Premium automaker DS has announced the sales start of two new hybrids. Both the DS 3 hatchback and the DS 4 SUV can now be obtained with a 1.2-liter turbo three-pot and a modest starter-generator, an arrangement the company says can save up to 39% gas. The SUV starts from €35,200 and the hatchback from €39,950.
The main engine produces 136 PS (134 hp / 100 kW) and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque. The starter-generator is integrated into the stock six-speed DCT and delivers an extra 28 PS (28 hp / 21 kW) and 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) of torque. With a tiny 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery on board, the car cannot be charged from outside sources but instead gains all the power it needs from regenerative braking.
The e-motor assists with the initial run-up and can even be used for driving in all-electric mode. The latter is restricted for short-range, low-speed trips and doesn’t work when there’s too much weight inside the car. DS still reckons that it covers up to 50% of typical urban trips. As a result, depending on the spec, the new DS 3 and 4 are 38-39% more fuel-efficient than comparable cars from other brands and 16-20% more efficient in hybrid mode.
Both cars are also faster on the uptake than their ICE cousins. The DS 3 Hybrid sprints 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8.4 seconds, which is 1.2 s faster than its gas-powered counterpart can do. The DS 4 is also 1.2 s faster with a 10.4s launch time.