Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

DS 3 (2009-2019) review

The DS 3 is an upmarket rival to the MINI with posh aspirations, but it's starting to feel its age

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Price
£31,200 - £33,140
  • Smart styling
  • Good handling
  • Decent engines
  • A bit dated inside
  • Road noise
  • Pricey top models
Find your DS 3
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The DS 3 was a breakthrough car for Citroen, and was such a success that it prompted the firm to launch its DS brand with the DS 3 as its core model. It went on to be the DS brand's best-seller, with the appeal of its plush interior, decent performance and a variety of special models with plenty of kit on offer.

Advertisement - Article continues below

However, the DS 3 never really matched up against its rivals. It doesn't have the retro charm of models such as the MINI hatch and Fiat 500, while the Audi A1 has the edge for quality, performance and handling. Still, the DS 3 offers better value for money than most, while the range of petrol and diesel engines offer efficiency and punchy performance in equal measure, so the DS 3 is still an appealing choice.

First for sale as a Citroen, and then as part of the prestige DS brand, the DS3 is an upmarket supermini that's designed to take on models such as the MINI, Fiat 500, Audi A1 and even the VW Beetle. Like those cars, it offers a wide range of personalisation, while a variety of colours and trim spec mean there's plenty of choice when it comes to buying one.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The DS 3 first arrived as a Citroen in 2010, and was only replaced in 2019 by the SUV-inspired DS 3 Crossback. So if you're looking to buy a DS 3, you'll be looking at used or nearly new versions from now on. Thankfully, the majority of cars come well equipped, while there's enough variety in terms of colours and options that you should find a decent car that's well specced and stands out from the crowd. On the other hand, the sheer variety on offer could be bewildering to the uninitiated.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best hatchbacks on sale

First off, the DS 3 comes in two body styles: either a three-door hatch or the two-door DS 3 Cabrio, which was first introduced in 2013. The latter isn't a true convertible like a MINI, and is similar in execution to the Fiat 500C, with a fabric centre section of the roof that rolls back to sit above the tiny boot.

Under the skin, the DS 3 shares its platform with a wide range of Peugeot and Citroen models, including the Citroen C3, Peugeot 208 and crossover and MPV variants that have been sold alongside them. Where the DS 3 differs is with its design-led bodywork, although it stil has decent space inside when compared to its rivals.

At launch, the DS 3 came with either 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol engines, but an update in 2014 saw Citroen's 1.2 PureTech turbo three-cylinder appear. This engine is a solid performer, offering decent economy, refinement and mid-range pulling power.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Another update came with the car's rebranding as a DS model is 2016. It got a new look, plus a 128bhp version of the PureTech motor. Also offered are two 1.6 BlueHDi diesels, offering 99bhp or 118bhp, although we'd only recommend these if you really need to maximise your fuel economy on long journeys.

Joining the line-up at this stage was the DS 3 Performance hot hatch, which was similar in concept to the older limited-edition Citroen DS 3 Racing. It has 1.6 THP turbo petrol engine with 204bhp, a Torsen limited slip diff and stiffer suspension. While it was designed as a rival to the MINI Cooper S, it didn't quite match that car for driving enjoyment.

• Best premium small cars

Where the DS 3 stands out is with the sheer variety of models that have been offered over its lifetime. There have been Chic, Style, Prestige, Ultra Prestige and Performance Line model, while special editions have littered the price lists over the years. Models such as the Parthenon Cream, Ines de la Fressange, Cafe Racer, BRM Chronographes (which came with an exclusive wristwatch) and others have come and gone.

In some ways these cars are good to weed out from the classifieds, because while they come with extra kit, the effect of residual values mean they are usually a similar price to the more mainstream versions of the DS 3.

For an alternative review of the latest DS 3 Hatchback visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.2 HYBRID 136 Pallas 5dr e-DSC
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £31,200

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.2 HYBRID 136 Pallas 5dr e-DSC
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £31,200

Fastest

  • Name
    1.2 HYBRID 136 Pallas 5dr e-DSC
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £31,200
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on DS3

DS3 Cabrio (2013-2019) review
Citroen DS3 Cabrio front

DS3 Cabrio (2013-2019) review

The DS3 Cabrio is a strong rival to the MINI Convertible thanks to a good drive and good looks
In-depth reviews
30 Sep 2019
Used DS 3 review
Used DS 3 - front

Used DS 3 review

A full used buyer’s guide on the DS 3 featuring the Citroen DS3 (2010-2016) and DS 3 (2016-date)
Used car tests
26 Sep 2018
DS 3 - best small cars

DS 3 - best small cars

Best cars & vans
16 May 2016
Updated 2016 DS 3 hatch on sale Friday from £13,995
DS 3 hatchback 2016 - front quarter reveal

