DS 7 Crossback, Welcome To The SUV War

The DS 7 Crossback is the first SUV to be launched by the luxury division of the PSA Group  and the first exclusively created by DS, for which we are facing a model that will go down in the history of the brand and that will mean that great change that so much they craved.

There’s nothing like getting off to a good start at something, and DS has done it. Based on the magnificent platform of the Peugeot 3008, this beginner is going to compete directly in the league of honor. In it are rivals of the stature of Audi Q5, BMW X3 or Lexus NX.

Design

With 4.57 meters in length, we are faced with a vehicle with a very original appearance and with premium details in each piece.

The front of the DS 7 Crossback is quite reminiscent of other models of the brand, especially the grille, wrapped in thick chrome, which creates a rather ostentatious image.

The rear is the most successful part of the French SUV. The pilots, at first glance, are reminiscent of the Jaguar F-Pace, they are very thin and are placed in a horizontal position. They are joined by a metal strip with the name of the vehicle.

At the bottom, two large exhaust outlets round off a model with a first-class presence. Without a doubt, at the level of its most direct rivals and with that incentive that the French model gives: exclusivity.

Inside

The cabin, Lounge according to the brand, is not far behind in any section. It has put all the arsenal of technology and the best finishes available to the brand, which gives the DS 7 Crossback a very luxurious look.

• As for the front seats, a large 12-inch screen presides over the dashboard. It has an impeccable resolution and is handled with the speed you expect. The steering wheel, flattened at the bottom, is completely new and follows the minimalist lines of the entire interior. The feeling of space is similar to what you have in an Audi Q5.
• In the rear seats, two adults will travel with a level of comfort at the level of a large saloon. The legroom is very good and the height for the head is also very good, although it takes a centimeter from the ceiling drop. The width, although similar to its rivals, does not make it suitable to accommodate three adults on long trips.
• The trunk, with 555 liters, traces the capacity of a Lexus NX and beats the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC by nothing, all of them with 550 liters.

Dynamic

The most striking thing about this beautiful DS 7 Crossback is the DS Active Scan Suspension: with a camera located on the front of the car, it reads the irregularities of the terrain five meters ahead. Using this information, adjust the stiffness of the four-wheel suspension to feel as little bumpy as possible.

In addition, it also takes into account the position of the steering wheel, accelerator and the engine speed at that moment. This we had seen in cars of the size of the Audi A8.

Engines

The French model has five engines, three that run on gasoline and two on diesel.

• Gasoline : the access version has a 130 hp 1.2 PureTech associated with a six- speed manual gearbox. The other two are fitted with the 1.6 THP engine, with 180 or 225 hp, both associated with the new eight-speed automatic transmission and torque converter.

• Diesel: both with the 2.0 HDI block, they will be sold with 130 or 180 hp.  You can choose either manual or automatic transmission.

Later, the brand has announced the arrival of a hybrid variant that will deliver 300 hp of power. It is based on the sum of a 1.6 THP of 200 CV, plus two electric propellants.

Prices DS 7 Crossback

Part of € 32,950 that costs the basic version with the 130 hp diesel engine with the BE CHIC finish, up to the € 52,750 that is worth with the 225 hp gasoline engine with automatic transmission and the top-of-the-range finish, called La Première .

They are clearly higher prices (as much as the car itself is) to the SUV of generalist brands. But part of lower prices than, for example, a BMW X3 or an Audi Q5.

conclusion

There is always a gap for those who offer something different from other competitors. Without a doubt, arguments are not lacking to stand up to his rivals. When the first units start to be seen on our streets, their real publicity will begin, and that is that this DS 7 Crossback is a very nice car.

If you are looking for a premium SUV , but you don’t want there to be four others the same as yours in every car park where you go, this is your car. In the rest you will not be disappointed.