PSA Groupe Continues Testing DS 7 Crossback Across India

• The DS 7 Crossback takes some styling influence from Audi thanks to the large grille.
• It comes with a well-appointed and feature loaded interior
• The DS 7 Crossback comes with hybrid, petrol and diesel powertrain options.
• Expected to launch in India after the launch of Citroen C5 Aircross.
• The DS 7 Crossback is expected to be showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo.

Groupe PSA, which is set to make a comeback in India with the Citroen brand, has been testing the DS7 Crossback in the country for some time now. After concluding high altitude testing earlier this year, the luxury SUV has now been spotted undisguised in Manesar, Haryana. The DS7 Crossback is expected to be launched after the arrival of the C5 Aircross. And here’s what we can expect from the luxury SUV that will take on the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Visually, the front-end of the DS 7 Crossback seems to be inspired by modern Audis thanks to the large honeycomb mesh grille and LED headlamps. Oodles of chrome has been applied tastefully around the grille while the sleek DRLs that sit above the fog lamps add a bit of flair. In profile, the test mule seen here comes with dual-tone alloy wheels while sharp creases at either ends add character. At the rear, the DS 7 Crossback comes with sleek LED tail lamps that are connected by a thin chrome strip. 

The DS 7 Crossback comes with a well appointed cabin. Dominating the central console is a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system and above that sits an analogue clock. The DS7 also comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to up the ante. Features in the DS 7 Crossback include LED headlamps with active adjustment, semi-autonomous driving, connected car technology, a 14-speaker FOCAL sound system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, a wireless phone charger as well as heated and powered seats. 

Safety features include eight airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, rear parking sensors and camera, electronic stability program, tyre pressure monitoring system as well as hill start assist. Other safety nannies include blind spot detection, lane keeping assist, night vision camera as well as driver attention alert. 

Overseas, the DS 7 Crossback comes with a plethora of petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol lineup consists of a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that puts out 131PS/230Nm and a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol in two states of tune - 181PS/250Nm and 225PS/300Nm. Diesel options include a 1.5-litre unit that develops 130PS/300Nm and a 2.0-litre unit that makes 180PS/400Nm. The base-spec petrol and diesel engine can be had with a 6-speed manual while the rest of the range can be had with an 8-speed automatic.

A plug-in hybrid variant is available as well. It uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine that develops 200PS and comes mated to a 110PS electric motor. The combined output stands at 300PS and the hybrid variant can cover 64km on pure electric mode. 

The DS 7 Crossback is expected to come to India after Citroen launches the C5 Aircross in 2020. We expect the model to be showcased at the upcoming 2020 Auto Expo. Considering the premium positioning, we expect it to be priced from Rs 35 lakh to Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom India).