New DS7 Crossback priced from £28k - and there's a hybrid coming

The new DS7 Crossback - the first model to be launched from DS as a standalone brand - is now available to order priced from £28,050.

That gets you an Elegance model with the 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 engine. However, the cheapest petrol version, powered by the 1.6-litre PureTech 225, is £35k.

There will also be a more powerful BlueHDi 180 engine which comes with an automatic gearbox as standard. Claimed economy is 57.6mpg while the lower powered BlueHDi 130 with a manual has an official 70.6mpg.  

The other significant news is that there is a plug-in hybrid version on the way. Due in mid-2019, the catchily named PHEV E-Tense 4x4 has a 1.6 PureTech petrol engine with 200PS alongside two 80kW electric motors (with a battery output of 90kW).

The PHEV model has a four-wheel-drive system and a 35-mile driving range in electric mode. However, it will cost around £50k...

Indeed, looking at prices across the range - the average is around £36k - it's clear DS is positioning the DS7 as a premium crossover. Although whether it will have the prestige to compete with cars like the Range Rover Evoque or Volvo XC60 remains to be seen. 

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There are four different interior 'styles' and four trim levels - Elegance, Performance Line, Prestige and Ultra Prestige.

The base-spec Elegance trim, and all models, come fitted with Lane Departure Warning, rear parking sensors, diamond-cut alloy wheels plus an acoustic rear windscreen.

Higher-spec models get larger wheels, a 12-inch HD touchscreen, DS Connect Nav, heated front seats, front parking sensors, wireless smartphone charging, start-stop and an electric tailgate. Available as an option, or standard on Ultra Prestige models, DS Connected Pilot combines Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist as a step towards autonomous driving.

There is also the option of DS Active Scan Suspension (standard on Prestige and Ultra Prestige models and a £1000 option on Elegance and Performance Line versions with PureTech 225 and BlueHDi 180 engines). This anticipates bumps and potholes in the road five metres ahead and adapts the shock absorbers to suit.