CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 59.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 120
Average Price: Around £3,000

Citroën DS3 (2010-2018) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Sporty looks stand out among bland rivals	The ride is harsh and uncomfortable
The stylish cabin lifts the DS3 above the norm	Rear seats are hard to reach and short on legroom
Strong performance from the more powerful engines	Cabriolet is more of a hatchback with a full-length sunroof

Quick Summary

The Citroën DS3 (2010-2018) is a striking-looking supermini that launched to critical acclaim, featuring a distinctive gaping grille, boomerang front LEDs, and a shark's fin B-pillar. Available as a hatchback or Cabriolet (with a full-length sunroof rather than a fully retractable roof), the DS3 stands out visually amongst bland rivals. The interior is stylish with soft-touch materials and funky design touches, though practicality is compromised by tiny storage compartments and a 285-litre boot. Rear access is difficult due to the three-door-only body style and restrictive legroom, whilst dinky rear windows hinder visibility and reversing.

The DS3 offers agile handling with plenty of grip, though the vague steering lacks engagement compared to rivals like the MINI. Early models featured 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines, whilst later versions offered fizzier 1.2-litre three-cylinder Puretech engines and 1.6-litre HDi diesels delivering strong acceleration and exceptional fuel economy. However, the ride is uncomfortable, road noise at motorway speeds is high, and gearchanges are notchy. Running costs are low, with diesel engines achieving mid-50s mpg in real-world driving and petrol engines returning 35-40mpg. Servicing is affordable through independent garages or Citroën dealers, with reasonable parts costs.

Best for: Style-conscious buyers seeking a visually distinctive supermini, those prioritising cabin design and aesthetics, and drivers wanting strong performance from turbocharged or diesel engines.

Not ideal for: Families needing rear seat space and comfort, buyers seeking a smooth ride and refined driving experience, or those requiring maximum practicality and storage.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the DS3 if: You prioritise style and visual distinctiveness, value a stylish cabin design, or seek strong performance from turbocharged or diesel engines at an affordable price.

Consider alternatives if: You need rear seat space and comfort, prefer a smooth ride and refined driving experience, or require maximum practicality and storage capacity.

Competitive Position: The Citroën DS3 (2010-2018) is a visually distinctive supermini that excels in style and cabin design, offering excellent value with a high percentage of good and great deals available. Whilst it may not match the MINI for handling refinement or offer the practicality of larger rivals, its striking looks, stylish interior, and strong engine options make it an appealing choice for style-conscious buyers. The DS3 delivers panache that few rivals can match at this price point, though potential buyers should be aware of a serious airbag recall affecting some vehicles.

Read our full Citroën DS3 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

Read full review