Geneva show: DS unveils hybrid DS7 Crossback SUV

FRENCH premium car-maker DS has revealed its new DS7 Crossback mid-size SUV ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show next week, sporting a petrol-electric drivetrain, semi-autonomous driving technologies and typically French interior flair.

DS’s Australian importer Sime Darby Motors Group said the DS7 was still under consideration for Australia, but could not confirm if or when it might land Down Under.

The DS7 Crossback will be the first production DS model to feature electrification – following on from the fully electric E-Tense Concept that was revealed at last year’s Geneva show – and every future model will feature a hybrid variant, according to DS vice-president of products and business development, Eric Apode.

“Each DS model will be available in a high-performance hybrid version. And DS will be the first PSA Group brand to launch a petrol PHEV,” he said at last year’s Paris motor show.

“For DS, hybrids are not only about performance and efficiency. They are also designed to optimise cabin space and boot capacity.” The DS7 Crossback will team a 150kW petrol engine of unknown capacity and layout with a pair of 80kW electric motors for a combined total output of 224kW.

It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the petrol unit and one motor driving the front wheels and the second electric motor powering the rear wheels for four-wheel drive.

A lithium-ion battery is positioned under the second-row seat floor, and has a 13kWh capacity and 90kW output, and can deliver almost 60km of all-electric range.

Charging takes four-and-a-half hours in standard mode or two-and-a-half in fast mode, and regenerative braking helps extend battery life.

DS says the range will eventually be expanded to include three petrol and two diesel-powered variants, however it is unlikely that the whole range makes it to Australia.

The DS7 Crossback is equipped with the Connected Pilot semi-autonomous driving feature, which includes active cruise control and lane keeping assistant.

An infrared camera helps night driving by detecting objects, pedestrians and animals up to 100m away, while the DS Park Pilot feature parks the car for you.

Cameras also help control suspension by scanning the road for bumps and dips and adjusting the dampers accordingly.

An inward-facing infrared camera can detect driver fatigue and distraction by monitoring the frequency of blinking, face and head movements for signs of distraction, and signs of steering deviation.

Visually, the DS7 Crossback features design cues that are similar to the new-gen Audi Q5, with squarish headlights hugging a large central grille.

The LED headlight cluster is inspired by the E-Tense and Divine DS concepts, which emits a purple light upon being unlocked and can adapt to six different lighting modes to suit road conditions.

The rear features a rounded tail end similar to the one from the DS4 Crossback, but with thin, horizontal LED tail-lights made up of “illuminated scales,” according to DS.

Its 4570mm long, 1620mm high, 1890mm wide dimensions put it in the mid-size SUV segment, where it will likely be pitched against other European premium offerings.

The interior is dominated by two 12-inch screens, one on the dashboard and the other integrated into the instrument cluster.

A BRM Chronographs timepiece is embedded into the top of the dashboard, while the funky French design is exemplified by the centre console’s gear lever and instrumentation.

Interior trim can be customised to include wood, leather and Alcantara, with pearl-shaped stitching featuring on the dashboard, door panels and console.

The different trims are categorised into four different options, named Bastille, Rivoli, Opera and Performance Line.

Additional details on the DS7 Crossback will be revealed when the car is revealed publicly at the Geneva show on March 7.