MOTORING
Citroen’s upmarket assault
Citroen’s new DS7 Crossback is a handsome, imposing car that goes up against some quality competition from the likes of Audi, Range Rover and Mercedes in the large SUV market. We sent motoring journalist Nick Jones out to see what the fuss is about and find out if the extra money for this premium marque is worth it.
When the PSA Group – the parent company of Peugeot and Citroen – launched the DS name back in 2009, it was driven by a desire to build a premium brand to compete with some of the more luxury marques in the industry. It’s latest offering, the DS7 Crossback, certainly lives
up to the prestige tag. With a stylish grille, wide air intakes and a high waistline, it oozes class, which is just what the DS brand hankered for. Two petrol versions can be had, a whizzy three-
cylinder 1.2 litre and a more powerful 1.6 litre. You may not think the smaller unit would have much gusto, but it certainly does and makes a great soundtrack. You can also choose from two diesel variations, a 1.5
litre that produces 130 brake horsepower and has a six- speed manual transmission. It’s perfectly acceptable around town and pottering around. While it takes a bit of winding up to get up to motorway speeds, it’s still a smooth operator. The 2.0 litre diesel, the most powerful of the pair, is a
beast. It churns out 180 horsepower and has an impressive 400Nm of torque, using a very smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox. Top speed is 134 miles per hour, and it hits 60mph in just 9.4 seconds. I was impressed with the low emissions at just
128g/km. Coupled with the promise of 57.6 miles per gallon, the higher-powered diesel looks very appealing. I wafted along in comfort mode all week, as my DS7 had the Active Scan suspension that reads the road
68 business network June/July 2020
surface and works surprisingly well. It 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 feels ahead of its time. I loved 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 that you want it to along the way. And there is plenty of room for five adults in here,
with 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 Citroen DS7 Crossback 2.0-litre diesel
PRICE OTR From £31,770
PERFORMANCE Top speed: 134 mph 0-60 mph: 9.4 seconds
CO2 EMISSIONS 128g/km
COMBINED MPG 57.6
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