We are driving the impressive DS 4 E-TENSE, and you will read our driving experiences soon. Did you know that since its launch, DS Automobiles has a 100% electrified range offered to its buyers since 2019?
DS Automobiles was the first premium manufacturer to commit to Formula E, and is the only brand to have won two consecutive Teams’ and Drivers’ titles. As of now, DS Automobiles has renewed its commitment until 2026, while starting development of a new generation of single seater that’s more competitive and more efficient. This technology laboratory enables progress to continue with production models.
On the Stellantis stand, DS Automobiles is showing off its Formula E World Championship DS E-TENSE FE21 single seater, like a winning secret of electrification from the brand.
Taking advantage of its commitment to this competition to transfer its expertise to its production vehicles, DS Automobiles is accelerating its electrification strategy and will present new exclusively 100% full electric models from 2024…
For the moment, with the 100% electric DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE plus DS 4 E-TENSE, DS 7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE and DS 9 E-TENSE plug-in hybrids with 225 to 360 horsepower, every DS is offered with an electrified power unit.
In 2020 and H1 2021, DS Automobiles has been the leading multi-energy brand in Europe with the lowest average CO2 emissions (100.2 g/km WLTP in 2021) with its electrified range (34% of registrations).
At the heart of the Stellantis experience at the 2022 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, which had opened its doors from 5 to 8 January, Citroën shared its vision of current and future mobility with an original innovation, the Citroën Skate and of course, its mind-blowing Citroën Ami.
Citroën exhibited its “Skate”, an essential part of its concept of autonomous and shared mobility, Citroën Autonomous Mobility Vision.
The concept combines an autonomous technology platform, Citroën Skate, with pods purposed for a range of services and uses designed by partners (local authorities, service companies). The “Skates” will transport users from one point to another in the city, offering them a singular on-board experience”e.
The aim of this autonomous open-source concept is to free up urban traffic and bring users an original experience that takes care of all their needs.
To optimise urban traffic flows, a fleet of autonomous and interconnected robots, “Citroën Skates”, dissociated from the pods that they transport, will circulate in special lanes seamlessly integrated into the urban landscape. The Skates are mobility vectors which enable the pods, created by various service companies, to position themselves on their platform.
Users enjoy 24-7 access to the service of their choice. For example, they can benefit from a relaxed environment to read a book, watch a video, listen to music while sipping a drink, or practice sports while travelling from A to B.
Of course, focusing on the present, the Citroën Ami was also in the spotlight in its playful and sporty My Ami “Pop” version. Accessible, electric, ultra-compact and agile, Ami responds to new micro-mobility needs, rounding out our range of electric vehicles for individuals and professionals alike.
BMW Group reveals for the first time a world premiere of a production vehicle on the CES. It is the new BMW iX M60. It is the first performance automobile from BMW M GmbH developed from the outset for all-electric mobility. And it breathes performance, as a BMW should.
Indeed, the third and even more powerful model of the new technological flagship is at once the most powerful and the fastest electric vehicle the BMW Group has ever produced. With output of 455 kW/619 PS, a maximum torque of 1,015 Nm in Sport mode or even 1,100 Nm when Launch Control is active and with M specific chassis tuning, the BMW iX M60 is bringing a phenomenal performance experience to zero local emissions mobility.
The BMW iX M60 takes just 3.8 seconds* to sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, making it 50 km/h faster than the BMW iX xDrive50.
The necessary energy for this is supplied by a high-voltage battery with a gross energy content of 111.5 kWh. State-of-the-art battery cell technology permits a range of up to 566 kilometres* according to WLTP and helps to give the BMW iX M60 impressive long distance capability.
There is a lot more BMW news unveiled on the CES, so there is more to come in these columns…
Range and efficiency are set to define the electric era. Outstanding range will make electric cars suitable for every journey and will also speed up the adoption by the public. Exceptional efficiency will create a virtuous circle of battery size and weight reduction, allowing Mercedes to go further with less. Indeed, the men (and women) at Mercedes-Benz are determined to lead the way.
The brand with the star is already leading the charts of real-world range with the EQS with 245 kW (electrical consumption WLTP combined: 19.8-15.7 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions: 0 g/km)[1], as evidenced by the recent Edmunds test where an EQS 450+ travelled 422 miles on one charge, 77 miles further than any other car previously tested.
