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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (29,000 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or VW Golf Variant?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • marginally lighter
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VW Golf Variant

  • only slightly cheaper
  • clearly more power
  • a bit more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

DS 3

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.

VW Golf Variant is only slightly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the DS Automobiles DS 3 costs 29,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 201 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf Variant uses 4.3 L/100km and is a bit more efficient than the DS Automobiles DS 3 with 5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.7 L/100km.

Golf Variant

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 Variant offers clearly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 48 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf Variant is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.5 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 2.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf Variant delivers clearly more torque with 360 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 100 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 marginally lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 1,366 kg. The difference is around 117 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers clearly more boot space – 611 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 261 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf Variant carries somewhat more – 547 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 81 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf Variant stands well ahead of its rival 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 £28,800
Golf Variant

VW Golf Variant

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 204 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 7 L/100km
DS Automobiles DS 3
VW Golf Variant

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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VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

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DS Automobiles DS 3
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,000 - 36,100 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 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
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,249 - 1,646 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
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, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
116 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General

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