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Which used DS 3 / Citroen DS3 should you buy?

In 2016, Citroen took the decision to spin off its range of posh DS cars as a standalone brand. So what had previously been the Citroen DS3 became the DS 3.

Both the DS 3 and Citroen DS3 are good-looking small cars that were envisioned as rivals to upmarket urban runabouts like the MINI Hatchback and Germany’s Audi A1. As such, they come with well-equipped interiors.

These days, few Citroen DS3 models appear in the small ads for sale. The DS variants are more common, including those badged DS 3 Crossback, on sale from 2018 to 2022, which had SUV styling cues. 

Whatever version you choose, the car will come with a sporty suspension set-up. However, the trade-off for that is the ride can be a bit firm over bumpy roads.

Read our full DS 3 review

 

What used DS 3 / Citroen DS3 trim levels are available?

Because the car has been around for a while, and worn both Citroen and DS badging, the trim levels can be slightly confusing. Read on as we explain the key specifications.

Citroen DS3 DSign

Before the trim levels were changed during its rebranding as a DS instead of a Citroen, the Citroen D3 DSign spec was the entry-level grade. This DS3 didn’t come with air-conditioning, but did offer:

  • Cruise control
  • Remote central locking
  • Electric front windows
  • Front, side and curtain airbags
  • 16-inch alloy wheels

Citroen DS3 DStyle

The mid-range Citroen DS3 DStyle model helped give the already stylish car a bit more of a distinctive look over the base Citroen DS3 DSign model. Air-conditioning was a welcome addition to the kit list.

  • Redesigned wheels
  • Daytime running lights
  • Bluetooth
  • Air-conditioning

Citroen DS3 DSport

Sitting at the top of the Citroen DS3 pecking order, Citroen DS3 DSport models come with all the kit you’ll find on Citroen DS3 DSign and Citroen DS3 DStyle cars, plus some desirable extras, detailed below.

  • Automatic air-conditioning
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Chrome exhaust pipes
  • Roof spoiler
  • Artificial carbon fibre trim

DS 3 Chic

When the Citroen DS3 became the DS 3 in 2016, the entry-level Citroen DS3 DSign trim was replaced by the DS 3 Chic spec. By and large, all of the equipment you’ll find on Citroen DS3 DSign cars was carried over, plus some extra kit was added. There was also a DS 3 Connected Chic version, which threw in even more tech.

  • Air-conditioning
  • Seven-inch touchscreen media system 
  • Digital radio
  • Automatic air-conditioning (Connected Chic models)
  • Android Auto (Connected Chic models)
  • Apple CarPlay (Connected Chic models)

     

DS 3 Elegance

The DS 3 Elegance was a mid-range trim level, and a small step up spec-wise from the DS 3 Chic. Additional equipment included: 

  • LED foglights
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Higher quality cloth upholstery

DS 3 Prestige

The next rung up the trim level ladder is the DS 3 Prestige, which has a few more creature comforts over the DS 3 Chic and the DS 3 Elegance. Among the standard features are:

  • Part-leather upholstery
  • Heated wing mirrors
  • Automatic windscreen wipers
  • Front parking sensors

DS 3 Performance Line

Much like the Citroen DS3 DSport trim, the DS 3’s Performance Line spec is there to give the car a bit of a performance-oriented makeover. This version comes with a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, a subtle roof spoiler and various DS Performance graphics inside and out. Even the carpets are specific to this spec of DS 3.

  • Leather-wrapped sports steering wheel
  • Roof spoiler
  • DS Performance graphics
  • Unique carpeting
  • 17-inch alloy wheels

DS 3 Performance

Do not confuse the DS 3 Performance hot hatch with the DS 3 Performance Line. The former is a standalone model with a potent engine, and some other upgrades.

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Brembo brakes
  • Black wheelarch extensions

Is a used DS 3 / Citroen DS3 a good buy?

Both the DS 3 and Citroen DS3 are attractive, upmarket small cars that found favour with buyers because of their undoubted sense of style.

They’re not the most spacious, though. While the driver and front seat passenger are well catered for, adults in the back may feel a bit hemmed in.

That said, there’s enough room there for children and occasional adult passenger use, and luggage capacity is reasonable for a car of this size.

If you’re after a smart, sophisticated small car, the DS 3 is definitely worth a look.