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Expert Rating

DS 3

Our unique Expert Rating Index combines scores from 35 of the top UK motoring websites to give you a definitive rating on every new car

Expert Rating

DS 3

(2019 - present)

    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 is also happening 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. What Car? concludes that the crossover “trails its rivals for practicality, ride and handling”, while 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 September 2023, the DS 3 Crossback holds an Expert Rating of 47%, based on 35 reviews published by UK automotive titles. That currently places towards the very bottom of the small crossover sector, a long way behind the class leaders.

    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


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    The Car Expert

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    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Autocar

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    Business Car

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    Car

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Company Car Today

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    Daily Mail

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    Daily Mirror

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    Eurekar

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    Fleetworld

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    Green Car Guide

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    Honest John

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    The Sunday Times

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

    +

    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 September 2023, the DS 3 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    No reliability rating

    As of September 2023, 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

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

    Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

    CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
    Petrol models124 g/kmA143 – g/kmB – A
    Diesel models120 g/kmA120 – 123 g/kmA – A
    Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
    All models20A14 – 25A – B
    Service and maintenanceCostScore
    Year 1£174A
    Year 2£478A
    Year 3£749A
    Year 4£970A
    Year 5£1,340A
    Overall£3,711A

    The DS 3 is a very 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.

    We don’t have independently verified fuel consumption data as of September 2023, but the CO2 levels (which are linked closely to fuel consumption) are excellent, which suggest fuel economy will be very good as well.

    Insurance costs are also outstanding, as are servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years from new.

    Security rating

    Thatcham Research 600x300

    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 news, reviews and information about the DS range at The Car Expert

    Who or what is DS Automobiles?

    Who or what is DS Automobiles?

    DS 3 E-Tense

    DS 3 E-Tense

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    Five-star crash test results for 15 new cars

    Five-star crash test results for 15 new cars

    Facelifted DS 3 discards Crossback branding

    Facelifted DS 3 discards Crossback branding

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    The Car Expert has the ultimate ranking of the best and worst new cars on sale, based on scores from 30 of the top UK motoring websites. We'll be adding more cars and more lists all the time, so keep checking back for the latest results.

    The DS 3 Crossback has received average scores from the UK media, with an Expert Rating that places it in the midfield of the small crossover sector.DS 3