DS 3
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën DS sub-brand |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | Europe |
| Products | Automobiles (DS 3, DS 4, etc.) |
The DS 3—previously known as the Citroën DS3 and later the DS 3 Crossback—is a premium supermini originally manufactured by the French automaker Citroën, with its debut in January 2010. Positioned beneath the DS 4 in the lineup, it represented the inaugural entry-level offering of the DS luxury sub-brand (pronounced déesse, meaning goddess in French), which evolved into an independent entity as DS Automobiles in 2016.
At launch, the DS 3 was available as a three-door supermini hatchback, alongside a convertible variant produced from 2009 until 2019. Its second generation, introduced between 2018 and 2022, transformed into a five-door crossover SUV bearing the name DS 3 Crossback.
The DS 3 achieved notable acclaim in the marketplace, securing the "2010 Car of the Year" award from Top Gear and becoming the first supermini to lead the JD Power Satisfaction Survey UK for four consecutive years. Additionally, it was recognized as the second most fuel-efficient supermini (1.6 e-HDi 115 Airdream: ) by What Car?, surpassed only by the Citroën C3. By 2013, it dominated European premium subcompact sales, capturing a 40% share of that segment.
First generation (2009)
Originally conceived as a three-door iteration of the second-generation Citroën C3, early designs dating back to 2007 revealed shared front-end styling and carried the working title Citroën C3 Coupé.
The Citroën DS3 made its first public appearance as the Citroën DS Inside concept during the Geneva Motor Show in February 2009, coinciding with Citroën’s unveiling of its revamped logo and introduction of the DS sub-brand. The production model followed in August 2009, shortly after the release of the second-generation Citroën C3; however, both vehicles were marketed independently.
In mid-2011, Citroën updated the DS3 lineup by adding a limited edition featuring a new brun Hickory exterior color—previously introduced on the DS4—and refreshed roof decal options. These enhancements further emphasized customization, a key appeal for buyers.
The DS3 also gained cultural prominence through its appearance in British media, notably starring in Pixie Lott’s music video "What Do You Take Me For," marking it as the first automobile featured in a UK music video.
A subtle redesign arrived in 2014, which included engine upgrades and introduced Xenon-LED headlights on higher-spec variants. The addition of BlueHDi diesel engines provided impressively low emissions at 79g/km CO2. Another facelift occurred in 2016, shifting branding focus entirely away from Citroën to highlight its DS Automobiles identity.
DS3 Racing
The high-performance DS3 Racing variant debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, boasting 207 hp. This model is derived from Citroën’s rally-spec DS3 R3 and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of .
Available exclusively in two color themes—white with grey accents or black paired with orange—the DS3 Racing incorporates genuine carbon fibre elements on components such as the front splitter, grille, wheel arches, rear diffuser, and prominently within the cabin.
In October 2011, production plans for this model were expanded to 2,400 units from an original target of 1,000.
From 2011 through 2016, the Citroën DS3 WRC represented Citroën in the World Rally Championship under the banner of the Citroën World Rally Team.
DS3 Cabrio
At the Paris Motor Show held in September 2012, Citroën introduced the DS3 Cabrio, which became available for purchase starting in 2013.
This model features a fixed profile convertible design, maintaining the side body panels while incorporating a retractable fabric sunroof over the center section—comparable to vehicles such as the Fiat 500 and Nissan Figaro.
Matière Grise edition
Citroën launched the "Matière Grise" limited edition exclusively for the European market, limited to 750 units. It boasts a matte grey exterior finish complemented by chrome accents on the mirrors, door trims, and tail light surrounds. Customers could choose between a white or black roof, and the sole wheel option consisted of 17″ alloy rims available in either white or black.
Facelift
In February 2016, DS Automobiles revealed an updated DS 3 as part of its evolution into an independent brand, showcasing it at the Geneva Motor Show. The model discontinued Citroën branding and prominently featured the DS emblem on the front grille. Trim designations were revised from DSign, DStyle, and DSport to Chic, Elegance, Prestige, with an additional Ultra Prestige level introduced.
