[Auto] DS 7 BlueHDI 130 CV, tested: does the diesel clash in the meantime hybrid?

[#Steeven.™]

Today we have with us a mid-size SUV that aims to rival the benchmarks in the segment, from German brands. No, it's not Groundhog Day... but lately we've been telling you about this. SUVs are the cars that leave the most profit margin and if it is from a premium brand, then even more.

The contender, the new DS 7, which has lost the Crossback surname it had when it was launched in 2018. This mid-range renewal arrived at dealerships at the beginning of 2023, repeating its strengths and improving those where it faltered.

After a week driving it, we liked, above all, the ride comfort, with a suspension that makes bumps disappear. Also the care for the details and materials of the interior and rates that are not at all exaggerated for these times.

The DS 7 has a starting price of 42,800 euros, precisely with the 130 hp diesel engine that we tested today. You can find DS 7 offers in our new car section, published by official dealers of the brand, as well as tools to finance the car and be able to comfortably pay for it month by month. But does such a little powerful diesel make sense at this point when hybridization is clearly committed? Let's find out.

 

Abroad
The French sell the DS 7 as having charme (which is something like charm or attractiveness). The truth is that it is an elegant SUV and with the renovation it has gained a more modern touch.

Differences with the previous model? Well, there are quite a few on the front. The grill is somewhat larger and glossy black rules the grille, with chrome inserts in the form of diamonds of different sizes, matching the frames or the base. They also changed the shapes of the bumper but, above all, the lights.

The great novelty is the DS Light Veil, the veil of light, which are daytime running lights arranged in four vertical lines on the bumper itself. They are made up of 33 LED diodes, integrate the indicators and have been achieved with a laser-engraved polycarbonate surface, merging with the bodywork as already predicted by prototypes such as the DS X E-Tense or the DS Aero Sport Lounge. They steal prominence, of course, from the main optics, which are Full LED, although the new Vision 3.0 LEDs are standard only in the highest finishes.

Undoubtedly what changes the least is the silhouette. In its day we said that it seemed little risky to us, little to do with that of the most recent DS 4. Without a doubt, it was noted that this model was key to the group's aspirations and, in fact, in 2022 it concentrated more than half of the sales in Spain. In the basic versions we have 18-inch wheels, although they can be up to 21 in the most powerful. By the way, there are six body colors to choose from, two of them black.

Few changes in measurements. It is a car that is practically 4.60 meters long (4,593 mm), making it shorter than rivals such as the BMW X3 (4,708 mm), the Audi Q5 (4,682 mm) or the Mercedes GLC (4,716 mm), which They already flirt with 4.70 meters. It goes to 1,891 mm wide and the height is 1,625 mm.

And there are also news behind. The LED lights are thinner and have the shape of scales with a vortex effect, as well as "parading" turn signals, as the brand calls them. Between them, a horizontal line with the inscription DS Automobiles in the center of the tailgate, just where the word Crossback could be read before. Let it be known who the manufacturer is

 

Inside
If there is something that DS stands out for, it is in its well-cared interiors. There is no change in that, beyond different upholstery and everything is very well finished. From the dash to the tops of the doors, even the outside of the console or more mundane areas like the door pockets, with felt flooring.

Nor does the distribution of the elements change, with two 12-inch screens. In the main one, which presides over the dashboard, there is a great novelty, the DS Iris System multimedia system. The idea is to improve the entire user interface and, of course, they have. The response has improved and so have the menus. It has some quick access in the form of a physical button at the bottom and a volume wheel... which could improve the touch a bit. The air conditioning does have to be controlled on the screen.

On that screen is the start button, an unusual position and which also has a somewhat plastic touch, not very premium. Of course, the action of starting the car is embellished by the BRM chronograph that emerges when the button is pressed.

Fabulous front seats, firm but in which you don't get tired on a long trip and that have a bench that lengthens so that your calves are not exposed. In the center console we have wireless charging or a couple of drink rests, preceded by the Stellantis gear selector that we can see in many models. It is flanked by a bunch of controls for power windows or central locking. A little further back, a huge and deep central chest.

