For its second-generation attempt at a full hybrid powertrain, the PSA Group, which comprises Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Vauxhall/Opel, will switch from diesel-electric to plug-in hybrid petrol-electric technology.
The aim is to increase performance, refinement, zero-emissions driving range and design modularity for the group’s next wave of hybrid models, while simultaneously improving their CO2 emissions.
The first model in this new crop of PHEV models will be the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4x4, due on the market in early 2019, and DS gave us an early taste of what to expect from the driver’s seat of a prototype at a proving ground near Paris this week.
DS 7 E-Tense 4x4 powertrain and design
Named after DS’s electric supercar concept first shown in 2016, the 7 Crossback E-Tense 4x4 has a powertrain consisting of a 200bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine up front and a 110bhp electric motor on each axle. The front-mounted motor doubles as an engine starter-generator and transmits power to the front wheels via the car’s eight-speed automatic gearbox, while the rear one drives the rear wheels via ‘direct drive’ reduction gearing.
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Both motors draw power from a 13kWh lithium ion drive battery capable of a peak power supply equivalent to 125bhp, mounted next to a fuel tank of reduced size compared with that of the regular 7 Crossback. The battery will not be DC fast-charge compatible but will charge on a ‘Type 3’ 32-amp AC mains charger from flat to full in two hours. A home charge from a three-pin plug will take seven hours.
Zero-emissions battery range for the car is expected to be between 30 and 40 miles.
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Never buy a Citroen sorry
Many friends have had so many bad reliability stories that I wouldnt go near any Citroen. BUT now they have Opel in their barn so why not chuck this into that stable? It needs badly something like this because the Zafira "fireball" has long gone and their Moka silly cars dont hack it. This design is - considering its hard to make a box pretty - is good and upto the levels of Mazda Mitsubishi Skoda and Kuga standards. But as a D7 - no thanks.
Seems a bit stupid to use the
Seems a bit stupid to use the petrol engine - why not stick with a modern Euro6 diesel (ie one that has lower NOx emissions) and have better figures than this ? Madness.
Tarted up would be nicer... this is tarted down
I thought DS would major on French flair? This looks like a new Kia...