DS 3 review (2019-2022)

Tech and features

The updated DS 3 gets a slightly altered interior compared to the pre-update car, with a new 10.3-inch infotainment screen that houses a fast, smartphone-like digital system.

Its graphics are pleasingly sharp and the reactions are quick too, although the menus aren’t the most intuitive to use.

You soon get the hang of it though, and there are touch-sensitive buttons on the centre console to shortcut your way through the systems and access, for example, the climate control menu.

Better still, there are proper buttons (rather than touch-sensitive ones) on the steering wheel, enabling faster control of the stereo and driver assistance features (like adaptive cruise control).

And while the digital instrument cluster behind the wheel is a tad on the small side, it’s nicely integrated into the dash and comes supported by a head-up display. You’re certainly not short on digital visuals up front.

By contrast, in the back, there’s no technology – well, aside from electric windows. You don’t even get vents or a USB port, so all the fun is to be had in the row ahead.

Driving position

Front passengers in this DS have lovely supportive seats with good space, but rear passengers are a little more cramped with not much legroom. Kids should be fine, but six-foot adults will find it snug.

In town, the turning circle is excellent, and visibility is good thanks to the wide range of sensors and cameras providing a 360-degree view of your surroundings.

Natural visibility is good as well because the car’s crossover ride height enables a longer view of the road ahead. That’ll please drivers who feel uncomfortable in low-riding hatchbacks.

Handling and ride comfort

Lighter than the E-Tense electric version, a petrol- or diesel-powered DS 3 feels sprightly on the road.

It’s more agile over the nose and rides over small road imperfections like cracks and ridges more confidently.

It flows over speedbumps, yet also remains composed during enthusiastic cornering, although the car’s crossover ride height prevents it from feeling properly sporty.

Instead, we’d say it’s capable and willing, but obviously focused on being comfortable.

The DS 3 PureTech, like its electric sibling, is excellently refined. Road and wind noise are low, and the engine does mostly operate in near silence.

DS has done a commendable job in making this little car comparable to an executive saloon when it comes to unwanted noises from under the bonnet or outside.

The brakes too are pleasantly easy to manage, while the steering feels perfectly weighted.

Engines and power

That suits the car’s demeanour just fine, and its engine too. The turbocharged three-cylinder engine under the bonnet is paired with an automatic gearbox that makes good use of the 130hp on offer.

It’s clearly not going to be rapid, but the gearbox shifts through ratios happily enough to keep the engine on the boil, should you want to, for example, maintain momentum on a country road or power hard onto a motorway.

The petrol engine even sounds good, with a gruff note under power.

Boot space

The boot is more comparable with hatchbacks than small SUVs, so you’ve got space for a couple of weekend getaway bags or one big suitcase.

There’s no underfloor storage, but with a relatively deep floor, your shopping bags will be nice and secure.

Reliability

Many of the DS 3's parts, including the turbocharged 1.2-litre engine under the bonnet, are used extensively in other models.

Although not as many DS 3 cars were sold new as the Peugeot 2008, Citroen C4 and Vauxhall Mokka, they're all mechanically very similar, and have collectively proven to be a group of reliable crossovers.

Fuel economy

In the petrol-powered 3, DS claims as much as 49.6 miles per gallon combined, which is pretty good going – and we saw no reason to doubt the car’s plus-40mpg capabilities on our test.

As such, it shouldn’t require too many visits to the fuel pump.