2017 DS 7 Crossback priced from £28,050

DS's active suspension scanning system is also fitted as standard; it uses a high-mounted camera near the top of the car's windscreen to ‘read’ the surface of the road as it approaches, pre-setting the stiffness of the electronically variable dampers (which will be also be standard on other high-trim versions) to prepare for larger bumps and compressions as they arrive.

DS claims that the Active Scan system will be a segment first, although Mercedes-Benz already offers a similar Magic Body Control system on its pricier models.

The most potent petrol and diesel engines are offered with the La Première trim. Both are turbocharged 1.6-litres, offering 221bhp and 178bhp respectively. They come mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

When the rest of the range goes on sale, a wider selection of powertrains will be offered with the DS 7. Added to the aforementioned units will be a 128bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol and the 1.6-litre petrol in 178bhp guise. A new ultra-frugal 1.5-litre diesel engine, named DVR, will be the second diesel option.

The 1.5 diesel and 1.2 petrol will have a six-speed manual gearbox. All other engines will come with the eight-speed 'box, which will also be an option on the 1.5 diesel.

For now, the DS 7 will be offered with front-wheel drive only. PSA Group engineers have confirmed that there are no plans for a four-wheel-drive 7 Crossback with a mechanical system.

The only model with a powered rear end will be the range-topping hybrid version due in 2019. This model will have two 107bhp electric motors working in conjunction with a 197bhp version of the 1.6-litre turbo petrol, giving a total output of 296bhp.

DS says all models (not just La Première) will have upmarket materials in their interiors, as well as potential for customisation that’s unprecedented for a PSA car. The amount of passenger space in the 7 Crossback is generous in both the front and rear, and plusher versions are set to get electrically tilting rear seats.

The brand is keen to market the 7 Crossback as a technology leader, so even the entry-level version will get active LED headlights with three powered moving elements. These turn to give a ‘welcoming animation’ as the car is unlocked and allow different lighting modes, with longer-range beam projection at higher speeds and corner illumination (something Citroën effectively invented on its DS saloon in 1967).

Elaborate tail-lights, each with 42 LEDs, will also be standard and an infrared-based night vision system capable of identifying pedestrians and animals will be offered as an option. DS has also confirmed plans to offer the 7 Crossback with a semi-autonomous Connected Pilot driving system. A state-of-the-art Focal Electra audio system will be on offer, too.

The car, which was developed under the codename X74, is built on the mid-sized version of PSA’s EMP2 modular platform. It's the first of what will quickly become a slew of new models from DS, among them a small SUV and a large saloon. However, there are no plans to bring the slightly smaller Chinese-market DS 6 crossover to Europe.

The 7 Crossback arrives less than two years after PSA split DS into a third brand positioned above Peugeot and Citroën. PSA is determined to portray its newest brand as a premium player and, as such, the 7 Crossback’s styling takes on plenty of upmarket cues; at the rear, it especially resembles the Q5 with a similar full-width tailgate with integral tail-lights.

We ride in the DS 7 Crossback

Test track demonstrations are normally conducted at a speed designed to make the passenger feel moderate awe, but not today.

Andrea Louis, the DS 7 Crossback project manager, is driving a hard-working prototype wearing a tatty disguise at a brisk but restrained pace. He deliberately takes aim at every imperfection he can find, including some nasty artificial ridges across the surface of the track. He’s intent on proving the 7 Crossback rides like a big French car should.