Citroen DS3
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a small car with serious style credentials? The Citroen DS3 could be exactly what you need. This premium three-door hatchback takes Citroen’s practical C3 foundation and transforms it into something genuinely special. With its distinctive floating roof design and extensive personalisation options, the DS3 appeals to drivers who want to stand out from the crowd.

From its bold shark fin at the rear to its unique LED daytime running lights, the DS3 commands attention wherever it goes. It competes in the premium small car segment alongside rivals like the Seat Ibiza and Hyundai i20, but brings a distinctly French approach to style and sophistication. Inside, you’ll find quality materials and thoughtful design touches that feel more expensive than the price tag suggests.

The DS3 driving experience focuses on comfort and refinement rather than outright sportiness. The suspension soaks up bumps beautifully, making it ideal for daily commuting or longer journeys. While it may not be the most practical choice due to its three-door layout, it excels at making every trip feel special. For buyers who prioritise style, comfort, and individuality over pure practicality, the DS3 offers compelling value in the premium small car market.

What's the Citroen Ds3 Like to Drive?

The Citroen DS3 offers a well-rounded selection of petrol engines designed for efficiency and smooth delivery. The entry-level 1.2 VTi produces around 82 horsepower, which feels adequate for city driving but can struggle on motorway inclines. The sweet spot is the 1.2 PureTech turbo with 110 horsepower, offering punchy mid-range performance and a 0-60 time of around 9.8 seconds. For those wanting more excitement, the DS3 Performance variant delivers 208 horsepower and genuine hot hatchback thrills.

What impresses most about the DS3 is its ride quality and refinement. The suspension setup prioritises comfort over sharp handling, absorbing road imperfections with impressive composure. Steering feels light and precise at parking speeds, making urban manoeuvres effortless. At higher speeds, it provides enough feedback to inspire confidence without being overly heavy. The cabin remains quiet even at motorway speeds, with excellent wind and road noise suppression that rivals more expensive cars. This makes the DS3 an excellent long distance cruiser despite its compact dimensions.

Inside the Citroen Ds3: Comfort & Features

Step inside the DS3 and you’re greeted by one of the most stylish interiors in the small car class. The dashboard features premium soft-touch materials and distinctive design elements like the aircraft-inspired toggle switches. The seats are supportive and well-bolstered, with excellent adjustment range to find your ideal driving position. Higher-spec models feature leather upholstery and contrasting stitching that enhances the premium atmosphere.

The cabin ambience is genuinely upmarket, with thoughtful touches like ambient lighting and high-quality trim pieces. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, electric windows, and a decent stereo system. Later models gained touchscreen infotainment with smartphone connectivity, though the interface can be slow to respond at times. Road noise is well-controlled, and the ride comfort is exceptional for the class. The DS3’s interior successfully delivers on its premium positioning, making it feel more expensive than many competitors.

The Citroen DS3 succeeds brilliantly as a premium lifestyle choice in the small car segment. Its distinctive styling, excellent ride quality, and genuinely upmarket interior set it apart from mainstream rivals. The range of efficient engines provides adequate performance while keeping running costs reasonable. It’s a car that makes you feel good every time you drive it.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Citroen Ds3?

The DS3 delivers impressive fuel economy across its engine range, with the 1.2 PureTech models achieving real-world returns of 45-50 MPG in mixed driving. The smaller VTi engine can return even better economy, though at the expense of performance. Insurance groups are reasonable for a premium small car, typically ranging from group 15-25 depending on engine and specification. Road tax is affordable on most variants.

Purchase prices reflect the DS3’s premium positioning, with used examples commanding higher values than mainstream rivals. However, this premium is justified by the superior interior quality, distinctive styling, and strong build standards. Servicing costs are competitive, and Citroen’s reliability has improved significantly in recent years. For buyers seeking car finance, the DS3’s strong residual values help keep monthly payments manageable. Overall running costs are reasonable for a premium product, especially when you factor in the style and comfort benefits.

Is the Citroen Ds3 Practical for Everyday Use?

The DS3’s three-door layout immediately limits its practicality compared to five-door rivals. The 285-litre boot is reasonable for the class but smaller than many competitors. The opening is quite narrow, making it tricky to load bulky items. Rear seat access requires folding the front seats forward, which can be inconvenient for regular rear passengers. Once inside, back seat space is tight for adults, though adequate for children on shorter journeys.

For couples or small families who prioritise style over outright practicality, the DS3 works well. The cabin offers decent storage for smaller items, with useful door pockets and a central armrest cubby. The compact external dimensions make parking effortless in tight urban spaces. While it’s not the most practical choice compared to used Citroen cars like the C3 or C4, the DS3 provides enough space for most daily needs. Its three-door format actually adds to the coupe-like styling that makes it so distinctive.

The Citroen DS3 stands out as one of the most characterful choices in the small car market. It successfully combines distinctive French styling, premium interior quality, and impressive ride comfort in an accessible package. While it may not be the most practical or sporty option available, it excels in areas that matter for many drivers: style, comfort, and individuality.

The DS3 appeals to buyers who see their car as an extension of their personality rather than just transport. Its unique design elements and customisation options ensure no two cars look identical. Combined with excellent build quality and competitive running costs, it represents strong value for those seeking something special. For style-conscious drivers who want to avoid mainstream choices, the DS3 offers a compelling blend of premium appeal and everyday usability, with cars under £10,000 providing excellent entry points.