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.
SsangYongs have been on sale in the UK since the ’90s – the company usually offers big SUVs for less than the majority of their competitors. Sadly, most of their models have proved to be lacklustre alternatives to the likes of the Kia Sportage, Suzuki Vitara and Nissan Qashqai. To drive, the Korando isn’t much fun, but most people buy one because they need an SUV either for tackling rough terrain or towing – two roles the SsangYong is perfectly suited to.
Pros Lots of space Relatively economical Generous standard kit
Cons Fast depreciation Dull styling Cheap feeling interior
The SsangYong Korando gives you a lot of car for your money – but nowhere near as much as a Dacia Duster.The SsangYong Korando is the brand’s mid-size SUV, pitched as a low-cost rival to the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. On the move, the Korando isn’t as stable as a lot of its rivals, either – it tends to wallow about when going around corners and has an uncomfortable ride.
Pros Good value for money Spacious interior Low emissions
Cons Noisy diesel engine Poor-quality plastics Uncomfortable suspension
Not only was it a handsome addition to the compact crossover market, it was also the firm’s very first monocoque model – meaning it delivered a far better approximation of a car’s handling characteristics than any of the body-on-frame SUVs that continue to fill out the firm’s modest lineup. On the plus side, the Korando gets large storage bins, reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel and generous equipment levels on higher-spec models. It is also competitive on interior space; offering decent leg and headroom for rear passengers, and acceptable luggage space. The interior is slightly less forgettable, but only because it comes partly clad in the kind of cheap plastic which cannot otherwise find a home in this class. The redesigned dashboard makes ergonomic sense, although it hasn’t lost any of its brittleness.