But Mercedes-Benz is not resting. Driven by the idea of zero impact on our planet and a highly responsible use of green energy, the engineers are working intensively to take range and efficiency to a whole new level. The VISION EQXX is the result of a mission to break through technological barriers across the board and to lift energy efficiency to new heights. It demonstrates the gains that are possible through rethinking the fundamentals from the ground up. This includes advances across all elements of its cutting-edge electric drivetrain as well as the use of lightweight engineering and sustainable materials. Complete with a barrage of innovative and intelligent efficiency measures, including advanced software, VISION EQXX allows to explore new frontiers of efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, exterior
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG commented: “The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is how we imagine the future of electric cars. Just one-and-a-half years ago, we started this project leading to the most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever built – with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. It has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres on a single charge using a battery that would fit even into a compact vehicle. The VISION EQXX is an advanced car in so many dimensions – and it even looks stunning and futuristic. With that, it underlines where our entire company is headed: We will build the world’s most desirable electric cars.”
VISION EQXX – The EV road trip reimagined by Mercedes with a new technology blueprint for series production
There’s a reason why road trips have been a cultural touchstone for at least 70 years, telling stories from the highway in books, movies and music.
Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, interior
The journey to electric mobility is a road trip; as exhilarating as it is challenging, as unknown as it is certain. The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is a vehicle designed for that road trip. It answers the progressive demands of a modern generation of customers for and emotionality through innovation. Part of a far-reaching technology programme, this software-defined research prototype was engineered by women and men with the creativity, ingenuity and determination to deliver one of the planet’s most efficient cars – in every respect. They did so using the latest digital technology, the agility of a start-up and the speed of Formula 1.
The result is an efficiency masterpiece that, based on internal digital simulations in real-life traffic conditions, will be capable of exceeding 1,000 kilometres on a single charge with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres (efficiency of more than 6 miles per kWh).
Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, interior
By ripping up the automotive engineering rule book, Mercedes-Benz has built a software-driven electric car that re-imagines the road trip for the electric era. At the same time, it presents a highly progressive interpretation of the fundamental Mercedes-Benz principles of modern luxury and Sensual Purity. Rather than simply increasing the size of the battery, the cross-functional, international team focused on maximising long-distance efficiency. They pulled out all the stops in drivetrain efficiency, energy density, aerodynamics and lightweight design.
“The technology programme behind the VISION EQXX will define and enable future Mercedes-Benz models and features,” says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes‑Benz AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Procurement. “As a halo car, the VISION EQXX firmly establishes Mercedes-Benz as the brand that pairs luxury with technology in the automotive world and beyond. And the way we developed it is as revolutionary as the vehicle itself. VISION EQXX has seen the best minds from our R&D centres work together with engineers from our Formula 1 and Formula E programmes. They are proving that innovations from motorsport – where powertrains are already highly electrified – have immediate relevance for road car development. We are challenging current development processes with innovative spirit and outside-the-box thinking. This truly is the way forward.”
The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars.
The VISION EQXX offers meaningful answers to pressing issues. For instance, sustainable materials throughout cut the carbon footprint considerably. Its UI/UX features a radical new one-piece display that comes to life with responsive real-time graphics and spans the entire width of the vehicle. Other elements of the UI/UX help the car and driver work together as one, and even use technology that mimics the workings of the human brain. And the software-led development process that delivered it revolutionises the way electric cars are designed.
This car is one outcome of an ongoing programme that is delivering a blueprint for the future of automotive engineering. Many of its features and developments are already being integrated into production, including the next generation of the MMA – the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture for compact and medium-sized cars.
We will come back soon more in detail about this outstanding EQXX…just show you some photos…
Lexus is taking advantage of the Salon period to introduce “Lexus Relax”, a unique program with a free extended warranty of up to 10 years to all customers, irrespective whether they have a new or pre-owned Lexus. Indeed, as our report about our own Lexus on these pages shows, reliable they are!
In order to offer the customer the opportunity to discover all hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models and the Salon conditions at any time, Lexus is opening a virtual showroom. The latest model, the new NX, will be on public display in a number of shopping centers across Belgium and Luxembourg.
Relax with a Lexus…
With the Lexus Relax Program, every Lexus owner that has reached the end of the conventional manufacturer’s warranty (3 years or 100,000 km) automatically receives a free extended warranty of 12 months or 15,000 km after each annual service in the Lexus authorized network. Any car that is less than 10 years old or has less than 185,000 miles on the odometer is eligible for this free extended warranty. This also applies to used cars, even if they were previously serviced outside the official network(!).
