DS 3 Hatchback (2015 - 2019) practicality

• Lowly three-star Euro NCAP rating
• Autonomous emergency braking added
• No other driver assistance tech available

Although he previous Citroen version of this car had a five-star Euro NCAP crash test score when it was tested in 2009, the revised DS 3 hatchback was re-assessed in 2017 achieving just three stars. Child occupancy and a lack of electronic safety systems hampered the result.

There are a couple of new safety systems on the new DS 3, including a low-speed automatic braking system and the SOS and Assistance Pack, which automatically calls emergency services in the event of an accident, which should boost peace of mind, too.

No other advanced driver assistance or safety systems are available, though, such as adaptive cruise control or lane-keep assist. This is where the DS 3 begins to show its age against newer rivals like the MINI Hatch.

• Decent space for four inside
• Boot well shaped and easily accessed
• Interior storage disappoints

Again, the fundamental layout of the DS 3 hasn’t changed since Citroen’s departure from the naming structure, so neither has its practicality.

There isn’t much storage in the cabin, though, and cupholders are conspicuous by their absence – the only one you’ll find is located between the front seats, but if you go for the optional armrest then it disappears. The only place you’ve got is the door bins, but they’re shallow in parts and won’t hold as much as you think.

The glovebox is laughably small too – while the lid is of a normal size, opening it reveals half is obstructed by a fuse panel.

The DS 3 is larger than something like a Fiat 500 and Vauxhall Adam, which is great for carrying passengers. You won’t struggle to park a DS 3, though – it’s still only the size of a regular supermini, and standard-fit parking sensors on the majority of models in the line-up mean there are aids to help you squeeze in. That’s a good thing, because rearward visibility can be restricted.

The boot matches some of the more spacious, more traditional superminis that aren’t all about style, showing DS hasn’t compromised with its smallest model.

You get a 285-litre boot space and 60/40-split rear seats, which is much more practical than something like the Vauxhall Adam or MINI Hatch.

If you want to load heavier items, then there’s a bit of lip to heave things over, but the rear seats do split and fold if you have any longer items to carry. Just remember they don’t fold flat and you’ll need to manoeuvre in through the front doors to access anything awkward. The good news is the doors are enormous (not so good in a tight car park).