DS 3 Crossback SUV - MPG, running costs & CO2
Every engine is fairly economical, and the all-electric E-Tense variant offers a decent range
The DS 3 Crossback is another landmark in the history of a fast-evolving brand, because it's the first DS available with the choice of a petrol, diesel or all-electric powertrain. We’ve reviewed the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense separately, but it offers enough range for most buyers and is quick to recharge - we like that the fast-charging capability comes as standard.
DS 3 Crossback MPG & CO2
This trio of options should keep its appeal nice and broad, with petrol engines satisfying the majority of urban and medium-mileage drivers, diesel suiting high-mileage or rural motorists and an EV for those willing to spend a little more initially to get a zero emissions car that's cheap to run thereafter.
With a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol fitted, there's the option of 100bhp, 129bhp or 153bhp power outputs. The first is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, but the more powerful engines can only be specced with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Choose the most powerful version in the top trim (with the optional larger alloy wheels) and it'll return 41.7-44.8mpg while emitting 141-155g/km, but stick with the 100bhp version of the same engine in a basic trim and it can get between 46-50.4mpg with 127-139g/km of CO2. As a result, Benefit-in-Kind liability for company-car drivers is pretty similar to its rivals but the smallest petrol engine will be the cheapest to tax for business users.
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The BlueHDi diesel engine comes in just one power output, but depending on trim level, fuel-efficiency ranges from 54.4mpg to 62.4mpg with 123-129g/km CO2 emissions for a BiK band that’s the same as one of the higher-powered petrols.
These figures are competitive for a small SUV, but the battery-electric DS 3 Crossback E-Tense of course has zero emissions, qualifying it for a 0% BiK rate from April 2020. Road tax is also free for electric cars, with the petrol and diesel variants costing owners £150 per year. If you spec the DS 3 Crossback to over £40,000 (it’s possible on the E-Tense versions), you’ll be paying an extra £325 a year in tax until the car’s six years old.
The E-Tense has a driving range of 200 miles (WLTP) from a single charge, which is more than both the cheaper version of the Nissan Leaf (168 miles) and BMW i3 (188 miles). The fact that its 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack can also be topped up to 80% capacity in just half-an-hour using a public fast-charger should be enough to convince cautious first-time EV buyers that longer trips are possible. A full charge from an 7.2kW home wallbox takes eight hours.
Insurance groups
Insurance groups for the DS 3 Crossback range between 14 and 24 (out of 50), which is a bit higher than the Volkswagen T-Roc but broadly similar to other rivals like the Audi Q2.
Warranty
The DS 3 Crossback comes with a fairly standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty, matching that from the likes of Volkswagen and Audi, but not as good when compared with the five-year/unlimited mileage warranty of the Hyundai Kona and seven-year warranty of the Kia Niro.
Servicing
For those customers who'd prefer to spread the cost of servicing, monthly payment coverage plans will be available for maintenance costs.