Virtual showroom, the interactive Lexus experience
Lexus offers a fully virtual showroom to give everyone the opportunity to explore its hybrid, electric and plug-in hybrid models. When a visitor selects a model, he or she is given the opportunity to discover the car, the interior and the technical specifications. With regard to this specific “Salon”period, Salon conditions will be proposed. After this interactive experience, the visitor has the option to make an appointment with a Lexus dealer and even book a test drive right away.
The virtual showroom is accessible through the Lexus website.
The new NX goes shopping…
During the Salon period, the new Lexus NX will be on display in a number of shopping centers throughout Belgium and Luxembourg. Visitors to the various Lexus stands will have the opportunity to discover the new compact SUV for the first time, experience the luxurious interior and learn more about the technical specifications and the associated Salon conditions.
On a special website, D’Ieteren presents Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, CUPRA, ŠKODA and Porsche, to make buyers choose more easily…
In the first days of this new year, interesting auto news is reaching our desk. Last but not least big Belgian importers are doubling their efforts to reach the car buying public, as there is no Automobile Salon this year due to Covid reasons.
Indeed, the salon period in January is traditionally the time for the Belgian public to think about a new car, even when the Show is not taking place. Today, where the range of models is ever increasing, making the right choice has become more complex. This is how the idea was born at D’Ieteren to offer a comfortable solution in a few clicks by bringing together all the models of the importer and making a ‘short list’ with the ideal model in the first place.
The site suggests these models, but of course the buyer can freely click away and make his personal choice…
D’Ieteren therefore launches for the first time a national multi-brand campaign from January 3 to 31 to coincide with the show period. Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, CUPRA, ŠKODA and Porsche are joining forces on the new platform Dezewordthet.be/voicimavoiture.be, on which visitors can discover their ideal Top 5 cars based on personal criteria.
Once the visitor has selected their ideal model, they can use the platform to find the contact details of the nearest dealer, request a quote or even book a test drive.
José Fernandez, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer D’Ieteren comments: “This innovative approach takes advantage of the entire model range of the Volkswagen Group and has been designed as simply as possible to guide customers in their choice. It takes into account their criteria of use and the technological developments, especially in the field of hybrid and electric vehicles.”
The launch of the internet platform will be supported by a major communications campaign, including a digital campaign and a major TV and radio campaign.
Our Lexus CT 200h had as we told you already its yearly service on the 22nd of December, and indeed, there are no mechanical problems to be reported. The Lexus proves eminently reliable indeed…
The oil filter and oil was changed, 0,5 liter of brake fluid was added, and the air refiner element for the ventilation was replaced. All this was done, parts, fluids and work, for a total amount of 262,80 Euro, including VAT. So we are all set for another year!
We already mentioned the clever mouse knob or lever to command the info/navigation screen, and another smart solution is found in the instrument layout.
When you choose the “eco” mode, one normally has on the left side of the instrument cluster the gauge which tells you whether you charge the battery when decelerating or braking, whether you drive economically or use much power. This dial is transformed into a rev counter when you choose the “sport” mode. See photo here below.
Well, the Lexus engineers have seen to it that also when you drive in “normal” or “eco” mode, which I do most of the time, you can also use the rev counter. You just go through the instrument settings with button on the steering wheel, and presto, there the rev counter dial setting appears when you restart your Lexus again.
This rev counter transforms again in the power/eco/charge indicator as soon as you engage the cruise control. Disengaging the cruise control will let appear the rev counter again. You have to disengage the cruise control with the cruise control button. If the cruise control is automatically disengaged by touching the brake pedal, the power/eco/charge layout of the dial will remain on. Indeed, only after pushing the cruise control lever at the steering column to formally and manually disengage the cruise control, the rev counter will (re)appear. Sooo clever!
In “eco” mode, we achieved 4,8 l/100 km, and not only the last trip, also the average over the whole year!
Looking at the rev counter we also understood how this Atkinson cycle engine chalks up its astonishing consumption figures. Driving with anticipation and some restraint in the “eco” mode, the revs will hardly move above 1500 rpm, choosing the highest ratios offered by the CVT transmission.
The batteries of our Lexus, first registered in January 2012 and which we bought used now already 3 years ago, still hold admirably well… so all this puts a broad smile on our face!
