Category: Car presentations

We spoke with Charles Fuster, VP Global Marketing and Communication at Lancia: “Lancia is back in Belgium”

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Lancia is back in Belgium, and was indeed also present at the Brussels Motor Show with the New Ypsilon hybrid & full electric. The Ypsilon Rally4 HF was also showcased, marking the return of Lancia in Rally in 2025. The HF took a central place on the Lancia stand, and as it was developed and fine-tuned by Miki Biasion, the motorsport legend and World Rally Champion with Lancia. Miki was also present at the Belgian event.

The HF Rallye version wans unveiled on the Lancia stand at the 101st Brussels Motor Show…

The renaissance of Lancia is very important for Stellantis, and a well balanced internationalisation process is under way. It is an essential part of of Lancia’s Renaissance, which includes an initial network of 70 new showrooms in 70 major European cities.

Charles Fuster presenting the Lancia Ypsilon HF on September 10th last year in Aartselaar…

The first markets involved are France, Spain, Belgium-Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and, by 2025, Germany. All of these showrooms will feature the brand’s new corporate identity, which reflects the four pillars at the foundation of its strategic plan: quality, electrification, sustainability, and an innovative sales model.

Lancia celebrated its return to Belgium-Luxembourg last September with the inauguration of six showrooms in Aartselaar, Overijse, Kortrijk, Ghent, Gilly and Bertrange, and the recent addition of locations in Drogenbos, Hasselt, Namur and Herstal. as well as 14 service points. Your servant was present at the inouguration in Aartselaar, and you find my report in our columns.

Reason enough for us to have an interview with  Charles Fuster, VP Global Marketing and Communication.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

HKTB: My question turns around the strategy of the brand in the coming one or two years.

CF: When we started with saying “Lancia is Back” three years ago, we said that we have three pillars for this comeback. First of all, there is the product line up. And we are keeping our promises, with the introduction of the Ypsilon, and after six months we launched the HF version, which you see here on our stand in Brussels. The return is super positive, by journalists and the public.

Lancia goes with its new Ypsilon from mainstream to premium…

The further product is the Lancia Gamma, which will roll of the production line in our factory at Melfi. It will come in 2026. The second pillar is to build a new brand identity, we have now 160 new showrooms in Italy, all refurbished. Back in the day Lancia was presented in a corner in the showroom, now we have a dedicated showroom and dedicated sales people.

The elegant Ypsilon at the Brussels Motor Show…

The third pillar was then to launch Lancia in Europe. This is our internationalisation process, and in November we have officially relaunched Lancia in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Spain.

HKTB: What will you do in 2025?

CF: This year, it will be the first full year of the Ypsilon, and the HF which will hit the market this spring and summer. With this car, we are back into Rally Motorsport. We start in Italy in April, with the Italian Cup, next year the European Championship, and at the end of 2025 we start getting ready for the launch of the new Gamma.

HKTB: What do you expect for the Ypsilon in the Belgian market?

CF: The Belgian public loves Italy.  They also love cars and motorsport. When you put Italian cars in the rally scene, you end up with Lancia, so our ambition is quite strong here. I think we can do well, 10 years ago we were doing well in Belgium, so we expect the same results more or less.

HK: Thank you very much for this interview!

Hans Knol ten Bensel  

We spoke with Sébastien Decarris, Head of Product Strategy & Advanced phase – DS Automobiles: “DS offers elegance, comfort and luxury with a unique French touch”.

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DS Automobiles made headlines at the 101th edition of the Brussels Motor Show by presenting its beautiful N° 8 to the public. This car will undoubtedly make its mark in the D segment, with its stunning looks, comfort and up to date EV technology. This car also means a lot for DS Automobiles. So we thought that an interview about the strategy of the brand would be very interesting , and we thank the dynamic PR department of Stellantis Belgium for arranging this interview. Just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The DS Automobiles N°8 made its debut on the Brussels Salon…

HKTB: It is always quite a challenge to combine the typical DS styling language with the imperatives and constraints modern cars in this D segment have to respond to and offer in terms of safety, performance and space efficiency.

SD: Indeed, we have to show that in terms of elegance and French “savoir faire”, we offer something remarkable. We have shown this with the ASL (Aero Sport Lounge) concept car, which was designed by exterior designer Thomas Duhamel. We wanted to bring a dynamic saloon.

A designers’s drawing of the Aero Sport Lounge Concept Car…

HKTB: What is now on the European and global market the strategy of DS Automobiles?

SD: The strategy is to occupy a strong presence in the premium segment, with an emphasis on electrification in a market which is now fully involved in this energy transition. We want to keep this exceptional French character, with a “savoir faire” in the use of the materials, performing the art of elegantly rendering details, with this attention to styling and design down to the very details, which is not immediately found with our competitors.

We bring elegance, not only in the contours and proportions, but also in the light signature of the car. This makes the car stand out in traffic. This has worked well from the first DS3 onwards and is the unique hallmark of DS Automobiles. Of course we keep this on our new N°8, and this signature will be found further on our future cars.

