New DS 3 Crossback 2019: price, specs and release date

Prices for the new DS 3 Crossback have been revealed, with the chic French SUV starting from £21,550. An alternative to the Audi Q2, MINI Countryman and Volvo XC40, the DS 3 Crossback will be in showrooms from May 2019.

DS 3 Crossback prices and specifications

The entry-level DS 3 Crossback trim level, called Elegance, begins at £21,550 and includes an impressive list of equipment. A seven-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, as is keyless start, rear parking sensors and flush-fitting door handles, which pop out like the handles on an Aston Martin. All Crossback models also include lane-keeping assistance, emergency braking and speed limit recognition.

Performance Line, starting from £22,950, adds a few sporty extras, including part-Alcantara suede seats, tinted rear windows, LED rear lights and aluminium pedals. Step up to Prestige trim for an extra £2,000 and you’ll add automatic air conditioning and wipers, front parking sensors and a larger 10-inch touchscreen with a WiFi hotspot and connected navigation.

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Above that is the top-spec Ultra Prestige trim level and the limited-run La Premiere spec, starting from £30,950 and £32,450 respectively. Both are only available with a choice of two petrol engines with automatic gearboxes. Ultra Prestige includes larger alloy wheels, heated massage front seats, Matrix LED headlights and a reversing camera, while La Premiere adds wireless phone charging, semi-autonomous driving capability and a premium safety pack, amongst other extras.

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Interior

The company’s first SUV, the DS 7 Crossback, offers an interior that looks completely different to any rivals. It’s a similar story in the smaller model, as diamond shapes play a big part in the centre console design. The 10.3-inch HD screen sits on top of the dashboard, allowing you to control your navigation, music and apps with the prod of a finger. Frustratingly, you’ll have to go through the screen to adjust the temperature, which can be difficult when driving.

The focus throughout is on elegance and French style. There are five interior ‘Inspirations’ to choose from, ranging from bronze-coloured Montmartre cloth upholstery, to ruby Napa leather with a watch strap design on the La Premiere spec. The DS 3 Crossback interior features a fully digital instrument cluster, a head-up display and that infotainment screen, which becomes the largest in class.

Engines

For the time being, one 102bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine and one 1.2-litre petrol engine are offered, with a choice of 101bhp, 131bhp and 155bhp. The E-Tense electric model will arrive at a later date and will have a 100kW electric motor and a 50kWh battery. Range is expected to be around 200 miles and the E-Tense will be capable of 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds.

The new DS 3 Crossback won’t replace the DS 3 hatchback. That car is likely to continue to be made until at least 2020, albeit with some updates along the way.

With six new DS models expected by 2023, DS is set to become a larger presence in the market. Unlike today’s mostly Citroen-based cars, these new models will be more recognisable as standalone DS cars, and will share design features with the existing DS 7 Crossback and the new DS 3 Crossback.