It is the dream of every car enthusiast: driving a stylish two seater roadster on the legendary roads of Europe. This time it was a journey from Paris to Deauville, along the banks of the Seine…
Yust dream away with the pictures…as we do, as surely we would like to take one in the second half of September to the Maserati factory and an unforgettable trip in the Italian Modena surroundings…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
In our day and age, “green” mobility is becoming a must. Downsized petrol engines are doing already a quite remarkable job now, but there is a propulsion solution which really stands out in this age of transition where fully fledged e-mobility still meets practical barriers due to hitherto insufficient (re)charging infrastructure.
Indeed, the hybrid car is not only here to stay, but has a very bright future ahead. No small wonder that also Kia is adding a very refined and remarkable hybrid to its range. It does it also with a “crossover” body, which strikes an ideal balance between a hatchback and a SUV. We tested it for you, just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the Kia Niro 1.6 GDi Hybrid DCT6: hybrid all the way…”
At the presentation of the new Insignia, we could admire the stylish Insignia Center in Zaventem, which for the occasion was also adorned with a magnificent Opel Admiral, dating back from 1937, and the Opel Monza Concept car from 2013.
The further exhibits also included an Opel sewing machine, and even a bicycle…
Opel built sewing machines until the outbreak of WWI. This one dates from 1909.
Just look at the photos and read the further comments…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “A stylish Insignia Center and Opel memorabilia…”
The new Insignia has stylish looks, here in Magnetic Silver with OPC pack for the exterior…
When Opel launches a successor to its stylish flagship which was “car of the year” in 2009 and found 900.000 buyers, you can reckon it is something special. The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer recently displayed their qualities publicly for the first time when they made their premiere at the recent Geneva Motor Show, and the dynamic Opel PR team in Belgium invited us for a first drive at their magnificent Insignia Center in Zaventem. We drove for you two Grand Sport versions, one with the 136 HP 1,6 l CDTI diesel with the 6 speed auto box, and then the 6 speed manual 1,5 liter petrol engined 165 HP Turbo. We were very impressed by its mechanical refinement, its comfort, looks, ergonomics, and last but not least very entertaining handling.
Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport: affordable excellence”
Citroën shows at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show its New-Generation SUV, the C5 Aircross. Directly inspired from the Aircross Concept, unveiled in Shanghai in 2015, it combines bold design with an interior space focused on the well-being of each passenger: the brand with the double chevron calls it a “People Minded SUV”, human-oriented with generous dimensions for all passengers.
But there is more: the C5 Aircross is a big milestone in the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme with the World Premiere of the “Progressive Hydraulic CushionsTM” suspension, delivering again the legendary and a unique smooth comfort of suspension that is typically Citroën.
Scheduled for launch in China in the second half of the year, and at the end of 2018 in Europe, the new C5 Aircross is a major asset in Citroën’s international offensive in 2017.
Just read on…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Following the C-Aircross Concept presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, heralding the C3 Aircross SUV in Europe for the end of 2017, Citroën is continuing its offensive in the SUV segment with the global reveal of the new C5 Aircross.
Targeting global markets, this SUV marks a new stage in the deployment of the Brand’s product strategy, but adding its very own flair to it..
Dynamic design
The C5 Aircross has robust, muscular exterior lines, a high bonnet, 2.73 m wheelbase, short overhang, and flowing organic lines with strong graphic features. Inside, it provides a sense of power and space, thanks to its robust dashboard with a horizontal layout for greater width, its welcoming seats, its wide and tall central console, and its soft and warm materials enhancing the feeling of protection and comfort.
Unique comfort
The C5 is innovating in the iconic Citroën way. It embodies a significant step in the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme. Taking advantage of the EMP2 platform, it delivers intelligence of architecture and well-being on board. To go further C5 Aircross is the first vehicle to be equipped with the new “Progressive Hydraulic CushionsTM” suspension, improving damping quality for an exceptional level of ride comfort, that is typically Citroën. On board, it is a genuine invitation to travel for every passenger: the space is clear and full of light thanks to the opening panoramic sunroof, the front seats have heating and massage functions, the welcoming rear seats offer leading leg room, and the atmosphere is purified thanks to air quality treatment.
