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Exterior Styling

DS Automobiles has been a standalone brand within the PSA Group for some time now, but we haven’t really seen much from them since that happened. There was the DS 7 Crossback we tested some time ago, and now there is the DS 3 Crossback.

Because DS has positioned itself as the group’s premium brand, the design team have worked hard to create a premium image to match.

It’s not unfair to say the styling on the DS 3 Crossback is ‘out there’. Some hate it, some love it. Few cars split opinion like this one; but it does get people talking about it at least.

At the front there is a huge, almost-overbearing grille, surrounded by chrome and flanked by the unusually-shaped headlights. Equally large LED daytime running lights sit at the outer edge of the bumper.

To the side our Prestige test car had 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels and a black plastic trim to give a sense of ruggedness. Chrome door handles sit flush to the bodywork, and pop out when the car is unlocked.

The body line of the rear door is a weird one, sweeping up but towards the front of the car. It almost looks like someone put it on back-to-front.

At the rear there is yet more chrome, running the full width of the tailgate and surrounding the taillights.

There are some fake vents to either side of the rear bumper – no, we don’t really know why either – and dual exhaust tips to one side. The black contrast roof on our test car looked effective against the red paintwork, blending nicely with the privacy glass.

Interior Finish

Spend some time examining the interior of the DS 3 Crossback – and we suggest that you do – because there is a lot to see. The efforts to elevate the quality and feel of the interior are plain to see.

There is a diamond theme running through the cabin. They’re on the seats, in the form of quilting. The buttons on the centre console are incorporated into diamonds. Even the air vents in the front doors are shaped that way. Rounding off this theme are the infotainment and instrument cluster displays with diamond background design.

Then we come to the materials. The seats in the Prestige model are leather, which is nice. The dashboard and tops of the door cards are finished in a bronze-coloured material. It almost has a reptile skin feel to it, and is certainly unlike anything we’ve seen in any other car.

Taking pride of place atop the dashboard is a 10-inch HD touchscreen, where everything from the climate control to the satellite navigation is controlled.

The digital instrument cluster is not the most impressive system we’ve ever seen – it’s some way off an Audi Virtual Cockpit for sure – but it is still more premium than analogue dials, and befitting of a car pitching itself as premium.

Setting aside the diamond theme for a moment, the switchgear has a somewhat aeronautical feel to it. This comes mainly from the automatic gear selector, with its joystick design. The window controls, lined up either side, only enhance this feel.

On the whole, the DS 3 Crossback has softer touch materials and a nice variety of textures and colours. Yet it never manages to feel as premium as, say, an Audi. And the likes of the Q2 are a main rival of this car…

Engine/Performance

While the styling may split opinion, there can be little disagreement about the engine. Our DS 3 Crossback featured the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine.

There are three power outputs: 100PS, 130PS and 155PS. Our test car had the 130PS version, which also boasts 230Nm of torque. It’s front-wheel drive, and has a rather pleasant 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The on-paper performance figures are reasonably unexciting: 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 124mph. But don’t let that put you off, because this small 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine has heaps of character.

For starters there’s the engine note. There is an unmistakable thrum that amplifies as you reach the upper realms of the rev range. This may not sound that exciting, but from the driving seat it keeps you engaged and puts a smile on your face.

The PureTech is also very rev-happy. It’s more than comfortable being taken right up to the rev limiter, and actually pulls harder the closer you get to it. So whilst the 8-speed automatic does a great job of changing up smoothly, it can be equally rewarding to engage manual mode and let the DS 3 Crossback loose.

The only annoying aspect when you do enter manual mode is that you have to catch the next gear before you reach the rev limiter. There is no forgiveness there, with the car interjecting to upshift for you if you so much as breathe on the limiter. Because you’ve most likely already pulled the paddle by this point, you end up two gears higher…

Ride/Handling

With an exciting engine in the 1.2 PureTech, the DS 3 Crossback fills you with the urge to head out and take on your favourite road. And sadly, the handling is a little way behind the engine in terms of engagement and excitement.

The steering is numb, with little feel for what the front wheels are doing. The weighting could be a little heavier too, which would give a sportier feel.

The other main issue comes with any compact SUV: height. In order to fulfil its role as a compact SUV, the ride height is usually raised. In the case of the DS 3 Crossback, there are also higher-profile tyres to give that more rugged appearance.

Combining these means that there is a tendency to lean into the corners. There is more give on the tyres themselves, and a taller frame does no favours to the situation. The answer is simple: chill out and take things steady. Forget that the engine is rev-happy, and just let it go about its business without breaking a sweat.

Do this and you’ll find the DS 3 Crossback pleasant and comfortable. There can be no complaints on the motorway. And whilst the bigger tyres are not good for cornering at speed, they are great for absorbing bumps and riding potholes; important on our shambolic UK roads.

There is no four-wheel drive option on the DS 3 Crossback, nor can you specify PSA’s excellent Grip Control. The best you can do is “Advanced Traction Control” with additional drive modes for mud, sand and snow.

