DS7 Crossback will be the brand’s largest SUV This flagship model will boast bold styling and high-tech kit New DS Pilot autonomous driving features will be offered Advanced suspension promises excellent refinement. The DS7 Crossback’s bold, angular styling should come as no great surprise considering DS’ extensive back catalogue of wild concept cars. From the intricate headlights with swivelling LED modules to its vast chrome-framed grille, this new car makes every attempt to stand out from the usual sea of restrained, business-like SUVs.
DS promises a luxurious interior and generous standard kit for the 7 Crossback. On the exterior, it has a large, stylish front grille, wide air intakes and LED lights, all of which help to give the car an aggressive, sporty look, while it's full of tech inside, with a 12.0in infotainment touchscreen and a customisable digital instrument display. It should be practical, too, with seats for five with the promise of good head and leg room and a large boot. DS is a very new name to the car industry, having been launched as Citroën's premium sister brand two years ago. Until now, though, it has only sold cars that were previously badged as Citroëns, so this mid-sized SUV will be the first true DS car.
It doesn’t really do sharp handling, it’s not quite big enough to match the best in class for practicality, nor does it come with seven seats. Yet don’t overlook the C5 Aircross if those limitations don’t worry you, because it has a lot of other things going for it; its ride is superb on most roads, it cruises along supremely quietly, it has a reasonable purchase price and very reasonable running costs.
Pros Mostly a super-smooth ride Quiet inside at speed Frugal engines
Cons Wallowy handling No seven-seat option Question marks of Citroën's reliability
The C5 Aircross is Citroen's (late) leap onto the family-crossover bandwagon.A plug-in hybrid arrives early in 2020. The big draw with that one will be better fuel economy for commuting, and lower tax. Interestingly Citroen elected to make its PHEV front-drive only to keep the price down. Whereas Peugeot, which sells 3008s at a higher price, went for a more expensive PHEV system with 4WD via an extra rear-mounted motor.
Pros Very comfortable in all sorts of ways. Looks different. No sporty pretence
Cons No sporty actuality. Ride not as consistent as billed. Occasionally irritating screen system
Pros Eye-catching looks Generous boot space Comfortable to drive
Cons Some low-rent interior bits Awkward infotainment system Rear space is tight
