2 minute read
MOTORING
Citroen’s upmarket assault
The DS 7 is a large SUV, fashioned out of PSA Group’s decision to build a premium brand that sits above both Peugeot and Citroen. Motoring journalist Nick Jones looks to see what the fuss is all about, and find out if the extra money for this premium marque is worth it.
This is a handsome, imposing car what with the stylish grille, wide air intakes and a real high waistline – images don’t really do it justice as to the class it oozes.
It goes up against some quality competition from the likes of Audi, Range Rover and Mercedes, but that’s just what the DS brand hankered for.
Two petrol versions can be had – a whizzy threecylinder 1.2-litre engine and a more powerful 1.6-litre. You may think the smaller unit wouldn’t have much gusto, but it certainly does and makes a great soundtrack.
Then you can choose from two diesel variations –firstly, a 1.5-litre that produces 130 brake horsepower (hp), with a six-speed manual transmission.
It’s perfectly acceptable around town and pottering about. It does take a bit of winding up to get up to motorway speeds, but it’s a smooth operator.
Next up is the 2.0-litre diesel, the most powerful of the pair. It churns out 180hp and has an impressive 400Nm of torque, using a very smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Top speed is 134mph and it hits 60mph in just 9.4 seconds. I’m impressed with the low emissions at just 128g/km – couple that with the promise of 57.6 miles per gallon and the higher-powered diesel looks very appealing.
You can also choose an E-Tense plug-in hybrid, which packs four-wheel-drive, 197hp with two electric motors that achieve an impressive 297hp. It’s pricey but looks good for the future.
I wafted along in comfort mode all week, as my DS 7 had the active scan suspension that reads the road surface. It works surprisingly well and absorbs the worst of road surfaces with aplomb.
Step inside and you’re met with an upmarket, stylish cockpit. It has quirky switches, jazzy trims and it feels ahead of its time.
I love the 12-inch infotainment screen that dominates the dashboard, with buttons to operate it that are fixed.
The digital instrument display is clear and decisive, and can show any information you want along the way. There’s plenty of room for five adults in here and lots of storage space to boot.
I’m impressed – it’s a very good effort indeed from DS and provides a real threat to the established brands in the large premium SUV sector.
FACTFILE
MODEL
DS 7 Crossback 2.0-litre diesel
PERFORMANCE
Top speed: 134 mph 0-60 mph: 9.4 seconds
CO2 EMISSIONS
128g/km
COMBINEDMPG
57.6
PRICE OTR
From £33,125