HKTB: The adoption of numbers is also a step..

SD: Indeed, it is a further evolution, an eye-wink towards further sophistication… What is also important is the reference we make to French coach-building tradition with a dual tone paintwork, a sophistication which is not immediately found on other cars in this D segment.

Your servant together with Sébastien Decarris at the Brussels Show in front of the Ds N° 8…

HKTB: Indeed, the styling language is also a continuation of the angular tradition so typical in French coachbuilding, like the iconic Voisin cars…

SD: En effet! Indeed, when we work on the design of DS cars, we indeed talk about Voisin… and then, there is the comfort, which is also very important for us. It is more than just a “must have”, it is crucial. It concerns the suspension, the seats, and also the thermal comfort. It is especially important in EV cars, and we worked hard on it. For instance, we introduced neck-area heating, which is hitherto only seen on cabriolets…

HKTB: As DS also puts forward “the art of travel” or “l’art du voyage”, I personally would like to see an infotainment software which delivers automatically audio info about the region(s) and cities you are travelling through, and where you can choose political, social or cultural history…

SD: It is an idea we are working on. Of course, in the first place we want to reassure the client driving an EV car, and inform him about charging possibilities on his trip.

HKTB: On the charging infrastructure, are you considering the idea to build a dedicated “DS Automobiles” charging network?

SD: We offer our clients an infrastructure via the “free to move” network. We want to reassure the client in the first place with the car we offer him, i.e. having a long range and an outstanding fast charging capacity. (Up to 160 kW) We wanted to reassure the client, giving him peace of mind with a long(er) range. We think that having a long range is more important than the possibility of (ultra)fast charging.  The automobile is for us (and our clients) first and foremost an object of freedom, of “liberté.” This means that you have to offer a range of around 500 km and more on the motorway.

HKTB: Quality and workmanship is of course also very important in the premium segment. Where is the N°8 built?

SD: It is built in Italy, at the plant in Melfi. The N° 8 is running on the STLA Medium platform, and this is decisive in the industrial strategy and where the cars will be produced.

HKTB: The batteries are also important…

SD: Indeed, they are produced by ACC, (Automotive Cells Co, with as stakeholders SAFT, which is wholly owned by TotalEnergies, and Stellantis and Mercedes – note from the author). We planned from the outset a premium car with a maximum 750 km range, using batteries manufactured in the EU.  

HKTB: Will the N°8 be future proof and be able to accommodate new developed batteries and electric motors during its production run?

SD: Certainly, the platform is able to receive newly developed components during the production life of the N°8. We have a modular strategy and the platforms are designed to accommodate them. This concerns the batteries as well as the electric motors. For all the models of the DS Automobiles range, we were from the outset prepared for its electrification, it is an essential element of our policy and you see this now unfold in the D-segment.

HKTB: I thank you for this interview.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We drove  the Alfa Giulia ’’ Tributo Italiano’’ 280 HP : a true driver’s delight..

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There are sporting sedans which are engaging to drive. But then there is the Alfa Romeo Giulia. It sets the absolute standard in its class when it comes to balanced handling and panache. And since its introduction in 2017, this Giulia remains unchallenged in its class until this day. We experienced this again at the wheel of the new ”Tributo Italiano” version, equipped with 4 wheel drive and its legendary 280 HP 2 litre direct injection petrol engine. Read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Thoroughbred looks

This Tributo Italiano version certainly makes your car loving heart beat faster. The timelessly well proportioned body is painted either in ’’Rosso Alfa”, ’’Verde Montreal’’ or ’’Bianco Alfa.’’ You guessed it, these are the colours of the Italian flag… this Giulia also has wonderful 19 inch black alloys and red painted brake calipers.

In the cabin the black sports seats are adorned with red stitching, also found in the door panels and the dashboard edges. The front seats are heated and ventilated, your ears are spoiled by a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Behind the wheel…

Sitting in the Giulia is low and sporting, with everything beautifully within reach. Certainly the big sized gearchange paddles on the steering wheel, worthy of a supercar, and so easy to reach also when you are making extensive steering movements. Totally Pur Sang, and one asks oneself why not every car with sporting aspirations has this too. The engine starts smoothly by pressing the knob on the steering wheel. A true gem is this 2 litre four cylinder, with ample torque and power. It develops not less than 280 HP, which indeed results in supercar performance.

What to think of a top speed of some 257 km/h, and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in merely 5,5 seconds? Thanks to the ample torque, the pulling power is also quite massive at intermediate speeds, where of course the excellent and alert 8 speed auto box comes also into play. Leaving the lever in ’’D’’, the Giulia sprints from 70 to 120 km/h in just 5,8 seconds.

The Giulia is also reasonably frugal at constant speeds, at a cruising speed of 130 km/h, consumption is around 7,51 liters. In town, with some restraint, one can achieve between 8,7 and 9,5 liters/100 km, cruising at 110 km/h will cost you around 6,4 liters. Our average consumption during a quite extended test resulted in 8,1 liter/100 km.

