DS 3: Which Version to Buy and Why
The DS 3 choice depends mainly on whether you want the lighter 2015–2016 Cabrio, the 2016–2022 restyled Cabrio, or the SUV 5-doors introduced in 2022. The early cars offer Gasoline and Diesel engines with Manual, Automatic, or Robotic gearboxes, while the latest restyling adds an Electro version. For acceleration, the 2015–2016 1.6 MT with 150 hp is quickest at 7.3 seconds to 100 km/h.
The DS 3 choice depends mainly on whether you want the lighter 2015–2016 Cabrio, the 2016–2022 restyled Cabrio, or the SUV 5-doors introduced in 2022. The early cars offer Gasoline and Diesel engines with Manual, Automatic, or Robotic gearboxes, while the latest restyling adds an Electro version. For acceleration, the 2015–2016 1.6 MT with 150 hp is quickest at 7.3 seconds to 100 km/h. For the lowest recorded combined fuel consumption, choose a 1.6 MT Diesel with 99 hp at 3.4 l/100 km. Among current versions, the 1.2 AT is quicker than the identically powered 1.2 MT, the 1.5 TD AT is the economy choice, and the e-Tense 54 kWh provides the most power with 0 g/km recorded CO₂.
DS 3 generations and the changes that matter
The first generation was produced from 2015 to 2016 as a Cabrio, with 12 listed modifications. Its range included 1.2 and 1.6 engines, Gasoline and Diesel fuel types, and Manual, Automatic, and Robotic transmissions. Recorded kerb weights run from 1,075 to 1,165 kg, while specified ground clearance is generally 130 mm.
The first-generation restyling ran from 2016 to 2022, also as a Cabrio, with 15 modifications in the database. Compared with the earlier range, it introduced a 130 hp 1.2 MT, offered a 165 hp 1.6 MT, and included a 110 hp 1.2 AT with a 6-speed Automatic. Recorded combined consumption spans 3.4–5.6 l/100 km, and every listed restyled version has 115 mm of ground clearance.
Restyling 2 began in 2022 and changed the body to SUV 5-doors. It has four versions: 1.2 MT, 1.2 AT, 1.5 TD AT, and e-Tense 54 kWh. Ground clearance increased from the restyled Cabrio’s 115 mm to 170 mm, a difference of 55 mm. Every current version is FWD and uses independent spring suspension at both ends.
DS 3 engine specs comparison
Repeated version names are distinguished by output and production phase. Displacement is shown exactly in cubic centimetres because that is how it appears in the supplied specifications.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2016 1.2 DSG, 82 hp | 82 hp | 118 Nm | 1,199 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Robotic | FWD |
| 2015–2016 1.6 MT, 99 hp | 99 hp | 254 Nm | 1,560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2015–2016 1.6 MT, 120 hp Diesel | 120 hp | 285 Nm | 1,560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2015–2016 1.6 AT, 120 hp | 120 hp | 160 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2015–2016 1.6 MT, 120 hp Gasoline | 120 hp | 160 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2015–2016 1.2 MT, 82 hp | 82 hp | 118 Nm | 1,199 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2015–2016 1.2 MT, 110 hp | 110 hp | 205 Nm | 1,199 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2015–2016 1.6 MT, 150 hp | 150 hp | 240 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2015–2016 1.6 MT, 165 hp | 165 hp | 240 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2016–2022 1.2 MT, 82 hp | 82 hp | 118 Nm | 1,199 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2016–2022 1.2 MT, 110 hp | 110 hp | 205 Nm | 1,199 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2016–2022 1.2 MT, 130 hp | 130 hp | 230 Nm | 1,199 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2016–2022 1.6 MT, 165 hp | 165 hp | 240 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2016–2022 1.6 MT, 99 hp | 99 hp | 254 Nm | 1,560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2016–2022 1.6 MT, 120 hp | 120 hp | 285 Nm | 1,560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2016–2022 1.2 AT, 110 hp | 110 hp | 205 Nm | 1,199 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2016–2022 1.2 DSG, 82 hp | 82 hp | 118 Nm | 1,199 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Robotic | FWD |
| 2022–present 1.2 MT, 100 hp | 100 hp | 205 Nm | 1,199 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2022–present 1.2 AT, 100 hp | 100 hp | 205 Nm | 1,199 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2022–present 1.5 TD AT | 130 hp | 300 Nm | 1,499 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2023–present e-Tense 54 kWh | 156 hp | 260 Nm | not measured | Electro | not measured | not measured | 1-speed Automatic | FWD |
Several duplicate records carry different performance or weight figures. In the 2016–2022 data, the 1.2 MT with 82 hp appears at both 1,032 and 974 kg; its acceleration is listed as 12.5 and 12.3 seconds, and its top speed as 172 and 174 km/h. The 110 hp 1.2 MT appears at 1,090 and 1,070 kg, with acceleration of 9.8 and 9.6 seconds. The 130 hp 1.2 MT appears at 1,120 and 1,090 kg, with acceleration of 9.0 and 8.9 seconds. These are database specifications for identically named versions, so buyers should match the exact vehicle specification rather than relying on the badge alone.
DS 3 performance, mpg and fuel economy
The 2015–2016 1.6 MT with 150 hp delivers the strongest recorded acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. Its 214 km/h maximum speed, 6.7 l/100 km combined consumption, and 155 g/km CO₂ make it the performance-led choice rather than the economy-led one.
