DS 3 E-Tense (2020) | Knowledgeable Ranking

Model reviewed: Opera 115kW
Score: 6 / 10
“In a cheaper trim level, the revised DS 3 E-Tense might earn an extra half-star. But as tested it’s impossible to justify such a high price on a small SUV that is admittedly competitive in some areas, but class-leading in none. As a pure-electric urban runaround, the DS 3 is quiet, comfortable and even quite luxurious, but its quirky personality and compromised packaging mean rivals represent better value for money.” (Richard Ingram)
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Model reviewed: Ultra Prestige
Score: 6 / 10
“Fundamentally a good car, this DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is let down by its mediocre kit list and high price. The equally luxurious Peugeot e-2008 is thousands of pounds cheaper, which renders this Ultra Prestige model a frivolity in what is becoming a mainstream part of the market.”
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Model reviewed: Opera
Score: 7 / 10
“The DS 3 E-Tense is definitely a car that will attract more people through the way it looks than through the way it drives. The facelifted DS 3 is only truly let down by what it already suffered from: sub-par rear space and a sporadically jerky ride.” (Will Rimell)
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Score: 8 / 10
“First and most luxurious of the PSA Group’s upcoming quartet of electric superminis shows they’ll be major players in an exciting emerging sector.”
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Model reviewed: Facelift DS 3 range
Score: 6 / 10
“Compared with old this feels like a better product. And compared with the regular petrol model, it’s light years ahead in terms of noise and comfort. The DS 3 E-Tense won’t set the world alight but then most buyers will be more concerned with charging times than lap sectors. It’s interesting enough to make it on your shopping list if range and practicality aren’t top of your wants.” (Murray Scullion)
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Score: 6 / 10
“Chic styling, bags of tech and a comfortable drive only mean so much when the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense’s range is down on its rivals.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.6 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense offers enough range for most people, but it’s far from the best electric car on sale”
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Score: 6 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is a seriously stylish electric car with comfy suspension and a stunning interior but it’s let down by cramped back seats and limited electric range.”
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Model reviewed: Ultra Prestige
“Not quite as impressive as the Hyundai Kona Electric or Kia e-Niro for range, but the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is very well-priced and whole-life costs look good thanks to a residual value of more than 40%.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“People are not brand loyal when it comes to EVs, so to that extent DS are on a good footing – and seeing as this is the first electric premium compact SUV on the market it has no direct rivals anyway. Better still, with the orders that DS has projected they don’t foresee any problems with battery supply – so that may entice those who are waiting for an e-Niro or Kona Electric.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is a decent – if not quite class-leading – electric SUV that has refinement and unique styling on its side.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“An upmarket electric SUV would seem to be the type of car which everyone is after. But the DS 3 Crossback doesn’t do anything better than cheaper rivals, so you’ll be choosing it for the looks alone.”
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Model reviewed: Performance Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense manages to appeal more than the petrol or diesel variants, but if you don’t need the range there are cheaper alternatives.”
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Score: 9 / 10
“The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is an all-electric compact SUV with characterful design and a cosseting ride that is ideal for our poor quality urban road surfaces.”
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“Cosmetically similar to the standard DS3 Crossback, the E-Tense features exclusive Pearl Crystal paint finish, satin-chrome finishes, E-Tense signature emblems and a special rear bumper (without an exhaust pipe).”
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“The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is more fashionable than the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro, while it really looks the part without shouting about its eco credentials. It can’t travel as far as the Hyundai, though, while it’s compromised compared to in-house rival, the Peugeot e-208 hatchback.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“If you were considering a petrol or diesel DS 3 but could be swayed by an EV, then the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is the car for you. It has the same bold style and luxury feel, but is more refined, comfortable and easier to drive. Even so, with so many talented small electric cars out there now, this quirky machine is one you’ll buy with your heart rather than your head.” (James Disdale)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Elegant and chic in accomplished EV form.”
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Model reviewed: Opera (DS 3 facelift model)
Score: 6 / 10
“With alternatives offering more space, better material quality and longer range, the DS 3 E-Tense struggles to justify its lofty price tag.” (James Fossdyke)
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Score: 8 / 10
“The white leather is exclusive to the E-Tense and DS says it’s likely to use the white leather steering wheel as a signifier for future pure-electric models, suggesting electric DS drivers will do well to carry with them some wet wipes, to keep it grime-free.”
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“One particularly strong aspect of the performance is the highly refined performance of the regeneration and friction brakes which allow the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense to stop smoothly and progressively, unlike so many rivals which clatter to a halt, particularly from low speeds.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Not the EV we’d recommend, but if you like the way it looks and battery-power suits your lifestyle then by all means.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Going electric has fixed some of the weak points of the DS 3 Crossback – but not all of them. It’s quieter, for example, and a little less fractious along bumpy roads. Objectively, though, rivals such as the Kia e-Niro have a longer range, are better to drive and are much more practical.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The DS 3 does have a quirky look, befitting the DS brand and heritage, but underneath that is the same Stellantis motor and battery found in so many of the group’s cars. It’s not a bad vehicle and it’s well-equipped at the premium trim levels, but these top trim levels are overpriced. We would suggest the Citroen e-C4 instead, which looks even nicer, has more space inside, and can provide similar features for less.” (James Morris)
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Model reviewed:
“The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is a desirable and efficient compact crossover that has a more premium feel than its rivals. Opulent interiors, sleek styling and advanced safety equipment give it strong showroom appeal. The comfortable and quiet DS 3 Crossback is a Best Buy.”
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