DS7 Crossback will be the brand’s largest SUV This flagship model will boast bold styling and high-tech kit New DS Pilot autonomous driving features will be offered Advanced suspension promises excellent refinement. The DS7 Crossback’s bold, angular styling should come as no great surprise considering DS’ extensive back catalogue of wild concept cars. From the intricate headlights with swivelling LED modules to its vast chrome-framed grille, this new car makes every attempt to stand out from the usual sea of restrained, business-like SUVs.
DS promises a luxurious interior and generous standard kit for the 7 Crossback. On the exterior, it has a large, stylish front grille, wide air intakes and LED lights, all of which help to give the car an aggressive, sporty look, while it's full of tech inside, with a 12.0in infotainment touchscreen and a customisable digital instrument display. It should be practical, too, with seats for five with the promise of good head and leg room and a large boot. DS is a very new name to the car industry, having been launched as Citroën's premium sister brand two years ago. Until now, though, it has only sold cars that were previously badged as Citroëns, so this mid-sized SUV will be the first true DS car.
At first that may seem faintly ridiculous, but when you look at the Venn diagram of price, proportions and performance, the Ateca lives in a little world of its own. To get vaguely comparable speed and power from any other medium-sized SUV, you’re looking at spending around £50k+ on a Porsche Macan S or an Audi SQ5. But although it may be marooned in its own micro-sector, that doesn’t mean it has a free pass. A £40,000-ish Seat – sorry, Cupra – has a lot to prove, starting with how it drives
Pros Hot hatch performance with SUV styling and practicality
Cons £40k for a Seat with somewhat unconvincing branding
The Cupra Ateca SUV is a brilliant family car that’s fast and great to drive, but you’ll have to accept its gloomy interior and boy racer exterior complete with tuner-esque branding.
Pros Surprisingly nimble Fizzing performance Still practical
Cons Boy racer looks Dark, gloomy interior A VW Golf R costs less
