In our age cars are becoming bigger an heavier, and it was in the cards that with the mobility challenges we face nowadays, creative minds would return to the core values where the original 2 CV has always stood for: affordability, lightness, practicality, versatility and of course originality which appeals to humanity.
Indeed, the starting point was not to recreate a 2 CV, but to imagine the small electric car of the future – practical and desirable, bringing some “joie de vivre” – bringing pleasure and excitement in your everyday short journeys.
Of course, the Stellantis Group has a solid strategy behind it: To bring about a new generation of small electric cars, in line with the new European E-Car regulations, positioned between the Ami and the C3, to offer greater freedom of movement without compromising on character.
Indeed, to launch a model manufactured in Europe, with a target starting price of around 15,000 euros, to help make electric mobility accessible to as many people as possible.
Therefore the design choices take into account mass production and ease of repair: flat surfaces and direct air intakes beneath the windscreen (which however have been sadly abandoned in the light of present safety regulations we hear) , bumpers separated from the bodywork and replaceable independently…
Make no mistake, the 2 CV is modern: it is “cool” through its styling, its on-board comfort and all the practical features for everyday use, re-imagined in the spirit of the 2 CV to make life easier for its occupants.
Pierre Leclercq, head of design Citroën and his team stress that the design of the 2 CV aims to breathe new life into an icon, not by copying it, but by reinventing its design language to ensure it is fully rooted in the present day.
You can tell what they mean when you look at the exterior: an instantly recognizable silhouette, with the unique proportions and curves of the 2CV, but using tauter lines and generous volumes to convey greater energy. Round headlamps are set apart from the bodywork, conveying an expressive LED signature, a sculpted, sweeping bonnet.
Just look further at the vertical windscreen, the curved and flowing roof, rounded wings and taut flanks; contoured door handles, tapered indicators on the C-pillar, 18-inch steel wheels inspired by the 2 CV, and Michelin tyres bearing the Heritage logo and the Citroën chevrons. Just wonderful…
A distinctive roofline accentuated by a black tailgate extending down to the bumper, just like on the first-generation 2CV, which had originally a canvas instead of a metal boot lid. There are LED lights on either side of the tailgate, three horizontal stripes, a short overhang, a visible tailgate handle and a number plate displaying the 2CV’s nicknames in different countries.
With 3.76 m, the 2CV is also shorter than its iconic predecessor, no small feat!
The interior plunges you in a world of joie de vivre: no traditional dashboard, but a cylinder to which the following are attached: a single-spoke steering wheel, a single control lever, a paddle-shift gear selector and a Citroën Smart Vision display which prioritises essential information within the driver’s field of vision.
An 8-inch square ‘phygital’ touchscreen, with graphics inspired by comic books.
Your eyes meet the “Radioën”, a detachable radio that doubles as a speaker and accompanies occupants both inside and outside the vehicle.
We show you here some photos, and we hope we can have a written interview with Pierre Leclercq soon!
Renault has always had a keen eye for everyday practicality when designing its cars. And it is no surprise that in its ambition to create voitures à vivre, it brings a concept car to the forthcoming Paris Motor show: the E-Space Concept, which is Renault’s contemporary vision of travel and family mobility in the electric age.
With E-Space Concept, Renault is rebooting the spirit of Renault Espace, a model first launched in 1984 that has left its mark on automotive history.
More than 40 years on, E-Space Concept is a future-focused vision of the original, true to the approach that has always set Renault apart: innovating for the benefit of people, human emotion and the in-car experience.
Space Concept embodies the brand’s futuREady strategy: reinventing the automotive experience by placing user needs and the in-car experience at the heart of the design process. This Renault E-Space Concept is a spectacular car, 4.70m long with bodywork in an elegant shade of black rubé.
Alongside E-Space Concept, Renault will be exhibiting two other concept cars: Renault 8 Gordini Concept and Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept.
The Renault 8 Gordini Concept has totally stunning looks and features and we will come back on this concept car also soon in these columns.
