Used DS DS 3 cars

Originally launched as the Citroën DS 3 in 2010, this high-end supermini proved popular from the moment it hit showrooms. Offering buyers an exceptional array of personalisation options, a fun yet efficient drive and striking styling.

DS 3 updates and facelifts

In addition to the many styling choices, a wide range of engine options were available from launch, including petrol and turbodiesel units. A DS 3 Cabrio was introduced in 2013 too, giving motorists the option of top-down thrills during the summer months. In 2015, the Citroën badge was dropped from the model, with DS becoming a brand in its own right. The following year, the DS 3 received a facelift, with updated petrol and diesel engine options and improved technical features.

The DS 3 occupies a space at the premium end of the hatchback market. Its main rivals are the MINI and Fiat 500, both of which offer similarly funky styling and responsive performance. Neither, however, can match the DS 3 for passenger or luggage space.

The original DS 3 trims comprised DSign, DStyle and DSport, with the Racing edition standing alongside the range as a hot hatch. Special edition Pink and Black Lézard also featured during the model’s lifetime. From 2016 onwards, trims included Chic, Elegance, Prestige, Ultra Prestige and Performance. However, with the sheer number of personalisation options that were available, it’s likely you’ll find one that feels truly unique.

In 2019 the DS 3 was heavily revised, becoming the DS 3 Crossback – a small premium SUV. This iteration comes with petrol and all-electric (DS 3 E-TENSE) powertrains, competing with models such as the MINI Countryman and Audi Q2.

Practicality and style of the car

The DS 3 may be built for performance, but that doesn’t come at the expense of practicality. The model’s three-door body features wide-opening doors and front seats that tilt and slide, making access to the rear easy. There’s also enough head and legroom for four adults to travel comfortably, with the middle rear seat accommodating a child or teen on shorter journeys. If you have young children, the two outer rear positions have ISOFIX mounting points, keeping car seats secure.

The boot is similarly generous, with the Cabrio offering 245 litres and the hatchback providing 285 litres with all seats in place. Both outstrip the capacity of the Fiat 500 and three-door MINI Hatchback. On occasions when you need more boot space, the DS 3 hatchback’s rear seats split 60/40 and fold forwards to free up 980 litres of cargo volume.

Towing may not be a priority for DS 3 owners, but the car is capable of hauling a respectable braked weight of 1,150kg – that’s enough to pull a small trailer or lightweight caravan.

Running costs

Insurance premiums for the DS 3 vary widely depending on the engine and trim level you choose. The most cost-effective models sit in groups 10–19 out of 50. Higher spec editions largely occupy groups 20–27, while choosing the highest-powered Performance trim means the car sits in groups 36–37. This range is comparable to that of the MINI Hatchback.

Road tax is similarly variable, with many pre-2017 trims incurring only a £0–20 annual charge. For DS 3s manufactured after April 2017, you can expect to pay the standard rate of £180 per year.

How a used DS 3 drives

If it’s performance you’re looking for, the DS 3 should be on your shortlist. Delivering a sporty drive, it boasts light steering that makes it feel agile and capable, while high levels of grip mean it corners well. When you’re in town, this sprightly supermini can navigate traffic with ease, while cruising comfortably on the open road.

Upon launch in 2010, the DS 3 offered three petrol engines and two turbodiesels. The petrol lineup featured a 1.4-litre with 98bhp, and two 1.6-litre units with 118bhp and 154bhp. The diesels were 1.6-litre engines with power outputs of 89bhp and 108bhp and offered excellent fuel economy.

When the model received a facelift in 2016, the engine range was updated. The entry-level option became a 1.2-litre PureTech producing 81bhp. Efficient and frugal, it’s paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and returns between 45.3 and 52.0mpg on the combined cycle.

Next in line is the 1.2-litre with an output of 108bhp and six-speed manual or automated manual EAT6 transmission. This is also economical, returning up to 42.2mpg and as little as 100g/km. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds.

The most powerful option is the 128bhp variant, which goes from 0-62mph in just 8.9 seconds, while keeping a combined fuel economy of 41.7mpg. This is teamed with a slick, six-speed manual gearbox that produces seamless shifts.

