The new small SUV from DS has taken over the market, with a fully electric version in the works.
After a brief teasing, DS lifts the veil on its “pure” second offering. This is not one that was derived from Citroen back when DS was a model line, not its own brand. After the DS 7 Crossback it is now the turn of the DS 3 Crossback to showcase its face to European-market customers. This SUV is the compact-segment SUV that is most in demand among Euro customers. The DS 7 Crossback is aesthetically pleasing due to the presence of chrome elements, particularly on the top-of the-range model.
The front headlamps are a very unique and complex design, while the taillights are horizontally designed with a band that crosses the stern to connect them. This is an aesthetic element that is certainly in fashion at the moment. Another element that is unique is the detached bodywork at the rear doors. It pays homage the DS 3 3-door coupe. However, it looks better on the DS variant. The rear windows do open, despite not having visible window lickers at the lower portion. The flush door handles are a similar design to the Model S and Model X’s.
The fascia splits at the back into a diffuser that is somewhat larger than the Jaguar E-Pace. The taillights look similar to those on the Maserati Levante. The new DS is certainly not the worst vehicle, but the design team’s work is remarkable considering some of the body lines. Designers also had the advantage of developing the Crossback’s CMP platform simultaneously with the car, which allowed them to share a common platform. That platform allows the DS 3 Crossback to be compact in terms of length and width, at 4.12 meters (13.5 feet), 1.79 meters (5.8ft) and 1. 54 meters (5.05 feet) tall.
We find a brand new greenhouse inside, which is largely inspired from the DS frame. Standard equipment on the DS 3 Crossback includes a digital instrument cluster with a 10.3-inch central screen, which is the largest in its class. It can be mounted atop the center console in higher trim levels. The rear cargo volume is 350 liters (12.4 cubes). The DS 7 Crossback does not have DS Night Vision, although the DS 3 has a level-two semiautonomous driving system.
The DS 3 Crossback’s platform is the CMP platform (Common Modular Platform), and its e–CMP derivative. This will be available on a fully-electric variant. This platform will also be used in other models, including the future Peugeot208. DS will offer three gasoline engines based on the 1.2-liter PureTech three cylinder. These three horsepower range from 100 horsepower (74.5 kilowatts), 125 hp (97.5 kW), or 155 hp (11.5 kW). The 1.5-liter BlueHDI diesel engine produces either 100 horsepower (74.5 kW), or 130 horsepower (97.kW). The new eight-speed EAT8 auto or six-speed manual transmission will route power to all four wheels.
It will be the first fully electric model to debut, which is a big surprise. The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is equipped with an electric motor that produces 136 hp (100 kW), and 191.7 pound-feet (226 Newton-meters), of torque. The system is powered by a 50 kWh lithium-ion batteries. It can also be charged using energy recovery during deceleration or braking, or via a fast terminal charge (up to 100kW), which allows batteries to be charged to 80% in just 30 minutes. You can also charge the system using a wallbox, which charges for 7 hours in single phase or 5 hours in triple-phase. A conventional domestic socket takes around 20 hours to fully charge a full battery. The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense has been approved under the WLTP cycle and boasts a range up to 186 miles (390 kilometers).
The DS 3 Crossback will make its debut to the public at Paris Motor Show in spring 2019. Unfortunately, it won’t make it to the U.S. The fully electric version will arrive next winter, but people will need to wait. The hybrid model is also in the works, and will be available for purchase in 2022. Pricing information for all models is still unknown.