The same goes for the Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept, previewed at the 2026 Roland-Garros French Open tennis tournament, this Renault 4 concept car is a fresh take on the Plein Air (1969) and JP4 (1981) versions of the original Renault 4. Also soon more about this iconic “quatre” soon!
The Lancia Ypsilon has pleased us already when we drove it in the all electric version, but of course we were also curious to drive it with a trusted combustion engine combined with electric propulsion: the Ibrida. Indeed, this version has the well known 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol unit producing 100 hp, paired with a 21 kW electric motor integrated into a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, for a combined system power of 110 hp or 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque. Technically it’s a mid-hybrid—halfway between mild and full hybrid, although the manufacturer dubs it as a mild hybrid.
The Ypsilon hybrid system runs on 48 Volts, and the battery is very small indeed, 0,43 Kwh. It performs well, but in town it needs a very sensitive right foot and a very smooth driving style to reveal the qualities of its hybrid system and take full advantage of it. More about all this further below.
Design: Distinctive and elegant.
The new Ypsilon certainly attracts attention, and not only from connoisseurs. Of course, part of that is rarity—you don’t see many about—but credit also goes to its genuinely successful styling. The illuminated front signature is modern and distinctive, while the rear respectfully channels the brand’s historic design language: circular LED lights with a “Y” motif inside, a nod to the iconic rally and racing Lancias.
Also deserving praise are the modern wheel designs, the rear door handle, which some might find awkward to use, but we liked it.
Interior: Original and comfortable
The new Ypsilon measures 4.08 metres and seduces with an original cabin. Bronze accents, a well-drawn dashboard, and comfortable, beautifully upholstered alcantara seats create an upmarket, premium ambience. We liked the tasteful patterns on the dashboard panels, the bronze finishes of ventilation openings and the surrounds of the elegant centrally placed “tavola”.
Highlights include the digital instrument cluster and a large central display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment, is ok, with a physical “L” button, summoning a shortcut screen with all the main functions, we found a good idea.
Indeed, a central “table” separates the front seats and serves as a rest for objects, a wallet, or a phone. It is a hallmark of the car’s cabin, and we think it’s brilliant.
On the road with the Ypsilon Ibrida: full of panache, but needs a delicate experienced hand (or rather foot) in town…
The car DOES run on electric power alone, and when you drive with anticipation and a very smooth right foot, maintaining constant speeds, it is very well possible to drive your town trip for up to 79 % on electric power. When you drive/coast at small throttle openings, the transition between the engine and battery power is smooth and imperceptible. However, when you push the accelerator pedal more deeply, the 3-cylinder petrol engine makes its torque immediately felt when it sets in.
The photo below amply shows what we mean: we drove the Ypsilon for almost half an our over 6 kilometers in very congested urban traffic, which resulted in a consumption of 5,5 liter/100 km and not less than 79% of the distance being driven under silent and silky smooth E-power. It is the Lancia art of driving, we would say, and it is very refined and also quite rewarding not only for your wallet!
According to WLTP standards, the combined fuel consumption is between 4.5 – 4.6 L/100 km. Indeed, we succeeded on a smooth Sunday drive on country roads to achieve an average consumption of 4,1 liters/100 km. Our average consumption hovered between 5 and 6 litres/100 km. CO2 Emissions, according to WLTP, are between 102 – 105 g/km (varies by trim/wheels).
On the open road, the engine is virtually inaudible and silky smooth, which makes the car an excellent motorway cruiser, one of the best we found in the B segment, not in the least because or the Ypsilon’s very good sound insulation. Listening to the well performing sound system, we were able to hear every single note of Beethovens 4th piano concerto when cruising at the 120 kmh legal limit on the motorway. Overall performance leaves nothing to be desired. It will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in merely 9,3 seconds and the top speed is a good 190 km/h. Indeed, Lancia driving remains a sporting pleasure…
The six speed auto box is alert and smooth, and in Sport mode will hold the gears much longer, so you can enjoy the pleasant throb of the 3 cylinder engine.