Beautiful handling

What one feels behind the wheel of this Alfa from the first few meters is its the wonderful balance and handling. It still runs on the Georgio platform, developed long before electrification, and this in collaboration with the chassis engineers from Ferrari and Maserati.  This resulted for instance in a truly ideal weight distribution of 51% at the front and 49 % at the rear.

You guessed it, this Giulia has a balance, steering precision and handling which is honed to absolute perfection. Steering this Giulia on winding roads is totally a dream. The suspension set up strikes an ideal compromise between precise handling and comfort, and indeed this Giulia is surprisingly comfortable considering its excellent agility. On top of all that this 280 HP Giulia has 4wd, which sets in when necessary. Normally, the rear wheels are driven.

The engine revs to a beautiful staccato when called for, but this never gets unobtrusive, and also high speed cruising does not unduly raise the noise levels in the cabin, making the Giulia a magnificent Gran Turismo, as we experienced driving it into France.

Practical

The Giulia offers adequate room in the rear, and luggage space is also quite reasonable with 378 liters. Infotainment is now since the latest facelift where the Giulia also received new LED headlights up to the mark, with of course Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity installed. The digitalized instrumentation in the cluster in front of the driver is well executed with an excellent rendering of both speedometer and rev counter, and indeed, instrument buffs as we are, we did not miss the previous beautiful analog instruments. We liked to find again the trusted DNA driving mode selector on the centre console.

Conclusion

This Giulia truly stands out, and is nothing less than a true supercar within the Stellantis portfolio. Its engine is a marvel, and it is therefore with good reason that we will see this formidable unit soon in top of the range Peugeots…
Then there is the Georgio platform, which breathes the aura of ’’Puro Sangue.’’ Precision, agility and wonderful balance between comfort and superb roadholding and stability is the hallmark of this platform, and it has to be experienced behind the wheel to fully appreciate it.

Last but not least there is the overall styling, the ideal proportions and the panache of the Giulia. It is for many the quintessential Alfa, and this is the best compliment we can give this car…

Hans Knol ten Bensel 

Photographers’ notes:

We again used our Nikon D5600 for this photo session. The strong autumn light of the French midi created vivid contrasts, which the camera handled well… We used B & W for one interior photo, to give it a “classic” look…

We drove the Lancia Ypsilon electric: elegance, character and smooth panache

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Lancia has always embodied style and elegance, coupled with mechanical refinement. This makes the new Ypsilon a very fitting candidate for EV propulsion. Indeed, after an extended test behind the wheel of this Lancia, we can only agree. It is most endearing as an EV, and indeed, it is a delight to steer it in town and on every road you may drive it.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Renaissance on a well proven platform

With the birth of Stellantis it was clear that a revival of Lancia was in the cards. We already told you in length about the introduction of this Ypsilon. It carries typical styling icons of the brand, like the “calice” on the front end, and the round rear lights reminiscent of the legendary Stratos.
In my opinion it is the most attractive of the Stellantis compact range, but that is of course a very subjective preference.

Iconic cabin

The elegance and the Lancia typical panache continues in the interior. We loved the layout of the dashboard, the resolutely square screens, the cute and well finished little central table or ”tavola”.

You can leave flat and light objects on it, everything else is of course hazardous when you drive  your Lancia with verve. We loved the blue/grey/black colour palette in the interior, so in tune with the tradition of the brand. Of course, it is a pleasure to find “real” commands and knobs for ventilation/heating for instance, and one feels quickly at home in this Lancia. One has Android Auto or Apple Carplay, and you can stream La Callas and delight in hearing how beautifully she brings Casta Diva. Indeed, the sound system is up to scratch.

The seats are quite comfortable and give excellent support. Space for the rear passengers is adequate, but of course one cannot expect miracles from a car with an overall length of 4,08 meters. Boot space is more than adequate for its class, with a standard available space of 309 liters.

Smooth EV power…

The Lancia shares its EV drivetrain with other cars in the Stellantis group, like the Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208, Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600. This means we’ll proven technology, with a 115 kW electric motor and a 54 kW battery, of which 51 kW is available in practice on the road.

This drivetrain is quite efficient, and indeed it is well possible to achieve consumption averages of 14-15 kW/100 km. It  results in a practical range of some 360 km under reasonable temperatures. Fast charging is possible up to 100 kW, which means you can charge your Lancia in less than 1/2 hour from 20 to 80 pct.

The smoothness of the EV drivetrain is an absolute delight and suits the character of the car wonderfully. Performance is quite zesty with an acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,2 seconds. Top speed is limited to 150 km/h, which is very wise indeed, as high speed driving with an EV is a very wasteful affair.

Handling is brisk and precise, and indeed even  when driven with abandon on winding roads, this Lancia will delight you.

