More than any other proposal in the segment, practically everything in the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense it submits to aesthetics and image, which ends up determining the model's “vices and virtues” much more than others.
More than its aesthetic attributes — whether you like it or not, it doesn't lack distinction — it's the stylistic options taken by DS Automobiles' designers, especially in the way they affected various issues of a more practical nature or interaction with the vehicle, that most captured my attention.
Thus, unlike the vast majority of other proposals in the segment, the more practical or functional issues seem to have been left to the background in 3 Crossback — even in the PSA Group there is no lack of proposals that better fulfill these requirements.
Peculiarities
That said, the rear accommodations are more than enough to comfortably transport two adults, as well as the 350 l luggage compartment is already a very reasonable value for a longer “getaway”.
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But even here the quirks of the DS 3 Crossback make themselves felt. The boot opening button is not where it should be — it's next to the license plate lights, integrated into the bumper —; and the occupants in the back may complain about the visibility, affected not only by the low height of the windows, but also by the way in which the “fin” that marks the model's profile — a distinct element inherited from the DS 3 “car” — directly obstructs the field of vision.
At the forefront, originality continues and we are treated to a mix of unique elements, unlike anything we've seen before, and more familiar ones, shared with other Grupo PSA models — infotainment, instrument panel and even the… glove compartment.
Distinct on the outside, distinct on the inside. It may not be to everyone's liking, and it's not the most practical or intuitive interior to use, but it will certainly delight anyone looking for something… different.
A diamond pattern (diamonds) dominates the dashboard — center console, ventilation outlets — giving it a unique look, but forcing much of the rest to submit to that aesthetic logic, not always with the best practical results.
For example, in each “diamond” we see several integrated commands, most of which are shortcuts to various functions of the infotainment system — which includes climate control.
However, to select one of them, it forces us to look away from the road longer than necessary, as well as having to be precise where we press (which is not always easy in a moving car). This is because the “buttons” are tactile surfaces, with no haptic response, and which appear to have a small tactile area — several times it had to be the second attempt.
Attention to detail
If aesthetic issues interfere with more practical aspects, on the other hand, it is worth noting the greater attention to detail in this interior. We see it in the selection of materials and in various aesthetic notes (details and patterns), enriching the environment on board.
With our DS 3 Crossback E-Tense coming with the optional DS Opera “inspired” interior, we've won the standard watch strap seats, which are already one of DS' hallmarks. Not only do they look great, they are also very comfortable.
The Grand Opera-inspired interior brings with it these very good looking seats, with a pattern imitating a watch strap, and what's more, they're quite comfortable.
All around us we find materials that are, for the most part, of good quality and appearance, and very pleasant to the touch. Yes, being a B-SUV, we also find other materials less good and more… utilitarian, but they are usually out of sight and out of hands.
Also positive note for the assembly that proved to be robust, above average, equivalent to what I found in “cousin” 2008.
Being electric, the E-Tense sees added to the infotainment system additional screens relating to its electric motorization and battery.
E-Tense, by electric
It's not the first time the 3 Crossback has been in Reason Automobile's garage; João Tomé had the opportunity to compare two of them, one with a gasoline engine and the other with a diesel engine. But there is one more option. Ours is electric giving the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense yet another reason to stand out in the segment — there are still very few electric proposals in one of today's most popular segments.
In fact, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense was the model that not only introduced the PSA Group's CMP multi-energy platform, but was also the first to introduce the 100% electric variant. However, as fate would have it, my first contact with this electric motor would happen with my “cousin” Opel Corsa-e, with whom I share the platform and powertrain.
It's the same engine with 136 hp and 260 Nm, and the battery has the same capacity of 50 kWh — an announced range of almost 320 km. And just like in the “new normal” Corsa I came across an easily accessible performance, with a smoother than brusque delivery, and I ended up using the Sport mode by default, which guarantees the best response and, from my point of view, it's the most pleasant to use.
With the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense bigger in all directions, as well as a few dozen pounds heavier, it's not at all surprising that it turned out to be a bigger appetite. It was in the city that I got the best results — no wonder, given that there are many more opportunities to recover energy — recording 12-13 kWh/100 km.
On the open road, at steady speeds of 90 km/h, that figure rose to very close to 16 kWh, but on the motorway I was somewhat surprised by the 25 kWh recorded — a high value. With regular mixed use, the E-Tense registered values between 16-17 kWh/100 km, which suggests real autonomy values around 300 km, very close to the official ones.
At the wheel
If there's one thing that characterizes the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense's driving experience, it's comfort and smoothness. It is also silent q.b., with only a “spaceship” style hum coming from the electric motor.
You'd expect that with the oversized wheels — 18” standard on our unit's Grand Chic level — there would be more buzz, but no. Rolling noise is well contained, as are aerodynamic noises, with the exception of one more audible between the A-pillar and the rearview mirror.
This isn't the sharpest of the B-SUVs, but it allows for quick progression if we're headed for it. However, it favors a smoother and more progressive driving style, that is, the way we handle steering and accelerator.
It turned out to be quite comfortable, but some more serious irregularities, or when faced with depressions at higher speeds, can take some time to regain composure, registering more vertical movements by the bodywork.
Is the car right for me?
Given the unique style, as well as the peculiarities that come from it, it will certainly have a much more specific target audience than other proposals in the segment. It's not as spacious or practical as other B-SUV's; the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense aims for a higher position, where the image gains primacy, meeting those looking for something more distinguished and refined in form and content.
Beyond these more subjective considerations, as an electric car, everything that has been said, good and bad, about electric cars applies here.
As a Grand Chic, it brings LED headlights as standard, also with a more sophisticated appearance.
One of those aspects is… the price. Betting on a higher position, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense Grand Chic amounts to 45 900 euros (Prices start at 41 thousand euros with So Chic) rising to 48,400 euros with installed options.
It is expensive, especially when there are electric proposals of similar price, such as the Hyundai Kauai EV, Kia e-Soul and Kia e-Niro, but they exceed 200 hp and 400 km of autonomy. They may not have the same attention to detail as the 3 Crossback, but in this still limited electric universe, they are weight rivals to consider.
It is often said that the purchase of a car, despite the high prices practiced, is usually more emotional than rational. Well, in the case of the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, that premise fits it like a glove.