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…
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.
The very popular Astra Grand Tourer occupies a quite unique position in the EV segment: instead of the usual SUV, it is a low slung station wagon, and indeed combines style and looks with roominess and practicality. Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
We already drove the Astra in a full electric version, and we were indeed quite impressed. Of course we were keen to drive for you the Sports Tourer station wagen version here. It certainly has the good looks, and also the extra practicality. The electric Astra has a 54-kWh lithium-ion battery with 102 battery cells housed in 17 modules. The motor delivers 115 kW or 156 hp and 270 Nm of torque at the front wheels.
More than sufficient to deliver zesty performance, providing these delightful instant accelerations from very low speeds which we have come to love so much with EV’s.
The biggest advantage I personally find is the absolute smoothness of the propulsion an electric motor gives you. It adds so much driving pleasure when driving at slow speeds in (urban) traffic, transforming it in an absolute ”Zen’’ experience. My Audi A5 V6 with its CVT transmission attains the same smoothness and pulling power, but it needs a 3 litre engine to do it…
Top speed is set at 170 km/h, which is more than enough to make your way on Autobahnen. We all know that high speed driving is the Achilles heel of EV’s, and the range of your EV dwindles like snow in the (winter) sun when you drive it with verve on the left lane. The experienced EV driver knows than staying at around 110-120 km/h on the open road and absolutely avoid fierce accelerations is the only way to have a reasonable range and consumption.
The Opel -or shall we say Stellantis engineers- have made their homework, as our test car proved quite efficient indeed. We clocked averages between 14 and 15 kW/100 km, which we find excellent. This results in a realistic range of around 360 to 400 km. You can charge it in merely 26 minutes from 20 to 80 pct as it allows 100 kW fast charging.
Cabin layout shows less is more…
We like the philosophy of simplicity which Opel uses when designing its dashboards and infotainment. The necessary information is there, in clear and no nonsense fashion. I am personally a lover of large speedometer and rev counter displays in the most dramatic fashion, but this purposeful simplicity is nevertheless also quite attractive. This approach of course will only have its merits when the essential controls one frequently uses are intuitive and physical when appropriate, and also here the Opel designers have done a very good job. We also liked the very readable Intelli-HUD (Head up Display). Of course, Android Auto and Apple car Play are installed, and Bluetooth Audio Streaming is also possible.
A word of praise is also fitting for the front seats. Opel has designed them in team with medical experts, culminating in the ’’Aktion Gesunder Rücken”, or freely translated ”action healthy backs” and this results in truly excellent seating, ideal for long drives. A small ribbon on the seat with the initials ”AGR’’ tells you the story. Read also the words of praise we wrote in our previous test of the Opel Astra Electric in our columns.
Driving the Astra, or (re)discovering the essence of Opel…
Surefooted stability on winding roads and on Autobahnen up to very high cruising speeds, predictable handling without surprises, these are the hallmarks of every Opel since the mid ’70s of last century. The rally successes of Walter Röhrl at the wheel of the Mantas and Asconas amply proved this point already decades ago. This Astra breathes the same DNA, and it inspires confidence behind the wheel, at every speed. Of course, a rather firm suspension setup goes with it, but it is well calibrated and never unduly harsh. At night, we enjoyed the Intelli-Lux® LED Pixel headlamps with not less than 168 individual LED segments. We also appreciated the smooth and efficient assistance of the Intelli-Drive 2.0 system, which includes Advanced Intelligent Speed Adaptation (A-ISA) and Semi-Automated Lane Change (SALC). The Intelli-Vision systeem is activated when you select reverse and uses four camera’s.