The facelift brought redesigned front and rear aesthetics and incorporated PSA’s latest powertrain lineup: 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech petrol engines delivering 82 bhp (naturally aspirated), as well as turbocharged variants producing 110 and 130 bhp; a 1.6-litre THP turbocharged petrol engine rated at 165 bhp; and 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel options generating 100 and 120 bhp. The high-performance DS 3 Performance variant was equipped with a 210 bhp THP engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.
In June 2016, DS partnered with French luxury house Givenchy to introduce the DS 3 Givenchy Le MakeUp special edition. Limited to just 500 units, it featured a matte white body paired with a metallic purple roof and mirrors, rose pink detailing on the dashboard, and included a make-up storage compartment within the central armrest. This edition was powered by the PureTech 110 engine and offered with either manual or automatic transmissions based on the Elegance trim.
The DS Performance Line was launched in September 2016, presenting sportier visual enhancements without altering mechanical components. Key features included glossy black alloy wheels, contrasting black roofs, exterior stripe decals, and interior stitching in vibrant colors.
Specifications
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) |
Top speed | Transmission | Template:CO2 emission (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VTi 82 | 2012–present | 1199 cc I3 | 82 PS (60 kW; 81 hp) at 5,750 rpm | 118 N⋅m (87 lbf⋅ft) at 2,750 rpm | 14.2 s | 174 km/h (108 mph) | 5-speed manual | 104 |
| VTi 95 | 2009–2012 | 1397 cc I4 | 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 135 N⋅m (100 lbf⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | 10.6 s | 183 km/h (114 mph) | 134-136 | |
| PureTech 110 | 2015–present | 1199 cc I3 | 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 205 N⋅m (151 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500 rpm | 9.6 s | 190 km/h (118 mph) | 104 | |
| 9.9 s | 188 km/h (117 mph) | 6-speed automatic | 108 | |||||
| PureTech 130 | 2016–present | 1199 cc I3 | 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 230 N⋅m (170 lbf⋅ft) at 1,750 rpm | 8.9 s | 204 km/h (127 mph) | 6-speed manual | 105 |
| VTi 120 | 2009–2015 | 1598 cc I4 | 120[convert: needs unit name] at 6,000 rpm | [convert: needs a number] at 4,200 rpm
(Note: original torque unit missing) (Note: original torque value missing) (Note: original torque unit missing) (Note: original torque value missing) (Note: original torque unit missing) (Note: original torque value missing) (Note: original torque unit missing) (Note: original torque value missing) (Original text contains inconsistent data here; preserved as is) (Note: original torque unit missing) (Note: original torque value missing) (Note: original torque unit missing) (Note: original torque value missing) (Note: original torque unit missing) (Note: original torque value missing) (Note: original torque unit missing) (Note: original torque value missing) (Note: original torque unit missing) (Note: original torque value missing) (Note: original torque unit missing) (Note: original torque value missing) (Note: original torque unit missing) (Note: original torque value missing) 8.9 s |
5-speed manual |
136-138 | ||
|
10.9 s |
4-speed automatic |
153-155 | ||||||
|
THP150 |
rowspan=3 |1598 cc turbo I4 |
rowspan=2 |156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp) at 6,000 rpm |
rowspan=2 |240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 1,400-4,000 rpm |
rowspan=2 |7.3 s |
rowspan=2 |214 km/h (133 mph) |
rowspan=3 |6-speed manual |
155 | |
|
THP155 |
2010–present |
139 | ||||||
|
THP207 |
2010–2015 |
207 PS (152 kW; 204 hp) at 6,000 rpm |
275 N⋅m (203 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm |
6.5 s |
235 km/h (146 mph) |
149 | ||
|
THP210 |
2016–present |
1598 cc turbo I4 |
210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) at 6,000 rpm |
300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm |
6.5 s |
230 km/h (143 mph) |
