At a time when the DS car company is launching the DS 4 model on the Czech market, I am writing a review of its now penultimate new model, the DS 9 model. .
The portfolio of DS brand cars, which until now only targeted the SUV category, is thus expanding to include a car that will try to muddy the calm waters in the segment of premium sedans. The DS 9 is therefore a car with a slightly extended wheelbase, which shares its basic platform with the Peugeot 508 , and its exterior and interior draws heavily from its sibling, the DS 7.
Exterior
Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I missed the official presentation of the new DS 9 in the Czech Republic, and I kept the initial acquaintance with this car until a detailed weekly editorial test. Already when taking over the car, which is parked among other cars, I find out what a real piece of art the new DS 9 is.
The first look immediately reveals that the "nine" draws heavily from the well-known signature of its sibling models, mainly from the DS 7 model. Its basic proportions are very elegant and beautifully balanced. Its "extended" wheelbase is, of course, not only practical, but also very handsomely "stretches" the rear door, giving the car the proportions of a representative limousine.
The announced similarity with the DS 7 is most evident in the front part. It is dominated by a voluminous mask with a very fine structure and prominent chrome around its perimeter, which also effectively passes under the headlights. They are again equipped with the famous rotary modules in the DS 9, which can put on a very impressive performance. We also have a line of daytime running lights, which with its typical light signature clearly indicates which stable the car comes from.
As part of the exterior, we also have to mention the automatically extendable door handles, or the "positions" on the C-pillars (a reference to the iconic DS 19), another interesting feature is the rear brake light, which is imaginatively integrated into the trunk lid.
The DS 9 is also interesting with its floor plan, which tapers slightly towards the back (probably another inspiration in history). Thus, from the robust and widely spaced front part, the body transitions into a fairly decent rear part, which has lights with the now iconic design. And it wouldn't be "Deeso" if its rear lamps didn't have a subtle chrome underline, in the case of the DS 9, disappearing into the side of the car. The rear part must definitely not lack a pair of distinctive and honest chrome exhaust tips.
I evaluate the external concept of "nine" unequivocally positively. The car will offer elegant and balanced basic proportions, which are complemented by imaginative details.
Interior
In the case of the interior of the DS 9, we can't avoid inspiration from the DS 7 model. Here, too, the interior will impress you with its richness and good workmanship. The continuous dashboard is effectively fused with the massive central panel, which is equipped with an automatic transmission selector and individual controls for the electric windows, parking brake or drive mode selector.
The elegant continuity of the dashboard is interrupted only by the on-board infotainment display. With its twelve inches, it creates a relatively significant dominant feature of the entire dashboard. In addition, it has extremely pleasant graphics and, thanks to the bottom bar with quick selection, completely logical controls.
For me, the dark side of the interior of DS cars (including the new DS 9) continues to be the graphics of the fully digital display in the instrument cluster in front of the driver. The ever-present motif of the diamond is also prescribed in its treatise and unfortunately makes it quite confusing and, for my taste, unnecessarily playful.
The interior of the DS 9 also features a BRM R180 analog clock, which is hidden in the dashboard and rotates into the cabin space after each start of the car, following the example of the rotating headlight modules. The start button itself is quite unconventionally located just below this clock, i.e. in the middle of the dashboard.
In the case of the DS 9, the traditionally imaginative and original interior is also spaciously dimensioned. A low seating position, a continuous dashboard, a massive central tunnel and, in the case of the tested piece, a black roof panel (also upholstered with Alcantara) surround you very pleasantly. The spaciousness of the interior is certainly not lacking, as well as the individual seats, which are pleasantly shaped and comfortable. The extended wheelbase then quite logically indulges the crew in the rear seats the most.
The luggage compartment will offer decent floor plan dimensions, but due to the shape of the body, it is quite low and will offer an average volume of 520 liters overall.
Offered motorizations and driving impressions
Unfortunately, the engine range of the new DS 9 is rather austere. The basis of the drive system in all cases is a turbocharged 16-liter PureTech gasoline engine. In the basic version, this is combined with an eight-speed automatic and drive only the front axle.
Other options are its electrified versions, which are available in three variants. The E-TENSE 225 and E-TENSE 250 are plug-in hybrids offering a purely electric range of 46-50 km and slightly different performances. The top version then becomes the E-TENSE 360 4×4, which is additionally equipped with a second electric motor on the rear axle. This specification then offers 265 kW (360 hp) of power and 520 Nm of torque, the value of the purely electric range is 47 km.
The car we tested was fitted with the aforementioned "base", i.e. 1.6 PureTech (225 horsepower) combined with an eight-speed automatic and front-axle drive only.
Honestly, after the experience with the car's exterior and interior, you would expect something more adequate under the hood of the DS 9, but unfortunately we have to draw from the current range of the PSA concern.
As you already know from our tests, the turbocharged Pure Tech 16 is certainly an interesting engine, and after driving a few kilometers you won't mind the new DS 9 under the hood. This motorization is very quiet, with refined operation and enough power. All this with an average consumption of around 8 liters per 100 km.
In connection with the excellent eight-speed automatic, it also provides a very linear pull. The cooperation between the engine and the automatic was exemplary for most of the time, the only exception being the occasional start-up, which was accompanied by a slight "jerk" when the gas was pressed hard.
The chassis, which, thanks to adaptive shock absorbers and the DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION system, brings a huge amount of comfort to the board. Within this system, there is a certain cooperation between the front camera and the adaptive chassis. The camera scans the surface in front of the car and the adaptive chassis is able to react to the current surface thanks to the available information. The entire system then works up to a speed of 130 km/h and greatly contributes to driving comfort.
In conclusion
The basic DS 9 is available from CZK 1,325,000 including VAT, in the tested version with a turbocharged PureTech petrol engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and PERFORMANCE Line equipment. The same specification is then available in the higher trim level RIVOLI from 1,425,000 including tax.
Furthermore, only the announced plug-in hybrid versions are on offer, i.e. E-TENSE 225 (from CZK 1,525,000, PERFORMANCE Line), E-TENSE 250 (from CZK 1,575,000, PERFORMANCE Line) and the top E- TENSE 360 4×4 (from 1,775,000 CZK, PERFORMANCE Line). All versions are again available in the higher trim level RIVOLI (always CZK 100,000 more expensive).
Traditionally, the price of the car includes a warranty for 5 years / 100,000 km as well as a FreeDrive service contract for the same range. This includes all mandatory service, including service work and replacement of worn parts.
The DS car company has thus expanded its portfolio with a car that fully fits into its concept of expressive and imaginative cars. Thus, the DS 9 does not become a direct competitor, but a certain alternative that offers an original and distinctive approach to the creation of cars.
Source: Author's text
Image source: Author's own photos
