Introduced in 2010 still under the Citroën brand — the DS would only be an independent brand from 2014 —, the DS 3 already asked for a successor for some time. Eight years of career and two restylings later so dictated.
Rumors about his successor have been circulating for years, and it seems that this is not where we will see him. The dictatorship of the market calls for another type of solutions, so at the next Paris Motor Show, in October, we will see the DS 3 Crossback , a new compact crossover, potential rival of proposals like the Audi Q2 and the Mini Countryman.
The DS 3, on the other hand, should continue to be sold until the end of the decade — another update is planned, especially in terms of technological equipment — but, at the moment, nothing is known about a direct successor.
The DS 3, in its original form, still under the Citroën brand
For all intents and purposes, the DS 3 Crossback will thus be something of a successor to the DS 3 — three-door models have been selling less and less, which justifies the decision of many manufacturers to simply eliminate this type of bodywork from their catalogues. . And the “hot” typology nowadays is undoubtedly the one that calls itself SUV or Crossover.
Stéphane Le Guével, Head PSA Group UKThe market (for compact cars) is moving towards small SUVs instead of three-door. So there will be a different proposal (from 3).
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What to expect?
The new DS 3 Crossback should hit the market in early 2019. According to Guével, in statements to Autocar, don't expect a mini-DS 7 Crossback. The DS 3 Crossback will have a distinct style, with references to the current DS 3 — the “fin” on the B-pillar of the current one is expected to be present — and is expected to triple the sales of the DS 7 Crossback.
The DS 3 Crossback will debut the French group's new platform for compact models, called EMP1 — which will also serve as the basis for the successor to the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa — as well as serving as the group's spearhead in terms of 100% cars electric. The electric variant is expected to be the first to be known in Paris, and will be launched at the same time as the heat engine variants.
It will be DS to drive the trams in the French group — not only for participating in Formula E, but also for price reasons. It makes perfect sense for premium brands to introduce it, as they charge higher prices and more easily absorb the higher cost of electrical technology.