Summary
Arriving in the UK in early 2019 as the DS 3 Crossback, the DS 3 is a small SUV/crossover. It effectively takes the place of the previous DS 3 supermini hatchback in the DS Automobiles range.
The combustion-powered DS 3 is currently available with strictly petrol engine options – diesel models were available at launch, nut were removed later into the model’s lifespan. There is also an electric model called the DS 3 E-Tense. We have a separate page for the E-Tense here.
An update to this model landed in the UK in Spring 2023. Renamed simply as DS 3, the ‘Crossback’ tag has been dropped (the same thing also happened to the larger DS 7 Crossback), and the facelift also introduced a few minor exterior styling tweaks.
The crossover has received praise for its distinctive design and good equipment levels. However, it has been criticised by the UK motoring media for prioritising style over substance, with material quality and practicality not matching the best of its rivals.
Part of a very competitive small SUV sector, the majority of reviewers conclude that the DS 3 is a capable family-sized SUV that is hindered by the strengths of rivals – rivals that are often much cheaper. Parker‘s Luke Wilkinson says he feels unconformable recommending the DS 3 “without first trying to steer you towards a Ford Puma or one of the 3’s cheaper chassis siblings from within the Stellantis group.”
As of January 2025, the DS 3 holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 58%. It scores top marks for its low CO2 emissions, but its running costs and safety rating are merely average. Its media reviews have been very poor. We also don’t currently have reliability data for the DS 3 range, so check back again soon.
- DS 3 E-Tense (2020 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More DS Automobiles Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
DS 3 highlights
- Well-equipped as standard
- Upmarket interior
- Comfortable driving experience
DS 3 lowlights
- Expensive, base price and up
- Rivals offer more rear legroom and boot space
- So-so driving dynamics
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £25,920 on-road
Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: Spring 2023
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Performance Line
“The DS 3 Crossback Performance Line is a worthy alternative crossover, whose charm stems from not following the crowd”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol (130hp) automatic Ultra Prestige
“It’s hard not to admire DS Automobiles for what it’s attempted with the DS 3 Crossback, but it ultimately doesn’t quite deliver the premium edge it promises.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback is a left-field choice in the small premium SUV segment, one that’s been developed with comfort in mind.” (Ellis Hyde)
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Performance Line PureTech 155
Score: 6 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback sits in a hugely competitive class, and it manages to acquit itself fairly well. The cool interior design, generous kit levels and the impressive ride and handling offer a genuine reason to consider one against an Audi Q2.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback will be appealing to many buyers for its looks and individuality alone, but it also does well in a range of other areas such as interior quality, equipment, safety and performance. It’s also enjoyable yet civilised to drive.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Prestige
Score: 8 / 10
“The compact DS 3 Crossback feels agile and responsive, but with a high degree of comfort and refinement too.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic
Score: 6 / 10
“The petrol DS 3 wears its negatives on its sleeve. It’s not that practical, the rear is cramped, the boot is small and it’s also pretty expensive. The same can be said for the E-Tense, but that doesn’t have the annoying gearbox and is quieter, quicker and more serene to drive.” (Murray Scullion)
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic PureTech 130 Ultra Prestige
Score: 6 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback’s ace in the pack is its visual appeal. It also handles well enough for most customers, though with plenty of body roll. But like its premium SUV peers from Mini and Audi, it’s a costly way to make a statement.”
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Carbuyer
Score: 6.8 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback is a funky small SUV available with petrol, diesel or electric power. It’s good to drive, but could do with a bit more interior space.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback turn heads and has an interior that’ll impress. However, plenty of alternatives are more intuitive to use, bigger inside and come with larger boots.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.4 / 10
“The emissions figures get the DS 3 Crossback off to a good start, and it’s a striking car inside and out with decent quality in the main. Lurchy auto and cabin functionality are less good.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic
“A masterpiece? Perhaps not, but it’s more stylishly distinctive than many.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Prestige
Score: 8 / 10
“The DS3 Crossback certainly has its own visual personality. You might, however, find the compromise the styling brings a bit hard to live with. And especially if you’re usually a back seat passenger.”
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Eurekar
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic 130hp Prestige
“In a world of look-alike cars, the DS 3 Crossback stands out as something very different. It doesn’t pretend to be a hot batch but it is a sharp little mover. Fortunately, the satellite navigation system incorporates a useful speed camera warning feature to keep you out of trouble.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic 155hp Ultra Prestige
“There is much to admire about the DS 3 Crossback, with lots of smart touches catching the eye. It is reasonably spacious for four adults with those up front particularly feeling the love while the two in the rear have acceptable amounts of leg and headroom.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic 13-hp Performance Line
“In congested traffic, the DS 3 Crossback is beautifully agile and the excellent all-round visibility is very much appreciated when driving through city centres with cars, cyclists and pedestrians darting out from all angles.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic 155hp La Premiere
“The not insubstantial sum for the La Premiere specification brings you a car intended to feel like a French fashion catwalk on wheels, especially inside, where you’ll discover leather used on seats and dashboard with proper Parisienne panache.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 100hp Performance Line
“Practicality is usually a key consideration in SUVs, even small ones, but you will have to accept some compromise in this department if you want the swagger and style of the DS 3 Crossback.”