Quality built…
The fit and finish of the Astra is quite good, as is the overall quality of the materials. Durability is also paramount and attention is also given to easy cleaning and maintenance of the panels and surfaces. Opels are built to be lived with everyday…
…and practical
The EV Astra runs (still) on a ’’universal’’ platform which also allows for ICE engines and their drivetrains, which results in the presence of a transmission tunnel fore and aft, costing some rear legroom and less space for the rear middle passenger, making it not a fully fledged five seater. This station wagon version offers of course extra space and indeed this Sports Tourer offers you a maximum space of 1553 liters, and you can enjoy the 40/20/40 folding rear seats and Opel’s Intelli- Space double loading floor.
Conclusion
The Astra is stylish, well built, agile and even more pleasant to drive with its electric motor. It is overall quite efficient, with a reasonable range and good (100 kW) recharging capacity, so a coffee break provides enough time to give you a further range of a few hundred kilometers. We suggest you to read also our conclusions in our test of the sedan version of the Astra Electric. We certainly liked to sit behind the wheel of this Astra once again…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
As my Xiaomi smartphone gets unfunctional in transferring files to PC and my previous Huawei smartphone refuses to start up at all, I use trusted REAL camera’s ever more for my photo work. So here the Nikon comes into action with its 18 to 140 mm zoom lens. The color balance and rendition hardly needs any correction, the camera is a dream to use, and brings you the full pleasure of photographing. This camera is now several years old, but still totally reliable and never misses a beat…
There are days where the life of a car journalist are very bright indeed. For example when sitting behind the wheel of the Renault Rafale, a stylish high tech hybrid full of character and ingenuity.
Renault has poured all its car making know how into their latest SUV Coupé, making it very much in tune with the times: it is a full hybrid, offering electric driving without recharging, and has style too. We drove the 200 HP model in the “Esprit Alpine” equipment version, adding to the unique panache of this Rafale… just read further.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Stylish, inside and out
The Rafale has the looks, now coming from the hand of Gilles Vidal. Surprisingly Renault has abandoned the design language which Laurens van den Acker started in 2009 when he became chief designer and which culminated in the recent Megane E-Tech electric. Now Gilles Vidal is at the designer table, and he comes from the Peugeot stable. He brought the design language of the recent Peugeot C-segment sales hits (3008) to Renault, and this is what Luca de Meo apparently wanted.
This new Renault DNA takes some getting used to, but we understand the strategy, as this styling language is trendy for the C segment and upward. Don’t forget, the Rafale is a D segment car. Renault is also choosing different and highly original styling paths when it comes to the new “retro” 5 and 4, which are indeed amazing and bound to be successful.
But back to the Rafale. I must admit that I like the name. It harks back to the also very stylish and rakish pre-war record plane with a Renault aircraft engine, and did you know that Dassault is still building a ”Rafale” jet fighter?
Renault has also added a touch of “Alpine magic” to it. Your eyes fall on the illuminated “A” with an arrow on the backrest of the front seats. It pulses to the beat of a human heart. Wooww….The colour of the lighting matches the option selected in the MULTI-SENSE settings. Agneta Dahlgren, the design project director on the new CMF-CD platform also used for the Austral and the Espace , sees the illuminated logo when you enter the car as an invitation to experience driving pleasure…
The interior of the Rafale is quite welcoming, ergonomic and spacious. It has a high tech aura about it, accentuated by phasing out the use of leather in its cars. In the Esprit Alpine version we tested, the use of … SLATE is surprising. Renault says that “it evokes the Alps”, an environment where the rally Alpine Berlinettes stormed to victory. Present on the dashboard facing the passenger, these thin sheets of slate mould to the contours as easily as wood veneer.
The interior is also quite spacious. Understandable, as it is built on the same platform as Espace. The Rafale shares its 2.74m wheelbase, allowing not less than 302 mm knee room in the back. The long wheelbase and gently sloping roof line allow a rear headroom of 880 mm, almost the same as on Espace (892 mm). The Rafale has a standard boot space of 627 litres (532 dm3).
A digital cockpit…
The cockpit offers driver and front passenger Renault’s “Open R” digital instrumentation with two screens forming an L shape. There is a horizontal TFT dashboard display of 12.3 inches diagonally and a vertical touch screen measuring 12 inches diagonally in the centre of the console. Eminently legible and intuitive to use.
