CITROEN DS3 2018 Handbook (in English)
Page 111 of 248
109
Recommended child 
seats
Group 0+: from bir th to 13 kg
L1
"
RÖMER Baby-Safe Plus"
Installed in the rearward facing position.
Groups 2
  and 3: 15-36   kg
L5
"RÖMER KIDFIX XP"
Can be fitted to the vehicle's ISOFIX  mountings.
The child is restrained by the seat belt. Groups 2
  and 3: 15-36   kg
L6
"GRACO Booster"
The child is restrained by the seat belt.
05 
Safety  
Page 112 of 248
11 0
Installing a child seat attached with the seat belt
In accordance with European regulations, this table indicates the options for installing child seats secured using a seat belt and universally approved 
(a ) according to the weight of the child and the seating position in the vehicle:
Weight of the child and indicative age
Seat Under 13
  kg
(groups 0
  (b) a n d  0 +)
Up to about 1
  year old9 -18
 
kg
(g r o u p  1)
From about 1 to  3
  years old15 -25
 
kg
(group 2)
From about 3 to  6
  years old22-36
  kg
(group 3)
From about 6 to  10
  years old
Front passenger seat (c)  with 
height adjustment (e) U(R)
U(R)U(R)U(R)
Front passenger seat (c)  
without height adjustment (e) U
UUU
Rear outer seats (d) UUUU
Centre rear seat (d) U (f )U (f ) UU
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Safety  
Page 113 of 248
111
ISOFIX mountings
The seats, illustrated below, are fitted with 
regulation ISOFIX mountings:There are three rings for each seat:
Remove and stow the head restraint 
before installing a   child seat with 
a   backrest on a   passenger seat. Refit the 
head restraint once the child seat has 
been removed.
(a)
Universal child seat: child seat which 
can be installed in all vehicles using 
the seat belt.
(b) Group 0: birth to 10
 
kg. Carrycots and 
car beds cannot be installed in the 
front passenger seat.
(c) Refer to the current legislation in your 
country before putting your child in this 
seat.
(d) To install a
 
child seat at the rear, 
rear ward or for ward facing, move the 
front seat for ward, then adjust the 
backrest to an upright position to allow 
enough room for the child seat and the 
child's legs.
(e) When a
 
rear ward facing child seat 
is installed on the front passenger 
seat, it is essential to deactivate the 
passenger's airbag. Otherwise, the 
child would risk being seriously injured 
or killed if the airbag were deployed. 
When a
 
for ward facing child seat is 
installed on the front passenger seat, 
the passenger's airbag must remain 
activated.
(f ) A child seat with a
 
support leg must 
never be installed on the centre rear 
passenger seat. U:
Seat suitable for the installation of 
a   child seat secured using a   seat belt 
and universally approved, rearward 
facing and/or forward facing.
U(R): Same as U , with the passenger seat 
adjusted to the highest position and in 
the longitudinal intermediate position.
-  
t
 wo rings A
, located between the vehicle 
backrest and cushion, indicated by a   label,
-  
a r
 ing B, located behind the seat, referred 
to as the TOP TETHER , for fixing the upper 
strap.
The TOP TETHER secures the upper strap 
of child seats that have one. In case of frontal 
impact, this device limits the tilting of the child 
seat forward.
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Safety  
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11 2
This ISOFIX mounting system provides fast, 
reliable and safe fitting of the child seat in your 
vehicle.
The ISOFIX child seats are fitted with two 
latches which are secured on the two rings A.
Some seats also have an upper strap , which is 
attached to ring B .
To secure the child seat to the Top Tether: 
-
 
r
 emove and stow the head restraint before 
installing the child seat on the seat (refit it 
once the child seat has been removed),
-
 
p
 ass the strap of the child seat behind 
the top of the backrest, centring the holes 
between the head restraint rods,
-
 
