VS

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs smart #1 comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 368 HP), boot space and price (29,500 £ vs 40,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or smart #1?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs smart #1: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • clearly cheaper
  • slightly more efficient
  • substantially lighter
  • somewhat more trunk space
details

smart #1

  • considerably more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
details

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 clearly cheaper – starting at 29,500 £ , while the smart #1 costs 40,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,203 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the DS Automobiles DS 3 is slightly more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 18.2 kWh/100km for the smart #1. That’s a difference of about 2.7 kWh/100km.

The electric range is almost identical – both manage about 400 km on a single charge.

#1

Engine and Performance:

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 smart #1 offers considerably more power – delivering 368 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 212 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #1 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 4.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the smart #1 delivers considerably more torque with 470 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 210 Nm more.

DS 3

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 terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 3 is substantially lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 1,900 kg. The difference is around 651 kg.

Looking at boot space, the DS Automobiles DS 3 offers somewhat more boot space – 350 L compared to 313 L. That’s a difference of about 37 L.

When it comes to payload, the DS Automobiles DS 3 carries marginally more – 466 kg compared to 425 kg. That’s a difference of about 41 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The smart #1 is clearly superior 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.

£40,705
#1

smart #1

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 368 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 18.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 400 km
DS Automobiles DS 3
smart #1

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.

details

smart #1

The Smart #1 feels like a breath of fresh air in the compact EV world, pairing playful styling with usable space and a cabin that punches above its size. It skips the fuss and delivers an easygoing, city-friendly driving experience with clever features that make it a sensible, slightly cheeky choice for everyday motoring.

details
DS Automobiles DS 3
smart #1

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
Price
40,700 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
18.2 kWh/100km
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
400 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 112 g/km
co2
0 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
1,900 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
313 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,822 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
425 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
368 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
470 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
271 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
smart
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.