All-new DS 7 Crossback unveiled in Paris
New car takes on more premium rivals such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3
DS Automobiles has revealed its all-new DS 7 Crossback at the brand’s spiritual home in Paris.
The C-segment SUV is a first for the French firm, and will take on the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA, despite being more similar in size to cars such as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.
DS Automobiles’ CEO Yves Bonnefont said: “The DS 7 Crossback heralds a new era for DS Automobiles. In this global SUV age of refined and high-tech design, craftsmanship is combined with technological innovations, know-how and savoir-faire from Paris.
“It symbolises the future of DS Automobiles, a brand whose visionary mind-set was present from its first models.”
The DS 7 Crossback will be available with a choice of six powertrains, including a high-performance plug-in hybrid option, which will go on sale in spring 2019.
Known as the E-Tense hybrid, this powertrain uses a 197hp petrol engine and two electric motors for a combined power figure of 296hp, which is sent to all four wheels. DS Automobiles claims that this new drivetrain also allows for an all-electric range of 37 miles, with charging taking as little as 2.5 hours when on fast charge.
In addition to the hybrid, the DS 7 Crossback will also be available with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines. As far as power outputs go, the petrol engines produce 222bhp, 178bhp and 128bhp, while the diesels develop 178bhp and 128bhp.
Also featured on the DS 7 Crossback is DS Active Scan Suspension. This active system uses a camera to identify any approaching bumps in the road so that complete control can be maintained over the car’s shock absorbers.
Five different interior “Inspirations” will be available with the DS 7 Crossback in the UK, all of which are based on Paris. Each Inspiration features different materials, be it leather, cloth or Alcantara. The Inspirations are named Bastille, Rivoli, Faubourg, Opera and Performance Line.
A BRM Chronographs timepiece is the crowning feature of the upmarket interior. This sits in pride of place atop the dashboard, and leaving its setting and pivoting through 180° when the car is started.
DS Automobiles will make the new SUV available with a range of autonomous technologies. This includes DS Park Pilot, which can park the DS 7 Crossback in both parallel and perpendicular parking bays with no input from the driver whatsoever.
Safety features include driver attention monitoring systems that can sound an alert if they detect that the driver is feeling drowsy, while DS Night Vision uses infrared camera technology to provide the driver with a picture of the road when driving at night. The DS 7 Crossback is the first C-segment vehicle to feature such technology.
Customers will be able to order the range-topping La Premiere trim level from March 7 to December 31. The remaining trim levels will be available immediately after this date.
By Simon Davis
