At DS, we do not change: we use and abuse anglicisms, to praise the merits of “French know-how”. And we proudly express the so-called success of a DS3 and a range which, beyond our borders, does not meet its audience.
With its slogan “Spirit of Avant-garde”, its pronounced taste for marketing and its claim to the top of the range, the firm has however the privilege, on the DS3, to test the brand new electrical architecturewhich will then expand to the entire Stellantis group.
Au menu, a new battery and a new motor. The first, made up of CATL cells from China, is assembled in France and has a capacity of 54 kWh, or 4 more than before.
The second, also produced in our region by Emotorsfruit of the association between Nidec and PSA, replaces the Continental engine with, as a bonus, 20 hp more.
DS therefore promises better driving pleasure and, of course, increased autonomy: 84 kilometers more than the first version of DS3 Crossback E-Tense, i.e. up to 404 kilometers between two “full” for the most frugal version.
But nothing new on the charging side. The DS only accepts 11 kW of AC power, and 100 kW of DC power.
However, this allows a charge of 10 to 80% in thirty minutes on a fast terminal, and in less than six hours for a full charge at a public station classic. At home, with a 7.4 kW WallBox, you will have to wait eight hours.
If electric cars always turn out to be discreet, with only a small whistling sound, this one admits to being really very quiet. And sweet.
The good management of the accelerator allows a great progressiveness in the accelerations, while the performances remain very suitable, with 0 to 100 km/h announced in 9 seconds and effective pick-ups.
But you have to request the sport mode or fully depress the right pedal, with the key to a slight response time, to wake up all the cavalry of 115 kW. “Normal” mode is limited to 80 kW and the “Eco” program, at 60 kW.
Note that a classic “Brake” position of the gear selector makes it possible to amplify the deceleration, by increasing the regeneration of energy. However, it requires applying the brakes for a complete stop.
Our different routes, in favorable climatic conditions and mixing urban environment and secondary network, have enabled us toapproach the consumption announced by the homologation cycle.
We can therefore hope, with proper conduct, reach 340 kilometers of autonomy.
On the highway, stabilized at 130 km / h but this time with a strong headwind, our DS3 rather showed 27 kWh / 100 km. There, it would have been impossible to exceed 200 kilometers before taking out the cable…
Decked out with its new battery, given for 340 kg, the DS3 displays 1,550 kg minimum. This weight affects the dynamism of a French car which nevertheless remains precise, very healthy and pleasant to drive.
However, we can blame him for a damping that is still a little firm, the comfort of which suffers, especially in the rear seats.
To be, lack of legroom, the storage spaces remain rare and cramped, while the cutting of the glazed surfaces amplifies the feeling of confinement. Nothing changes either on the trunk side: the capacity is limited to 350 liters, and no storage or tray under the floor is provided for the charging cables.
If the presentation on board does not change, a new steering wheel is appearing and the multimedia interface, taken from the DS4invites itself from the basic finish on a 10.3-inch touch screen.
Easy to use and complete, the system advantageously replaces its predecessor and can display images from the 360° parking camera, in a high finish. It is alongside digital instrumentation, from which you can choose the information displayed.
The set is combined with an elegant, original, refined presentation and sometimes covered in colored leather, which the “house” ergonomics invite you to admire: looking too much for certain buttons, we can clearly see the dashboard!
DS persists, for example, with electric window controls (poorly?) placed on the central console. The layout includes a double cup holder, a bin under the central armrest and a small storage space in front of the gear lever, under the “hands-free” start button.
The latter only appears from the Rivoli and Performance Line + trim levels. But this Start button always requires too long a press to start or stop the vehicle.
In terms of finances, the tariff of this electric version starts at €41,700. Even after subtracting the €5,000 bonus, that’s still €3,600 more than the 130hp petrol version with automatic gearbox.
It should also be noted that the top of the range Opera (head-up display, 360° camera, heated front seats, monitoring of blind spots, etc.), exceeds the threshold of €47,000 giving entitlement to the bonus. It will therefore be, unless negotiated, difficult to sell!
DS3 E-Tense test – our opinion:
No revolution on board, despite the arrival of a new multimedia system. But the electric DS3 is progressing in terms of pleasure and autonomy, thanks to its new motor/battery assembly, which the next Peugeot, Citroën, Opel or Jeep will soon adopt.
