Elegant design, intuitive comfort and modern technology are what make the DS 3 Crossback stand out from the crowd.
The DS 3 Crossback was recently introduced by local DS automobiles distributor Grand Motors, and takes a refreshed approach to its performance with a more robust powerhouse and the promise of driving comfortably and in style.
The DS 3 was originally branded as the Citroën DS3 when it was first introduced in 2009 but discarded the iconic French brand Citroën name when it was given a refreshed new look in 2016.
Now, under the luxurious DS Automobile brand, the DS3 is identifiable at first glance as a premium, compact SUV, with its moderate length of 4.12m, broad on-road stance and large wheels (690mm, 18-inch), as well as its ground clearance.
“The DS 3 Crossback is the essence of the DS: sophistication and technology, in a more compact frame. It marks a decisive stage in our deployment and growth as a brand,” said Senior Vice President for Products, DS Automobiles Eric Apode.
The Beauty with a French accent
Beautifully cut and captivating from every angle from its curvaceous silhouette to its large wheels, the DS 3 Crossback truly stands out with its avant-garde style and striking design.
At the front, the DS wings form a finely chiseled setting for the sculpted, vertical lines of the emblematic DS grille.
The eye-catching design language flows through the vertical LED Daytime Running Lights with its pearl-like design and its unique DS Matrix LED Vision headlights, giving the luxury compact SUV even more character.
The rear sits squarely on the road, its broad, powerful shoulders striking an evocative note of imposing style. It is also elegant with a high-tech rear light signature spanning the entire width through a strip featuring the “CROSSBACK” name.
With an alluring and charismatic design that would attract the younger generation, the compact SUV also comes in nine unique colours: Polar White, Artense Grey, Platinum Grey, Perla Nera Black, Pearlescent White, Ruby Red, Whisper Purple, Millenium Blue and Imperial Gold.
The SUV further antes up the exterior with its two-tone colour scheme that is available in a variety of striking colours giving the car a distinct look.
Interior: luxury and comfort for all
The DS 3 Crossback on the inside is equally as stunning as on the outside.
The attention-to-detail, distinctive style and the high-quality feel of each accessory reveal the very essence of the French premium brand.
The first thing you will notice is the diamond-themed details that echo the DS Automobile brand emblem from the touch controls to the two central air vents giving the cabin a luxurious feel to it.
Once seated in the DS 3 Crossback, the cabin makes all the occupants feel at home as the seating ergonomics on the car are comfortably suited for both driver and passengers.
The French brand has put the emphasis on comfort at every stage; the seats are softly trimmed and have incorporated double density foam using an innovative treatment to give a base that is enveloping and high quality.
The cabin instantly gives an impression of protection and spaciousness, with a height position that gives the feeling of dominating the road, as well as a central console and warm materials.
From the driver’s side, the hugging bucket seats are wonderfully comfortable for long-distance adventures. Its design is well contoured to provide good lower back and hip support.
The body-hugging driver and passenger seats feature innovative bi-density foam for greater quality, without forgetting the electric control and heating functions.
Boosting the quality and affluent interior feel is the quiet cabin.
When the vehicle starts moving, the excellent NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) isolation provides a pleasant and comfortable escape from the loud and hectic traffic outside.
Furthermore, the compact SUV offers plenty of technology and comfort creatures for all passengers to enjoy.
At the heart of the cabin is a seamlessly 10.3-inch entertainment screen in HD format (the largest in its class) that comes with a seamless smartphone integration compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto.
Composed and confident on the road
The Bruneian team had a chance to test out the full performance and capability of the vehicle.
On the road from the Simpur Herbal Cafe at UBD to Batches Coffee in Bandar, the compact SUV demonstrated immense poise and refinement.
As for performance, the DS 3 Crossback is powered by 1.2-litre PureTech engine making the driving experience smooth yet powerful thanks to its turbocharge.
A city car and a road car by nature, the DS 3 is the first car to feature the latest upgrade of PureTech with a 155hp petrol engine mated to the EAT8 (Efficient Automatic Transmission with 8-speeds). A powertrain built for performance and pleasure.
During our journey along the Tungku highway, the compact SUV provides an enthusiastic acceleration combined with impressive sharp handling and agility on the road.
Composed and confident on the road, both the steering and braking on the vehicle build confidence in driving.
The brakes are excellently calibrated while the pedal provides a good feel and controlled fashion.
The luxury SUV also rides very well over any kind of road from tight curves to potholes around the Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha area.
Whether you are cruising around the city or on a long road trip to Miri, the DS 3 proved itself ready for action regardless of the destination.
Driving the DS 3 Crossback, in addition to its strong performance, drivers can feel confident that the compact SUV has an array of safety features including 8 airbags, Active Blind Spot Detection, Speed Limit Recognition, Lane Keeping Assist and many more.
In terms of safety, the DS 3 Crossback sets new standard in its class with this range of advanced safety features, going beyond the requirements for 5* in the Euro NCAP protocol.
One of the highlighted add-on features that the all-new DS 3 offers is the Active City Brake, a new generation of emergency braking which is able to identify cyclists, pedestrians, even at night.
All in all, the versatile DS 3 Crossback is the perfect blend of French refined craftsmanship, comfort and practicality all wrapped in one unique package.
Head over to their showroom in Beribi to have a closer look at the new generation luxury SUV, DS 3 Crossback. For more details, visit their Instagram @dsbrunei and Facebook.
This article was first published on 18 June 2022 in our Weekly Epaper issue 198 |
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
