Small facelift for the DS 3 Crossback, which is now called DS 3. The electric version changes engine and battery.
The DS 3 is back! Like its big brother DS 7, the small DS SUV drops the suffix Crossback during its restyling. A rather light update from an aesthetic point of view. Some will think that the model did not need major surgery, others will argue that DS did not want to invest too much in a vehicle whose sales are far from the expected level.
DS has thus revised the face without touching the hood, the cutting of the headlights or the fenders. But the “new DS 3” has a more assertive air thanks to a wider grille, with a more angular appearance, and thicker and vertical daytime running lights. The standard LED headlights from the basic level have a new trim in three modules. Chromium is much less present.
The rest of the vehicle evolves by very small touches. An expert eye will notice the new DS Automobiles monogram on the ring between the lights. The color chart includes two new shades, Lacquered Gray and Diva Red, the latter being a three-layer shade. There are also new rims, including new 18-inch ones for the electric version, fitted with “Tail & Narrow Class A+” tires.
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In the passenger compartment, the steering wheel has been revised to group together the driving aid controls and the infotainment buttons. Right from the base, there’s a 10.3-inch touchscreen, with the new DS Iris System. The driver can customize the screen, divided into 12 zones, with variable sized widgets. A voice command is also included. The restyling is accompanied by changes to the upholstery, with in particular new seats in Black Basalt grained leather.
The most interesting is actually on the side of the technical sheet. The E-Tense electric version is revised with a brand new technical sheet. It abandons the 100 kW block for a new 115 kW engine, or 156 hp. Resulting from a collaboration between PSA and the Japanese Nidec, it is manufactured in France (Trémery-Metz factory).
The battery also changes (it is also made in France, assembled in Poissy). It has a capacity of 54 kWh (50.8 useful kWh). It is equipped with thermal regulation by liquid circulation. Autonomy is progressing sharply, from 341 to 402 km according to the WLTP mixed cycle.
As standard, the on-board charger receives 100 kW in direct current (0 to 80% in 25 minutes) and 11 kW in alternating current (0 to 100% in 5 hours). DS announces a consumption of 12.6 kWh per 100 km. The brand has notably carried out an aerodynamic optimization of the front end. The versions with 17 and 18 inch Tail & Narrow rims are lowered by 10 mm. The model receives a heat pump.
The order books for this new DS 3 will be open from September 27. The basic price of electric is €41,700.
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