WE love
- Silent operation and pleasure
- Autonomy in progress
- Flattering presentation
We love less
- Ergonomic details
- Limited habitability
- Salty price
Data sheet (DS3 E-tense)
- From €41,700
- Conso during the session (kWh/100 km) : 16
- Conso mixte WLTP (kWh/100 km): 15.3
- CO2(g/km)/bonus : 0/5 000 €
- Fiscal horsepower: 4 CV
- Country of manufacture: France
- Warranty: 2 years/unlimited mileage
- Battery warranty: 8 years/160,000 km
- Motor: permanent magnet synchronous electric
- Transmission: to the front wheels, 1 gear
- Power (kW/hp): 115/156
- Couple (Nm) : 260
- Battery: lithium-Ion, 54 kWh capacity
- Charging time: (0 to 100%)
- standard domestic: 27h
- reinforced domestic (3.7 kW): 19h
- domestic terminal (7.4 kW): 8h
- public terminal (11 kW): 5h45
- fast terminal (100 kW): 30 min (10 to 80%)
- Curb weight (kg): 1,550
- Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,12×1,79×1,53
- Wheelbase (m): 2.56
- Turning circle (m): 10.7
- Vitesse maxi (km/h) : 150
- 0 to 100 km/h (s): 9
- Standard tires: 215/60 R 17
- Tires tested: 215/55 R 18 – GoodYear Efficient Grip Performance 2
- 5/2 chest (l): 350/1,050
- Front/rear elbow width (cm): 141/137
- Rear legroom (cm): 66
- Price of the tested version: 48,800 €
SUGGESTED RANGE (DS3)
- Electric, 115 kW, from €41,700
- Gasoline, from 100 to 130 hp, from €30,100
- Diesel, 130 hp, from €34,700
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS (depending on finish)
- Matrix LED projectors: €900
- Smartphone charging by induction: €200
- Extended security pack (front parking radars, blind spot monitoring, reversing camera): €700
- Winter pack (heated front seats, heated windscreen, heated windscreen jets): €400
Main contestants:
DS news, seen by auto-moto.com:
DS4 E-Tense 225 TEST: what is the unique plug-in hybrid offer worth?
DS7 E-Tense 225 hp (2022) test: our opinion at the wheel of the French premium SUV
DS9 price: simplified range and new Opéra Première finish
At DS, we do not change: we use and abuse anglicisms, to praise the merits of “French know-how”. And we proudly express the so-called success of a DS3 and a range which, beyond our borders, does not meet its audience.
With its slogan “Spirit of Avant-garde”, its pronounced taste for marketing and its claim to the top of the range, the firm has however the privilege, on the DS3, to test the brand new electrical architecturewhich will then expand to the entire Stellantis group.
Au menu, a new battery and a new motor. The first, made up of CATL cells from China, is assembled in France and has a capacity of 54 kWh, or 4 more than before.
The second, also produced in our region by Emotorsfruit of the association between Nidec and PSA, replaces the Continental engine with, as a bonus, 20 hp more.
DS therefore promises better driving pleasure and, of course, increased autonomy: 84 kilometers more than the first version of DS3 Crossback E-Tense, i.e. up to 404 kilometers between two “full” for the most frugal version.
But nothing new on the charging side. The DS only accepts 11 kW of AC power, and 100 kW of DC power.
However, this allows a charge of 10 to 80% in thirty minutes on a fast terminal, and in less than six hours for a full charge at a public station classic. At home, with a 7.4 kW WallBox, you will have to wait eight hours.
If electric cars always turn out to be discreet, with only a small whistling sound, this one admits to being really very quiet. And sweet.
The good management of the accelerator allows a great progressiveness in the accelerations, while the performances remain very suitable, with 0 to 100 km/h announced in 9 seconds and effective pick-ups.
But you have to request the sport mode or fully depress the right pedal, with the key to a slight response time, to wake up all the cavalry of 115 kW. “Normal” mode is limited to 80 kW and the “Eco” program, at 60 kW.
Note that a classic “Brake” position of the gear selector makes it possible to amplify the deceleration, by increasing the regeneration of energy. However, it requires applying the brakes for a complete stop.
Our different routes, in favorable climatic conditions and mixing urban environment and secondary network, have enabled us toapproach the consumption announced by the homologation cycle.
We can therefore hope, with proper conduct, reach 340 kilometers of autonomy.
