Used DS DS 3 for sale near Crawley

CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 42.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 180
Average Price: Around £5,000

DS 3 (2026) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Distinctive styling	Very limited practicality
Impressive powertrains	Patchy interior quality
Low BIK bills on EV version	Not cheap to buy

Quick Summary

The DS 3 is a small premium crossover that prioritises style and individuality over practicality. With its distinctive design, raised ride height and fashion-led approach, it offers something different from mainstream compact SUVs. The range includes a Hybrid 145 option pairing a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric assistance, and a fully electric E-Tense variant with a 54kWh battery offering 248 miles of range. Both powertrains deliver smooth, composed driving with a comfort-focused suspension setup that prioritises refinement over sportiness.

However, the DS 3's appeal comes with significant compromises. Rear-seat space is extremely tight, making it unsuitable for families with children or bulky child seats, whilst the 350-litre boot is small with a high load lip and awkward folding rear seats. Interior quality is inconsistent, and the premium pricing sits uncomfortably between mainstream rivals and genuine luxury brands. That said, company car drivers considering the E-Tense electric version will benefit from exceptionally low BIK tax bills, making it a financially sensible choice despite its practical limitations.

Best for: Style-conscious buyers prioritising design and individuality, company car drivers seeking low tax bills with the E-Tense, and those willing to sacrifice practicality for premium aesthetics.

Not ideal for: Families needing rear-seat space or boot capacity, budget-conscious buyers, or those seeking the best all-round small SUV value.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the DS 3 if: You prioritise distinctive styling and individuality, are a company car driver seeking low tax bills with the E-Tense, or value premium aesthetics over practicality.

Consider alternatives if: You need rear-seat space or boot capacity, are budget-conscious, or seek the best all-round small SUV value.

Competitive Position: The DS 3 occupies an awkward middle ground in the small SUV market. Whilst its distinctive design and impressive powertrains are genuinely appealing, it's outperformed by the Ford Puma in nearly every objective measure, including expert and user ratings. The Audi Q2 offers better premium credentials at a similar price point, whilst the Volkswagen T-Cross provides superior practicality at lower cost. The DS 3's real strength lies in its unique styling and the E-Tense's company car tax advantages, making it a niche choice rather than a mainstream recommendation. For most buyers, rivals offer better value and practicality.

Read our full DS 3 Review

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