Possible reasons: lack of local dealerships and price (for the electric range). The styling and interior are both very good imo.

Unfortunately the DS aftercare service is awful. I have a DS 7 and my local dealership (25 miles away) has terrible customer servicing. A two month wait for a courtesy car when under warranty and trying to charge for work when within the warranty. DS make lovely cars but I will not be buying another one for the reasons stated Great review as ever 😊

As a Citroën lover, I would have no problem to take DS. Point is only where are the dealerships, because really hard to find. Promotion is also a point.

They don't advertise the brand enough in the UK.... in parts of the EU, they sell more than Lexus & Jaguar combined. And ranked 11th in reliability. We just picked up our new DS7 E - tence plug in hybrid La premier 4 x 4 360 and can honestly say it's absolutely amazing visually, huge levels of equipment, and the way it drives is superb...... a definite consideration as an alternative to the German mainstream rivals....

I got a D3 last March! I love it, get lots of questions / compliments when people see it!

Great video as always, I love DS. I just returned my DS3 La premier after 4 years and 50,000 miles on lease hire. Nothing fell off or went wrong, I averaged 50mpg and smiled after every drive. I’ve also got an E tense DS3 Ultra Prestige which is great if you can live with the range anxiety of electric which is fine with me.

Thanks for the review get mine in a couple of days ❤

You're absolutely right - it is a great car. The irrational Citreon bias is probably the reason few people buy them and indeed I suspect people rarely actually test drive or shortlist them. So they get passed by. Also people love to buy what the herd is buying so the avoidance snowballs.

Very polished review.

Drove the E-tense version last year and can confirm it's an excellent car inside and out Another top review tish Keep them coming

I've been looking at SUV's for a few weeks and this is what i'm getting because its the nicest looking, good value for money,the others were a bit cheapy inside , but I will say trying to find a dealer near me wasn't easy , and thats pretty much for most of the cars I've looked at .I can't wait to get it !

Good review tish looking good to Did like the inside of that car x

Great details, thx

Quirky in a good way and very gallic. Excellent build quality and a pleasure to drive. I owned one for just under 3 years, and recently traded it in for a Mazda. Other than the problem with dealerships -mine was 30+ miles away - would totally recommend if you've got one more local to you.

Let me put forward my theory, years ago most small towns outside the cities had one or two manufacturers dealers, there were even odd dealers in rural areas mostly for 4x4's. The remoter you got population wise the more likely you were to find dealers from the less popular brands. Now you find all dealers clustered together, mainly in cities, on dedicated estates, the dealers may represent multiple manufacturers. The outlying dealers have all but disappeared, especially in rural areas, possibly due to high operating costs and low turnover. Therefore for lesser known makes they are not promoted in a dealer whose main sales will be a different marque. It will only be punters who do their research and specifically want these vehicles who buy them, the average Joe or Jill will pass them by in a field of cars. I will bet you now if I asked 5 of my neighbours where the nearest DS dealership was I'd draw a blank. Those dealers who have remained going in outlying areas attract the locals who aren't brand conscious and possibly do well out of it, as you don't want your dealer to be 50 miles away do you?

Hi Tish a great review as ever I always liked the original DS3 and it was great you could personalise it and no two were the same but I went for the near identical c3 as I wanted 5 doors I can see what Citroen were trying to do to get back to its avantgarde past maybe the close association being badged as Citroen ds3 was a mistake and should have been DS from day one It’s a misnomer about French cars I’ve had quite a few and German cars and they are reliable but for some reason here in the UK they are laughed at and criticised including in these comments It’s a good package but could be better and it’s maybe time for replacement

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. Looks very stylish but I don’t like the design of the two rear doors as the Windows are positioned a bit too high 😊

I just bought a ds3 and it’s fabulous. For sure my next car will be Ds again. I think they don’t buy cause it’s connected to cintroen. From a point of view I like I don’t see many of them on road! 😁

Absolutely gorgeous vehicle 🚗 too bad we don’t get them here in the States 🥺😔 I love the styling inside and out.

Am guessing the top spec model would be one to die for but it’s always going to be hard to get people to buy anything that is not Japanese or Korean or even German lately

I agree with you Tish: I'ts an issue. I wouldn't ever buy a car like DS3, if I had to wonder all the time how much air pressure is coming from the door air vent..

