DS3 Buyer’s Guide - Everything You Need to Know From Engines, Electric, Range, Towing, Boot, Speed, Price Warranty, and Lots More | 01 July 2024

In our guide to the new DS3, we will take a look at what makes the DS3 stand out as a Supermini Car and provide you - the buyer - with all the information you need to make an informed decision on whether this is the right car for you or not.

So, whether you're a first-time buyer or considering an upgrade on your current car, our guide is perfect for you to find out if the DS3 is the right car for you.

Top Features of the DS3

• ☑ You can choose from a range of high-performance engines that offer you great fuel economy.
• ☑ High-quality materials and supportive seating give you a very comfortable car - even on long journeys.
• ☑ Ideal for city driving, as the DS3 is easy to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces.
• ☑ Equipped with multiple safety protection features such as airbags and ABS
• ☑ Low emission engines make congestion charges very cheap.

Table of contents

• History of the DS 3
• DS3 Models
• How Do The Models Differ From Each Other?
• Engines
• Is There a Fully Electric Version of the DS 3 Available?
• Does the DS 3 Come With a Manual or Automatic Gearbox?
• Is The DS 3 Fuel-efficient?
• How Does the DS 3 Perform on the Road?
• Can the DS 3 be Used for Long-distance Driving?
• Paint Options
• Alloy Wheels
• Upholstery Options
• DS3 Exterior
• DS3 Interior
• Can I Customise the Interior and Exterior of My DS 3?
• What Connectivity Options Are Available in the DS 3?
• What Safety Features Does the DS 3 Offer?
• DS3 Size Dimensions
• Is the DS 3 Suitable for Families?
• DS Matrix LED Vision
• DS Drive Assist
• 360 Vision
• Proximity Keyless Entry & Start
• Extended Head-Up Display
• SOS and Assistance
• DS Telemaintenance
• Regular Over The Air Updates
• Games
• Connected Navigation
• e-Remote Control
• Send2Nav
• Reliability
• What Warranty Does a DS3 Come With?
• Pricing
• What Financing Options are Available for the DS 3?
• Dimensions & Key Metrics
• DS3 Final Thoughts
• Test Drive

History of the DS 3

The DS 3, was initially launched as the Citroën DS3 in early 2010 - which was known primarily at the time for its styling. The DS 3 then became a more premium standalone brand - 'DS Automobiles' - was launched in 2014, and this car was moved to this brand then.

Model Updates

Over the years, the DS 3 has also undergone 3 main updates to its design to keep it stylish and modern while also improving its performance and features as technology advances as well.

Customisation Options

Additionally, the DS 3 is well known for its extensive customisation options, which allow you to personalise your car with various colours, a two-tone roof and body, decals, and interior finishes.

DS3 Models

The DS3 comes in 3 main models, with these being:

• DS3 Performance Line
• DS3 Esprit de Voyage
• DS3 Opera

How Do The Models Differ From Each Other?

Each DS3 variant builds upon the last, adding more distinct features and upgrades as a result.

These can consist of, for instance:

DS3 Performance Line Features

The DS3 Performance Line is the base model, which comes packed full of features, such as:

• Performance Line Black Alcantara® Interior
• 17-inch ‘DUBLIN’ diamond-cut alloy wheels
• Digital Instrument Cluster
• 10.3 inch HD touchscreen
• Keyless start
• Flush fitting door handles in chrome
• Auto Comfort Pack - automatic air conditioning, windscreen wipers and rear wiper in reverse
• Electrically adjustable, tinted, power-folding and heated door mirrors
• Electric parking brake
• Electric, one-touch front and rear side windows
• Front central armrest with storage
• Rear Parking Sensors
• DAB digital radio
• Mirror Screen with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto® with wireless connection
• Advanced Safety Pack - Emergency Braking System (Up to 52mph), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW)|, Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation (SLI), Intelligent Speed Adaption (ISA) and Cruise control with speed limiter
• DS Connect Box - emergency & assistance system
• Gloss Black door mirrors
• Gloss Black DS monogram - front, the leading edge of the bonnet
• Gloss Black DS emblem located on tailgate
• Dark tinted rear windows
• Automatic lights
• LED headlights
• LED Daytime Running Lights

