In just a year’s time, DS will become one of the first global car makers to ditch combustion engines entirely and become an electric-only brand.
It will spark what’s set to be a huge change in direction for the French firm, an unknown entity among most of the British public, many of whom still see it as part of the Citroën brand – despite emancipation papers signed almost eight years ago.
Ahead of its big push, it’s looking to change that, with a mid-life refresh of its smallest model, the DS 3, arriving with an electric powertrain that it hopes will strike a chord with new customers.
Continuing to compete in the hugely competitive electric compact crossover class, the 3 E-Tense will look to beat rivals such as the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric with its premium positioning, tempting customers with a comfy ride, a plush interior and, for now at least, a bit more exclusivity.
The 3 E-Tense is the first car to use Stellantis’s new 154bhp electric motor (up 20bhp on the old one), which has been engineered to be quieter at lower speeds.
It’s fed by the same 54kWh (51kWh usable) battery as found in the new Vauxhall Mokka Electric, which gives it a range of 250 miles – 48 miles more than before, thanks to the extra 4kWh of capacity.
It can be charged by a 100kW charger from 10-80% in just 30 minutes or in five-and-a-half hours by an 11kW wallbox.