Citroën’s chic daughter DS makes the DS 3 fit for the second half of life. The French do not leave it at pure cosmetics and improvements in infotainment. Of course, the haute couture-inspired brand doesn’t come cheap.
Launched in 2019, the DS 3 Crossback has lost its nickname. In the course of a significant revision with around 500 new parts, the brand’s entry-level model got rid of the previously obligatory “Crossback”. The facelift has not changed the dimensions of the body and the interior. But when it comes to driving the purely electrically powered DS 3 E-Tense, the most design-oriented brand in the Stellantis Group takes on a pioneering role.
In the E-Tense, which will be delivered from mid-February 2023, the second evolutionary stage of the Stellanis electric drive is working for the first time, which is to be gradually rolled out across the entire range. In other words, the electric motor developed and built in France now has an output of 15 kW/20 hp more than the drive known from the Opel Corsa-e, i.e. 115 kW/156 hp.
Torque and performance remained largely the same. Because the capacity of the battery, which was also built in France, has increased by four to 54 kilowatt hours (kWh) with the same format, of which 51 kWh can be used, the compact crossover has made significant progress. DS promises a range of around 400 kilometers according to the WLTP standard. So far it was 340 kilometers.
According to the on-board computer, the Frenchman consumed around 17 kWh per 100 kilometers during the first test drives in city traffic, outside of town and on a short stretch of motorway. Means: Around 300 kilometers at a stretch are easily possible with an electric driving style and temperatures of around 20 degrees with the power dispenser, which consists of 80 percent nickel and ten percent each of manganese and cobalt.
And: the strengthening cure can be felt. Not dramatic, but quite clear, especially in the Eco driving mode. The E-Tens develops its performance in a more relaxed manner and no longer seems as choked up as before. This makes it easier not to switch to normal or sport. In combination with the up to seven percent improved aerodynamics, this means more kilometers per charge in everyday use.
Technically, nothing has changed with the combustion engines, but the selection is now smaller than before the facelift. In addition to the 1.3-litre petrol engine with three cylinders and its variant with an eight-speed automatic and 96 kW/130 hp with a six-speed manual switch and 74 kW/100 hp, DS only offers the 1.5-litre diesel with 96 kW /130 HP on.
Externally, the facelift can be recognized by a redesigned front with a fresh radiator grille, the modified LED headlights (optionally with matrix technology) and daytime running lights now designed as vertical lines. There are also new colors, such as silk gray and diva red, the latter for a whopping 1,300 euros extra. The choice of rims has also been increased.
Inside there is a new steering wheel with a more logical layout of the control buttons. The infotainment system is basically controlled via a 10.3-inch touchscreen. For networked navigation and voice recognition, DS has installed the Iris system already known from the DS 4. This allows the central screen and the seven-inch instrument panel and the head-up display (with a plastic pane) to be formatted according to the driver’s ideas. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now work wirelessly. Standard features include automatic emergency braking up to 85 km/h, lane departure warning and intelligent speed adjustment. Additional assistants are available at an additional cost.
DS sees itself as a brand inspired by haute couture. This is easy to see even after the facelift in the interior. Depending on the equipment level, there is nappa leather and pearl embroidery, Alcantara or Perruzi bronze fabrics on the dashboard. The diamond is also used in the interior as a typical DS style element. That may look good, but it’s not necessarily a prime example of good ergonomics – for example, the buttons for the window regulators housed in the center tunnel.
Parisian fashion flair on 17 or 18 inch wheels is not available at a bargain price at DS. The price list starts at 26,740 euros or 30,040 euros for the petrol engine. The diesel costs at least 32,940 euros, the Stromer is offered from 40,540 euros. For comparison: the Opel Corsa-e, still with 100 kW/136 hp, is available for a good 6,600 euros less.
DS3 E-Tense – technical specifications