On the highway, stabilized at 130 km / h but this time with a strong headwind, our DS3 rather showed 27 kWh / 100 km. There, it would have been impossible to exceed 200 kilometers before taking out the cable…
Decked out with its new battery, given for 340 kg, the DS3 displays 1,550 kg minimum. This weight affects the dynamism of a French car which nevertheless remains precise, very healthy and pleasant to drive.
However, we can blame him for a damping that is still a little firm, the comfort of which suffers, especially in the rear seats.
To be, lack of legroom, the storage spaces remain rare and cramped, while the cutting of the glazed surfaces amplifies the feeling of confinement. Nothing changes either on the trunk side: the capacity is limited to 350 liters, and no storage or tray under the floor is provided for the charging cables.
If the presentation on board does not change, a new steering wheel is appearing and the multimedia interface, taken from the DS4invites itself from the basic finish on a 10.3-inch touch screen.
Easy to use and complete, the system advantageously replaces its predecessor and can display images from the 360° parking camera, in a high finish. It is alongside digital instrumentation, from which you can choose the information displayed.
The set is combined with an elegant, original, refined presentation and sometimes covered in colored leather, which the “house” ergonomics invite you to admire: looking too much for certain buttons, we can clearly see the dashboard!
DS persists, for example, with electric window controls (poorly?) placed on the central console. The layout includes a double cup holder, a bin under the central armrest and a small storage space in front of the gear lever, under the “hands-free” start button.
The latter only appears from the Rivoli and Performance Line + trim levels. But this Start button always requires too long a press to start or stop the vehicle.
In terms of finances, the tariff of this electric version starts at €41,700. Even after subtracting the €5,000 bonus, that’s still €3,600 more than the 130hp petrol version with automatic gearbox.
It should also be noted that the top of the range Opera (head-up display, 360° camera, heated front seats, monitoring of blind spots, etc.), exceeds the threshold of €47,000 giving entitlement to the bonus. It will therefore be, unless negotiated, difficult to sell!
DS3 E-Tense test – our opinion:
No revolution on board, despite the arrival of a new multimedia system. But the electric DS3 is progressing in terms of pleasure and autonomy, thanks to its new motor/battery assembly, which the next Peugeot, Citroën, Opel or Jeep will soon adopt.
WE love
- Silent operation and pleasure
- Autonomy in progress
- Flattering presentation
We love less
- Ergonomic details
- Limited habitability
- Salty price
Data sheet (DS3 E-tense)
- From €41,700
- Conso during the session (kWh/100 km) : 16
- Conso mixte WLTP (kWh/100 km): 15.3
- CO2(g/km)/bonus : 0/5 000 €
- Fiscal horsepower: 4 CV
- Country of manufacture: France
- Warranty: 2 years/unlimited mileage
- Battery warranty: 8 years/160,000 km
- Motor: permanent magnet synchronous electric
- Transmission: to the front wheels, 1 gear
- Power (kW/hp): 115/156
- Couple (Nm) : 260
- Battery: lithium-Ion, 54 kWh capacity
- Charging time: (0 to 100%)
- standard domestic: 27h
- reinforced domestic (3.7 kW): 19h
- domestic terminal (7.4 kW): 8h
- public terminal (11 kW): 5h45
- fast terminal (100 kW): 30 min (10 to 80%)
- Curb weight (kg): 1,550
- Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,12×1,79×1,53
- Wheelbase (m): 2.56
- Turning circle (m): 10.7
- Vitesse maxi (km/h) : 150
- 0 to 100 km/h (s): 9
- Standard tires: 215/60 R 17
- Tires tested: 215/55 R 18 – GoodYear Efficient Grip Performance 2
- 5/2 chest (l): 350/1,050
- Front/rear elbow width (cm): 141/137
- Rear legroom (cm): 66
- Price of the tested version: 48,800 €
SUGGESTED RANGE (DS3)
- Electric, 115 kW, from €41,700
- Gasoline, from 100 to 130 hp, from €30,100
- Diesel, 130 hp, from €34,700
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS (depending on finish)
- Matrix LED projectors: €900
- Smartphone charging by induction: €200
- Extended security pack (front parking radars, blind spot monitoring, reversing camera): €700
- Winter pack (heated front seats, heated windscreen, heated windscreen jets): €400
Main contestants:
DS news, seen by auto-moto.com:
DS4 E-Tense 225 TEST: what is the unique plug-in hybrid offer worth?
DS7 E-Tense 225 hp (2022) test: our opinion at the wheel of the French premium SUV
DS9 price: simplified range and new Opéra Première finish
