DS 3 Crossback E-tense

Upmarket French brand’s small SUV goes electric with mixed results On sale Now Price from £33,990

IF THE IDEA of a small electric SUV appeals and you’re used to the finer things in life, the DS 3 Crossback E-tense is aimed right up your boulevard. It uses the same battery and electric motor as our favourite small electric car, the Peugeot e-208, but clothes them with a taller, plusher and very distinctive body.

It’s no slouch, either; the figures say that 0-62mph takes a brisk 8.7sec, but it feels quicker than that off the line. And although this acceleration tails off as you reach motorway speeds, you’re never left wanting.

It doesn’t take long to realise that this isn’t a remotely sporty SUV, though. Its soft suspension causes it to lean heavily in corners, and although there’s plenty of grip, its rather ponderous feel means you won’t savour the driving experience on a challenging country road.

BUYER’S FILE

Roads like these can also highlight the flaws with the E-tense’s ride. It initially feels comfortable, with a classically French waftiness that makes for pleasant motorway cruising. Unfortunately, though, potholes, expansion joints and other sharp shocks send a thump and occasional shimmy through the car, and undulating roads can cause it to float and wallow somewhat at speed. The official range is 206 miles; we managed around 140 during our test, which included some motorway driving. As for refinement, the motor itself is always quiet, but you’ll notice a fair bit of wind noise and plenty of road noise on coarse surfaces.

At first glance the interior looks pretty plush, with leather or Alcantara suede on the dashboard, squishy plastics and attractive trims,

DS 3 Crossback E-tense La Premiere

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Engine Power Torque Gearbox 0-62mph Range CO2, tax band

FIRST DRIVE but it doesn’t take long before you find plastics that are no better than those in the cheaper e-208. It also feels a bit style over substance in places; the touch-sensitive infotainment shortcut buttons are a faff to use and the system’s graphics and reactions aren’t the sharpest. And, while space up front is fine, the rear seats offer very little leg room, although the boot is usefully bigger than the e-208’s.

The E-tense is the best DS 3, because it’s quieter than the regular car and has a decent range, but it just isn’t worth the extra over the e-208. And the far longer-range Kia e-niro is a better electric SUV.