The DS 7 Crossback uses the same platform as the Citroen C5 Aircross.

DS 7 Crossback SUV Spied
PSA has no plans to launch its DS sub-brand in India

The Indian automobile market is growing at a rapid pace and the introduction of new cars every now and then is proof of it. Here is a completely new car brand, which has a registration number plate of HR (Haryana), spotted testing by MotorBeam reader Shreeji Agrawal.

The logo of the car does look very unfamiliar to the Indian automobile circuit. However, the snapped rear picture gives us a clear idea of what the car is. Any keen eye would notice the ‘DS 7’ badge at the rear, under the LED tail-light.

Now, this is the DS 7 Crossback SUV from the premium French automaker, DS Automobiles. Belonging t Groupe PSA, the automaker is the premium sub-brand of Citroen, the DS 7 is a luxury SUV with a very powerful heart. The currently-available model (internationally) is offered in three engine options – 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre diesels and a sole 1.6-litre turbo petrol. The transmission options include a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic.

The DS 7 Crossback that has been spotted on test looks very much identical to the international-spec model. The front section has a huge hexagonal grille with a honeycomb mesh design. The LED headlamps are sleek.

The rear section is attractive too, especially if you look at the skid plate and squared-off exhaust pipes. The rear LEDs are slim too and are connected with a thin strip of chrome. The small roof spoiler has the stop light strip too.

However, before we get too excited, DS Automobiles isn’t making an India foray. The DS 7 Crossback uses the same EMP 2 architecture as the Citroen C5 Aircross and is being used to test the latter vehicle on Indian roads as it is set to be launched in 2019. The C5 Aircross will compete with the likes of the Jeep Compass and Tata Harrier, and it will be locally assembled in India at the company’s Chennai plant, via the CKD route.

DS 7 Crossback

– Won’t be launched in India
– Being used to test the Citroen C5 Aircross
– The C5 Aircross will take on the Jeep Compass

DS 7 Crossback Rear
Citroen is testing components of the C5 Aircross on the DS 7 Crossback