Automatic mode
- Select position D so that the six gears are changed automatically.
In this case the gearbox operates in self-adapting mode without driver intervention. It continuously selects the best gear ratio for the driving style, road profile and vehicle load.
To obtain maximum acceleration without changing gear, press the accelerator pedal fully down (kickdown). The gearbox automatically downshifts or holds the selected gear until the engine reaches maximum torque.
When braking, the gearbox automatically downshifts to use engine braking.
If the accelerator pedal is suddenly released to improve safety, the gearbox will not upshift.
Never select position N while driving. Never select position P or R before the vehicle has come to a complete stop.Reverse gear
With the ignition on, when reverse gear R is selected, the rear parking assistance system switches on automatically.
For more information, see the "Rear parking assistance" section.
Independent drive function (driving without pressing the accelerator pedal)
This function allows more flexible vehicle manoeuvring at low speeds (parking, traffic jams, ...).
When the engine is idling, the brake is released and position D, M or R is selected, the vehicle starts moving as soon as the brake pedal is released (even without pressing the accelerator pedal).
For safety reasons, this function only activates when the brake pedal is pressed while selecting forward or reverse gear.
The function switches off when the driver's door is opened.
Closing the door, then pressing the brake or accelerator pedal, reactivates this function.
Test yourself
A quick Citroen DS3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.