NG2 Dec/Jan 2021

DS 7 Prestige BlueHDi 130 Automatic:
No Time Like The Right Time
The DS7 is the current
pinnacle of the DS range and
when stepping up close to
the CROSSBACK in the fl esh,
you can certainly see why. An
SUV as distinctive as any DS
current or otherwise is always
going to be a fi ne thing to
behold and the CROSSBACK
certainly doesn’t disappoint.
A new diamond shaped grille
mesh with it’s DS badge proudly
displayed in the centre dominates
the front of the car whilst the
central bulge running down the
bonnet draws your attention.
Clever front lights that seamlessly
blend into the powerful front
wings complement the 19” ROMA
alloys and complete the look
whilst a sharp crease along the
top of the wing runs across the
high waistline before tapering
off at the rear of the front door,
resuming again near the rear and
swooping around the beautiful
rear wing and diamond lights.
And those front lights, just wow.
Replicating the diamond pattern
seen throughout the exterior and
interior of the CROSSBACK, the
DS ACTIVE LED VISION headlights
come alive when the car is
unlocked swivelling 180 degrees
whilst emitting a purple light into
the bargain. DS certainly want
you to know that you’re about to
experience something unique.
with a DS Rivoli interior creating a
distinctive feel to the cabin and
further strengthens the idea that
you’re about to drive something
really rather special. An idea
strengthened when you press the
starter button and a B.R.M R180
Timepiece spins in it’s housing to
reveals itself. Attention to detail
is a step above the normal with,
what DS call, crystal controls on
the steering wheel and below the
impressive 12” HD touchscreen
and ‘Clous de Paris’ embossed
inserts running along both sides of
the 8 speed automatic gearshift.
If you’re in any doubt as to the DS
7s place in the SUV hierarchy then
just spend a few minutes noting
the quality of the controls and
materials used as you interact
with the technology therein.
It’s not often that you get to
experience something as well
put together and integrated as
the DS 7 CROSSBACK, getting
comfortable is simplicity itself with
fully adjustable, electric, heated
seats that also provide the option
of enjoying a massage as you
travel whilst the drivers eyes are
treated to a fully customisable
12.3” digital instrument cluster with
scrollable information and SAT
NAV display amongst a wealth of
possible choices. But don’t forget
there’s also the usual compliment
of infotainment, comfort and
driving aids included with this
Prestige edition including a superb
sounding DAB.
the road through a silky smooth
8-speed EAT gearbox at 3750rpm
as well as torque fi gures of 300NM
from nice and low down the rev
range which combine to offer
power aplenty for motorway and
distance work as well as providing
the necessary shove in the back
when accelerating out from
tighter corners and along these
green and pleasant lands of ours.
And that’s whilst delivering a
ride of a quality that you would
expect from a brand as famously
idiosyncratic as DS. Smooth,
controlled and balanced come
to mind when discussing the ride
quality despite experiencing
a range of road surfaces from
the best to the worst on offer
and all whilst delivering up
to a combined mpg of 55.3.
Impressive indeed.
The price for all of this style,
practicality and je nes se quois?
Around £37825. Excellent value I
reckon for something so distinctive
amongst other SUVs.
Where will you go?
Take a moment to breath before
stepping into an interior that is
even more distinctive and unique
The 1499cc direct injection
turbocharged diesel power-plant
puts up to 131bhp down onto