Instead of standing for ‘Goddess’, DS should represent Different Style, because that is what this offshoot of the PSA Group is all about. It is very difficult for car designers to create sleek and sensual outlines from a body length of just over four metres; any attempts to do so would result in severe restrictions to the amount of cabin space and, when part of the styling remit is to carry up to four adults of average stature, even the best of them would have to deal with management rejections as well.
The regular DS3 features a kicked-up B-pillar, a styling frippery carried onto the new Crossback model, which features four passenger doors, as opposed to just two. Riding slightly higher than your average hatchback, supported by its Crossback nomenclature, suggests that the cutesy five-door is an SUV…but it is not. It is just front-wheel drive and is poised more frog-like than sideways swipes at any French person might suggest.
If it has to carry one cross, it is that its styling, while fun, is slightly over-earnest. Yet, there is nothing over-wrought about its core engineering. Powering DS3 is a three-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol-turbo power unit developing a healthy 130bhp and an even healthier, diesel-like 170lbs ft of torque. Familiar PSA territory, it is a really excellent engine and is enough to whisk the Gallic tiddler from 0-60mph in just 8.9s, before it runs out of steam at 124mph, driving through an 8-speed fully automatic gearbox. With a posted average of 47.1mpg and CO2 exhaust emissions of 109g/km, allied to 16,000 miles service intervals and Group 20E insurance, keeping running costs at a low ebb is a target attained.
Despite the aforementioned ground clearance, the DS3 features a moderately low centre of gravity that provides assured road holding, excellent grip and very tidy handling. In fact, its ride quality is astonishingly good for a car possessing a wheelbase of just over 2.5m, featuring no untoward pitching, excellent roll control and a level of bump absorption belonging to cars at least one class up from DS3. It feels very grown-up.
As an up-market model, notably in Prestige trim and with a pearlescent white paint finish (£950), it is priced at a fairly steep £28,905 (pre discount). However, it is really well equipped, with billowy cross-hatched leather seats and a startling range of driving position adjustability. Apart from the customary steering column range, the driver’s seat can nuzzle the carpet, providing an immense amount of headroom (especially for the taller occupant), while retaining excellent leg and shoulder space. DS has certainly got the packaging right.
The cabin details are more concept car than production alternative but, once familiar with the layout, it not only looks fantastic but has such tremendous tactility that you cannot help but marvel at it. DS is building its case slowly but surely and, with electrification due soon, I would not bet against it making an indelible mark.