Equipped with a clear and understandable 12.3” TFT digital cluster and a capacitive 8” HD touchscreen, C5 Aircross features an array of driving aids, including Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop function… Endowed with Grip Control and Hill Assist Descent Control to strike off the beaten path in complete safety, the C5 Aircross will also be the first Citroën available with PHEV plug-in hybrid technology.
Unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, as said above, the C5 Aircross will be launched in China in October 2017. It is scheduled to be launched in Europe at the end of 2018.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
We were very keen to see the new Velar after Geneva in our country, and Land Rover chose a rather dramatic setting for it.
Indeed, as Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer puts it, this is a new type of Range Rover, sitting between the Evoque and the Sport, being from design a truly avant-garde Range Rover.
We just show you the pictures and a short film here,
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “New Range Rover Velar unveiled “in the flesh” in a Brussels Church…”
The big Opel model offensive “7 in 17” with seven new models in 2017 is in full swing. After the Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer, the new Ampera-e, Opel adds a newcomer to the crossover segment now with the Crossland X. It is the second member of the Opel X family, joining the bestseller Mokka X.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “A new cool crossover from Opel: the Crossland X”
It is indeed star time in Geneva. Mercedes can already look back the best results in company history, marked by double-digit growth in January (+18.3% vs 2016) and February (+15% vs 2016). But the brand with the three-pointed star is also celebrating four world premieres and two European premieres.
The highlights are the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, which completes the E-Class family, and the Mercedes‑AMG GT Concept.
The brand from Affalterbach is showcasing this four-door Coupé to provide a glimpse of the performance of the future.
Mercedes-Benz at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show: Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales, and the new AMG E 63 Estate +
Also celebrating their world premieres are the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ Estate (Fuel consumption combined: 9.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 206 g/km) and the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster Edition 50 (Fuel consumption combined: 11.4 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 259 g/km). Appearing for the first time in Europe are also the E-Class Coupé and the new GLA.
Unique performance paired with high efficiency and emotional design: the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept.
The performance hybrid system in the GT Concept combines a V8 petrol engine with a powerful electric motor and a modular battery concept. The system offers a compelling electric range and, in its latest iteration, can generate an output of up to 600 kW (816 hp). The GT Concept dispatches the sprint from 0 100 km/h in less than three seconds, nothing less than supercar performance.
E-Class Cabriolet – the fifth member of a popular family
Around one year after its world premiere, the new generation of the E-Class is chalking up sales records. In February 2017, sales of both the Saloon and the Estate increased by more than 70 percent compared with the same month last year. Unveiling the new Cabriolet in Geneva, Mercedes-Benz is now presenting the fifth member of the E Class family, which has been completely renewed and expanded in the space of just one year.
Celebrating the anniversary year – the AMG GT C Roadster Edition 50
The sports car and performance brand from Affalterbach is presenting two more world premieres in the shape of the new GT C Roadster Edition 50 and, as previously mentioned, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ Estate.
The new AMG GT C Roadster Edition 50 is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine. The maximum output is 410 kW (557 hp), while the open-top two-seater needs less than four seconds for the sprint from 0-100 km/h. The exceptionally well-equipped special edition is available worldwide as a limited run of 500 vehicles.
