Range Rover Fan Gives HONEST Opinion Of DS7 Crossback

The DS7 Crossback is not designed to rival the likes of the Nissan Qashqai or the SEAT Ateca. No, because of its premium approach, it's going after the big boys, Audi, BMW, Range Rover, etc. I happen to know someone that not only works for Jaguar Land Rover, but is also a big fan of Range Rover.
It's my good friend, Steve, who has appeared on the channel before where we discussed various cars in great length (so much length, that I had to split the video in to three parts).
This time there was only one car up for discussion though, the new DS7 Crossback. I was very keen to get his opinion as he spends most of his days around premium SUVs, so I wanted to know if this would make the cut and if this is a car he would consider buying.
**Apologies if the audio isn't quite up to scratch, my clip on mic decided not to record anything, and Steve thought it would be a good idea to have his window open for the first portion of our drive 😂**
Site: carobsession.co.uk
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Music Credit:
Audiobinger - Good Times

[@CarObsession]

Evening all, thank you so much for dropping in on this video. I just wanted to pick up on something that has been raised by other viewers. The "twizzly headlights", as Steve called them, do have a purpose, they part of the Active LED Vision feature. The LED modules are able to adapt to the steering angle, road speed and even weather conditions to offer the best lighting possible. This was learnt after the video was made.

[@sizzlertwist]

How did you turn the speed camera alert sound on?

[@SiloNova25]

"I like it, but I wouldn't buy it." The brand snobbery is strong with this one.

[@lukeskywalker3534]

This car is amazing ! We have to be honest. DS made a great job! I want it.

[@dylanpower1438]

He calls that car too expensive and yet the land rovers are 3x the price

[@RR-zl8tz]

And unreliable

[@PTZOUTZ]

Can he also tell us why Range Rovers brake down after 4-5 years gradually?? :-)

[@glenscott3083]

I have just purchased a DS7 and have to say it's an excellent car,if it was German everyone would be creaming themselves on how good it is,I love it that there are zero other DS7s in my area,it always turns heads when it's parked up or driving down the roads

[@betrenthmouze6336]

I have the same with my DS4 Performance Line+. I love all DS designs, each model is completely different from eachother, only the front grill is mostly matchable with eachother and the tail lights. In my hometown there's only 2 DS4's on the road. My car and the other is from someone from the DS Store in Amsterdam who have actually helped me the day I had to pick-up my car lol :P.

[@darrenhamilton5859]

I'm totally with you I get the same with mine and I love it

[@niceboy60]

you would have to be mad to buy a used Ranger Rover they are considered to be most unreliable car in the UK I take the DS 4 years warranty all the Time over a used Range Rover *with no warranty*

[@ofiv]

Quite absurd to expect a premium brand employee to say he prefers a competitor, especially one new to the niche having no pedigree to support its claim. I don’t have any experience with that DS but it looks fine and from what I heard it carries a premium feel and ride quality.

[@CarObsession]

Hi Devoted Audiophile, thanks for watching. To be fair, I wasn't EXPECTING him to prefer it, I was mainly looking to see what he thought of it. Steve has been a big Range Rover fan even before he started working for Land Rover, so I always knew there was a strong chance he'd opt for a RR as opposed to this.

[@karel007]

Stupid remarks....go drive your old range Rover nobody else want ..

[@Schlock3000]

How is the DS7 "pricey"? I configured an Audi Q5 with the same trim that I will be getting in my DS7. The DS7 is around 56000 Euro (sorry, German here...) in this trim. The Audi Q5 cost about 73000 Euro. That's a f*cking 17000 Euros more (or 15000 GBP). Yes, the Audi may have the four rings, and it is built with extremely high quality on the inside, but so is the DS7. And it is definitely more distinctive. How a Range Rover Evoque (a car from 2011) may be a better choice than the DS7, I don't know. I drove an Evoque in 2013, and while it's surely a great car, it's much smaller and not as luxurious as the DS7. A Discovery Sport on the other hand is much bigger. It's like saying "Don't buy a Ford Focus, because you could either have an Audi A3 and it has 4 rings, or you could have an Audi Q7, because it is much bigger and better". Nonsense. Besides that, you really have to applaud DS for not following the trend of making every car "sporty", basically meaning that it's too harsh a ride for all but the very smoothest streets. Doesn't matter which car you drive, even the current SUVs from Audi, VW, Nissan, Range Rover or any other brand. They are all "sporty". The DS actually drives like a big and comfortable SUV is supposed to. And I like that very much. For fun on mountain roads there is cars such as the new MX-5, which is quite a bargain for the fun you get (and we own one). For a daily driver, the DS is a real delight.

