car tests

👍 1. Larger battery – hefty range

The DS 3 has the honor of being the first Stellantis model to use the parent company’s new electric powertrain. This means that the DS 3 not only features a power upgrade from 136 hp to 156 hp, but also that the battery capacity has grown, from 50 kWh to 54 kWh. This translates to a theoretical range of 404 kilometers on a full battery charge, instead of the previous 341 kilometers.

During our testing, we easily achieved about 380 kilometers on a single battery charge. So you really only need a fast charger during a long vacation trip, because in the Netherlands a home charging session is often enough to travel across the country the next day. According to DS, it is even possible to cover a distance of 500 kilometers in the city on a single charge.

👍 2. design

With its elegant snout, the updated DS is a downright eye-catcher. The most striking feature of the facelift model is undoubtedly the imposing angular grille with distinctive diamond pattern,  which DS colors completely black if desired. The chrome recessed door handles, which fold in and out automatically, remained, and the headlights now feature LED technology as standard. The biggest change is in the daytime running lights, which now consist of two long, vertical LED strips. Thanks to the trendy lighting, the front view of the DS is up to date again.

The DS 3’s interior is definitely one of its strongest assets. It is beautifully finished with high-quality materials. Whether you look at the subtle lines and shapes of the dashboard or the refined details of the upholstery, every element of the interior has been carefully designed to create a feeling of luxury and comfort. It is clear that the designers have thought about the interior to the last detail and let their imagination run wild.

👍 3. Comfort

The DS 3 is designed with a clear focus on comfortable driving. While the powertrain is powerful enough to get the car smoothly from A to B – at the stoplight, you’re often faster than your neighbor over the first 50 meters – it’s clear that the suspension is primarily focused on providing a smooth and comfortable driving experience. Few cars in this segment lend themselves so well to leisurely long-distance driving. Not only the base, but also the typical French chairs – which would not look out of place in a modern living room – provide plenty of comfort.

👍 4. Technology

The updated DS 3 is equipped with a brand new 10.3-inch infotainment screen, which is standard in all versions. The system has new software and works surprisingly fast. The Frenchman is further equipped with a new steering wheel that contains a lot of extra buttons, which increases the ease of use. Thanks to a head-up display, we no longer need to take our eyes off the road.

👎5. Function follows form

The DS 3 is packed with beautiful and eye-catching details, but some things don’t always make life easy in the crossover. Consider the thick C-pillars and the inverted “shark fin” in the rear doors, which provide little visibility all around. The touch-sensitive buttons on the dashboard look beautiful, but are difficult to operate while driving. But as the saying goes, those who want to be beautiful must sometimes suffer pain.

Want to know more about the DS 3? In the video below, we tell you everything you need to know.