Used Citroen DS3 for sale nearClacton-on-sea

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 130
Average Price: Around £2,900

Citroen 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 Citroen DS3 (2010-2018) is a striking and stylish supermini that stands out from the crowd with its distinctive design, featuring a gaping grille, boomerang front LEDs, and a shark's fin B-pillar. The interior is equally appealing, with soft-touch materials and funky design touches that elevate it above rivals. A convertible version, the DS3 Cabrio, is also available, featuring a full-length sunroof rather than a fully retractable roof. The DS brand became independent from Citroen in 2015, with the car undergoing a simultaneous facelift.

The DS3 offers a 285-litre boot, comparable to a Ford Fiesta, though practicality is compromised by a three-door-only body style, restrictive rear legroom, and cramped rear access. Early models came with 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines, whilst later versions featured efficient 1.2-litre three-cylinder Puretech engines. Diesel options include 1.6-litre HDi engines delivering strong acceleration and exceptional fuel economy. Running costs are low, with petrol engines achieving 35-40mpg and diesel variants reaching mid-50s mpg in real-world driving. The driving experience is underwhelming, with vague steering, an uncomfortable ride, and high motorway noise levels making longer journeys tiresome. However, the more powerful engines provide spirited performance, and the DS3 offers considerable panache for the money.

Best for: Style-conscious buyers seeking a distinctive supermini with a premium feel, those valuing eye-catching design and a fashionable interior, and drivers wanting spirited performance from turbocharged petrol engines.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising comfort on longer journeys, those needing spacious rear seating, or drivers seeking engaging handling comparable to a MINI Hatch.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the DS3 if: You prioritise distinctive styling and a premium interior, seek a supermini with personality and panache, or desire spirited performance from turbocharged engines without premium pricing.

Consider alternatives if: You value comfort on longer journeys, require spacious rear seating, or prioritise engaging handling and refinement over style.

Competitive Position: The Citroen DS3 (2010-2018) is a compelling choice for style-conscious buyers seeking a supermini with genuine character. Whilst it trails the Peugeot 208 and MINI Hatch in expert ratings and the Peugeot 208 in user satisfaction, the DS3 excels in delivering distinctive design and a fashionable interior at an accessible price point. Its strong user rating of 4.8 out of 5 reflects genuine appeal amongst owners. However, the harsh ride and limited rear practicality mean it's less suitable for those prioritising comfort or family functionality. For buyers willing to overlook these compromises in favour of style and personality, the DS3 offers exceptional value and panache that few rivals can match at this price.

Read our full Citroen DS3 Review

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