Premium small SUV buyers will soon be able to add the DS 3 Crossback to their shopping list, alongside the Audi Q2 and Volkswagen T-Roc. Unlike those models, it will also be available as an all-electric E-Tense model with a 186-mile range. Efficient petrol and diesel models will arrive first when the Crossback arrives at dealerships in the spring.
DS 3 MORPHS INTO AN SUV
Its design is a blend of familiar DS styling cues like a floating roof and shark-fin B-pillar, along with new attributes from the larger DS 7 Crossback – including its distinctive front grille. According to design boss, Bertrand Dantec, it looks as if it’s “ready to pounce” when on the move, thanks to its large wheelarches and alloy wheels. It features new technology for the DS brand too, including Matrix LED Vision headlights with illuminating segments that adjust their spread of light based on traffic and the conditions.
“Elegant and modern” flush-fitting door handles automatically deploy as you walk towards the car, Tesla-style. Just like other DS models, a wide range of 10 body colours, three roof colours and 10 wheel designs will help the DS 3 Crossback stand out.
Inside, the diamond-shaped DS pattern is repeated around the fascia, air vents and even touch controls and trim. There’s an emphasis on technology too, with a fully-digital instrument cluster replacing analogue gauges, a head-up display and class-leading 10.3-inch infotainment screen. Signifying DS’ luxury standing, leather upholstery features across most of the range and Focal Electra speakers will be available for a premium audio experience. Measuring 4,118mm in length, the DS 3 Crossback is 73mm shorter than the Audi Q2, and features a 352-litre boot.
Diesel power comes from the acclaimed 1.5-litre BlueHDi 100 unit, which will sit alongside three-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engines. From autumn 2019, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense will also be available, featuring a 134bhp electric motor and 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the floor. The pure electric vehicle will also be equipped with a ‘next generation’ heat pump to take care of climate control, and owners will be able to top up its batteries at home, from a wall box and 100kW fast chargers. Acceleration from 0-62mph will take 8.7 seconds, and once its 186- mile range (WLTP) is depleted, a charge takes around five hours from an 11kW home charger. Using a 100kW public charger, it will be able to recoup around 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.
Like the DS 7 Crossback, the DS 3 Crossback will be available to order in an exclusive La Première trim from its unveiling next month, and this will be available to order until the car arrives in UK showrooms next April. The new baby SUV will be built at the Poissy factory, just outside Paris, and sits on the new CMP platform that is shared with the Citroën C3 Aircross and Vauxhall Crossland X.
“Using a 100kW public charger, it will be able to recoup around 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.”
