Category: Car technology

The VW Golf is now 50 years with us!

Posted in Automobilia, Car History, Car manufacturers strategy, Car production and factories, Car technology, Classic and Vintage Cars, Classic cars, DesignTagged , , , Leave a comment


The “Ur” Golf, which looks still quite “modern”, 50 years later.

Many people will say that things are changing rapidly, and many things have disappeared or are not what they used to be. Well, we can be sure of one thing: the Golf, the heart of what Volkswagen as a car manufacturer stands for, is still amongst us.

Indeed, during five decades already, the Golf still accompanies us in our automotive life. Since 1974. Then your servant got married, and drove indeed the first Golf as a test car, and has the fondest memories of this first series, especially when testing the Golf GTI. This sporting Golf created nothing short of a legend. 50 years later, the sporting sound of its 1,6 liter 110 HP engine still seduces, as does its handling and acceleration.

The stuff of eternal legends: the Golf GTI

To me, even this very first series is still a “young” car. The straight-line design created by Giorgetto Giugiaro is timeless, the proportions are just right, the “Ur” Golf still looks good from any angle. Just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

An instant hit…

The Golf set out to win hearts. The Golf quickly became a true “Volkswagen”, and the first million units were sold as early as 1976. Now, more than 37 million Golf’s have hit the road.

Over the decades, the portfolio has been expanded to include further variants: besides the GTI, there was also the Golf Cabriolet or Golf Variant, or many others.

With each new model generation, state-of-the-art technologies, safety concepts and convenience features have been incorporated into the compact class. The Volkswagen Golf has thus democratised not just technologies such as the monitored catalytic converter and anti-lock braking system, but also airbags, cruise control and electronic assist systems as well as mild and plug-in hybrid drives.

In the anniversary year 2024, Volkswagen will present the evolutionary development of the eighth Golf generation. It will impress with visually refined features, new assist systems and powertrains, and also next-generation infotainment systems and software. The world premiere of the new Golf is just a few weeks away, with pre-sales scheduled for spring 2024.

Keeping history alive Volkswagen Classic will also accompany the Golf in its anniversary year and will present historic Golf models from the Volkswagen collection on numerous occasions. First rendez-vous is in Paris. From 31 January to 4 February 2024, the Golf Generations I to VII will enhance Volkswagen France’s presence at the “Salon Rétromobile” show in Paris.

Directly afterwards, from 2 to 4 February 2024, Volkswagen will show a Golf I and the unique EA 276 concept car – the Golf predecessor from 1969 developed in Wolfsburg – at the “Bremen Classic Motorshow”.

A long history… with a touch of NSU

In this first report we will focus on the first series. The concept was nothing less than a complete technical revolution for Volkswagen. They had already acquired NSU in 1969, and so the technology of in-line engines was already present in the group, with the VW K70, originally an NSU design, and the famous Prinz 1000 to 1200 TT’s. The K70 was also a front wheel drive car, and the art of “Leichtbau”, or making light bodyworks, was also already acquired with this car.

Technical forerunner of things to come: the in line 1000/1200 cc four cylinder of the NSU Prinz in the late sixties, still air cooled however…

So the beacons were set in terms of technical product design and manufacturing engineering, to make a mass produced light car with transverse 4 cylinder in line engine.

The new Golf was light, some 165 kg lighter as the Beetle. The styling was done by Italdesign under the direction of Giorgetto Giugiaro. The first Golf is also beautifully compact: only 370 cm long. It had some good power, a healthy 50 HP with the basic 1100 cc engine, and 70 HP with the 1,5 litre engine. So the performance was something the Beetle could only dream of. The chassis, suspension and handling were also in another league. On top of it all, the Golf was cheaper to produce, but cost 600 Euros more than the last Beetle 1303…

In 1976 came the Diesel and the GTI version, and as I said, from that moment on, the “modern” VW was a fact…

More soon about the Golf history…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We drove the Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid: smooth Italian (super)power…

Posted in Automobilia, Car technology, Car Tests, Classic cars, Design, E-mobility R &D and solutions, Lifestyle, New Models, UncategorizedTagged , , , Leave a comment

I vividly remember my visit to the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo. Indeed, I sat in the prototype mock up bodywork/interior of the Tonale, and had to be very cautious not to touch anything, as it was made of plaster, clay and wood. I was invited at the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo by Chief designer Klaus Busse and his team, when the plaster and wood prototype of the Tonale was just finished. We admired its typical proportions in tune with the higher stance of an SUV, with a horizontal accent line reminiscent of the styling language of the famous ‘Disco Volante’ two seater, created by Carrozzeria Touring back in 2013 and the original Disco Volante 1900 C52 born 1952, also designed by the Milanese coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring… I just love the the iconic Scudetto grille and certainly the five-hole 20-inch alloys…

Another highlight was the first acquaintance with the plug-in Hybrid version on the Balocco proving ground. See the whole story on these columns, by clicking the following link: https://autoprova.be/2022/11/17/we-drove-the-alfa-romeo-tonale-plug-in-hybrid-q4-in-balocco-the-wonderful-panache-of-todays-efficient-sportiness/ and https://autoprova.be/2022/11/20/the-alfa-romeo-tonale-plug-in-hybrid-q4-the-full-story-of-a-modern-electrified-thoroughbred/

But now read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

So when we took the wheel of our white Tonale Hybrid test car, the sweet memories came back instantly. The Tonale seduces not only with the right proportions and curves of its bodywork, also in the cabin the iconic Alfa Romeo atmosphere reigns. The round instrument clusters, the big sized gearshift paddles around the classic steering wheel inspire the enthusiast, and it is indeed just how an Alfa Romeo should look. The interior is all black andorned with red stitching on dashboard panels and seats, and this is the only color to choose from for the time being…

A swift turn of the “DNA” drive mode selector lets you choose how you want to drive your Tonale for the day. There are three modes to choose from. Dynamic will reveal all the sporting qualities of this 280 HP Tonale, N means “Naturale” or natural, and then this Alfa will choose for you the right propulsion in each situation, adeptly choosing between engine or E-power. When you want to enjoy more the “Zen” smoothness of battery power, then select the “A” mode, and this Tonale will treat you whenever possible to the delights of electric propulsion. Of course, this happy feeling doesn’t last forever with a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Tonale has some 60 kilometers in store for you. When the battery is depleted, the Tonale will switch automatically to the “Naturale” mode, and you then can still enjoy the clever smoothness of hybrid propulsion. The battery is recharged fully after some 2,5 hours when connected to your 240 V home charging plug.