The 2015–2016 1.6 MT with 165 hp has the highest maximum speed among all listed versions at 218 km/h, but its 8.1-second acceleration is 0.8 seconds slower than the 150 hp car. Both have a recorded kerb weight of 1,165 kg. That gives approximately 7.1 kg per hp for the 165 hp version and 7.8 kg per hp for the 150 hp version, yet the recorded acceleration still favours the 150 hp car.
For economical Cabrio driving, the 99 hp Diesel 1.6 MT records 3.4 l/100 km combined, 3.8 l/100 km in town, and 3.2 l/100 km on the highway. The 120 hp Diesel 1.6 MT records 3.6 l/100 km combined and reaches 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds, compared with 10.8 seconds for the comparable 99 hp specification. Its extra 21 hp and 31 Nm therefore cut the acceleration time by 1.4 seconds while increasing combined consumption by 0.2 l/100 km.
Within the 2016–2022 Gasoline range, the 130 hp 1.2 MT is the most balanced performance option. Depending on the listed record, it reaches 100 km/h in 8.9 or 9.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 204 or 202 km/h. Combined consumption is 4.5 l/100 km. At roughly 108.4 hp per litre, it has a higher specific output than the 165 hp 1.6 MT at roughly 103.3 hp per litre.
In the latest range, both the 100 hp 1.2 MT and 100 hp 1.2 AT record 4.7 l/100 km combined. City and highway consumption are not measured. The Automatic reaches 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and 200 km/h, while the Manual takes 10.9 seconds and reaches 185 km/h. With the same 205 Nm output, the Automatic is 1.7 seconds quicker and 15 km/h faster, although its kerb weight is 35 kg higher.
The 1.5 TD AT records 3.8 l/100 km combined, while city and highway consumption are not measured. It produces 300 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds, and has a maximum speed of 195 km/h. The e-Tense 54 kWh reaches 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds and 150 km/h, with recorded CO₂ of 0 g/km; energy consumption is not measured.
DS 3 dimensions, weight and practical specifications
Exterior length, width, height, and wheelbase are not measured in the supplied data for any version. The available DS 3 dimensions-related figures are weight, clearance, tank capacity, and selected wheel sizes.
The 2015–2016 Cabrio versions with recorded wheel data use 195/55 R16 or 205/45 R17 tyres. Their specified ground clearance is 130 mm. Fuel tanks are generally 50 litres, although one 1.2 DSG record and both early Diesel records show 48 litres. Gross weight is not measured for the 99 hp and 120 hp Diesel 1.6 MT versions.
The lightest recorded 2016–2022 Cabrio is a 1.2 MT or 1.2 DSG with 82 hp at 974 kg kerb weight and 1,511 kg gross weight. The heaviest is the 120 hp Diesel 1.6 MT at 1,200 kg kerb weight and 1,665 kg gross weight. Every listed version has a 50-litre tank and 115 mm ground clearance. Wheel sizes are not measured.
The latest 1.2 MT weighs 1,170 kg, versus 1,205 kg for both the 1.2 AT and 1.5 TD AT. Their gross weights are 1,650 kg for the Manual and 1,700 kg for each Automatic. All use a 44-litre tank and have 170 mm ground clearance. Wheel sizes are not measured.
The e-Tense 54 kWh weighs 1,550 kg and has a gross weight of 2,008 kg. It is 345 kg heavier than the latest 1.2 AT and 1.5 TD AT. Its tank capacity is not measured, while ground clearance remains 170 mm.
Which DS 3 version should you buy?
Choose the 2015–2016 1.6 MT with 150 hp if the fastest recorded acceleration matters most. Its 7.3-second result beats the 165 hp version by 0.8 seconds, even though the latter has 15 hp more and a 4 km/h higher maximum speed.
Choose the 2016–2022 1.2 MT with 130 hp for a stronger balance of Cabrio performance and consumption. It combines 230 Nm, up to 204 km/h, acceleration as quick as 8.9 seconds, and 4.5 l/100 km combined. Against the 110 hp 1.2 MT at its quicker listed 9.6-second figure, it adds 20 hp and 25 Nm, cuts 0.7 seconds from acceleration, and raises combined consumption by only 0.2 l/100 km.
Choose a 99 hp Diesel 1.6 MT when minimum recorded fuel use is the priority. Its 3.4 l/100 km combined figure is the lowest in the catalogue. Choose the 120 hp Diesel 1.6 MT when stronger response matters more: it adds 21 hp and 31 Nm while retaining a 3.6 l/100 km combined figure.
Among the latest SUV 5-doors versions, choose the 1.2 AT over the 1.2 MT when performance and Automatic operation matter. Both have 100 hp, 205 Nm, and 4.7 l/100 km combined consumption, but the Automatic is quicker and faster. Choose the 1.5 TD AT for the lowest current combined fuel figure and the highest current combustion-engine torque: 3.8 l/100 km and 300 Nm. Choose the e-Tense 54 kWh for 156 hp, 260 Nm, 9.0-second acceleration, and recorded CO₂ of 0 g/km, accepting its 1,550 kg kerb weight and 150 km/h maximum speed.
Problems, reliability, engine-oil grades, prices, and ownership costs are not measured in the supplied data, so they cannot be used to rank these versions. On the available specifications alone, the 130 hp 1.2 MT is the performance-economy choice among the restyled Cabrios, the 99 hp Diesel 1.6 MT is the overall fuel-economy choice, the current 1.5 TD AT is the torque-and-economy choice, and the e-Tense 54 kWh is the current power and recorded-CO₂ choice.