Should you buy one?

There are more compact SUVs in the world than is perhaps good for us, and the DS 3 simply has so many seriously accomplished rivals that it’s hard to recommend. Even within the same group, you can save a couple of grand going for a Citroen C4 with the same engine, gearbox, and much of the same technology.

There are also several very fine cars from other manufacturers to consider, from the brilliant-to-drive Ford Puma to the eminently sensible Skoda Kamiq.

Put simply, the DS 3 doesn’t do quite enough to justify its luxury billing, and most people would be better-served by paying a slightly more premium price tag for a much more premium experience.

Even discounting the brand’s highfalutin intentions, the DS 3 is cramped inside, overly difficult to use, and too expensive to run as a company car. Its appeal is therefore pretty limited.

What we like

The materials used inside are luxurious and top-spec cars really look the business with their watchstrap-leather massaging seats. The infotainment screen is a cut above many Stellantis products and the engines are well-proven.

What we don’t like

This is far too cramped to be a family SUV – and the styling’s a contrived homage to the smaller, more stylish and generally more appealing DS 3 hatchback. We’re not sold.