f
 ix the hook of the upper strap to ring B ,
-
 
t
 ighten the upper strap.
When installing an ISOFIX child seat on the 
right-hand rear seat, before securing the seat, 
first move the centre rear seat belt towards the 
middle of the vehicle, so as to not inter fere with 
the operation of the seat belt.
For information on installing ISOFIX child seats 
in your vehicle, refer to the summary table.Recommended ISOFIX child 
seats
Also consult the installation notes of the 
child seat's manufacturer to find out how 
to install and remove the seat. "
RÖMER Duo Plus ISOFIX "
(size category: B1 )
Group 1: from 9   to 18   kg
Is installed only in the forward facing position. Is attached to the rings A and the  
ring B , referred to as the TOP TETHER, 
using an upper strap.
Three seat body angles: sitting, reclining,  lying down.
This child seat can also be used on seats  not equipped with ISOFIX mountings. In 
this case, it must be secured to the vehicle's  seat by the three-point seat belt. Adjust the 
position of the vehicle's front seat so that the  child's feet are not touching the backrest.
05 
Safety  
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11 3
Summary table of locations for ISOFIX child seats
In line with European regulations, this table indicates the options for installing ISOFIX child seats on the vehicle seats fitted with ISOFIX mountings.
In the case of universal and semi-universal ISOFIX child seats, the ISOFIX size category, determined by a  letter from A to G, is indicated on the child 
seat next to the ISOFIX logo.
Weight of the child and indicative age
Less than 10
  kg 
(group 0)
Up to about  6
  monthsLess than 10
  kg (group 0)
Less than 13
  kg  
(group 0+)
Up to 1
  year approxFrom 9
  to 18   kg (group 1)
From about 1
  to 3   years old
Type of ISOFIX child seat Carr ycotRearward facing Rearward facing Forward facing
ISOFIX size categor y F G C D E C D A B B1
ISOFIX child seats universal and semi-
universal which can be installed on the rear  outer seats X
XIL- SU* XIL- SU* IUF
IL- SU
IL- SU: seat suitable for the installation of 
an Isofix S emi-Universal seat which 
can be:
-
 
"
 rear ward facing" fitted with an 
upper strap or a
  support leg,
-
 
"
 for ward facing" fitted with 
a
  support leg,
-
 
a c
 arrycot fitted with an upper 
strap or a
  support leg.
For advice on securing the upper strap refer to 
the "ISOFIX mountings" section. X:
seat not suitable for the installation of 
a
  child seat or an ISOFIX carrycot for the 
weight group indicated.
Remove and stow the head restraint 
before installing a
  child seat with 
a
  backrest on a   passenger seat. Refit the 
head restraint once the child seat has 
been removed.
*
 
T
 o install a   child seat at the rear, rear ward 
facing, move the front seat for ward, then 
straighten the backrest to allow enough 
room for the child seat and the child's legs.
I UF: seating position suitable for the 
installation of an I sofix Universal seat, 
F or ward facing secured using the 
"TOP TETHER" upper strap.
05 
Safety  
Page 116 of 248
11 4
Advice
The incorrect installation of a child seat in 
a  vehicle compromises the child's protection 
in the event of an accident.
Ensure that there is no seat belt or seat belt 
buckle under the child seat, as this could 
destabilise it.
Remember to fasten the seat belts or the 
child seat harnesses keeping the slack 
relative to the child's body to a
  minimum, 
even for short journeys.
When installing a
 
child seat using the seat 
belt, ensure that the seat belt is tightened 
correctly on the child seat and that it secures 
the child seat firmly on the seat of your 
vehicle. If your passenger seat is adjustable, 
move it for wards if necessary.
At rear seating positions, always leave 
sufficient space between the front seat and:
-
 