The segment of the compact Crossover SUV’s is very popular in Europe, and it sales have over the last seven years not less than quadrupled. Of course Seat wants to have its piece of the cake in this niche of the B segment. Seat builds therefore the Arona since 2017 in its Martorell factory, and this Crossover rolls on the VW Group MQB-A0 platform. This means that the Arona is technically very close to the fifth generation of the Ibiza, the Polo Mk6, the Skoda Kamiq and last but not least the VW T-Cross.
We tested here the Arona in its latest facelift, which saw some major changes mostly at the front end, and even more so in the interior. Just read further!
Hans Knol ten Bensel
The grille has now moved a bit higher, and the front skirt is now more expressive with even a special reflex silver paint finish. The top equipment line Xcellence is now replaced with Xperience. The Arona has now also LED headlights as standard equipment. It has received also quite an array of extra colours, and its roof, which now ends in a newly shaped spoiler, is also available three colours.
The cabin and dashboard underwent the same changes as the Ibiza, and has now a central touchsreen angled towards the driver. Standard the touchscreen measures some 8,25 inches, but can be had in 9,2 inch size, and in combination with the digital instrument panel it gives the Arona a distinctly modern look and aura. We liked very much the angular instrument display, very legible indeed.
The overall finish of the dashboard is also improved, with soft touch top panelling, and behind the screens sits now the latest wireless version of Volkswagen’s Infotainment building block, with Full-Link, Apple Car Play and Android Auto of course.
Add to this the Smartphone App and the voice command function, which can be triggered by “Hola! Hola!”
Extremely well balanced…
We mentioned in our title “allround”, and that is exactly what this Arona is. Just big enough to offer pleasant roominess, it is ideally compact for the city, and due to its higher stance as a Crossover, it feels “adult” and safe on the motorway and open road. The higher seating position makes it also very easy to get in and out of, and also improves visibility, which is ideal for its urban life.
We applauded already the layout of the dashboard, and the controls are placed just right. One feels immediately at home in this Arona. With a wide range of seat adjustments and the pleasantly high seating position itself, a commanding and comfortable position behind the wheel is soon found.
Driving is believing
But the Arona really reveals its qualities when you push the start button. The 3 cilinder 1 litre unit from the VW concern purrs into life. Smooth, vibrationless and emitting a subdued, pleasant growl when you push it, this TSI version develops a healthy 110 HP. Ideally mated to a super smooth and alert 7 speed DSG, it has also ample pulling power, with 200 Nm of maximum torque at a low 2000 rpm. This means that the DSG gearbox will hardly rev the engine higher than some 2500 rpm in normal driving situations. The engine then remains also barely audible, which adds to the pleasant experience of effortless, comfortable driving.
The Arona TSI has more than enough zest with a 0 to 100 sprint absolved in 10,1 seconds and a top speed of not less than 190 km/h. So the Arona is a little Autobahnmeister too, fit for comfortable high speed long distance driving. No small wonder, its technical brother is the Polo, and VW saw to it that it’s very important car scores on all points in any driving situation.
As said, the Arona rolls on the MQB-A0 platform, and its excellent qualities are felt from the first meter you drive it. Rock solid construction and showing admirable stiffness, which results in a very precise steering and handling, also thanks to the impeccably balanced suspension, all this adds to a wonderful dynamic experience, akin to… driving an early Porsche.
The Arona has a higher ground clearance, and this means you can tackle country roads of all sorts with success.
This German engineering excellence adds to the charm of this Arona. You will smile also at the pump: with restrained, anticipative urban driving, it was no trouble at all to stay below 7 litres in urban traffic, and on the open roads driving at the legal limits was rewarded with just over 6 litres/100 km.
Good practical qualities abound in this Arona, with also some 400 litres of available luggage space. We already mentioned the excellent infotainment, and let it be known that two USB ports and inductive smartphone charging are available on the centre console.
The Arona offers more than adequate head- and legroom for four, and its hatchback configuration makes it also your allround transport.
Conclusion
Well styled and engineered, this Arona Crossover SUV has many qualities indeed. It’s an outright pleasure to use daily, is practical, its drivetrain is very refined, offers plenty of performance and is frugal. In this day and age, it offers the simple efficiency of a state of the art modern engine and smooth automatic DSG gearbox, providing a care free action range of well over 500 km.