Power

The 1.3-liter MultiAir turbo four and the electric motor produce a total of 280 horsepower, of which 121 are derived solely from the 90-kW electric motor mounted in the rear, as we said, fed by a 15.5-kWh battery pack located under the cabin. All this develops beautiful, smooth punch, which we also fondly remember during our high speed laps on the circuit on the Balocco proving ground. A Giulia Quadrifoglio was then our pace car, and we had no trouble at all following this throughbred beauty, which was driving at 9/10 of its capacities, as the Alfa people  told us afterwards. A smooth avalance of power is yours in this Tonale when you put your foot down. 0 to 100 km/h is reached in 6,2 seconds. This tells the whole story… The top speed is reached at 206 km/h. The MultiAir engine itself develops 180 HP at 5750 rpm, giving it a score of not less than 135,1 HP/L. 

So yes, the Tonale in plug-in Hybrid form is a smooth performer, also thanks to its 6 speed automatic, which reacts nicely to your right foot.  As a bonus, you get four wheel drive thrown in. It is to me a very strong point in favor of this PHEV. When we come to fuel consumption, the official WLTP figure is 1.13-1.48 l/100 km. Let’s say that in pure electric mode, the consumption is stated at 19 kW/100 km, and when you drive solely on petrol, it all depends on your driving style. Anything between 10 and 6 litres/100 km, we would say. Driven with some restraint, an average consumption around 7,3 liters is normally achievable, with some distance driving thrown in, as was proven by our test. Of course, the Tonale scores well on emissions:  CO2 emissions are 26-34 g/km. All these figures are quite remarkable as the Tonale is certainly not a lightweight car with its 1835 kg.

Thoroughbred handling

Despite its all steel underpinnings, the Tonale handles excellent indeed. When you go for the dual-stage valve active suspension, you will find it a smooth companion on pothole filled urban roads. The Tonale feels indeed equally well at home on winding roads when you drive it with abandon, as when you drive it slowly and smoothly in town. The light steering also helps to put a smile on your face, even in tight urban traffic. Stopping power is delivered in the top Veloce version which we tested by Brembo brake calipers, and it is totally beyond reproach.

Infotainment and connectivity

Every Tonale comes standard with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It has the Uconnect 5 software found on other models within the Stellantis group. The home screen can be customized, and you can adapt the interfaces and create not less than five unique user profiles. It has standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as of course wireless phone charging. We must say that sometimes we found the touchscreen rather slow and hesitant to react to our finger pressure, certainly awkward when driving and you want just to perform an easy command with one touch of your finger.

Of course the Tonale offers all the thinkable safety and driver-assist features, like automated emergency braking and a very smooth and subtle adaptive cruise control, which I enjoyed very much. Especially the clever refinement of the adaptive cruise control impressed me. Indeed, enormous progress has been made in this field over the last few years.

Practical

The Tonale offers ample comfort for four, has certainly in the top Veloce version everything you could wish for, and with the entire camera supported driving aids, it is a breeze to drive in town and to park in narrow spaces. Boot space is sufficient, with 385 l with all seats up, and to a maximum of 1430 l with everything flat. You can also use your Tonale as a tow car, and it is good for 1250 kg trailer load with brakes, and 700 kg without.

Conclusion

Stylish, full of panache both inside and out, the plug-in version of the Tonale has a lot to please. Enormous performance, with handling to match, it is a true high-performance Alfa, and thanks to the E-power it delivers this performance effortlessly and smoothly.

When you are in the mood, very decent economy is possible, and in normal everyday driving this leaves you smiling all the way.

All these good qualities DO have a price, but then, beauty in this world is never cheap, is it?

Think about this: the timelessness of the styling, the excellent proportions, the emission values thanks to its hybrid configuration make this Tonale a companion for years, if not decades to come, on all the regions and cities in Europe and beyond, so why not fall in love with this Tonale, and set the right tone for your future mobility…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

A quick and expert repair on our Lexus…

Posted in Car finance and running costs, Car technology, Our Cars, Service & RepairLeave a comment

As the date of the yearly technical inspection was approaching, our faithful Lexus CT200h needed some attention, as the heat shield above the rear exhaust muffler had detached itself, and was making some noises as it touched the muffler every time we hit a road irregularity.

As this happened shortly before the yearly inspection was due, quick action was necessary. We already were impressed by the excellent repair work Hedin Automotive Carrosserie (we would translate in bodywork) had done on our Mercedes B Class, which was hit by another car at the rear, so we decided to call in for a (hopefully) quick repair at their premises.

And so they did! In seconds, they had lifted the car up at the rear, to find out that due to corrosion, the shield had disappeared completely around the bolt where it was attached.

A new larger attachment plate was inserted between bolt and heat shield, and the whole assembly was now again tightly fixed between nut and bolt. So the disturbing rattling noises in our otherwise silent Lexus have now completely disappeared.

Needless to say that we greatly appreciated this excellent service. As they are keen experts in everything about car bodywork, we asked their advice on how to polish your car like a professional. Soon more!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Renault unveils a tip of the veil of its cute 5 E-Tech electric ahead of Geneva Show…

Posted in Automobilia, Car Events, Car manufacturers strategy, Car News, Car presentations, Car Shows, Car technology, Design, E-mobility R &D and solutions, Future car technology, Lifestyle, New ModelsTagged , Leave a comment

Indeed, Renault will enrichen the world with its iconic full electric “Cinq”, reminiscent of its wonderful R5 which stole so many hearts decades ago. With this car, Renault wants to bring EV driving to the masses, affordable and with a distinct link to its glorious past.