[@CarObsession]

That's fair enough, but the DS7 simply won't hold its value like the Audi will. Granted, it's a cheaper car to buy, but in the long run you may lose more money. I'd tip the Audi to be more reliable as well. Thanks for watching. By the way, I also own an MX-5 - great cars, aren't they?

[@CarObsession]

Also, it's worth noting that there are a fair few UK reviewers that find the price of the DS7 Crossback on the high side.

[@bigkification]

Forget an Audi Q5... price up a diesel Golf to even half the spec... it's £40k. £5K MORE than the DS7 which has far more kit.

[@fredgien]

Reability is very good with PSA products.

[@vuki63blok]

@@CarObsession now, one year later...DS7s 2018 average used price is 10k more than average price of most 2018 Q5s and literally every Q3(ds7s actual competitor)

[@nicolaeenache4422]

I can't see anything honest in this video..."I love it but I wouldn't buy it" makes no sense for me. At work I am driving at least 10 Ds7 a day in different specs and for me it's still the best suv in its price range. I can't compare it to any other boring german brand or with that joke called Evoque because DS is different style, is far more advanced in terms of technology than any other suv on the market with the same price. That guy doesn't look like he owns a C3 - wich is a horrible car in terms of driving experience...he looks like all his life has sold posh cars and only the cars wich he sells are good. He got me convinced when he compared BRAND NEW with USED cars. Concusion : DS7 is different. Love it or hate it

[@kofib3]

I reckon those spinning "disco lights" in the DS7 are probably meant to be a homage to the original DS where it had headlights that could swivel round as the steering wheel turned. Just a thought..

[@CarObsession]

No it's part of the Active LED Vision, which is able to move the LED modules depending on the steering wheel angle, road speed and even weather conditions. Thanks for watching.

[@stomats]

Nice explanation. DS didn't just set out to build a car to take people from point A to B, that would make them like every other manufacturer - they had to showcase the Heritage that made the original DS especially at the price point they are featuring. The fact that the "expert opinion" felt that money should be spent elsewhere, shows lack of appreciation of the DS heritage.

[@dufonrafal]

@@CarObsession so the gimmick was basically free then

[@NapoleonDynamites]

Fun fact: The reason they make Range Rovers so comfortable inside is because Range Rover drivers like to sit in comfort while they wait for the recovery truck.

[@CarObsession]

😂

[@jasonvunibola3457]

😂

[@maciprel]

The DS7 in question is not supposed in any way to compete against a RR. It was designed to take on the Q3/X1/X2/GLA, etc. In a way if someone compares it to a RangeRover, it means that DS Automobiles has done a good job. Pricing/leasing depends on the market probably, but generally DS7 is cheaper than any Range Rover which might indicate that they don't compete in the same class. Nonetheless, an interesting view ;)

[@CarObsession]

Hello maciprel, I get what you mean, but it's a premium SUV that's in the same price range as the Range Rover Evoque, so I feel the comparison is still valid. Plus other reviews have dubbed the Evoque as a rival for the DS7 Crossback. Thanks for watching.

[@maciprel]

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that it's completely invalid, there is still a lot of interesting remarks ;) And pricing probably depends on the market heavily. I was in this market exactly and the Evoque was more expensive with less equipment, but pricing aside, the leasing deals that I was offered were much better for the DS7. Again, personally RR Evoque is the same class to me, but price-wise it tends to differ ;)

[@FanatecSystem]

Nope, its a q5 and x3 competitor, both size and price wise

[@vuki63blok]

@@FanatecSystem no, you are wrong. Q5 and x3 are SUV, DS7 is a crossover like q3 and x1-and its officialy their rival.Size doesnt matter. DS7 is basically premium Peugeot 3008

[@qasimansari7540]

Great video. Funny enough, the fact that this car is different and is trying to give an alternative to established brands and also has that "what is that?" factor makes me seriously want to consider it. Stands out from the crowd. I do not want to be yet another Audi, BMW or Mercedes driver. Been there, done that. This is something genuinely different. I think I will test drive one. Thanks.

