DS7 - Something very different

Test Drive by Graham Breeze

When Citroen revealed an upmarket DS brand back in 2014 there were questioning glances all round – now a new Crossback is good enough to stand toe-to-toe with the best in sector.

Was it brave or foolish for Citroen to expect to win sales from the luxury brands such as Audi, Volvo and BMW?

Well four years on the answer to that question recently stood proudly on my drive in the form of the new DS7 Crossback, the latest and best-yet offering from DS Automobiles.

It’s taken only four years for DS to become firmly established as the latest ambassador for the world of French luxury and the new 7 Crossback has arrived as the flagship with production taking place in both Europe and China.

This premium SUV shares a platform with Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland X and will rival Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Volvo XC40. So does it have a chance? It certainly does because first of all it is so different.

The DS7 simply stands out from the rest of a lookalike sector which has been screaming out for a change and captured more attention that any car I have tested in recent years.

“The suits at DS Automobiles say they are targeting customers who want to assert themselves and who are looking for a new motoring experience.  Customers who want a car that mirrors their status, success and individuality.

And it does just what they were aiming for with stunning looks and a diamond pattern theme that runs throughout and is used on the grille, side badges and even the rear lights.

The DS7 comes with four options, Elegance, Performance, Prestige and Ultra Prestige with prices stretching from £28,095 to £43,580. On test was the Prestige Blue HDi 180 Automatic which is being hotly tipped to be the best seller at £39,380.

You do get plenty for your money if that figure sounds a bit on the high side.

Elegance gets a space saver spare wheel, black exterior door mirrors, body coloured door handles, black front grille, LED daytime running lights and full LED interior lighting.

There’s ESP, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring, trailer stability control, electric parking brake, adjusting steering column, active safety braking, lane departure warning, speed limit warning, rear parking sensors, automatic door locking, remote tailgate opening and defrosting door mirrors.

There’s a multi-function trip computer and an 8 inch touchscreen which I found a bit on the fussy side, Bluetooth, Mirror Screen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, DAB radio and an emergency DB connection box.

The Prestige on test gained 19inch alloys, chrome body colouring, n active scan suspension system, parking sensors, reversing camera, an advances safety pack, including lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition and follow-me-home lighting.

I’ve not been a big fan of Citroen cockpits but this is something different with looks to match the exterior. The dimond feature continues inside with a striking DS monogram on the leather dashboard. Front seats are heated and come with massage features and all the adjustments you need to find the perfect driving position.

The DS7 is spacious too with plenty of room for five and a 555-litre boot which comes with a two-position floor on the Prestige.

The 2.0litre test car charged to 62mph in under 10 seconds through a very smooth, an eight-speed automatic box and has claimed combined fuel figures on 57.6mpg.

CO2 levels are competitive at 128g/km, while the test model fell into a 30E insurance grouping and would set you back £205 to tax in the first year.

You get the feeling there might be a limited market for the DS7 Crossback but buyers will certainly be attracted by its individuality. I wish I could afford one.