The car will be a star on the 26 February at the Geneva International Motor Show, and it now starts gradually unveiling details of the car.

The headlights of R5 are a key design feature, making the front end instantly recognisable. It is not only their shape that sets them apart, but also the mark in the centre of the lens, resembling the pupil of the human eye.  This nod to the 1972 advert featuring “The Adventures of Supercar” gives the modern-day R5 a human-like expression.

At the front end, the air intake present on the bonnet of the historic model has disappeared. Clearly showing that Renault 5 E-Tech electric belongs to the world of electric vehicles, it has been replaced by a charge indicator light forming the iconic number “5” when the vehicle is fully charged.

The wheel arches create a broader stance, giving R5 the look of a compact car with real on-road presence. Their graphic design underlines a unique and instantly recognisable personality, reminiscent of R5 Turbo.

The vertical rear lights were a hallmark of the R5, and here they include a function extending the side panel.

R5 R Pass, a skip-the-line programme for online customers

At the end of last month, Renault is rolled out a unique experience for future customers: the R5 R Pass programme. R5 R Pass holders will be able to order the new iconic all-electric vehicle in the Renault network 10 days before orders open to the general public. Customers placing an order during this special period will be among the lucky first to take delivery of their vehicle from autumn 2024, with the ElectriCity plant in Douai, France, giving priority to their order on the production line. Holders of an R5 R Pass will receive a scale model of Renault 5 E- Tech electric after its reveal and will be the first to access content and events around Renault 5.

Available at a cost of €150, the R5 R Pass will be available from http://www.renault.fr/r5 and in the seven participating countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium and the Netherlands).

An all-electric city icon…

Just 3.92m long, Renault 5 E-Tech electric is every inch a city car. Ideal for urban driving, this all-electric icon is also fit for the open road with its 52 kWh battery giving it a range of up to 400 km WLTP. This battery will be the first available when orders open. A second 40 kWh battery will become available at a later date.

Renault 5 E-Tech electric will be the first vehicle built on the new AmpR Small platform (formerly CMF-B EV), designed for true driving pleasure. The multi-link rear suspension, usually found only on vehicles further up the market, contributes to the excellent stability and roadholding.

Renault will gradually show more of its new all-electric baby. Stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We drove the Opel Grandland GSe: sporting pleasure for the family…

Posted in Automobilia, Car technology, Car Tests, Lifestyle, New ModelsLeave a comment

Opel brings sportiness and driving pleasure with their GSe range, and you can read our positive comments in our columns on the Astra GSe. But besides the Astra, the popular Grandland SUV, is now also offered in this more dynamic GSe version, and Opel has gone all the way with a 4 WD variant, having two electric motors combined with a 147 kW/200 HP 4 cylinder petrol engine. The front electric motor is good for 81 kW/110 hp, the rear electric motor develops 83 KW/113 hp. Total system power is a whopping 300 HP and what’s even more important, one enjoys a delightful 520 Nm of torque… Driving pleasure warranted, we would say, just read further!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Sporting exterior…

The Grandland gets now besides its earlier “sunvisor” front restyling a further makeover with sporting touches: last but not least the nice 19 inch alloys which are taken straight from the Manta electric prototype, a distinct rear spoiler and a black painted engine bonnet color, which costs you not even 200 Euros extra and make the Grandland visually very attractive. Of course, Opel aficionados know that the sporting Kadetts and Mantas had their engine hoods also painted (matte) black as was “de rigueur” in the rallying world in their days, and Opel continues this tradition.

Smooth power…

So there is plenty of oomph with this Grandland GSe. Despite its 1867 kilo kerb weight, the car will sprint from 0 to 100 in merely 6,1 seconds, and is a true “Autobahnmeister” with a top speed of 235 km/h. Also in pure electric mode, the two electric motors provide ample power for dynamic driving.

The power delivery is very smooth indeed, and also when driving slowly in very dense traffic, there is not the slightest hint of jerkiness and also vibrations are virtually absent. The noise level of the very efficient petrol engine is very subdued.

The driver has the choice between several driving modes:

Electric: In electric mode, the Grandland GSe, the 113 HP rear electric motor is the default power unit. When the driver presses the accelerator fully (kick-down), the combustion engine and the front electric motor switch on. Performance with the sole rear motor is adequate, the the top speed with purely electric drive is 135 km/h.

All-wheel drive: In all-wheel drive mode, the Grandland GSe is driven by the front and rear wheels. The vehicle offers permanent electric all-wheel drive and runs purely electrically in all-wheel mode up to 80 km/h. If a wheel spins, or when more power is required and/or the state of charge of the battery drops, the combustion engine switches on, which it does anyway at speeds above 80 km/h.

Sport: this mode combines the power of the combustion engine and the electric motors.

Hybrid: Here the car always runs in the most efficient way. Depending on the driving conditions and driving style, the combustion and electric motors work together or separately, and this is steered automatically.

Suffice to say that during our test, we drove the Grandland GSe mostly in this very smooth hybrid mode.

Just notice that when you push the gear selector two times backward, you engage the “B” mode, and when you lift the throttle, the electric motor acts as a generator.

Consumption depends of course totally on how you drive the Grandland and how frequently you (re)charge it. The consumption according to the WLTP norm is 1.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions are 28-27 g/km. When driven in urban traffic with restraint, a consumption around 7-8 litres/100 km is possible, with this SUV thi is no small feat…

… and a superbly well tuned suspension and steering.

All this performance must of course not only be used in a safe and responsible manner, but is also to be thoroughly enjoyed.

Therefore, the Opel engineers, led by Dr. Christian Hartweg, got seriously to work on the chassis and steering.  The result is impressive to say the least, and indeed puts a smile on your face…

They equipped the Grandland (and the Astra GSe models) with special KONI FSD dampers.