The steering wheel is not very big but it does have a good touch. With four spokes, it is somewhat flattened at the base and I am not convinced that it uses a satellite control on the left for cruising speed control. Especially since, with the cams, there is little room for the fingers.

Behind the wheel, a 12-inch screen. It shows a lot of information and in quite different ways, but we miss some somewhat classic view since the design wins clarity in many of them.

Behind there is a good space for two, with good heights for both the legs and the head. A third occupant is going to be a little more uncomfortable, although he does not have a transmission tunnel that bothers him, but the console sticks out a bit. The best of these seats, the quality of the seats and headrests. We also have air vents at the end of the center console and a couple of USB sockets, as well as classic nets behind the backs of the front seats to leave an object.

 

Trunk
There is no change in the trunk capacity in this update. Announces 555 liters, a figure that is very good. . An interesting fact is that the plug-in hybrid versions do not reduce capacity and that the only models that exceed them are more than 10 centimeters longer.
In addition to being a good size for its dimensions, it is a space with regular shapes and well finished, although you have to save a small step to reach the bottom. There is a space under the floor to carry tools and there is no lack of details such as hooks to fix the load, hangers or two holes on the sides where to carry small objects.

There are two light points, a 12 volt socket on the left wall and a rubber band on the right. It is possible to gain capacity by folding down the rear seat backs, divided in a 60:40 ratio, to achieve a space of 1,752 liters of capacity, not completely flat unless we put the floor in its highest position.

A curious detail: the tailgate of the DS 7 has fully integrated rear lights. This allows them to have a differentiated design from the majority, since they are not divided into two parts. Thus, there is also a larger hole to access the cargo space. Bad part? DS had to install additional lights in the bumper so that the car can be seen at night with the tailgate up

 

Engine
Beatrice Foucher, the CEO of the brand, confirmed in an interview that we will see a firm commitment to electric DS from 2024 and, from 2028, they will only sell electric cars.

For now, the bet is on plug-in hybrids and this DS 7 has no less than three variants with the surname E-Tense. A front-wheel drive, with 225 CV and all-wheel drive with 300 and 360 CV, the latter new in the range. All have a 14.2 kWh battery (somewhat larger than the 13.2 kW that we tested in the previous generation) and with a wing that certifies between 58 and 67 km of autonomy.

And yes, there is a small loophole for conventional thrusters. The 130 hp 1.5 BlueHDi diesel, which is the only engine without electrification, labeled C. It is a four-cylinder block that delivers its maximum power at 3,750 rpm, with a maximum torque of 300 Nm at 1,750 rpm.

It is always associated with the eight-speed automatic transmission of torque converter and does not have scandalous benefits. It takes 11.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill and its top speed is 195 km/h. At least it announces a low cost of 5.5 l/100 km. Time to check in gear if it meets it.

 

Behavior
If there is one aspect in which this car stands out, it is the suspension. It is firm on the highway and then it is capable of swallowing the irregularities of the terrain as only other much more expensive cars can achieve. The 18-inch wheels help because they have a wider rubber profile. In the photo, the large ones are very beautiful, but with ones of the right size you want comfort. I also like the steering, because without being too direct, it does have a good weight and you feel the car firm.

The DS 7 E-Tense, the plug-in hybrids already have the predictive active suspension DS Active Scan Suspension as standard. With it, two front cameras read the road and adapt the suspension to what you are going to find.

And the engine, well, the truth is that it is not a shot and does not stand up to comparison with the access diesel versions of other premium SUVs. It's responsive, especially after 2,000 rpm, but it's not a sports car. The change seeks more comfortable transitions than quick reactions, even if you select the Sport mode which, yes, squeezes the revolutions a little more than the Eco and Normal.

The diesel block does not have all-wheel drive, but with these suspensions and good torque, the DS 7 moves quite well on roads, without leaking too much potholes. Do you want more mobility? You have to choose the most powerful plug-ins.

The passenger compartment is also well soundproofed from aerodynamic or rolling noises and you only perceive the rattle of the diesel with a cold engine. And in terms of consumption, it does not do badly, since it is relatively easy to stay at 6.2 l/100 km. They are not ultra-low, but they are acceptable for a car of its size and that is close to a ton and a half in weight.

 

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