Cars

La Première DS 7 Crossback - c'est magnifique

DS 7 Crossback
DS 7 Crossback DS 7 Crossback

POSH French car-maker DS has said that the exclusive La Première launch edition of its new 7 Crossback SUV will cost from £42,650.

The upmarket price tag confirms the premium ambitions of DS, which Citroen recently spun off into a brand in its own right.

The DS 7 Crossback is the first bespoke creation for the brand, and there is little doubt that it serves as a calling card for a company which says it seeks to put French style, luxury and technology at the centre of its cars.

The La Première version gets a semi-autonomous driving system, trick headlamps and 'active scan' suspension which uses a camera to monitor the road surface ahead and adjust the suspension accordingly.

Paint finishes for the La Première include Cumulus Grey metallic, Pearl White and Perla Nera Black pearlescent, and inside there is special Nappa leather upholstery with a patina effect.

The wheels are 20-inch gloss black diamond-cut alloys.

A 178bhp diesel or 222bhp petrol are the engine choices - each costs the same - and an eight-speed automatic is the only gearbox on offer.

The La Première can only be ordered in 2017, ahead of the rest of the range going on sale.