New DS 3 facelift: prices, specs and electric range

• Improved 249-mile electric range
• Larger infotainment touchscreen
• On sale now from £25,900

The facelifted DS 3 is now on sale, with prices starting from £25,900. This updated version of DS’ small crossover ditches its previous ‘Crossback’ nameplate in favour of a refreshed exterior design and an upgraded infotainment system, as well as an improved fully-electric ‘E-Tense’ variant.

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Order books for the new DS 3 are now open, with the range kicking off with the £25,900 Performance Line model, equipped with the base 99bhp petrol engine. Top-of-the-range DS 3 E-Tense Opera models will set buyers back an eye-watering £42,700 – only around £2,000 less than the recently-reduced Tesla Model Y SUV. The DS 3 is the French marque’s smallest model and is designed to compete with the likes of other small, premium SUVs and crossovers such as the Audi Q2, MINI Countryman and Lexus UX.

Perhaps the easiest way to identify a facelifted DS 3 is its revised front-end design; the new car gets a slightly larger mesh grille than before, as well as a different set of LED running lights – similar to those seen on the DS 4 and DS 7 Crossback.

The updated car also gets new alloy wheel designs, which are available in sizes measuring 17 and 18 inches in diameter. Buyers can specify the facelifted car in one of seven different colours, including the triple-layer Diva Red, which is making its debut on the new DS 3.

On the inside, the overall design of the cockpit is unchanged, however the new DS 3 boasts a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen. This is bolstered by another seven-inch driver information display behind the steering wheel and can be customised to the owner’s preferences via an array of widgets on the home screen.

Buyers can choose from one of four distinct trim levels: Performance Line, Performance Line+, Rivoli and the top-of-the-range Opera. With DS looking to align itself with other premium brands such as Audi and Mercedes, the DS 3 has a suitably plentiful equipment list, with LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara suede upholstery, rear parking sensors all coming as standard.

As before, the DS 3 is available with two different petrol engines – the diesel model was recently discontinued. However, the big news is that the fully-electric variant, dubbed the E-Tense, has now received a larger 54kWh battery, as well as a more-powerful 154bhp electric motor. A heat pump is also fitted as standard, improving performance in colder climates.

Because of this, the electric DS 3 now has a range of up to 249 miles – 37 miles more than the outgoing car. Charging speeds have improved too; the compact crossover now comes as standard with 100kW fast charging capability, allowing for a 10-80% top up in just 25 minutes when connected to a compatible public rapid charger.

Looking for an inexpensive route into electric motoring? Check out our list of the top 10 cheapest electric cars