I would have considered it if there had been a dealership locally. Accessibility to be honest. Lovely interior.

Peugeot 2008 in a different wrapper. As is the Opel/Vauxhall Crossland and the Citroen C3 Aircross. For a student of marketing strategy (if not automotive engineering) the differentiation of the Stellantis group product range is an interesting case in point. It looks like the “DS Automobiles” was created (borrowing the name of the legendary Citroen “goddess” which probably has most resonance in its home market) as an attempt to distance it from Citroen and Peugeot and create a new and wholly upmarket brand name to which to add bells and whistles to justify price differentiation.

Currently renting one from Avis while on holiday in Gran Canaria. Aircon works quite well and driving is okay; I find the automatic gearbox a bit sluggish at times. Integration with my iPhone is easy and works well, but what if I was here with a phone for which the roaming would be expensive and there doesn’t seem like to be any built-in navigation? Why I would never buy it: 1. It lacks a rear view camera for reversing 2. Only 1 USB port (not USB-C either).

Brilliant reviewer - so comprehensive| 😀😀

And yet...driving from Horsham to Wymondham ( the Norfolk one), last week, we saw more than a half-dozen of the things. They look bigger in the metal, and rather stylish.

Good looking wee car and i would buy one if they were to get rid of that stupid looking shark fin on the rear door. I was also considering a DS7

I have a Ds3 opera, it’s a great drive, great spec and stands out from other standard “boring” cars. I think the thing that lets DS automobiles down is lack of advertisement and lack of dealerships - I have to travel 30 plus miles (DS claimes they was DS to be exclusive)

thought it had a eyecatching front and rear BUT THAT DAFT/ WEIRD (sticky up thing for want of a better term) REAR PART ON THE SIDE WHICH WORKED OUT OKAY ON THE PREVIOUS LOWER SMALLER DS 3 HATCHBACK (now need angle grinder) .WHAT WERE THE SUITS AT DS THINKING when the new body design was presented for approval ??

Strong agree on your opinion on the x2 it’s defs over priced. Really interesting review Tish, would be a cool alternative to the norm :) snazzy alloys too 👌😂

Tish, Enjoyed the review. I think you covered the negatives sufficiently to answer your opening question of ‘why the disappointing sales figures. For me, it’s just to busy on the eye.

Are Citroen dealers able to service & undertake warranty work? Would help due to the low number of DS dealers out there.

My partner just bought one, and it’s a great car

The problem is the Citroen name plus lack of advertising/marketing over what "DS" is. I have had one Citroen and that was enough, too many niggling little problems that cost too much to fix. When the time came to change, I got offered more for p/x by a Honda dealer for a Honda than the local Citroen dealer to change for another Citroen

I was actually on the waiting list of the first generation of the EV version of this one, but ultimately decided to skip it. From the time it was announced to the time it became commercially available the decrease in cost among the competition became too large to ignore, and the lack of practicality for boot space in particular was a considerable factor too. The lack of EV efficiency was another issue, with the car not getting all that much further on it's 50 KW battery than the Ioniq I ultimately went for managed to get out of it's 28 KW battery. I like style, but not when substance has been given a very clear secondary importance.

I think this car should go on a SAFARI!😅❤

One big reason that always stands out to me. Almost zero advertising. When Cupra branched off, I saw adverts everywhere. Still do. TV adverts (including sponsorship slots before and after breaks while watching a movie on Channel 4 or whatever), radio ads, adverts online, etc. DS? I've maybe seen 2 adverts when scrolling around Google. And even then it's probably only because I searched it. Everyone I mention DS to, hasn't a clue. DS need to try much harder. It actually annoys me that DS aren't doing much better. DS is basically Citroen because they're under the same umbrella? Might as well say it's a Maserati then.

Peugeot, Citroen and DS all seem to have weedy engines and are not huge sellers here in Australia, in spite of a huge FB marketing campaign. The diamond shapes in the interior will date very quickly in my opinion. Now, if it had 75% of the performance of an i30N, it would be a cracking car.

I had a 2010 DS3 (ICE car) when it launched. Back made sense then, and in that form, but not as an EV given its current price/range.

Thanks for the review Tish. I must say the front seats look nice and chunky. Also the rear room, pleasantly suprised me. Soo much space/knee room. But I am still not sold. If I wanted something quirky, the Countryman would be my pick. But tbh I would go for the VW group instead. T-roc.

