DS3 Crossback Goes Official With Petrol, Diesel And EV Powertrains

Following yesterday’s leak, DS has officially unveiled the all-new DS3 Crossback.

Featuring “distinctive sculptural styling,” the crossover has a prominent grille which is flanked by DS Matrix LED Vision headlights and vertical LED daytime running lights. The Crossback also has plastic body cladding, a relatively flat roof and a controversial ‘wave’ accent near the B-pillar.

While the styling won’t win everyone over, the model has flush-mounted door handles which are similar to the ones used on the Range Rover Velar. They automatically deploy when the crossover is unlocked and then retract when the vehicle is locked.

Moving into the cabin, drivers will find a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display and a 10.3-inch infotainment system. Other highlights include a flat-bottomed steering wheel, diamond-shaped air vents and a 12-speaker Focal audio system.

DS didn’t say much else about the interior, but the boot holds 12.4 cubic feet (352 liters) of luggage and the company paid particular attention to reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. Speaking of the latter, “vehicle soundproofing has been taken to a higher level” thanks to an acoustic windscreen, thicker window glass and thicker metal doors.

Since DS wants owners to drive something “highly personalized,” the DS3 Crossback will be offered with ten body colors, three roof colors and ten wheel choices.

DS will also offer five Inspiration variants called DS Montmartre, DS Bastille, DS Performance Line, DS Rivoli and DS Opera. Each comes equipped with gloss, satin or textured black exterior accents as well as an upscale interior that features Nappa leather upholstery with pearl or diamond top-stitching. The cabin also has unique chrome trim and Alcantara accents.

While the model will be offered with both petrol and diesel engines, the big news is the electric powertrain in the DS3 Crossback E-Tense. The model has an electric motor that develops 134 (100 kW / 136 PS) and 191 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque. This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 8.7 seconds.

In terms of range, the E-Tense’s 50 kWh lithium-ion battery will enable drivers to travel more than 186 miles (300 km) on a single charge according to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). In the older NEDC cycle, that’s 280 miles (450 km).

When the battery is depleted, it can be fully recharged in five hours with a 11kW Wall Box. Drivers who don’t need the crossover’s full range can give the car an 80% charge in just 30 minutes.

Besides the electric powertrain, the DS3 Crossback will be offered with petrol and diesel engines. On the petrol side, there will be three PureTech options with outputs of 98 hp (73 kW /100 PS), 128 hp (95 kW / 130 PS) and 152 hp (114 kW / 155 PS).  There will also be two diesel engines with outputs of 98 hp (73 kW /100 PS) and 128 hp (95 kW / 130 PS).

On the technology front, the DS3 Crossback will be offered with the DS Drive Assist system which uses a radar and camera to provide adaptive cruise control and automatic lane centering. The model also offers automatic emergency braking, automatic parking and the DS Smart Access system. The latter allows owners to unlock and start the crossover using the MyDS app on their smartphone.

The DS3 Crossback will debut at the Paris Motor Show later this year and a launch is scheduled for 2019.