Video Summary
Here are the key points and findings from the video review of the electric car:- The 2023 DS3 E-Tense is a substantially updated car with more power and range.
- The test car is a top-grade Opera model with sharper looks, standard LED lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a plush interior.
- The entry-level E-Tense starts at £37,200 in Britain, while the Opera version starts at £42,700.
- While its total claimed range of 248 miles is far from class-leading, the test car proved especially efficient in built-up environments, allowing urban owners to charge as little as once a fortnight.
- It requires eight hours to fully charge using a domestic wall box, but 100kW public fast chargers can charge it to 80% in 30 minutes.
- Improvements mainly center around refinement and insulation. Powertrain wine and road noise are minimal.
- The car lacks adaptive dampers, an option available on many rivals.
- The suspension is high-quality, but has some fidgetiness at lower speeds.
- Visibility is excellent due to a nice, low seating position.
- Leather seats are supportive and comfortable.
- The steering wheel and dashboard's unique design may not appeal to everyone, but the buttons are functional and easy to use.
- The 10.3-inch infotainment screen has great graphics.
- The car has three drive modes: normal, sport, and eco.
- It's an electric hatchback on stilts, meaning it has less space in the back.
- Rear passengers don't get USB ports or heating controls.
- The boot is okay, but it's not very big.
- Driver assist features are offered, although they are not best-in-class, but do include a very high definition backup camera.
- The car's aesthetics are pleasing, but it doesn't have enough in its technical armory to challenge the best-in-class.
- It injects more emotion into this outwardly sensible class than any other model.
