DS 3 Crossback

DS Automobiles, Groupe PSA's luxury car brand, expanded their SUV portfolio with the first-ever DS3 Crossback, an brand new luxury compact SUV that borrows some styling elements of the DS3, the forefather of the revival of the DS marque since the start of the decade, and while it was feared that it will serve as the replacement to the wonderful DS3 hatchback, there's nothing wonderful about having another French crossover in the fleet. As a matter of fact, what is it?

2019 DS 3 Crossback

Starting at 23,900 Euros plus tax and delivery, the first ever DS3 Crossback is a luxury compact crossover that appeals to every socialite in France with its DS3-inspired looks, unique interior, clever technology, and unquestionable performance fit for a French getaway, although not sure about the styling which is somewhat a DS3 taking a male-enhancing drug to make it look macho. In reality, this is like a Louis Vuitton purse full of protein bars, per se.

2019 DS 3 Crossback interior

In typical French quirky brillance, you got to admit that the exterior styling is very French indeed because if there's one thing to know about French cars, it's the styling that looks like it came out from a mosaic painting and the DS3 Crossback is no exception. Same goes to the interior, which is very French indeed for a luxury crossover. The air-conditioning, for instance, is diamond-shaped and that is very French like a mosaic painting on display at the Louvre and while it looks good in the beginning, some people with trypophobia will think that the interior will make their skins crawl and that's a given idea because the interior is not trypophobia-friendly, although the seats are about as comfortable as solving the Rubik's cube made of marshmallows. Now that's comfort, the French way, and the boot space wasn't bad either.

2019 DS 3 Crossback

The DS3 Crossback is powered by a choice of a 1.2L 3-cylinder PureTech and 1.5 BlueHDi, each mated to either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic, but if you are eco-conscious, there is a new E-Tense variant which has a 100 kW electric motor, 50kWh li-ion battery under the floor, regenerative braking system and deceleration system, and a new heat pump. The DS3 Crossback E-Tense can go from 0-100kph in 8.7 seconds and a limited top speed of 150kph, which is a tad slower than the 155PS 1.2L petrol but it promises an electric driving range of 340km on the WLTP cycle scale.

2019 DS 3 Crossback E-Tense

Although not exciting to drive as the outgoing DS3 hatchback, the DS3 Crossback is somewhat comfortable in luxury car levels and it's easy to get relaxed by the clever dynamics this crossover possess. It's no Citroen C3 Aircross per se but the DS3 Crossback really fits being a city-class car full stop with its healthy balance of quirky styling and decent performance that will soothe your brow all the way home.

There are safety features of course and the DS 3 Crossback comes with the DS DRIVE ASSIST, which regulates vehicle speeds, DS PARK PILOT, DS SMART ACCESS, and advanced safety tech worth noticing for the drivers. It feels like the future's already here with this crossover but in mixed ways.

It's easy to get mixed by the way the DS 3 Crossback looks and feels because of so many reasons to get to know about the crossover that might kill the hatchback in a heartbeat and while it sounds so painful to witness judging by the fact that we are living in an era where SUVs are superheroes on the road, the DS 3 Crossback is all business and leisure for anyone enjoying with it. Love it or hate it, the DS 3 Crossback is as French as it can get.

Photo: Groupe PSA