When you lift the throttle and you drive with anticipation, it is well possible to accurately judge the amount of regeneration you get at any given speed, and one pedal driving is easy once you get the hang of it all..
Suspension: dynamic and comfortable
The suspension is well calibrated, offers a very comfortable ride, combined with precise steering and good stability. In this respect, the Ypsilon scores very high indeed. It’s a delight to steer on winding roads, and yes, sporting pleasure is to be had…
Space and Practicality
With a 2.54-metre wheelbase, the Ypsilon offers decent front-seat room. In the back, a taller adult has sufficient legroom, but headroom is rather tight. Two USB-C ports are a good thing, and the 352-litre boot is impressive.
State of the art driving assistance
On this front, there’s little to fault: a comprehensive, well-calibrated ADAS suite, with Lane Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Speed Limiter and an efficient parking Assist. We liked also the smoothness of the easy to use adaptive cruise control, and we used it very much indeed on our Belgian roads with draconian and often too restricted speed limits everywhere. Also the calibration of the steering assistance is just right.
Conclusion
The new Lancia Ypsilon Ibrida convinces with pleasant styling and endearing driving manners.
Within the Stellantis range, it offers a more personal alternative, and overall scores high in the B segment . Given a learning curve on how to understand and use the hybrid drive train, its driving smoothness and frugality is all yours to enjoy too…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Photographers’ notes: the professional quality of Fujifilm bridge cameras…
The photos shot on this test are taken by my trusted Fujifilm FinePix S100FS, a camera which I bought second hand in 2022 for…59 Euros in totally pristine condition (!). Its design dates back to…2008, and it is a so-called bridge camera with an excellent Fujinon 28-400 mm (35 mm equivalent) lens.
The fact is, Fuji took the design of its bridge cameras totally seriously, with a decent sensor size and a superb lens, with a delightfully smooth manual zoom command.You have understood it: this is a camera which delivers totally professional results, despite its age. Just have a look at the photos of our test car above, which are even reduced in size to adjust for web publication. The photos of the camera itself are shot with my Xiaomi smartphone and the photo of the dashboard with the urban consumption are taken with my Apple iPhone.
Back in 2008, FujiFilm had put its latest, eighth-generation, Super CCD HR technology into the S100FS. This uses octagonal photo-sites that are designed to maximize light collecting efficiency. This, combined with clever noise reduction algorithms, helped to produce excellent results still according to today’s standards, as you can admire here…As said, Fujifilm’s bridge cameras were – and still are – of a totally different league…The second hand aftermarket did not discover this at the time I bought this camera, hence the purchase price for which you can only buy a lens shade...
Renault marks its presence on the Paris Motor Show with a special edition of its Rafale flagship model, called ’hypnotic’.
Built in just 1,500 numbered units, this limited edition takes the style cues of Rafale hyper hybrid E-Tech 4×4 300 hp Atelier Alpine.
It has an exclusive satin-finish forest black paintwork, gloss black detailing, a specific interior and premium features as standard.
A ’hypnotic’ character both inside and out…
This flagship Rafale has a darker front end with a black grille, 21-inch satin-finish alloy wheels, a gloss black roof trim and boot spoiler
and last but not least a black ’Atelier Alpine’ badge.
A cabin of exceptional quality…
Showcasing the unique character of this limited edition, Renault Rafale hypnotic features special materials and finishes. These distinctive details create an environment that is sporty, sophisticated and also high-tech, with:
Upholstery mixing titanium black Alcantara® and black textured coated fabric, with blue, white and red top-stitching and a backlit Alpine “A” logo. Also an individually numbered plate.
Front and rear door panels with gloss black inserts and blue, white and red top-stitching and a titanium black Alcantara® trim strip on the upper dashboard, black door compartments matched with a black carpet
To deliver an experience on a par with its positioning, Renault Rafale Hypnotic is expanding the range of standard features. It has the following extras:
The Solarbay® opacifying glass roof, a heated windscreen, head-up display.
A limited edition of 1,500 numbered examples…
Renault will open orders for the limited-edition Rafale Hypnotic on Thursday 1 October 2026 in 14 European countries: France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Belgium, Austria, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Greece.
