DS3 Crossback ruled out for Australia

PSA Group’s premium brand DS has ripped the covers off its DS3 Crossback small SUV that will be offered with petrol, diesel and all-electric powertrains when it launches globally in 2019.

 

Peugeot Citroen Australia (PCA) says that it currently has no plans to reintroduce the DS brand to Australia, and will instead be focusing on the Peugeot and Citroen brands for the immediate future.

 

However PSA head of operations for the India-Pacific region Emmanuel Delay has previously told GoAuto that the brand would likely launch here once the Peugeot and Citroen brands gain traction under new distributor Inchcape.

 

When the car launches globally next year, it will be offered with a range of powertrains, including an all-electric version producing 100kW/260Nm.

 

The DS3 Crossback E-Tense employs a 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack that allows for more than 300km of driving range under the WLTP test cycle, up to 450km on the NEDC cycle.

 

It covers the zero to 100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds, while a full charge takes five hours via an 11kW wall box, with 80 per cent of charge recuperated in 30 minutes.

 

Three 1.2-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engines will be offered including a new version that will output 116kW. The other two petrol engines output 96kW/230Nm and 81kW/205Nm, respectively. All are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

 

One 1.5-litre turbo-diesel mill is also available, producing 74kW/250Nm.

 

The DS3 Crossback ushers in new styling, starting with funky LED matrix headlights comprising of three LED modules for low-beam use and a matrix beam module for high beam, which can switch off gradually to avoid dazzling other road users.

 

DS’s large front grille is on display, while the rear features a rounded tailgate and flanks, with slimline tail-lights connected by a chrome strip that runs across the tailgate.

 

Other highlights include door handles that sit flush against the sheet metal, 18-inch alloy wheels with 10 different themes, 10 body colours and three roof colours. Five different theme packs are available that mix and match different colours and materials inside and outside the car.

 

True to the brand, the DS3 Crossback features a funky interior layout with an eye-catching diamond-patterned button cluster and air-conditioning vent configuration.

 

A fully digital instrument cluster and head-up display is offered, while the infotainment system is projected onto a 10.3-inch touchscreen display, which DS says is the largest in its class.

 

Nappa leather and Alcantara feature throughout, while the brand has made an effort to keep noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels down with greater soundproofing. A 515W 12-speaker Focal sound system developed specially for the vehicle is also included.

 

Active safety features include autonomous emergency braking with stop and go, lane keep assist, parking assistant and traffic sign recognition. Eight airbags are fitted as standard.

 

Built on PSA Group’s new Common Modular Platform that will underpin the next-generation Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, the DS3 Crossback measures 4118mm long, 1791mm wide and 1534mm tall with a 2558mm wheelbase. Luggage space is rated at 352 litres.

 

The new platform is lighter than previous generations by an average of 40kg, and was selected as it can fit the electric powertrain for the E-Tense without having to compromise space in other areas.

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