Conclusion

We found this Ypsilon utterly pleasing with the EV drivetrain. The silence and smoothness of EV power is just what this car needs. We are curious to see how it behaves with its 1,2 litre 16 V combustion engine, and even more so in the hybrid form. But here in our eyes, it already earned top marks…

Hans knol ten Bensel 

Photographer’s notes: we used for our photos here again our trusted Nikon 5600 D, a 24.2 megapixel upper-entry level, APS-C sensor DSLR. It delivers nice, crisp, well balanced photos, and is an absolute pleasure to use.

Nissan Benelux looks ahead for 2025 with a bold future strategy and new models…

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Head of Communications Melvin Keuter opened the yearly Nissan Benelux press conference…

Your servant attended the yearly Nissan Benelux press conference, again expertly organized by the dynamic PR team led by Head of Communications Melvin Keuter. Together with Managing Director Jérôme Saigot they presented the mid-term and mid-long term strategic plan of the company, the new products which were launched in 2024 and the new cars for next year. Just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The Arc: A bridge to Nissan Ambition 2030.

The Arc is positioned between the Nissan NEXT transformation plan running from fiscal year 2020 through fiscal year 2023 and Nissan Ambition 2030, the company’s long-term vision. The new plan is split into mid-term imperatives for fiscal years 2024 through 2026, and mid-long-term actions to be carried out through 2030. 

Managing Director Jérôme Saigot presented the Nissan short and mid-term strategy…

Under the two-part plan, Nissan will first take actions to ensure volume growth through a tailored regional strategy and prepare for an accelerated transition to EVs, supported by a balanced electrified / internal combustion engine product portfolio, volume growth in major markets, and firm financial discipline.

This will pave the way for the second part of the plan aimed to enable the EV transition and realize long-term profitable growth, supported by smart partnerships, (see below more about partnership with Honda)  EV competitiveness, differentiated innovations and new revenue streams. For Europe, it will maximize its collaboration with Ampere in Europe to complement their own electrification strategy.

To achieve healthy growth in the future, Nissan is now rightsizing the organization and transforming the profit structure to enable the company to afford shareholders’ return, even with a projected annual sales of 3.5 million units by fiscal year 2026.

Three new full electric vehicles for Europe…and battery development

Nissan has for our market three models in preparation which will be produced in the Sunderland factory, replacing the present Qashqai and Juke crossovers and the next-gen Nissan Leaf: the “Chill-out”, the “Hyper Urban” and the “Hyper Punk.”

Nissan will offer enhanced nickel, cobalt and manganese (NCM) lithium-ion batteries, lithium iron phosphate (LFP), and all solid-state batteries to provide diversified EVs to meet different customer needs. Nissan will significantly enhance NCM li-ion batteries, reducing quick-charging time by 50% and increasing energy density by 50% compared to the Ariya. LFP batteries, to be developed and produced in Japan, will be launched that will reduce cost by 30% compared to the Sakura EV minivehicle. New EVs with enhanced NCM li-ion, LFP and all-solid-state batteries will be launched in fiscal year 2028.


 

The future line-up in Europe…

The model portfolio will be further enhanced with a new all-electric Interstar LCV, a replacement for the Leaf and the Micra and last but not least all-electric versions for the popular Juke and Qashqai.

… and partnership with Honda.

Nissan and Honda agree to joint research in fundamental technologies for a next-generation SDV platform. SDV means Software Defined Vehicle (note of the author), which means that the vehicle uses software as the main driver for its operations, features and functions. Nissan and Honda aim to complete basic research in approximately one year and based on the results consider the possibility of mass production development. (Research note of the author).

The two companies have reached a basic agreement to unify the specifications of their respective e-Axles, over the medium to long term, to be used in the next-generation EVs of both companies.

The agreed first step is to share motors and inverters, the core of the e-Axle. (Research note of the author).

With the models to be sold globally by Nissan and Honda, the two companies will consider supplementing models from a short-term to medium- to long-term perspective. For the short-term, Nissan and Honda reached a basic agreement on models and regions to be complemented by each company, and also agreed on the outline of a product review system to be jointly operated by both companies. Furthermore, ICE and EVs are being considered as vehicles for mutual complementation. (Research note of the author).

Melvin Keuter highlighted the new features of the 2024 Juke,

and Julie Engelborghs presented the 2024 Qashqai, now with e-power, uplifted design and upgraded tech and connectivity.

A further highlight was the new Interstar LCV, with a new EU 6E norm M920 Diesel engine and of course a choice between a 40 and 87 kW EV battery for the full EV versions.

Icing on the cake: the Ariya NISMO…

With this car, NISMO (Nissan Motor Sport) is back in Europe. Based on the Ariya e-4ORCE and featuring a dynamic new-generation EV NISMO design, the Ariya NISMO delivers greater confidence and peace of mind thanks to its extremely powerful yet smooth acceleration, exemplary handling and stellar aerodynamic performance — all brought about by NISMO’s exclusive tuning, Nissan stated when introducing the car.

