2017 DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 1.6L PureTech PHEV 8AT FWD (225 HP)

Vehicle Overview

DS Automobiles evolved from being a special division within the Citroen brand into a car manufacturer by using a strategy similar to the one used by Honda when it launched the Acura or by Hyundai when it made the Genesis.

The French automaker knew that if it could provide high-quality products and share the underpinnings with the rest of the Peugeot/Citroen range, it could gain more money from each unit sold. As a result, it started low with the DS as a separate line of vehicles but still wearing the Citroen badge. In 2014, it created DS Automobiles as a distinct brand with different products, such as the 2017 DS 7 Crossback. The crossover was based on the same EMP2 platform used by the Peugeot 3008, Citroen C5 Aircross, and Opel Grandland. But besides the engine, transmissions, and some electronic components, it shared nothing with its siblings. It featured a completely redesigned bodywork and a unique interior. The 2017 DS 7 Crossback was aimed at deeper-pocket customers, with improved interiors and charismatic styling.

The car’s front fascia featured a broad mesh grille adorned by the brand’s logo, which took center stage. It was flanked by chromed trims and a set of swept-back LED headlights. Additional styling cues included vertical LED daytime running lights that flanked the side scoops from the bumper and a center-mounted trapezoidal air intake in the apron.

DS Automobiles’ design department penned the vehicle like a crossover, even though it was only available in a 2WD configuration. Its tall waistline and arched roofline ended with a curved and raked-forward tailgate adorned on its upper area by a roof spoiler. The automaker created a profile with muscular-looking fenders and large light-alloy wheels sporting a unique, diamond-cut design. At the back, the automaker installed slim LED taillights underlined by a chromed trim that crossed the vehicle from side to side. It matched the trims on the rectangular exhausts placed underneath the rear valance.

There was more to say about the car’s interior than any other Citroen in production at that time. A set of high-bolstered front seats that featured angular motifs on their seatbacks welcomed their occupants and kept them in place during high-speed cornering maneuvers. Between them, the automaker installed a tall center console that housed the gear selector, two cupholders, and several buttons for driving modes. At the same time, the dashboard included a 12-inch touchscreen on the center stack above the buttons for the HVAC system. In addition, a similarly-sized TFT display fronted the driver inside the instrument cluster, showing various information that customers could customize to the information they wanted to see on the screen. Particular attention to detail was paid to the FOCAL sound system, which featured 14 speakers. In the back, the automaker installed a split-folding bench seat that could expand the trunk space.

Under its skin, the 2017 DS 7 Crossback was available with a range of diesel, gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid engines ranging between 130 PS (128 hp) and 300 PS (296 hp). While most versions sent their power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, electrified versions were fitted as standard with an automatic gearbox.