[@j0hn2012]

Im getting one in a few days and thats what made me choose it its not as common andthe specs are great

[@darrenhamilton5859]

I just bought one trading in my Mercedes 220d C class coupe. On the DS7 the quality is excellent plus the fact you get a lot more for your money than Audi or BMW and even Mercedes. The drive is also incredibly comfortable almost gliding over the road surface

[@j0hn2012]

Picking a ds7 up on tuesday cant wait !

[@CarObsession]

I hope you enjoy it John, thanks for watching!

[@darrenhamilton5859]

Get mine on the 23rd, enjoy

[@ivanashley7875]

I'm going to the dealers to try this one out, if it is as good to drive as it seemed during your review, I'll be placing an order. As for Range Rover, I've just got rid of a three year old Evoque and I would strongly recommend people avoid buying one if it's out of warranty. The cars have issues with the Adblue sensors, which Land Rover and their dealerships will rob you blind to "sort out" whilst blaming you for causing the problem by adding DEF fluid yourself, instead of paying a dealership highly inflated rates to do it for you. Land Rover have admitted the problem is one of manufacturing, but are in no hurry to help stranded (out of warranty) customers, because the car wont allow a restart after a given number of miles, once the vehicle has falsely decided you have put an inferior grade fluid in the tank (it will do that even if "you" added Land Rovers own brand Adblue). I could't dump that car and Land Rover's crap after(don't)care service quick enough.

[@andrewmontague2636]

Love this car, classy and distinctive. It might not be great to drive but name an SUV other than a Porsche Macan that is! I’d definitely NOT buy a used Land Rover product, their reliability and quality is shocking..

[@CarObsession]

Hi Andrew, thanks for watching, and thanks for commenting.

[@tomheard7844]

Love this car😍

[@philtimson5449]

Omg! Ok, I had an Evoque, don't be fooled, they are not a Range Rover (like you think they are going to be). I could only drive it for a few months and it had to go. Gutless, horrible suspension, noisy and rough! Most cars could overtake you and terrible mpg at the same time. Go on, try something different and brand new. No one else's headlights do that. God knows how much Range Rover would rob you for those!

[@PTZOUTZ]

land Rover robs you after 5 years when everything on the car starts to fail... talk about premium quality :-)

[@dufonrafal]

I've actually test driven 2 DS7, a BlueHDi 180 Performance Line and a top trim Puretech 180. I wasn't convinced by the Performance Line but I was completely sold on the top trim Puretech. It really felt like a premium car and I really enjoyed the overall comfort of the car. not only the suspension, but also the seats and the driving feel. I really enjoyed the car once I got into that "chauffeur" like driving style, being gentle (not slow, gentle) with the car. And it was really nice. But if you're looking for a sporty ride (witch I think is as stupid thing a family SUV), it's not for you sure. But I praise DS for choosing comfort over a sporty feel (and I insist on the "feel" because the car does handle really well, probably better than most "sporty" SUV).

[@bigkification]

Rather buy a DS7... even a 3 year old DS7..... it's going to be far more reliable than a RR. It's not overpriced... a VW Golf specced up to half of what the DS7 has, is close to £40k!!

[@darrenparry2891]

Glad you said the bong, bong was speed camera detection. Thought it was my laptop at first.

[@CarObsession]

😂Yeah, it is a bit annoying to begin with, but you soon get used to it. Thanks for watching Darren.

[@PlanetautoUK]

After seeing the prototype at SMMT North last year and being impressed by it’s tech and luxury, it’ll be interesting to see how it drives and what it’s like on a long haul journey. Looking forward to really putting it to the test. Some interesting views, and nice to see a tweak to the format.