Esprit de Voyage

In addition to Performance Line features, the DS3 Esprit de Voyage model comes with:

• Pebble Grey Cloth Interior
• 18-inch ‘KYOTO’ diamond-cut alloy wheels
• DS Iris System - Includes 3D Connected Navigation, natural voice recognition, Bluetooth® connectivity, and over-the-air updates
• Gloss black door mirrors with ‘Esprit De Voyage’ inscription
• Esprit De Voyage badge - located on front doors

Opera

In addition to Esprit de Voyage features, the DS3 Opera model comes with:

• Basalt Black OPERA Leather Interior
• Electric, Heated and Massaging front seats
• Aluminium sports pedals
• Chrome diamond design front grille
• Chrome DS Wings & DS badges
• Blind Spot Detection
• Head-up Display
• Wireless charging for smartphones
• 360 Vision including front and rear parking sensors

Engines

When it comes to the DS3 engines, we have put together this detailed comparison table below, which aims to give you an extensive overview of the various models within the DS 3 lineup that are available and what these give you.

For instance, you can choose from:

PureTech Engine Detailed Specs

This table covers the more detailed specs you need to know about your DS3, from its braking power to its acceleration from 0 to 62 MPH.

E-TENSE Engine Detailed Specs

This table covers the more detailed electric engine of the DS3 specs you need to know, including its range and charging times.

Is There a Fully Electric Version of the DS 3 Available?

The DS 3 range includes a fully electric model known as the DS 3 E-Tense.

Does the DS 3 Come With a Manual or Automatic Gearbox?

The DS 3 is available with both manual and automatic gearboxes, allowing you to choose the transmission you prefer.

Is The DS 3 Fuel-efficient?

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the DS 3 has been designed to be very fuel-efficient, with an MPG on the non-electric variations getting up to 54.3.

How Does the DS 3 Perform on the Road?

When it comes to its handling, the DS 3 gives you a very smooth and agile driving experience, which is ideal for both city driving and longer motorway journeys alike.

Its suspension and steering have also been finely tuned to provide good road feedback and handling while ensuring a very comfortable ride inside the cabin.

Can the DS 3 be Used for Long-distance Driving?

When it comes to long-distance driving, the DS 3 is very well-suited thanks to its comfortable interior, supportive seats, great responsive infotainment system, efficient engines, and excellent ride quality.

Paint Options

As we all know, choosing the right exterior paint colour for your car is not just about style; it’s about you making a statement about your personalisation while on the road.

This is why the DS3 is known to stand out, as it comes with a large selection of colour options, including:

Alloy Wheels

If you are looking to enhance the aesthetic and performance of your DS 3 even further, then you can choose from a selection of stylish alloy wheels, and the DS3 comes with a good selection to choose from, such as:

• 18 Inch 'Nice' Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels (ZHKX) - Standard on Opera and optional on PureTech Performance Line
• 18 Inch 'Toulouse' Alloy Wheels (ZHM6) - Optional on E-TENSE Performance Line
• 18 Inch 'Kyoto' Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels (ZHMH) - Standard on Esprit de Voyage
• 17 Inch 'Dublin' Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels (ZHY0) - Standard on Performance Line

Upholstery Options

The DS3 comes with a variety of upholstery options to choose from, depending on the model you decide to buy.

For instance:

Black Alcantara® Interior

Available on the Performance Line, this interior trim set includes high-density seats in Black Alcantara, black woven cloth, and black Alcantara décor.

Pebble Grey Cloth Interior

Available on the Esprit de Voyage, this trim features high-density seats in Pebble Grey Luxembourg cloth with diamond-shaped Nappa leather décor.

