What's the news?
Citroen's luxury division, DS Automobiles, is set to launch a new premium crossover at the Geneva Motor Show next week. Due to go on sale at the beginning of next year, the DS7 Crossback is aimed squarely at the likes of Audi's Q3 and the Lexus NX.
Exterior
A length of over 4.5 metres brings it close to the Audi Q5 in size, with obvious space benefits for occupants. A redesigned DS logo on the prominent front grille is framed by some of the coolest headlights ever fitted to a car. On certain trim levels, the active LED headlights glow purple when you unlock the car, and perform a swivelling motion when the engine is started up. Pure theatre, and sure to entertain those nearby...
The taillights have laser-engraved detailing, while the indicators feature a scrolling motion, and the package as a whole looks quite handsome. Wheel options ranging from 17-inch to 20-inch items will be available.
Interior
The car will be available as a five-seater only, although the upshot of that is the large amount of space available for the occupants. The back seats recline individually, and a full-length glass sunroof can be specified for an airy feel. Two 12-inch screens dominate the centre console, while leather is almost omnipresent. The windows are double glazed, and the massaging seats have a 'cat paw' function. Ambient lighting changes depending on time of day and occupant preferences, and first impressions suggest it will be a rather place to be in.
Mechanicals
Engine options consist of three petrol and two diesel units, mated to six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions, the latter gearbox being all-new. The E-Tense plug-in hybrid variant adds electric motors to the rear axle to give a part-time all-wheel drive system, and has a 60km range in electric-only mode. A novel suspension system known as DS Active Scan anticipates bumps and surface changes on the road ahead, and alters the suspension settings accordingly for increased comfort and stability.
Anything else?
Autonomous aids such as parking assist and active cruise control systems feature, while driver alertness and night vision functions are a nod towards those fitted to executive segment vehicles. A 'La Première' launch edition has already been announced with special equipment and trim options, and is available to order from March 7th until the end of the year.
Interested punters can visit www.DSautomobiles.co.uk or use the virtual reality configurator in dedicated DS Stores to configure and follow their own vehicle from order to delivery.