DS 3 Performance

Small but packing a proper punch, our DS makes light work of the city

FFOUR MONTHS IN AND I THINK I’VE cracked it. A car with so many ‘luxury’ trappings may not be the most confidence-inspiring hatch on a rough country lane, but I’ve found the DS rather enjoyable on London’s city streets. It’s fast, it’s fun and, parked amongst the capital’s supercar elite, also far more infrequent a sight than something like a 488 GTB, albeit not quite as special (sorry DS).

For those of you lucky enough to enjoy some of Britain’s best B-roads on a daily basis, I look on with envy, but for people like me, who live in a big city and have a passion for cars, the urban environment becomes something of a playground. And what better way to enjoy the narrow, twisty streets than in an infinitely accessible hot hatch?

This probably sounds ridiculous given that ‘ the thrill of driving’ doesn’t exactly conjure up images of traffic lights, congestion zones and parallel parking, but there are many more moments of quiet satisfaction than you might expect. When you get into a rhythm with the DS 3 Performance, the experience can be genuinely fulfulling. This car is quick – too quick for London, of course, but that sense of urgency, facilitated by eager throttle response from a torquey engine and backed up by grippy Michelin Super Sport tyres, just seems very well suited to the urban realm.

You could easily make the case that the DS 3 Performance is massively overqualified for city streets. After all, a limited-slip diff does little to improve the experience of turning left at 8mph, but it’s still pleasing to be in something focused for those gloomy commutes: the outside lane opens up on Park Lane and you drop into second gear and launch from 20 to 40mph with an aggressive lunge that an ‘ordinary’ car couldn’t replicate… OK, who am I kidding? I need to get back to the B660.

Like all hot hatches, this DS is a car to be taken seriously, but it can also be enjoyed in any scenario. Even the worst place to drive in the UK.