Economy

Small, turbocharged petrol engines often promise the world when it comes to economy, and then under deliver. Small engines have to work harder at motorway speeds, so what you think would be a steady, efficient slog can actually return figures much lower than expected. Enter the DS 3 Crossback.

By being a 1.2-litre engine, there is just a little bit more torque than the 1.0-turbo offerings elsewhere. On the motorway that counts for a lot, and the PureTech engine is extremely comfortable at motorway speeds. The 8-speed automatic gearbox makes the best use of this extra torque too; balancing power and efficiency with excellence.

On paper, the fuel consumption figure is 42.2mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. Compare that to the Ford Fiesta Active with a 1.0-litre engine and automatic gearbox. It quoted 40.4mpg on the same cycle. Kudos to the DS 3 Crossback.

Emissions have been kept in check remarkably well, at 117g/km. The Fiesta Active was up at 138g/km. Yikes. Though in truth that has little effect on the running costs of the car. Because once the car is registered VED is a standard £145 per year.

In case you are interested, the first year rate on the DS 3 Crossback is £170, making the VED costs reasonably consistent.

There’s also a case to be made for the DS 3 Crossback as a company car. For 2020-21 tax year there’s a 27% benefit-in-kind charge. Based on the p11d value of £28,295 a basic rate tax payer would have a tax bill of £127 a month.

Practicality

Now, we understand that SUVs are very much on trend these days. But from a practicality perspective they are just a confused offering. To date there has never been one that would convince us to ditch a ‘regular’ hatchback.

And the DS 3 Crossback won’t be the first one to convince us, either. The only positive that comes to mind is an elevated driving position. It gives you a greater sense of presence on the road, and better visibility. But the price you pay for the extra height is plain to see from the ride/handling section of this review.

The rear legroom is acceptable, but no more than you would get in a hatchback. And given these compact SUVs have a bigger, bulkier experience you’d expect there to be more room inside.

Thankfully there is a bit of redemption when it comes to boot space, with 350 litres on offer. The load area is deep too, which is good for larger items. The only down side is having a large lip to lift them over, which can be awkward.

The upsweep in the rear doors causes issue, too. When you glance over your shoulder to check your blind spot, all you see is interior trim. So not only is it questionable from a styling perspective, but it is a downright nuisance for day-to-day driving.

Despite a small 1.2-litre engine the DS 3 Crossback has a braked towing capacity of 1,200kg. That should be enough for a small trailer or even a single-axle caravan. That could be a saving grace for the compact SUV, if you’re looking for a tow vehicle.

Equipment

As a premium brand, DS Automobiles ensures that its models are suitably equipped. The DS 3 Crossback is no exception, with plenty of technology as standard.

All models feature keyless start, a digital instrument cluster and alloy wheels. You also get automatic lights, LED daytime running lights, cruise control with speed limiter, rear parking sensors and electric windows both front and rear.

On the multimedia front you get a 7-inch touchscreen system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a DAB digital radio.

On the Prestige model we tested, this specification is enhanced further. The 7-inch touchscreen makes way for a much more impressive 10-inch widescreen, gaining navigation and voice recognition systems. The seats are leather, and the windscreen wipers are automatic.

All models feature the Safety Pack, which comprises an emergency braking system, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, speed limit recognition and recommendation, and intelligent speed adaptation.

It’s the Safety Pack which ensures that the DS 3 Crossback scores the full five stars in the Euro NCAP test. With an adult occupancy score of 96% you can feel safe and secure behind the wheel.

There is also an Ultra Prestige specification, which adds further luxury including Nappa leather, head-up display, reversing camera, keyless entry and LED headlights. The Ultra Prestige also gets the Advanced Safety Pack, which is the standard Safety Pack with extended emergency braking assist, extended lane keeping assist and blind spot detection.

Value For Money

With the DS 3 Crossback being touted as a premium car, there is a premium price to go with it. The entry-level model – a PureTech 100 Elegance – costs £22,120. For a sportier appearance, the same engine in Performance Line specification costs £23,520.

The car we tested, a PureTech 130 Automatic Prestige, costs £28,520. The only option added for our test car was metallic paint, at £750.

But ultimately the car you see here is approaching £30,000 which is a lot of money. It’s especially expensive when you consider that, despite being an ‘SUV’, there is no four-wheel drive, no spacious cabin, and less technology than you would find on a Korean hatchback.

It’s hard to see the market for this car. If you really like the styling, then perhaps you can overlook the price. But objectively there are cars out there which offer the same, or more, for less money.

In fact, you can’t ignore that Peugeot has just released the updated 2008 SUV. It has a more comprehensive range of engine and can be specified with Grip Control. In our opinion it looks better, and benefits from the always-impressive Peugeot i-Cockpit. What’s more, go for a like-for-like comparison and it’ll come out cheaper than the DS 3 Crossback.

There is no denying that the DS name has a rich heritage and history. Those two letters have been on some incredible cars over the years. And whilst the DS 3 Crossback is not one of them, it does celebrate that heritage. In its own style. You have to admire it for that.

