Fledgling French premium brand DS has introduced a second more economical and lower-power plug-in hybrid option to the DS 7 Crossback range; the DS 7 Crossback E-TENSE 225.

The new DS offers reduced power and consequently lower CO2 and improved fuel economy

The new DS 7 Crossback E-TENSE 225 joins the previously released DS 7 Crossback E-TENSE 4×4, with a slightly lower total power output, using its 180hp petrol engine combined with a 110hp electric motor that produce 225hp system output and hence the car’s name. These power the 19-inch standard black alloy wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

As standard, the new DS 7 Crossback E-TENSE 225 comes with DS’s Active Scan Suspension, which reads the road as the vehicle moves and adjusts the damping according to the surface it sees – the result being a smoother ride, as it can adapt near-instantaneously as necessary.

Electric driving prowess comes from its 13.2kWh battery pack, offering an electric range of up to 34 miles (45 miles at low speed) and an electric-only powered top speed of 84mph.

CO2 emissions are between 31 and 36g/km – slightly lower than the E-TENSE 4×4 model – and fuel consumption is officially between 176.6-201.8mpg; slightly better than the E-TENSE 4×4. Using the petrol engine only, fuel consumption is reportedly between 43.5-46.3mpg.

The new car comes with two charging cables (like other electrified DS models) to facilitate home or workplace charging.

DS 7 Crossback E-TENSE 225 is available across all trim levels and the complete range of DS Inspirations is available: Bastille, Performance Line, Performance Line with leather seats, Pearl Grey Rivoli, Basalt Black Rivoli, Alezan Brown Opera and Art Basalt Black Opera.