DS 3 E-Tense: The Power of Going Electric

I had always been a fan of the original DS 3. Before Citroen and DS became separate brands, here was a small French hatchback that was so peppy and responsive it stood out as a credible rival to what was then a rather fun and funky little BMW Mini.

The latest DS 3, no longer badged a "Crossback", is a very different proposition, though. It sits higher, it's significantly bigger, and it's five-door only. And it's very style-focused.

It's also available as a fully electric vehicle, and that's the version I've been testing. It's called the DS 3 E-Tense and a recent facelift has brought some big improvements, with a better battery, increased range and greater efficiency.

Its styling won't suit everyone, it's fair to say, but in the right colour it's very elegant, and there are some very classy touches, like the flush-fitting door handles and the stylish LED lights.

Inside, it's a feast for the eyes. In true DS style it cuts a fine line between wacky and wonderful, but it is surprisingly functional and easier to get to grips with than it might first appear.

The tessellating diamond effect carries itself throughout the dashboard, and the materials are exquisite. This is what DS does well, making mainstream cars feel like they belong in a far more premium sector. It's one of those interiors that makes you feel a bit special.

The 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is a big leap forward, and it's now much easier to use, but I still wish some of the every day controls weren't buried in touch-screen menus. Haptic feedback would have helped, but maybe next time.

But the driver's display is superb, the seats are sumptuous, and I do like the knurled metallic switches either side of the stubby gear selector.

In the rear, it's a strange one. There's plenty of space, but the exterior's unusual door pillars cut out light. So it's comfortable, but cocooned. It also affects visibility a little, but top-spec cars get parking cameras, which help enormously. And rear parking sensors are standard across the range.

Boot space is also a bit tight for an SUV, at 350 litres, and there's quite a lip to negotiate at the boot entrance.

The DS 3 is available with a handful of petrol engines, but the E-tense treatment really suits the majestic cabin. The electric drivetrain is great, with an official range now of 250 miles. Consider that to be more like 200 miles in the real world, but that's still decent. And it also has a useful maximum charging rate of 100kW.

It's punchy too. It has the equivalent of 155bhp and 192lb ft, which means it scrubs off 0-62mph in nine seconds. So not silly fast, but it carries itself very well.

That said, it's not going to excite you in the bends. The suspension is a little firmer than some of its soft stablemates, and that doesn't translate into driving thrills, but over most surfaces it's comfortable enough and there's plenty of grip.

And that brings us on to the price. It's important to remember that the current DS line-up feels very much like a premium product, and that's good, because they do carry a premium price.

A basic DS 3, with an internal combustion engine, will set you back just over £25,000, but an E-Tense electric version is closer to £37,000. Spec it up to the plush Opera trim I was testing and you're starting to creep north of £40,000.

And the Opera really is the pick of the bunch, with equipment levels befitting of the brand. You'll get things like full driver assist, a head-up display, a gorgeous "watch strap" leather interior, wireless phone mirroring and wireless charging.

Importantly, you can spec the rest of the range up with some of these trinkets, but the Opera is still the pick of the bunch.

At £40k plus, it is cheaper than a Tesla Model 3, but it's also a bit pricier than the Kia Niro, which has a slightly better range.

But for DS fans that won't be enough to put anyone off. The DS 3 might be the smallest car in the marque's line-up, but it certainly feels like a proper DS. And the all-electric power train really suits the calm, plush demeanour of the car.

It's hard to think of a car of this size that feels so substantial and luxurious, in fact. And I think that's why, after spending a week at the wheel, I was really quite taken with it.

FAST FACTS

DS 3 Opera E-TENSE

Price from: £40,950

0-60mph: 9.0 seconds

Power: 155hp

Range: 250 miles

CO2: 0g/km