Facts and Figures

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Exterior Styling

The DS 7 Crossback is built on the same platform as the Peugeot 3008 SUV, but you wouldn’t know that by looking at it.

DS models have always been more stylish than Citroen counterparts, and the DS 7 Corssback is no exception. In fact, it is the most stylish of them all.

Just look at it. Head on, the Performance Line is bold and imposing. The huge, gaping grille looks like it’s shouting at you. Matt black accents are a sporty contrast to the paint. The lights are a work of art: spinning round 180-degrees when you start the car to reveal triple ‘U’ shape LED daytime running lights.

To the side profile, 19-inch black and silver alloy wheels sit nicely in the arches. There is a 20-iinch option should you want something a little bigger. The chrome window surround tapers off at the back to a sharp point.

But it is, without question, the rear of the DS 7 Crossback that is the biggest success. The lights are the first thing to grab your attention. They feature a delightful 3D diamond pattern, creating a wonderfully-premium image at dusk.

Matt black accenting features once more, with the word ‘Crossback’ debossed in the centre. The bumper incorporates a diffuser, either side of which sits a large exhaust outlet.

The DS 7 Crossback has rounded edges to hide its sheer size. The result is a sleek, curvaceous design. It stands out in the supermarket car park. Finished in Absolute Red, you can’t help but catch your reflection as you drive past shop windows.

Interior Finish

Open the door and step inside the DS 7 Crossback, and the stylishness continues. What immediately grabs you is the vast amount of alcantara that features in the cabin.

The seats are mostly alcantara, with leather accenting. The dashboard, door cards, and even the centre console is covered in the stuff, and it looks absolutely fantastic. It has a much sportier feel than leather, so putting it in the Performance Line was a smart move by DS.

Red and gold stitching matches the Performance Line badging, and brings a nice bit of contrast against the black leather, alcantara and plastic.

The DS 7 Crossback’s cabin has a distinct ‘cockpit’ feel to it. The centre console is loaded with switches that look like they could have come off a Boeing. The gear selector holds like a joystick. You aren’t sure whether you are selecting drive, or taking off.

In the centre of the dashboard you can’t help but notice the huge 12-inch HD touchscreen. It is a focal point for passengers; crystal clear and displaying anything from the satellite navigation to the climate control.

As the driver, you will be more focussed on the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. There are several different display modes, from minimalistic dials to a full-screen map.

The diamond shape is prominent in the design of the DS 7 Crossback. In addition to those on the front grille and rear lights, they feature on both digital screens, and even on front-door ambient lighting designs.

DS is a premium brand, and this shows in the materials and build quality throughout the cabin. The ambiance is good; it’s a nice place to be. Higher-spec models get even more style, with fancy clocks, quilted leather and even a leather-faced steering wheel centre.

Engine/Performance

Since the government did a complete U-turn and began demonising diesels, more and more manufactures are bringing exciting new petrol engines to the party.

Our test car featured the PureTech (PT)225 petrol engine. It may only be a 1.6-litre engine, but it packs an impressive 225PS and 300Nm of torque.

Currently the DS 7 Crossback is only available with front-wheel drive, but a four-wheel drive version may be added in the future. The PT225 is only available with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

For a large car the DS 7 Crossback certainly gets a shift on, sprinting from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 141mph. It won’t give hot hatches a scare, but is nonetheless impressive considering the 1.6-litre capacity.

For a car that looks this premium, having power is essential. It creates an effortlessness behind the wheel, which furthers a car’s premium feel. The 8-speed auto helps in this regard. It also ensures motorway cruising is composed and competent.

There was one major annoyance with the gearbox however. Selecting manual mode activates paddles behind the steering wheel, which is a very engaging way to drive.

But then the instant you reach the rev limiter the computer takes over and changes up for you. The problem is that by this point you will have grabbed the upshift paddle, most likely a millisecond too late. So the car changes up again, and your momentum comes to a halt.

Because the PT225 revs so well, you want to explore the higher realms of the rev range. But you find yourself shouting in anger rather than excitement.

Ride/Handling

The DS 7 Crossback ‘Performance Line’ has the looks to justify its name. It also has the performance, silly gear-changing tendencies aside.

But what it doesn’t have, frankly, is the handling. Not even a little bit.

The problem lies entirely in the suspension set up. Because this is the Performance Line, the springs are stiffer. The bumpiness is really noticeable at low speeds, such that driving through town isn’t comfortable.

But this is completely at odds with the damping, with its soft rebound. Drive over a dip at speed, and you’ll still be bobbing up and down half a mile later.

I can see the dilemma faced by DS. This is a premium car, so it should be forgiving and absorb bumps. But it is sporty, so it should be firm and composed. The result is a horrendous compromise that achieves neither.

Thankfully, there is an answer: the optional DS Scan suspension. This system actively scans the road ahead and adjusts the suspension to best cope with it, taking into account how you are driving at the time.

