@ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs SEAT Leon – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether DS Automobiles DS 3 or SEAT Leon fits your lifestyle better.

DS Automobiles DS 3

SEAT Leon

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

DS 3 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media

Costs and Efficiency:

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.

SEAT Leon has a somewhat advantage in terms of price – it starts at 24500 £, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 costs 28400 £. That’s a price difference of around 3994 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: SEAT Leon manages with 1.20 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the DS Automobiles DS 3 with 5 L. The difference is about 3.80 L per 100 km.

As for range, the DS Automobiles DS 3 performs convincingly better – achieving up to 400 km, about 267 km more than the SEAT Leon.

Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

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 SEAT Leon has a significantly edge – offering 272 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 116 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the SEAT Leon is to a small extent quicker – completing the sprint in 7.70 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.10 s. That’s about 1.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the SEAT Leon performs a bit better – reaching 220 km/h, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 tops out at 196 km/h. The difference is around 24 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: SEAT Leon pulls distinct stronger with 360 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm difference.

DS 3 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media

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, DS Automobiles DS 3 is slight lighter – 1249 kg compared to 1344 kg. The difference is around 95 kg.

In terms of boot space, the SEAT Leon offers slight more room – 380 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 30 L.

In maximum load capacity, the SEAT Leon performs slightly better – up to 1301 L, which is about 251 L more than the DS Automobiles DS 3.

When it comes to payload, SEAT Leon a bit takes the win – 521 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 55 kg.

Who wins the race?

The SEAT Leon proves to be leaves the rival little chance and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
SEAT Leon is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

DS Automobiles DS 3
SEAT Leon

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £24,500
Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

SEAT Leon

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.2 - 5.5 L
  • Electric Range : 133 km
details

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.

details
ds_3_06-63bf0895e10ad @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media
ds_3_08-63bf0871e8e6c @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media
ds_3_02-63bf08d01c133 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media
ds_3_03-63bf08badf244 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media
ds_3_07-63bf088092704 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media

SEAT Leon

SEAT Leon pairs sharp, modern styling with a cabin that's sensible and slightly sporty, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want flair without fuss. It drives with eager composure and offers a neat balance of comfort and agility, so you get everyday usability with a wink of fun.

details
Small-33980-LeonSEDynamic-MysteryBlue @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
Small-33989-LeonSEDynamic-MysteryBlue @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
ipp-all-new-seat-leon-114-hq @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
Small-35510-SEATLeonkeepsWhatCarAwardinthefamily @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Reviews DS Automobiles DS 3

Reviews SEAT Leon

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DS 3 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media
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Costs and Consumption
Price
28400 - 40500 £
Price
24500 - 36400 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
15.50 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
133 km
Battery Capacity
51 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
0 - 112 g/km
co2
27 - 126 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
44 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 45 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1249 - 1646 kg
Curb weight
1344 - 1657 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Length
4118 mm
Length
4368 mm
Width
1791 mm
Width
1799 mm
Height
1534 mm
Height
1442 - 1460 mm
Max trunk capacity
1050 L
Max trunk capacity
1187 - 1301 L
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
473 - 521 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
116 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.7 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
150 - 196 km/h
Max Speed
197 - 220 km/h
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
85 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1968 cm3

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

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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 and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.