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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Kia Picanto - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (156 HP vs 68 HP), boot space and price (28400 £ vs 15300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or Kia Picanto?

DS 3

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Kia Picanto: A Battle of Innovation and Performance

The automotive market is filled with choices, but the compact segment often strikes a chord with those seeking style alongside functionality. Two contenders, the DS Automobiles DS 3 and the Kia Picanto, exemplify the diversity in this class. This article delves into the technical specifications, innovations, and performance of these two vehicles to help you make an informed decision.

Picanto

Design and Body Style

The DS 3 takes on an SUV body type, making it a bolder choice for those looking for a more commanding presence on the road. With a length of 4118 mm and a width of 1791 mm, it stands out with its premium styling and aerodynamics designed for comfort and efficiency.

On the other hand, the Kia Picanto adopts a compact hatchback format, tailoring itself for city driving with its smaller footprint at 3605 mm in length and 1595 mm in width. This design not only enhances maneuverability but also caters to the needs of urban dwellers seeking a nimble and practical vehicle.

DS 3

Engine Options and Performance

When it comes to engine choices, the DS 3 offers a versatile range including petrol, diesel, and an electric variant. The petrol lineup delivers power options ranging from 130 to 156 HP, with automatic transmission options, including a dual-clutch automatic. The electric version peaks at an impressive 400 km range on a full charge, emphasizing eco-friendliness without sacrificing performance.

Conversely, the Kia Picanto is exclusively powered by petrol, with power output options of 63 to 79 HP. The Picanto provides both manual and automatic transmission systems, although its acceleration times reflect its more modest performance aims, with times reaching up to 18.2 seconds for the slower variants.

Picanto

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel consumption is a crucial factor for many buyers, and here, the DS 3 shines with its better efficiency, recording figures as low as 5.0 L/100km for some petrol models. Meanwhile, the electric variant showcases a consumption rate of 15.5 kWh/100km, making it a practical choice for eco-conscious consumers.

The Kia Picanto, while not aiming for the same performance, provides reasonable fuel economy with consumption ratings ranging from 5.2 to 5.7 L/100km, aligning with its city driving intent.

DS 3

Interior and Comfort

Inside the DS 3, the focus shifts towards a luxurious experience with five seating capacity. The interior features high-quality materials, advanced infotainment systems, and ample trunk space of 350 liters, striking a balance between style and practicality.

In contrast, the Kia Picanto offers a more straightforward approach. With options for four or five seats, it might miss the premium touches of the DS 3 but compensates with its practicality, offering 255 liters of trunk space and easy-to-use technologies suited for daily urban commuting.

Picanto

Technology and Innovations

The DS 3 is equipped with advanced technological features, from safety to infotainment systems. Innovations may include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a cutting-edge infotainment system with connected services.

The Kia Picanto also embraces technology with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making it a solid choice for young, tech-savvy drivers. However, it may lack some of the more advanced systems found in its competitor.

DS 3

Pricing and Value

Pricing is often a decisive factor, and while specific figures may vary, the DS 3 generally positions itself at a higher price point reflecting its premium status and features. The Kia Picanto, designed as a budget-friendly solution, offers competitive pricing that appeals to first-time buyers and those looking for economical options.

Picanto

Conclusion

Choosing between the DS Automobiles DS 3 and the Kia Picanto ultimately comes down to personal preference and needs. If luxury, performance, and a wide variety of powertrains are at the top of your list, the DS 3 stands as a formidable contender. Meanwhile, the Kia Picanto remains a reliable choice for those seeking practicality and efficiency in an urban setting, all wrapped up in a budget-friendly package.

Both vehicles cater to different market segments, but each brings innovative solutions and styling to the automotive landscape, making them worth consideration in your next car purchase.

DS Automobiles DS 3

Kia Picanto

5 (1 Reviews)
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

DS 3

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Kia Picanto has a decisively advantage in terms of price – it starts at 15300 £ , while the DS Automobiles DS 3 costs 28400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 13148 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: DS Automobiles DS 3 manages with 5 L and is therefore a bit more efficient than the Kia Picanto with 5.60 L. The difference is about 0.60 L per 100 km.

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 DS Automobiles DS 3 has a clearly edge – offering 156 HP compared to 68 HP. That’s roughly 88 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the DS Automobiles DS 3 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 9.10 s, while the Kia Picanto takes 14.60 s. That’s about 5.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the DS Automobiles DS 3 performs slightly better – reaching 196 km/h, while the Kia Picanto tops out at 162 km/h. The difference is around 34 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: DS Automobiles DS 3 pulls clearly stronger with 260 Nm compared to 96 Nm. That’s about 164 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Kia Picanto is a bit lighter – 1124 kg compared to 1249 kg. The difference is around 125 kg.

In terms of boot space, the DS Automobiles DS 3 offers clearly perceptible more room – 350 L compared to 255 L. That’s a difference of about 95 L.

In maximum load capacity, the DS Automobiles DS 3 performs barely noticeable better – up to 1050 L, which is about 40 L more than the Kia Picanto.

When it comes to payload, DS Automobiles DS 3 distinct takes the win – 466 kg compared to 332 kg. That’s a difference of about 134 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The DS Automobiles DS 3 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.

DS Automobiles DS 3
Kia Picanto

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £28,400
DS 3

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • Engine Type : Electric, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 145 - 156 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5 L
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.50 kWh
  • Electric Range : 400 km
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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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Kia Picanto

5 (1 Reviews)
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Kia Picanto is a cheeky city hatch that squeezes surprising style, practicality and a smile-inducing drive into a pocket-friendly package. It’s ideal for urban buyers who want fuss-free running, effortless parking and a car that punches above its class without pretending to be anything it’s not.

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Reviews DS Automobiles DS 3

Reviews Kia Picanto

5 (1 Reviews)
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Costs and Consumption
Price
28400 - 40500 £
Price
15300 - 19300 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 5.9 L
Consumption kWh/100km
15.50 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
51 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 112 g/km
co2
127 - 135 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
44 L
Fuel tank capacity
35 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
4 - 5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1249 - 1646 kg
Curb weight
1124 - 1131 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
255 L
Length
4118 mm
Length
3605 mm
Width
1791 mm
Width
1595 mm
Height
1534 mm
Height
1485 mm
Max trunk capacity
1050 L
Max trunk capacity
1010 L
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
253 - 332 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
68 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
14.6 - 17.2 s
Max Speed
150 - 196 km/h
Max Speed
160 - 162 km/h
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
96 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
50 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3
Engine capacity
998 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
Kia

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What drive types are available for the DS Automobiles DS 3?

The DS Automobiles DS 3 is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.