Boris.. it’s an E-tense time!
MAKING decisions or giving advice in the car world at the moment is almost impossible.
For example, there’s talk, rumour and conjecture that the Government might offer a grant for buyers of electric cars that might be as much as £6,000. France and Germany, after all, have announced similar incentive schemes.
But while this is up in the air would you order a new EV today? Imagine the double whammy of paying too much in the first place and then losing a packet when the time comes to sell. Clarity, Boris, that’s what’s needed.
Meanwhile, the flow of new battery electric vehicles onto the market continues apace. I reckon that out of every 10 new cars I test today at least one of them will be a pure EV. As is today’s subject.
This machine is the DS3 Crossback E-tense, a compact crossover from the house of PSA Group.
It joins the new e-208 and the Corsa-e, both of
Peugeot Vauxhall which we have tested and on which this weigh 350kg but weight has car is very closely linked. been saved as there’s no gearbox,
All three use the same platform, for example. albeit with the DS3 having Too many modern cars a slightly longer wheelbase. are difficult to tell apart from Like its brothers, the one another but the DS3 DS3 Crossback is available Crossback isn’t one of them. with petrol, diesel and electric The front grille is very distinctive powertrains and, indeed, all although the car’s rear versions are built on the same end is less so. Its styling will production line. split opinion and that’s a
Also, no compromise has healthy situation. been made for the EV in terms The distinctive styling continues of practicality and packaging: on the inside of the DS. you get the same size boot I hope you like diamonds regardless of whether you’re because that theme is spread putting petrol in the car or liberally all around the cabin. charging it up. What you do Our test car is in flagship get in the E-tense version of Ultra Prestige specification the DS3 is an extra 300kg of which without options fitted weight. The batteries actually costs £35,990 with the current DS3 Crossback e-tense Ultra Prestige
REAR MIRROR TASTY TOUCHES: MONSTER: Imposing. Diamond shapes
Its best angle. everywhere.
BACKSIDE BEAUTY: FAST OR LAST:
Not its best angle. Brisk in Sport
PLAYTIME PLEASER: mode but watch Classy interior. the range.
NAUGHTY NIGGLES: WONGA WONDER: View out from the Buy the cheaper trim, back isn’t brilliant. it’s still a looker. £3,000 PICG deducted. The entry level model is the £30,940 Performance Line and since that comes with a high specification that includes Alcantara trim it’s well worth a look if the price of this top level model is a bit fierce.
The DS3 E-tense shares not only its platform with its PSA brothers but also their powertrain. That means a 50kwh battery feeding a 134bhp electric motor that drives the front wheels. The range is around 200 miles, which should be sufficient for most users.
Charging from zero to 80% can be done in 30 minutes using a 100kw rapid charger.
Top speed is 93mph. There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport.
Eco gives you just 81bhp and feels sluggish. Normal serves up 107bhp and is perfect for every day driving and if you’re near home and want to sample the car’s full performance (and its ability to sprint from 0-62mph in 8.7sec) then Sport is what you need.
DS Automobiles claims that the E-tense is virtually silent on the move. It isn’t quite, as you can hear the electric motor at work and some tyre noise, but to be fair it is a pretty serene way to travel. The ride could be better, however.
This is an area that Citroen and new posh brand DS