Citreon DS3 Review and Car Buying Guide | Everything From Features, Models, Price, Reliability & More | 01 October 2024

As you will find out in this Citroen DS3 review, this hot hatch from the DS brand is one of the most stylish and compact electric cars on the market today; and you will see why it has caught the eye of many car enthusiasts since its launch.

Known for its unique design, comfortable ride, and a range of customisation options, this DS model offers something a little different from the usual small cars on the market.

Consequently, in this buyer's guide, we will take a closer look at what makes the Citroën DS3 stand out - exploring its key features, fuel economy performance, and how it compares to other cars in its class.

So, whether you are looking for a city car or something with a bit more flair, the DS 3 might be one of the best cars for you. Let's find out.

Table of Contents

• Key Features
• What is a Citroen DS3?
• Exterior
• Interior
• Engines
• Understanding DS3 Models
• How does the DS3 Models Differ?
• Choosing the Right DS3 for You
• E-Tense - Fully Electric Version
• Charging
• Safety Features
• Insurance Groups
• Dimensions and Key Metrics
• Reliability
• DS3 Compared to Other Cars
• Car Finance and Leasing Options
• Warranty and Service Plans
• Citroen DS3 Review Final Thoughts
• Related Car Reviews, Buyers Guides and Latest DS news
• Who is FRF Motors?

Key Features

✓ The DS 3 stands out with its distinctive and chic design, featuring bold lines, a floating roof design, and a range of customisation options to suit your style.

✓ Its compact size makes it ideal for city driving, as it is very easy to manoeuvre through tight streets and park in small spaces.

✓ The DS 3 also offers a very comfortable and well-designed interior, with supportive seats and quality materials - which really does make every journey more enjoyable.

✓ With a wide range of exterior colours, roof designs, and interior trims to choose from, it enables you to personalise your DS 3 to reflect your personality and preferences as a result.

✓ The DS 3 was praised when it won the Top Gear Car of the Year award for its agile and responsive handling - which makes it fun to drive, especially around corners.

What is a Citroen DS3?

The Citroën DS 3 is, in essence, a long-serving compact hatchback that has a car history dating back to the first production model that hit the roads in 2010.

Designed to be stylish and practical, it combines a distinctive, bold exterior with a comfortable, customisable interior on the whole.

Exterior

The DS3 is known for its distinctive exterior design, and when you look at it closely, it is easy to see why.

With its bold front grille, sleek lines, and signature LED lighting, it really does turn heads wherever it goes, and we are not just saying that.

The sharkfin-shaped mid-B-pillar has also remained a distinctive feature of the DS brand identity and continues to be a key design element in even this latest model as well.

The Opera model, for instance, takes this a step further, with a more rugged appearance that's perfect for those who want a car that stands out from the crowd.

Paint Colours

The DS3 offers you plenty of colour options to choose from to make it truly your own, with a range of hues that allow you to express your personality.

Whether you prefer something understated like classic black or want to make a statement with a bright, vibrant colour, the DS3 offers plenty of choices.

The DS3, for instance, can come in one of 7 paint colours, which consist of, for instance:

1. Artense Grey (M0F4 + ZK13)
2. Bianca White (P0WP)
3. Bianca White (P0WP + ZK12)
4. Diva Red (M6TU + ZK13)
5. Lacquered Grey (M0SC + ZK13)
6. Pearl Crystal (M0PH + ZK13)
7. Perla Nera Black (M09V)

Alloy Wheels

The brand-new DS 3, when it comes to its Alloys, can come in 1 of 3 versions, including:

• 17 Inch 'Dublin' Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels (ZHY0) - Standard on PERFORMANCE LINE
• 18 Inch 'Nice' Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels (ZHKX) - Standard on OPERA and optional on PureTech/HYBRID PERFORMANCE LINE
• 18 Inch 'Toulouse' Alloy Wheels (ZHM6) - Optional on E-TENSE PERFORMANCE LINE

Interior

Step inside a DS3, and you will immediately notice the attention to detail with its interior looks and design, as we did, along with a good centre console layout and a good-sized glovebox.

For instance, the cabin combines premium materials, modern technology, and thoughtful touches that make every journey comfortable.

Seats

We also found the seats to be very supportive, offering you a good level of ergonomics for both the driver and your passengers.

The driver’s seat, in particular, offers you plenty of height adjustment. The cushions, while firm, provide excellent support - ensuring that you get a very high level of comfort on longer journeys without causing any discomfort or aches as a result.

High-quality materials

Then, with the use of high-quality materials, such as leather and soft-touch plastics, which are used throughout, it really does give the interior a bit of a luxurious feel we found.

The DS3 also offers ample customisation options for interior styling. From the colour of the upholstery to the type of trim, you can personalise your DS3 to match your taste perfectly.

