DS7 Crossback revealed

PSA has premiered the DS7 Crossback in time for the Geneva Auto show. The Crossback is a full production car range due in British showrooms next January. The DS7 Crossback will come with six engine options. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech 130 S&S six-speed manual generates 95kW of power. The 1.6-litre THP 180 S&S is an eight-speed automatic petrol that produces 132kW. Above it, the eight-speed automatic THP 230 S&S puts out 169kW, making it the most powerful of the petrol options. There are two diesel options for the Crossback – the frugal 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 S&S is the first, producing 95kW available as both a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic. The BlueHDi 180 contains a 2.0 litre engine which generates 132kW and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Crossback range will also include the E-Tense Hybrid, which contains two electric motors alongside a 148kW version of the 1.6-litre engine.  The vehicle will also include a new multi-link rear axle to locate the back wheels more precisely and road-scanning technology, which will detect potholes ahead via a camera and soften the dampers if necessary. The petrol and diesel options are front-wheel drive. The E-Tense Hybrid’s hang-on rear electric drive axle converts it to an all-wheel drive configuration. All but the entry-level models will sport active lights which pulse purple on unlock and actively swivel as the engine starts up. “Having seen the DS 7 Crossback in the R&D stage at the factory in Paris a year ago, its outstanding to see it now launching to the public at Geneva," said Simon Rose, the division manager for DS New Zealand. "These models, though, will just take some time to find their way to this part of the world." Right-hand drive production will begin in January 2018, with prices in Britain to start at around $48,500. Details on the New Zealand launch have yet to be announced.