Electric DS Automobiles Car Leasing

Why choose DS Automobiles?

DS is a company that has gone from strength to strength in recent years. At first a small part of Citroen, it has blossomed into a fully-fledged car company in its own right, producing a range of luxurious but efficient models. They’ve all got a real sense of style at their core, but this is backed up by loads of clever technology and a genuinely solid feel.

DS has also progressed into the electrified world with a range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles. That latter segment is particularly important as DS has already stated that it plans to become an electric-only brand by 2024, beating many of its key rivals to the punch. With its new DS 3 E-Tense, it is showing a small glimpse of its electric future while incorporating that classic look and feel that it has become known for.

What is the warranty and breakdown cover like? What does it cover?

All DS Automobiles vehicles are covered by a standard two-year warranty for the repair or replacement of defective parts. They also get a 12-year policy against corrosion, while paint defects are covered for two years too.

DS electric vehicles are covered by a warranty which covers performance up to 70 per cent of the battery’s original capacity, over eight years or 100,000 miles.

When it comes to breakdown cover, all DS models get three years of assistance from the date of registration. It operates 24 hours a day, too, in all parts of the UK and Europe.

What are the key selling points for DS?

That sense of luxury is at the heart of DS. In all of its models, you’ll find a quirky but high-quality finish, with fine materials used across the range of vehicles. There’s also a more personal approach than you might find with other brands. Cars like the DS 9 show that this firm can still make eye-catching but high-end-feeling models that invoke the spirit of some of France’s most iconic models.

For instance, DS owners can subscribe to the ‘Only You’ service, which gives access to a variety of experiences. You can visit some of the best spas in the world or try the very cutting edge of fine dining, all available for a three-year period to those who have purchased a new DS in the UK.

But aside from these adventures, you’re getting cars which stand out from the crowd thanks to their different styling and alternative exterior design. Plus, as we’ll look at shortly, DS is venturing into the electrified world in its own distinctly different way.

Electric DS highlights? What’s in the range and what’s popular?

DS currently has the single electric car on offer – the DS 3. Recently updated, it has gained a more upmarket exterior design while the interior has been handed far more technology than before. All cars get loads of standard equipment, too, including an Alcantara-trimmed interior and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels which look particularly smart. Key to the new DS 3 is the latest ‘Iris’ infotainment system, which brings a 10.3-inch screen as standard on all models.

When it comes to the powertrain, this electric DS 3 – badged ‘E-Tense’ – has a 51kWh battery capable of delivering up to 251 miles of range. Plus, it can rapid charge at speeds of up to 100kW, which means a 10 to 80 per cent top-up could take as little as 30 minutes.

Plug in via a home wallbox and you’ll see a complete charge take around eight hours. Thanks to 154bhp, the DS 3 E-Tense delivers nippy acceleration, too, which is great for darting in and out of traffic or gathering up some speed when merging onto a motorway.

Inside, there's a cool-looking diamond pattern for the dashboard’s buttons, while there are eye-catching controls placed on either side of the gear selector. It’s a great example of the kind of alternative cabin design that DS favours and certainly helps to separate it from the rest of the market. A high-up design means that there’s a good amount of space for those sitting in the back, while the square boot is easy to access – particularly useful if you’re carrying heavy shopping.