@ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs VW Golf – Differences & prices compared

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: DS Automobiles DS 3 or VW Golf?

DS Automobiles DS 3

VW Golf

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

DS 3 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

VW Golf has a a bit advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 costs 28400 £. That’s a price difference of around 3253 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the DS Automobiles DS 3 with 5 L. The difference is about 3.90 L per 100 km.

As for range, the DS Automobiles DS 3 performs decisively better – achieving up to 400 km, about 257 km more than the VW Golf.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 VW Golf has a decisively edge – offering 333 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 177 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.10 s. That’s about 4.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs distinct better – reaching 270 km/h, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 tops out at 196 km/h. The difference is around 74 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf pulls evident stronger with 420 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 160 Nm difference.

DS 3 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media

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 curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 3 is barely noticeable lighter – 1249 kg compared to 1307 kg. The difference is around 58 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf offers hardly perceptible more room – 381 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 31 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf performs to a small extent better – up to 1237 L, which is about 187 L more than the DS Automobiles DS 3.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf barely noticeable takes the win – 508 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 42 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Golf shows itself to be is largely superior and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

DS Automobiles DS 3
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £25,200
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 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.

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ds_3_06-63bf0895e10ad @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media
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ds_3_07-63bf088092704 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

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DB2019AU02117_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02116_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Reviews DS Automobiles DS 3

Reviews VW Golf

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DS 3 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media
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Costs and Consumption
Price
28400 - 40500 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
15.50 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
51 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
0 - 112 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
44 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 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
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4118 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1791 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1534 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1050 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
150 - 196 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

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

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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.

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