Staying connected…
The Rafale connects indeed seamlessly with your smartphone through its in-car “OpenR” Link multimedia system with Google built-in. The system provides access to Google Maps, Google Assistant and a host of apps (50 or more depending on the country and version) via the Google Play catalogue. Just like on a smartphone. The interface is also fully customisable and compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
As it is an open-ended system connected to the cloud, OpenR Link automatically integrates the recommended updates using FOTA firmware over the air) technology.
A clever, full hybrid drivetrain…
The Rafale has a 3-cylinder 1.2 litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 130 hp (96 kW) with 205 Nm of torque underneath the hood, and two electric motors. Let’s start with the engine. It has a Miller combustion cycle, low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation, a variable-geometry turbocharger and a longstroke architecture similar to that of a diesel. The result is an extraordinary efficiency level of 41%.
You guessed it, this engine does not spoil your ears with a thoroughbred high revving staccato, but rather sounds indeed like, well, a lower revving piston aircraft engine when called to duty. Especially as the computer which controls the hybrid system lets the engine rev up to recharge the small 2 kW battery, which it does when you are driving at a (lower) constant speed or coasting, when you are using little engine power otherwise to propel the car. The computer then cleverly takes the opportunity to rev up the engine to recharge swiftly the battery, so it can again deliver its e-power for e-driving in slow urban traffic or to e-boost swift acceleration when called for.
This typically gives the driver the impression that the engine is revving up like the original Rafale record airplane before take-off… one would almost like to sit behind the wheel with leather gloves and a leather flying cap and goggles!
Renault’s full hybrid system is indeed very clever and astonishingly efficient. The two electric motors are respectively a main motor, developing 50 kW or 70 hp, and this is the one fed by the 2 kW 400 V battery. The other one is a starter-generator motor of 25 kW, which starts/stops the engine and performs the gear changes in the clutchless multimode automatic dog box developed using Formula 1 technology. It combines two gears for the main electric motor and four for the internal combustion engine. The motors and engine with this box combine 15 different operating possibilities, to offer te ideal solution in any driving situation. Soo clever! But there is more. Renault went as far as to introduce on its flagship car so-called “predictive hybrid driving”. This function is meant to maximise the use of electrical energy while driving.
Connected to Google’s mapping data, such as the topography of the road over the next seven kilometers (or the most likely route if no destination is recorded), provides advance information to the battery management system to maximise the use of electric power….
Brisk performance
With a total system power of 200 HP, acceleration of this 1,6 tonne Rafale is quite good with a sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h of 8,9 seconds, and an intermediate dash between 80 and 120 km/h being absolved in 5,6 seconds. Of course, when driving full power for an extended period, the e-power is consumed and the petrol engine has further to do all the work, which translates therefore with its 130 HP in a relatively modest top speed of 180 km/h.
The good thing is that one is driving in urban traffic to a very large extent on e-power, which translates indeed in very good fuel economy. The WLTP figure is 4,7 l/100 km with CO2 emissions being 105 g/km.
The paddles on the steering wheel are not meant for manual gear changes, just let you choose the level(s) of e-regeneration.
Alpine agility…
The Rafale has very good handling qualities, and much testing has been done by Renault people to eke out the very best the CMF-CD platform has to offer.
The Rafale has multi-link rear suspension as standard , and the Alpine version we drove has the “4Control” four-wheel steering technology. The rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels (by up to 5 degrees), for better maneuverability on city streets. This results in a turning circle of merely 10.4m. On the motorway, at higher cruising speeds, the rear wheels then turn very slightly (up to 1 degree) in the same direction as the front wheels, improving vehicle stability by reducing the inertia of the rear axle.