In Belgium, a price of €60.500 is set. The first vehicles will be delivered in late 2026.
High-tech plug-in hybrid technology from the ‘Atelier Alpine’.
Behind its design, Renault Rafale hypnotic embodies the high-tech of the Renault Rafale hyper hybrid ETech 4×4 300 hp Atelier Alpine.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain combines an ICE with three electric motors to deliver 300 hp of power, while maintaining efficiency for everyday use with a range of up to 105 km in all-electric mode.
The sport-tuned chassis developed by the engineers of Alpine Cars combines four-wheel drive, “4Control Advanced” four-wheel steering and self-adjusting smart suspension with a camera for predictive control. State of the art, we would say..
Needless to say that we hope to drive this impressive flagship beginning next year!
The new all-electric everyday sports cars Opel Mokka and Corsa GSE and are now available since a few days, and Opel is already following up quickly, bringing the GSE experience to other models – with the latest Astra debuting the new trim. The compact class bestseller made in Rüsselsheim will be on display as the Astra GSE line at the Paris Motor Show for the first time.
With the new trim, customers can opt for the GSE design while retaining a full choice of powertrains. GSE stands for ‘Grand Sport Electric’ by the way. The new GSE Line, which will replace the existing GS trim from spring 2027, gives the Astra an even sharper look, and can be combined with battery-electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid powertrains, as well as conventional internal combustion engines.
There is even more soon: after the official launch of the Astra GSE Line in spring 2027, Opel will introduce a very special variant with an output of 206 kW (280 hp) and additional highlights later in the year!
We would say, fasten your seat belts, and have in the meantime a look at the photos here…
Mercedes makes our hearts beat faster with a highly limited “Mythos Series” model, handcrafted in Affalterbach. A 646 hp (475 kW) AMG 4.0litre V8 biturbo engine and rear-wheel drive makes us smile…
Your eyes are spoiled with a unique wide-body, a newly developed coil over suspension and extensively engineered aerodynamics.
Weight reduction was also paramount: the car is not less than 170 kg lighter.
Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
The story began in Affalterbach…
The MercedesAMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung began with a simple question: How can a CLE be developed even further towards maximum driving dynamics? Yet this was not driven by a traditional product development brief, but by an idea born within the AMG engineering team.
A small group initially began by building a prototype. The goal was not a collection of individual performance upgrades or a conventional special edition. Instead, the vehicle was completely re-imagined as a complete performance system.
AMG 4.0Litre V8 Biturbo Engine with 646 hp…
Let the star roar, we would say. At the heart of the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung stands the extensively enhanced AMG M177 EVO 4.0litre V8biturbo engine. Its output of 646 hp (475 kW) is reflected in the model designation itself. Maximum torque stands at 850 Nm and is available across a broad engine speed range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. The engine’s flat-plane crankshaft reduces rotating masses, improves revving characteristics and promotes exceptionally responsive throttle response, further supported by dedicated engine mapping.
To ensure thermal stability even under extreme loads, the V8 engine features three separate cooling circuits: a high-temperature circuit for the engine itself, and two low-temperature circuits for charge-air and transmission-oil cooling as well as the 48volt components.
Of course there is a bespoke high-performance exhaust system featuring increased flow capacity and a sound signature engineered with a strong emotional focus.
Rear-Wheel Drive for this dramatic handling under power.
The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system of the donor vehicle has been removed entirely, with the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung transmitting its power exclusively to the rear axle.
This completely changes the car’s dynamic character. An electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential optimizes torque distribution between the rear wheels through variable locking action as required.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G Transmission for those lightning fast changes.
The standard AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission has been retained, and justly so, as it is absolutely superb.
The torque-converter transmission can execute multiple downshifts in rapid succession to access the engine’s full performance almost instantaneously. The transmission’s overall character can be tailored via AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, which offers a range of drive programs with specific drivetrain settings.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 custom-made Launch Control system has also been specifically adapted to the rear-wheel-drive layout. The Mythos bolide accelerates from a standstill to 200 km/h in 11.4 seconds. Top speed is 310 km/h. Need we say more?
