2023 DS 3: Prices, specs and release date
- 2023 DS 3 is a restyled, renamed facelift for the DS 3 Crossback small SUV
- New styling, colours and infotainment tech
- Pure electric DS 3 E-Tense offered alongside petrol versions
- Ordering opens in October with deliveries due in early 2023; prices to start from under £25,000
The updated new DS 3 is the renamed 2023 successor to the DS 3 Crossback premium small SUV. Renamed and restyled – it’s lost the ‘Crossback’ part of its name – it opens for ordering in October, with first UK deliveries due in early 2023.
The DS 3 is a premium rival to small, upmarket SUVs such as the Audi Q2, MINI Countryman and Volkswagen Taigo. Unlike its competitors, it is offered in pure electric guide, the DS 3 E-Tense, as well as traditional petrol-powered versions.
2023 DS 3 prices and release date
Prices for the 2023 DS 3 will be confirmed in the coming weeks. It should not move too far from today’s DS 3 Crossback, which costs from around £24,000 for a petrol-powered version, and from £35,000 for the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense EV.
Ordering will open in October 2022. DS Automobiles says first deliveries of the new DS 3 will begin in January 2023.
The DS 3 range has been simplified, with a smoother climb up through the range. There are fewer individual options, as all models have been given a better standard spec. The company has also created added-value option packs, to help make buying or leasing the new DS 3 more straightforward.
2023 DS 3 styling, interior and technology
The 2023 DS 3 is marked out at the front by a distinctive facelift. It has a redesigned grille, which is wider and bolder, and set off by either gloss black or chrome diamond tips, depending on whether it is a ‘performance’ or ‘luxury’ variant.
The DS ‘wings’ now blend into the grille and headlamps, and those buying or leasing a new DS 3 can choose from redesigned standard LED lights or optional matrix LED lamps.
There are new LED daytime running lights, compromising of vertical lines either side; they’re more distinctive and help ‘widen’ the appearance of the DS 3 when on the move. There’s a new lower spoiler too, and aerofoils which frame the lower air intake, improving aerodynamic efficiency.
At the rear, a distinctive lacquered black strip sits on the bootlid between the rear LED lights. It carries polished stainless steel ‘DS Automobiles’ badging; the letters are divided and set one-by-one into the trim panel.
There’s a range of body colours and either black or grey contrast roof colours: a new choice is Diva Red three-layer metallic, a colour that has a ‘flop’ effect where the variation of colour and brightness depends on the viewing angle.
A new line-up of 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels aims to improve aerodynamic efficiency. A specific 18-inch ‘Toulouse’ design for the DS 3 E-Tense takes this even further, with a specific set of tall, narrow A+-rated energy-saving tyres.
Inside, the DS 3 takes the focus on French-style luxury and indulgence to a new level. Even entry-level Bastille feature black woven cloth upholstery with leather-effect vinyl. Performance Line models feature extensive use of Alcantara, while Rivoli have Basalt Black grained leather seats.
Range-topping DS 3 Opera have Basalt Black nappa leather upholstery with watchstrap seat pattern – a really high-end finish. The seats themselves also boast a special high-density foam for what the company describes as “class-leading seating comfort”.
A new infotainment system with redesigned gloss black surround is the centre of attraction. The widget-based menu structure is much more straightforward to use than the current car. There’s an additional 7.0-inch driver display, which itself is configurable, and it can all be controlled by a more advanced voice recognition system.
2023 DS 3 engines, performance and fuel economy
The core DS 3 line-up is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo PureTech engine. The entry-level 100PS version is combined with a six-speed manual gearbox. An optional eight-speed automatic gearbox is combined with a 130PS version of the same engine.
The engines are the same as in today’s car; the 100PS version should average just under 50mpg, and accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds. Expect the 130PS auto to do 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds, and average around 46mpg.
The DS 3 is also available with a diesel engine in Europe; the 1.5 BlueHDi 110 does 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds and averages almost 63mpg. The company has not yet confirmed if this is coming ot the UK.
The big news is the fully-updated DS 3 E-Tense pure electric version. Power has been boosted significantly, to 155PS, while a new design of battery now has a 54kWh overall capacity (50.8kWh of which is usable). Thermal control is improved and the standard heat pump helps boost range.
It now boasts an overall range of up to 250 miles, and a standard onboard fast charger allows owners to use 100kW direct chargers. This will top it up from zero to 80% capacity in just 25 minutes. DS Automobiles says the overall energy efficiency of the system is improved as well, so it will travel further for every kWh of electrical energy consumed.
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