DS3 Crossback in the test: Fine SUV as a competitor to Mini and Audi

The first impression: The DS3 Crossback sparkles as if it came from the jeweler. And just as edges make a gem shine, the DS has beads and folds. They make him unmistakable from the outside.

What the manufacturer says: "Innovative technology meets French sophistication" - this is how DS boss Yves Bonnefont characterizes the city SUV. Sounds unnecessarily unspecific, where the car has a lot to offer its own. The DS3 Crossback targets competitors such as the Audi Q2 or the Mini Countryman and is set to be at the forefront of this emerging segment in Europe.

We noticed that the DS3 Crossback is also a jewel box - at least in the top version: The seats are shaped like limb bracelets, the row of keys on the center tunnel reminds of the silvered tank of a reptile, and the diamond-shaped switches above are draped like a mosaic into the dashboard , Even the graphics on the touch screen and in the instruments take over the pattern. In addition a noble material selection - so the DS3 Crossback becomes a PS-Pretiose. If you find this look too artificial, you can adapt it to your own taste. Because the Citroën sister offers three trim levels and ten colors with three contrasting paints for the roof, and five theme worlds for the interior. That supposedly allows more than 2000 combinations. You can not change the head-up display with the popeligen plastic disk, which works out of the dashboard.

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Unfortunately, the opulence is largely limited to the cockpit. Backbenches have to live with comparatively small windows and feel constricted, which at 4.12 meters in length and a wheelbase of 2.56 meters is not a big surprise. But the DS wants to be premium and not necessarily practical. Otherwise he might also have a movable rear seat, as VW allows the T-Cross. There, the cargo space varies between 385 and 1281 liters, and the knee space in the rear can be adjusted. The DS3 Crossback is all rigid, there are only 350-1050 liters of storage volume.

You have to know that: The DS3 Crossback will completely replace the previous DS3 in the medium term. He comes in May in the trade and costs at least 23,490 euros. He is well 5000 euros more expensive than a VW T-Cross, but just under 1000 euros cheaper than an Audi Q2.

For the money there is much equipment and even more options. DS boss Bonnefont is allowed to make generous use of the Innovation department. He gets LED matrix headlights (for the first time for a small car) and equips the automatic distance control to a veritable highway assistant, which helps to speed 180 also in the tracking. Thanks to the DS Smart Access system, Crossback can be opened and started by smartphone - and shared with up to five other people without a key. The app manages their access times.

Pomp is important to Citroën - but that does not apply to the engines. It starts with a three-cylinder of a meager 1.2 liters displacement. Although there are three power levels from 100 hp, but even the strongest variant has only 155 hp and thus remains far behind the top models of the targeted competition. In addition, there is no four-wheel drive - unlike Audi or Mini.

Take a look inside the DS3 Crossback with our 360 degree photo:

But the driver does not really ask for more power because the DS3 is tuned so good-naturedly. The maximum 208 km / h are not a big temptation. Instead, one likes to let go of the hands on the handlebar and is pleased about the first eight-speed automatic transmission in this segment as well as the acoustic glazing, which insulates the three-cylinder.

In the next few months, however, the French after powerful versions after, such as a diesel with 130 hp. Shortly before the turn of the year, the DS3 Crossback will also be available with electric drive and a range of more than 300 kilometers - the first self-developed e-car in the PSA Group and a premiere in the segment. Name: E-tense.

We will not forget that: the door handles of the DS3 Crossback. The lie just as flush as the Porsche 911 or the Tesla Model 3. But you will come to one, as soon as you approach the car. This is - literally - a new approach to an SUV.

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