DS 7 after facelift – TEST. The previous one convinced me, the current one … lost a few benefits

I originally received the DS 7 in the E-Tense hybrid version somewhere in the middle of this disaster. Driving on an empty road, I appreciated its powerful and quiet engine and, above all, the comfort of the “floating” suspension. A new model, even more interesting stylistically, should be better. After all, that’s what facelifts are for. Did that happen?

Change for the positive, but is it true?

It’s just a matter of visual changes and different wheels, but the facelifted DS 7 looks lower than before. The redesigned front and rear are always eye-catching and have as many followers as detractors. Especially in the dimensions of “La Premiere” you see in the picture, the car is very attractive.

It’s hard to disagree that the DS brand pays close attention to stylistic details. The car is full of good things, inside and out. Inside, we are fooled by the door panel trim, seat upholstery and stylized switches. Not forgetting the BRM watch. Everything here is very refined and, especially for the bright interior, very elegant.

See picture 28

Therefore, “disasters” in the interior can come as a surprise, such as a chair that does not fully support the thighs or … other equipment for the driver and passengers. The leather of the central console (very wide, by the way) is placed with a soft sponge only on the left side. The passenger has skin stuck to the hard plastic only.

Apart from that, not much has changed here – only stylistic issues.

A large curve is the enemy of a car’s character

It seems a lot of people complained about the DS 7 Crossback being too soft. I understand, but not completely. This was one of the characteristic features of this model, which was a big memory for Citroens “hyropneumatic”. That was an advantage. The car floated calmly over the ridges. It’s now slightly beefed up, and in addition, a 21″ rim has been added to the top version. The effect? The car is still in the corner, but now you can feel all the bumps that go up. He is worried and has definitely lost his comfort. It’s good that it fits and the soundproofing is good, at least there are no squeaks or noises inside.

See picture 28

360 hp? Make it electric!

As in the previous test, I will say that the DS 7 E-Tense is completely electric. It would save a lot of disappointment.

The La Premiere version (by the way, it’s limited, so it probably won’t be available soon) is only available with the top engine. It is a Plug-In hybrid with two electric motors with a total power of 360 HP.

A solid power reserve that allows you to accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. And you can feel it. Regardless of whether the battery is charged or not, the DS accelerates very quickly. Even the crate doesn’t bother him much. The Turbo 1.6 engine does not seem too small here, because with the help of electricity it copes very well with the heavy weight.

So where is the problem?

In the use of oil and variety.

If the DS 7 had an electric motor and a driving range of 300 kilometers, no one would be particularly surprised. At the same time, this car has better results with a PHEV drive. The fact is that with a charged battery it travels 40-50 km on electricity and consumes about 3 l/100 km, but when it is released its performance as a hybrid leaves much to be desired. In the city it is difficult to get less than 7 l/100 km (it is possible, but it requires concentration and condition), and on the road … it consumes more than before modernity. Around 11 l/100 km on the highway with a 43 liter tank means less than 400 km between refills.. Nonsense.

DS 7 is a full charge

We expect extensive equipment in a car of this class. And so it is. In the DS 7 you’ll find everything from a power window, through a Focal Electra sound system, to a Night Vision system, which detects (with varying degrees of success) pedestrians and potential threats when driving at night. SThere are also seats with ventilation and several massage functions.

In other words – everything is there. There are only a few centimeters in the trunk, because what is there is similar to compact cars, despite the great theoretical capacity. There is a lot of space in the back seat – it looks good and is quite comfortable.

See picture 28

As for the premium, DS has reached this point at the list price level.

It is worth mentioning that the outline engine 1.2 with 130 HP has been removed from the offer. Only the 1.5 diesel remains. In addition, the series is based on hybrid units with different strengths.

In the case of the “top” version of the car, we are talking about the amount of … PLN 344,000. zlotys. That’s a good thing Blue varnish is included in the price. For a little more money we can get Lexus NX 450h+ or, for example, BMW X3 xDrive30e (from PLN 276,000).

DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 La Premier – overview and reviews

It’s an amazing car. On the one hand, it is absolutely beautiful, made with great attention to detail and with a powerful drive system. On the other hand, he is “50% tried.” It has a surprising number of flaws that eliminate it as a competitive alternative from the more “approved” premium segment. First of all, comfort has disappeared somewhere. Second – the engine burns a lot and the tank has a capacity of a cup.

See picture 28

I have no doubt that it will find customers – those who want to stand out, those who appreciate avant-garde styles or just French cars. But frankly, even after the facelift, the DS 7 is underpowered by the competition.