Depending on the situation, road surface and driving style, the special springs and dampers with KONI FSD technology enable different damping characteristics. This means comfortable gliding at high shock frequencies – with short impacts such as on cobblestones – as well as for a sporty, ambitious driving style and more direct contact with the road at low frequencies in suspension movement.

The car is more responsive and agile. There is virtually no body roll in corners, and is absolutely stable under heavy braking, cornering and at high speeds on the Autobahn.

The key of this FSD technology lies in the fact that the dampers have an additional valve and a second hydraulic circuit. The car is consequently either more comfortable or sportier to drive, depending on whether the valve is open or closed.

The steering was also newly calibrated, and indeed adds greatly to the driving pleasure with its added precision.

Excellent seats, well finished cabin

The seats deserve almost a separate chapter. Excellent in lateral support, these alcantara clad beauties take also very good care of your back, as they are AGR certified orthopedic seats…

The choice of materials is very good, and the “less is more” dashboard layout philosophy in found in the two large touchscreens with clear, uncluttered info on them, reduced to the max as they say, and indeed very restful for the driver.

Under these displays is an array of round “analog” knobs, which are fully self explaining and let you get to terms with this Grandland in a breeze.

Their styling is not as clean and angular as one finds in the new Astra, as they breathe the styling language of a few years ago, but they are a joy to use.

The Grandland offers good space fore and aft, the room in the luggage compartment is somewhat restricted by the second motor, but the rear seats have a split folding layout and they leave an opening for longer items, so this Grandland is very fit for everyday family use.

Conclusion

This Grandland has some formidable qualities: smooth, fast, sporting, roomy, well styled and last but not least well built. It is electrified, therefore future safe. Its hybrid character lets you enjoy undisturbed mobility, and that’s something we increasingly appreciate. So have a long look at this one!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We spoke with Milosz Tomanek, Premium Cluster Director Belux, about Lancia’s renaissance…

Posted in Automobilia, Car manufacturers strategy, Car News, Car presentations, Car technology, Concept Cars, Design, E-mobility R &D and solutions, Fashion, Future technologies, Interviews, Lifestyle, New Models, prototypesLeave a comment

In the magnificent surroundings of the Italian embassy in Brussels, we talked with Milosz Tomanek about Lancia’s return to the Belux market…

At the presentation of the Lancia Pu+Ra HPE and the announcement of the return of Lancia in Belgium, we had an interesting talk with the Director of the Premium Cluster Belux at Stellantis, on the opportunities of the iconic brand on the Belux market…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Q: The Belgian market has much potential for Lancia, but due to its long absence, the question arises what is now your client base and what is your approach to re-enter our market? We have the Dutch approach, where the market is already very digitised. Both countries have a very large fleet market, and this will also be the challenge for Lancia…

MT: Indeed, the fleet market is with around 70 pct of the total volume very important. For the premium segment, its share is even 80 pct. When we want to re-launch Lancia, we have to establish ourselves in this fleet market too. This is also the reason why we have electrified the new Ypsilon, and are offering a plug-in hybrid version as well as a full electric variant.

When we want to re-launch a brand, we have also to take the right steps to grow. We have to start from a solid base. The B segment is quite large in Belgium with a total volume of not less than 125.000 cars. We also have the private client. His market importance has admittedly diminished over time, but he exists. When a new model is launched by an Italian brand, it is the private client who is the first to show substantial interest.

Driven mostly by family members or acquaintances which had previous ties with the brand. When it was rumoured that Lancia would come back to Belgium, many private clients reacted eagerly to the news. This shows clearly that Lancia still stirs emotions and interest amongst many. Clients which are looking for emotion, design, a sporting touch, elements which are intrinsically part of Lancia. We must certainly not overlook this segment.

Q: I also think that the interest of the private client forms the basis for the subsequent appeal of the brand in the fleet market. Don’t you agree?

MT: Indeed, this is why the private client constitutes the basis of our market approach.

Q: Will you adopt for Lancia a similar service model which Stellantis uses for the other premium brands in the group, like DS for instance? MT: What you are saying now is somewhere the essence of the premium approach, but we have three brands with their own, specific identity. If you put the three brands in a showroom, the clients will invariably go to the niche or corner of their brand. But of course, what DS has established and built over the last few years is valuable. We have to offer a credible and worthy alternative of the German brands. Having said this, we have to offer a client experience which is at least as good as what the German competition is offering. But we don’t have to merely copy their approach. The client has to discover the identity of the brand in his service experience. Therefore we cannot simply copy what DS or Alfa does for its clients, but we take the right elements which are in line with the identity and character of the brand.  Last but not least we have to offer a proper atmosphere of the reception and showrooms of the dealerships.

One of my tasks is to find the synergies, but always with an eye for the specific identity of the brand. We don’t want to be merely a corner within the Alfa showroom, we want to offer a complete client experience, but then of course we will use the best practices learned with DS and Alfa Romeo. One must not forget that despite their iconic and long history, these brands are relatively young for the Belgian market in terms of a substantial market presence. But the brands nourish each other, this is also important for our distribution network.

There will be 10 dealers this year which will have also Alfa or even the three premium brands under one roof, and we see that proven best practices are shared for the three brands, inspiring but not cannibalizing each other in their specific client approach.  

Q: We will see the Ypsilon in a full electric and electrified hybrid version, also to enable a smooth transition for the existing Ypsilon owners to this electric age, which is certainly indicated for senior clients who live in urban areas and apartments…

MT: Indeed, there is a philosophy behind this. We will not dictate what the client has to buy. We will listen to the client, but at the same time we have to project what the client of the future will buy. We notice that the market is getting more mature what full electric purchases is concerned, and political decisions now cause a rapid expansion of this segment. But this switch is slower for clients living in urban areas.  