It carries VW top concern technology, and it does this in style. On top of that, it is well equipped, well finished and sports the latest generation infotainment. So have a long hard look at this one…
Dominique Fontignies, PR & Communications Director, highlighted the news we can expect the coming year from Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat and Jeep.
Here follows, dear reader, the second part of the interesting press conference held by Stellantis Belux. Dominique Fontignies, PR & Communications Director, highlighted the news we can expect the coming year from Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat and Jeep.
Alfa Romeo will launch in the spring and autumn respectively the MHEV and PHEV versions of the beautiful Tonale, Citroën has a strong market position with its C4, also in the EV version, and has not to forget the Ami and the ë-Berlingo in its model range.
The stylish C5 X
The new flagship, the C5 X, will certainly also make its mark the coming year. DS Automobiles will also surprise with a new model in March. It has exceptional products which breathe French “Savoir Faire” and provide a unique customer experience.
DS Automobiles is the CO2 champion among the multi-energy brands, and last but not least has been two-time Formula E world champion.
In 2022-23 it will increase its electrified mix and consolidate its leadership, leveraging on the E-Tense line-up.
In 2024 it will launch only BEV cars, and in Europe it will sell exclusively electrified automobiles.
Fiat is the #1 volume brand of Stellantis, and caught the spotlights this year with its “roof garden” or the “Pista 500” on the top floor of the iconic former Lignotto plant. It is the largest hanging garden in Europe…
It also opened in September the “Casa 500”, a museum dedicated to the Cinquecento, and it is more than a simple car museum. Casa 500 tells the future of the FIAT brand, starting from its roots; ones that are indeed the inspiration for the future. The common thread is the ‘metamorphosis’ of the FIAT 500 across its three generations, a model that has made history in the automotive industry and has always inspired new ways of thinking and living. An icon of our times whose evolution conveys the culture of a country and the history of its city.
Your servant will be very interested to see it, Corona pandemic permitting!
Fiat also entered a multi-year partnership with RED, a charity organization fighting against pandemics. Co-founder of RED is Bono, and he stated: “This partnership with FIAT, Jeep and RAM is a powerful shot in the arm for (RED)’s fight against pandemics and the complacency that fuels them.” He continued:” the New (500)RED they won’t even need petrol to do it. FIAT wants to be as green as they can while they’re going (RED) and that’s a reason to punch the air.” The whole RED range of Fiats will be launched in January next year.
Jeep continued in 2021 its electrification program with the Renegade, Compass, and this year also the Wrangler joined the 4xe range.
(Left to right) All-new 2022 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, 2022 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe and Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe
There will be more electric models in 2022, with MHEV versions of the Renegade and the Compass, and of course a brand new Grand Cherokee 4xe.
In the next report of this press conference, we will tell you more about Opel and Peugeot.
Our faithful Lexus CT 200h continues to please us. Over the past year, it clocked an average consumption of 4,8 litres/100 km, and besides fuel, it really did not need anything else. Well to wheel, it scores still very well, and given its longevity and reliability, its footprint is also quite small, adding to this that it doesn’t carry a massive array of batteries…
We had it serviced in June 2020, with amounted to basically an oil and filter change, and it will be scheduled for a new service next Wednesday December 22 at Beerens in Aartselaar. Nothing further to report, except that it rides ever so smoothly.
Our Lexus has some very clever items we started to like over the years, like for instance the command and manipulation of the infotainment system and screen via a “mouse” on the centre console.
Ever tried to enter a lengthy address on the touchscreen with your finger when “on the move”, with your car bouncing like a toy car on a cobblestoned or uneven road? Right, that’s what we mean…
The clever “mouse” command provents our screen to become soiled with finger marks…but we still keep it dust free!
Add to this the fact that your touchscreen gets so muddled up with finger marks, not exactly what you want in Corona times… So in the Lexus you rest your arm gently on the centre console, where it lies beautifully steady, and then slide the arrow with the mouse knob over the letters or symbols on the screen, and presto…
Our Lexus “sleeps” out in the open all year round, it doesn’t have a garage. Despite this, paintwork is still beautiful, also the beige interior holds very well, as the photos show.
The car deserves a proper polish and wax treatment, and we will get around that next year… promised!
We put it though the technical control recently and, as the photo shows, there was indeed nothing wrong with our Lexus. So we have another year – until 31st of December 2022.
Autoprova - for the Connaisseur 