[@CarObsession]

The review should be done by the end of the week, so be sure to look out for that - thanks for watching guys.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Car Obsession will do

[@darrenhamilton5859]

The car is a lovely drive comfortable and smooth. Ive just swapped from a Mercedes C Class 220d Coupe. I know they are different cars but the drive of the DS7 wins hands down

[@BStrapper]

First we hear this guy is paid by Jaguar/Rover to bash a car which he labels as "almost premium"... !!! ok he means to say this is not a premium car, let see why. Fully loaded (4wd & hybrid & leather all around) this car (as good as a Range) is sold for 2/3 the price. He goes "i like it, but i wouldn't buy it"...of course he wouldn't all he can afford is a 15k Citroen C3. Further he goes "i wouldn't buy it, it just got the wrong badge" Rover Range Rover Sport 85k has the right badge... get it...? all a question of badge...and keep his employer happy.

[@arnemaeschaelck5012]

I totally love it! a Peugeot 3008 looks nice on the inside and this is pretty much that but with a nicer and more exclusive exterior. I only dislike that they made it look a lot like a Q7… they look fantastic, but don't copy another car to make it look more luxurious... I definitely don't see this as competition to higher class brands, it's just a nicer Peugeot / citroen, except the interior is very fresh and funny. this is the only French car I'd actually consider. also very good gasoline engines to choose from, which is usually not the case in this class in Europe.

[@SteveLBMK]

P.S. He was spot on about the alloys as well. I had a 2L Mazda 6 Sport. Great car, if too noisy at motorway speed. But the 19" alloys? A nightmare. I curbed them several times and had to get them all refurbished when I traded it in. This trend towards large alloys is daft, especially bearing in mind the potholes and speed bumps we have in the UK. I test drove a Mercedes CLA 250 4Matic AMG Shooting Brake last week. Perfect on paper - practical, quick, variable 4WD. In practice, much too noisy at speed, really hard ride, ruined by the 19" alloys.

[@darrenhamilton5859]

I have 19 inch alloys on my DS7 and to be honest the ride is very comfortable though I do have the active suspension

[@ioleacatalin]

Telling people to buy a Range Rover… the worst car

[@worldolivier]

What an openned spirit..

[@dufonrafal]

The "I would buy used" argument is just stupid. I've always found it stupid and will always. In this exemple, the guy that bought the 2 years old Evoque new could himself have bought a 2 years old higher range model. And the 2 years old DS will be a lot cheaper...

[@PTZOUTZ]

never buy used RRs. They are riddled with expensive bills after numerous mechanical and electronics failures. Especially the ones > 5 years old. At least don't buy without an extended bumper to bumper warranty

[@DavidDeblaere]

Disco Sport interior is pure crap compared to this. Evoque looks better but it's a lot smaller

[@kevinfrancis5518]

Hmmm brand snobbery and different target market for this car the sort of person who would buy this will enjoy the lights no intention of going off rd so why pay extra for a RR ...just a thought

[@CarObsession]

Hi Kevin, thanks for watching and thanks for the comment.

[@harlemthamry2491]

Does the plastic housing of the back mirror really say Assembled in U.S.A.? Would be an interesting aspect, considering the fact the PSA made cars are not distributed in the States.

[@CarObsession]

Hi Harlem, thanks for watching. Whereabouts in the video did you see that, I can't seem to find it?

[@thomaskeyes7272]

Get my ds7 this week can’t wait 1.6 225 bhp same colour and wheels as this one

[@darrenhamilton5859]

I got the same spec, enjoy its pure quality

[@dylanpower1438]

It will be way more reliable than a Range Rover

[@RogueBrit]

The headlamps steer ....alcantara is a synthetic material..

[@CarObsession]

Hi there, thanks for watching and thanks for the comment.

[@josemendezmad]

What strikes me is the fact that you “tested” the lowest end of the DS7 model ? Or is it because your guest did not worth it ....?

[@CarObsession]

That was the model supplied to me, I did not choose it. Thanks for watching.

[@nitrowad]

Range Rover is the last thing I would buy - unreliable AF... Nothing can compensate for that... The engine in DS7 will outlive at least 5 or 6 range rover engines...

[@Radio4ManLeics]

Somebody's vandalised your shirt, Steve mate. Ink blotches all over it!

[@Compasscard]

Driving a discovery sport now, very happy with it but the 150hp diesel isn't cutting it. The car is too heavy for that engine. Tax and Co² emissions prevent me from taking a higher hp version. So the next one might be a Ds7 as it's the only car with about the same size that is affordable and has reduced emissions. I will miss the light offroad capabilities though. In snow, gravel, mud, grass, the discovery sport is king of the SUV's that were designed of use on roads.