Thanks to the financial strength of the Stellantis Group, we could carefully work out our renaissance strategy and roll it out judiciously step by step. This consistency has helped me when I started up the team and the retailers were identified. Credibility was already created. One should keep in mind that irrespective of the fact that a brand has been absent of the market for 5 or 10 years, you only have one chance to (re)launch a brand successfully. You have to do it right. I am convinced we are doing it the correct way…

Q: Thank you for this interview.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Lancia is back…

Posted in Automobilia, Car Events, Car News, Car presentations, Car technology, Concept Cars, Design, E-mobility R &D and solutions, Fashion, Future car technology, Lifestyle, New Models, prototypesLeave a comment

Belgium has always been a country with many Lancia enthusiasts, and the iconic brand returns therefore in its renaissance strategy also to our country and Luxemburg as one of its 6 major European markets. We could witness the presentation at the Italian embassy in Brussels of the beautiful and stunning Lancia Pu+Ra HPE, a concept car which embodies, as Lancia puts it,  “the brand manifesto for the next 10 years in terms of design, interior home feeling, sustainability, electrification and effortless technology.” We will come back in more detail on the styling and innovations incorporated in this car, which will indeed be a harbinger of things to come for the brand.

At the press conference, we listened to four speakers, Mr. F. Colonnese Business Development Manager EE (see photo here above) , Mr. C. Louwerse_Premium Cluster Director NL, Mr. Milosz Tomanek_Premium Cluster Director Belux and last but not least Emanuele Tomassorri, Exterior Designer.

We could have an interview with both misters Tomanek and Tomassorri, which you will see further soon in our columns.

Milosz Tomanek, Director of the Stellantis Premium Cluster in Belgium and Luxembourg (photo here above) stated “as soon as we announced Lancia return to Belgium and Luxembourg, we set up a dedicated team to work on and implement the brand Renaissance, making of Lancia the brand that embodies the Italian elegance. For the launch of the new Ypsilon in 2024, we will have 10 retailers and 13 after-sales service points. We are ready to have Lancia back and make of Belgium and Luxembourg two of the main European markets for Lancia.” Lancia will also launch the Gamma in 2026 and last but not least the Delta in 2028. From 2026, Lancia will only be launching 100% electric models and, from 2028, it will only sell 100% electric cars.

Lancia’s Roadmap for Europe

Lancia’s arrival in Belgium and Luxembourg is another step of the brand’s Renaissance towards its internationalization and forms part of a roadmap in line with the Stellantis “Dare Forward 2030” strategic plan.

By the first half of 2024, the brand will have 70 new retailers in 70 major European cities and 100% of the letters of intent have already been signed. The strategy involves, as Lancia puts i officially, a new efficient and innovative distribution model, with a selected number of retailers based on a key concept of Lancia Renaissance: quality.

The new showrooms will provide customers with a totally immersive experience, both online and offline, recreating a “home feeling” atmosphere, thanks to materials, colors and attention to detail, inspired by Italian architecture and design.

As said, more soon with interviews and further separate reports and comments on the design of the Pu+Ra HPE…

we just tell you here that the name Lancia Pu+Ra HPE is based on Pu+Ra, the brand’s new pure and radical design language, whereas HPE stands for ‘High-Performance Electric’…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We drove the Mercedes GLC 400e  4MATIC: a plug-in hybrid with the luxury and panache of the good star…

Posted in Automobilia, Car News, Car technology, Car Tests, Design, E-mobility R &D and solutions, Lifestyle, New ModelsLeave a comment

Mercedes is an expert in designing and building premium lifestyle cars, and has with its new GLC Coupé a new and strong contender in this segment. The Coupé version is a more sporty and stylish looking variation on the GLC SUV, which is indeed one of its absolute bestsellers. This Mercedes combines good proportions with stylish surfaces and, certainly in the AMG Line version we tested, a beautiful interior. Mercedes says when stepping into its cars, it feels like coming home. We can only agree. All this is combined with state of the art plug-in technology. Just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Indeed, the Mercedes GLC looks good, albeit the overall silhouette of these bigger SUV Coupés are a bit chunky. The AMG Line version we drove The AMG Line is available with 19-inch or 20-inch mixed-profile tyres and wheel arch liners in the vehicle color. Also offered as optional extras are easy-entry running boards and last but not least a so-called “Night package.”

The interior is a chapter on its own…

Indeed it is… The color of the seats and upholstered panels was very well matched to the exterior, and indeed the generous trim area flows seamlessly into the curved centre console. Standard for the AMG line is the leather-lined dashboard with nappa-look beltlines, and it is a pleasure to see and touch. Some trim elements have innovative surfaces. In our test car, these included interpretations of open-pored wood veneers in brown, with aluminum inlays.

Of course, we find a further improved MBUX operating system in front of us. . The 12.3-inch (31.2 cm) LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float freely above the trim surface. The 11.9-inch (30.2 cm) portrait format central display rises from the centre console and likewise seems detached from the trim surface. Like the dashboard, the screen surface is slightly angled towards the driver, which makes it a bit awkward for the front passenger to imput commands on the screen and seeing the resulting information…There is a special tactile slider command for the sound volume, which reacts indeed more positively and faithfully to your finger input.

A new feature which we liked aesthetically is the floating control cluster, into which the door opener and seat adjustment controls are integrated.

Driving: enjoying workmanship and efficient performance…

There is something unique about driving a Mercedes. It is the feeling of solidity, absolute workmanship, enhanced by the opulence of the interior and the experience of an ultra solid bodywork and chassis. A Mercedes will never really invite you to throw it around corners but nevertheless lets you feel its sheer power and high performance capability. You feel indeed that it is fully ready to do great things, but it will rather invite you into a sedate and responsible driving style. Of course it has the performance.

We tested the 400e, which is the plug-in hybrid version with a 2 litre petrol engine, delivering not less than 185 kW/252 hp at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 2,000-3,200 rpm. But that’s not all. It is assisted by a 100 kW electric motor delivering also 440 Nm of torque. You understand that this makes for effortless, instant accelerations. This Mercedes will catapult you from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,6 seconds, and the top speed is also almost in supercar league with a good 239 km/h. Total system power by the way is 280 kW/381 hp, and total system torque not less than 650 Nm.