If you’re looking for efficiency over long distances, the 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel options are for you. Choose from outputs of 99bhp or 118bhp, which achieve 61.4mpg and 54.4mpg respectively. These emit the lowest levels of CO2 – as little as 87g/km.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2010 - 2019

Engine	Official NEDC MPG
1.2 Puretech 110	60.1 mpg
1.2 VTi	61.4–62.8 mpg
1.4 VTi 95	48.7 mpg
1.6 BlueHDi	78.5 mpg
1.6 e-HDi 110 90	78.5 mpg
1.6 e-HDi 115	74.4 mpg
1.6 e-HDi 90	76.3–78.5 mpg
1.6 HDi 110	62.8 mpg
1.6 HDi 90	70.6–78.5 mpg
1.6 THP 150	42.2 mpg
1.6 THP 155	47.1–48.7 mpg
1.6 THP 165	50.4 mpg
1.6 VTi 120	47.1–50.4 mpg
1.6 VTi 120 Automatic	42.2–43.5 mpg
1.2 Puretech 110 EAT6	39.1–65.7 mpg
1.2 Puretech 130	52.3–62.8 mpg
1.2 Puretech 82	61.4–62.8 mpg
1.6 BlueHDi 100	83.1 mpg
1.6 BlueHDi 120	78.5 mpg
1.6 THP 210	52.3 mpg

Features you can expect in a DS 3

Interior

As a high-end hatchback, the DS 3 exudes quality. Its cabin is stylish and inviting, with soft-touch fabrics and textured surfaces delivering a premium feel. The dash is intuitive too, featuring an instrument cluster that provides clear driving data. The centre control is laid out in a user-friendly manner and the touchscreen display is the focus point in later iterations.

Cabin space is ample, accommodating four adults easily, and there are some handy storage pockets to ensure the interior stays tidy. A good-size glove box and door bins enable you to carry small water bottles, smartphones and tablets, while a small cubby behind the gear stick will accommodate keys or other small items.

Technology

The earliest DS 3 models feature a digital display in the centre of the dash, with buttons to operate it. With the facelift in 2016 came a 7.0-inch touchscreen. This uses the brand’s Mirror Screen technology to connect to your smartphone, enabling you to access compatible apps via the vehicle’s display. As a result, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported – the former wirelessly and the latter with a cable. All DS 3 cars from 2016 onwards also have DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port as standard.

The DS 3 offers cruise control as standard, making motorway driving simpler and less tiring. Mid-range trims add comfort and convenience tech, such as front and rear parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers. You’ll also get extra safety measures like Active City Brake, an emergency braking technology that’s designed to help you avoid low-speed collisions.

Safety

The DS 3 was given a three-star rating in its Euro NCAP test in 2017, with an adult occupant protection score of 69%. Six airbags come as standard on all trims manufactured from 2015 onwards, ensuring you’re protected in the event of an accident.

Every variant also has electronic stability control and traction control, keeping the car stable and secure on the road. Choose a mid- to top-spec DS 3 trim for added functions such as the DS Connect Box, which contacts the emergency services on your behalf in the event of a collision.

Trims available on the DS 3

DS 3 Chic

This entry-level trim includes all the essentials for a comfy and entertaining drive. With 16-inch alloy wheels, it boasts air conditioning and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port. It also has cruise control with a speed limiter.

DS 3 Elegance

Upgrade to the Elegance trim to add styling highlights such as rear privacy glass, LED front fog lights, premium cloth upholstered sports seats and gloss black trim. Comfort and convenience features include climate control and rear parking sensors, while the DS Connect Box is added for extra safety.

DS 3 Prestige

Step up to Prestige and enjoy design features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone roof, xenon headlights, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, and Alcantara upholstery. You’ll also get automatic lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and Active City Brake.

DS 3 Performance

Choose the Performance for exclusive styling and performance measures, including 18-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, uprated brakes. A limited slip differential helps to prevent loss of traction and keep the car under control in challenging conditions.

Search our stock of used DS 3 cars for sale.