Groupe PSA’s BMW X1, Audi Q3 Rival DS 7 Crossback Spotted In India
Is Groupe PSA aiming to enter the luxury car market in India?
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DS 7 Sportback is a compact luxury SUV; brand DS is a part of Groupe PSA
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Rivals the likes of BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA in global markets
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Could be part of PSA’s Indian product lineup that’s expected to launch in 2020
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It’s based on PSA’s EMP2 platform that’s shared with SUVs from Peugeot and Citroen that are also likely to come to India
Groupe PSA, which comprises of automotive brands like Citroen, Peugeot and DS Automobiles, is expected to set shop in India in 2020. However, there’s no official word on the lineup yet. While there have been instances when Peugeot cars have been spotted in India, this time we’ve caught glimpses of the DS 7 Crossback undergoing tests.
While DS Automobiles is not one of the brands we had originally expected, it seems we might get to see Groupe PSA entering the luxury league as well. DS Automobiles was originally an extension of Citroen for its more expensive models but became an independent brand under Groupe PSA in 2014. The DS 7 Crossback seen here was first unveiled in 2017 and is positioned as a luxury mid-size SUV and is based on the EMP2 platform which is shared with the current Peugeot 5008 and the Citroen C5 Aircross. Both those SUV models were also introduced in 2017, with production starting in Groupe PSA’s Chengdu plant in China.
In India, the DS 7 Crossback can rival the likes of the Volvo XC40, BMW X1, and Audi Q3 while still being slightly larger than them. The UK-spec DS 7 Crossback is 4573mm long, 1906mm wide and 1625mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2738mm.
| Car | DS 7 Crossback | Audi Q3 | BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz GLA | Volvo XC40 |
| LxWxH (in mm) | 4573 x 1906 x 1625 | 4388 x 1831 x 1608 | 4439 x 1821 x 1612 | 4424 x 1804 x 1494 | 4425 x 1863 x 1652 |
| Wheelbase (in mm) | 2738 | 2603 | 2670 | 2699 | 2702mm |
The DS 7 Crossback comes with a variety of engines and transmissions in international markets - a 1.2-litre petrol motor with a 6-speed manual, 1.6-litre petrol unit with an 8-speed AT and two power ratings, a 1.5-litre diesel engine with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed AT, and a 2.0-litre diesel with an 8-speed AT.
If PSA were to bring the DS 7 Crossback to India, it would likely be with the 2.0-litre diesel engine, which produces 174PS of power and 400Nm of torque, and the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol that churns out 178PS of power and 250Nm of torque. Both engines are likely to be offered with, the 8-speed automatic transmission. These engines are also offered on the Citroen C5 Aircross and Peugeot 5008 as well. If the DS 7 Sportback were to be launched in India in 2020, it would likely be priced at par with its rivals. The most affordable luxury compact SUV in India currently is the Mercedes-Benz GLA, prices of which start from under Rs 32 lakh ex-showroom Delhi.
Also read: Groupe PSA To Start Manufacturing Transmissions, BSVI Engines In India Soon
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