I drove the new DS-7 E-TENSE – it drives great and is much improved inside – even if it’s for adults who wear dungarees

WE’RE all different. I don’t wear dungarees.

But the bloke sitting opposite me on the train right now is.

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The DS 7 E-Tense is the perfect SUV for those wanting an alternative[/caption]

He’s got a Samsung Galaxy something or other. I’ve got an iPhone.

So why would we want the same car?

We probably wouldn’t.

Choice is important – it’s a way to express yourself without explaining yourself.

Like a DS 7.

It’s a luxury five-seat SUV that goes its own way.

On paper, it should be considered by someone thinking of buying a BMW X1 or an Audi Q3 for instance, but in reality it’s not.

Because it’s different. And it’s just had a midlife refresh.

Out go the elaborate swivelling headlamps for a trio of slimmer pixel ones that don’t move and won’t have you waiting for them to break and give your car an unfortunate lazy eye look.

Below those are more LEDs – 33 per side – which glow through opaque body-coloured panels giving this SUV a subtly unique new visual vibe.

Expect this to roll out for all future DS cars, too.

The studded grille has grown and become more angular.

Round the back, the sexy scale-effect lights have been narrowed and conjoined with the DS Automobiles nameplate.

The side profile is now dominated by a set of huge 21in alloys, which are standard on the flagship 360hp model.

Hop inside and the cabin is wrapped in some notably plush embossed leather or alcantara, while the previously fussy infotainment system has been reworked.

It’s now mercifully more intuitive and responsive, and talks to any smartphone, Apple or Android.

There is a frugal entry-level 130hp turbo diesel plus a choice of three plug-in hybrids – all with the same eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The PHEVs start from a 225hp front wheel-drive to 300hp and 360hp all-wheel-drive – the latter of which having been tweaked by the DS Formula E team engineers.

But despite the DS 7’s fine chassis, wider track, lower stance and beefier brakes, it is a gentlemanly thing first and foremost that doesn’t appreciate having its nuts revved off.

It is much happier cruising in EV mode in hushed comfort, which it can now do for 43 miles if you’re sensible.

It rides with a pleasing refinement even on those monster rims, but it’s better still on the more modest 19in wheels that come with the less pricey models.

While running up a pretty eye-watering £62k price tag in top Opera Premiere spec, you can get on board for much less with the Performance Line diesel from £36k.

DS don’t expect to appeal to every SUV buyer, just the ones who crave exactly what it is offering – something alternative.

You may wear dungarees in one if you like. The choice is yours.

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On paper the DS 7should be considered by someone thinking of buying a BMW X1 or an Audi Q3 for instance, but in reality it’s not[/caption]

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DS don’t expect to appeal to every SUV buyer, just the ones who crave exactly what it is offering – something alternative[/caption]