The DS F3ver concept previews the forthcoming DS N°3, a fully electric hatchback set to launch in late 2028, priced around €30,000.
Before its official debut at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, L’argus introduces the DS F3ver concept. This new electric city car is meant to herald the arrival of the DS N°3, which will replace the current DS 3 SUV. By returning to a successful hatchback design, DS aims to refresh its style while remaining competitive, with the DS N°3 expected to launch around late 2028 for approximately €30,000.
The development of the next-generation DS 3 has been tumultuous. The original DS 3 was a hit when introduced in 2009 as the Citroen DS3, later rebadged as the DS 3 after the brand became independent in 2014. It sold over 20,000 units annually in France during its peak years, contributing to a global total of nearly 500,000 units by 2020, all manufactured in Poissy, France. However, its successor was shelved in favor of the current small SUV, first called the DS 3 Crossback and now simply the DS 3. Unfortunately, this model has not resonated well with consumers, with annual production hovering around 8,000 units—significantly less than its technical counterpart, the Opel Mokka, which outsold it nearly tenfold. Consequently, around 5,000 new DS 3 registrations occur each year in France.
In 2024, while DS was initially focused on a new generation of its entry-level SUV, the project shifted back to develop a compact hatchback. Although the effort was briefly paused the following year, it has since resumed.
Evolution of the DS Brand
The upcoming DS N°3 takes shape with the revelation of the F3ver concept at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. This marks a significant shift in the brand’s direction. “The first DS 3 launched the brand with success. We've lost some of our identity transitioning to SUVs. We want to reclaim that with this project,” says Frédéric Soubirou, Head of Exterior Design at DS.
As for dimensions, the original DS 3 stood at 3.95 meters, while the current model measures 4.12 meters. The DS F3ver, by contrast, stretches to 4.19 meters with an impressive 2.70-meter wheelbase, measuring 1.84 meters wide and only 1.46 meters tall. While the concept features unique 21-inch wheels and a low ground clearance, these specifications are likely to be toned down for production. The F3ver positions itself more closely to rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 3 (4.17 meters) rather than smaller competitors like the Alpine A290 (4 meters) or the Mini Aceman (4.08 meters). The cargo space of 400 liters surpasses that of the Audi A2 e-Tron (4.32 meters) by four liters and offers 50 liters more than the current DS 3.
Design Language and Features
The DS F3ver’s design signifies a clear departure from the previous two generations of the DS 3 and showcases a marked evolution from the more recent DS N°4, N°7, and N°8 models. It introduces a new aesthetic language for the brand. Combining smooth surfaces with taut lines, the design features subtle body creases and pronounced edges, especially at the front, on the front fenders, and around the rear lights. The compact shape is emphasized by short overhangs, a sloping hood, curvaceous rear flanks, hidden rear door handles, and a progressively shrinking side window towards the rear.
DS aims to streamline development processes by simplifying vehicle designs, paralleling trends among its European competitors. The initiative—Design Intelligence—“aims to reduce the number of components, lighten architectures, optimize aerodynamics, and enhance perceived quality through purer surfaces and less visible assembly,” states the company. The concept reverts to monobloc headlights at all four corners, with Y-shaped front lighting integrated into the bumper. The traditional grille has been replaced by a vertical black strip, known as the totem, which conceals cameras and sensors for driving aids while displaying a backlit DS logo.
“In light of our experiences with illuminated grilles, we’ve opted for a simpler approach,” explained Soubirou. Notably, while many competitors are embracing illuminated borders between headlights, the DS F3ver distinguishes itself by forgoing them. However, there’s a possibility that a subtle indirect lighting feature could illuminate the lower air intake in the production variant of the DS N°3.
Striking Color Options and Customization
The DS F3ver concept flaunts a striking metallic color that transitions from purple to blue depending on the angle and lighting. “The paint contains dichroic pigments that possess, simplifying, a blue facet and a purple facet. A blue ink is also added to the mix,” explains Marie Olignier, a designer in DS's color, material, and finishes department. As observers walk around the vehicle, they’ll notice how the interplay of light brings out the vehicle's sleek body contours.
In a return to one of the elements that contributed to the original DS's success, the DS N°3 will offer extensive customization options. The design allows for rear fenders and a roof frame to be painted in different colors than the main body. This enables varied color combinations to be produced at relatively low costs since pre-painted components can be assembled efficiently on the production line, boosting profit margins. Furthermore, additional decorative patterns spanning multiple panels may be on the horizon. However, details about the vehicle’s interior remain undisclosed at this time.
Technical Specifications and Battery Range
Currently, DS has not disclosed specific technical details for the upcoming N°3 model. However, it is confirmed that the compact hatchback will be developed as a fully electric vehicle on the STLA One modular platform, which is set to debut with the next Peugeot E-208. Given its ample wheelbase, the platform can accommodate a battery expected to deliver at least 450 kilometers of WLTP range in its most optimized configuration, aligning with the competition. At present, the DS 3 E-Tense maxes out at 404 kilometers.
Pricing and Market Position
Thanks to its cost-effective design choices and the new structural platform, DS targets a starting price below €30,000 for the DS N°3. The previous electric version of the DS 3 starts at €43,250, highlighting a significant price gap. Even the combustion variant of the DS 3 commands a higher price, beginning at €37,000. These pricing structures have contributed to the moderate commercial performance of the current model.
Moreover, the N°3's length, being under 4.20 meters, might qualify it for the M1E classification currently under development in Europe as part of the E-Car Project. This classification could mean potential exemptions from expensive mandatory equipment often required in standard passenger cars (M1 class). However, this scenario could come with power and weight restrictions, affecting battery capacity—so it’s worth taking such possibilities with caution.
The commercial objective surrounding the N°3 is clear: “not to make DS more exclusive but to make the brand more desirable to a broader audience,” according to company communications. The premium arm of the Stellantis Group, which is once again overseen by Citroën, aims to increase volume sales to ensure sustainability as the sales figures for the N°8 and N°7 have struggled to gain traction. The N°3 could be DS's last opportunity to penetrate a larger market segment. As the Poissy plant transitions away from vehicle production in the next decade to focus on spare parts and disassembly, the DS N°3 is expected to be manufactured in Spain, likely in Zaragoza alongside the E-208. Anticipated to hit dealerships by late 2028, this model represents a pivotal moment for the brand's future.
