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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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?
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.
To be honest what difference does reliablilty make if you've a 'Stop Drive Notice' on your Stellantis. They do say buses are better these days too.
You are hilarious. STLA is a Dutch Holding, with 15 brands. We never experienced a 'Stop Drive Notice' in our DS7, RAM-150, Maserati Grecale, Leapmotor C10, Jeep Cherokee, Fiat 500, Chrysler Pacifica, Peugeot 508, Dodge Charger, Citroen C1 or Alfa Romeo Giulia. What we did receive was "Congrats! You have passed the 250.000 mls without a single issue. Hit the 500k and you'll get Stellantis Sweepstakes!"