Basalt Black Nappa Leather Interior

Available with the Opera, this is the highest trim level, with high-density seats in Art Basalt Black Nappa Watchstrap leather and Art Basalt Black Nappa leather décor.

DS3 Exterior

In regards to the distinctive exterior, the new DS3's exterior design really sets it apart on the road, and that is clear the second you place your eyes on it.

For instance, it accomplishes this due to its sleek lines and compact design, which make it ideal for city driving due to its size.

Front

The front of the car also showcases a very bold front grille and sharp headlights, which give it a modern and aggressive look on the road.

LED Lights

LED headlights come as standard and provide excellent visibility in all weather conditions while enhancing and adding to the car’s stylish appeal.

Colours & Wheels

When we get to the colours and wheels - as you can see above - you can choose from a wide range of very vibrant colours and several wheel designs, all of which allow you to personalise your DS3 to match your style exactly.

DS3 Interior

For the comfortable interior of the DS3, when you step inside, you can tell from the off that this has clearly been designed to offer you style, comfort, and functionality in a really well-designed way.

User-friendly Layout

For example, it achieves this as the cabin features a user-friendly layout with controls that are very logically arranged and easy for you to reach. This allows you to enjoy the ride and keep your eyes on the road, as everything is at arm's length.

Dashboard

At the heart of DS3 is the dashboard with its touchscreen infotainment system that provides you access to media on your phone, navigation, and all your vehicle settings to adjust your car to how you like it.

This dashboard and infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto®, allowing you to easily connect your phone and access your apps, music, and more simply.

Seats

The 5 seats in the DS3 are designed for your comfort which is clear to see, with supportive padding and adjustable settings, including:

• Lumbar support for the driver
• Heated seats
• Massage function
• Leather Options
• Electrically Adjustable

Internal Space

In terms of space, the DS3 is surprisingly roomy for a compact car. It offers a lot of headroom and legroom in the front, with a height of 1,534mm from the ground to the roof and 1,988 mm in width from the mirror on the left to the mirror on the right - making it very comfortable for both you and your passengers.

Foldable Rear Seats

The rear seats are also more than accommodating, with enough space for 3 adults easily - which also makes it ideal for children or additional storage as well, as they can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats, offering you even more carrying capacity when you need more even more space.

Boot Size

The boot is also very generously sized for a Supermini car, as it provides more than sufficient space for daily activities such as shopping, luggage, and other essentials. With the rear seats up, there is 350 litres of space, and with the rear seats folded down, there is 1,050 litres of space.

Practical Features

Practical touches are also more than appropriate, such as:

• Multiple storage compartments
• Large size cup holders
• USB ports
• ISOFix points in the rear
• Wireless phone charging

Can I Customise the Interior and Exterior of My DS 3?

Your DS 3 gives you a lot of customisation options for both the interior and exterior; for example, you can choose from various colours, finishes, and materials for the exterior, as well as different upholstery options, trims, and features for the interior, to name a few.

What Connectivity Options Are Available in the DS 3?

For connectivity options, the DS 3 is well equipped including a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto®, which allows you to connect via USD, DAB, and Bluetooth® really easily.

What Safety Features Does the DS 3 Offer?

When it comes to safety features, the DS 3 comes equipped with numerous features, including advanced driver assistance systems such as:

• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
• EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
• Hill Start Assist
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Reversing Camera
• Lane Departure Warning
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Driver Attention Alert
• Cruise Control with Speed Limiter
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Multiple Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
• Lane Keep Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Automatic High Beam
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Active Safety Brake
• Driver Drowsiness Monitoring

DS3 Size Dimensions

Is the DS 3 Suitable for Families?

When it comes to families, the DS 3 is very suitable for them, as it offers you a lot of space in both the front and rear for your comfort, as well as multiple safety features, including advanced driver assistance systems, to protect all passengers.