Precise handling and braking guaranteed …
The suspension has likewise been specifically optimized. It features a steel coil over suspension system jointly developed by Mercedes-AMG and KW automotive. The setup enables exceptionally precise tuning to suit driving style, circuit characteristics, individual preferences and intended use.
At the heart of the suspension is four-way adjustable damper technology with independently configurable low-speed and high-speed rebound and compression settings. This allows the chassis to be tailored precisely to a wide range of driving requirements.
At the front axle, internally ventilated and perforated ceramic brake discs measuring 420 x 40 millimeters are paired with six-piston fixed calipers and long-fiber technology. At the rear axle, internally ventilated and perforated ceramic brake discs measuring 360 x 32 millimeters are combined with single-piston floating calipers.
Much carbon-fiber paired with the wide-body design.
Numerous series-production components have been replaced by solutions specifically developed for demanding road and track use.
A key element of the concept is its significantly wider stance. To achieve this, the bodyshell has been reinforced and widened. The result is an additional 60 millimeters of vehicle width at both the front and rear. The wider track enhances stability, increases cornering potential and allows the use of exceptionally wide wheels and tyres.
Carbon fiber is used for the widened front fenders with integrated air outlets, the redesigned front apron with large cooling air intakes, the side sill panels, the bonnet with central cold-air intake, the roof and the newly developed rear apron with diffuser.
The aerodynamics of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung have likewise been developed with driving dynamics as the primary objective. The front diffuser, fender louvers, underbody measures and rear wing form a fully integrated aerodynamic package.
A Limited Collector’s Car- aimed for the track.
For use on closed circuits with ESP switched off, AMG TRACTION CONTROL allows drivers to individually tailor the level of support provided when managing the engine’s considerable output, without ESP stability interventions.
Specifically calibrated for the MercedesAMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, AMG TRACTION CONTROL allows wheel slip at the driven rear axle to be preselected across nine stages.
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung follows the same unwavering focus on lightweight construction and driving dynamics. The rear seats and acoustic insulation materials have been removed.
Ultra-lightweight high-end racing bucket seats with pronounced lateral support are fitted as standard, along with a roll-over bar that increases torsional rigidity and further enhances driving dynamics.
The MercedesAMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is the second model in the highly exclusive MercedesBenz Mythos Series, dedicated to exceptionally rare collector vehicles produced in strictly limited numbers.
Following the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed, limited to just 250 examples worldwide and featuring an open two-seat configuration without a roof or windscreen, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 “Spezialanfertigung” now joins the series as a road-legal vehicle limited to only 30 examples, with an uncompromising focus on racetrack performance.
A formidable car, and just enjoy the accompanying photos!
The Renault 5 E-Tech electric range is even more attractive with greater efficiency, range and versatility right from entry-level, along with new colours and features.
Both the 40 kWh Urban Range and 52 kWh Comfort Range versions gain technical and aerodynamic upgrades to achieve new WLTP ranges of up to 315 and 430 km respectively.
Equipped with both an AC charger and a DC charger, a new version of the Five in entry-level trim is making its debut, with an 80 kW / 110 hp motor and a 36,5 kWh LFP battery for a WLTP range of up to 305 km.
Depending on the version, Renault 5 E-Tech electric will be available in new body colours, including Flame Red, a new Warm Titanium finish for the wheels, new wing and roof decals, and new upholstery color, as well as upgrades to onboard technology.
Sales hit…
Renault described the R5 as a major contributor to its EV growth, and one would expect it to finish in 2026 at around roughly 80-90,000 European registrations.
Industry experts say that based on estimated European sales figures this year until late summer, the R5 sells at roughly 3½ times the volume of the R4.
Remarkable, as we know that both cars run on the same Renault Ampere EV architecture. We find the R4 cute enough, and Renault launched for the summer an 4 E – Tech Plein Sud version, with an opening soft roof of class-beating dimensions. Almost one square metre in size, offering the widest opening on the market for an unparalleled feeling of traveling in the great outdoors.
