DS 3 Crossback. A little goes a long way
DS 3 Crossback is a subcompact luxury SUV from DS Automobiles (France) that forms part of PSA Peugeot Citroën Group. It has been produced since 2019. There are petrol and diesel versions as well as electric models. In 2020, the first generation of this luxury crossover could be purchased on the Israeli market.
The first generation
It has been produced from 2019 to the present (as for 2020). The first DS 3 Crossback replaces PSA’s DS3 three-door hatchback in the premium DS range. The SUV has an unusual exterior, a wide list of equipment and a completely new modular platform. Assembled on the CMP platform, the new DS 3 Crossback is very similar to the electric Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa hatchbacks. By default, this platform allows creating fully electrical modifications. Therefore, the front-wheel drive SUV has a space under the floor of the passenger compartment specifically for the traction battery. The Crossback’s closest competitors are the Audi Q2, Mini Countryman and Lexus UX SUVs.
The electric version of the Crossback E-Tense is equipped with a 136 hp electric engine and a battery with a capacity of 50 kW/h, which allows you to drive up to 300 km with a single charge. It will take about 20 hours to fully recharge the batteries from household power source. If you use an express station, the time will be reduced to 5-7 hours, while about 80% will be recharged in the first 30 minutes.
The petrol versions of the SUV are equipped with the 1.2 liter turbocharged engines with 110, 130 or 155 hp. There are also diesel models with a 1.6-liter BlueHDI engine with 100 and 130 hp. They work together with a 6-speed manual transmission, or with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the drive can only be front.
Exterior
The new 2019/2020 DS 3 Crossback stands out for its complex head optics. Plus, for a surcharge, Matrix LED Vision matrix headlights can be installed. It has a large hexagonal grille and narrow vertical curved daytime running lights. The new SUV has a 5-door body, has retained the characteristic DS3 hatchback ‘fins’ of the B-pillars, and other exterior details echo the flagship DS7 Crossback SUV. The new Crossback has original recessed door handles that extend automatically when the key is within 1.5 m of the vehicle.
Interior
The vehicle is equipped with an electronic dashboard and a large 10.3-inch display of the multimedia system even in the basic version. The center console impresses with a bold solution in the form of several rhombuses that comprises the control buttons for various systems and the central air ducts. At the same time, the side vents of the ventilation system are located on the doors.
Optionally, the DS3 Crossback can be equipped with a color head-up display and an advanced Focal audio system with twelve speakers, while several different interior design options are offered for the vehicle. You can start the engine and open the doors using a special application on your smartphone. The interior of the new DS 3 Crossback looks pretty good.
The equipment of the new SUV is pretty great. The top versions will have matrix headlights, lane keeping assist and an automatic braking system working at speeds up to 180 km/h with the function of detecting pedestrians and cyclists at any time of day or night.
