2023 DS 3 Specs & Photos

The French premium automaker DS Automobiles refreshed the DS 3 Crossback in 2022 for the 2023 model year, after four years since the model’s introduction on the market.

When DS Automobiles introduced the four-door crossover version of the DS 3 B-segment hatchback, it added the Crossback nameplate to help customers differentiate the two models. Then, when it refreshed it in 2022, it ditched that and returned to the DS 3 moniker only. Besides that, the new model also lost its halogen-based headlights and other older technologies. DS Automobiles wanted to provide its customers with the best driving experience in the segment. It competed against vehicles such as the Toyota Yaris Cross and the Renault Captur, but it had a significant advantage over them: it was also available as a full-electric vehicle. Or so the carmaker thought.

The updated version came with a broader grille that was either black or adorned by chromed elements, depending on the options. In addition, all vehicles came fitted as standard fitted with LED headlights and new, twin vertical LED daytime running lights. As a result, the small-sized crossover aligned with the rest of the DS range. On the lower side of the bumper, DS Automobiles placed an A-shaped air intake in the middle, flanked by a pair of angular-looking scoops.

With a profile that looked almost identical to the one offered by the non-facelifted version, the refreshed DS 3 tried to convince its customers with a unique design. Its B-posts sported a body-colored section just above the waistline, followed by piano-black pillars and window frames on the upper side. The car’s flush door handles popped out when the driver approached the vehicle with the key in their pockets. These could also be exposed when unlocking the car. A set of black trims decorated the wheel arches and the side sills, emphasizing the higher ground clearance of the vehicle. Out back, the car manufacturer placed a black shield on the lower side of the bumper and a set of fake vents above it. There was also a new, redesigned set of taillights with a jewel-like 3D pattern inside.

DS Automobiles created a luxurious cabin for five adults, although only two could comfortably fit in the car, which was narrow. Fronting the driver was an instrument cluster filled with a seven-inch TFT display that showed the much-needed dials of the speedometer, tachometer, and other relevant driving data. In addition, the automaker placed a 10.3-inch touchscreen atop the center stack in a free-floating position, which was convenient to use by the driver but not by their side passenger. The front bucket seats provided mild side bolstering, good enough when traveling long distances but not great while driving hard around corners.

Under the hood, DS Automobiles installed a choice of Citroen-sourced engines, either with gasoline, turbodiesel, or an electric variant. The latter has received a larger battery pack, leading to better efficiency.