Compare performance (280 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (26,100 £ vs 29,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Alfa Romeo Junior or DS Automobiles DS 3?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
The automotive landscape is continually evolving, and two of the standout contenders in the compact SUV segment for 2024 are the Alfa Romeo Junior and the DS Automobiles DS 3. Both cars offer unique features and specifications that cater to different preferences and driving styles. Let’s dive deep into the technical aspects and innovations that set these vehicles apart.
Starting with design, the Alfa Romeo Junior boasts the iconic Italian styling that the brand is renowned for. Its sleek lines and muscular stance give it a sporty appearance while still being practical for urban conditions. On the other hand, the DS Automobiles DS 3 boasts a more avant-garde aesthetic with sophisticated details and a bold front fascia. Both vehicles come with five doors and a spacious cabin designed to accommodate five passengers comfortably.
The Alfa Romeo Junior is equipped with a range of powertrains, including electric, petrol MHEV, and a remarkable 280 HP variant. It offers a 0-100 km/h acceleration time as quick as 5.9 seconds for the most potent configuration. The model features a variety of engine options, including a 1.2L three-cylinder engine, appealing to drivers looking for efficiency and performance. In terms of fuel consumption, it offers an impressive figure, with a petrol variant reaching as low as 4.5 L/100 km.
In comparison, the DS Automobiles DS 3 features a selection of diesel, petrol MHEV, and electric engines, topping out at 156 HP. The acceleration is slightly slower, clocking at 9.1 seconds from 0-100 km/h. Although its fuel consumption is marginally higher, at around 5 L/100 km for the petrol variant, the DS 3 maintains competitive efficiency with a well-balanced torque output, making it a solid contender for those prioritizing power with sophistication.
Both models showcase impressive electric capabilities, with the Alfa Romeo Junior offering an electric range of up to 410 km and a battery capacity of 51 kWh. This aligns well with the growing trend towards sustainability among consumers. DS 3 also features the same battery capacity but has an electric range slightly lower at 400 km, making both vehicles suitable for urban commutes without frequent charging.
When it comes to ride comfort, the Junior maintains a curb weight of around 1620 kg, delivering a stable ride. The DS 3 is slightly lighter, sitting between 1249 kg and 1646 kg, which allows for agile handling and responsive driving. In terms of interior quality, the DS 3 heavily focuses on luxury materials and advanced technology, accentuated by premium finishes that enhance the overall driving experience.
Both vehicles highlight advanced technology features suited for modern-day driving. The Alfa Romeo Junior includes a robust infotainment system paired with intuitive connectivity options. It positions itself as more than just a stylish SUV, equipped with smart driving aids that enhance safety.
Conversely, the DS 3 showcases its commitment to innovation with an expansive infotainment system that integrates seamlessly with smartphone applications. The vehicle comes with features like adaptive cruise control, parking assistance, and a digital cockpit that drivers can customize to their preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Alfa Romeo Junior and the DS Automobiles DS 3 comes down to individual preferences. If style and sporty performance are your priorities, the Alfa Romeo Junior shines with its powertrain options and unmistakable Italian flair. In contrast, if luxury and advanced technology are at the forefront of your decision-making process, the DS Automobiles DS 3 presents a compelling package.
Both vehicles stand as testament to the incredible innovation present in today’s automotive market, offering drivers a perfect blend of style, performance, and technology as we move into 2024.
When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.
Alfa Romeo Junior is somewhat cheaper – starting at 26,100 £ , while the DS Automobiles DS 3 costs 29,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,402 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Alfa Romeo Junior uses 4.8 L/100km and is marginally more efficient than the DS Automobiles DS 3 with 5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.2 L/100km.
In terms of energy consumption, the Alfa Romeo Junior is very slightly more efficient: consuming 15.1 kWh/100km compared to 15.5 kWh/100km for the DS Automobiles DS 3. That’s a difference of about 0.4 kWh/100km.
As for electric range, the Alfa Romeo Junior offers marginally more range – reaching up to 410 km, about 10 km more than the DS Automobiles DS 3.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the Alfa Romeo Junior offers clearly more power – delivering 280 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 124 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Alfa Romeo Junior is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.9 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 3.2 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Alfa Romeo Junior delivers clearly more torque with 345 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 85 Nm more.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 3 is a bit lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 1,380 kg. The difference is around 131 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Alfa Romeo Junior offers a bit more boot space – 415 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 65 L.
When it comes to payload, the DS Automobiles DS 3 carries very slightly more – 466 kg compared to 420 kg. That’s a difference of about 46 kg.
The Alfa Romeo Junior holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Alfa Romeo Junior captures the essence of Italian design with its sleek lines and compact dimensions, making it an icon of elegance and performance. With a spirited driving experience and a charming retro aesthetic, it appeals to enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. This delightful car embodies the brand's rich heritage while remaining a fun and engaging option for those seeking a unique automotive experience.
details
The DS 3 is a chic, compact premium hatch that stands out with couture styling and an interior that feels more boutique than bargain-bin. It serves up a poised, city-friendly drive with plenty of French flair — ideal for buyers who want personality as much as practicality and don’t mind turning heads at the lights.
details
Costs and Consumption |
|
|---|---|
|
Price
26,100 - 41,600 £
|
Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
|
|
Consumption L/100km
4.8 - 5.4 L/100km
|
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
|
|
Consumption kWh/100km
15.1 - 17.5 kWh/100km
|
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
|
|
Electric Range
344 - 410 km
|
Electric Range
400 km
|
|
Battery Capacity
-
|
Battery Capacity
-
|
|
co2
0 - 119 g/km
|
co2
0 - 112 g/km
|
|
Fuel tank capacity
-
|
Fuel tank capacity
-
|
Dimensions and Body |
|
|---|---|
|
Body Type
SUV
|
Body Type
SUV
|
|
Seats
5
|
Seats
5
|
|
Doors
-
|
Doors
-
|
|
Curb weight
1,380 - 1,689 kg
|
Curb weight
1,249 - 1,646 kg
|
|
Trunk capacity
340 - 415 L
|
Trunk capacity
350 L
|
|
Length
-
|
Length
-
|
|
Width
1,781 mm
|
Width
1,791 mm
|
|
Height
-
|
Height
-
|
|
Max trunk capacity
-
|
Max trunk capacity
-
|
|
Payload
390 - 420 kg
|
Payload
362 - 466 kg
|
Engine and Performance |
|
|---|---|
|
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
|
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
|
|
Transmission
Automatic
|
Transmission
Automatic
|
|
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
|
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
|
|
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
|
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
|
|
Power HP
146 - 280 HP
|
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
|
|
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.9 - 9.1 s
|
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
|
|
Max Speed
-
|
Max Speed
-
|
|
Torque
230 - 345 Nm
|
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
|
|
Number of Cylinders
3
|
Number of Cylinders
3
|
|
Power kW
107 - 207 kW
|
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
|
|
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
|
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
|
General |
|
|---|---|
|
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
|
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
|
|
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, C, D
|
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
|
|
Brand
Alfa Romeo
|
Brand
DS Automobiles
|
Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España