• Useful amount of bootspace, but lags behind e-Niro
• Plenty of rear-seat headroom
• Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating

The DS 3 Crossback range is based on a ‘multi-energy’ CMP platform that means it’s been designed with both petrol/diesel and electric powertrains in mind. This is unlike a number of recent electric cars that haven’t been built to accommodate the numerous batteries associated with EVs, meaning overall layout and practicality is compromised. 

As such, the DS 3 Crossback range (including the E-Tense) has a boot capacity of 350 litres, which is slightly larger than Hyundai Kona Electric, but smaller than the Kia e-Niro. It’s a decent shape, but the noticeable lip protruding up from the boot floor could impede users when loading heavy or awkward items.

Room in the back is respectable, with plenty of headroom and a reasonable amount of kneeroom. Space under the front seats to place your feet could be improved, however. You’ll also struggle to comfortably fit three passengers across the rear seats, although this is par for the course when it comes to cars of this size.

Adults and children alike won’t appreciate the ‘shark fin’ design of the three-door DS 3 being retained here – it obscures a lot of the view out for no good reason.. 

How safe is it?

The DS 3 Crossback received a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating when fitted with the Safety Pack (including autonomous emergency braking) – something that is standard on all European examples. Testers gave it 96% for adult occupant protection, noting it delivered ‘good’ or ‘adequate’ results in all individual areas.

Like other recent cars from DS’ parent firm, PSA, the 3 Crossback will alert you to hazards audibly – to the point of startling you given the serenity of the E-Tense – so ask the dealer to set these alerts for your comfort level before driving off.

Standard safety equipment (featured in the Safety Pack) includes:

• Emergency braking system (AEB)
• Lane keeping assist
• Lane departure warning
• Speed limit recognition and recommendation
• Intelligent speed adaption

Upgrade to Ultra Prestige models and you get the Advanced Safety Pack, featuring: 

• Safety Pack
• Extended emergency braking system
• Extended lane keeping assist
• Blindspot detection 

Upgrade to top-spec La Première and the Premium Safety Pack is fitted, including: 

• Advanced Safety Pack
• Active blindspot detection
• Speed limit recognition and recommendation
• DS Drive Assist (adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function, active lane keeping assist)
• High-beam assist