With this system, drive modes feature adaptive damping, so you can choose comfort on the motorway and sport for a B-road blast. Why this isn’t standard on the Performance Line is beyond me. In fact, it is standard on all THP 225 models except the Performance Line. Madness.

Steering is nicely weighted, but lacks feel. This isn’t a huge deal, as it’s reasonably direct so you can point the DS 7 Crossback where you want it to go.

The front-wheel drive setup handles 225PS well, but a four-wheel drive version would be much more composed on a wet B-road.

Economy

With a small 1.6-litre engine under the bonnet, there should be a fuel-efficiency benefit. On paper it certainly looks that way, with combined fuel consumption of 47.9mpg sounding rather appealing.

The DS 7 Crossback comes with start/stop technology. The 8-speed gearbox is called ‘EAT8’ which stands for ‘Efficient Automatic Transmission’. A kerb weight of 1,425kg is lighter than you would expect for such a large vehicle.

And yet, in the real world we got nowhere near 47.9mpg. Don’t think we get a test car and drive everywhere with our right foot embedded into the carpet either. A lot of the miles we cover are standard, everyday driving.

To this day I can’t put my finger on why the economy was poor. The similar-engined Peugeot 308 GTi we tested recently fared much better, and that has 270PS on tap.

CO2 emissions of 134g/km mean that first year VED is £205. As the price of this particular DS 7 Crossback is less than £40,000 subsequent years’ road tax is the standard £140.

It would be interesting to test a diesel DS 7 Crossback to see if that could keep you away from the petrol station for longer. If not, then you better get used to fuel consumption in the low to mid 30s.

Practicality

As a car to live with, you can do a lot worse than the DS 7 Crossback. I shall start with the biggest downside, which is the lack of 4WD. Crossovers which do not offer such are a bugbear of ours, and there are far too many cars guilty of it.

If what can be read on the internet is true (isn’t it always?!) then a 4WD version will be added to the range next year. Hopefully that will do the Crossback name some justice.

Another problem we noticed was the sensitivity of the brakes at low speeds. When creeping through town, it was a little difficult to slow down gently, which is annoying for passengers.

Visibility from the elevated driving position is good, and parking is made easier by the presence of front and rear parking sensors.

The boot space is an impressive 628 litres, which is more than enough for the dogs, the shopping, or the luggage for the family holiday. Thanks to a sizeable opening – the tailgate is actually bigger than the internal space – loading larger items is a doddle.

A spacious cabin welcomes all passengers to the DS 7 Crossback. Despite a sleek appearance and tapered rear end, both leg and head room in the back is plentiful. You can even recline the rear seats electrically, using a switch on the door, if you opt for the Electric Comfort Pack.

Up front, big sports seats and centre armrest provide comfort. The armrest opens to reveal a cavernous storage space, which is great considering the glove box is nigh-on pointless.

Equipment

As the DS 7 Crossback is positioned as a premium vehicle, equipment matters. And with big-hitting style setting the bar, it was always going to be hard to match that with substance.

The Performance Line is only the second model up in the DS 7 Crossback range. So many of the goodies are missing, instead being standard on the more executive Prestige and Ultra Prestige models.

Standard on all DS 7 Crossback models are a host of safety features, which is reassuring in a family car. Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Warning, Active Safety Brake and Speed Limit Recognition Warning are all effective safety systems.

For convenience, there’s cruise control with speed limiter, keyless start, dual-zone air conditioning and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Performance Line adds the DS Active LED Vision pack, which is a stunning array of LED lights that are as useful as they are stunning. The standard 8-inch touchscreen makes way for that enormous 2-inch unit, and a digital instrument cluster is introduced.

There are several options available on the DS 7 Crossback Performance Line. Most importantly is the DS Active Scan Suspension (£1,000), which will cure the atrocious handling characteristics.

You can add a DS Night Vision Pack (£1,400), opening panoramic roof (£1,200), and various other packs. A good option is the Advanced Safety Pack (£700) which bolsters the safety kit with blind-spot detection, lane keeping assist, driver attention alert and extended road sign recognition.

The Electric Comfort Pack (£950) includes the electric reclining backrest for the rear seats in addition to electric and heated front seats.

The bottom line is that the Performance Line feels like it’s missing some kit – where’s the rear-view camera for example – but can be lavished with pricy option packs to make up for it.

Value For Money

All things considered, the big question is whether the DS 7 Crossback represents a good buy. Is it what you’d consider a bargain, or is it hard to justify the price?

Well, let’s start with the base costs. The DS 7 Crossback range costs from £28,095 on the road, for the BlueHDi 130 Elegance. For the PT225 Performance Line, the starting price is £34,990. The most expensive model in the line-up, the BlueHDi 180 Ultra Prestige, starts at an eye-watering £43,580.

And then you come to the options. You can easily add £5,000 or more to the cost of your DS 7 Crossback. So for the PT225 Performance Line with a few toys, you’ll just about manage to keep it under £40,000.

