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The DS 3 Crossback is a small SUV/crossover, which was launched in late 2018 and went on sale in the UK in early 2019. It effectively takes the place of the previous DS 3 supermini hatchback in the DS Automobiles range.
The regular DS 3 Crossback is currently available with both petrol and diesel engines, while there is also an electric model called the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense. We have a separate page for the E-Tense here.
The DS 3 Crossback has received generally average to good scores from the UK motoring media in the few months since it was launched, with an overall Expert Rating that currently places it in the midfield of the small crossover sector. A number of the initial reviews were recorded at the international launch before the car arrived in the UK, so we will keep updating this page as more local reviews are published.
The DS 3 Crossback has received praise for its distinctive design and good equipment levels. However, it has been criticised for prioritising style over substance, with material quality and practicality not matching the best of its rivals.
- DS 3 Crossback E-Tense (2020 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More DS Automobiles ratings, reviews, news and features
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £22,515 on-road
Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: –
Replacement due: TBA
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MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media

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 review
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.”
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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.”
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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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Autocar
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“By and large, this seems a car capable of sparking intrigue but only really sustaining it on a superficial level, failing to convincingly back up its design with the luxury, dynamic sophistication or day-to-day convenience necessary to make it a contender in its class.”
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Model reviewed: BlueHDi 100 Prestige
Score: 6 / 10
“Although the 3 Crossback offers no class-leading attributes in terms of its driving experience, it does at least provide something distinctive and appealing in a segment where style has a big influence on purchasing – or leasing – decisions.”
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Model reviewed: 130 automatic Performance Line
Score: 7 / 10
“It has its own identity – there are sufficient design differences inside that it does feel removed from Peugeot/Citroën norms despite shared components. And while some of the ergonomics are iffy and plastics shiny, some are quite classy.”
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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 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.”
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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.”
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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 review
Score: 7.8 / 10
“A new direction for the successful small car”
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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: Prestige PureTech 130 Automatic
Score: 7 / 10
“The 8-speed automatic gearbox is quick-witted and always finds the right gear, with the option to shift cogs manually via paddles behind the wheel should you wish.”
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The Telegraph
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.”
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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.”
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What Car?
Score: 6 / 10
“Exclusive, comfortable and striking, but the DS 3 Crossback is expensive and trails its rivals for practicality.”
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SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2019
Note on safety rating
All DS 3 Crossback 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 emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The DS 3 Crossback has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic. If the DS 3 Crossback is tested, we will publish the results here.
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 Crossback 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.
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