a r
 ear ward facing child seat,
-
 
t
 he child's feet for a   child seat fitted 
forward facing.
To do this, move the front seat for wards 
and, if necessary, move its backrest into the 
upright position.
For optimal installation of the "forward facing" 
child seat, verify that its backrest is as close 
as possible to the backrest of the vehicle 
seat, if possible in contact with it. The head restraint must be removed 
before installing a
  child seat with 
a
  backrest on a   passenger seat.
Ensure that the head restraint is stored or 
attached securely to prevent it from being 
thrown around the vehicle in the event of 
sharp braking. Refit the head restraint when 
the child seat is removed.
Children at the front
The legislation on carrying children on the 
front passenger seat is specific to each 
country. Refer to the legislation in force in 
your country.
Deactivate the passenger's front airbag when 
a
  rear ward facing child seat is installed on the 
front passenger seat.
Otherwise, the child risks being seriously 
injured or killed if the airbag is deployed.
Installing a
 
booster seat
The chest part of the seat belt must be 
positioned on the child's shoulder without 
touching the neck.
Ensure that the lap part of the seat belt 
passes correctly over the child's thighs. We recommend using a
  booster seat with 
a   backrest equipped with a   belt guide at 
shoulder level.
As a
  safety precaution, do not leave:
-
 
a c
 hild or children alone and unattended in 
a
 
vehicle,
-
 
a c
 hild or an animal in a   vehicle under the 
sun, with the windows closed,
-
 
t
 he keys within the reach of children inside 
the vehicle.
To prevent accidental opening of the doors 
and rear windows, use the child lock.
Take care not to open the rear windows by 
more than one third.
To protect young children from the rays of the 
sun, fit side blinds on the rear windows.
05 
Safety  
Page 117 of 248
DRIVING
06  
Page 118 of 248
11 6
Driving recommendations
Observe the driving regulations and remain 
vigilant whatever the traffic conditions.
Pay close attention to the traffic and keep your 
hands on the wheel so that you are ready to 
react at any time to any eventuality.
As a  safety measure, the driver should only 
carry out any operations that require close 
attention when the vehicle is stationary.
On a
  long journey, a break every two hours is 
strongly recommended.
In bad weather, drive smoothly, anticipate the 
need to brake and increase the distance from 
other vehicles.
Never leave the engine running in 
an enclosed area without adequate 
ventilation: internal combustion engines 
emit toxic exhaust gases, such as carbon 
monoxide. There is a
  risk of poisoning and 
death!
In very severe wintry conditions 
(temperatures below -23°C), to guarantee 
correct operation and the longevity of 
the mechanical elements of your vehicle, 
engine and gearbox, the engine must be 
left running for 4
  minutes before driving.
Important!
Never drive with the parking brake  
applied – Risk of overheating and damage 
to the braking system!
As the exhaust system of your vehicle 
is very hot, even several minutes after 
switching off the engine, never park or run 
the engine on inflammable sur faces (dry 
grass, dead leaves, etc.) – Risk of fire!
Never leave a  vehicle unsuper vised with 
the engine running. If you have to leave 
your vehicle with the engine running, apply 
the parking brake and put the gearbox into 
neutral or position N or P , depending on 
the type of gearbox.
Driving on flooded roads
We strongly advise against driving on flooded 
roads, as this could cause serious damage 
to the engine or gearbox, as well as to the 
electrical systems of your vehicle. If you are obliged to drive through water:
-
 
c
 heck that the depth of water does not 
exceed 15   cm, taking account of waves that 
might be generated by other users,
-  
d
 eactivate the Stop & Start function,
-  
d
 rive as slowly as possible without stalling. 
In all cases, do not exceed a   speed of 
6   mph (10   km/h),
-  
d
 o not stop and do not turn off the engine.
On leaving the flooded road, and as soon as it 
is safe to do so, brake lightly several times to 
dry the brake discs and pads.
If in doubt about the state of your vehicle, 
contact the dealer network or a   qualified 
workshop.
06 
Driving  
Page 119 of 248
11 7
In case of towing
Driving with a trailer places greater 
d emands on the towing vehicle and 
requires extra care from the driver.
Distribution of loads
F Distribute the load in the trailer so that the  heaviest items are as close as possible to 
the axle and the nose weight approaches 
the maximum permitted without exceeding 
it.
Air density decreases with altitude, thus 
reducing engine performance. The maximum 
towed load must be reduced by 10% for every 
1,000
  metres of altitude.
Please respect the maximum towable 
weights.
Side wind
F Take into account the increased sensitivity  to wind.
Cooling
Towing a trailer on a slope increases the 
t emperature of the coolant.
As the fan is electrically controlled, its cooling 
capacity is not dependent on the engine speed.
F
 
