DS 3 costs, pros, cons and common fixes

Country of Manufacture
The DS 3 Crossback is produced in Poissy, France, on Stellantis’ CMP (Common Modular Platform).
Quick Overview
The DS 3 Crossback is a bold, compact urban SUV featuring sculpted bodywork, a brushed-metal “DS Wings” grille, and Full LED DS Active Vision headlights. Inside, the refined cabin offers wrap-around Nappa leather seats, premium Alcantara and metal trim, and a 10.3″ central touchscreen seamlessly integrated into the digital instrument panel.
Powertrain & Performance
Model | Power & Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top Speed |
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1.2 PureTech 100 | 100 hp (74 kW) / 205 Nm | 11.0 s | 183 km/h |
1.2 PureTech 130 Auto | 130 hp (96 kW) / 230 Nm | 9.1 s | 200 km/h |
E-TENSE 100% Electric | 136 hp (100 kW) / 260 Nm | 8.7 s | 150 km/h |
The PureTech 100 and 130 Auto use a 1.2 L turbo-charged petrol engine; the 130 Auto pairs with a 6-speed EAT6 automatic.
The E-TENSE electric model features a single front-axle motor powered by a 50 kWh battery.
Efficiency & Charging (E-TENSE)
Characteristic | Value |
---|
WLTP Range | 320 km |
Average Consumption | 17.5 kWh/100 km |
AC Charging | 11 kW onboard (7 – 100 % in ≈5 h) |
DC Fast Charging | Up to 100 kW (20 – 80 % in ≈30 min) |
Dimensions & Capacity
Specification | Measurement |
---|
Length | 4 118 mm |
Width | 1 791 mm (excl. mirrors) |
Height | 1 533 mm |
Wheelbase | 2 558 mm |
Curb Weight | 1 330–1 525 kg |
Cargo Volume | 350 L |
Ground Clearance | 180 mm |
Turning Circle | 10.4 m |
Trim Levels & Pricing
Trim | Price (€) |
---|
So Chic | 27 000 |
Performance Line | 29 500 |
Opera | 32 500 |
La Première | 35 000 |
(On-the-road price; VAT included, incentives and delivery fees excluded.)
Maintenance & First Services (Indicative Costs)
Service | Avg. Cost (€) |
---|
1st Service (1 yr or 20 000 km) | 180–220 |
2nd Service (2 yrs or 40 000 km) | 200–240 |
Front Brake Pads Replacement | 200–240 |
Front Discs + Pads Replacement | 550–650 |
Cabin & Engine Air Filter Replacement | 120–150 |
12 V Auxiliary Battery Replacement | 150–180 |
Tire Replacement (each) | 150–180 |
Pros
Striking styling with couture-inspired DS DNA and Active Vision LEDs
Electric option with real-world range of over 300 km and rapid DC charging
Premium interior materials and integrated touchscreen instrumentation
City-friendly footprint combined with a surprisingly spacious cabin
Versatile powertrain lineup from efficient petrol to 100% electric
Cons
Modest cargo volume of 350 L behind the rear seats
Rear visibility is compromised by thick C-pillars and sloping roofline
Higher list prices for top trims and the electric variant
Urban-centric focus may limit highway cruising comfort in gasoline models
In Summary
The DS 3 Crossback blends couture-level design, a high-tech cabin, and an efficient electric powertrain into a compact SUV package. It’s ideal for style-conscious urban drivers seeking exclusivity and zero-emission range, while requiring compromises in trunk space and a premium price tag.
Verdict — DS 3 (Model Year 2025)
Premium Urban Crossover · 1.2 L Turbocharged PureTech I3 (130 hp), 230 Nm · FWD · 6-speed Manual or EAT6 Automatic · 0–100 km/h in 9.7 s · WLTP 5.1–5.6 L/100 km · 116–127 g/km CO₂ · 160 mm Ground Clearance
The 2025 DS 3 reinvents the compact crossover with haute-couture styling and sophisticated details. At just 4.12 m long on a 2.56 m wheelbase, its sculpted fastback profile features the three-dimensional DS Wings grille, animated Pixel Vision Matrix LED headlights, and 18″ “Opéra” alloy wheels for an athletic, refined presence.
Inside, the “Haute Couture Compact” cabin wraps occupants in premium materials and advanced tech: an Alcantara-trimmed dash, Nappa leather inserts, and dual 10″ DS Iris curved displays (portrait orientation for infotainment and climate, landscape orientation for driver information). A color head-up display projects essential data into your line of sight. Front Massara seats offer ergonomic support, while contrast stitching and rosewood “Palissandro” inlays elevate the bespoke atmosphere.
A 350 L boot (1,100 L with rear seats folded) and hands-free tailgate ensure everyday versatility. Raised ride height and suspension tuned for a balance of comfort and control deliver agile city handling with confident road manners.
Category | Strengths | Performs Well | Limitations |
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Design & Styling | Sculpted couture lines; animated Pixel Vision LEDs | Distinctive, upscale presence | Tight turning radius in narrow urban spots |
Comfort & Ergonomics | Premium materials; ergonomic Massara front seats | Elevated seating position; good visibility | Rear seat space snug for three adults |
Efficiency & Economy | Competitive WLTP fuel consumption for I3 turbo | Smooth EAT6 automatic shifts | No electrified drive mode |
Driving Dynamics | Bright throttle response; precise steering | Balanced ride comfort vs. engagement | Ride can feel firm over very uneven roads |
Practicality | 350 L boot (+1,100 L folded); hands-free tailgate | “Magic Pad” wireless charging in door bins | No front trunk (“frunk”) |
Infotainment & Connect | Dual DS Iris displays with Black Crystal UI | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto; OTA | Integrated navigation requires subscription |
Safety & ADAS | DS Drive Assist (ACC + lane centering) | Effective AEB & blind-spot monitoring | Hands-free limited to well-marked lanes |
Running Costs | Scheduled maintenance included; moderate fuel use | OTA updates minimize dealer visits | DS service network smaller in some regions |
Depreciation | Strong residuals in premium compact segment | Growing luxury used-car demand | Competition from high-end EV/PHEV crossovers |
Who It’s For
Style-driven urban drivers seeking a couture-level compact crossover with handcrafted luxury, advanced tech, and spirited turbocharged performance.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you need electrified propulsion or AWD, consider the DS 3 E-Tense PHEV, Mini Countryman PHEV, Renault Captur E-Tech, or BMW X1 xDrive25e.
Recommended Configuration
Performance Line trim with DS Iridis ambient lighting, heated Massara seats, sport-tuned suspension, DS Drive Assist Plus, 18″ “Opéra” wheels, and panoramic glass roof—for the ultimate blend of style, comfort, and urban agility.