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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Citroen C5 Aircross comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 225 HP), boot space and price (29,000 £ vs 29,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or Citroen C5 Aircross?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Citroen C5 Aircross: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • marginally cheaper
  • very slightly more efficient
  • markedly lighter
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Citroen C5 Aircross

3.9 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • noticeably more electric range
  • marginally quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

DS 3

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

DS Automobiles DS 3 is marginally cheaper – starting at 29,000 £ , while the Citroen C5 Aircross costs 29,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 86 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Citroen C5 Aircross uses 2.5 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the DS Automobiles DS 3 with 5 L/100km. The difference is about 2.5 L/100km.

In terms of energy consumption, the DS Automobiles DS 3 is very slightly more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 17 kWh/100km for the Citroen C5 Aircross. That’s a difference of about 1.5 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers noticeably more range – reaching up to 520 km, about 120 km more than the DS Automobiles DS 3.

C5 Aircross

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers visibly more power – delivering 225 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 69 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Citroen C5 Aircross is marginally quicker – completing the sprint in 8.3 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 0.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Citroen C5 Aircross delivers somewhat more torque with 300 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 40 Nm more.

DS 3

Space and Everyday Use:

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 markedly lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 1,629 kg. The difference is around 380 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers clearly more boot space – 565 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 215 L.

When it comes to payload, the Citroen C5 Aircross carries barely more – 471 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 5 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Citroen C5 Aircross is far ahead overall 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.

from £29,100
C5 Aircross

Citroen C5 Aircross

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Electric, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 145 - 225 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.5 - 5.4 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 17 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 81 - 520 km
DS Automobiles DS 3
Citroen C5 Aircross

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

DS Automobiles DS 3

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.

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Citroen C5 Aircross

The Citroën C5 Aircross feels like a sofa on wheels, delivering a calm, floaty ride and clever packaging that makes life with luggage and kids noticeably easier. Quirky French styling and a supremely practical, family-focused cabin mean it quietly wins hearts by prioritising comfort over showroom bravado.

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DS Automobiles DS 3
Citroen C5 Aircross

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,000 - 36,100 £
Price
29,100 - 43,000 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 5.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
17 kWh/100km
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
81 - 520 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 112 g/km
co2
0 - 121 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
1,249 - 1,646 kg
Curb weight
1,629 - 2,184 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
565 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,870 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
446 - 471 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
145 - 225 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 11.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
230 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
107 - 165 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,598 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, B
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
Citroen
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.