That’s good, as it means you’ll keep your VED at £140. But it’s also bad, because it means you’ll have spent nearly £40,000 on a 2WD crossover. And you can’t ignore depreciation. How much of your £40,000 do you think you’ll get back in 3 or 5 years’ time?

There is no questioning the style of the DS 7 Crossback; it is a thing of beauty both inside and out. But that style is not matched by substance, and niggles stop this car feeling as premium as it looks.

Also frustrating is the price of optional extras. Some seem reasonable, others seem a bit pricey. The keyless entry with remote tailgate is a staggering £850, which is incredibly hard to justify. Yet you can upgrade to 20-inch alloy wheels for £450.

As you get to the £40,000 mark, there are a lot of competitors. Many will have 4WD, and many will have a specification which is as good, if not better, than the DS 7 Crossback. It doesn’t make life easy for itself that’s for sure.

Facts and Figures

The post REVIEW – DS 7 Crossback Performance Line appeared first on Simply Motor.

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Exterior Styling

This is the ideal place to start with the DS 3 Performance Black, because it has a big, bold image. Just by looking at the car you can tell it’s no ordinary DS 3. The Performance Black has brawny front and rear bumpers, new 18 inch ‘Black Nemesis’ alloys (what a name!) and the usual hot hatch rear spoiler & twin tail exhaust pipes.

There is just one colour scheme available: matt black with a pearl gold roof and mirrors. I think it’s superb to look at – a real head turner – but boy does it split opinions. Personally I welcomed the gold roof, it pushes the car ‘out there’ whereas a less striking colour would perhaps give the appearance of a ‘slightly modified’ DS 3.

However if you are the type of person who sits on the fence, not wanting to engage with people telling you your car looks ridiculous, then maybe the ‘regular’ DS 3 Performance would be more your cup of tea. The same applies if you want a car that blends in to the masses, and doesn’t shout “look at me”.

As an optional extra, you can also add a graphics pack for £250. And I think it’s a must-have option. The graphics compliment that Perla Nera Back paintwork, and emphasise the sense of occasion that is the DS 3 Performance Black. As with the gold roof, the graphics may have the marmite effect; but it was a winner in my eyes.

If I am to be critical, I think DS could have taken the exterior styling a step further. For example, those big Brembo brake calipers could easily be painted gold, rather than black. A gold lower lip on the front bumper wouldn’t have offended me either.

Other nice styling touches include ‘DS’ logos in the rear light clusters, sweeping front indicators, LED daytime running lights and unique ‘DS Performance’ badges.

Interior Finish

Once you’ve opened the rather large doors, the first thing anyone will notice is the massive, body-hugging Alcantara sports seats. Heavily bolstered and brandishing the DS Performance logo, their sheer size fills the cabin. We’ll come on to rear leg room a little later! These seats were a complete win for me, capturing the essence of a mad hot hatch.

The gold theme continues inside the DS 3 Performance Black, with a rather gaudy gold plastic dashboard. It’s not the gold I take issue with, but the shiny plastic. A more textured finish, or brushed aluminium style, would have looked much more premium.

Apart from the odd splash of fake carbon fibre the interior is largely standard DS3 design. The instrument cluster is funky, but the centre console looks cheap and a little dated. I can only assume that the extra money was spent on mechanical performance as opposed to interior quality.

To give a sporty feel, DS has left the steering wheel completely free of buttons. I don’t mind the concept. But then where do you put all the cruise control and media buttons? Well, DS has fitted two extra stalks behind the steering wheel, neither of which you can see. This might be fine for an F1 driver with years of training, but for Joe Public it means you mute the stereo when you want to cancel the cruise control and set a speed limit of 40mph whenever you want to change music track.

Engine/Performance

Under that little bonnet, DS has wedged a spicy 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces 210PS and 300Nm of torque. That allows for a 0-62mph sprint of 6.5 seconds, with the top speed being 143mph.

That’s certainly comparable to, if not a little quicker than, most rivals. It also shows just how quick the modern hot hatch has become.

The DS 3 Performance Black delivered a punch in the back every time you put your foot on the accelerator. It revs happily, and even lets out a little exhaust ‘boff’ every time you lift off at higher revs.

But that’s about all the noise you get, which is a shame: I wanted a noise that matched the bold image. Unlike other manufacturers, DS haven’t opted for any symposer system to feed engine noise into the cabin, be it artificial or mechanical.

All this power is controlled with a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission, which is a traditional hot hatch recipe. However, the actual gear lever could have been slicker; it all felt a bit too vague and imprecise.

The clutch pedal is also a little on the light side. Great in a traffic jam, or for driving round town, but not so good when you want to give it the beans on a B-road blast: it just lacks the ‘feel’ that any driver’s car should have.

Ride/Handling

To keep the DS 3 Performance Black pointing in the right direction, DS has fitted a Torsen limited-slip differential. This is a masterstroke, because even in slippery conditions it tames understeer well. In dry conditions the grip levels are just staggering, heightening the real-world sense of speed.