I like it although a manual gearbox would be nice.💝

I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know. I know the Puma a little cracker. Oh. I bought an old 02 02 Puma yesterday on a certain British auction. I don’t buy/sell DS3 MK1 any more. HDi’s can strangle lack servicing and THPs 155 can blow up. One less risk leaving the old DS3s. I still rate the cars as a design and they drive so so ok. The Saxo VTS VTR where it was for Citroen as a highlight.

I live in a major city and the nearest dealer is 40 miles away!

While not exactly popular, I'm seeing quite a few round here - Dorset - there are two in the car park at work, one E-Tense, one petrol. DS7s are around and the occasional DS4. Not seen a DS9 yet though. I'd certainly try one but they are a bit out of my class. As for the Citroën connection, you still get idiots posting on social media that they wouldn't pay that price for a Citroën, even though Citroëns are actually quite good cars these days. People are so easily influenced by negativity. As we see more, hopefully, people will start to think a bit about them.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and for me it looks cumbersome. The car design and dashboard will age very quickly too. In addition, the rear windows don't go down (happy to be corrected on this). For £30k+ I'd be happier putting my money to a nearly new Audi.

Love cars, ones I can afford tbh. I Like this gal as much as Hume if I'm honest. That's saying something. 🎉

I have problem with the door lock is not locking with the key ,but from interior is locking

I love DS cars, and have been the proud owner of a 2016 DS4 for 5 years. And until now, its given me no problems. Its currently at my local garage having a new electric circuit box thingy replacement. Its pricey, but it's something that could happen in any car of that age. And for that reason, cant complain much about reliability. It is literally the first major problem ive had with it. Im happy with that. And i would love to eventually replace it with a new DS3. But only if DS Automobiles can work on these reasons why people will overlook a DS. First reason. Everyone still thinks of the Citroen connection, which is a shame, because todays DS cars are a very different animal from the Citroen branded cars. DS needs to work on making that distinction. 2nd reason. DS is still not that well known in Britain, im amazed at the amount of people who ask me what my car is, and then say, ive never heard of them. A big advertising push is whats needed. 3rd reason. There's not enough dealerships, and thats a massive problem. I live in a large city, but would still have to travel around 50 - 60 miles to get to the nearest DS salon. Not ideal. 4th reason. I'm hearing horror stories about dismal aftercare service. And that is unforgivable for a "premium" branded car. So in conclusion. DS needs to really work on these aspects if it really wants to succeed in Britain.

Perhaps there are more people like me who prefer functional quality over esthetic quality. Low consumption, noise insulation, good seats, reliability have priority over contrast stitching and diamond shaped instruments. Getting from A to B comfortably is what counts. Even in congested trafic, I never examine the material and colour of the dashboard, nor the chrome trimmings. I know from experience, because I had dozens of rental cars.

I bought a Golf , mate bought the DS3......Golf after 12 years looks and drives like brand new , mates DS3 bought at the same time looks like it's fit for the scrap yard and the reason people don't buy them 🤣 Clocked you doing 37mph in a 30 zone....naughty 😆

My one overall thought behind is that if they want to leave Citroen behind, and become a more upfront and classy car, they need to put the same amount of effort all round. Not in specific parts of the car.

It's looks a really nice car very impressive 😊

I don’t understand why Ds and Citroën are sold as separate brands when it’s only the finish that differs. Rather like Toyota and Lexus. Our Citroën dealer was trying to sell me a car, and the Ds was in the same showroom, but he said I’d have to talk to someone different to discuss the Ds. After nearly 3 hrs with the first man, I was quite annoyed and wasn’t about to switch so I didn’t buy either car, which means the manufacturer lost out completely.

The Citroen logo represents its original purpose as a gearing/cog manufacturer yet the “gearbox does hesitate”. There we go again. They can’t even get their Core Build sorted out. 😢

