DS3

Real-time fun in an electric mode

The DS3 Crossback now comes with an electric drivetrain, called the E-Tense, which was launched last year. It’s an all-electric B-segment SUV that’s offered with the same electric set-up as our current Small EV Car of the Year, the Peugeot e-208.

The PSA Group is deadly serious about EVs and the electric drivetrain of DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is a 100kW (136hp) electric motor with 260Nm of torque, linked to a 50kWh Lithium-ion battery and a system for recovering energy during deceleration and braking. The potential range is 200 miles on the WLTP cycle.

E-Tense customers can choose from pretty much the same specs as offered on petrol and diesel versions. Performance Line, Prestige, Ultra Prestige and La Premiere are the four versions available from launch, with prices starting at £30,990, for Performance Line, rising to £36,490 for La Premiere, both including the government grant.

At first glance the E-Tense looks just like a standard DS3 Crossback, but if you look a little closer you’ll notice subtle differences. E-Tense features a Pearl Crystal paint finish, satinchrome finishes, E-Tense emblems and a special rear bumper, which is missing an exhaust pipe. Inside, the 10” landscape touchscreen is a highlight and the angular electric window switches set in the centre

binnacle are also refreshingly different.

The top and front of the dashboard are nicely finished in quality plastics but lower down, on the glovebox, centre storage arm rest and door pockets, the quality isn’t as high.

It is fully loaded, equipment wise, however, with an electronic parking brake, electrically adjustable and folding door mirrors, keyless start, Hill Start Assist, automatic air conditioning and a Head Up Display.

The E-Tense rides on the same underpinnings as petrol and diesel versions of the DS 3 Crossback. In the EV version the 50kWh battery is mounted under the floor, sending drive to the front axle. With 260Nm torque; 0-62mph takes nine seconds and the top speed is 93mph.

If you can find a suitable charging station, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense can be recharged at 100kW and will go from zero to 80% full in 30 minutes. If you have a 7.2kWh home charger, then this will take a little longer, around five hours. The single phase 7kW on-board charger will be the standard offering for the UK market. Additionally, the car can be charged from a standard domestic socket, but it’s very, very slow and not recommended.

We took the E-Tense out for a couple of hours to see how it drives. Our route took in city centre driving, 36 miles of motorway and some country lanes and B roads. It does feel heavy compared to it’s fossil-fuel brethren. But, as with the e-208, the extra 300kg of battery weight is in the floor of the car, so it doesn’t feel unbalanced. Although it rides well on good and average surfaces, that extra weight means it tends to sink lower into ruts in the road and struggles over poor surfaces, which in turn send a few shudders into the cabin.

Despite this grumble, the E-Tense is fitted with what is currently one of the best electric powertrains out there. In our first hour we drove in Eco mode. It offers just 80bhp but even on the motorway, this was enough power for decent cruising. At an average of 70mph the range does go down faster than if you were driving in town, so do bear that in mind. CC&V RATING: N N N N