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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (29,500 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or Volvo XC40?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • substantially cheaper
  • markedly more efficient
  • markedly lighter
details

Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
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.

DS Automobiles DS 3 is substantially cheaper – starting at 29,500 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,403 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the DS Automobiles DS 3 uses 5 L/100km and is markedly more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 1.5 L/100km.

XC40

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 Volvo XC40 offers markedly more power – delivering 197 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 41 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC40 is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 1.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo XC40 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 1,688 kg. The difference is around 439 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries slightly more – 532 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 66 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The DS Automobiles DS 3 stands out in the key areas 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 £29,500
DS 3

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 145 - 156 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.5 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 400 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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Volvo XC40
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The Nissan Qashqai is the sensible, hard-working compact SUV that delivers excellent everyday comfort, clever interior space and strong value for money — perfect if you want a reliable family car without the premium price tag. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, is a sharper, more upscale choice with a …
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The Skoda Karoq is the sensible, spacious family SUV that puts practicality and value first — roomy boot, low running costs and a no-nonsense interior that feels built to last. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, serves up Scandi style, sharper tech and a more premium cabin (plus safety kit you can brag …
DS Automobiles DS 3
Volvo XC40

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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Reviews DS Automobiles DS 3

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 blends Scandinavian design with practical versatility, offering a compact luxury crossover that feels composed and easy to live with. It’s refined and focused on safety with a high-quality interior, making it a smart choice for daily city driving and weekend escapes.

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Reviews Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
Pim de Bruijn
15 Jun 2026, 14:27:59

After many new Volvos — including a V70 and an XC90 — I've now bought a lightly used XC40 from the dealer. In every respect it was the best choice.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Trentini Paolo
7 May 2026, 13:45:44

Delivered a few days ago — a radical change after 5 VW Golfs, most recently a T‑Roc.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
S. M.
20 Apr 2026, 09:07:56

Excellent

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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DS Automobiles DS 3
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.5 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
148 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
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
Volvo
What drive types are available for the DS Automobiles DS 3?

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

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.