We are keen to have a test spin of both cars soon…
Audi is working hard to carve its niche in the compact EV world with its latest A2 e-tron.
It brings memories of the absolutely genial A2, which was far ahead of its time and been mostly misunderstood.
The overall shape of the new EV is reminiscent of its iconic predecessor, and likewise also reaches new levels of efficiency: just 12.8 kWh/100 km and a range of up to 646 kilometers according to WLTP.
Not only the car is efficient, so is its production process. It is built in Audi’s home plant in Ingolstadt, and we will tell you soon more about its production process…
It has a drag coefficient of 0.24 – the best value in Audi’s compact segment. It has four power levels and three battery sizes, but bi-directional charging is unfortunately only an option. It is spacious on a compact footprint, moreover pleasant with a 1.6-square-meter panoramic glass roof.
It has standard the Audi assistant with artificial intelligence, e-tron route planner, standard MMI panoramic display with 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus and 12.8-inch MMI curved touch display.
It certainly looks splendid, its market launch is in December 2026, but as a premium brand, it doesn’t come cheap: prices in Germany are starting at 38,200 euros.
Needless to say that we are very keen to see the car “in the flesh” soon, and drive it for you early next year…
We drove the new Subaru EV range – here you see the Solterra – on roads and terrain around the Château-Ferme de Moreinsart in Ottignies…
Subaru has now also joined the EV trend with its new range, the Uncharted, Solterra and E-Outback. Subaru, the high-tech company with an impressive sporting history and a tradition of absolute engineering excellence, develops its new EV’s in a 50-50 % in a team-building framework with Toyota.
We were welcomed by Subaru Benelux PR Manager Dick Braakhekke…
and Kobayashi Kota, Business Coordinator of Subaru Benelux…who explained the DNA of Subaru…
Of course, it conserves its proper DNA. Kobayashi Kota, Business Coordinator of Subaru Benelux, explains: where Toyota engineers concentrate on the engineering and development of the E-Axle, the traction and the advanced EV battery, and last but not least brings in the e-global platform, Subaru develops the AWD system and e-axle management, develops the (suspension) setup and drivability, and is also responsible for safety.
The stylish Uncharted was our first drive, and stole our hearts…
We could drive the three cars of Subaru’s new EV family on the winding roads around the Château-Ferme de Moreinsart in Ottignies. The castle also has a magnificent terrain in its surrounding woods, were we could experience the impressive AWD terrain qualities of the Subaru’s, a quality were the brand is (so) very famous for.
Indeed, the Subaru engineers have developed and honed this to perfection, and we found that the cars were totally easy to drive through terrain, and that even a total novice could steer the car safely over the most demanding off road tracks. Needless to say that we would like for you to put these cars through a more extended road and terrain test for you soon…
A well balanced range…
We start here with the Uncharted, the shortest of the three, with a total length of 4,535 meter. All the cars run on the same platform, but the Uncharted has a shorter wheelbase of 2,750 meter. It is also the lightest of the three, with 1,850 kg when you opt for the 2 WD ‘base’ version with 123 kW or 167 HP. Mind you, in this ‘2E excite’ version, you still enjoy plenty of zest with an acceleration from 0 to 100 in merely 8,2 seconds.
You have a 58 kWh battery which gives you a WLTP range of some 451 km. Its price is attractive with 36.995 including VAT at the moment of writing. We found the exterior (the) most pleasing, and also the interior made us smile. The seating position is excellent, and still in the revered Subaru tradition, the car handles very engaging indeed, and actually the same goes for the Solterra and the E-outback.
The compact Uncharted still seats five easily, and of course you can have more power and range, together with AWD. The top “4E-experience+” version gives you 252kW/343hp combined with a 77 kWh battery. WLTP range is then 490 km and it is good to know that the towing capacity is not less than 1,500 kg. This version is at the time of writing priced at 47.995 Euros.
