Skip advert
Advertisement

All-new DS 3 Crossback revealed – quirky SUV essentially to replace DS 3 hatch

DS 3 Crossback to combine both I.C.E and EV powertrains on all-new platform

PSA’s premium brand, DS, has revealed its all-new DS 3 Crossback, a compact pseudo-SUV replacement for the DS 3 hatchback. Rather than directly replacing the three-door hatch, this new model has gained a pair of rear doors and a few extra inches of body height, but size-wise is smaller than premium compact SUV rivals such as the Audi Q2 and BMW X2.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As well as hoping to bring some chic Parisian style to a compact, high-riding model, it is also one of the first premium cars to offer both internal combustion engine (ICE) and full-electric powertrain options, the latter known as E-TENSE.

> Click here for more on DS

The DS 3 Crossback range will initially be topped by a 155bhp turbocharged three-cylinder ‘Pure Tech’ petrol engine, with lesser 130bhp and 110bhp versions also available. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard across the range, with an eight-speed auto available on the 155bhp car. A 1.6-litre diesel will also be offered, but for those looking for something even greener, the aforementioned E-TENSE version will likely hit the spot.

The electric model's powertrain comprises a single 136bhp electric motor, fed by a 50kWh battery pack mounted under the floor. DS says that it’ll have a 186-mile range under WLTP regulations and be able to reach 62mph in 8.7 seconds.  

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

To be able to accept an electric or an ICE powertrain, the DS 3 Crossback is built on PSA’s latest CMP architecture that will go on to underpin everything from the next Peugeot 208 GTi to next Vauxhall Corsa.  

Visually, the DS 3 Crossback is certainly distinctive, sharing design elements with both the DS 3 hatch and larger DS 7 Crossback. One notable design element is the ‘shark fin’ B-pillar that first appeared on the DS 3, while the narrow LED head and tail lights look sleek and sophisticated as they intersect within the brightwork that sits at the front and back. It’s also interesting to see concept car-like details – such as the flush door handles and ornate LED headlights – reaching production, even at this lower end of the market. Overall it’s arresting, and at the very least interesting.

Inside, the quirkiness continues, with DS’s signature diamond motif continued in the switchgear and air vents. Atop the upholstered dash is a wide 10.3-inch infotainment screen, while in front of the driver sits a compact speedometer, topped with a head-up display.

DS hasn’t mentioned whether the DS 3 Crossback may one day undergo the Performance treatment, but as it will share its underpinnings with the upcoming Peugeot 208, which it has been confirmed will be available in hot GTi spec at some point, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to hope for a Audi SQ2-rivalling hot version in the future. 

The DS 3 Crossback will go on sale from early next year, with the E-TENSE version following later in 2019.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024
The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024