Updated 2016 DS 3 hatch on sale Friday from £13,995

Restyled DS 3 hatch available to order on 5th of Feb, with hot new Performance model from £20,495
News
1 Feb 2016
Citroen DS3 and DS3 Cabrio concepts set for Paris
Citroen DS3 Ines de La Fressange Paris front

Citroen DS3 and DS3 Cabrio concepts set for Paris

Citroen's DS has teamed up with French fashion house Ines de La Fressange Paris for two new DS3 concepts
News
16 Sep 2014
Citroen DS3 Cabrio DStyle by Benefit unveiled
Citroen DS3 Cabrio DStyle by Benefit front

Citroen DS3 Cabrio DStyle by Benefit unveiled

Citroen once again teams up with Benefit Cosmetics to create a special edition DS3, on sale now for £18,745
News
1 Aug 2014
Latest Citroen DS3 by Benefit launched
Citroen-DS3-DSign-Noire-by-Benefit-front-quarter

Latest Citroen DS3 by Benefit launched

Special DS3 Noire is the third limited-run Citroen developed in collaboration with Benefit Cosmetics, starting from £14,995
News
1 Jul 2014
Citroen DS3 2014 range revamp revealed

Citroen DS3 2014 range revamp revealed

Baby of the Citroen DS sub-brand has a refreshed look, new safety kit, and two new engines
News
22 May 2014
Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing review
Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing front action

Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing review

The Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing certainly has exclusivity on its side, but is it worth the high price?
Road tests
17 Mar 2014
Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing: January launch
Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing

Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing: January launch

Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing will be officially unveiled in January, before going on sale shortly after
News
13 Dec 2013
Best pink cars
Pink Citroen DS3

Best pink cars

Buying a pink car used to be a big no-no, but the demand for pink cars is growing
Best cars & vans
10 Oct 2013
Skip advert
Advertisement
Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing
Citroen DS3 racing cabrio profile

Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing

Citroen announces shock DS3 Cabrio Racing concept set to make its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend
News
10 Jul 2013
Citroen DS3 Airdream
Citroen DS3 Airdream front action

Citroen DS3 Airdream

We drive the stylish new Citroen DS3 Airdream, which gets design tweaks and increased power
Road tests
24 Jun 2013
Citroen DS3 Cabrio 1.6 HDi
Citroen DS3 Cabrio 1.6 HDi front

Citroen DS3 Cabrio 1.6 HDi

We've already been impressed by the petrol Citroen DS3 Cabrio. So what's the diesel like?
Road tests
26 Apr 2013
Citroen DS3 Cabrio vs MINI Convertible

Citroen DS3 Cabrio vs MINI Convertible

We find out if the new Citroen DS3 Cabrio or MINI Convertible is the better choice for top-down motoring this summer
Car group tests
22 Apr 2013
10. Citroen DS3 Cabrio
Citroen DS3 Cabrio

10. Citroen DS3 Cabrio

Car group tests
21 Mar 2013
Citroen DS3 Cabrio
Citroen DS3 Cabrio front cornering

Citroen DS3 Cabrio

Our verdict on the new soft-top Citroen DS3 Cabrio, which is set to take on the popular Fiat 500C
Road tests
24 Jan 2013
Citroen DS3 Electrum revealed
Citroen DS3 Electrum

Citroen DS3 Electrum revealed

Citroen has unveiled the electric DS3 Electrum at the Paris show
News
27 Sep 2012
Citroen DS3 Ultra Prestige
Citroen DS3 Ultra Prestige front cornering

Citroen DS3 Ultra Prestige

We drive the range-topping DS3 Ultra Prestige, but is luxury edition worth the extra cash?
Road tests
1 Mar 2012
Citroen DS3: Final report
Citroen DS3 header

Citroen DS3: Final report

Not even heavy rain can put a dampener on our farewell to the stylish French hatch after a year of super service
Long-term tests
7 Sep 2011
Citroen DS3: Fourth report
Citroen DS3

Citroen DS3: Fourth report

Long injury lay-off brought enforced break from our hot hatch. So has absence made the heart grow fonder?
Long-term tests
1 Aug 2011
Citroen DS3
Citroen DS3 corner

Citroen DS3

Regular driver has taken enforced break. But everyone else loves hatch!
Long-term tests
1 Apr 2011
Citroen DS3 Racing vs rivals
Citroen DS3 Racing vs rivals

Citroen DS3 Racing vs rivals

It’s Citroen’s rally car for the road – but can the new DS3 racing edge ahead of MINI and Renault rivals?
Car group tests
25 Feb 2011