Superlative performance paired with usability – the new AMG E 63 Estate
In the new estate versions of the E 63 4MATIC+ (Fuel consumption combined: 9.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 206 g/km) and the E 63 S 4MATIC+, Mercedes-AMG combines Driving Performance with the high usability and intelligence of the E-Class. The technology keeps the promise made by the appealing sporty design. Superlative performance is supplied by the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with up to 450 kW (612 hp) and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. The new Estate’s 0-100 km/h acceleration of 3.5 seconds is best-in-class.
smart – two special models celebrate their world premiere
The world premiere of two smart special editions rounds off the Group’s appearance in Geneva. On show for the first time are the smart fortwo cabrio BRABUS edition #2 (Fuel consumption combined: 4.2 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 97 g/km) and the smart forfour crosstown edition (Fuel consumption combined: 4.3 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 99 g/km). The open-top BRABUS two-seater is launched as a limited run of 100 units and powered by a 66 kW (90 hp) three-cylinder turbocharged engine combined with the twinamic 6 speed dual-clutch gearbox. On the smart forfour crosstown edition, which has the 66 kW (90 hp) engine and a five-speed manual gearbox, special trim elements give an underbody-protection look that pairs with distinctive sills for a sporty crossover feel.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Porsche is expanding the 911 model line with five new GTS models: from March 2017, the following versions will be available: the 911 Carrera GTS with rear-wheel drive, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS with all-wheel drive – both available as a Coupé and Cabriolet – and the 911 Targa 4 GTS with all-wheel drive. The newly developed 3.0-liter flat-six cylinder with larger turbochargers delivers 450 horsepower, which is 30 horsepower more than the current 911 Carrera S and 20 horsepower above the previous, naturally-aspirated GTS model. All GTS variants are equipped as standard with a seven-speed manual transmission. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission is available as an option, with the manual seven speed gearbox being standard equipment.
…delivering even greater performance
550 Nm of torque further improves acceleration and responsiveness. Maximum torque is available between 2150 and 5000 rpm. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is included as standard on all GTS models. The GTS Coupés still feature the PASM Sport Suspension, which drops the ride height by 0.39 inches (10 millimeters)compared to the PASM suspension, which is standard on all 911 models including the Cabriolet and Targa variants of the GTS.
When equipped with the optional PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) transmission, the Carrera 4 GTS Coupé takes just 3.6 seconds to reach 100 km per hour. This is what we call superfast!
The 911 GTS Coupé with manual transmission and rear-wheel drive is capable of 312 kph, but rest assured, all GTS models are faster than 300 kph…
Typically GTS: Black elements mean business…
The GTS models distinguish themselves within the 911 model line not only in terms of technology, but also in their design: All GTS variants are based on the Carrera 4/4S body, which measures 72.9 inches (1852 mm), even on the rear-wheel-drive models. The new Sport Design front end with a spoiler lip painted in black emphasizes the high-performance character.
Combined with an increased rear spoiler extension height, it reduces lift on the front and rear axle compared to the Carrera S models. Tinted tail lights, rear lid grill strips with a satin black finish and tailpipes in high-gloss black, which are part of the standard Sport Exhaust system, give the GTS a particularly striking appearance. A new black trim strip between the tail lights is featured on the rear-wheel-drive variants. A light strip between the tail lights is reserved for the all-wheel-drive models. Sport Design exterior mirrors, 20-inch center lock wheels painted in satin black, and black GTS logos on the doors represent further visual enhancements.
The characteristic Targa bar, is black with a satin finish for the first time, also gives the 911 Targa 4 GTS a very sporting look.
New Porsche Track Precision app included with extensive standard equipment.
The GTS offers a unique interior. The stopwatch of the standard Sport Chrono Package is now integrated as a central component of the dashboard. The included Porsche Track Precision App has been further enhanced for the market launch of the GTS models. Its features include automatic recording as well as a detailed display and analysis of driving data for smartphones. Just to make you a better driver…
Standard Sport Seats Plus with GTS logos on the headrests provide that lateral support you need for the serious high speed work. They are fitted with a combination of leather and Alcantara® that is highlighted with a new seat stitching. Alcantara® can also be found on the standard GT Sport steering wheel, the gear lever and the armrest, all for that extra grip. The brushed aluminum interior trim is anodized with a black finish.
Good economy…
The GTS remains a feul-efficient automobile. The GTS with the PDK transmission consumes 8,3 l/100 km according to the NEDC. This corresponds with CO2 emissions of 188 g/km.