The motor has approximately 10 percent greater peak output and performance is further enhanced by the combination with special acceleration tuning and an exclusive NISMO driving mode that maximizes response. 

Aerodynamic performance is improved thanks to race-derived technologies that reduce drag and provide greater down force at higher speeds — factors particularly important for EV’s.

Of course, also the interior exudes a premium air with high quality features throughout, including specially designed NISMO seats and trim.

Much more soon on this formidable SUV, but we just tell you here that you can now pre-order this NISMO at nissan.be. The price is at the moment of writing set at € 65.900. The first 250 European customers who order the car get it delivered in the exclusive exterior color Stealth Grey – the iconic body colour from NISMO. In addition, they benefit from a free charging for one year via Nissan Charge…

Soon more about Nissan, amongst others the affordable vehicle to grid technology Nissan will introduce in Europe in 2026…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Lancia is back in Belgium, and presented in its return to world of rallying with the debut of the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF…

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Lancia presented its Ypsilon Rally 4 HF, with from left to right rally champion Miki Biasion, Charles Fuster, Lancia head of Marketing and Communication and Eugenio Franzetti, head of Lancia Corse HF.

Indeed, Lancia is making an impressive comeback in our low countries, notably Belgium/Luxembourg  and the Netherlands. The three countries have always had a strong interest and passion for the brand, and therefore represent an important portion of the brand’s internationalization plan. It is good to know that by the end of this year, Lancia will get ten new showrooms in Belgium-Luxembourg and five in the Netherlands.

“Lancia is Back” said Charles Fuster, Head of Marketing and Communication for the Lancia brand, with indeed already a grand opening of six showrooms in the Belgium-Luxembourg region, located in Aartselaar, Overijse, Kortrijk, Gent, Gilly and Bertrange, with a network set to grow to ten showrooms by the end of 2024, including upcoming locations in Drogenbos, Hasselt, Namur and Herstal.
In the Netherlands, the brand inaugurated five new showrooms at strategic locations, in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Zwolle.

The Lancia Ypsilon Rally 4 HF…

But Lancia – as announced already several months ago by Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares – is also returning to motorsport, and presented now in Brussels, Antwerp and Utrecht for the first time the Lancia Ypsilon Rally 4 HF.

As the name “Rally 4” already suggests, this Lancia will take part in the Rally 4 championship, a gateway to the world of rallies where junior drivers make their first steps towards becoming professional rally drivers.

and champion Miki Biasion…

Miki Biasion, the world rally champion in 1988 and 1989 with the Lancia Delta of Martini Racing, was present at the presentation, and we were able to have a few words with him.

“I am really glad to support the Lancia Product Team and the Stellantis Motorsport Team in the fine-tuning of both the Ypsilon HF and the Lancia Ypsilon Rally 4 HF,” he said. “We worked to improve the performance of the car, fine-tuning several parameters: engine response, trying out different ignition/injection mappings.” Then he continued: “We worked also extensively on grip and handling, also working on the settings of springs and shock absorbers. We also honed and perfected the braking system, the responsiveness and gearchange speed of the gearbox, also testing new ratios”

Indeed, the Lancia Ypsilon Rally 4 HF has a “classic” 1,2 three-cylinder 1.2-liter turbo engine with four valves per cylinder and an output of 212 hp under the bonnet. It has only front-wheel drive, a mechanical transmission with five gears and a mechanical limited slip differential. All this to make the car affordable for debutant young drivers, which is also the strategy of Stellantis, pursued already with the Peugeot 208 and the Opel Corsa.
 

Relying on private teams…

We spoke also with Eugenio Franzetti, presently Director of Lancia Corse HF. He told us that the strategy of Lancia and Stellantis in general is to rely for the Lancia Rally 4 HF on private teams at the start of the 2025 season, and therefore the car has to be both affordable as well as competitive.

Eugenio Franzetti together with Silvia Cassani, Head of Lancia Communications

Eugenio already occupied various important positions in the Stellantis Group. He was communications and competitions director for Peugeot in Italy, director of communications for DS Automobiles/Citroën/Peugeot in Italy, director of sales for Citroën in Italy, director of communications for Peugeot Global and Italy’s Managing Director of the DS brand before becoming director of DS Performance.

Today he remains in his position as the DS Performance Director and he will therefore retain the dual role.

E power for the road: the Lancia Ypsilon HF

The Lancia Ypsilon HF, the 100% electric performance version of the new Ypsilon, is powered by a 280 hp electric motor, which enables acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds. This drivetrain is also found in the Alfa Junior Veloce and the Abarth 600e.

