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The DS 3 gets an extra engine option that might see you giving this trendy little French SUV a second look. This Hybrid version is a good fit for the current market. And the variant that might at last drive DS 3 sales forward.
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Driving experience
The Hybrid powertrain in use here sees a 136hp petrol engine with 230Nm of torque coupled with a clever six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that incorporates a 28hp electric motor. A 0.9kWh NMC lithium-ion battery powers the self-charging electric system. The petrol engine is a major evolution of the existing PureTech 130 unit, with special development for the Hybrid system. Using three-cylinders with 1,199cc, it works on the Miller cycle, which provides higher thermodynamic efficiency and, therefore, a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The engine is also fitted with a special timing chain and a clever variable geometry turbocharger to maximise sustainability and responsiveness at low revs.
The permanent magnet synchronous electric motor is integrated into the compact e-DCS6 six-speed dual-clutch transmission and can run on electric power alone at low speeds and under moderate loads. During deceleration, the electric motor acts as a generator to recover kinetic energy and fuel the 0.9kWh battery located under the floor. The system also easily provides power to start the petrol engine.
The e-DCS6 gearbox contributes to the comfort and efficiency of this Hybrid model too. Limiting breaks in torque, it gives the feeling of a super smooth ride. The electric motor, inverter and computer are integrated in it to save space and mass. At 8.4 seconds, the zero to 62mph time for this Hybrid DS 3 is 1.2 seconds faster than the existing PureTech 130 model and the 1000-metre standing start time is reduced by 1.1 seconds to 29.7 seconds, compared with the PureTech 130 Automatic engine.
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Design and build
Apart from the badging, there aren't any visual giveaways as to this DS 3's Hybrid status. Styling's an emotive subject but most will probably agree that this car still offers quite an interesting take on 'B'-segment supermini-based SUV design. It's 4.18-metres long, 1.79-metres wide and 1.53-metres high, which means that it sits amongst the bigger contenders in this segment - cars like the Honda HR-V and the Audi Q2. The DS 3 sits on the Stellantis Group's CMP platform, the same as that used for the Peugeot 2008 and the Vauxhall Mokka.
Inside, like all DS 3s, this one gets a large 10.3-inch high definition central screen with a gloss black surround. 3D Connected navigation and intelligent voice recognition are offered by the DS IRIS SYSTEM that's standard above base trim. Users can personalise the central screen and the 7-inch instrument panel, complete with head up display that projects essential information in the driver's eye line. As always with a DS, the cabin features an over-riding diamond-shaped theme - the digital instrument pack, the dashboard switches, the air vents and many other interior fitments all bear this shape.
You can trim the cabin out to a very high standard indeed, with special leathers, alcantara and pearl stitching. More practically, you get a reasonable array of storage compartments including cup holders and a broad, functional sliding armrest. The seats are particularly comfortable thanks to a special bi-density foam the brand has developed. But over-the-shoulder vision is somewhat compromised by the rear 'D'-pillar. In the rear, the window line in the rear is rather high, so if you've got kids, you might want to make sure they're OK with that. And the boot capacity, though reasonable at 350-litres, is a little down (55-litres) on what you'd get in with some rivals.
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Market and model
Expect to pay around £30,000 for this DS 3 Hybrid - which means there's not much of a premium over the ordinary un-electrified DS 3 PureTech 130 Automatic model. As with that ordinary variant, there's a straightforward trim range, starting with 'PERFORMANCE Line' and 'PERFORMANCE Line +' levels, where the seats, the dashboard strips and the door panels are embellished with Alcantara. The PERFORMANCE Line + spec gets extra equipment such as a central armrest, mats and lighting for the sun visors and footwells. Next up is the 'RIVOLI' level, which offers the brand's Basalt Black grained leather seats (which are optional lower down the range) with scale-effect Basalt Black trim. A Pebble Grey upholstery with combined Nappa Leather/cloth is also available. At the top of the range, 'OPERA' trim features a Basalt Black Nappa Leather interior with the brand's signature 'watchstrap' seat finishing.
Safety-wise, all variants get a 'Safety Park', which includes an Emergency Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist, Speed recognition and Intelligent Speed Adaptation. Other standard features include an alarm system, a space saver spare wheel, air conditioning and a 10.3-inch touchscreen, with 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring, Bluetooth and a DAB digital radio with eight speakers.
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Cost of ownership
Compared with a conventional DS 3 PureTech 130 Automatic, the Hybrid system advances translate to a gain of nearly 20% in efficiency terms (1.2 fewer litres of fuel needed to travel 62 miles) and a reduction of 27g/km CO2 (or 19%) to 112g/km CO2. Expect around 65mpg on the combined cycle.
In a DS 3 Hybrid, you set off silently using just electric energy, driving without any CO2 emissions and the petrol engine contributing if more power is required. Behind the wheel, as the switch from one motor to the other is imperceptible, the speed indicator turns blue when driving on electric power alone. On the digital instrument display, the energy flow can be shown, along with battery charge level and its operating status, via a power meter. The percentage of distance travelled just on electric energy is shown by the onboard computer and also at the end of the journey.
The Hybrid system is designed to operate on its own. The battery charges automatically while driving, thanks to the petrol engine and deceleration phases are controlled automatically to recover energy so the use of the mechanical braking system is also greatly reduced, resulting in a reduction in fine particle emissions. Quiet operation in town benefits the environment and local residents. For pedestrian safety, a slight AVAS noise is emitted when the car passes by at up to 18mph.
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Summary
DS has been disappointed with the number of DS 3 E-TENSE EV models it's been able to sell here. And we don't see things picking up for that full-battery variant any time soon. This DS 3 Hybrid though, is quite a different proposition. In many ways, this petrol/electric derivative's 48V powertrain is the ideal one for this little French SUV. And it doesn't cost much more than the entry-level PureTech petrol version; all good.
It's probably going to take more than a fresh powertrain option to revitalise DS 3 sales in our market. But this clever Hybrid unit certainly represents a step in the right direction.
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