Used DS DS 3 for sale near Darlington

CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 43.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 250
Average Price: Around £4,700

DS 3 (2023-present) 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 (2023-present) is a compact crossover SUV that has undergone several transformations, evolving from its origins as the Citroen DS3 supermini. After becoming a standalone DS model in 2015 and then a crossover (DS 3 Crossback) in 2019, it has returned to simply being the DS 3 following a 2023 facelift. It distinguishes itself with avant-garde design, a focus on luxury equipment, and aims to compete with stylish rivals such as the Vauxhall Mokka, Peugeot 2008, and Audi Q2.

Practicality is a notable drawback, offering tight rear seating and a modest 350-litre boot. On the road, it provides a reasonably composed ride and accurate steering, though it lacks the sharp agility of some competitors. Powertrain options include efficient 1.2-litre petrol engines (100bhp manual, 128bhp automatic) and an E-Tense electric variant with 153bhp, boasting an improved official range of up to 250 miles. Standard features include flush door handles, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, and comprehensive safety aids. While its new car pricing can be high, the E-Tense EV offers significant company car tax benefits, and petrol versions can achieve around 40mpg in real-world driving.

Best for: Drivers seeking distinctive styling, company car drivers interested in the E-Tense EV for low BIK, and those who appreciate a luxurious and well-equipped interior.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising maximum practicality (especially rear space and boot capacity), those on a strict budget for a new car, or those expecting class-leading agile handling.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the DS 3 if: You're looking for distinctive styling, are a company car driver considering the E-Tense EV for low BIK, or appreciate a car with a good amount of luxury kit.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise maximum practicality (especially rear space and boot capacity), are on a tight budget for a new car, or expect class-leading agile handling.

Competitive Position: The DS 3 occupies a niche in the compact crossover market with its avant-garde design and premium aspirations. While its limited practicality and higher new car price compared to some mainstream rivals are drawbacks, it offers distinctive character and decent driving dynamics. The E-Tense electric version is particularly appealing for company car drivers due to tax benefits, positioning it as an interesting, if not universally practical, alternative to more conventional offerings.

Read our full DS 3 Review

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