But don’t expect a nervous supercar when you are driving it in town. The 100 kW electric motor will take most of the honors, and drive you whisper smooth over the city boulevards. If you choose the hybrid driving mode, it will in default configuration (you can select another configuration of course) run on battery first, until it is depleted, and this especially in urban driving conditions.  According to the WLTP test cycle, the electric range varies between 119-131 kilometers. But you can also choose to hold the battery charge constant for later use, and then there is also the obligatory sport mode. You can also choose for instance the electric “all-terrain” mode, the choice is yours…indeed, it is a 4MATIC…  

The battery has a rated capacity of 31.2 kWh, and is an in-house development by Mercedes-Benz. . Starting from empty, a full recharge with the optional 60 kW DC charger is completed in around 30 minutes. The GLC Coupé is equipped as standard with an 11 kW three-phase AC charger.

The full electric power is available up to 140 km/h. It should also be noted that in the new GLC Coupé, Mercedes-Benz uses a so called “electromechanical brake booster”. It automatically  controls the flexible transition between hydraulic braking and recuperation, depending on the driving situation, to ensure optimal energy recovery and braking performance at all times. Indeed, we noticed that even in the “battery hold” position, after we braked almost to a standstill, we then drove for a few hundred meters on battery power when we continued our route, just based on the electric energy we recuperated during the previous braking.

Excellent agility and comfort The GLC Coupé is also surprisingly agile. It has a new four-link front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension mounted to a subframe. The hybrids have air suspension and level control at the rear axle as standard too. On request the new GLC Coupé is available with the so-called “Tech Package.” This includes the AIRMATIC air suspension system and active rear-axle steering with a 4.5° steering angle. A very positive handling is the result. The steering has a variable ratio as standard, and this also helps to give you the impression of steering a smaller car. Of course, comfort is paramount in this GLC.

The optional ENERGIZING Plus package brings them to life at the touch of a button or by voice command and bundles them in up to seven comfort programmes. At the same time, the system creates a matching atmosphere in the interior – e.g. invigorating in case of fatigue or relaxing in case of an elevated stress level. The ENERGIZING COACH suggests an appropriate fitness or wellness programme based on vehicle and trip data… need we say more? We can only say that the seats are excellent fore and aft, and that indeed long trips are restful in this Mercedes. Of course the GLC offers excellent stability on motorways and open roads, with very little road or wind noise reaching the cabin.

Another novelty with the GLC Coupé: there is a trailer menu and towing route planner for navigation: In the central display, routes can be planned that are suitable for driving with the previously defined trailer. This takes into account permitted widths and heights along the route, among other aspects.

Efficient

Plug-in hybrids have a varied consumption pattern, largely depending on how you use it. WLTP figures for combined fuel consumption are 0.6-0.5 l/100 km, with weighted combined power consumption being 22.4-20.2 kWh/100 km. We noted that when cruising in the “battery hold” function between 110-120 km on the open road, that the excellent aerodynamics of the GLC resulted in a consumption of… 5,7 l/100 km.

Practical

The GLC has of course all the thinkable infotainment on board, and we also enjoyed the masterful Burmester® surround sound system, offering 15 premium speakers and a total output of 710 watts.  With even more boot volume than before, the GLC Coupé offers 390–1,335 litres in plug-in hybrid form. The EASY-PACK tailgate is standard. This opens or closes at the touch of a button using the ignition key, the switch in the driver’s door or the unlocking handle on the tailgate.

Standard equipment of the new GLC Coupé already includes the AVANTGARDE Line, among other features. This includes large displays, smartphone integration, wireless phone charging and heated seats for drivers and passengers.

The new GLC Coupé has LED High Performance headlamps as standard. DIGITAL LIGHT is available as an optional extra. The light is created by a matrix of LEDs in the headlight unit that can be individually controlled.

Conclusion

This stylish premium SUV in the plug-in hybrid form as we tested here for you marries the best of all worlds. It gives you the pleasant “Zen” feeling of E-driving, with the range and long distance performance of a conventional IC engined supercar. All this in utter quietness and comfort, combined with sleek styling, a cabin which is a pleasure to look at and touch, with an opulent and tasteful interior and instrumentation which makes you indeed feel utterly at home. It offers all the room and space you want, is at home on any road, and even off the road too. Last but not least, it is even a very practical and sturdy towing car. Last but not least, it is future proof with its 140 km E-range… so a car to have and cherish indeed…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We drove the new Mercedes A-Class AMG line: a compact gem…

Posted in Automobilia, Car News, Car presentations, Car technology, Car Tests, Design, Lifestyle, New ModelsLeave a comment

The ever so popular A-Class recently got a face-lift, and it was for us an  excellent opportunity to get behind the wheel of the latest edition of this very capable car with the iconic star. To tell you right away, it proved a wonderful experience, proving amply how good, well balanced and mature this A-class has become. An an icing on the cake, our good looking test car was sprayed in iridium silver and was equipped with the very tasteful AMG line, which gave this A-Class just this extra panache which made it stand out as a true Mercedes-Benz, just as we liked it.

We would say, read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Dynamic looks

The facelifted A-Class looks sporty, even more so in the hatchback version we tested. The front end is dominated by a distinct shark nose, as Mercedes puts it, and the sloping bonnet shows two distinct power bulges, reminiscent of the legendary 300 SL…ah, it reminds us from the beautiful time we had behind the wheel of one in Marbella, celebrating 50 years of SL…

But also this A-Class lets you dream. Just have a look already at its gleaming AMG alloys, the dual exhausts and the new rear diffuser.

A cabin with the unique atmosphere of the good star… The cabin of this AMG line A-Class has plenty of atmosphere. The steering wheel is not only a steal to look at, it also feels great in your hands, the double horizontal spokes let you have all the functions at your fingertips. The latest version of the MBUX makes your life easier, and the dual screen display puts all the info crystal clear in front of you. Of course, the central screen is a touchscreen, but can also be controlled via the commands on the steering wheel.

