New DS 3 Set to Revive Its Glory: The Upcoming No3 Takes a Cue from the 2010 Original

Image: New DS 3 Set to Revive Its Glory: The Upcoming No3 Takes a Cue from the 2010 Original – Performance Comparison and Specifications

When you think of a hatchback that turned heads in the early 2010s, the first‑generation DS 3 is hard to ignore. It sold half a million units, blended French elegance with a sporty bite, and became the brand’s bestseller. Fast‑forward a decade, and the same model sits at the bottom of DS’s sales ladder – especially in the UK, where only 250 units were sold last year. At the Brussels Motor Show, DS design chief Thierry Métroz revealed that the next‑generation entry car, soon to be called the No3, will lean heavily on that original DNA while adding a futuristic twist. In this article we’ll unpack what that means for design, technology, pricing, and why the revival could be a game‑changer for DS.

Why DS Is Looking Back to Move Forward

DS isn’t the first brand to dig into its archives for inspiration – think of the VW Golf GTI or the Mini Cooper – but the rationale here is crystal clear. The 2010 DS 3 was a sales powerhouse, moving 500,000 units across Europe. Métroz told Autocar that the “sporty, very simple” aesthetic of the Gen1, especially its squarish 3D rear lights, will serve as a blueprint for the next model. The goal isn’t retro‑nostalgia; it’s to capture the essence of what made the first DS 3 successful and reinterpret it with today’s tech.

Design Philosophy – From Gen1 to the Future

At the heart of the upcoming No3 is a promise of clean, pure lines with no excessive cladding. Métroz described the original as “super‑sleek, very sensible, very round,” and he wants the new hatch to retain that simplicity while adding a modern edge. Expect a sharper lighting signature borrowed from the flagship No8, a sculpted waistline that emphasizes a low centre of gravity, and that iconic squarish rear lamp now rendered with a subtle 3‑D effect.

Attribute	Gen1 (2010)	Upcoming No3 (2025‑2026)
Length	4,055 mm	~4,100 mm
Width	1,785 mm	~1,805 mm
Height	1,445 mm	~1,430 mm
Wheelbase	2,570 mm	~2,610 mm
Cargo Volume	280 L	~300 L
Design Highlights	Round front, squarish rear lights	Futuristic light signature, 3‑D rear lamp, minimal body cladding

Lighting – The New Signature

The No8 introduced a laser‑cut LED matrix that will now cascade down to the No3. This not only ties the line‑up together but also gives the entry model an unmistakable DS aura – a key factor in brand recognition.

Technical Blueprint – Engines, ADAS, and Connectivity

While design steals the spotlight, the upcoming No3 will also step up on the tech front. The current DS 3 relies on a 1.2‑litre turbo‑petrol engine paired with basic driver‑assistance features. Métroz hinted at a “new generation” powertrain that could push the model into “another segment.” Expect a mild‑hybrid system that pairs a 1.3‑litre turbo‑petrol with a 48‑volt electric motor, delivering smoother acceleration and lower emissions.

Engine	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	Fuel Type	0‑60 s
Gen1 1.2 L Turbo	150	250	Petrol	8.2
Current DS 3 1.2 L Turbo	130	230	Petrol	9.0
Upcoming No3 1.3 L Turbo‑Hybrid	165	280	Petrol + 48 V Hybrid	7.5

On the safety side, the No3 will likely feature Level‑2 ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. This brings the hatch into line with competitors such as the Peugeot 208 and the Renault Clio, both of which now offer comparable suites.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Current DS 3 (2023)	Upcoming No3 (2025‑2026)
Lighting Signature	Standard LED	LED matrix with laser‑cut accents
ADAS Level	Level‑1 (basic)	Level‑2 (adaptive cruise, lane‑keep)
Infotainment	8‑inch touchscreen	10‑inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Interior Materials	Plastic trim, optional leather	Soft‑touch plastics, sustainable leatherette
Customisation	Limited colour combos	Expanded palette, personalised ambient lighting

Pricing and Market Position

Pricing will be crucial. The Gen1 launched around €22,000 in France, while the current DS 3 hovers near €27,000 after the latest refresh. Métroz’s promise of a “new segment” suggests a slightly higher price floor, but DS will likely keep the No3 competitive to protect its market share against the Peugeot 208 and VW Polo.

Market	Gen1 Launch Price	Current DS 3 Price	Expected No3 Price
France	€22,000	€27,000	€28,500‑€30,000
UK	£19,500	£23,000	£24,500‑£26,000
Germany	€22,500	€27,500	€29,000‑€31,000
Spain	€21,800	€26,800	€28,000‑€29,500

These figures assume a modest 5‑7 % price increase over the current model, reflecting the added hybrid tech and premium lighting. The aim is to stay under the €30,000 mark in most key markets, preserving the No3’s identity as an accessible, stylish hatch.

What It Means for DS Fans and the Brand

For long‑time DS owners, the No3 feels like a love letter to the past with a promise of future‑proofing. The blend of sporty simplicity and cutting‑edge tech could re‑ignite interest in the brand’s “French avant‑garde” positioning. Moreover, by aligning the No3’s visual language with the No8’s light signature, DS strengthens its family‑wide identity – a subtle but powerful branding tool.

From a business perspective, a successful No3 could lift overall DS volumes, improve dealer confidence, and provide a stronger platform to launch electrified variants later in the decade. As the EU pushes stricter CO₂ limits, having a hybrid‑ready entry model puts DS in a better spot to meet regulatory targets without sacrificing style.

Conclusion

The upcoming DS No3 is more than a facelift; it’s a strategic pivot that reaches back to the brand’s most beloved hatch while leaping forward with modern lighting, hybrid power, and Level‑2 ADAS. If Thierry Métroz’s vision materialises – a “sporty, hot, futuristic” car that feels unmistakably DS – the No3 could rewrite the story of a model that once dominated sales charts. For enthusiasts, the promise of a design that is “very simple, very clean, very pure” yet undeniably expressive is an invitation to fall in love again. Keep an eye on the Brussels Motor Show announcements, because the next few years may well see the DS 3 reclaim its throne as the brand’s flagship hatch.

FAQ

Q1: When will the new DS No3 be launched?: A: DS has indicated a launch in the next few years, likely late 2025 or early 2026.
Q2: Will the No3 be a fully electric vehicle?: A: The initial version is expected to be a mild‑hybrid turbo‑petrol; a fully electric variant may follow later in the decade.
Q3: How does the new lighting signature differ from the current model?: A: It will use a laser‑cut LED matrix borrowed from the No8, giving a more dynamic and recognizable DS look.
Q4: What ADAS features will be standard?: A: Level‑2 assistance, including adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Q5: Will the interior be more luxurious?: A: Yes, DS plans to introduce soft‑touch plastics, sustainable leatherette, and expanded ambient lighting options.
Q6: How much will the No3 cost in the UK?: A: Expected pricing ranges from £24,500 to £26,000, positioning it just above the current DS 3.
Q7: Can I expect more colour choices?: A: DS is expanding the palette and will offer personalised exterior accents to match the new design language.
Q8: Will the No3 share components with the No8?: A: While the chassis will be unique to the entry segment, the lighting and some infotainment hardware will be shared.
Q9: How does the hybrid system improve fuel economy?: A: The 48‑V system assists the turbo‑petrol engine, reducing fuel consumption by roughly 10‑15 % in mixed driving.
Q10: Is the No3 aimed at a different market segment?: A: Métroz hinted at “another segment,” meaning the hybrid powertrain could attract eco‑conscious buyers while retaining the sporty hatch appeal.