The DS 3 range, including both hatchback and Cabrio bodystyles, have been updated with the introduction of a new six-speed automatic transmission.
This new transmission is for the DStyle and DStyle Nav trims only and can only be combined with the DS 3’s 109bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech turbocharged petrol engine. The DS 3 with the PureTech unit was previously available with just a five-speed manual transmission. With the new automatic transmission, however, the DS 3 offers high levels of torque from low engine revs.
The makers of the DS 3 also say the new engine and transmission combo should better accommodate both the most relaxed and most enthusiastic of driving styles. To achieve this, gear shifts are faster and smoother than the original transmission. The new automatic transmission is also more efficient, improving the DS 3’s combined fuel economy to 60.1mpg for the hatchback version and 57.6mpg for the soft-top Cabrio.
CO2 emissions for the DS 3 hatchback with this new powertrain are at just 108g/km for the hatch and 112g/km for the Cabrio. When compared with the 118bhp 1.6-litre VTi petrol engine and four-speed automatic transmission previously for the DS 3, the hatchback model has reduced its CO2 output by 42g/km.
The new PureTech automatic DS 3 models are on sale in Britain now, priced from £17,495 for the hatchback and from £19,495 for the Cabrio.