DS 7 Crossback Luxury SUV Test Drive Review

October 14, 2020

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Was Technologically Ahead Of Its Time

First you must understand that the DS name was first used with the 1955 Citroen DS car and this might still be one of the greatest cars ever made to date. Designed by Flaminio Bertoni and André Lefèbvre it really is moving art (see image below).

‘DS’ stands for Different Spirit or Distinctive Series as well as being a play on the word ‘déesse’ goddess in French.

At its launch the DS was technologically ahead of its time. Hydraulics powered its steering, brakes, gearbox, clutch and self-levelling suspension which became Citroen’s famous ‘magic carpet’ ride. It remained in production for slightly over 20 years and it is still much admired today.

In 2009 Citroen decided to start an upmarket brand and so it decided to use the DS name for its premium vehicles. DS became a brand officially on 1 June 2014 and asserted its ambition: the return of French automobiles to the high-end segment. This DS 7 is its first SUV.

The Exterior

It starts with its LED light signatures, unique interior stitching techniques, and the motorised watch by B.R.M placed on the dashboard.

Smooth lines are used to attract your attention to this DS 7. On the exterior, the DS 7 Crossback SUV sports a muscular yet elegant look resulting in a more distinguished and sporty poise. The horizontal chrome DS WINGS on the front face convey a sense of prestige with their strong, well balanced lines. The new diamond-effect gloss black grille sports a hexagonal surround of dynamic lines, with the DS emblem taking up a prominent stance in the centre. Unique only to the Performance Line, the grille is topped with DS Performance Line badge. The sharp edges of the front and rear wings sculpt the sides to enhance the muscular beauty of this SUV.

The DS ACTIVE LED VISION system adapts in width and range to the road conditions and vehicle speed and is set in five lighting modes –Town Beam, Country Beam, Motorway Beam, Adverse Weather and High Beam – for greater safety on the road. Resembling faceted jewels, the LED modules of the DS ACTIVE LED VISION headlamps emit a purple light when DS 7 Crossback is unlocked, before pivoting progressively by 180 degrees to create a hypnotic visual effect.

On the rear, DS 3D Full LED rear lights finished with three-dimensional scale effect and textured black finish on the textured black rear trim. Together with the equally stunning 3D rear lights, the eminently recognisable light signature from both front and rear views lend a level of stature, poise and visual pleasure to the vehicle.

The Interior

The interior of DS 7 Crossback SUV is a chic, contemporary vehicle that reflects the expertise at DS Automobiles. The Spirit of Avant-Garde is also expressed in the interior, with two high-definition screens positioned at the heart of the cabin. The first is an 8-inch central touchscreen that manages the multimedia interface, the entire DS CONNECT offer, wireless charging and compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirrorlink. The second is a 12.3-inch personalisable screen dedicated to the digital instrument cluster.

The Performance Line trim promises dynamic quality throughout, combining ‘Basalt Black’ grained Alcantara interior with Carmine/Gold topstitching and the use of precious materials such as Aluminium for the pedals, instantly enveloping occupants in a hushed sporty atmosphere. The steering wheel is leather upholstered and in a sign of the brand’s unwavering attention to detail, the grab handles and the central part of the wheel (airbag cover) are also available in a rare leather finish.

The Timepiece

The toggle switches on the chrome-finished central console feature a ‘Clous de Paris’ guilloche trim finish, while an exclusive animated watch in partnership with B.R.M Chronographs, the B.R.M R180, sits majestically on the dashboard adding a touch of elegance infused with a sense of tradition.

The Audio

The distinctive DS LOUNGE presents the top-of-the-range FOCAL Electra® HiFi audio system, a meticulously devised acoustic architecture composed of 14 speaker drivers carefully positioned around the passenger compartment. This spatialisation ensures a uniquely immersive listening experience surrounded by rich and detailed sound.

The Engine

The overall character and performance of the DS 7 Crossback SUV is underscored by its powerful highly-efficient, high-torque internal combustion engines which produces 165hp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 240Nm from 1,400rpm with its 1.6-litre THP four-cylinder petrol engine. Exceptional power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission (EAT6), recording 220km/h top speed.

This All-New DS 7 Crossback SUV also features a new Electric Impulse Auto Gear Control with Paddle Shift for a thrilling drive. The DS 7 Crossback SUV rides on 19-inch Onyx Black alloy wheels wrapped in 235/50 tyres giving the DS 7 Crossback SUV a comfortable yet confident ride on the road.

A five-star EuroNCAP rating only bodes well for this sleek SUV, the DS 7 Crossback SUV boasts a myriad of safety equipment such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Emergency Brake Assist (EBS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Anti-skid Regulation (ASR), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Driver Attention Warning, six airbags, ISOFIX anchor points and passenger detection system, and DS ACTIVE LED VISION – all of which working effortlessly to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers at all times.

The official premiere of the All-New DS 7 Crossback SUV also marks the launch of the exclusive DS Only You programme – a collection of services for customers to enjoy a unique DS Experience. The portfolio of services was built to delight customers, based on a thorough study of their expectations and influenced by luxury brands specialising in travel and lifestyle demands.

The Drive

Getting into this new DS 7 you will be taken by its surprisingly good looks, quality feel & quality fitment. This is definitely a premium SUV cabin which puts its German made rivals in the shadow. Yes, do not take our word for it, visit a DS showroom and see, feel and experience this beautifully crafted and assembled cabin for yourself.

You will immediately notice the 2^nd generation of PSA’s i-Cockpit 12-inch digital display in front of the driver, an 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment and navigation, and a sporty steering wheel that first nicely on your palms. Yes, it’s a unique steering wheel that will have you missing it when you get into another SUV.

The 1.6-litre PSA built heart that provides life to this DS 7 is an award-winning piece of engineering and for good reason, combining the advantages of high pressure direct injection and advanced turbocharger technology. The 240Nm it produces arrives at an early 1400rpm, ensuring a highly responsive drive, while the 165bhp of power it produces affords effortless acceleration all the way till the 206km/h mark. It might not be the quickest SUV in its segment due to its size, but it lacks nothing for the executive or family driver on daily commute and the odd highway run. Up to illegal speeds on the highway you will notice a noise free cabin with great sound insulation and a ride comfort that supersedes the rivals.

And, it produces all this performance while sipping a mere 6.5 liters of fuel every 100km driven.

The seats are very comfortable and supportive up front and there is good room in the back seats, with adequate knee room for adults and just enough headroom for anyone under 180cm which allows basketball players to get comfy.

There is plenty of small item space, including the wireless charging pad, deep door pockets and a very deep lidded storage box between the front seats.

This DS 7 Crossback SUV was initially priced at RM199,888 on-the-road without insurance and now the selling price has moved up to RM259,88 and it comes with a 5-Years Peace Of Mind warranty or up to 120,000km whichever comes first and 5-Years 24-hour Roadside Assistance. Colour options available right now are Nera Black, Pearl White, Absolute Red and Platinum Grey.