First drive DS7 Crossback

DRIVE

AFTER some peaceful time in the recently launched DS7, I arrived at Gretna Green’s shopping outlet village and parked the car. I became aware of three elderly men standing in front of the car. One pointed at the bonnet and they all smiled.

My wife, who enjoys engaging with strangers and had read the press pack that came with the car, was soon explaining to them with some learnedness that this was a DS and that this car, the DS7, was the first real stand-alone product of the new company since its creation. Earlier DS models had been just rebranded Citroens, I heard her say, but today one mustn’t use Citroen and DS in the same sentence.

The mention of Citroen appeared to provoke some excitement among the three and for the next 45 minutes we received a lecture on all Citroens, from the 2-CV to the Citroen 15-Six to the ID 19. Front-wheel drive, monocoque body and self-levelling suspension were all discussed before we managed to escape.

The DS7 is an SUV and is not unlike many of the offerings – such as the Evoque, E-Pace and Q3 – that compete in this segment. I do like the lines of the car, front, back and sides and sitting on black 19-inch alloy wheels that are invigorated by bright diamond-cut steel sections, the DS7 has a charisma that will appeal to many.

Like Jupiter and Saturn its passenger cabin rains with diamonds – or should I say reigns. The diamond pattern is everywhere and switches for windows, locks, ventilation,