The latest  version of MBUX has a plethora of useful functions. For instance, did you know that you can prepare the car optimally for a car wash by a simple touch? All the well proven driving aids are of course also at your fingertips, and we appreciated very much in urban manoeuvring and parking the 360 degree camera which offers very crisp images. The camera retracts under the boot lid and so shields itself from the elements, staying always nicely clean.

The look of the digital instrument display can be customised of course. You can choose the “Classic” layout with round dials for speed and revs, “Sporty”  with the dynamic rev counter, or “Discreet” with reduced content. There are also three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service) and seven colour worlds.

The dashboard is studded with beautiful round air vents, which have become a hallmark for the Mercedes passenger cars, and are nicely sculpted and heavily chromed here, providing a striking contrast with the dark interior. Below these vents one finds a row of buttons for all the necessary ventilation and heating functions, making daily life with the A Class a pleasant experience for everyone, even when unfamiliar with the car.

Of course you will find Android Auto and Apple Carplay in this Merc, so using your phone fully is a proverbial breeze…you also have extra charging points too.

Ideal seating and comfort The AMG Line sports excellent looking seats with integrated headrests, with a nice looking contrasting red stitching, which is also seen on the steering wheel and door panels.  The seats, with their three dimensionally embossed Artico upholstery, as Mercedes puts it, offer excellent support and comfort, are adjustable over a very wide range.

The same goes for the steering wheel, so an ideal seating position is soon found. Seating comfort is one of the strong points of a Mercedes, along with the well studied and honed ergonomics. We also liked the positioning of the small gear lever on the steering column, so you have hardly to lift your hand from the steering wheel when choosing forward, reverse or parking.

Dynamic driving pleasure…

Your servant owns now already for seven years a 180 B Class, which with its smooth 1,6 litre engine is laid out for silent and comfortable transport. The present A Class has clearly a different, more dynamic and sporting  character. This is already manifest when pushing the starting knob. The 1332 cc four cylinder emits a pleasant throb, and indeed lets itself heard. The engine revs willingly at the slightest blip of the throttle, and is quite dynamic of the mark. Even in comfort or eco mode, the engine tends to rev up from standstill, giving you quite brisk accelerations.

The governing electronics of the 7 speed automatic has clearly been laid out for this. Despite this sporting bias, the new belt-driven starter-generator (RSG) noticeably improves the comfort in start/stop situations. A lower-vibration and quieter start is the result, and in addition, it allows ‘sailing’ with the combustion engine switched off during steady cruising. During braking and overrun, the RSG recuperates and thus supplies the 12-volt on-board network and the 48-volt battery. The energy thus generated can then be put to good use when accelerating,  giving the combustion engine an extra boost of 10 kW. It makes the A 180 quite dynamic, even in the 100 kW version we drove. It increases the torque and pulling power of the 1,3 litre engine massively at small throttle openings, and lets you drive with zest in city traffic without impairing economy. Soon enough, one learns to avoid the engine revving too high when moving from standstill, by gently lifting the throttle as soon as revs increase above 2000 rpm.

It triggers the gearbox to change into second, and you repeat this for the third gear. Afterwards, the electronic steering system of the gearbox notices that you use small throttle openings at higher speeds and will further inequivocally choose the highest gear possible. Not only does this increase the pleasure of a “zen” driving, it also greatly helps economy. Urban consumptions dropped from 11-12 litres/100 km to around 8 l/100 km after we learned this.

Mercedes drivetrain engineers must have honed the gearbox and engine management to do this, despite the sporting bias, as when you lift the throttle gently in first gear, it immediately starts to coast when changing up, making the operation very smooth. Of course, in the “sport” mode, the gearbox will keep the gears engaged until at least 3000 rpm, and its behavior is decidedly sporting. At constant speed, even in the sport mode, economy is very good indeed. Mercedes quotes 6.4 – 5.8 l/100 km as combined fuel consumption according to WLTP standards, with combined CO2 emissions being 145.0 – 133.0 g/km.

Autobahn Meister

As a German car befits, this Mercedes feels totally at home on the Autobahn. With a pleasant throb and in total unstressed stability, the speedometer needle rises to 215 km/h. Overall, the performance leaves nothing to be desired, with the 0 to 100 km/h sprint being absolved in 9,2 seconds. And this is just the “base” power version of the A Class range…

Impeccable handling

Of course, performance means nothing if it is not well controlled. Here the beautiful handling of this AMG Line A-Class has to be applauded. With virtually no body roll, it steers with precision, with excellent feedback felt in the delightful steering wheel, which is such a pleasure to touch. Winding roads are the preferred playground of this A-Class, combined with as we said, excellent high speed manners and stability. Of course, the brakes are fully up to the task. The suspension strikes also an ideal balance between comfort and sportiness.

Living with the A-Class

Mercedes tells us it is the Class for everyday, and we can only agree. We drove the hatchback version, and it is a roomy four seater. Standard luggage space is not enormous with 350 liters, but then the split rear seat folds back in seconds, to transport for example the larger paintings I had to bring to my solo exhibition I held at the District House in Wilrijk, nearby Antwerp. We already mentioned the MBUX infotainment system, which makes life pleasant with the A-Class. When you think you know everything, just read fully its manual. You will discover even more… The same goes for all the driving aids you have at your disposal.

Conclusion

The A-Class has matured over the years into a truly superb automobile. Carriying the unique panache of the brand in looks, finish quality and styling, it continues to do so in handling, comfort, performance, economy and durability. You enter in the world of the three pointed star, as you get indeed everything the brand stands for when you slide behind its wheel. Just push the button. It’s a Mercedes.

We drove the new DS 7 E-Tense: elegance, comfort and power, the French way…

Posted in Car manufacturers strategy, Car News, Car technology, Car Tests, Design, E-mobility R &D and solutions, Lifestyle, New ModelsLeave a comment

DS Automobiles is going from strength to strength: it succeeds admirably in making cars with a very distinct character and style, with French “savoir faire” and bold, elegant design of both bodywork and dashboard and interior, creating a unique proposition in today’s car market. They also embarked into electrification: their model range is virtually completely electrified.