Prices in Belgium, including VAT:
911 Carrera GTS 128.139,00 €
911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet 141.449,00 €
911 Carrera 4 GTS 135.641,00 €
911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet 148.951,00 €
911 Targa 4 GTS 148.951,00 €
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Here comes the final part of our Brussels Show report. We just let you enjoy all this again, as the show is also soon coming to its end…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Armed with our faithful compact Canon PowerShot G9 X, which takes amazing pictures even with low light, we strolled further to the Nissan stand, where the all new Micra was on display. Nissan expects a lot from this urban gem, which has the all round and versatile qualities you expect from a compact car like this. It is quite agile and downright sporting, delivering lots of driving pleasure for the young at heart. It has good looks too. Soon we come back to this car and are of course keen to drive it soon.
Peugeot was presenting not only a boldly styled, angular lion, it also had its new 3008 compact SUV on the show. Mind you, this angular lion is a work of outstanding craftsmanship: the design center created the shapes of this new interpretation of the iconic lion, but the craftsmen of the firm LA FABRIK worked more than a month to execute the design. The sculpture is made of hardened polystyrene, covered with layers of wax and glass fibre. The used the most modern techniques like digital cutting along not less than five axes, and a lot of sanding by hand was also deemed necessary. The lion was then finally chromed via an electrolysis process, which took not less than 10 days…
The 3008 is restyled and has (almost) the panache of a show car, both inside and out. It must of course also be good to drive, economical and reliable if it is to be competitive in its class. The three cylinder 128 HP petrol engine looks promising on paper, and we expect it to deliver good performance. We look forward to drive it soon… It comes of course with a wide engine choice, both petrol and diesel, and also 6 speed manuals and auto boxes are available.
DS presented on the Brussels Show a new edition on the DS4 Crossback, with a new matte color. The car, dubbed DS 4 Crossback Moondust (due to its grey Platinium matte color) follows here the spring/ summer design trend of the big French fashion houses…
There is also the “Performance Line” available on all DS models, it has a black roof in combination with specific colors for the bodywork and glossy black wheels.
For Citroën, the DS3 took centre stage, an interesting car we also look forward to drive…
Honda presented its new Civic, it was first seen as an engineless prototype in Geneva last year, and it is now, Brexit or not, built in Swindon, UK, by the 3,600-strong workforce for 70 markets around the world… The sporting Type R version is a Nürburgring record breaker, and of course we are also keen to drive the Civic soon…
Kia comes on strong…
In these columns, so far Kia has not appeared so far, and it is about (high) time it does. You all have noticed how well styled they are, thanks to designer Peter Schreyer, now Chief Design Officer at Kia Motors.
Did you know also that Albert Biermann – the man who used to head up BMW’s M Division – is in charge of vehicle testing and high performance development for Kia?
We looked on the show at the compact Rio. Highlight was also the hybrid crossover Niro, which made its Belgian debut at the show.
There was also the EV Soul and last but not least the Optima plug-in hybrid. We will soon take a closer (test drive) look at these cars, and have booked for now a test with the cee’d 1.6 CRDI SW. Kia is coming up strong, did you know that they have 435,316 cars sold in Europe last year, representing year-on-year growth of 13.1%?
Slovakian-built Kia models are now accounting for 55.7% of Kia’s European sales. Kia Motors Slovakia produces three model lines at its Žilina plant: the Sportage, Venga compact MPV, and the cee’d family (comprising five-door cee’d hatchback and cee’d Sportswagon, and the three-door pro_cee’d).
Recently, the top of the range Stinger took centre stage in Detroit: it received an EyesOn Design award for Production Car Design Excellence at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. More on this Stinger in a separate report.
Of course, there is still a lot more, as things go very fast. We suggest you look click on the “car news” category on our site for more news,
and keep an eye on our comments on the forthcoming auto shows…in the meantime, just look at the photos…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Autoprova - for the Connaisseur 