The perfect interpretation of French luxury, the new installment of the DS 3 features the efficient E-TENSE variant, one of the most attractive electric cars on the market. The French firm has introduced various image modifications to this charismatic model, especially in the front of the vehicle, where its redesigned grill or the new LED headlights, which can be optionally DS Matrix Led Vision, are striking.
Elements such as the bumpers have also been remodeled, new premium decoration details are introduced, such as lacquered trims, or the letters DS Automibles with letters in polished stainless steel. The DS 3 maintains a distinctive image and very high levels of quality, undoubtedly above the average for its segment. In fact, the French brand states without complexes that its rivals are the Mini Countryman and the Audi Q2.
In its 2023 version, the DS 3 E-TENSE debuts a more powerful electric motor that delivers a power of 115 kW -equivalent to 156 HP- and 260 Nm of torque. In practice, this model offers remarkable acceleration capacity (0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds) and has a top speed of 150 km/h.
The lithium-ion battery in the new DS 3 has more capacity and higher energy density. Now it has 54 kWh (50.8 useful kWh). The official consumption is 15.6 kWh/100 km, a real figure in urban journeys and that does not exceed 20 kWh/100 km, when it comes to driving on fast highways. It reaches up to 404 km of WLTP-approved autonomy and can easily exceed 500 km in urban driving.
For its part, the standard charger can charge at 100 kW in direct current, recovering from 10 to 80% of the charge in just 30 minutes. At 11 kWh in alternating current, recharging from 0 to 100% of the battery takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes.
The DS3 E-TENSE brings together all the advantages of electrification and is guaranteed to be fun to drive. There is the possibility of choosing between the driving modes, Normal and Sport. The former offers a balance between performance and efficiency and Sport mode guarantees maximum performance and generates greater acceleration capacity.
It’s also useful to be able to choose between two power recovery modes, called Normal and Brake. The first simulates the behavior of a heat engine and, in the second, the retention capacity when lifting the foot is greater. The management of these technologies makes it possible to adapt driving to the needs of autonomy.
In the dynamic section, the DS 3 E-TENSE exhibits remarkable behavior in any situation. Its contained dimensions allow for agile urban driving and, on the road, it enjoys high stability and precise steering. Its dynamic qualities are complemented by outstanding driving comfort and soundproofing.
The multiple available driving aids allow you to enjoy level 2 DS Drive Assist autonomous driving, among which the active warning of involuntary lane change or hill start assistance stands out. In the city, the Visio Park 2 technology facilitates parking manoeuvres. Elements such as automatic emergency braking up to 85 km/h or the Active Safety Brake, capable of detecting cyclists and pedestrians, also provide greater security.
The interior of the new DS 3 continues to be an example of refinement. The levels of acoustic insulation are outstanding and the materials, with an extensive offer of existing customization, are of high quality. The habitability of the French model is very correct, it offers five real seats and a spacious trunk, with a useful volume of 350 liters. The driving position has a new steering wheel and the seats are made of high-density foam, providing outstanding comfort.
The DS 3 is one of the most technological models in its segment. It embraces a new infotainment system available on a 10.3-inch high-definition center screen. Among the novelties of the new generation of the DS 3, it is worth noting that Android Auto and CarPlay connectivity are carried out wirelessly, when a cable was previously necessary.
To facilitate the daily use of the vehicle, DS offers the MyDS app for mobile phones that allows remote management of some functions such as battery recharging programming, or the activation of the air conditioning system. This application informs the driver about data such as the battery charge level, autonomy or the remaining charging time. It also shows the nearest charging stations and allows you to plan trips.