It is a great car and many people rush to dismiss it for no reason. It is a B-SUV premium car, and those are very rare since the B-SUV category is meant for cheaper and mainstream cars. Most people who pick a B-SUV seek something practical, they are typically people who live in a city (therefore need a short, nimble, easy to park, and low consumption car) but would also need some more passenger and cargo space and some ground clearence for traveling. The issue is that most premium manufacturers offer enormous cars, "good" BMWs, Mercedes, AUDIs, etc, are more than 4.5 meters in length, most go around 4.7m-5m, and they also tend to be wider and heavier. This makes them more problematic as a daily driver in a crowded city. Premium german manufacturers snub smaller cars, their B-SUVs are an afterthough, cars like AUDI A1 Citycarver/Allstreet and Q2... Very expensive but with less quality and options, so it doesn't make sense to buy those and not Q3.... DS3 is a good alternative for someone who needs a B-SUV but would also like a more premium experience. Personally i would pick the E-TENSE version which i think is one of the best small electic cars on the market for city use. I would definitely get the E-TENSE over let's say a VW ID3 or Hyundai Kona Electric. DS3 is a great car if money is not a problem but you still would prefer a smaller crossover. But since people with that much income are a minority, and that minority tends to not have an issue with buying expensive germans either, they prefer the budge.

Having had Citroens for years…I made the move to the DS3…(previous models)…great car but the new DS3 Crossback was simply out of my price range…

I'm wondering whether people in the UK are put off by the Brand. Some of the styling leaves a lot to be desired, especially the interior, only one air vent and that shark fin looks ridiculous inside or outside! The front and rear of the car is quite handsome though. Quality would put me off and Reliability would always be a concern.

I have driven a ds3 for over 6500 kilometres. Good car long range free way driving.bad points poor turning circle even for a front wheel drive. White seats seem easy to damage.

Having purchased a 2015 DS3 from new and keeping up with every service and maintenance the thing fell apart gearbox failure was the final straw sold it for scrap and not worth the cost of repair.... I will never touch citroen again

I can answer that in one easy answer it's far too expensive for what is a basically posh Citroen plus it's much too small for my needs, I couldn't get my bike in the back of it for example and to my mind there are better cars that offer far better bang for buck for less money, basically DS charges too much for their cramped cars.

I wish this car could come to South Africa ☹️☹️☹️ I used to own a ds3 sport..that car was nippy ❤️

Never heard of it and I've been car hunting for a year. !

Until recently, I've only driven Citroens, and my most recent was the Citroen C4 Coupe. I really liked the style, quirkiness, which was not too over the top. The car was horribly unreliable though, especially the electronics. I considered the New C4 but was not convinced by the styling, but the Stellantis dealership also had a DS 4 for me to explore. I fell in love with the interior but was disappointed when opening the bonnet, to discover there was much similarity in terms of mechanical layout that I recognised from my old Citroen C4. I do feel that the DS brand is now too gimmicky, with too much bling and, fussy and over the top in design. I'm not yet convinced that reliability issues have significantly improved. Neither am I convinced by their so called unique showrooms, especially if the after care/customer service is not as uniquely good. DS need to focus on being outstanding in one area - have a unique selling point. I purchased a new car from the Volkswagen Group, which I never thought I'd do. The car might not be as plush and stylish as DS but the drive is impressive and everything is so well put together. Quality shines throughout. Now I get why some go on that German cars cannot be beaten...

Just a basic thing - you should state the car manufacturer aswell as the model - for people who arent familiar with it.

It’s because there is no carbon ceramic option 😁 I just don’t think people in the market are overly bothered or want to pay for premium. It’s a practical car to get kids and clobber about and they buy Korean with seven year warranty . I don’t see many Q2or jacked up A class or X1 either

Wonderful review, Tish (love the outfit, btw!). As someone who wouldn't be able to try out a DS3 (since they don't have that here in America), I like the exterior styling of it, but the interior (to me) leaves something to be desired. I'm sure it's because you probably adjusted the driver's seat for your size (5'5" I believe you've previously stated you were), but it seemed like either you grew or the car is that small, because you looked like a giantess in there (a gorgeous looking one at that) - as I saw the passenger side seat looked to be at the same setting. Meanwhile, the back seat (no thanks to that hideous door design!) area made you look like you had gone to Wonderland - not only did it look claustrophobic - but you looked like you shrank to Barbie doll size when you sat there! Again, I firmly believe that it's primarily due to that "shark-fin" door design that makes the rear area look huge while making you feel claustrophobic at the same time. Unless DS Automobiles fixes these issues soon, they may wind up becoming extinct as a brand. Look forward to more of your reviews (and seeing your gorgeous self, Tish!). :)

I had one as courtesy car. Sat inside and could not wait to get out again. Why are much of the materials so cheap looking ?

