The DS 7 SUV (which used to be called the DS 7 Crossback but now isn't) has launched in Ireland with updated styling, equipment, and an extra plug-in hybrid electric powertrain.
'Light Veil' LED lights
The DS 7 gets slimmer (and more powerful) LED headlights and a new front bumper that features a new waterfall-style LED daytime running light signature, which DS calls a 'Light Veil.' The idea is that the lights appear through the bodywork rather than being arranged in a separate structure.
There are also restyled rear lights and new alloy wheels. Six colours are being offered: the new Lacquered Grey and Sapphire Blue supplementing metallic Platinum Grey and the pearlescent Perla Nera Black, Crystal Pearl and Pearl White colours.
Three plug-in hybrids
More importantly, the DS 7 has three plug-in hybrid electric powertrains based around the familiar 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. You can choose from 225hp and front-wheel drive, 330hp and four-wheel drive (with an extra electric motor powering the rear axle), or a new E-Tense 4x4 360hp four-wheel-drive system.
All versions get a 14.2kWh battery pack, which gives you an official electric-only range of 69km when fully charged. CO2 emissions start from 28g/km for the front-drive 225hp version, 27g/km for the 300hp four-wheel-drive version, rising to 40g/km for the 360hp model.
If a PHEV model doesn't suit your needs, you can still buy a 1.5-litre 130hp diesel, with CO2 emissions of 143g/km.
Big screens as standard
That diesel model forms the base of the DS 7 line-up, priced from €50,390 in Performance Line trim. That comes as standard with a 12.3-inch instrument screen, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry and start, two-zone air conditioning, ambient cabin lighting, front and rear parking sensors, a parking camera, cruise control and speed limiter, and an 'Advanced Safety Pack' featuring emergency autonomous braking, blind-spot detection, lane keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition. Performance Line models also come with 19-inch alloy wheels, and you can upgrade to the 225hp front-drive PHEV model for €57,800.
Rivoli models start at €55,395 for the diesel, €61,800 for the front-drive 225hp PHEV, and €65,800 for the four-wheel-drive 300hp PHEV. Standard Rivoli equipment includes 'Basalt' leather interior trim, a heated windscreen, a full-leather steering wheel, an electric tailgate, a cabin clock made by high-end watchmaker BRM, wireless phone charging and electrically adjustable front seats.
At the peak of the range is Opera trim, which is only available on the top-spec 360hp high-performance 4x4 PHEV model. That costs €73,995 and comes with upgraded leather trim in either a dark or light finish, according to your taste, 21-inch alloys, ventilated front seats, active cruise control, acoustic side glass and rear air conditioning.
Irish order books are now open.