• Engines to suit all tastes
• Five punchy turbo petrols
• Two frugal diesels

Although there was some simplification of the DS 3’s engine range compared with the Citroen DS3, there’s still a broad spread of performance and economy options. Ranging from the 1.2-litre three cylinder PureTech (at the time, a very new engine with a few teething troubles for early buyers. but now the heart of vehicles across the Stellantis portfolio) to the upgraded 1.6-litre 210hp DS 3 Performance, you can have a petrol DS 3 with just 82hp and a five-speed gearbox, to the rapid hot hatch or sensible 165hp THP in an upmarket trim for a more grown-up feel.

Many models offer an efficient six-speed automatic gearbox as well, a big improvement over previous small Citroens with semi-automatic SensoDrive or EGS options. While the 82hp model is relatively sedate, the 130hp is as quick as most 80s hot-hatches, yet is economical and cheap to tax. The 165hp THP should be more than enough performance for most users, reaching 62mph in less than eight seconds, but the DS 3 Performance’s 210hp and limited-slip differential mean it is already a cult classic and a real rival for the MINI Cooper S or Fiesta ST.

Diesel is inevitably present, with the duo of 110hp or 130hp BlueHDi based on fundamentally the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. These are Euro 6 compliant and suitable for clean air zones or ULEZ thanks to the addition of AdBlue – unlike previous Peugeot/Citroen ‘Blue’ diesels which had a hidden Eolys tank, the DEF additive can be filled at a service station or at home easily.

Depending on the date of registration, the diesel models may qualify for free road tax as well as offering the potential to deliver 60-70mpg in real-world conditions, if maintained well.

DS 3 handling

• DS 3 feels agile and nimble
• Body roll is minimal and steering sharp
• Not as fun as a MINI, though

The DS 3 is quick to respond to steering inputs and feels light on its feet – the light steering helps with this, but it can feel overly assisted and lacking in feel.  Body control is good, meaning the DS 3 doesn’t roll too much through corners, but the firm suspension adds an edge to the ride and makes it feel crashy on the worst surfaces.

It’s not as fun as a MINI Hatch – few cars are – but has a charm in its own right. The handling of petrol models is better than the diesels due to the lighter weight over the front of the car. However, the more powerful engine you go for, the more easily the DS 3’s front end can feel overwhelmed in putting the power down to the road.