DS boss Xavier Peugeot has hinted that a replacement for the brand's smallest model, the 3, is on the horizon - but suggested that it won't be easily pigeonholed into a traditional segment.
The high-riding DS 3 supermini is up for renewal, having been launched in 2018 as the second model from the then newly independent DS marque.
Sharing its platform and powertrain line-up with the similarly sized Vauxhall Mokka, Jeep Avenger and Peugeot 2008, the DS 3 has played a crucial role in helping Stellantis's French premium marque to establish a foothold in the European market - particularly in the UK, where it has been by far the brand's best-seller.
Xavier Peugeot suggested the brand plans to maintain a small car offering, but hinted that – like the new DS N°8 saloon-SUV – a successor to the 3 would be likely to straddle traditional segments in a bid to both stand out in a crowded segment and appeal to different demographics.
"There is room for a premium car in the small, medium or large segments, but I think we should also probably invent some new segments, if we can," he said. "There is room in the various segments for a premium player."
He stopped short of giving any concrete details of DS's plans for a new entry model, but DS product director Audrey Amar said Xavier Peugeot is always asking her to "invent a new concept" for upcoming cars and suggested that future models will follow the N°8 in straddling various market segments.
She said: "When you look at previous segments, it was very clear that you had B-hatch, B-SUV, C-hatch, C-SUV... Now it's not that obvious any more."
Amar added that the N°4, which occupies a similar footprint to the likes of its Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series rivals but adopts more of an SUV-inspired silhouette, is "the beginning of this new segmentation".
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"particularly in the UK, where it has been by far the brand's best-seller."
That's more a reflection of the dismal sales of the brand's other models, than because the current DS3 has been a big success.
Is this a joke? the first DS3 3 door version wasn't too bad at all, it even had a hot hatch version and sold quite well, but since it changed to the 5 door format sales have really gone downhill. Is there a need for yet another small SUV in marketplace? already in the Stellantis model range there is the Alfa Romeo Junior,Jeep Avenger & Peugeot 2008 using the same platform so what is the point of updating the DS3?
You're so sad. Still unable to tell the difference between a 3 dr Defender and 5 door Disco?
Invent a new segment of car? WTHF?, there's enough choice out there from all round the World,if your that hard to please stick with what your driving.