With the higher trims even coming with more high-end materials such as Performance Line Black Alcantara® Interior, which is standard on the Performance Line, or even the Basalt Black Opera Nappa Leather Interior, which comes as standard on Opera Trim for instance.

Pearl Stiching

Inspired by the world of Haute Couture, the DS3 even comes with pearl stitching, which provides rhythm to the needlework in the DS trim levels.

Pearl stitching, for instance, is a very intricate process, and to achieve this, DS's Master Saddlers created a bespoke machine to industrialise the process at a scale which has never before been seen as well.

ART Design Leather Options

Inspired by the world of fashion, ‘ART’ leather features on the outer seat bolsters as well as the door panel and dashboard fascias as well.

The design of ‘ART’ leather gives the upholstery a more stylistic ‘aged’ look with the contrasting print, which is especially evident, we thought in our road tests of this car, especially against the black Nappa leather options.

Guilloche Interior Design Style

Fun fact: what was inspired by fine watchmaking has moved to the interior design of the DS3. As the interior team used the Guilloche style and techniques - which refers to using a style made of straight and curved lines to bring shadow and light to the piece for better clarity and greater intricacy - on the interior, and it is clear to see.

This technique was originally done by hand but moved to an engine lathe, and in the style used and produced for the DS3, DS Automobiles has been most inspired by the ‘Clous De Paris.’ technique when designing the interior elements, for instance.

Diamond Patterns

Unique to DS 3, in the DS range, is the use of diamond patterns across the dashboard facia; the diamond shapes are then used for all of the touch-sensitive controls, as well as the air vents and even the start / stop button.

Another fun fact: These diamond shapes have been designed to echo the design of the distinctive Louvre Pyramid in Paris.

Watchstrap Leather

Produced by the DS3 Master Saddlers, Watchstrap Leather first made its appearance in DS concept vehicles before making its way to the commercial range in the DS3.

To achieve the design, the soft and supple leather is cut and padded with varying grades of foam. The shapes are then cut and folded in a process similar to Origami to achieve precise alternating angles in the lather pattern that can come with the DS3.

Technology and Features

The DS3 also comes equipped with a range of modern tech features, from its Maxtrix LEDs to its climate control and air-con system.

For instance, most models include a touchscreen infotainment system, which controls everything from the radio to the sat-nav - and is also compatible with Andriod Auto and Apple CarPlay as well, which lets you stream your music straight to the car via Bluetooth or USB.

The Opera higher trim then offers additional features such as the DS Iris System - 3D Connected Navigation, natural voice recognition, Bluetooth® connectivity and over-the-air updates, for instance.

DS Matrix LED Vision

DS 3’s DS Matrix LED Vision is made up of 3 LED modules for the dipped function as well as a Matrix Beam module divided into 15 independent sections for undipped operation.

The segments then illuminate and turn off progressively depending on the driving environment detected by the camera at the top of the windscreen.

You can, therefore, drive using main beam headlights without dazzling others automatically - for example, approaching a vehicle that’s being followed or coming the other way, a section of the light beam around that vehicle automatically switches off and tracks its movement so as not to distract it.

DS Drive Assist

DS Drive Assist then helps you while enabling you to take control of your car at any time.

It’s another step closer to autonomous driving, as this innovative equipment controls your speed and distance relative to the vehicle in front of you by operating the steering positions to keep the DS 3 precisely where you want it in your lane.

It can also control your speed and direction to ensure you’re safe and relaxed at the wheel.

360 Vision

DS 3 features the latest generation digital cameras at both the front and rear, which allow you to perfectly reproduce images on its 10.3-inch touchscreen.

Proximity Keyless Entry & Start

With Proximity Keyless Entry & Start, DS 3 unlocks automatically when you come within 2 metres, and the door handles, which blend into the silhouette, then appear automatically.

You can then start your car easily with the Start/Stop button, and on leaving, it’s the same principle - the door handles disappear inside the car and the car locks automatically as you walk away from the vehicle.

Extended Head-Up Display

DS 3’s colour Extended Head-Up Display represents an immersive visual experience similar to augmented reality.

Digital data is projected onto a transparent screen in the driver’s line of sight so you can see it projected in front of you - so you never have to take your eyes off the road to see navigation information, the speed limit of the road and lots more.

Space and Practicality

Despite being a compact car, the DS3 offers a decent amount of space inside.

The boot space also offers you plenty of room, as it provides you with 350 litres of luggage capacity in both the turbo petrol engines (DS3 1.6 Litre) and electric powertrain DS 3 models.

You then have the 60/40 split option in the rear back seats, which allows you to fold these down, which then expands your carrying capacity even more up to 1,050 litres of space.

The front seats are then also very spacious, and there's enough legroom and headroom for most adults.

While the rear seats, while a bit tighter, can comfortably accommodate passengers as well.