With its lowered chassis, wider track and muscular design, the Ypsilon HF is a nod to the iconic models from Lancia’s rich past. The car will be launched in May 2025…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Fiat celebrates 125 years and launches a new iconic “grande” Panda for the world…

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Fiat has now for more than a century been the pounding heart of Italian engineering and industrial genius. It has given the world wonderful cars, and to me, besides the pre-war Balilla and Topolino, the post-war cars are even more iconic and are absolute milestones in automotive history. Let’s begin with the Fiat 1100 or millecento compact four dour sedan, which is still serving in India as a taxi and has been built there until a few years ago. I absolutely loved the PininFarina styled six cylinder 1800/2100 four door sedans launched in the sixties, and then of course the Seicento and the Cinquecento in ‘57…

About ten years later came the Fiat 124, the 1967 European car of the year, which put the whole east-bloc and Russia on wheels, built in Russian Togliattigrad as the Lada.

Then there was the Fiat 127, putting front wheel drive and excellent performance to the disposal of the masses. Soon then came the Panda, an absolute icon which I photographed in the Galerie de la Reine in Brussels for Keesings Auto Magazine at the time. This car I still find absolutely modern, by the way.

The iconic Panda, born in the 80s, still totally modern and contemporary today…

Now we live in different times, but the Panda is still inspiring many. Therefore only logical that Stellantis put its new Fiat Grande Panda on the new global line-up based on a multi-energy platform.  FIAT now starts its transition from local-based production to a global offer through a common global platform. But there is still an Italian DNA left, as it has been styled at the Centro Stile in Turin, and certainly has lots of character as the photos show.


 

The new Grande Panda…

Olivier Francois, FIAT CEO and Stellantis Global Chief Marketing Officer, summarized it well at the presentation: “Currently we have launched FIAT’s comeback to the global mainstream based on 3 pillars: Italian design and development, global platform and local relevance—and the Grande Panda is the first member of our new global family.”

The Grande Panda will first land in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and will be available in both electric and hybrid versions.

Proudly presenting the big new Panda: John Elkann, Chairman of Stellantis, Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO, and Olivier Francois, FIAT CEO and Stellantis CMO.

Needless to say that we eagerly await to get more acquainted with the Grande Panda soon, both in hybrid and E-versions, which, as we read, will be aggressively priced.
 

A Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani

But at this anniversary, celebrated on the iconic “Pista 500”, the circular test track on the roof of the famous Lignotto factory building, now converted in a hotel, where the walls of the guestrooms are decorated with mural size photos of details of historic Fiats and a MUST to spend a night when you are in Turin, Fiat stylists and Giorgio Armani designed together an elegant version of the 500e.

The standout exterior design element are the wheels, representing the GA logo on a macro scale. They become the car’s star feature, ensuring it stands out…

We hoe you enjoyed here the photos of the celebration, a very enjoyable event for a brand we always kept very close to our car-loving heart…

Hans Knol ten Bensel  

We drove the Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic EV60 220 hp

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Renault has been very early in the EV game, with its fittingly called ZOE, which has been for years an absolute bestseller. The new Megane has been completely redesigned and is the first Renault model to run on the new so-called CMF-EV platform, co-designed with Nissan. The new Megane is compact with its 4,20 meters, which is almost identical with the previous, fourth generation Megane, but that’s were any similarity ends. The new Megane stands proudly on its big wheels (20 inch in the version we tested) and its proportions are beautiful indeed. The longer weelbase of some 2,70 meters clearly shows that this is a latest generation EV. It certainly has style and panache. Will it also convince as an EV? Just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Modern times…

The Megane has not only a contemporary flair, it also offers quite enough room for four adults and their luggage. They are greeted by a pleasant and premium interior, with impeccable styling. On the top version we tested, your eyes wander over a well finished dashboard and meet with a crisp 12 inch central screen which offers state of the art infotainment and connectivity. Of course, Apple Car Play and Android Auro are provided. But this is also standard in the base model. Indeed, the latest Megane generation comes very well equipped. Then you get a 9 inch screen, but a rear camera and speed limit recognition combined with cruise control are also standard.

Cocooning

Indeed, the digitalized instrumentation leaves nothing to be desired. Renault has integrated Google functions in its OpenR link, and offers very good information for the EV driver. First of all it uses the chrystal clear Google maps, and when plotting the chosen route for you, it will take into account the charging situation of your battery, and even indicate the estimated remaining charge status at your destination.

Of course it will also suggest stops and places where you can recharge your battery. The layout of the dashboard is quite practical, and it is good to see that the commands for heating and ventilation are placed on a separate physical touchboard below the central screen. One also finds the legendary and iconic audio command stick on the right side of the steering column, which is typical for every Renault since the R 25 sedan, launched way back in the seventies…

The finish level of the  cabin and seats is high indeed. In the top “Iconic” version we tested, Renault has also provided electric powered front seats with memory and massage functions. The seats are very comfortable and the upholstery is firm.

