The French luxury brand’s compact SUV also gains an updated front end and a series of tech upgrades, plus a new motor and battery for the electric DS 3 E-Tense.
The 2023 DS 3 has been revealed during Paris Fashion Week, to underline its avant-garde appeal. DS Automobiles is proud that the car is actually built in France, stressing its French approach to luxury. However, the DS 3 takes on some formidable rivals, including the Audi Q2, MINI Countryman and Volkswagen Taigo.
Orders for the new DS 3 will open later in October, with the first models due in UK showrooms from January 2023.
Prices for the new 2023 DS 3 have yet to be confirmed, but are unlikely to differ too much from the current car, which starts from around £24,000 – or from around £35,000 for the DS 3 E-Tense.
The new DS 3 has a fresh face with a redesigned, wider grille that features either gloss black or chrome diamond detailing. The DS ‘wings’ now blend into the grille and headlamps. The headlights themselves are new, with a sharper design, while the LED daytime running lights now comprise two vertical lines. Matrix LED headlights are optional.
The new DS 3 has a refreshed rear end as well, boasting a lacquered black strip to emphasise the lights and boot. It carries polished stainless steel ‘DS Automobiles’ badging and the company points out how the letters are set, one-by-one, into the trim.
Both the 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels feature more aerodynamic designs to boost efficiency. The DS 3 E-Tense has its own bespoke new 18-inch ‘Toulouse’ wheel, with tall and narrow A+-rated tyres – also in the interests of economy.
The 2023 DS 3 can be ordered in an all-new Diva Red colour, which is bespoke to DS Automobiles. This is a three-layer paint that has apparently been years in research and development. It’s an intense red, with a distinct ‘flip’ effect, where colour and brightness vary according to the viewing angle.
Inside, the new DS 3 has an updated infotainment system, using a 10.3-inch ultra-wide central touchscreen with a new gloss black surround. It’s split into 12 squares for drivers to choose their own widgets, which can be displayed in different sizes. It’s claimed to be easier to use than the multiple sub-menus in the current DS 3 Crossback.
There is also a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel, which is split into two parts, and each side can be personalised. A head-up display is also available, as are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while voice control is standard.
The DS 3 offers a range of luxurious interior colours and trims, including Nappa leather with a weathered ‘Art Leather’ finish, plus Alcantara and more mainstream cloth and leather-effect vinyl upholstery. All seats have a clever high-density foam that serves up ‘class-leading seating comfort’.
Range-topping Opera variants use a high-end Basalt Black Nappa leather with ‘watch strap’ seat stitching. Other notable details include the choice of pearl stitching or Clous de Paris embossed inserts.
The DS 3 has a simplified range of trim levels ranging from Bastille, Performance Line and Performance Line +, to high-spec Rivoli and Opera. DS Automobiles says equipment levels have been revised to give a smoother climb through the range, while the number of options has been reduced – both through better standard specifications and the creation of extra-value option packs.
The new DS 3 engine range opens with the 100PS 1.2-litre Puretech three-cylinder turbocharged petrol, which is combined with a six-speed manual gearbox. There’s an alternative 1.2-litre PureTech 130 with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Diesel engines are also offered.
The focus of the new DS 3 range is the E-Tense pure electric version. This has an all-new electric motor and an updated battery. The motor now produces 155PS, along with 260Nm of torque, while the 54kWh battery (50.8kWh of which is usable power) has improved thermal efficiency, better range and an increased lifespan.
The DS 3 E-Tense is now capable of travelling up to 250 miles between charges, while the standard 11kW fast charger means it can use 100kW public rapid chargers to go from zero to 80 percent charged in 25 minutes. DS Automobiles says this combination is ‘unique in its sector’.
The DS 3 Crossback was first introduced in 2019. It’s always been available with the popular 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, a 1.5-litre turbodiesel, and as the pure electric DS 3 Crossback E-Tense. A very comprehensive line-up of models and trims includes some very luxurious variants, such as the Opera and Rivoli.
We spotted several used 2019 1.2-litre DS 3 Crossbacks for sale on heycar. These were in sporty Performance Line spec, and on sale for less than £15,000 – tempting value for such an avant-garde and distinctive small SUV. Used DS 3 Crossback E-Tense electric models start from around £24,000.
Such was the broad choice open to those buying or leasing a new DS 3 Crossback, there is a wide selection of used models in lots of different colours, trims and specs. Take a good look at the selection available on heycar to find the perfect used DS 3 Crossback for you.
Here at heycar, we keep our finger on the pulse of the motoring world, bringing you all the latest car news you need to know. Recent stories include details of the longer-range 2023 Peugeot e-208 electric supermini, the thrilling new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, and all you need to know about the 2023 Ford Mustang.
The new DS 3 is offered in a choice of seven body colours – both opaque and metallic finish, plus two pearlescents. There are also two different roof colours, enabling those buying or leasing a new DS 3 to create two-tone combinations.
The MyDS app works with the new DS 3, enabling remote locking of the doors and other functions. These include a ‘Send2Nav’ facility, allowing owners to search for a destination and send it straight to the car’s navigation system. The electric DS 3 E-Tense can be pre-conditioned remotely, too.
The new DS 3 features flush-fitting door handles. They fold out only when required, and sit flush with the bodywork the rest of the time. As you approach, they whirr out once you’re within 1.5 metres of the DS 3.
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