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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs SEAT Arona comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 150 HP), boot space and price (29,000 £ vs 20,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or SEAT Arona?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs SEAT Arona: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • barely more power
  • only slightly more efficient
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SEAT Arona

4.9 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • very slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly lighter
  • somewhat more trunk space
details

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.

SEAT Arona is significantly cheaper – starting at 20,700 £ , while the DS Automobiles DS 3 costs 29,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,348 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the DS Automobiles DS 3 uses 5 L/100km and is only slightly more efficient than the SEAT Arona with 5.3 L/100km. The difference is about 0.3 L/100km.

Arona

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the DS Automobiles DS 3 offers barely more power – delivering 156 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 6 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the SEAT Arona is very slightly 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 DS Automobiles DS 3 delivers marginally more torque with 260 Nm compared to 250 Nm. That’s about 10 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, SEAT Arona is only slightly lighter – 1,188 kg compared to 1,249 kg. The difference is around 61 kg.

Looking at boot space, the SEAT Arona offers somewhat more boot space – 400 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 50 L.

When it comes to payload, the SEAT Arona carries slightly more – 522 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 56 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The SEAT Arona is barely ahead 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 £20,700
Arona

SEAT Arona

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 95 - 150 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.3 - 5.8 L/100km
DS Automobiles DS 3
SEAT Arona

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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SEAT Arona

The SEAT Arona is a cheeky urban crossover that mixes sharp styling with sensible practicality, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want personality without fuss. It’s zippy in traffic, comfortable enough for daily driving, and brings enough character to make routine journeys feel a little more fun.

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DS Automobiles DS 3
SEAT Arona

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,000 - 37,600 £
Price
20,700 - 30,500 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 112 g/km
co2
120 - 132 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
1,188 - 1,268 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
400 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,780 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
502 - 522 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
95 - 150 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 11.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
175 - 250 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
70 - 110 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,498 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
SEAT
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.