Smooth power

We tell you nothing new when I tell you that EV’ s spoil you with lots of super-smooth power. With its 300 Nm and 220 HP you can expect very sporting performance. Not only is this Renault very quick off the mark with a sprint from 0 to 100 kmh in merely 7,5 seconds, it excels in traffic with very brisk accelerations. From 60 to 100 kmh costs merely 3,6 seconds, which makes overtaking or joining faster traffic the proverbial breeze. Besides the silence and smoothness, it is this permanent presence of this abundance of power which makes an EV truly delightful to drive. The pleasure stops at 160 kmh, as the electronic limiter sets in quite sensibly. Indeed, high cruising speeds wreck havoc to the range of your EV.

There is a round knob at the steering wheel column where you can choose the different driving modes from eco to sport, and with the paddles on both sides of the steering wheel you can select the amount of energy recuperation you want on your drive. 

Despite being only front wheel drive, the drivetrain copes well with all this power. When it comes to consumption, the slower you accelerate and cruise, the better your range will be. We learned to drive EV’s with restraint, despite their abundant power, and this is the only way  to achieve a consumption which comes close to the official WLTP figures. We regularly achieved values between 15 kW in urban traffic and 17 KW on the open road, at moderate cruising speeds. When you use this Renault more briskly, you have to reckon with 19-20 kW, which is still a very good value indeed.

The battery has 60 KW capacity, and this means a range between 370 and 400 km is quite realistic and achievable when you drive it with restraint and achieve a consumption of around 15-16 kW. It accepts up to 130 kW fast charging, and this means that you can charge it from 10 to 80 pct in merely 41 minutes. The battery is guaranteed to deliver 70 pct of its capacity for a period of 8 years or 160.000 km.

Practical

We already applauded the excellent infotainment and good cabin layout. The boot space is adequate with some 330 liters, with the rear backrests down this raises to some 750 liters. The boot floor lies very deep, and this makes loading heavy objects a bit cumbersome. One minus point in everyday life might be the rather poor backward visibility, due to the small rear window, high waistline and the large C pillar. But then the Megane has a rear camera as standard equipment, and in the top version we were spoiled with an electronic rear view mirror.

Comfort and handling

The Megane is in good French tradition laid out for comfort, it is also at home on winding roads and offers excellent stability at motorway speeds. We already applauded the comfortable seats, and getting in and out of the car is also easy due to its higher stance.

Conclusion

A well styled car, well built and finished, powerful and reasonably frugal, the Megane betrays the excellent ”savoir faire” of the French car builder in making EV cars. It is full of panache, both inside and out, and certainly deserves a good look if you are looking for an EV in this segment.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

BMW makes you dream in the sky…

Posted in Automobilia, Car Events, Car manufacturers strategy, Car News, Car presentations, Concept Cars, Design, Fashion, Lifestyle, New Models, prototypesTagged , Leave a comment

Designers can make you dream, and at BMW this is no exception. It brought to this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este a unique design study: the BMW Concept Skytop. It has clearly athletic proportions, and Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, commented: “It offers a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level, comparable to its historic ancestors, like the BMW Z8 or BMW 503.”

Indeed, it does, its lines, surfaces and volumes breathe the classic proportions of its iconic predecessors. Is it a harbinger for future BMW styling? It certainly has interesting details, like winglets integrated into the door shoulders replace conventional door handles. Light-alloy wheels with precise lamellas are also adding elegance and drama.

We like the impressive long bonnet and the classic kidney grille, and also the retracted rear end and the pronounced central spline, which runs over the bonnet through the interior and ends an aluminium trim positioned on the tailgate, add both panache.

The LED headlight units, positioned on milled aluminium carriers, were custom developed for the BMW Concept Skytop, utilizing the latest technology and design for automotive headlights with the slimmest profile currently available.

We also love the leather-finished roll-over bar behind the BMW Concept Skytop’s two seats, as it is combined with side fins on the B-pillar and a fully retractable rear window. The setup is quite practical: the two removable roof parts, also finished in leather, can be stored in a special compartment in the luggage space.

Color harmonies…

The colour scheme ensures a smooth transition from interior to exterior, regardless of whether the roof is open or closed. In the rear section, the reddish-brown tone of the roof flows into the muted silver with chrome shadow effect of the exterior paintwork. The technically elaborate colour gradient was crafted by an experienced master painter at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing (!)

…and luxury in brogue-style leather…

The leather seats in the interior carry brogue-style accents. The reddish-brown tone of the leather gives the whole interior a sense of luxury and spaciousness. Chrystal elements and further are artfully embedded in the gearchange lever and the cockpit, adding to the overall impression. The interior surfaces of the BMW Concept Skytop were crafted in the traditional saddlery of the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing.

The spirit of the Z8 reigns also in this concept car: under the hood roars the most powerful V8 engine in the BMW drive train portfolio.