[@CarObsession]

Hi David, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment.

[@wilkoone9155]

We have a Discovery Sport belonging to our son, I drive a Skoda Enyaq IV80x with a tow hitch & I do lots of trailering and some off roading as a forest owner. The Enyaq has much more torque than the Discovery, & is really good at towing. I ordered the car with the smallest wheel size, it handels really well.

[@TenPester]

Plenty of badge snobs out there paying over the odds for less stuff. I’ve got a Jaguar XE R-Sport that destroys the equivalent German rivals but my spine wants something like this. I’ve had tons of German cars and they like belly buttons. Everyone driving about in them dour faced and unhappy. Range Rovers are driven by unsavoury characters so there’s a nice gap for the DS for those pig sick of German cars.

[@quicktingz2097]

These cars should come fully loaded standard. Pan roof, electric seats, heated seats ect. That's the only way customers would get swayed away from the German competition.

[@Northernerdownsouth]

Bet he drives an Evoque with his man bag 😂

[@doh1959]

i would have a lada over a range rover its probably more reliable and doesnt look like a match box on wheels

[@CarObsession]

doh1959 😂

[@thomaskeyes7272]

Had a Range Rover evoque hated it bag of crap

[@Radio4ManLeics]

Good call on the dark interior (5:40). Im fed up spending big money on funereal interiors. Prestige brands should be distinctive, not look like a fekkin Ford inside. French cars used to lead the pack on tasteful interiors in mass market cars.

[@steveokinevo887]

You forget to say that the active scan suspension does'nt work by night or by rain as soon as the lights are on

[@CarObsession]

Hello Tristanne, thanks for that additional info 👌Thanks for watching as well.

[@GreyWolfuk]

Tristanne 1966 where did you get that information? can't find any confirmation of that info

[@pillowdawgi1314]

Badge snobs

[@j0hn2012]

I would defo not buy a car off of steve 😂

[@CarObsession]

To be fair, no-one is forcing you 😅

[@joeypage8286]

The wheels are very nissan qashqai.. I don't like em.

[@profemeritus534]

Next time try to test drive cars on sparse traffic roads. It's frustrating to see both person looking at the traffic instead of the car, which they are trying to review.

[@CarObsession]

That's a fair enough comment, but we both live in South London, we had limited time to film and this location was convenient for both of us. Thanks for watching.

[@stevenbisby2829]

Do some research on the car first before you start to slag of gimmicky things about the car-you know your car's inside out and clearly not the DS7. There is reasoning behind most of it if you take a minute to look at it.

[@CarObsession]

Hi Steve, thanks for watching. That's a fair enough comment, thanks for watching.

[@ronpower7790]

I really welcome any car focusing on comfort primarily...all the bullshit talk of car reviewers of sport, sport and sport, in regards of how cars should drive, made manufacturers focus less and less on ride comfort and giving us cars that ain't comfy enough...especially if equipped with run flat tires, which will kill all the left over comfort of the suspension.

[@CarObsession]

Hi Ron, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment.

[@villarule06]

Mr Obsession, I think you just don't dare say a negative for fear of upsetting the car company ;P Ha. Them lights are ridiculous! Just something waiting to be broken.

[@CarObsession]

Mate, if you knew how much work it takes to build a relationship with a brand then you'll understand why! In fairness, I did say that this is a car that I wouldn't buy, which is surely the worst feedback you can give a brand LOL. Thanks for watching Matt!

[@villarule06]

Oh I can imagine the work involved yeah and you aren't going to run around shouting expleatives about the cars haha, I appreciate it is worth saying a bit of lip service to them.

[@CarObsession]

True, but having said that, I am always honest about cars and I would never say anything just for the sake of making the car seem better. I praised the Peugeot SUVs, but I wasn't THAT keen on the C3 Aircross.

[@philb5188]

Range Rovers are shite

[@ejjrl1ify]

As if he recommenced a three year old Evoque or 2 year old Discovery Sport. Please don’t listen to this advice. The reliability of LR is truly awful. You are literally paying for the badge.