The new DS7 shows this again: it is available with not less than three so-called “E-Tense” plug-in hybrid versions, but then also still offered with the well proven BlueHDI 130 Diesel engine… fit for those who drive long distances on a (very) regular basis. We tested here for you the E-tense plug-in version, fit for electrified mobility. Read more about it here below…

The latest version of the DS 7, dubbed the “New” DS 7, has a restyled front with sharper lines, adding indeed further panache and “noblesse” to its stance. The work was carried out in close cooperation between the team of the Paris DS Design Studio and the production team at the Mulhouse factory.

Special attention has been given to refining the light signature. The headlamps – DS calls them DS PIXEL LED VISION 3.0 – are slimmer, and the daytime running lights are also seamlessly integrated. DS calls them LIGHT VEIL, and this consists besides the classic daytime running light also of four vertical luminous bands with not less than 33 LEDs. DS used an innovative process here: the laser-etched polycarbonate surface is only painted on the inner side. This results in a look alternating between light and body coloured parts, and gives the lighting effect of a piece of jewelery. Very refined indeed…

The Pixel Led Vision 3.0 headlamps have pixel modules which optimize the light output. For example the lighting in corners is controlled by the exterior LED’s of the pixel modules, depending on the steering angle. The LED rear lights are slimmer, boot lid and badge have been restyled and the “DS Automobiles” name is now wide lettered on the rear, adding a premium touch…

Our test car, in Opera trim and painted in a very fitting Eclipse Blue, had 20 inch “Tokio” alloys, which suited the car fine.

Interior with panache

We absolutely loved the styling and finish of dashboard and interior. The commands for the windows are neatly lined up on the centre console, are uniquely elegant and at the same time very ergonomic indeed. The central 12 inch instrument panel is intuitive to use and can be totally personalized.

We also loved its graphics, and the sound volume control in its center, a finely chiseled tube which one rolls up and down, marvelously simple and ergonomic. Of course we loved the clock in the centre of the dashboard. All round visibility is also greatly en enhanced by new high-resolution digital cameras. We also loved the comfortable seats, which have also – noblesse oblige – a high quality Nappa leather upholstery inspired by the metal bracelet of a luxury watch.

Also the steering wheel has the unique “feel” which custom made leather stitching offers, and adds to the overall sense of refinement this DS 7 evokes. We also loved the superb Focal Electra sound system.

Comfort

The DS 7 has standard a formidable camera controlled damping system, called DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION. It has to be experienced to be believed. Electronics make it possible. Indeed, the camera scans the road surface ahead, and then adjusts each wheel independently to deliver this unique “carpet” ride. We just loved it, and it makes this DS 7 really stand out.

We left the drive mode throughout the test mostly in “comfort” mode, and it was a dream to drive the DS 7 like this. This comfortable setup does not impair handling, and indeed you can drive this DS 7 in a spirited manner over winding roads. Stability and surefootedness in the wet is also beyond reproach.

Sound insulation at speed is also top notch, and this makes the DS 7 a true “grande routière”. Wind noise is also absent, and motorway cruising with the DS 7 is literally an undisturbed pleasure. It remains completely smooth and silent at speed, and it is rather easy to surpass the speed limits, so one is well advised to use the cruise control on motorway journeys.

Performance

The DS 7 “E-Tense” we tested was the 225 HP version, which has a 180 HP 1,6 litre petrol engine driving the front wheels through an 8 speed automatic, as well as a 110 HP electric motor. A very smooth combination, with imperceptible transitions from combustion to E-power, offering the delightful feel of E-power in urban traffic, and a smooth power flow of the petrol engine on the open road.

Of course, plug-in hybrids need to be charged frequently to enjoy this (urban) electric propulsion, good for the environment and your car loving heart. The cost of this depends greatly on your charging situation, public charging stations tend to become rather expensive, and this rather sooner than later. The battery is new, with a 14.2 kWh capacity. This means that you can charge it in about 2 hours on a 7.4 kW charger. The range is – according to WLTP AER combined – a good 65 km. Acceleration is of course excellent with all this pulling power. The petrol engine is rather sporting when more power is called for, but otherwise is almost inaudible. The DS 7 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h is 8,9 seconds, the top speed is an impressive 225 km/h.

Economy

This is the thing with plug-in hybrids. The E-power possibility distorts the consumption figures of course, and they can be seen as largely theoretical, but then again, they form a basis of comparison. The DS 7 225 HP E-tense has officially 28 g/km of CO2 emissions and the fuel consumption is homologated at 1,2 litre/100 km.

 When the battery is flat, then the real life petrol consumption becomes important. Much – if not everything -depends here on how you drive. We achieved a consumption between 7 and 8 litres/100 km, adopting a fluent, anticipative driving style with nevertheless a lot of urban traffic included. One should always keep in mind that this is a 1,7 tonne SUV, and there is no escape from the laws of physics…

Practical

The DS 7 offers a good array of electronic driving assistance systems; of course one can also enjoy Apple Car Play. Our test car was also equipped with DS Drive Assist, an adaptive cruise control with stop and start without driver intervention. The DS 7 has ample room for five, boot space is also adequate with a volume of 555/1712 litres. The petrol tank is rather small with 42 litres, reminding you to recharge the battery of your plug-in Hybrid. The DS 7 is also a fairly good tow car, with 750 kg weight allowed unbraked, and 1275 kg braked.

Conclusion

The DS 7 appeals to customers who are looking for refinement, elegance and individuality when it comes to choosing a car. They also get a good portion of “savoir faire” Français, the Gallic way of doing things, and this makes a DS automobile really stand out. Then there is the fabulous comfort of this DS7, which is also unique in its segment. Performance and economy also tick all the boxes, and the plug-in hybrid layout gives you all the liberty of movement one could wish for in our Europe where the E-energy providers are hardly certain that they can supply enough electricity to cope with a fast transition the coming years towards full EV, and the availability of charging points still needs a massive effort from the EU member states, except the Netherlands…

Hans Knol ten Bensel