T
 o lower the engine speed, reduce your 
speed.
The maximum towable load on an incline 
depends on the gradient and the exterior 
temperature.
In all cases, keep a
  check on the coolant 
temperature.
F
 
I
 f this warning lamp and the 
STOP warning lamp come on, 
stop the vehicle and switch off 
the engine as soon as possible.
New vehicle
Do not pull a   trailer before having driven at least 
approximately 600
 
miles (1,000
 
 kilometres).
Braking
Towing a trailer increases the braking distance.
T o avoid overheating of the brakes, the use of 
engine braking is recommended.
Ty r e s
F Check the tyre pressures of the towing  vehicle and of the trailer, observing the 
recommended pressures.
Lighting
F Check the electrical lighting and signalling on the trailer and the headlamp beam height 
of your vehicle.
For more information on Headlamp 
beam height adjustment , refer to the 
corresponding section.
The rear parking sensors will be 
deactivated automatically to avoid 
the audible signal if a
  genuine 
DS
  AUTOMOBILES towbar is used.
If the exterior temperature is high, it is 
recommended that the engine be allowed 
to idle for 1
  to 2   minutes after the vehicle 
comes to a
  stop, to facilitate its cooling.
06 
Driving  
Page 120 of 248
11 8
Starting-switching off the 
engine
Anti-theft protection
Electronic immobiliser
The key contains an electronic chip which has 
a  secret code. When the ignition is switched 
on, this code must be recognised to enable 
engine start.
This electronic engine immobiliser locks the 
engine management system a
 
moment after 
the ignition is switched off, and prevents 
unauthorised engine starting.
In the event of a
  fault, you are 
informed by the illumination of this 
warning lamp, an audible signal and 
a
  message in the screen.
In this case, your vehicle will not start; contact 
the dealer network as soon as possible.
Keep safely, away from your vehicle, the 
label attached to the keys given to you 
when you purchased your vehicle.
Ignition switch
Ignition on position
It allows the use of the vehicle's electric 
equipment or portable devices to be charged.
Once the state of charge of the battery drops 
to the reser ve level, the system switches to 
energy economy mode: the power supply is 
cut off automatically to preser ve the remaining 
battery charge.
Avoid attaching heavy objects to the key 
or the remote control, which would weigh 
down on its blade in the ignition switch 
and could cause a
 
malfunction.
Starting the engine
It has 3 positions:
-  P osition 1: Stop
-
 
P
 osition 2: Ignition on
-
 
P
 osition 3: Starting F
 
A
 pply the parking brake.
F  
W
 ith a   manual gearbox, place the gear 
lever in neutral then fully depress the clutch 
pedal.
F  
W
 ith an electronic gearbox, place the lever 
at position N then firmly press the brake 
pedal.
F  
W
 ith an automatic gearbox, place the lever 
at position P then firmly press the brake 
pedal.
F
 
I
 nsert the key into the ignition switch; the 
system recognises the code.
F
 
U
 nlock the steering column by 
simultaneously turning the steering wheel 
and the key.
In certain cases, you may have to apply 
significant force to move the steering 
wheel (wheels on full lock, for example).
F
 
W
 ith a   petrol engine, operate the starter 
motor by turning the key to position 
3
  without pressing the accelerator pedal, 
until the engine starts. Once the engine is 
running, release the key.
F
 
W
 ith a   Diesel engine, turn the key to 
position 2 , ignition on, to operate the engine 
pre-heating system.
06 
Driving