DS F3VER Concept: See what the future electric DS3 will look like

DS unveiled the “F3ver” concept at the World Motor Show, with a 3 that leaves no doubt: this is a preview of the upcoming DS3. It will eschew SUV influences... but still appears substantial for a city car.

A few months ago, a Stellantis document caused concern. While there was a list of numerous new models for Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Fiat, Opel, and Peugeot, the DS section mentioned only the new DS N°7. Nothing else. This raised questions about the future of the French brand, which has once again come under Citroën’s control.

But DS aims to reassure fans at the World Motor Show with the “F3ver,” pronounced traditionally as “Fever,” presented as “an exploratory concept car that opens a new chapter in its stylistic history.” DS even adds that it seeks “to inspire reflection on its future creations.” Yet behind this grandiose wording, one thing is clear from the name itself: this study is a preview of the future DS3.

A simpler new style

With it, DS aims to retake the urban vehicle segment. After the huge success of the first DS3, a 3-door city car that competed with the Mini, the brand evolved it into a small 5-door SUV, the DS 3 Crossback. Although the facelift led to the removal of the “Crossback” designation, its off-road-inspired traits remained. Based on this concept car, it seems these features will be dropped for the next generation. The prototype lacks any adventurous styling elements, and its height has decreased to 1.46 meters.

However, there are no plans to return to the small 3-door car from the beginning. The 5-door design persists, and notably, the prototype stands out with its impressive length of 4.19 meters—quite a lot for an urban vehicle. But perhaps the production version will be more reasonable in size.

As Thierry Métroz, head of design, explained during a preview presentation, DS truly aims to recreate that sense of excitement by focusing on more appealing proportions, such as more defined shoulders. There is also a desire to return to a design that is less cluttered, free from the overly flashy effects seen in the company’s recent models, which also serves to reduce production costs. This is part of “intelligent design,” a concept that Thierry Métroz explained to us in an interview set to be published.

This is evident especially in the simplified front end. The F3ver introduces an unprecedented vertical totem-shaped grille, a strip that runs across the hood and incorporates the logo along with technical elements such as radars. This design language can be easily applied to various models and sizes depending on the stylistic approach. The vertical lighting signature has been revised to form a Y shape with the headlights.

At the back, we find the vertical totem on the shield, which now includes a small screen. This serves as a communication tool, whether to inform the vehicle owner of the charge level or other drivers. The lights take their shape from those of the original DS3 and retain their depth effect, featuring 16 LED panels mounted on a magnesium structure. There is still a hint of Peugeot in this more angular rear design, which might remind one of the upcoming 208...

Initial considerations for customization

In profile, the shark fin emblem that characterized the DS3 is reinterpreted and placed at the end of the roof. The roof itself takes on the shape of a customizable distinctive ring. DS aims to highlight this feature that contributed to the success of the first generation. Thierry Metroz explained that the car was originally designed with this in mind. The rear bumper is reimagined here with a clean cut behind the doors, and the back is black, evoking Toyota models. The rest is in Cosmic Blue, a shade that changes with the light, shifting from a bright blue to violet tones.

The interior has not been shown. Technically, not much is known aside from the fact that it is based on the future STLA One platform—a modular base that can be adapted from city cars to large SUVs. This allows for a long wheelbase of 2.70 meters, improving interior space.

DS is opting for a larger size to create a more versatile entry-level model, even mentioning a trunk capacity of 400 liters, typical of higher categories. The target range is 500 kilometers, a figure that facilitates longer trips while staying within an affordable price range. The goal is also to make the car cheaper, as the current DS 3 electric starts at an unreasonably high price of over 40,000 euros.

This is promising, but patience will be required for the production model, which does not seem to be available before 2028.