Driving Report: DS3 Crossback
Cuddly, charming and cool: With the DS3 Crossback mini SUV, the DS brand is based on comfort and a French way of life. At the beginning of next year, there will also be a fully electric version.
If you ask passers-by about the car brand DS, most of them should shrug their shoulders. It belongs to the French PSA group, it has the task of the premium subsidiary to bring new technology into series within the brand group. After the mid-size SUV DS7 Crossback, the DS3 Crossback followed in summer as a smaller SUV. It builds on the newly developed CMP architecture, as the first vehicle in the group. With a length of only 4,12 meters, the Crossback is hardly any longer than a VW Polo. Its main territory is the city, it is available from 23.490 euros.
Immediately recognizable is the DS3 Crossback from the side of its small shark fin and the deep bulge in the door. The front end looks quite jagged and restless, should be noticed. Harmonically, the stern shows up. The recessed door handles in the body should be unique in the segment. They automatically fold as soon as the driver approaches the car.
Despite the compact size of the mini-SUV has behind the steering wheel no tight feeling. A little getting used to are the electric windows. They are located in the center console next to the shift lever. Even adults are still sitting comfortably at the back. 350 liters of luggage remain in the rear, a good average. If the rear seat backrests are folded down, the Frenchman won't swallow up to 1.050 liters. The rear bench cannot be moved.
Because DS belongs to the PSA Group (with the sister brands Peugeot, Citroen and Opel), one uses most of the engines and engines together. For the market launch in May there is the DS3 Crossback with three gasoline engines. Most customers should choose the 96 kW / 130 PS variant, which costs at least 27.290 euros. The only 1,2 liter small three-cylinder works together with an 8 automatic transmission; a novelty in this class. If you are looking for more power, you can choose a version with 114 kW / 155 PS. The entry-level model is the DS3 Crossback with 74 kW / 100 PS petrol engine (from 23.490 Euro), it is equipped with a manual six-speed gearbox. From July, the mini SUV will also be available with an 1,6 four-cylinder diesel with 96 kW / 130 PS, which costs around 25.000 euros.
The DS3 Crossback drives exceptionally quiet and comfortable. The new platform seems to play the main role. Also like the small three-cylinder. It feels agile, remains acoustically in the background and harmonizes wonderfully with the 8 automatic gearbox. The entire car looks professional and sympathetic.
DS is also the first brand in the PSA group to offer an electric drive. The DS3 Crossback E-Tense has an 100 kW / 136 PS engine and an 50 kWh battery. The range is specified with 320 kilometers, according to the new and more realistic WLTP cycle. You can order the E-Tense from the summer, but the delivery starts only at the beginning of 2020.
When it comes to assistance systems, DS tries to pull out all the stops and offers unusually good equipment for the segment. With the optional, adaptive full LED headlights - they work with matrix beam technology - you can drive with high beam constantly without dazzling others. The “DS Drive Assist” automatically stays in lane and keeps the distance to the vehicle in front at speeds of up to 180 km/h. In addition, the DS3 Crossback recognizes pedestrians, cyclists and other cars during the day and at night and brakes automatically if necessary. The younger generation of buyers in particular should be happy about "Smart Access". Here the car can be opened and started with the smartphone. In addition, the owner can allow up to five other people to use their car without having to give them a key.
