An Interior Pursuing "Artisanal" Craftsmanship Down to the Finest Details

Ahead of the Geneva Motor Show 2017, which opens to the public on March 9, DS announced its new flagship, the "DS 7 Crossback," at a special venue near Paris's Place Vendôme on February 28. As the number in the car's name suggests,DS 5it sits above the DS 5, topping the lineup as a premium C-segment SUV.

Typically, a new car launch involves a grand stage and a dramatic unveiling. However, DS opted for a different approach. Guests were guided through the venue like an art exhibition or museum tour, with designers explaining their work on interior design and dynamic functions. The event concluded with a viewing of the "La Première" first edition model (note: the silver car on the left in the photo; the gold one is a prototype).

The names for each interior specification—"Faubourg (Wood)," "Rivoli (Metal)," "Opéra (Enamel)," and "Bastille (Fabric)"—are each inspired by Parisian place names.

From the intricate wood detailing reminiscent of marquetry and metal panels featuring the "Clous de Paris" hobnail pattern, to the jewel-like finish of each switch, the enveloping leather upholstery that DS is known for, the "pearl effect" stitching, and even the jacquard-like fabric, the pursuit of "artisanal" craftsmanship is evident in every detail.

Notable new driving features are integrated under the "DS Connected Pilot" and "DS Safety" packages, encompassing the latest ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems). These include adaptive cruise control that operates from 0-180 km/h in conjunction with the driving assistance brake and start/stop function once the cruising speed is set above 30 km/h, DS Night Vision that detects pedestrians and animals using an infrared sensor, and the latest generation of parking assist. Safety features also include a preventative measure that constantly monitors the driver's eyelid movements to issue a warning before fatigue or drowsiness sets in.

However, the most significant feature related to driving is likely the newly developed rear multi-link suspension, "DS Active Scan Suspension." This system reads road imperfections via a camera and actively controls the suspension. While similar technology is known in higher-end Mercedes models, this is the first application in the C-segment.

Initially Available with Three Engine Options

A key exterior feature is DS's signature lighting, dubbed "Luminous Signature," specifically the "DS Active LED Vision" full LED combination lamps. Like the original DS, they not only pivot left and right with the steering but also automatically switch between five illumination modes based on speed and driving conditions, from city driving to parking and highway use. This enhances visibility and also improves how well the car is seen and recognized by others.

Furthermore, there's a subtle flourish when the lights are on or off: three bulbs on each side rotate sequentially, one by one, by 180 degrees. While not essential for illumination, this moving light feature undoubtedly asserts DS's distinctive character. After all, Paris itself, the city from which DS originates, is also known as the "City of Light."

The platform is PSA's latest generation, EMP2. While six engines have been announced, three will be available initially, according to Eric Apode, Executive Vice President of Product. The lineup includes a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine, the THP225 (225 hp), a 2-liter turbo diesel designated BlueHDi180, and a new 1.5-liter turbo diesel called BlueHDi130. "We aim for a European launch in January 2018, and hope to introduce it in Japan in the first half of 2018." The transmission will be a newly developed 8-speed automatic.

However, a new powertrain is planned for 2019: PSA's first PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid). This will feature a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery, driving the front axle with a THP200 engine and an electric motor, while the rear axle will be equipped with a module combining a motor with the aforementioned multi-link suspension for all-wheel drive. In 4WD mode, it will produce a total of 300 hp and 450 Nm, with an all-electric range of approximately 60 km.

The body dimensions are announced as 4.57 meters long, 1.89 meters wide, and 1.62 meters high. While the width is considerable, the overall size is slightly more compact than a D-segment vehicle. As DS's new flagship model, emphasizing French craftsmanship, it will be interesting to see what new customer base it can attract in the premium segment, which has been overwhelmingly dominated by German manufacturers.