Citroen have revealed their first teaser sketch for the second DS model designed specifically for the Chinese premium car market. Likely to be called the DS X7, this SUV is based on the Wild Rubis concept and will enter production shortly after its debut during this month's Beijing Auto Show.
Transitioning from concept to production car, the DS X7 appears to have lost none of its flair. Its hind quarters show plenty of character, wrapped in a shade of metallic brown that gives it a very classy look.
We expect the proportions of the SUV to remain very close to what the concept measured: 4.70 meters long, 1.95 meters wide and 1.59 meters tall, with a 2.9-meter wheelbase. In China, the DS X7 will be available with three different engines:
Citroen's Chinese venture is targeting a luxury car market, but it's a totally different kind of buyer than the one that will go for the Audi Q3, for example. The French are targeting posh people, the kind who rear fashion magazines and buy designer clothes labels.
Prices will start above 160.000 yuan ($26,000) and should to p out at about 200.000 yuan ($32,000). That makes it considerably cheaper than the Audi Q3, which is one of the most popular models in its class and starts at 285,000 yuan ($46,000). Then again, even the most basic Q3 comes with a 2-liter turbo and a 7-speed automatic.
Citroen wants to establish itself as a key player in the ever-growing China car market, planing to reach 200,000 sales by the end of next year. The carmaker has aligned its interests with key personalities, such as actress Sun Li, famous across China for her role in Hougong Zhen Huan Zhuan, a period drama. It's also sponsoring and hosting fashion events in major cities.
We expect the proportions of the SUV to remain very close to what the concept measured: 4.70 meters long, 1.95 meters wide and 1.59 meters tall, with a 2.9-meter wheelbase. In China, the DS X7 will be available with three different engines:
- 1.8 VTi with 140 hp and 170 Nm of torque
- 1.6 THP turbo four-cylinder with 163 hp and 240 Nm of torque
- 1.6 THP turbo four-cylinder with 200 hp and 275 Nm of torque
Citroen's Chinese venture is targeting a luxury car market, but it's a totally different kind of buyer than the one that will go for the Audi Q3, for example. The French are targeting posh people, the kind who rear fashion magazines and buy designer clothes labels.
Prices will start above 160.000 yuan ($26,000) and should to p out at about 200.000 yuan ($32,000). That makes it considerably cheaper than the Audi Q3, which is one of the most popular models in its class and starts at 285,000 yuan ($46,000). Then again, even the most basic Q3 comes with a 2-liter turbo and a 7-speed automatic.
Citroen wants to establish itself as a key player in the ever-growing China car market, planing to reach 200,000 sales by the end of next year. The carmaker has aligned its interests with key personalities, such as actress Sun Li, famous across China for her role in Hougong Zhen Huan Zhuan, a period drama. It's also sponsoring and hosting fashion events in major cities.