2018 Citroen DS 3 Crossback E-Tense CVT 50 KWh RWD (136 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 2018, Citroen launched the smallest crossover built under the DS brand, which tried to breach into the premium segment with a unique design and attractive features.

Once a premium brand, Citroen tried to get back to that segment, but it failed constantly. It ended up being bought by Peugeot and later incorporated into the Stellantis group. However, its efforts were not in vain since it produced a few attractive vehicles that could fit in the upscale market, such as the DS 3 Crossback. The high-rider vehicle was packed with the best materials and technical bits and pieces the French brand had in its basket. In addition, it made the car on the newly developed CMP platform reserved for larger cars.

With a look front fascia dominated by a broad grille surrounded by a chromed trim, the DS3 Crossback tried to look commanding on the road. Its LED headlights featured four blocks and were continued downward by vertical, waved-shaped slats. On the lower side of the bumper, the automaker added a chin and two decorative scoops. From its profile, the sculptured door panels formed a wide V-shaped line, while the rear doors featured fang-like shapes toward the B-pillars. The back of the DS3 Crossback was also bold, with chromed elements surrounding the taillights and visually connecting them via a horizontal slat on the raked-forward tailgate. Underneath the bumper, two wide-sized exhausts gave the vehicle a sporty look.

Inside, the cabin boasted a high level of refinement with diamond-shaped leather on the dashboard and seats. In front of the driver, the automaker installed a flat-bottom steering wheel covered in leather and a digital instrument cluster. In addition, a head-up display showed essential information on a retractable transparent screen. Atop the center stack, the automaker added the touchscreen for the infotainment system. The rest of the cabin was adorned with rhomboidal shapes, including the vents. In the back, the split-folding bench seat was wide enough for three passengers, although not full-grown adults, due to the limited headroom and legroom.

Despite looking like a crossover, the car was not offered with an all-wheel-drive system. Citroen installed only front-wheel-drive drivetrains on it. Moreover, the McPherson struts at the front and the torsion-bar rear suspension were not exactly the best what a premium vehicle could have. The automaker said that it did this to provide a larger trunk, even though that wasn’t too large either. On the plus side, customers could get the DS 3 Crossback with a wide choice of engines, ranging from three turbocharged gasoline ones and ending up with an electric drivetrain. In 2018, there were not too many automakers to offer that on the market since the technology was new. For those looking for cars with long range, Citroen installed a choice of three fuel-efficient turbo-diesel powerplants.