Although DS became a standalone brand and established its own identity in mid 2014, it wasn't until almost two years later when authorised dealer Cycle & Carriage introduced the DS 5 and the DS 4 Crossback - both of which are considered facelifted models from cars that were created as Citroen DSs.

Now, after almost three years, DS has finally created its very own new model that's developed from the ground up by the brand itself - the DS 7 Crossback.


What is it, really?

First launched at the Singapore Motor Show early this year, the DS 7 Crossback is a mid-sized SUV that goes against the likes of the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

But while its proportions don't quite measure up to its peers, it has an imposing stance that resembles cars a size up, giving it ample presence on the road.

Big in small ways

On the go, it's 1.6-litre turbocharged powerplant makes up for whatever negative perceptions drivers typically have for the French carmaker. Piling up 225bhp and 300Nm of torque to its front wheel via a fuss-free eight-speed automatic gearbox, the DS 7 Crossback is positively perky and suprisingly smooth.

Also smooth is the way the car manages to go over pots and torn tarmac. Thanks to its Active Scan Suspension, which only works in Comfortable drive mode on our test car, the suspension adjusts and soaks accordingly to road conditions - thanks to a camera and a number of sensors - giving all occupants a thoroughly plush ride.

It does give the DS 7 Crossback's ride quality an edge over the Opel Grandland X or the Peugeot 3008, both of which share the same underpinnings as the car you see here.


A cabin as sound as its ride

Thus, on the inside, enthusiasts may spot a few obvious similar features. But where the DS 7 Crossback differentiates itself from the rest of its siblings is the way it's dressed up.

Nappa leather upholstery cushions almost every surface of the interior, such as you'd find in Aston Martin or Bentley cars, but it's not just style over content.

The 12.0-inch infotainment screen that houses a myriad of features such as start/stop, air-conditioning controls, massage functions, mood lighting, navigation, a 14-way Electra sound system and reverse camera, etc, display just what the DS SUV is capable of providing at a price of $185,999 (as of 22 February 2019).