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Fleetworld
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual
Score: 7 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback is a compelling product. It’s fun to be in, offers credible economy and is different from the default choices on the market. However, competition in this sector and price range is fierce, and against the likes of the Lexus UX and Audi A2, the DS becomes a much harder sell.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback is the most convincing DS model yet – it looks great, drives well and offers the first all-electric PSA model in the form of the DS 3 E-Tense. But it’s expensive and the rear space might not suit passengers and children.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Performance Line
Score: 7 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback is fun to drive, it looks characterful on the outside and on the inside, with an interesting dashboard layout…”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“A replacement for the old DS 3 hatchback and a rival to the Volkswagen T-Roc.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2 PureTech 130
“From a purely aesthetic point of view, the DS 3 Crossback certainly has the wow factor.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5.4 / 10
“There are too many similarly priced rivals that offer a greater breadth of ability. We couldn’t point you towards a DS 3 in good conscience without first trying to steer you towards a Ford Puma or one of the 3’s cheaper chassis siblings from within the Stellantis group.” (Luke Wilkinson)
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The Sun
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic PureTech 155
“It’s highly stylish, it just doesn’t always make total sense.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Look past the quality and size issues, and it isn’t a bad compact SUV — particularly in E-Tense electric form — but with alternatives offering more space, better material quality and, in the case of the E-Tense, a longer range, the DS 3 struggles to justify its lofty price tag.” (James Fossdyke)
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Performance Line Plus
Score: 6 / 10
“For all its good points, the DS 3 is still difficult to recommend as an alternative, either to one of the more upmarket competitors it is priced against or to the mainstream stablemates with which it is, in reality, more aligned.” (Alex Robbins)
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic PureTech 100 Prestige
Score: 6 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback makes much more sense in this form than the top-of-the-range version we’ve already tested. But with space at a premium, switchgear that places style over substance, and a price that’s on the high side, it isn’t quite accomplished enough to challenge its best rivals.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic PureTech 155 Le Premiere
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s hard to fault the enthusiasm of the DS brand to make something of itself, but the DS3 Crossback is too similar to its non-premium PSA-produced sisters and not quite good enough in the things you touch and see to be a serious premium contender.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“Drives decently and feels nice inside, but suffers from a couple of ergonomic issues. Different from its competitors – softer to drive and wilder to look at. Whether that’s a good thing or not, we’ll leave up to you.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“Concentrates on what matters in a small SUV – looking and feeling different to a hatch.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 64%
Safety assist: 76%
Note on safety rating
All DS 3 models sold in the UK qualify for a five-star Euro NCAP rating, although additional safety equipment is available at extra cost. In some other European markets, the DS 3 Crossback only has a four-star rating as standard due to lower levels of safety equipment.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2025, the DS 3 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the DS 3 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the DS 3 Crossback, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 57 mpg | B | 57 – 57 mpg | B – B |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 132 g/km | A | 112 – 143 g/km | A – B |
Diesel models | 120 g/km | A | 120 – 123 g/km | A – A |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 27 | B | 14 – 50 | A – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £177 | A |
Year 2 | £485 | A |
Year 3 | £761 | A |
Year 4 | £983 | A |
Year 5 | £1,359 | A |
Overall | £3,765 | A |
The DS 3 is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel consumption is good, but there are other cars in this price bracket that do better. The good news is that insurance and servicing costs should be very competitive.
Security rating
Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research
Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Fail
Date: 2019
The DS 3 automatically received a Poor rating from Thatcham Research because it failed a relay attack test, which measures the security of a car’s keyless entry and/or keyless start system. All DS 3 Crossback models (petrol, diesel and E-Tense electric versions) are susceptible to thieves intercepting the car’s keyless signal and using it to steal the car.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the DS 3, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi Q2 | BMW X1 | BMW X2 | Citroën C3 Aircross | Fiat 500X | Ford Puma | Jeep Renegade | Mazda CX-3 | Mini Countryman | Nissan Juke | Peugeot 2008 | Renault Captur | SEAT Arona | Skoda Kamiq | Volkswagen T-Cross | Volkswagen T-Roc
More information
More news, reviews and information about the DS range at The Car Expert
Buy a DS 3
If you’re looking to buy a DS 3 Crossback, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
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Lease a DS 3
If you’re looking to lease a new DS 3 Crossback, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
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