Comfort and Ride Quality

The DS3 is designed to offer you a comfortable ride, and that is clear from when you get inside, with its well-cushioned seats and a suspension system that smooths out most bumps on the road surface really well.

The interior is also relatively quiet, with minimal road noise, especially when driving at lower speeds.

All of this makes it a pleasant car for both city driving and longer journeys alike.

Customisation Options

One of the highlights of the DS3 is the level of customisation it offers you.

For instance, as a buyer, you can choose from a variety of interior colour schemes, materials, and finishes, all of which allow you to personalise the cabin to your taste.

So whether you prefer a sporty look with bold colours or a more classic style with neutral tones, the DS3 has options to suit your individual preference really well.

Engines

The DS 3 offers you some very efficient engine options, including available fuel types such as fully electric, plug-in hybrid, diesel DS3, and 1.6-litre petrol engine options.

These engines then provide you with a smooth, economical drive, balancing both performance and low emissions - making them ideal for both city and motorway driving alike.

Driving aids include cruise control with a speed limiter and an intelligent indicator that suggests the best time for gear changes - which, when it comes to the engines, all help you enhance fuel efficiency and reduce your CO2 emissions while doing so at the same time.

The clutch's biting point in the manual gearbox version is alsso very responsive and gives you a smooth driving experience, with a quick and precise gear change, ensuring an effortless drive as a result.

In terms of options for the petrol, diesel and hybrid engines you have:

Electric Engines

For the E-Tense electric engine, you are looking at a fully electric range of around 232 miles, which, when compared to the traditional petrol and diesel engines, helps to keep your running costs down as electric charging is a lot cheaper on the whole.

In terms of the electric motor features, you are looking at the following instances:

Understanding DS3 Models

The DS3 comes in several variations, each designed to cater to different tastes and needs.

The standard DS3 hatchback is also a popular choice for those seeking a balance of style and functionality.

Each model is then designed to offer you something different, so understanding the nuances between them is crucial when deciding which one to purchase.

However, these come in 3 models, such as:

• DS 3 E-Tense
• DS 3 Performance Line
• DS 3 Opera

How does the DS3 Models Differ?

These predominantly differ in a number of ways, such as for instance:

Choosing the Right DS3 for You

As you can see, selecting the suitable DS3 model comes down to understanding your needs and preferences. 

For those who want all the features then the Opera model is more suitable for instance.

E-Tense - Fully Electric Version

The E-Tense is the DS3's fully 100% electric version and comes with optimised aerodynamics and innovative materials, which has allowed an increased range for DS 3 – up to 250 miles.

DS 3 is one of the most efficient Hatchbacks available, making it ideal for both short and long journeys, as up to 80% of its battery can be charged in just 30 minutes.

The financial savings with 100% electric vehicles can also include access to ‘low emission zones’ with no additional charge, as well as tax incentives relating to very low VED, road tax, and BIK tax rates as well.

Regenerative Braking

With the Regen braking, you are getting an engine brake that can turn kinetic energy created when the car slows down straight into electricity as you decelerate - thereby charging your electric car's battery and extending your range.

Through energy recovery during braking, you can increase the range of your DS 3 E-Tense by up to 20% around town.

This function can be simply engaged with a simple push on the gear lever as well to determine how much you want to recoup back to the battery.

Driving Modes

With DS 3 E-Tense, three drive modes are available, which draw more or less energy from the battery.

Eco Mode

For instance, you have Eco mode, which lets you conserve the range of your electric vehicle, where it adjusts some functions such as cockpit temperature and recirculating air to reduce energy use.

Sport Mode

Sport mode boosts driver enjoyment because when it is engaged, it lets your DS 3 E-Tense deliver you the maximum power and torque it has available to give you a thrilling experience.

Normal Mode

Normal mode then controls the car's various parameters to ensure that you get maximum comfort on every journey as well - the best of both worlds, so to speak.

Thermal Pre-Conditioning

Pre-warming your DS 3 E-Tense also enables you to maximise the range of its battery.

This function can be programmed remotely through your MyDS app, and means you will get into an electric car that's at the perfect temperature with a battery that’s also pre-warmed - and therefore - operating at its most efficient capacity.

Charging

There are many different ways to charge your DS 3 E-Tense as well, making it perfectly adaptable to your needs.

These can range from occasional charging from a domestic socket right up to rapid charging at up to 100kW at a motorway service station DC charger, which can get the battery recharged to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority in the DS3, with a host of features designed to protect you and your passengers.

For instance, the car comes equipped with multiple airbags, a robust braking system, and a suite of driver assistance technologies that include lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, as well as:

• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
• Airbags (front, side, and curtain)
• Automatic Headlights
• Automatic High Beam Assist
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Cruise Control with Speed Limiter
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Front Parking Sensors
• Hill Start Assist
• ISOFIX child seat anchor points
• Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Reversing Camera
• Speed Sign Recognition
• Traction Control System (TCS)

The DS3 has also performed well in safety tests, earning high ratings from various safety organisations as well.