We found the Rafale indeed quite agile and stable. Also thanks to the upgraded Vehicle Motion Control (VMC 2), an electronic system controlling the rear wheels, and ESP. All this is further enhanced by the calibration of the steering with a direct steering ratio of 13. A truly sporting D segment car, when it comes to agility and road manners. In line with its French pedigree, it is very comfortable too.
Conclusion
With this Rafale, Renault makes an impressive statement in the D segment, offering a stylish SUV coupé with ample room, excellent handling, convincing performance and surprising economy. Its drivetrain is truly clever, its equipment and finish is full of panache, especially in the Alpine versions.
Soon there will be a 300 hp plug in hybrid 4×4 version, noblesse oblige, but already this 200 HP Rafale was very convincing indeed…
France has always been the birthplace of refined automobiles with panache, elegance and superb technology. We only have to think about the Voisins, the Delages, and of course, the post-war icon which laid the very foundation of DS Automobiles: the DS with was presented on the Paris salon in 1955.
The DS 7 breathes this heritage, and has all the qualities which made their predecessors so unique. We drove it here for you, and bring you the story how it offers you an experience which is nowhere else to be found.
The art of style…
We were totally smitten by the stories and drawings told and presented by the designers of DS automobiles at the presentation of their range on several occasions, just look further on our columns, and we love the design language and the detail solutions they apply on the bodywork of their cars.
Take the redesigned front end of the DS 7 for example. The grille is delicately set between the new slimmer DS PIXEL LED VISION 3.0 headlamps and the DS LIGHT VEIL daytime running lights. Also the rear lights have an extra touch of stylish panache, they are also slimmer, and have now, according to the manufacturer, a vortex effect. They are executed with a dark metallic finish, and add to the refinement of the car.
..and craftsmanship
Stepping in the interior brings you really into the DS world. Here your eyes are attracted to the switch layout on the centre console, and your finger touches the lozenge styled starting knob sitting below an iconic clock which switches open for you when you start this 4 wheeled goddess.
A lozenge styled digital instrument screen in front of you gives you the necessary information, and the only thing for you to do is to flick the gear lever in drive.
The spirit of grand touring…
We tested the 225 HP front wheel drive plug-in hybrid version, which means that it has a 180 HP four cylinder 1,6 litre PureTech petrol engine and a 110-horsepower electric motor fitted to the eight-speed automatic gearbox, transferring the power to the front wheels.
Refinement is the word. Indeed, your voyage starts on silk smooth e-Power. Indeed, the new 14.2 kWh battery will transport you up to 65 kilometers with zero emissions on the WLTP mixed cycle and up to 81 kilometers on the urban cycle. By the way, charging time is about two hours on a 7.4kW charger.
When the engine sets in, the power switch is virtually imperceptible, and you continue to enjoy the smoothness of the power flow. Depending on the chosen driving mode, the system will judiciously e-propulsion when and where it can.
In all this refinement, the engine remains unobtrusive, except under maximum acceleration, although its high revving staccato sounds never unpleasant. Performance is more than adequate, with a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in merely 8,6 seconds, hurtling further to a top speed of not less than 225 km/h. But this DS 7 will never invite you to adopt a vigorous driving style, it just lets you enjoy its excellent GT capacities.
You can guess that high speed motorway or Autobahn driving is a delight in this DS 7, showing excellent stability, comfort and very low wind noise.
Economy with a plug-in hybrid depends totally on how often you recharge and of course your driving style. The manufacturer quotes 1,2/1,3 l/100 km, and without e-Power you can expect 7,5 liters in town, 6-7 liters on the open road.
Safety and agility…
The DS7 is designed for comfort. It has the so-called DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION, which is a camera-controlled damping system that adjusts each wheel independently according to imperfections in the carriageway. It gives you indeed the legendary “carpet ride” of its iconic 1955 predecessor.
In this day and age of electrification, there is of course much more. With DS NIGHT VISION, an infrared camera sweeps the carriageway and its edges to detect cyclists, pedestrians and animals at distances up to 100 metres. The driver receives the information in the new high-resolution digital instrument display, reinforced by a special warning in the event of danger. Need we say more?
