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DS 3 2024 review

SUV Petrol

Photo: Damian B Oh (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The DS 3 is France’s answer to the premium small SUV, and the 2024 model leans harder than ever into its luxury brief. Starting at £25,000, it pitches itself against the Audi Q2 and MINI Countryman rather than the Peugeot 2008 with which it shares its underpinnings, and on design flair alone it earns its place.

The 1.2 PureTech 130 with the smooth EAT8 eight-speed automatic is the pick of the range, blending 130hp with a claimed 47.9mpg and genuinely refined cruising manners. Around town it is quiet and easy, while the plush ride irons out potholed British B-roads better than most rivals. A 350-litre boot is competitive for the class.

Where the DS 3 truly shines is inside. The diamond-stitched Nappa leather, watchstrap seat detailing and Parisian chic switchgear feel bespoke in a way no German rival manages at this price. Infotainment lags the best for responsiveness, and rear space is merely adequate, but as a stylish, comfortable and individual small SUV, the DS 3 has few peers.

UK price from: £25,000

Specifications

Engine	1.2-litre PureTech 3-cylinder turbo petrol
Power	130PS
0-60 mph	9.2 seconds
Top speed	124 mph
Fuel economy	47.9 mpg (WLTP combined)
CO2	135 g/km
Boot space	350 litres
Length	4,118 mm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Drive	Front-wheel drive

Features

1.2 PureTech 130 petrol with EAT8 8-speed automatic
Diamond-stitched Nappa leather upholstery
10.3-inch touchscreen with 3D navigation
DS Matrix LED Vision adaptive headlights
Flush-fitting retractable door handles
Head-up display
Active lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring
350-litre boot with hands-free tailgate

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Front brake pads	£44.99	OEM-spec pads for the 1.2 PureTech 130; straightforward DIY fit.
Oil filter	£9.99	Spin-on filter shared with other Stellantis PureTech models.
Cabin pollen filter	£16.99	Behind the glovebox; change yearly to keep the climate system fresh.
Wiper blades (pair)	£21.99	Flat aero blades; quick clip-fit replacement.
12V battery	£99.99	EFB battery for stop-start models; code after fitting.
Timing belt kit	£189.99	Wet-belt kit with tensioners and water pump; follow the service schedule.

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

Exquisite, genuinely luxurious cabin detailing
Comfortable, quiet and refined on the move
Distinctive avant-garde styling inside and out
Smooth and efficient EAT8 automatic gearbox

Cons

Infotainment can be slow and fiddly
Tight rear headroom and modest rear legroom
Small dealer network in the UK
Depreciation is steeper than German rivals

Frequently asked questions

Is the DS 3 a reliable car?

The DS 3 shares proven Stellantis mechanicals with the Peugeot 2008, so the 1.2 PureTech engine and EAT8 gearbox are well understood by independent garages. Keep up servicing, especially the wet timing belt, and it should prove dependable.

What is the DS 3 like to drive?

Comfort is the priority: the ride is supple, the cabin hushed and the EAT8 automatic shifts smoothly. It is not sporty, with noticeable body lean if pushed, but as relaxed everyday transport it excels.

How economical is the DS 3 1.2 PureTech 130?

Officially 47.9mpg combined. Real-world owners report 40 to 44mpg in mixed use, climbing past 48mpg on gentle motorway cruises. The smooth automatic costs only a small efficiency penalty over the manual.

Is the DS 3 worth it over a Peugeot 2008?

Mechanically they are close cousins, but the DS 3 justifies its premium with a far more luxurious cabin, bolder design and richer standard equipment. If individuality and interior ambience matter to you, the DS 3 earns its price.