrome trim.

Top-of-the-range Opera specification gets all the tech DS can cram into it, with a wireless phone charger, heated and massaging front seats, a head-up display, reversing camera and some more sophisticated safety tech.

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.