Overall the DS 3 Performance Black is a real entertainer for spirited drives, inviting you to push its limits. The steering seems to suffer from the same lightness that spoils the clutch. Through town its light and effortless, but with no option to make it heavier it lacks feel when pushing hard. That’s frustrating, because the steering is incredibly direct, and the nose points exactly where you want it thanks to that Torsen differential.

Our test car was running what can only be described as summer tyres. Whilst I imagine they’ll be great once the weather improves, they were far from ideal in cold January conditions. It would certainly be wise to invest in winter tyres for the cold season, to prevent the squeaky-bum moments cold tyres can cause.

The suspension in the DS 3 Performance Black is firm and sporty, so the ride is a little bouncy at lower speeds. That said, it’s a hot hatch, and I’d rather have a firm, composed setup than a soft, wallowy one. Body roll is virtually non-existent, and you are held firmly in place by those sports seats, allowing you to push hard with confidence.

Also giving you confidence are the 323mm, four-piston Brembo front brakes. For spirited driving, the brakes performed exceptionally well. They grab instantly; giving you confidence to brake later for the corners.

However, that instant grab can catch you by surprise when pottering through town. Drive carefully with your grandma in the passenger seat, or you’ll end up seeing those dentures resting on that gold dashboard.

Economy

On paper the DS3 Performance Black averages 52.3mpg on a combined cycle. This is thanks to its relatively small engine with start-stop technology. As you would expect, any amount of enthusiasm with the accelerator will soon reduce this figure.

During our driving stints, which included both spirited B-road blasts and motorway slogs, we averaged around 42mpg. That’s respectable and is a figure I could live with from an ownership point of view.

CO2 emissions of 125g/km mean that the VED when registering the DS 3 Performance Black is £160, and £140 each year after. The new flat-rate scheme is kind to vehicles like this: which now cost the same to tax as a 1.0-litre Peugeot 108.

Practicality

The DS 3 Performance Black is about as spacious as you’d expect given it’s a small hot hatch. The boot space is 285 litres, but it hasn’t really got much width to it. I wouldn’t plan on getting any new born prams in the boot, however it easily deals with trips to the shops.

This is a 3-door only car and getting in and out of the back can be struggle; largely due to those bulky sports seats. The seats also do little to aid the leg room in the back, and adults may find it a little cramped.

The doors are quite large to try and help the situation, but this causes its own problems when it comes to tight car park spaces. Thankfully visibility is good, and the Performance Black gets front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera to aid manoeuvrability.

For those unfamiliar with limited-slip differentials, they aren’t designed for low-speed, full-lock situations. In car parks you can feel it fighting and grabbing, which is a strange sensation at first.

Ultimately the DS 3 Performance Black isn’t designed to be the ultimate family car: it’s designed to be a driver’s car. I can forgive it for the usual hot hatch quirks, but there are equally-fast, more practical options out there.

Equipment

The list of standard equipment on the DS 3 Performance Black is quite comprehensive. Exclusive to this model is Active City Brake, eMyWay satellite navigation, reversing camera, front parking sensors and an upgraded stereo with centre tweeter and sub-woofer.

As an optional extra you can add Mirror Screen, which adds MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay. I was a little surprised to find that there is no keyless entry option available, or even a start button, which would have added to the hot hatch experience.

Other useful features include cruise control with speed limiter, auto lights and wipers, electric folding door mirrors, DS Connect Box Emergency & Assistance and automatic air conditioning.

These creature comforts are all lovely, but they don’t really contribute much to the hot hatch experience. I would have much preferred to see a sports button, with variable driving modes. In fact, I would happily swap all of the auto thingamajigs for some adaptive dampers and/or a sports exhaust.

Value For Money

The final question is whether or not the DS3 Performance Black worth the outlay: should you buy one? This is where I ummed and ahhed quite a bit, not least because the outlay required is significant: £26,165. Add in the £250 graphics kit and the price of our test car was £26,415.

The DS3 Performance Black may have the looks, the engine and the performance, but then so do a lot of other hot hatches. There is a new Ford Fiesta ST due out later this year and, if pricing is similar to the old model, it will cost around £20,000 or so.

If the DS was a perfect car, then it might well be able to justify its high price tag. But with niggles such as the light clutch, vague gearbox and plasticky interior it falls a little short.

Its creature comforts make the DS 3 Performance Black easier to drive and live with, but that erodes the hardcore performance image created by the Brembo brakes and Torsen differential.

Most surprisingly though is that the DS’s sibling, the Peugeot 208GTi by Peugeot Sport, costs from £23,550. It has all the same mechanical upgrades, the same power, a nicer interior and, if you opt for the Coupe France colour scheme (£950), an equally-bold exterior image.

