Launched in 2017 and developed under the EMP2 platform (the same used by the Peugeot 508, for example), the DS 7 Crossback it was the first 100% independent DS model (by then all the others were born as Citroën) and is assumed to be the French interpretation of what a premium SUV should be.
To face the German proposals, DS used a simple recipe: added an extensive list of equipment to what we can define as “chic factor” (an approximation to the world of Parisian luxury and haute couture) and voilá, the 7 Crossback was born. But is this alone enough to face the Germans?
Aesthetically, it can't be said that the DS didn't try to give the 7 Crossback a more distinct look. Thus, in addition to the LED luminous signature, the Gallic SUV has several chrome details and, in the case of the tested unit, with enormous 20” wheels. All of this ensured that the DS model attracted attention during our test.
Inside the DS 7 Crossback
Aesthetically interesting, but at the expense of ergonomics, which is upgradeable, the interior of the DS 7 Crossback creates mixed feelings when it comes to quality.
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Is that despite having soft materials and the build quality to be in good plan, we can not fail to highlight in the negative the less pleasant touch of the synthetic leather used to cover the dashboard and much of the center console.
The clock on top of the dashboard does not appear until the ignition is turned on. Speaking of ignition, do you see that button under the watch? That's where you charge to start the engine…
In terms of habitability, if there's one thing that the DS 7 Crossback doesn't lack, it's space. Thus, transporting four adults in comfort is an easy task for the French SUV, and the tested unit also offered luxuries such as five types of massage on the front seats or the electric panoramic sunroof or the electrically adjustable rear seats.
The tested unit had massage benches.
At the wheel of the DS 7 Crossback
Finding a comfortable driving position on the DS 7 Crossback is not difficult (it's just a pity we have to look for where the mirror adjustment knob is), as it sits comfortably with drivers of all sizes. Rear visibility, on the other hand, ends up impaired at the expense of aesthetic options — the D-pillar is too wide.
With a high level of comfort (it could even be better if it weren't for the 20” wheels), the DS 7 Crossback's preferred terrain is not Lisbon's narrow streets, but any highway or national road. Helping to reconcile dynamics and comfort, the unit tested still had active suspension (DS Active Scan Suspension).
On highways, the highlight is the high stability shown. When we decide to face a set of curves, the Gallic SUV presents a behavior that is guided by predictability, managing to control the body movements in a convincing way (especially when we select the Sport mode).
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Speaking of driving modes, the DS 7 Crossback has four: Sport, Eco, Comfort and Normal . The first acts on the suspension setting, steering, throttle response and gearbox, giving it a more “sporty” character. As for Eco mode, it “castrates” the engine's response too much, making it lethargic.
Comfort mode adjusts the suspension in order to ensure the most comfortable step possible (however, it gives the DS 7 Crossback a certain tendency to “saltaric” after going through depressions on the road). As for the Normal mode, this one needs no introduction, establishing itself as a compromise mode.
In relation to the engine, the 1.6 PureTech 225 hp and 300 Nm it goes well with the eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing you to print at very high speeds. It is a pity that consumption is resentful, with the average remaining by the 9.5 l/100 km (with very light foot) and in normal walking without going down from the 11 l/100 km.
Is the car right for me?
If you're looking for an SUV packed with equipment, flashy, fast (at least in this version), comfortable and you don't want to follow the usual choice of opting for the German proposals, then the DS 7 Crossback is an option to take into account .
However, don't expect the quality levels displayed by its German (or Swedish, in the case of the Volvo XC40) competitors. Is that despite an effort to improve the overall quality of the 7 Crossback, we continue to face some choices of materials that are a "hole below" what the competition offers.