DS3 Crossback Coming With C4 Cactus-Like Tablet Display

The last time we heard anything about the DS3 Crossback was in January when a heavily-camouflaged prototype was spotted undergoing winter testing in Sweden.

Even then, we could see that the car featured a large grille, high-mounted headlights and an overall very compact design, all of which are even more evident in this latest batch of spy images, captured in traffic.

What is this thing?

To recap, the DS3 Crossback is the French automaker’s Audi Q2 and Mini Countryman rival, boasting an appropriate five-door hatchback form factor. Technically, it sits on the same CMP platform that’s slated to underpin the next-gen Peugeot 208, which again points to this being a small car, despite the crossover-inspired styling.

Word has it that an electrified version will also arrive sometime in the future, based on the e-CMP architecture. It’s said to use a small electric motor that produces 113 HP (84 kW), working together with a 50 kWh battery, resulting in a range of up to 450 km (279 miles) on a single charge.

A more stylish Citroen

Even though the interior of this DS3 Crossback prototype is very well covered up, we can still make out the tablet-style infotainment display, somewhat similar to the one in the C4 Cactus. We can also spot a rhombus-shaped switchgear area, unlike anything previously seen on other DS models.

As for the steering wheel, it seems to have a sporty, flat-bottom design, which was to be expected – it’s sort of a DS trademark by now.

We expect the DS3 Crossback to be unveiled in either late 2018, or sometime next year, when it should also make its way into DS dealerships.