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.
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.