[@Radio4ManLeics]

"I like it, but I wouldn't buy it" Perfect summary. An average car that doesn't excel in any area, but also doesn't repel. For £36,000 I'd keep walking too. Depreciation will have that initial price drop like a stone. It reminds me a lot of the Mazda C5 from the outside. Which is £7,000 cheaper for the top model.

[@tarekmahmood6620]

Cardinal Biggles me i think i would buy one but not a brand new one i think with depreciation in mind in the used car market they are good decent cars

[@SteveLBMK]

Citroen and DS are bad for depreciation aren't they? I would not pay £35k for this, exactly as you and Steve said in the video. Also, the road scanning technology is yet another thing that could go wrong and is likely to be a PITA if it decides to get temperamental. As you also say, better off getting a more premium brand second hand.

[@CarObsession]

Yes, but then again most French cars aren't great for depreciation. I dread to think how much money one of these would lose in just one year. I bought a 2012 Renault Clio (brand new) and it lost half its value in on year...🙃 Thanks for watching Steve.

[@SteveLBMK]

True that.

[@PTZOUTZ]

@@CarObsession Really, it depends on the market I guess. In Greece we sold a clio 0.9 turbo petrol after 4 years for 66% of it's original price. 9500 euros and we bought it almost 15000 new. Also used range Rovers especially more than 4 years old are a terrible buy. There are numerous youtube videos and articles about older RR experiencing fail after fail and repair bills in the thousands

[@chitpaul]

£35k is too much for this. Nice car but overpriced.

[@CarObsession]

Hi C S, thanks for commenting and thanks for watching.

[@chitpaul]

Car Obsession good job, keep up the good work. Honest reviews.

[@CarObsession]

Thank you very much, I really appreciate that feedback.😀

[@chitpaul]

I considered this car, so many good bits but also so many not so good things... the price for a start.. I bought a Lexus RX450h F Sport instead... with LED adaptive lights, black with the red rose interior.

[@user-mo9xe9tx4x]

very similar to my pug 508 inside.

[@r50ddy]

What irritating pair. Ooo I don't like it, you'd kerb those wheel twice a day. Tbf you sound like you would, I bet you drive like a learner.

[@CarObsession]

Hi R F, thanks for watching, and thanks for commenting. Sorry the video wasn't to your taste, you can't please everyone.

[@Infinity600gaming]

Someone who owns a c3 cannot give an opinion on a car they, just can’t.

[@CarObsession]

😂

[@neilndebs]

I think that the DS7 has a huge black plastic grille that looks really cheap! The Skoda Kodiaq which he said looked old fashioned actually looks much better. If he drives a C3 he is hardly an expert on cars anyway!

[@CarObsession]

Yeah, the black plastic grille on the front looks just fine from a distance, but once you see it's plastic, it doesn't exactly scream "quality". Thanks for watching.

[@stomats]

I'd like to know what other materials are used for front grills - Aren't they all plastic anyway? Including those from other manufacturers? Its not that they do not have access to high quality plastics - coz their subsidiary Faurecia kits premium models with bumpers.

[@CarObsession]

Stomats, you make a fair point, but there's just something about the grille on the DS7 that makes it looks a bit cheap. It's difficult for me to put my finger on it. At first I would have said it could be because it's gloss black, but a Peugeot 308 GTi also has a gloss black grille and I don't think that looks cheap. Thanks for watching.

[@mrgt3201]

Who are Citroen kidding with their brand DS. It's just a Citroen. It's got the same gear lever as a Peugeot 3008. It'll probably make a good second hand buy when it's been hit by savage depreciation. By the way the car next to it (Skoda Kodiaq) is a far classier and no doubt more reliable than the Citroen, sorry DS. Despite what your mate says.

[@qoako9695]

Target market is BMW/Mercedes/Audi buyers...you know; those people who rarely scrutinise what they buy and don't know their cars are powered by renault clio engines or sharing parts with budget cars like skoda and vw...

[@Sherukka]

Completely different feel from Peugeot 3008! Just drove a DS7 and wow! The suspension is spot on! Comfortable!

[@andrewmontague2636]

Gary Taylor It’s not a Citroen, any more than an Audi is a VW. All group brands share common parts, however

[@rajfell]

Steve is driving Dacia Duster with cream leather interior😬

[@CarObsession]

Wasn't the last time I checked 😂. Thanks for watching.