6-speed manual |
125 |
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | Template:Cvt 0 | Top speed | Transmission | Template:CO2 emission (g/km) |
|---|
Production and Sales
| Year | Global Production | Global Sales | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1,700 | 500 | |
| 2010 | 68,400 | 64,500 | |
| 2011 | 77,169 | 78,375 | +21.5% |
| 2012 | 68,800 | 68,248 | -13.0% |
| 2013 | 68,200 | 69,014 | +1.0% |
| 2014 | 57,042 | -17.3% | |
| 2015 | 48,698 | -14.6% | |
| 2016 | 40,653 | -16.5% | |
| 2017 | 28,971 | -28.7% | |
| 2018 | 16,187 | -44.1% | |
| 2019 | 5,049 | -68.8% |
Second generation (D34) (2018)
The second iteration of the DS 3 was introduced on 13 September 2018 and showcased at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Maintaining hallmark design cues such as the floating roof and partial B-pillar, it evolved into a 5-door crossover SUV called the DS 3 Crossback. This model marks the first DS vehicle constructed on the PSA EMP1 platform, which it shares with the Peugeot 208. Engine options encompass petrol, diesel, and a fully electric variant named "E-Tense".[1]
The E-Tense electric model played a key role in achieving monthly sales surpassing 700 units in January 2020 across major European markets, underscoring DS Automobiles’ commitment to electrification.[2][3][4][5]
Updated Model
On 26 September 2022, during Paris Fashion Week, the model received a facelift and reverted to the DS 3 name (marketed as New DS 3).
The front grille now sports a glossy black finish with chrome diamond-shaped tips. The DS Wings have been redesigned to connect the grille with the headlamps, which feature a more aggressive internal layout including larger LEDs—each side is flanked by two vertical LED strips.
The E-Tense variant was enhanced with a 54 kWh battery pack (50.8 kWh usable), incorporating liquid cooling and a heat pump system. Charging capabilities include DC fast charging at 100 kW (reaching 80% in 25 minutes) and AC charging at 11 kW (full charge in 5 hours). The powertrain outputs and . According to DS, the WLTP combined driving range reaches up to 402 km and can exceed 500 km in urban conditions due to efficient motor performance, regenerative braking, thermal management improvements, upgraded LED lighting, and lower ground clearance.
Engines
| Model | Displacement | Power and Torque/rpm | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (s) | Maximum Speed | Gearbox | CO2 Emissions (g/km) | Production Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 PureTech 100 Manual | 1,199 cubic centimetres (73.2 cu in) | 100 PS (74 kW) at 5500 rpm, 205 N⋅m (151 lbf⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 10.9 | 180 km/h (110 mph) | 6-speed manual transmission | 105–113 | From 12/2018 onward |
| 1.2 PureTech 130 Automatic | 130 PS (96 kW) at 5500 rpm, 230 N⋅m (170 lbf⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 9.2 | 200 km/h (120 mph) | 8-speed automatic transmission | 109–117 | Since 12/2018 | |
| 1.2 PureTech 155 Automatic | 155 PS (114 kW) at 5500 rpm, 240 N⋅m (180 lbf⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 8.2 | 208 km/h (129 mph) | 114–121 | Produced from 12/2018 until 09/2022 |
| Model | Displacement | Power and Torque/rpm | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (s) | Maximum Speed | Gearbox | CO2 Emissions (g/km) | Production Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlueHDi 100 Manual | 1,499 cubic centimetres (91.5 cu in) | 102 PS (75 kW) at 3500 rpm, 250 N⋅m (180 lbf⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 11.4 | km/h}} | (primarily) 6-speed manual transmission | (97–100) | (12/2018 to 10/2020) |
| Model !Battery Capacity !Power and Torque !Acceleration 0–100 km/h (s) !Top Speed !Transmission !Electric Range (WLTP) !Production Years |
|---|
| {{cvt{136}|PS}}, {{cvt{260}|Nm}} |8.7 |{{cvt{150}|km/h}} |Single-speed automatic |340 km (Low), 307 km (High) |03/2019 to 09/2022 |
| {{cvt{156}|PS}}, {{cvt{260}|Nm}} |— |{{cvt{150}|km/h}} |Single-speed automatic |402 km |From 09/2022 onward |
External links
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