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New DS 7 225 performance series + 2022 review


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The exterior and interior changes have greatly improved the DS 7 225 and the additional range from the extended battery is nice to have. However, it’s a pity that the DS has left the suspension on all but the new flagship 360 model, as ride is still an issue. It’s not cheap either.

When DS the brand is separated from Citroen As a stand-alone work, its new format started off quite inefficient. The first new DS models were merely previous Citroens with the famous V badge removed and once the first pre-order model – DS 7 – come along, we are not exactly defeated. While it looks great and is very spacious, its price makes SUV against much more talented opponents.

Since then, however, the DS has taken some steps in the right direction in its quest to dominate the premium car line. The DS 4 launched last year and is the brand’s most impressive vehicle to date, offering a package that truly sets itself apart from anything else in the segment. The DS 7 also gets a boost as a plug-in hybrid model, which impressed us in a much longer test than the standard version.

Now, there’s an upgrade DS 7 Crossback, and its mid-life refresh isn’t that far off. The external changes are immediately obvious, especially at the front. Here, there is a larger grille, below which is an impressive new LED daytime running lights design with four bright vertical bands on either side of the bumper. The headlights have also been refreshed, now featuring the DS’ more efficient ‘Pixel LED Vision 3.0’ technology.

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At the other end, the old car’s rounded contours are replaced with a much more angular design thanks to many new twisting lines. The lights are a bit thinner and the word ‘Crossback’ has been replaced with the new ‘DS Automobiles’.

The irony of this sizable plastic surgery is that the look of the current DS 7 is one of its more powerful ones. But fortunately, the changes are much more than deep skin. For starters, the battery capacity has increased from 13.2kWh to 14.2kWh, providing an extra six miles of range. In this E-Tense 225 model, that means up to 43 miles of electric range on paper, which would in fact make a number in the low to mid-thirties reasonable.

There is a wider choice of colors and finishes in the cabin, with some leather embossing details being offered that are particularly stylish. There’s also a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a new 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The rotating ‘watch’ from French watchmaker BRM retains the overall flashy air. It will be a bit too much for some, but as with other cars in the DS range, we appreciate that the 7 offers something really different from the obvious premium options. than Germany’s.

Unfortunately, the only vehicle in the range with any suspension work done is the new tractor trailer, E-Tense 360. DS Performance threw a sink at it, with changes including increased front and rear track width plus a lower ride height with new springs and dampers. All other devices, including the E-Tense 225 we’re testing here, go with the old setup.

That’s a problem, as the DS 7 has long needed its inconsistent ride address. Sure enough, our test drive of the updated model soon revealed all the same problems as the upcoming car. The damping is soft, yes, but it lacks control, meaning the DS 7 feels awkward when it comes to negotiating speed bumps and road imperfections.

It fell to earth with a lot of fuss, instead of flattening potholes and damaged runways, and that’s despite the presence of the DS Active Scan suspension (standard on all E-Tenses). plug-in hybrid), which is supposed to monitor the road ahead and prepare adaptive dampers as needed. We also found the car clumsily obscured at times on certain sections of the test route. Some vehicle problems can be minimized on the configurator – ours comes with optional 20-inch wheels, which we avoid for standard-fit 19s.

On more congested roads, the DS 7 remains as neat as it should be. The body is still at a relative level, and the level of grip is reasonable. It doesn’t take much effort to push the front end into the lower section, but it’s hard to imagine many DS 7 drivers wanting to create a country road with a lot of heart. If they want, there’s always the E-Tense 360 ​​to consider, although that comes at a hefty price.

When you’re on a smoother road, such as a highway, for the most part, the ride is steady, allowing you to enjoy the refinement of the DS 7 and enhanced interior space. When the suspension is a bit less hectic, the DS 7 is relaxing to drive, with low wind and road noise levels plus an attractive and well-built cabin to enjoy.

The new infotainment system is a particularly welcome addition. Graphics look sharp, the touchscreen responds reasonably well, and it’s helpful to have a view that combines maps with climate control, as shortcuts along the bottom of the display bezel make It’s a bit more difficult to surf between functions on the go.

As before, the 225 uses a 1.6-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor located up front, producing a total capacity of 222 horsepower and 360 Nm. With a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds, it’s no rocket, but the 225 doesn’t feel slow either. For most, it will provide enough performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth enough, too. However, we do want the transition from electric-only to hybrid to be a bit smoother.

Despite the presence of a larger battery, you get plenty of space inside the DS 7. That means impressive legroom and rear headroom, plus a generous 555-litre trunk, which expands to 1,752 liters with the rear seats folded. There’s also a useful space under the boot floor for the charging cable.

There’s no such thing as a cheap DS 7, with ranges starting at around £37,000 for the diesel-only option. The rest of the lineup is plug-in hybrid, the cheapest of which – an E-Tense 225 in the entry-level Performance Line trim – is over £44,000. At the other end of the scale is the Opera Premiere E-Tense 4×4 360, yours for almost £63,000.

Our 225 Performance Series+ costs £47,000. For that, you get a decent standard kit list that includes keyless entry, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a new digital instrument cluster/infotainment combo, a reversing camera. and heated windshield. Our car has the optional 14-speaker Focal Electra sound system, which is fantastic but costs £990.

Model:

DS 7 225 + . Performance Series

Price: £46,890
Engine:

1.6 liter 4-cycle gasoline + 1x electronic engine / 14.2kWh battery

Power / Torque: 222bhp / 360Nm
Transmission process:

Eight-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
Max speed: 140mph
Energy saving: 201mpg
CO2: 31g/km
On sale: September 28

Now read our review of the DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 360…



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