by The French brand DS is young but has already made a name for itself with very creative models. These French cars are perhaps some of the most original on our market right now. TopGir has previously tested the DS7 Crossback crossover, and now it’s the turn of its younger brother, the DS3 Crossback.
The new DS3 Crossback is a very compact urban crossover with a length of only 4118 mm and a wheelbase of 2558 mm. It is built on the CMP platform, just like the Peugeot 2008, which recently won the title of Crossover of the Year in Ukraine.
The design of the DS3 Crossback is very unconventional, attracting attention. The crossover looks tidy, with short body overhangs, sculpted sides, and a sizable roof spoiler. The LED headlights are complemented by thin daytime running lights. In general, if you like attention, then the DS3 Crossback is just right.
A signature feature of the DS3 is the window line curve in the shape of a shark fin: it was also present in the first-generation model (which was still produced under the Citroen brand and was a hatchback).
It should also be mentioned that the DS3 boasts features typical of more expensive and higher-class cars—18-inch wheels, retractable door handles, and sequential turn signals. After all, DS is positioned as a premium brand.
In the Performance Line trim, the interior of the DS3 Crossback uses Alcantara—even on the front panel. The steering wheel is covered with perforated leather, and the pedals are adorned with metal overlays.
The creativity continues here as well—the power window switches located near the curved gear lever are worth mentioning alone. The buttons on the central panel also have an unconventional diamond shape (some of them are touch-sensitive). Below them is the engine start button, also diamond-shaped.
The virtual dashboard allows changing the configuration and color of the graphics. It is quite compact, but the touchscreen is large—with a 10.3-inch diagonal. Notably, for example, the temperature in the cabin is set only through the multimedia menu. Additionally, there is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and wireless charging for smartphones is installed.
The sporty front seats of the DS3 Crossback are comfortable and provide good back support and are heated. The seating position is not very high by crossover standards. Rear visibility is somewhat limited due to the small window, but there is a camera, so parking won’t be a problem. And you quickly get accustomed to the dimensions of the compact crossover.
The rear seat provides enough space for two average-sized passengers. The only thing is that due to the high window line and those very shark fins, it is dark in the back. But the audio system speakers are located in these bulges.
The trunk, for a car of this size, is decent—350 liters. However, there is no spare tire under the floor. Interestingly, the button to open the rear door is hidden in the bumper near the license plate.
The DS3 Crossback in the Performance Line+ trim includes keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, light and rain sensors, navigation, and a parking sensor. There is also lane and blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition.
The crossover is equipped with a 1.2-liter 130-horsepower turbocharged petrol engine. The same engine was in the Opel Corsa we tested, but here it is a bit quieter—thanks to better sound insulation. The engine is torquey in the mid-range revs—230 Nm of torque is available from 1750 rpm. For a car weighing 1.2 tons, this is quite sufficient.
The engine’s character largely depends on the selected driving mode—in Eco, it is somewhat sleepy, but in Sport it is very lively. The 8-speed automatic transmission keeps high revs in this case. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 9.2 seconds, and the top speed is 196 km/h. However, the appetite in Sport increases, although you can still manage to fit into 9 liters per city with traffic.
The DS3 Crossback is also available in Ukraine with a 155-horsepower version of this engine and with a 130-horsepower turbodiesel. And in Europe, there is even an electric version, which should soon appear here.
The suspension of the DS3 Crossback is more comfortable than that of the related 2008. Small potholes are less noticeable, although it’s worth noting that it has 18-inch wheels here; with 17-inch ones, the ride would be softer. The vehicle is low, so it doesn’t roll much. The steering is precise, becoming heavier and sharper in Sport mode. The compact crossover is agile and maneuvers excellently. DS3 Crossback’s directional stability at 140-150 km/h raises no questions, and it’s quiet inside. A ground clearance of 170 mm is enough for the city and outings.
The new DS3 Crossback is perhaps the most unusual crossover in the B-class. During the test, people approached us several times, asking what kind of interesting car it was. Yes, the model is not the cheapest—it starts at 686 thousand hryvnias, and the 155-horsepower version will cost at least 787 thousand. Although it should be considered that this is still a premium, and competitors will be even more expensive.
DS3 Crossback Specifications
- 3-cylinder petrol turbo engine, transverse front
- Engine displacement 1199 cm3
- Power 130 hp at 5500 rpm
- Maximum torque 230 Nm at 1750 rpm
- Front-wheel drive
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Top speed 196 km/h
- 0-100 km/h acceleration 9.2 s
- Fuel consumption city/highway 7.4/5.3 l/100 km
- Length/width/height/wheelbase 4118/1791/1534/2558 mm
- Trunk volume 350-1050 l
- Ground clearance 170 mm
- Turning diameter 10.6 m