The boot is very generously sized for a compact car, making it practical for family outings and shopping trips alike.

DS Matrix LED Vision

The DS 3 also comes with the DS Matrix LED Vision system, which has been designed to enhance your visibility, especially for night driving, without distracting other drivers on the road while it does so.

Light Configuration

It manages to accomplish this, as this system includes three LED modules for regular lighting and a special Matrix Beam module, which is then divided into 15 independent sections.

These sections of the system then light up or dim based on what's happening on the road - as detected by a camera at the top of the DS3's windscreen.

How Does The Matrix LED Vision System Work?

For instance, when you are driving at night, and another car is approaching, the Matrix Beam adjusts automatically for you so that it does not shine directly into the eyes of other drivers.

This clever feature then allows you to use your main beam headlights automatically and more effectively without the need to keep turning them on and off, whilst also improving your visibility simultaneously - all without causing inconvenience to others.

DS Drive Assist

The DS3 also comes with DS's Drive Assist, which further enhances your driving by offering you a lot of autonomous driving features while ensuring you remain in control of your car at all times.

What Does DS Drive Assist Do?

DS Drive Assist cleverly manages your car’s speed and the distance from the vehicle ahead, removing some of the need to fine-tune your driving, which is especially useful when you are on the motorway following other traffic in your lane.

This technology also comes with lane assist built in as well, which precisely adjusts your steering automatically for you to keep the DS 3 within its lane according to your preferences and settings.

360 Vision

The DS 3 is also equipped with the latest generation of digital cameras positioned at the front and rear of your car, which also reproduces high-quality images on its 10.3-inch touchscreen.

Top Down View

The Vision 360 feature provides you with a "top-down" view of your car and its surroundings - as if you had your very own drone above you, giving you a broad view of your car - making it easier to navigate during low-speed manoeuvres.

How Does This Work?

This works because as the car moves, the display updates in real-time of everything around you, giving you a complete and continuous view of the vehicle. Cameras positioned all around the car stitch an image of what is around it, allowing you to park more quickly and not hit items and objects that you can't see behind or around you.

Proximity Keyless Entry & Start

The DS 3 can also come with Proximity Keyless Entry & and Start, which enhances your convenience even more by automatically locking and unlocking and allowing you to start your engine or stop it all without needing to take the key out of your pocket.

How Does This Work?

For instance, as you approach within 2 metres of your car, the car detects the key on your person and unlocks the doors automatically for you, allowing you to get in.

Starting the car is just as effortless with the Start / Stop button.

Then, when you leave the car, the same seamless process occurs in reverse. The car will detect the key is no longer close by and lock automatically as you walk away.

Extended Head-Up Display

The DS 3 can also include a colour Extended Head-Up Display that offers you a cutting-edge visual experience with its Augmented Reality projection.

This feature projects important information straight onto a transparent screen positioned directly in the driver’s line of sight and onto your windscreen, which then updates in real time.

This then gives you, the driver, real-time information on things such as what direction you need to take, what music is playing, the speed of the road, and what ADAS system has been engaged more directly in front of you on your windscreen.

SOS and Assistance

Another good feature that comes with the DS3, especially if you have an accident or need immediate assistance, is its SOS and Assistance system.

This geolocating emergency system enables you to establish direct contact with the necessary emergency services simply by pressing dedicated buttons located on the roof of the car.

Additionally, in the unfortunate event of an accident in which airbags are deployed, the system activates automatically to call for help, ensuring that you get a very quick response if the worst happens.

DS Telemaintenance

With the DS3's Telemaintenance service, this can allow your DS retailer to access technical data about your car automatically even before you make contact.

This then helps to keep you informed if your DS is due for a service. It can also provide you with a monthly report on the condition of your car - delivered directly to your phone - helping you to keep your car in top condition at all times.

