DS 7 Crossback buyers now have more electrification options available thanks to the addition of a second plug-in hybrid variant.
The new E-Tense 225 will sit below the existing E-Tense 4×4 in the DS 7 Crossback range. While both models use a petrol-electric powertrain, the new model is front-wheel drive and makes a combined 225hp, compared with the 300hp all-wheel-drive alternative.
The E-Tense 225 gets an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and can be driven on electric-only power at speeds of up to 84mph. Its 13.2kWh battery provides an electric range of up to 34 miles, or up to 45 miles if speeds are kept low.
Running costs should be low too, with official figures measuring CO2 emissions at 36g/km, while fuel economy is up to 202mpg.
The battery can be charged at wall sockets or public charge points, but also regenerates energy on the move through the engine and deceleration. DS has fitted an engine mode that will ensure a minimum of 12 miles of electric range is stored in the battery to provide zero-emission driving at the end of a journey.
The DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225 gets the French firm’s active suspension system, which scans the road surface ahead and prepares the suspension for bumps, as well as night vision, parking assistance, advanced cruise control systems and LED lighting.
Equipment-wise, the new E-Tense 225 powertrain is available across all DS trim levels and gets 19-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Two options for plug-in plus petrol power
Not one, but two plug-in hybrid options is unique for pretty much any new car currently on sale in the UK. It could help DS Automobiles position the DS 7 Crossback as the perfect car to take advantage of consumers’ growing desire for electrified transport.
The DS 7 Crossback range has been praised for a comfortable ride by the UK media and the active suspension on the plug-in hybrid models should help keep things smooth. The driving experience hasn’t been rated as highly, however. According to our unique Expert Rating system, which has aggregated 17 UK reviews of the DS 7 Crossback, it has an overall Expert Rating of 66%. That puts it in the bottom half of the premium mid-size SUV field, a long way behind the class-leading Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60.
Stuart Masson, Editor
