DS3 Crossback Review 2021
The DS 3 Crossback is a small, stylish SUV that turns heads with its striking design and impressive interior. This trendy family car has been designed with comfort in mind, offering a smooth drive, ideal for long family journeys.
Rivals to the DS3 Crossback include the Mazda CX-3, Volkswagen T-Roc, Skoda Karoq, MINI Countryman, Audi Q2 and BMW X1.
Our DS3 Crossback review covers:
- Striking exterior design with curvy silhouette and vertical daytime running lights
- Futuristic, posh interior with seven-inch touchscreen
- 350-litre boot, which expands to 1,050 litres with rear seats down
- Wide range of petrol, diesel and full-electric engines
- Five trim levels available, including the Montmartre, Bastille, Performance Line, Performance Line+ and Rivoli
The DS 3 Crossback stands out on the road with its curvy silhouette and vertical daytime running lights. The SUV is packed with modern features such as concealed flush-fitting door handles that fit neatly into the bodywork and only appear when you need to open the doors.
Inside, the DS 3 Crossback's stylish design continues with diamond-shaped details, sculptural buttons and soft materials throughout. There is plenty of space up front with adjustable seats to get comfy. However, rear head and legroom are limited, with rivals like the MINI Countryman offering more room for rear passengers.
The DS 3 Crossback offers a 350-litre boot with the rear seats in a 60/40 split configuration, which, when folded, provides an expanded 1,050 litres of space. This makes the 3 Crossback an ideal family car leasing option, thanks to its adequate space and ISOfix points fitted to the two outer rear seats. However, its rival, the MINI Countryman, boasts more space, including a 450-litre boot that can expand to 1,390 litres.
Inside, the DS 3 Crossback's interior looks fantastic, making premium rivals such as the Audi Q2 and BMW X1 look a bit basic in comparison. DS has designed the interior, so every piece of information is directly accessible, with all essential data shown on the Head-Up Display. That said, the infotainment system has some strangely placed shortcut buttons, which can be hard to get used to, and isn't as easy to navigate as some rivals such as the Volkswagen T-Roc or Skoda Karoq.
Five trim levels models are available, including the Montmartre, Bastille, Performance Line, Performance Line+ and Rivoli.
The entry-level Montmartre model comes with a seven-inch touchscreen in-car entertainment system, keyless start and a driving assistance safety pack.
The Bastille model comes with 'DS Inspiration' Bastille leather, flush-fitting door handles, electrically folding heated exterior door mirrors with LED spotlight. It also comes with automatic air conditioning and rear parking sensors.
The Performance Line model boasts the same features as the Bastille model but adds 17-inch' DUBAI' alloy wheels.
Performance Line+ models add Connected 3D navigation, DS Matrix led vision headlights and 18-inch 'MONZA' diamond-cut alloy wheels.
The top-of-the-range Rivoli model adds a 10-inch HD touchscreen in-car entertainment system and 18-inch 'SHANGHAI' diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Under the bonnet, the DS 3 Crossback comes with a range of petrol and diesel engines offering different outputs, and an all-electric DS3 Electric Crossback recently added to the lineup.
Petrol choices include a PureTech 155 Automatic, PureTech 130 Automatic and a PureTech 100 Manual. DS only offers one diesel and one electric engine in the DS 3 range, including a BlueHDi 110 Manual engine and a 100% Electric E-TENSE variant.
The Montmartre model is only available as a manual petrol engine, with Bastille models having petrol and electric options. With Performance Line models, you can choose between petrol, diesel and electric alternatives, with Performance Line+ and Rivoli featuring petrol and electric motors.
Out on the road, the DS 3 Crossback is ideal for driving in town and city streets, soaking up potholes very well, thanks to its comfortable suspension. Driving feels great thanks to its light steering and relatively small size, making it perfect for nipping in and out of busy traffic without compromising its family car practicality. However, the DS 3 Crossback's soft suspension and light steering mean it isn't as agile as a Mazda CX-3 on twisty country roads.
Prices for the new DS 3 Crossback start from £24,955.00 OTR* or to lease from £256.22 per month.
Want to know more about leasing the DS 3 Crossback? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the biggest car leasing companies in the UK. All of our leasing deals include the manufacturer's warranty, road tax for the duration of the lease, breakdown cover, and free mainland GB delivery (exclusions apply).
Plus, with fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay and flexible mileage and contract terms, leasing a DS 3 Crossback might be cheaper than buying outright with a bank loan or dealer finance.
*'On the road' price is correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.
