Motors
Aerospace feel to new Citroen DS range
By Gerry Murphy
It is 60 years ago since Citroen introduced the motoring world to the DS range. Many can be still seen at vintage and veteran motor shows and on our roads. You will remember the flamboyant design with its long nose and half-covered rear wheels.
It sat down on its hunkers when parked, thanks to its hydraulic suspension, and rose up when driven. The rear lights were fitted high up on the rear pillars and it looked like something from the space age.
Citroen has again separated the DS range from the regular catalogue, a position taken to suggest that the DS range is now the luxury side of the brand and their collection of current DS models are as far removed from Citroen’s regular cars as the old DS was in the past. This week’s test car is the new DS 5, the flagship of the line as was the original back in 1955.
From all angles, the DS has a sophistication that you don’t see in other brands. Lavish chrome inserts, prominent body swoops and an ocean of glass are used to make it unique. Some of it works, but some of it is way over the top. For me there is too much going on, but the beauty contest involves the eye of the beholder.
Inside, they have also packed it with the latest technology, gizmos and gadgets in a way that makes it almost like a fighter jet on the ground. Even some of the controls are placed in the roof to add to that impression.
The main controls are grouped on two centrally positioned consoles, one at a low level near the gear selector and one overhead. Both incorporate specially designed buttons, dials and toggle switches that were inspired by the aerospace industry.
They want you to enjoy a high-tech driving experience with ‘Criollo’ semi-aniline ‘watch strap’ leather seats and a colour touchdrive interface, a new system that is supposed to provide easy access to all in-car functions, from navigation to music.
They wanted to simplify the interior layout, with 12 fewer buttons on the dashboard and facia. This latest-generation screen also includes new Mirror Screen technology. This function lets users copy smartphone content onto the screen and ensures all relevant apps can be used safely when driving.
However, rather than simplifying things, there are parts of the layout that do the opposite. There are times when one switch can do the job rather than two or three procedures that are needed here. One simple function like switching off the stop-start function takes three interventions.
And, when you do switch it off, it comes back on again the next time you switch off and on the engine. It means that you have to take your eye off the road every time you negotiate the system, which, I think removes some of the safety that they are trying to eliminate.
The 1955 Limited Edition that I have been driving is priced at €44,345 with the latest BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT6 Automatic powertrain, which achieves CO2 emissions of 116g/km. My fuel consumption for the week came in at 6.7L/100km, a figure that, for a car of its size, is quite acceptable.
The DS 5 will have its fans but will also have its detractors. For the fans, there is enough there to satisfy in terms of technology and design while others will continue to opt for the competition.
But, where would we be without Citroen and DS designers? It would be a much more boring motoring world without them.
Recent registration figures released at the end of last month show that the Volkswagen’s ID.4 is the best-selling electric car in Ireland. Since it arrived in 2021 there has been nearly 6,000 registered and it now leads the charge to electrification here making it officially Ireland’s number one electric EV.
Even more exciting for the brand is the arrival of their new ID.7, the brand’s first global electric model for the upper mid-size class. It was launched globally last month, and Volkswagen chiefs are promising a battery range of 700km. This is massive step up for Volkswagen and will be a game changer for the brand.
Volkswagen Ireland are saying that it will arrive here later this year, and prices will be announced closer to that Irish launch date.
“With the ID.7 we are taking the next step in our electric offensive,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
“The saloon offers a high level of comfort and long ranges. Already by 2026, we will offer the widest electric range of all manufacturers in Europe. Our goal is to achieve an electric car share of 80% in Europe by 2030. As from 2033, Volkswagen will produce only electric vehicles in Europe.”
Galway Volkswagen dealers, Western Motors are holding an electric vehicles information event on Thursday May 25 where they will have information on hand for potential buyers of any of the Volkswagen EV range.
The Western Motors sales team and service team will be able to provide information on along with additional information on the grants available and application for same and electrician to talk about the EV Charging Boxes and so forth.
For more information, call Western Motors on (091) 709970.
Following the success of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, we now have the IONIQ 6, a completely different kettle of fish with the same running gear but a completely different design.
Both have been lauded at world level as the IONIQ 6 follows the 5 by winning the 2023 World Car of the Year title.
Not only did it pick up this gong, but it also won the 2023 World Electric Vehicle as well as the 2023 World Car Design of the Year awards.
This is the second consecutive triple win for the Hyundai Motor Group – the Hyundai IONIQ 5 was last year’s winner in the same three categories. A jury of 100 international automotive journalists from 32 countries selected the winners by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their on-going professional work.
Up to now, the majority of electric vehicles have been SUVs. It’s the most popular shape of our times as buyers go for taller features and practical family characteristics. It might be strange that Hyundai would bring out the IONIQ 6 which is more like a coupe styled sedan with a lower, striking silhouette that they describe as a ‘streamliner’.
It certainly looks pretty special and while it uses the same battery, motors and platform. There are indications however that it is somewhat offers better range than the IONIQ 5. It is lower to the ground and has a lower drag co efficiency meaning reduced resistance and hence, better distance from a charge.
Under WLPT measurement the car has been tested to return 614km on a full charge. And, it can be charged at a much faster speed than other cars on the market; 315km in just 15 minutes.
There’s also a host of clever technology on board. Of course, a lot of what’s on offer these day are just toys and are not needed for everyday driving but, it is what the customer wants and he/she is always right! You can even opt to have the door mirrors on screens inside the car with cameras outside taking the pictures.
Prices for the Signature version with a 53kW battery starts at €48,295 rising toe €71,250 for the top-of-the-range Finesse all-wheel drive model with a 77kW battery.
By Gerry Murphy
There is always a flutter of expectancy when a car company like Alfa Romeo brings out a completely new car. Since the heady days of the Alfa 156, the fortunes of the manufacturer have been slowly eroding and they now need their new Tonale to be loved more than ever.
Launched a couple of weeks ago, the Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 is truly a landmark for the Italian brand. In what they call the Alfa Romeo’s “zero to zero” process, which will take it from being a 0% electrified brand at the start of 2022 to being a zero-emissions, 100% electric brand by 2027 it will start off a complete conversion in just five years.
Indeed Alfa Romeo has positioned itself to be one of the fastest automotive brands to reach carbon neutrality.
Alfa bosses tell us that the Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 combines maximum efficiency and Italian sportiness; the all-electric range (AER) is 56km, up to 80km all-electric range city, 600km in the total cycle and emissions reduced from 29g/km.
I have had the pleasure of taking the new Tonale for an extended test drive on the day of its official launch recently. The best compliment that I can give the car is that it is a ‘proper’ Alfa. Those who have history with the brand will fully understand what that means and why it is important that it lives up to its heritage.
The interior especially wraps itself around the driver just as in the days of old. It is a wonderful place to be, and you are completely at one with the vehicle. The quality is right up the in the premier league; dark and moody with clever details and the right amount of new technology.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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