New DS 4 vs Audi Q3 vs Cupra Formentor: verdict

Our verdict

A last-place finish for the DS 4 might lead you to think that it’s a letdown, but that’s not the case. This is the best DS product we’ve tested, and it outshines its more established rivals in hard-won areas such as interior quality, refinement and its ability to fast charge. It’s just a shame that it’s rather weak in other important areas, such as rear seat space, the usability of its boot and the infotainment system.

The Formentor, meanwhile, slots into a respectable second place. It backs up its exotic looks with impressive pace and yet manages to be the most frugal of our trio. It also comes packed with standard equipment and scores strongly for safety.

The Formentor doesn’t do quite enough to see off the Q3, though. It may not be as well equipped or ride quite as smoothly as its rivals, but the Q3 has no major weaknesses and beats our other contenders in key areas such as interior space and practicality while being better to drive. It’s a great all-rounder.

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1st – Audi Q3

For Lofty driving position; roomiest interior; biggest boot; confidence-inspiring handling
Against Firm ride; stingy on standard equipment; shortest electric range
Recommended options Comfort and Sound Pack (£1195)

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Audi Q3 review >>

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2nd – Cupra Formentor

For Strong performance; very frugal; well equipped; best electric range
Against Coarse engine; no discounts; cheapest-feeling interior; very low driving position
Recommended options None

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Cupra Formentor review >>

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3rd – DS 4

For Comfiest ride; well-finished interior; fast charging; cheapest company car
Against Unsupportive driver’s seat; clunky infotainment; so-so handling; poor retained values
Recommended options Electric Seats Pack (£700)

What Car? rating 3 stars out of 5

Read our full DS 4 review >>

Find DS 4 deals >>

Specifications: Audi Q3 45 TFSIe S line

Engine 4cyl, 1395cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor
Peak power 242bhp (combined)
Peak torque 295Ib ft (combined) 
Gearbox 6-spd automatic
0-60mph 6.7sec
30-70mph 5.5sec
Top speed 130mph 
30-0mph 8.4m
70-0mph 44.9m
Noise at 30mph 60.6db
Noise at 70mph 68.0db
Kerb weight 1740kg
Tyre size (std) 255/45 R19 
Fuel tank 45 litres
CO2 emissions 44g/km
Battery capacity 10.4kWh
Peak charging rate 3.6kW
Charging time 3hr 45min (0-100%)

Specifications: Cupra Formentor eHybrid 245 VZ2

Engine 4cyl, 1395cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor
Peak power 242bhp (combined)
Peak torque 243Ib ft (combined)
Gearbox 6-spd automatic
0-60mph 6.5sec
30-70mph 5.6sec
Top speed 130mph 
30-0mph 8.3m
70-0mph 44.5m
Noise at 30mph 62.1db
Noise at 70mph 67.7db
Kerb weight 1704kg
Tyre size (std) 245/40 R19 
Fuel tank 40 litres
CO2 emissions 33g/km
Battery capacity 12.8kWh
Peak charging rate 3.6kW
Charging time 3hr 33min (0-100%)

Specifications: DS 4 E-Tense 225 Performance Line+

Engine 4cyl, 1598cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor
Peak power 222bhp (combined)
Peak torque 266Ib ft (combined)
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
0-60mph 7.7sec
30-70mph 6.4sec
Top speed 145mph 
30-0mph 8.4m
70-0mph 46.1m
Noise at 30mph 60.0db
Noise at 70mph 65.4db
Kerb weight 1653kg
Tyre size (std) 205/55 R19 
Fuel tank 40 litres
CO2 emissions 30g/km
Battery capacity 12.4kWh
Peak charging capacity 7kW
Charging time 1hr 55min (0-100%)

Test weather conditions Dry

Cars pictured

Audi Q3 45 TFSIe Black Edition with Pulse Orange paint (£575), twin leather upholstery (£250) and Storage Pack (£210)

Cupra Formentor eHybrid 245 VZ2 with Graphene Grey paint (£825)

DS 4 E-Tense 225 Performance Line+ with Platinum Grey paint (£595) and Bi-tone roof (£300)

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