Used DS DS 3 for sale

What types of DS 3 cars are there?

The 'DS 3' name has been used in various forms for quite some time, starting off with the Citroën DS3 hatchback and, later, the rebranded but largely unchanged DS 3 hatchback. Then, in 2019, the name was reused for a brand-new crossover model, which was initially known as DS 3 Crossback before the 'Crossback' part was dropped in 2022.

In its compact SUV form, it's a stylish, affordable, premium and efficient option for solo drivers and young families.

Popular DS 3 trims

DS has sold the '3' with various trim levels over the years, so what you'll get largely depends on the model year. Here are some examples:

> DS 3 PALLAS – newer starting point with front and rear cameras and sensors, blind spot detection and wireless phone charging

> DS 3 DS PERFORMANCE Line – sporty-looking upgrade with keyless entry and sportier body designs inside and out

> DS 3 ÉTOILE – this is a top trim level with a more premium fit and finish, including bigger alloy wheels

DS 3 history

The 'DS 3' name has been used in various forms since 2010, but there can be some big differences.

> Citroën DS3 (2010) – stylish new hatchback launched to take on the MINI Hatchback and Audi A1

> DS 3 (2016) – technically more of a facelift, this is now simply the '3', which falls under DS, a then-new spin-off from Citroën targeting higher-end customers

> DS 3 Crossback (2019) – the hatchback model had only just gone off sale, but that didn't stop DS from reusing the name for its new SUV-like model

> DS 3 Crossback E-TENSE (2021) – this electric variant borrows the running gear from the Peugeot e-2008 and Vauxhall Mokka-e (later Mokka Electric)

> Facelifted DS 3 (2022) – styling upgrades and a more premium finish for this crossover model, plus the removal of 'Crossback' from its name

What features does the DS 3 have?

DS is designed to be more premium than sister company Citroën, so even entry-level models get things like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors and a digital instrument cluster.

Move further up the range and you get things like heated and massaging front seats, a head-up display and Matrix LED headlights that maintain full beams while avoiding blinding oncoming traffic.

The cabin is probably one of the more distinctive features of the DS 3, because inside is decorated with diamond-shaped designs on the dashboard.

Is the DS 3 reliable?

Thankfully, while DS doesn't quite have the heritage as a brand as Citroën, it certainly has its backing. That, and the backing of the rest of the Stellantis group, which includes Vauxhall, Peugeot and plenty of others.

That means everything, from the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine found in petrol and mild hybrid engines, to the high-voltage battery and smooth motor of the E-TENSE electric model.

How much does the DS 3 cost to run?

You can really pick a suitable model, because there's everything from petrol to diesel power, through to emissions-reducing mild hybrids and a fully electric model with rock-bottom running cost potential.

Mild hybrid power would be our pick, because it's easy to get along with and can do around one-third to half of your town journeys with the engine purely coasting, in our own testing.

Who is the DS 3 suitable for?

We think a used DS 3 is ideal for drivers who want a small SUV that feels more distinctive and upmarket than the average crossover. It's the right size for solo drivers or those who are starting to build their own family.

You could also consider the Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Mokka, or leave the Stellantis brand altogether and opt for the premium Audi Q2.