Insurance Groups

The DS3 typically falls into insurance groups ranging from 12 to 24, depending on the model and engine type you go for.

This makes it a relatively affordable option for insurance compared to similar vehicles.

Dimensions and Key Metrics

In terms of its key dimensions, the DS3 has the following:

Reliability

In terms of reliability and build quality, the DS is seen as a highly reliable and good car, having won many awards. A sample which consists of, for instance:

• Best Small Car at the Top Gear Awards
• Best Hot Hatch at the Auto Express Awards
• Best Premium Supermini at the What Car? Awards
• Car of the Year at the Diesel Car Magazine Awards
• Best Design at the Red Dot Design Awards
• Best City Car at the Fleet News Awards
• Best Used DS Small Car at the Auto Trader Awards
• Best Hatchback at the Parkers New Car Awards
• Best Supermini at the Carbuyer Awards
• Best Compact Car at the Telegraph Car Awards
• Best Luxury Car at the UK Car of the Year Awards
• Best Small Hatchback at the Honest John Awards
• Best First Car at the Driving Instructor Awards
• Best New Car at the Auto Express New Car Awards
• Best City Car at the Business Car Awards
• Best Compact Hatch at the Fleet World Awards
• Best Supermini at the Company Car Today CCT100 Awards
• Best Urban Car at the Women’s World Car of the Year Awards
• Best Small Car at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards
• Best Eco Car at the Carwow Awards
• Euro NCAP 5 Stars Award

DS3 Compared to Other Cars

When considering a DS3, it's essential to compare it with other vehicles in the same class.

Competitors include models like the MINI Hatch, Audi A1, and Fiat 500, for instance.

• Audi A1
• Citroen C3
• Fiat 500
• Ford Fiesta
• MINI Cooper Hatch
• Peugeot 208
• Renault Clio
• SEAT Ibiza
• Volkswagen Polo
• Vauxhall Corsa
• Hyundai i20
• Volvo EX30
• Alfa Romeo MiTo

Each of these cars offers its own set of advantages. Still, the DS3 stands out with its unique design, superior customisation options, and advanced safety features.

In terms of price and new car deals, the DS3 is also competitively positioned compared to other cars on the market, offering you a lot of value for your money.

Car Finance and Leasing Options

Buyers have several options when purchasing a DS3, though the uses of automotive financing options.

Financing can be a good choice for those who want to own the car outright at the end of the payment term. It can consist of car leasing, contract hire, PCP, and PCH, for instance.

Leasing is a better option if you prefer to drive a new car every few years as well. For instance, with a lease, you can enjoy lower monthly payments and the flexibility to upgrade to a newer model when your lease term ends.

If financing your DS3 is something you are interested in, then contact our sales team today to see how we can help you.

Warranty and Service Plans

The DS3 comes with a standard warranty that covers most significant components for 3 years/ 60,000 miles.

Extended warranties and service plans are also available, offering additional peace of mind.

These plans can be precious for buyers who plan to keep their DS3 for an extended period, as they can help manage repair costs.

Citreon DS3 Review Final Thoughts

As you can see, the DS3 is a compelling choice for anyone looking for a stylish, customisable, and well-equipped hatchback.

Whether you're drawn to its unique design, advanced safety features, or the sheer driving pleasure it offers, the DS3 has something to satisfy almost every type of driver.

With its combination of style, performance, and practicality, the DS3 continues to be a standout in the compact car market, so why not book an appointment today to take one of our test cars out for a spin at one of our local Citroen and DS dealerships near to you to experience it first hand for yourself?

Related Car Reviews, Buyers Guides and Latest DS news

If you liked this review, why not check out some of our other new car reviews and car news articles, such as for instance:

• DS9 Buyers Guide, Everything From Features, Reliability, Models & More
• DS 4 Buyers Guide - Everything to Know from Prices, Models, Features & Lots More
• DS 7 Buyer's Guide. Everything from The DS 7's Unbeatable Price and Features. What You Need to Know Before Buying

Who is FRF Motors?

Here at FRF Motors, we are a family-run car dealership group based in South Wales, with locations in Swansea and Bridgend.

We are authorised car dealers for several major brand-new car brands, including Peugeot cars, Mazda cars, Vauxhall cars, and DS Automobiles cars.

We are also a credit broker who is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010) and can offer a wide range of services, from selling new and used cars to providing you with maintenance, servicing, repairs, and car parts as well.

We also offer modern showrooms that are complemented by state-of-the-art service centres, all of which have been designed to ensure our customers receive comprehensive support throughout their vehicle's life.

We also pride ourselves on delivering you a very personalised customer service and catering to a diverse range of motoring needs as well. So come down and see us.