MYDS App

You can also experience worry-free driving with the DS Digital Service Book, which is accessible through the MYDS App.

This feature allows you to activate and review the complete history of maintenance operations performed on your DS vehicle whenever you want to.

Regular Over The Air Updates

Do you remember the days when you had to download the latest maps for your Sat Nav and other features for your car to a USB Flash drive? Well, if you do, another benefit comes with Regular Over Air Updates.

This feature ensures that your car’s interface is continually updated with the latest enhancements, directly and wirelessly—without you needing to do anything.

Games

You can now make waiting times more enjoyable in your DS with the built-in games feature in your Infotainment system.

Located in your car's touchscreen, this option allows you - or your children - to entertain them / yourselves with a variety of games while parked.

So, whether you are waiting for someone or just taking a break, you can easily access and play games directly from your car - adding a touch of fun and relaxation while you wait.

Connected Navigation

With the DS's Connected Navigation system, this can provide you with real-time information on various aspects such as the weather, traffic conditions, parking spaces, and the nearest fuel stations or charging points to name a few.

This integrated system then ensures that you can find what you are looking for and plan your journey as quickly as possible, making your driving experience a bit smoother and more enjoyable.

e-Remote Control

With the DS E-TENSE, you can manage it really easily using the e-Remote Control feature available through the MYDS App.

This tool, for instance, allows you to check the battery's charge status anytime and anywhere. It also allows you to schedule your charging times and activate your cabin's preconditioning features to set the temperature to a comfortable 21°'s before you even enter the vehicle, making you ready to drive away to the conditions you like.

Send2Nav

With the DS3's Send2Nav feature, you can easily plan your trips on the MYDS app while you are not in your car. The app then sends this data straight to your car, so the Sat Nav system is already preprogrammed with your route before you even step inside.

Reliability

When it comes to the DS 3, this car has been classed as being highly reliable. It has been highly acclaimed in the automotive industry, collecting a large array of very prestigious awards that underscore and include this in their scoring.

A small sample of which can include, for instance:

• Car of the Year by Auto Express
• Best Small Car by Carbuyer
• European Car of the Year
• Top Gear Magazine's Best Supermini
• Green Car of the Year by What Car?
• Best Urban Car by World Car Awards
• Auto Motor Und Sport Best Design
• Golden Steering Wheel Award
• Car Design News Car of the Year
• Most Beautiful Car of the Year by Automobile Magazine
• Auto Bild's Most Economical Car
• Best New Engine by International Engine of the Year Awards
• Best Small Car by JD Power
• Most Stylish Car by Autocar
• Innovation Award by Autocar

What Warranty Does a DS3 Come With?

When it comes to warranty, the DS 3 has a 3-year warranty or up to 60,000 miles - whichever comes first covering its parts.

This includes protection against manufacturing defects and workmanship issues, and any covered issues that occur during this time will be rectified without cost to you as a result.

In addition to the standard warranty, DS also offers you an extended warranty option that can be purchased to increase the coverage period for up to 5 years or 100,000 miles.

Pricing

As pricing can change over time, please see our dedicated DS3 pricing page for the most up-to-date pricing.

What Financing Options are Available for the DS 3?

For new DS3 financing options, the car can come with a variety of them to help make purchasing a new DS 3 more accessible and to your budget.

Options can include, for instance, Personal Contract Purchases (PCP), Hire Purchase (HP) plans, and leasing agreements, all of which can be customised to suit your different budgets and payment preferences as well.

Dimensions & Key Metrics

When it comes to the DS3 dimensions and key metrics, you have the following:

DS3 Final Thoughts

To summarise, the DS 3 really stands out as a superb choice for anyone seeking a stylish, fuel-efficient, electric, and well-equipped Supermini compact car.

Test Drive

Looking to test drive a DS3?
Then get in touch with our friendly team who will be happy to help you experience what it is like to drive this car first hand at one of our local DS dealerships near you.