For me, the styling is completely off, it looks dated straight off the production line, most of the colours choosen for their line of cars don't help, it looks like a brand someone of age picks who thinks they are being "quirky" So when I hear they don't sell many, in fact, perhaps they really met their target market for the styling they are sticking to. Let's look at the cupra brand, they have broken away, and I see so many on the road, they appeal to many different people, I just think DS have got it wrong. I see pop up shops for both brands, so to say lack of dealerships are a problem, if you really want something, you'd certainly be prepared to go get it. I don't have anything against the DS brand, the styling just doesn't appeal to me. Great video as always, thank you

A great review that is very fair & informative 👏🏻

Honestly not a fan of the buttons, and wasn’t big enough for me as a tall driver. Outside design is fairly cool though.

You are still my favourite Female Car Video Reviewer 😊

I do really like the design overall, but the reliability is worried me.

That back door makes me feel claustrophobic it’d be a non starter for me if I wanted a petrol car

The back door and dealers and not many have heard about DS... advertising is the key..

Interesting review. Though I think the new Lexus LBX is better, but these cars are just too small for a tall person at 6'3 these cars are just too small.

Why people aren't buying the DS3? Well im guessing when compared to its competitors, the DS doesn't quite stack up. The Germans aren't that far behind when it comes to elegance, but they definitely excel in performance which is where the DS will fall short. And it's funny that the DS is less harsh on your wallet but buyers still go for the more expensive alternatives. Lol but ill admit the DS3 aint a bad car, not by a long shot.

Most premium brands can be connected to a lesser brand, so I can get over the Citroen thing. I think the issue with the 3 is that it’s a big ugly and small. The newer stuff from DS, the 4 is perfect. The next 3 needs to be a smaller, perhaps electric only 4

Sensible buyers know that Korean and Japanese cars are more reliable and have longer warranties.

Afternoon

have never heard of this brand advertisement and definitely better car model names I came here from searching up a Dark Souls 3 video

It's a citreon, and it will literally fall apart. Been there and never ever again!

It is bizarre when you consider that the original Citroën DS3 was a huge seller which convinced PSA to spin off the DS brand into a separate entity. Maybe the current one is struggling as the styling has barely changed in the last decade?

pardon me.... you look like a lady on electriheads channel. I'm subscribed to it

Nice looking car but some of the interior diamond shape designs puts me off

“No one does an interior like DS” I’d say thank goodness from looking at that..

Could someone over 6’.02” sit in the back? If so I’d have one tomorrow.

Excellent characteristics but too pricey.

Simple reason: For less money you have the (ë) C4 that has better comfort, more room and still is quirky enough to attract people that fancy a DS3.

Well, the reason I wouldn’t buy is that the climate controls are on the touch screen display. With no option to control the display via manual dials or buttons. The other reason is no Diesel option. That boot release is going to result in dirty hands.

Citroens are generally priced upmarket, but have a reputation for unreliability and very expensive repair costs.

Tried to gain a 24 hour test drive....twice....messed me about both times....you cannot afford to treat potential customers with such disrespect !

Most still see DS and Citreon as the same, and there is a lot of crossover. Look at the C4 and this DS and they're very similar. I also think they're trying too hard to be different, which means their cars are quirky and don't appeal to many buyers. This DS seems to be a mash-up of Peugeot and Citroen without the brand heritage of either. Brave maybe, but I can understand why sales are so low.

You'll be changing one or both of the rear coil springs within 2 years...

Would you buy one Tish?

Citroen have NEVER shaken off their reliability and image issues. The electronics after decades of issues has still never been resolved. The French are not good electricians. How often the indicator turned on the wipers or the lights operated the screen wash. And then how often do you look at a 6 month old Citroen and it already looks about 5 years old. They look tired sooo quickly.

To fussy of a design for me ... sometimes less is more 😊

great looks and all ,this car cost too much and delivers little. rear side windows that don't wind down...shark fin which hampers rear seat vision.. cramped at the back ..style over substance at a premium price. the DS4 -now that's a true progress!

The reason that people don't buy it is badge snobbery, they think they look better in a Beemer or Audi. They go with the sheep, bah! I'd rather not do what everyone else does, so would consider a DS

100 to 130 bhp - under powered, no 4 wheel drive - really does not have it where it matters and that's probably one good reason.

Touch screens instead of buttons! When are manufacturers going to learn that most people hate these.