DS goes SUV with DS 7 Crossback

FRENCH luxury car brand DS Automobiles is joining the booming SUV scene with the new DS 7 Crossback which makes its debut at this month’s Geneva Motor Show.

The DS 7 Crossback comes with a wide range of features and takes the first step towards autonomous driving with technologies such as active LED vision, connected pilot and driver attention assist which DS says increases safety, comfort and peace of mind for both the driver and the passengers.

When on sale later this year it will come with a choice of five powerful, high-efficiency, high-torque engines compliant with the latest Euro 6.2 emissions standard.

It will also premiere the new-generation EAT efficient automatic transmission with eight-speeds.

Three petrol engines will be feature in the DS 7 linew up, a THP 225 S&S EAT8, a THP 180 S&S EAT8, and a PureTech 130 S&S six-speed manual.

There will be two diesels - a BlueHDi 130 S&S with a choice of sixspeed manual or the EAT8 and a BlueHDi 180 which is auto only.

Styling features include a diamond-effect grille, horizontal chrome DS wings and LED ‘rotating’ headlamps. The interior is available with a choice of four DS inspiration themes.

With its LED light signatures, special interior stitching and a B.R.M timepeice placed on the dashboard as featured on the earlier DS E-Tense concept model seen last year - the DS 7 Crossback is said to be the brand’s vision for the future.

On the inside the Crossback has two 12-inch screens positioned at the heart of the cabin. The first works with the navigation system as well as managing the multimedia interface, MirrorScreen and DS Connect functions.

The second is digital instrument cluster in front of the driver which can be configured in a variety of ways.

Thierry Metroz, director of style at DS Automobiles, said: “At all stages of the design process, the guiding aim for DS 7 Crossback was to express refinement, excellence and the best know-how implemented to the highest standards.

“The result is there to see, with an ideally proportioned car brimming with personality. It’s a perfect alchemy of strength and style.”

The DS 7 Crossback will be assembled at the Mulhouse plant facility in France and at the Shenzhen plant in China.