New DS3 Brandishes Fresh Face, More Tech, Punchier Engines [45 Photos]

The French premium brand revealed the revamped version of its best-selling model, which has an array of cosmetic and mechanical changes.

The new DS3 has been redesigned to meet DS’s new corporal identity, with a fresh face now featuring the ‘DS-Wings’ hexagonal grille, matching the LED headlamps with the characteristic light signature. The rear lights have been also updated, now being LED items with a 3D pattern.

The French MINI rival will be available with six petrol and two diesel engines. The petrol range includes the PureTech 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit, both in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions (82hp-110hp-130hp), the four-cylinder 163hp 1.6-litre turbo unit and a 208hp version of the same engine in the hot Performance variant.

The diesel range includes the 1.6-litre BlueHDi in 100hp and 120hp version, with the latter equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. An environmental-friendly version of the BlueHDi 100 will return just 79g/km of CO2 emissions but if you prefer a petrol engine instead, the PureTech 82 can return as low as 99g/km of CO2 emissions.

Inside there is a new infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink for Android devices on a seven-inch touchscreen. DS has also equipped their entry-level model with an Active City Brake system, which can apply the brakes if it detects potential risks at speeds of up to 30km/h to avoid a collision or limit the consequences of one.

New trims and interior design themes are here to make the new DS3 feel more premium and stylish, with the classic watchstrap seat upholstery finding its way here from the bigger models.

There are also more personalization options than ever, with 78 body/roof combos available, 10 roof decals on the hatchback, four canvas roofs on the cabrio version and 15 alloy wheel designs.

As for the Performance version, the 208hp range-topper will be available for the first time in both the hatch and cabrio bodystyles and will feature a standard Torsen limited-slip differential. The suspension is lowered by 15mm and the front and rear tracks have been widened by 26mm and 14mm respectively. DS says that the Performance returns 125g/km of CO2 emissions without providing any performance figures.

The new DS3 is expected to be launched across Europe in February, with the Performance following a few months later.