by French car manufacturers have always been distinguished by their creative approach and unconventional solutions. This trend continues today. Take the DS7 Crossback, for example, one of the most extraordinary new cars on the market. The crossover turned out to be very bright. 
The design of the DS7 Crossback is memorable – with a wide radiator grille, high hood, and an abundance of chrome.
Upon unlocking, a small performance begins – the LED lamps in the headlights rotate, and small areas of the ground under the doors are illuminated. By the way, the turn signals are sequential. 
The crossover is a close relative of the Peugeot 508, which we previously tested. Both cars are built on the EMP2 platform. By the way, the DS7 Crossback is relatively small – 4573 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2738 mm.
The interior is dominated by leather, Alcantara, aluminum, and black piano lacquer. The quality of the materials is high – DS is still positioned as a premium brand. By the way, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, drives such a car. When the engine is started (the button is placed high on the central panel), elegant clocks emerge from the central panel – the video can be seen here. Interestingly, the power window and central lock buttons are placed not in the door cards, but on the central console – another unconventional solution.
The digital dashboard configuration and color of graphics can be changed (it depends on the selected driving mode). Most functions (audio, climate, navigation, seat massage) are controlled via a large 12-inch touchscreen, though there is a set of touch shortcut keys. 
The front seats are very soft and comfortable, with good back support. Naturally, there is an electric drive with memory settings, as well as heating and ventilation. There’s more than enough space in the back.
Moreover, the backrest of the sofa is adjustable with an electric drive – we must admit, we did not expect to see this in a car of this price range. Additionally, there are touch buttons to adjust the climate settings. 
The trunk volume is 555 liters in the standard state and 1752 liters with the rear seats folded. The trunk floor is multi-level. The rear door is equipped with an electric opening sensor – it responds to a foot movement under the bumper.
The DS7 Crossback’s equipment is quite impressive: keyless entry, electric package, dual climate control, light and rain sensors, 360-degree cameras, powerful Focal acoustics, navigation, adaptive cruise control, parking autopilot, night vision system. Additionally, there are automatic braking systems, lane-keeping assist, fatigue control, blind spot monitoring, and road sign recognition. 
The 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine with 180 hp is not the quietest, but that’s if you’re standing near the car. Inside, it’s almost inaudible thanks to good sound insulation. It’s torquey – from 2000 rpm, 400 Nm of torque is available.
Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 9.4 seconds, and on the highway, the crossover confidently gains speed when overtaking. At the same time, it’s economical – we averaged 6.7 l/100 km. 
The diesel DS7 does not have four-wheel drive – it’s only available in the top-end 300-horsepower plug-in hybrid. On off-road or slippery surfaces, traction is improved by Grip Control technology. The DS7 Crossback features an active suspension with road scanning functionality that allows more effective road absorption.
Potholes are absorbed very smoothly and quietly. Overall, the sound insulation in the crossover is excellent. The steering wheel is light, though it gains weight in sport mode. However, a little more informativeness wouldn’t hurt. 
Although the crossover’s suspension is soft, it’s not too clumsy.
On the road, we had to pass a kind of moose test when the hubcap of the Audi ahead came off. The DS7 Crossback confidently and safely executed the maneuver, without serious body roll. 
The DS7 Crossback in Ukraine costs from 1,173,900 hryvnias, and the test version Grand Chic will cost 1,408,700 hryvnias. It’s not so little, but the car’s equipment is quite impressive. In conclusion, we can say that the crossover may be liked or not (it’s a matter of taste), but it certainly doesn’t lack originality and it definitely attracts attention.
- 4-cylinder turbo diesel, transverse front
- Capacity 1997 cm3
- Power 180 at 3750 rpm
- Maximum torque 400 Nm at 2000 rpm
- Front-wheel drive
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Maximum speed 215 km/h
- 0-100 km/h acceleration 9.4 s
- Fuel consumption city/highway 5.6/4.4 l/100 km
- Length/width/height/wheelbase 4573/1895/1631/2738 mm
- Trunk volume 555-1752 l
- Ground clearance 191 mm
- Turning diameter 10.7 m
