Facelifted DS 3 unveiled with new tech and colour options
Priced from £25,900, the updated SUV will be offered with petrol, diesel and all-electric drivetrains
DS has unveiled its new 3 at this week’s Paris Fashion Show, which features a restyled exterior, new colours and an updated infotainment system.
It is a successor to the DS 3 CROSSBACK, and is available with both a traditional petrol engine, as well as all-electric alternative.
The entry level engine option for the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged PureTech is available in two versions: 99 bhp with a six-speed manual gearbox, or 128 bhp with an optional eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The 99 bhp version accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds, and achieves around 50 mpg. Since it's the same engine as the previous car, the slightly more powerful automatic gearbox version delivers a 0-62mph time of 9.7 seconds with an average of almost 46 mpg.
There's also a diesel engine available in Europe - the 1.5 BlueHDi 110. This accelerates from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds and averages almost 63 mpg, though it remains unconfirmed whether this version will be available in UK showrooms.
The most significant update is the fully-electric DS 3 E-Tense pure electric version, which has a power output of 155 bhp and a newly designed 54kWh battery (50.8k usable).
Thermal control has been improved and the standard heat pump helps to increase the range, which is said to be 249 miles on the WLTP combined cycle.
Externally, it features a refreshed front design, with a wider and bolder grille that is accented by either gloss black or chrome diamond tips, depending on the trim level selected.
The "DS wings" have been incorporated into the grille and headlamps, and buyers can choose from either the standard LED lights or the optional matrix LED lamps.
There's also new LED daytime running lights that feature vertical lines on either side, which the firm says gives the car a wider appearance while on the move. A new lower spoiler and aerofoils that frame the lower air intake are also said to improve the car's aerodynamic efficiency, as do the new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The 18-inch wheels on the DS 3 E-Tense feature specifically designed "Toulouse" alloys, and are wrapped with a set of tall and narrow energy-saving tyres.
The new colour available is Diva Red three-layer metallic, which has a "flop" effect, where the variation of colour and brightness changes depend on the viewing angle.
Inside, DS 3 in the entry level Bastille trim come with black woven cloth upholstery with leather-effect vinyl, while the Performance Line models use extensive Alcantara. The range-topping DS 3 Opera models, however, come with Basalt Black nappa leather upholstery and a watchstrap seat pattern. The seats are also made with special high-density foam which the company claims delivers "class-leading seating comfort".
Changes to the infotainment system have also been made in a bid to make it easier to navigate, while an additional seven-inch driver display can be controlled by a more advanced voice recognition system.
The new DS 3 is available to order now, with prices starting from £25,900 for the DS 3 Performance Line PureTech 100 Manual, while the all electric version is priced from £37,000 in the Performance Line trim.