DS, in case you are still unfamiliar with this relatively young car brand, are a standalone luxury car brand within the PSA family (Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall) that were created to meet the growing luxury market. Initially, the first carnation of the DS3 that was unveiled back in 2009 was very much a stylised version of the Citroen 3 but as time has moved on DS have carved their own very distinct style and identity.
I was actually at the unveiling of this new car over in Paris, late last year but last month, I popped down to Kew Gardens for a closer look at the car and to hear about the DS sponsorship of the current Chihuly exhibit at Kew. This was my first visit to Kew so I was as excited to see the gardens as I was to see the car and thankfully neither disappointed.
The DS 3 Crossback is a luxury small SUV and the third car to join the DS range and with a few others set to be unveiled by 2024, DS will shortly have a car in almost all of the main segments. DS (in their own words), is an avant-garde car brand who blend the knowhow and craft with advanced tech and, I guess that does hit you from the first look at the DS 3 Crossback. In a line-up against its direct rivals, the Audi Q2 and the MINI Countryman the DS 3 Crossback really does rather striking looking.
It is on the interior though that the designers have really gone to town and whilst I applaud the craftsmanship and originality. I was driving the Ultra Prestige model and I think that in some aspects the interior is a little bit too fussy for me, especially in the non-black colour options. I guess that’s just my taste though as I’m a bit more of a minimalist. I was a big fan of the infotainment system though, it was clear, sleek and responsive. The seats, which were a mix of soft Nappa leather and Alcantara were comfortable and luxurious to the touch and, for its size, the cabin was relatively spacious inside too.
On the road, whilst not the most fun I’ve ever had driving, the DS 3 Crossback felt solid, safe and relatively powerful for its size too. I switched from some lovely quiet country roads to the joy that is the M25 and it was a smooth ride on both.
By 2025, DS intend for their entire range to be electric so it’s no surprise that they are really pushing the E version of this car too and whilst I have not had the change to drive one, the E-Tense DS 3 Crossback does sound promising too. Particularly that at a quick charge station you can top up your battery to 80% in just 30 minutes.
You do get a lot for your money with a DS car both in terms of the vehicle spec and in terms of aftersales. Their unique ‘Only You’ mobile app, for example, offers a whole host of services from assistance to exclusive event invites and servicing so they really do go that extra mile for their customers.
The DS 3 Crossback is priced from £21,500 and available to order now.
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