DS 3 Crossback SUV - Interior & comfort
The DS 3 Crossback interior looks great, but favours design over functionality
DS is the standalone luxury brand of Citroen, similarly to Lexus models being part of the wider Toyota family. To help set it apart from lesser cars, the DS 3 Crossback is well equipped even in entry-level Elegance trim, with a touchscreen and plenty of features. Smaller wheels also play dividends here, making the ride even smoother and with less tyre noise at motorway speeds.
DS 3 Crossback dashboard
The Crossback's dashboard is something of a mixed bag, because while DS' designers are to be applauded for its originality and style, the recurring triangle shapes inside do come at the cost of some user friendliness. For a start, the triangular button clusters that sit between the air-vents are fiddly and difficult to see, and frustratingly, you still have to use the touchscreen interface to change the temperature of the climate control.
On a more positive note, there are lots of attractive design touches, including the use of attractive materials like leather and Alcantara suede-like fabric. Top versions even have a 'watchstrap design' for the Nappa leather seats, something you'd only have found in a far more expensive car a few decades ago.
Equipment
There is an array of trim levels for buyers to pick from including Elegance, Performance Line, Prestige, Ultra Prestige and the La Premiere launch edition. Far from being bare bones, the Elegance trim level will be fine for most, with the remainder of the trim levels boasting additional styling and technology upgrades. At the Elegance entry-level you get 17-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, air conditioning, a seven-inch touchscreen (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), Bluetooth and DAB as standard.
Performance Line adds privacy glass, LED rear lights, Alcantara, a new steering wheel and sports pedals. Prestige brings climate control, front USB ports, a 10-inch display, all-round parking sensors, sat-nav and leather seats. Ultra Prestige adds luxuries like keyless entry, Matrix LED headlights, a rear-view camera and a head-up display.