Facts and Figures

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DS Automobiles is aiming to be the premium side to Citroën. Their offering to the family hatchback market is the DS 4. It seeks to blend style with family-friendly functionality. And now there’s also the DS 4 Crossback. With a more rugged appearance and higher ride height, it adds a crossover element to the car. I was quite keen to see how it stacked up, and after making a few phone calls it wasn’t long before I had one on the driveway. Would this be a perfect blend of crossover capability and hatchback versatility, or a confused blend of too many things? Time to find out…

Looks – 9/10

The DS 4 is a smart looking car, and in my opinion the Crossback looks even better. The addition of plastic cladding to the wheel arches give a rugged appearance, whilst a raised ride height gives a bit of extra clearance. My test car was the Prestige model, which means full-LED headlights at the front, alongside a tweaked front bumper which includes gloss black inserts and a chrome grille surround. 18-inch black alloys sit under the plastic arches, and a chrome window surround frames the sweeping shape of the glass. The rear door handles are hidden, allowing for a smooth door panel. That being said the rear doors are a strange shape; narrow at the bottom but wide and pointy where the handles are. This makes them awkward in tight car parking spaces. At the back, a gloss black roof spoiler, gloss black lettering and a black plastic bumper insert complete the package. This car looks like a wonderful blend of urban and rugged, as a crossover should.

Inside you can certainly see that the DS models are meant to be more premium than their Citroën siblings. Especially with the optional leather interior (£850) which come with a fancy ‘watchstrap’ pattern to them. The steering wheel is enormous; it would look more at home in a boat than a car. It’s chunky, features silver trim and frames the dials. You can change the colour on the dials, but other than that they are a reasonably simple design. The media screen is nestled neatly into the dashboard, but could have done with being a bit bigger. I found the materials to be generally good, although some of the switchgear felt a bit cheap and flimsy. My favourite feature in the cabin was the panoramic element to the windscreen, which features a sliding panel on each side of the rear view mirror where the dun visor is. Push the panel back and an extra 8 or so inches of glass is visible. It may not sound like a lot but from the front seats it makes a big difference.

Handling/Performance – 4/10

My test car came with a 1.2-litre PureTech engine, which may seem small for a family hatchback. Fear not though; it is a turbocharged, 3-cylinder unit which produces 130PS and 230Nm of torque. This is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox. I actually rather like this engine. Pottering around town is efficient, and the turbocharger helps when you need to stretch its legs somewhat. On paper it’s not the quickest: 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 123mph. But from behind the wheel it feels rather nippy. The soundtrack is a distinct 3-cylinder ‘thrum’. What I didn’t like about the DS was the clutch. The bite point is far too high, which means you knee the steering wheel every time you set off. And try as I might, I just couldn’t get the driving position right. I was too close to the pedals, and too far away from the steering wheel all at the same time.

For the Crossback, the suspension has been softened. Ride height has also been raised by 30mm. Now the softened damping works; it makes the DS 4 a wonderful motorway companion. But the raised ride does no favours for cornering ability. There is noticeable lean on entry, and the Crossback never feels composed. The steering wheel is big, which is especially shocking if you are familiar with the Peugeot button-sized ones. There is no real weight or feel to the steering either, which doesn’t help the lack of confidence through the bends. Although what underpins the whole driving experience is that driving position. I never really felt ‘set up’ in the car, and this resonates on a country road blast. Lastly there is no 4WD option, nor is there a Grip Control system (as found in the wonderful Peugeot 2008) which, to me, defeats the object of the Crossback. It hasn’t got the substance to back up its style.

Economy – 9/10

I sang the praises of the 1.2-litre PureTech engine, and you will be pleased to know that it’s also rather frugal too. And this is especially impressive given its ability to hold its own on the motorway; never feeling underpowered. On a combined cycle the fuel consumption is a not-too-shabby 54.3mpg, which will mean you frequent the petrol station less often. With start/stop technology, the little engine emits just 116g/km, putting it in VED band C. That’s free road tax in the first year, and £30 thereafter; giving you a bit more money to spend on the family. The only reason I couldn’t award the DS 4 a perfect 10, is that the Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost emits just 108g/km, and sits a band lower.

Practicality – 7/10

When it comes to practicality, the DS 4 does alright. There is plenty of room in the front, and a decent boot for shopping and prams. But then on the flip side the rear doors have small openings which make getting into the back a bit tricky. Because of the odd driving position I found rear leg room a bit sparse. The list of equipment on the Crossback is reassuringly comprehensive, including satellite navigation, auto lights, auto wipers, heated front seats with a massaging lumbar function, dual-zone air conditioning, reversing camera and keyless entry and go. That makes it a great car to live with day to day; a vital trait of a family hatchback. Sadly the Crossback lacks the all-terrain capability to truly live up to its name, and that makes the crossover styling, which looks great, feel a bit superficial.

Fun – 6/10

Around town, the DS 4 fits in. It suits the reflective shop windows, Booths car park and speed bumps. And around town you aren’t cornering at speed, so it drives well. Because of the eye-catching looks I was quite happy to tootle round town. A crossover should be able to do all this and then cope with adverse weather, but without a 4WD system or Grip Control (which is excellent by the way) the Crossback lacks the capability of a true crossover. So then you’re left with what is basically a family hatchback on stilts. And when you get to the good roads that causes a problem. From behind the wheel it doesn’t feel like the car was designed for the keen driver, more for the pedestrians to look at. And that’s rather bittersweet.