The Solterra (see photo here above) comes in an ‘4E experience’ version which costs exactly the same as the ‘experience+’ version of the Uncharted, with the same battery capacity and engine power, but here the car is longer overall with 4,690 m and has a longer wheelbase of 2,850 m. It can also tow 1,500 kg and has a larger boot space of 452 l compared with 403 l for the Subaru Uncharted.
The E-Outback is the top of the range model, has the same wheelbase as the Solterra, but is the longest with 4,845 meter and also the most powerful with a 280 kW/381 HP motor, which puts performance almost in the supercar league. The car is available in 4E experience and experience+ versions, with the WLTP range in the most dynamic version being 477 km with its 74,7 kW battery.
We also put the E-Outback through its paces on the off-road course, and we were truly impressed by the uncanny ease with which it tackled every possible terrain challenge we put to it. The inexperienced driver is aided by Subaru’s unparalleled driver-assistance system.
Its ‘Hill Descent Control’ is fully integrated into their X-Mode system – an enhancement to their standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive drivetrain. With X-MODE activated, HDC is automatically engaged when it detects a descent. Subaru’s hill descent control can only be used when driving under 12 mph and controls the throttle response and brakes when moving up steep hills to ensure traction is kept.
We will be driving the Subaru Uncharted and the other new EV’s after the summer holidays. Stay tuned!
When premium French automaker DS Automobiles designs a flagship model, one can expect something very outstanding and unique. This is indeed the case with the N°8, a sleek coupé-SUV, elegant to look at from any angle. Indeed, this car has panache, and this makes it in our eyes truly stand out.
Because, let’s face it: what makes you choose an EV in this day and age? Personally, I would say, the one that scores on style and character. The N°8 has lots of it…
Of course, there is also range, recharging capacity, efficiency and last but not least, handling and comfort. These are also elements which determine your choice. But let’s admit, drivetrain smoothness and performance is what EV’s all have more or less nowadays, so this is in my eyes hardly a determining factor anymore.
So this N°8 scores high, just by looking at it. When I walked around the car and entered the stunning cabin, staring at the four spokes steering wheel, I felt like stepping into the world of Jules Verne, tasting this unique mix of French genius with Victorian age idiosyncrasy. Well done, I would say to the designers and the other people who conceived the model’s mission status and character of the N°8.
A coupé-SUV
Let’s start with the exterior. A timelessly good looking car will have ideal proportions. This is what Pinin Farina and Felice Mario Boano already told us some 70-80 years ago. Just have a look at Boano’s design of the Lancia Aurelia, the GT version and of course the Ferrari 250 GT Low Roof Berlinetta.
The DS Automobiles designers have learned their lessons. Impressive, clean and tall sides, a bold front and rear end, with elegant yet expressively styled horizontal and vertical light elements on the four edges of the car.
We also liked the dual tone paintwork, the aluminum accents and the matte, brushed lettering on the rear end. The large wheels (740 mm in diameter) give the car a unique stance. The elongated and tapered profile that is illustrated by a roof stretching down to the tailgate’s spoiler. Each part of the bodywork has also been scrutinized in the wind tunnel. Its Cx is only 0.24 and its SCx merely 0.64
A premium cabin
Touches of art déco, but with an unmistakable sense of elegance, this is what the eyes meet in the interior. The photo’s tell you the whole story. Just look at the receded dashboard panel, a central screen panel which – refreshingly – is not so enormously big and imposing. The smaller panel in front of you gives you the info which matters, and not more. The design of the odometer is inspired by the world of watchmaking. The readability of the battery charge indicator and the “power meter” take precedence.
Like an airline pilot of France Aéropostal, where instruments were few and readable, as you needed all your senses to fly, like Antoine de Saint Exupéry or Jean Mermoz, on the night routes over the desert and ocean. This is how you feel behind the X-shaped steering wheel, but not hearing the sound of the single 12 V Renault 12JA aircraft engine like these heroes, in their Latécoère 26. Just silence, as the electric motor of your DS is virtually inaudible.