Of course there is much more news on the BMW front: the new 3 Series Sedan and Touring, the new 5 series Touring and the first BMW i5 Touring, to say the least. Stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We spoke with Barbara De Mol, Marketing Director Lancia and Alfa Romeo…

Posted in Car manufacturers strategy, Car presentations, Design, Interviews, Lifestyle, men women and cars, New Models, Service & Repair, women and carsTagged , , , , , , Leave a comment

HKTB: Let me first congratulate you with your new responsibility, and thank you for granting this interview. You have already built up quite a career in the automotive world…

BDM: Indeed!  I made my first steps at Renault, then joined the Group D’Ieteren, where I worked in the Marketing department at Porsche, and then took a new challenge by joining Electric by D’Ieteren, putting their product in the market. Then, as I was launching a new product in a premium (electric) automotive market, it was a logical step for me when an iconic brand like Lancia was (re)launching itself in our market, to take up also this challenge and this is how I landed here as a marketing director for Lancia and Alfa.

HKTB: Lancia is a unique premium brand with a noble Italian elegance and spirit, embedded in a rich history…

When I heard that 9 dealers will represent the Lancia brand in our country, with 1 in Luxemburg, it intrigues me to know how they will receive and approach the client and give him this premium impression and “feel” the moment he enters the showroom. What kind of support do you provide to these dealers?

BDM: Indeed, our support goes further than just marketing, and contains other aspects. For instance, the appearance and “look” of the showroom itself. We prescribe a premium level here. But there is also the sales person, i.e. the person who makes the first contact with the client. So we have established a training programme, where learning how to establish a good “face to face” contact is very important. We also have to address any doubts the client may have about the quality of our Italian cars, and therefore we offer an extended guarantee for the entire duration of the contract on our products.

HKTB: Do you work together with Italy to develop this training program for the sales staff?

BDM: Indeed, we have a very good collaboration. They communicate about their best practices, and of course we also have in Belgium our own training team. We have also developed a specific sales course, not only focusing on the technical aspects of the car, but also pointing out which elements constitute a premium brand.

HKTB: And the philosophy of the brand…

BDM: Of course. This has also a special appeal for them. The Italian elegance, the rally successes, there are many aspects. The history of Lancia is also very important.

HKTB: Can you tell us a bit more about the geographical distribution of the dealerships, for instance, there is no dealer in Knokke…

BDM: Indeed, there might come one in 2025… The first idea is of course to spread the dealerships  across Belgium, and the person who lives in Knokke or rather has his second residence there, lives usually also in one of the main Belgian cities.

HKTB: You have a dealership in Courtrai…

BDM: Indeed! The (first) locations have been chosen in function of the potential sales volumes. We need motivated dealers who want to invest in the brand, and therefore we need to offer them an opportunity to grow…

HKTB: What about the dealerships who previously sold the Lancia Ypsilon, now some years ago?

BDM: These dealers will still exist for after sales service. Presently there are only two dealers in this situation. They can service the new Ypsilon, even when they don’t have the car in their showroom.

HKTB: The car has many technical similarities with other cars in the the Stellantis group, not to mention the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa …

BDM: Indeed, but when it comes to selling and servicing the Ypsilon, the approach is to maintain its strictly Italian character, which is reflected in the dealer strategy…and which is to be applauded!

HKTB: Do you have a cooperation with the Netherlands?

BDM: We are different, but we work together, as the Ypsilon is launched simultaneously in both countries.

HKTB: Within the Stellantis group, DS is also a brand which addresses a premium client base. Is there a “cross fertilization” concerning client approach, an exchange of best practices in this field?

BDM: Not really. Indeed, we have three premium brands in the group, Alfa, DS, Lancia. We can share some training programmes on how to sell a premium brand, but then for Lancia and Alfa the passion for the automobile, its elegance and its design are rather more important. It is more “Italian”.

HKTB: Can you tell a bit more about the plans and potential for the fleet market for this Ypsilon?

BDM: We know that in Belgium the premium is very much fleet oriented, but as the Ypsilon is a city car, we reckon that about 50 % will be sold in the fleet market and indeed 50 % will find its way to private clients, who will opt rather more for the hybrid version.

HKTB: There will also be a follow up in the Lancia model range with the Gamma…

BDM: Indeed, and next year also there will be the more engaging HF version of the Ypsilon.

HKTB: Are the dealers exclusively Lancia?

BDM: No, they are also Alfa. They are so-called multibrand, but they will have a specific showroom, dedicated to the brand. The showrooms of the different brands have also to be clearly separated, and indeed the sales people are also specific. There is a dedicated sales person for the brand, who has an intimate knowledge of the brand.

HKTB: Are you going to engage with Lancia in cultural and other events? Will you for example sponsor in the future events like the Concours Reine Elisabeth?

BDM: Not in 2024, we now concentrate on the launch of the brand; but the retailers will probably organize or sponsor (local) events. There will be however specific events for the fleet clientele.

HKTB: I am (also) an artist myself and have a keen interest in artistic events, and I could see Lancia sponsoring events in the cultural sector…

BDM: This is a very good suggestion! Maybe in 2025. But you can always contact me, I am always open to new ideas and suggestions! The first event is now the opening of our retailers. The 22nd of May, the Luxembourg retailer will open its doors…

HKTB: Thank you very much for this interview!

Hans Knol ten Bensel