Concluding Remarks

So to summarise, I ended the week with mixed feelings. The looks are great, but in certain areas it feels like this comes at the expense of practicality; the rear doors being a prime example. The engine is wonderful, but is let down by an awful clutch and rather boat-like cornering. And with no 4WD option (or even a version of the Peugeot Grip Control for that matter) it’s no more capable than most family hatchbacks. Prices for the Crossback start at £22,745 and with a few options on it my test car was £24,565. It’s a lot of car for the money, coming in at around the same price as a Ford Focus Titanium. To get more information head over to a dealer or visit the DS Automobiles website. The DS 4 Crossback is a car for the urban jungle; opting for style over substance.

Total Score – 35/50

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DS Automobiles are now recognised as separate from their Citroën brethren. Like Infiniti is to Nissan, and Lexus is to Toyota, DS is now the luxury arm of operations for the French manufacturer. And the biggest, most luxurious model of them all is the DS5. The car of choice for the French President François Hollande, it is somewhat reminiscent of the big Citroën’s of old. But what is it like to live with? Does it feel special, and has the separation worked? Well I grabbed a DS5 Elegance for a week to find out.

Handling/Performance – 6/10

The engine in my test car was the basic, 1.6-litre diesel engine. It has 120PS and 300Nm of torque, which is sent to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox. Performance is relatively uninspiring, with 0-62mph taking 12.7 seconds and a top speed of 119mph. Once you get moving though the DS 5 picked up well enough. It will never pin you back in your seat, but it never really felt lethargic. What did feel wrong was the manual gearbox. This car feels much more suited to a comforting, effortless drive, and an automatic gearbox would certainly help this. Other engine options include a BlueHDi 180 diesel, or a THP 210 petrol (on the Prestige spec) and either of these would be a more luxurious choice.

The handling of the DS5 is definitely set to ‘comfort’. And that’s no bad thing; it suits the car. With 17-inch alloys there’s plenty of rubber to cushion the occupants from the road. The steering is relatively easy, albeit a little bit numb, and the suspension is soft and comfortable if not a little bit ‘wallowy’. The aforementioned Nappa leather seats were also as comfortable as they were visually appealing. Set off on a hundred-mile journey and you will arrive as refreshed as when you left. It eats up the miles, and with plenty of soundproofing the cabin is a quiet environment.

Economy – 9/10

The 1.6-litre diesel is a rather efficient engine, offering 70.6mpg on a combined cycle, which is remarkable for a big executive car like this. With start stop technology and the lovely 6-speed gearbox CO2 emissions are a mere 104g/km. VED band B means that road tax is free in the first year, and £20 thereafter. The DS5 is therefore a rather cheap car to run, for both private and company car users. Don’t be put off the larger engines either; the BlueHDi 180 automatic emits just 114g/km CO2 (£30 road tax) and offers 64.2mpg on a combined cycle. Not too bad at all.

Practicality – 9/10

As you would guess from the sizeable exterior, there is plenty of space inside. Rear-seat passengers will find the DS5 particularly roomy, whereas the overhead controls, large steering wheel and stuck-out centre console make the front feel somewhat more enclosed. The boot is plenty big enough, although some room is taken up by the subwoofer for the Denon HiFi (£550). The DS 5 is full of tech to make life easier, such as reversing camera, cruise control with speed limiter, dual-zone climate control and electronic handbrake with hill-hold function. I really like the extra glass in the A-pillar, it gives great visibility at junctions. Optional extras include the Electric Comfort Pack (£500) which adds memory front seats, heated front seats and a lumbar massage function for the driver. The DS LED Vision Pack (£1,200) gives directional Xenon headlights, and the Blind Spot Monitoring System (£300) is very useful and something I’d certainly recommend.

Fun – 7/10

So what about the fun factor? Well the DS 5 is sleek and stylish, and to me says that the owner has good taste. The cabin is very funky with its aircraft styling, and the driver’s seat is a nice place to sit. Add in the lumbar massage and you’ve got a great cruiser. But in terms of fun, the 1.6-litre engine is lacking. There’s no gusto, and the manual gearbox feels wrong for a car like this. I certainly think a more powerful engine with a smooth automatic would give a more satisfying drive. There’s also a sense that the rear-seat passengers feel like VIP’s, and that can’t be appreciated from the driver’s seat.

Concluding Remarks

So that’s my week with the DS5. The Elegance model with a 1.6-litre diesel manual starts at £26,350, and you do get a lot for your money. It’s quite easy to get over £30k once you factor in a couple of options, but even at this level the DS 5 holds its own. From the rep blasting up and down the motorway every day, to the large family car, the DS5 is versatile and dynamic. I’d certainly implore you to check one out. Pop into a dealer or log on to the DS website (or the Citroën website if you want to configure one!). The DS 5 Elegance; from the aircraft styling to the luxurious comfort, it’s full of surprises.

Total Score – 40/50

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