DS has revealed a refreshed version of the car formerly known as the DS 3 Crossback, which sees subtle styling changes inside and out, an updated powertrain for the electric-only model and the loss of the Crossback name, following in the footsteps of the model's big sibling, the DS 7.
Subtle design tweaks
Unveiled as part of Paris Fashion Week, the biggest changes come at the front with a redesigned grille and new lights. The grille is wider than before and features either gloss black or chromed detailing in between the latticework, depending on the model. New LED headlights are standard across the range with automatic main beams, and long, thin daytime-running lights frame the reworked grille.
At the rear, a lacquered black strip freshens up the lights and tailgate and is embedded with "DS Automobiles" lettering in stainless steel.
Seven colour options are available with two new ones introduced to the range: Lacquered Grey and the deep, dark and attractive Diva Red.
The new wheels (available in 17- and 18-inch diameters) are designed with efficiency in mind, while the electric E-Tense model is available with 18-inch wheels shod in tall and narrow low-resistance tyres for greater efficiency and range.
Refreshed electric powertrain
The new E-Tense electric model gets a new motor, a new reduction gear and a new battery, which, the firm says, is built using the expertise gleaned from its involvement with Formula E as part of the DS Techeetah team. The new 54kWh battery pack sends its power to the 156hp electric motor that delivers an official range of 402km on the WLTP combined cycle (and more than 500km in city traffic). Rapid 100kW charging means that battery top-ups from empty to 80 per cent capacity are possible in around 25 minutes at a suitable outlet. Mounted beneath the front and rear seats, the battery is more compact and energy dense than before, too, which aids in efficiency by reducing weight.
As well as the electric version, the updated DS 3 will be sold in both petrol and diesel guises, with a pair of petrol engines (both three-cylinder, 1.2-litre and with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox) and a frugal 1.5-litre diesel with an eight-speed automatic transmission - though the Irish line-up has yet to be confirmed.
Interior and tech
Inside, there have not been any drastic changes, with DS's positioning as a more luxurious alternative to parent company Citroën's offerings evident in the use of leathers and other high-spec materials. Bigger news than the Nappa leather though is the new infotainment system with its 10.3-inch central touchscreen. The layout of the touchscreen and the digital instrument cluster are customisable depending on the driver's preference, and wireless smartphone mirroring is standard. The twelve-speaker stereo comes courtesy of French firm Focal.
Viewable on the touchscreen is a feed from the 360-degree parking assist cameras, with other noteworthy driver assistance features including DS Drive Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with the Stop & Go to take some of the workload off the driver in motorway or stop-start traffic.
The DS 3 line-up has been simplified compared to before with Opera now being the highest-level trim and Bastille now opening the range. Irish pricing for the updated DS 3 hasn't been confirmed yet, and a launch in early 2023 is expected.