Test of the first electric car from DS Automobiles - DS 3 Crossback E-Tense
Elegant at first sight
At first glance, the DS 3 offers a very extravagant look, and in a good way. For drivers who like to be different and want to be special on the road, this is a great choice. The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense in the 100% electric version features a matt chrome DS Wings radiator grille, a grey and black intake grille, the E-Tense signature as well as a distinctive rear bumper. Exclusive 18-inch Kyoto aluminium wheels and a new Cristal Pearl body colour are available. When you add to that the absolutely silent operation and compact dimensions, it's hard to resist this beauty. I liked it when it was first introduced and it grew on me even more during the week-long test.
The interior of the car is equally impressive and, as was the case with the DS 7, we can find diamond patterns, which also appear directly in the brand's logo. The design of the infotainment system with its 10.3-inch display and the digital instrument cluster is also impressive. As soon as you sit down, you'll be surprised by the very comfortable high-density foam seats. The premium acoustic design ensures exceptional comfort and sound insulation. Further benefits include the many new equipment features for Level 2 DS Drive Assist autonomous driving, the new-generation DS Matrix LED Vision headlamps or the retractable door handles, which, thanks to hands-free access, extend as soon as you approach the car.
The shock absorbers also do a very good job, and you'll be able to drive over a pothole without being noticed. The steering itself is simple and intuitive, and the car will be most at home in the city, although it can handle longer motorway journeys with ease. The DS brand is literally trying to embody French luxury know-how in the automotive industry, and I have to say it's succeeding.
No compromise
Unlike other contemporary cars, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is built on a platform designed to be equally efficient for both internal combustion engines and electric motor/battery arrangements. This configuration represents a new chapter in the automotive industry, replacing electric cars on inconvenient platforms where batteries take up space in the cabin or boot, while at the same time being completely different to all-electric cars with basic equipment and spartan comfort. Cabin space and boot volume are the same as the combustion engine version. In fact, the 220-litre battery is located under the car's floor.
Thanks to its dimensions, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense offers five full-size seats, the length of the car is 412 cm and the boot volume remains 350 litres, making it one of the best in its class. The WLTP range of 320 kilometres (430 kilometres according to NEDC methodology) is maximised thanks to the experience gained in Formula E in terms of regenerative braking and the use of a heat pump. It is also helped by an efficient heating solution and keeping the battery at optimum operating temperature, even in cold weather.
The interestingly designed DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is equipped with a 100 kW (136 hp) engine and a 50 kWh battery. The battery can be recharged to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes at the 100 kW charging station.
Charging the electric car
The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense with a 100 kW engine and a 50 kWh battery can be charged to 100% in 5 hours via the home wallbox and to 80% in 30 minutes at the 100 kW fast terminal. What's more, thanks to zero emissions, you can also park in Prague's blue zones for free, not to mention that you don't even have to pay a vignette, for example.
In addition, the DS brand, in cooperation with its partner Prague Energy (PRE), has prepared a special offer for its E-Tense customers, which will make the use of DS electric and hybrid cars more convenient and easier for customers from all over the Czech Republic. PRE operates a network of 82 PREpoint public charging stations throughout the Czech Republic, with the largest number in Prague and its surroundings. There are also public PRE stations in Ostrava, Brno, Pardubice, České Budějovice, Plzeň and other cities.
Interior viewPhoto: Foto: se souhlasem Juana Calderóna
"The DS dealer first discusses with the customer their needs, current options and wishes regarding charging their new E-Tense car. Then, upon request, we will send a specialized PRE technician to the desired location (home, workplace) to check the customer's real situation. The PRE specialist will either confirm that the client can safely recharge from the existing connections, or prepare a proposal for a solution, including adjustments to the power supply, circuit breakers, necessary wiring and possible installation of a reinforced socket or DS wallbox for faster recharging. At the same time, when taking delivery of a new DS E-TENSE car, the customer receives the first month of unlimited charging at PRE public charging stations free of charge as a bonus, and then for the next 11 months he can draw a credit of CZK 400 excluding VAT/month for charging at PRE public charging stations," says Petr Holubec on behalf of PRE.
This monthly credit is sufficient for 3 public charging of DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE (from zero to full capacity). The rate of CZK 2.50 excluding VAT per kWh is very advantageous in this case and is equally advantageous for any further charging of the customer's DS beyond this credit. The customer with the E-TENSE car therefore also receives a DS/PRE charging chip with the above benefits for the entire first year of the car's operation. If the customer likes this possibility of charging at PRE public stations, he can of course use the chip in the following years, but this is up to the customer and his agreement with PRE.
The car I tested had a two-tone body with a black roofPhoto: Foto: se souhlasem Juana Calderóna
A few words in conclusion
The 100% electric car with 136 hp is sold in the Czech Republic for CZK 1,045,000 in the So Chic trim version or for CZK 1,125,000 in the Grand Chic version. If you would like to see this beauty in person and maybe even take a ride in it, you have the opportunity at the DS Automobiles showroom in Prague or Ostrava.