The heroes I described here also flew in an open cockpit, and had no radio. Things have changed for us. Just have a look at the beautiful speakers close to you on the front sides of both doors, part of a premium Focal Electra sound system with 14 speakers, a 515watt amplifier, and custom acoustic tuning developed specifically for DS interiors. You can enjoy music in this EV, for sure.
Then there are the wonderfully designed and sculpted seats. Inspired by the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept, the seats have fully integrated head restraints. The front seats are massaging, cooled and heated. Need we say more? Well, close-up thermal comfort is enhanced by the DS NECK WARMER, a device that favors heating as close to the body as possible to enhance energy consumption. These neck warmers fitted into the backrests of the front seats are illuminated by a backlit DS logo with a crystal appearance.
The rear seat comfort is nothing else but superb. There is ample knee room, 84cm of headroom and backrests inclined at 30°, without compromising their 40/20/40 modularity. Cooled and heated seat bases and backrests complete the comfort.
Driving
When you start moving behind the wheel of a DS Automobile, the expectations are high. The N°8 fully meets them. Whatever version you choose, there is utter drive train smoothness and power. The DS N°8 uses the Stellantis Group’s STLA Medium platform. This has been optimized in length and width to accommodate batteries up to a capacity of 97.2 kWh.
DS N°8 is available with a choice of three 100 % electric drive trains developing 230 hp, 245 hp and 350 hp, the latter being fitted with two electric motors for four-wheel drive. All motors enjoy excess power that periodically gives an extra 30 hp to the FWD version – 260 hp, 35 hp to the FWD LONG RANGE version 280 bhp, and 25 bhp to the AWD LONG RANGE model 375 bhp.
Performance is more than adequate: even the 230hp version accelerates in merely 7.7s from 0 to 100 km/h. Top speed is a respectable 190 km/h. The 245hp version which has the larger 97.2 kWh battery has virtually the same performance, but rewards you with a bigger range. According to WLTP figures, the 245 HP version has a range of 750 km, instead of the 572 km of the “base” version. The 350 hp version has of course close to superpower performance, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,4 seconds. The range of this AWD DS is 686 km.
Of course one can count on impeccable road manners and comfort. We found the DS quite responsive and tout, tending towards sportiness and it copes very well with a more enthusiastic driving style. Country roads can be driven with verve, and also in urban low speed traffic the N°8 feels well at home. Nevertheless, the steering feel is not too responsive, and car will not invite you to throw it around, but lets you rather adopt a comfortable, relaxed driving style. At high motorway speeds, the good road and tyre insulation as well as the sound deadening laminated glass keeps noise at bay, so you can enjoy the fantastic sound system and seat comfort.
DS N°8 is fitted as standard with DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION, a variable damping system linked to a camera positioned at the top of the windscreen. Supported by attitude sensors and 3 accelerometers, it analyses the road surface in a few milliseconds and transmits its information to a computer that acts on each wheel. Noblesse oblige, we would say again here.
Practical
Despite the coupe-SUV profile which makes the roof arch somewhat lower, over the rear seats, but headroom is acceptable for most passengers. The floor of the car is rather high, and this raises your legs and knees a bit, reducing thigh support by the otherwise excellent rear seats. We enjoyed the clever thermal glass roof in the “Etoile” equipment version we tested.
Boot space is more than sufficient with 581 liters, and offers also a small under-floor compartment. When it comes to charging speed, it is worth to mention that the N° 8 features a 400-volt electrical system, and the maximum DC charging rate is 160kW. This means that the 74kWh battery can be charged from 20-80 per cent capacity in 26 minutes, with the 97.2kWh pack taking just a minute longer to charge to the same amount. Note that EV Routing via DS IRIS SYSTEM 2.0 simplifies trip planning.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a refined car which truly stands out from the rest and which is a proud four wheeled statement of French refinement and savoir vivre, then this N°8 merits a long hard look.
It is smooth and refined for eyes and senses, looks and drives beautifully, offering up to date practicality in its class. The N°8 soothes you with style and comfort, with performance and range to match, even in the base 230 HP version with the 74 kWh battery.
