Towing capacity for a DS 3

DS 3 towing capacity : the practical guide

The DS 3 belongs to the SUV family, a body style that combines a raised driving position with the structural rigidity needed for towing. Its higher ground clearance and longer wheelbase typically give a more stable behaviour with a caravan than a compact saloon. Across the 4 listed engines, figures vary depending on transmission and gearbox.

DS 3 towing capacity in one line

Across the 4 engines listed, built 2019, towing capacity is 1,200 kg (2,646 lb), with a manufacturer maximum braked towing weight of 1,200 kg (2,646 lb). Take the lower of those two figures and you have the real limit, before factoring in your gross train weight.

The diesel, petrol line-up gives you a real choice: diesel versions usually quote a higher towing capacity for the same trim, thanks to greater low-end torque, while petrol versions trade towing margin for lower CO2 figures.

What you can actually tow with this DS 3

1,000 kg of towing covers most small utility trailers (flatbed, garden trailer, 2 m by 1.3 m timber trailer loaded), a single-bike trailer with a fully loaded road bike, or an ultra-light two-berth caravan. It is the typical threshold for compact saloons and small petrol or mild-hybrid SUVs.

Best fit: Ideal if you tow occasionally for short trips (tip runs, local moves, weekend errands) and are not planning a family caravan.

Watch out: At a 1,000 kg towing capacity, the margin over the braked towing weight is thin: make sure your towbar and wiring are type-approved for the real loaded weight of your trailer, not the empty figure.

Gross vehicle weight, gross train weight and payload

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the maximum laden weight of the car alone : 1,650 kg (3,638 lb) to 1,705 kg (3,759 lb). Gross train weight (GTW) is the maximum laden weight of the whole outfit : 2,850 kg (6,283 lb) to 2,905 kg (6,404 lb). Payload (GVW minus kerbweight) sits at 480 kg (1,058 lb) to 500 kg (1,102 lb), the share you can use for passengers, luggage and the towbar noseweight.

What to check on the V5C of your own DS 3

• Field F.1 / F.2 : maximum laden weight (GVW). The figure on your logbook is the only one that legally applies to your car.
• Field F.3 : gross train weight (GTW). Compare it to the published values above to spot a discrepancy.
• Field O.1 : maximum braked towing weight. Sometimes lower than the manufacturer brochure if your car was originally fitted without a towbar.
• Field O.2 : maximum unbraked towing weight. Capped at 750 kg in most cases.

What licence do you need to tow with a DS 3?

If you passed the UK car driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you can now tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM with a standard category B licence: the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer (B+E) test was scrapped. Drivers who passed earlier usually keep grandfather rights. As a stability rule, less experienced drivers should keep the loaded caravan weight to no more than about 85 % of the car kerbweight, especially on motorways and in crosswinds. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate before hitching up.

FAQ

What is the gross vehicle weight of the DS 3?
The gross vehicle weight of the DS 3 is 1,650 kg (3,638 lb) to 1,705 kg (3,759 lb).

How much can the DS 3 tow?
The DS 3 can tow up to 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) depending on the engine.

Can you tow a caravan with a DS 3?
Yes, within its towing capacity of 1,200 kg (2,646 lb). Compare it with your caravan loaded weight (MTPLM) before buying.

What licence do you need to tow with a DS 3?
In the UK, drivers who passed the car test on or after 1 January 1997 can tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM on a standard category B licence (the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer test was scrapped). Drivers who passed before then usually keep larger entitlements. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate.