Key to this is a new ‘totem’ element in the centre of both front and rear bumpers. Within the rear housing is an LCD screen that can display various patterns or messages, each chosen from inside the car. A similar ‘totem’ is also applied in the centre of the front bumper, housing the illuminated logo.

It’s clear to see the car’s connection to the original DS 3, especially at the back which features similarly shaped lights and a bulbous rear. Despite having to squeeze in two extra doors, DS has gone to great lengths to hide the rear handles and create the effect of a two-door body. Look closely and you’ll also see a revival of the ‘shark-fin’ motif, here subtly integrated just behind the rear glass.

The F3VER’s wraparound rear glazing suggests this car will have a hidden C-pillar like the original. However, the concept’s glass will no doubt be replaced with black plastic that’ll mimic the same effect in a more production-friendly format. The rear lights are directly inspired by the original in shape and their three-dimensional lighting, something that DS says is easy to replicate in production.

A contrasting roof will once again be a core element of the DS No3’s personalisation, and on this concept its warm gold finish contrasts against the blue paintwork which flips to purple under bright lighting. 

The front lighting is a radical departure for the brand, however, because it’s the first DS model not to feature a grille or grille-like styling element between the headlights. Those headlamps are now mounted within a Y-shaped styling feature, also housing two vertically mounted daytime running lights – yet more references to the original DS 3.

DS made a point of the contrasting surfaces in this section, with the sharp, three-dimensional lighting element sitting within a soft black area. It’s this sort of detailed styling that DS Automobiles wants to be defined by, and it’s something the brand’s head of design, Thierry Métroz, assured us would be possible on a future DS No3 supermini.

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