The DS watches over you…
Safety is paramount, and therefore this DS has DS DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING. It analyses the driver’s level of attention with two cameras.
The first camera scans the surroundings and the second, positioned facing the driver, diagnoses where he or she is looking, also inspecting their face and eyelid movements which indicate the level of sleepiness and attention…
Of course the DS7 makes life behind the wheel easier. It is equipped with DS DRIVE ASSIST, adaptive cruise control which initiate stopping and restarting without driver intervention and of course lane assist is also installed.
The handling of the DS7 is also exemplary, but again this SUV does not readily invite you to drive it with abandon. For the more sporting souls amongst us, DS Automobiles has the DS 7 E-TENSE 4X4 360 ready for you, which has a lowered chassis, a wider track fore and aft. We are looking forward to have a drive with this powerful DS7 soon…
Comfort, practicality and infotainment
The DS7 offers ample room also for rear passengers and again the seats are in a class of their own. You can opt for different equipment levels, and enjoy the iconic leather pattern inspired by the bracelet of a luxury watch. The seats are made of high-density foam with more material than for a traditional seat, which results in better comfort which is maintained over the years.
The new DS 7 now has the so-called DS IRIS SYSTEM. This means a totally reworked interface, completely configurable, supported by natural voice recognition. The redesigned 12” high-resolution touch screen now has a menu made up of widgets for accessing all its functions with a single movement: for controlling the connected navigation, the ventilation, the digital audio sources and journey information.
This big screen also enables views front and rear to be displayed, provided by new high-resolution digital cameras, and one has access to the Mirror Screen function over Wi-Fi.
The displays on the new large 12-inch digital instrument panel can also be changed and personalised.
The DS7 has also a quite practical boot space of some 550 litres, which can be extended to over 1700 litres with both rear backrests folded down. One word of applause is also fitting for the excellent sound system, we enjoyed in our test car: the FOCAL ELECTRA Premium Hi-Fi System with not less than 14 loudspeakers… Music buffs as we are, we thoroughly enjoyed it!
Conclusion
When you are looking for a car with character and personality, attach great importance on comfort and want excellent Gran Turismo qualities, then this is a car for you. It is built with craftsmanship and care in Mulhouse, and its styling language has a very particular timeless aura. It transports you in style and comfort wherever you go, and that’s what makes it truly stand out…
A Mercedes coupé has always been a car of legends. My father had a 1955 220 S coupé, based on the first Mercedes ponton and it was in the mid fifties an iconic and elegant dream car indeed. Then came ’heckflossen’ generation and its coupé version is still a pure beauty and a very desirable classic indeed with a unique panache. Mercedes carefully honed this 4 seater coupé/cabriolet tradition right until this day, and indeed the CLE we tested for you is a true delight. The new CLE Coupé uses the conceptual and technical innovations of the C-Class and E-Class, and has the classic ingredients the brand uses since decades now to achieve appealing looks.
It offers the necessary efficiency we expect nowadays by downsizing its engines and making them electrified. Indeed, all engines are mild hybrids with an integrated starter generator and 48-volt electrical system. There is a choice of four-cylinder units and – as the most powerful engine – a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol unit, which we enjoyed in our test car. Connoisseurs will agree: nothing surpasses the sound and fury of a powerful straight six, and indeed, it has plenty of power, all 280 kW or 381 HP of it.
But driving a Mercedes Coupé is also very much about enjoying its interior, space and comfort. Here the CLE also sets again standards. Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Elegance and comfort
Long wheelbase, a strongly inclined A-pillar, a short front and a slightly longer rear body overhang, as well as pronounced shoulders and large wheels, these are the recipies for elegance as the brand with the good star understands it. This CLE impresses with its forward leaning “shark nose”, flat LED headlights and a newly designed, three-dimensional radiator grille.
Of course, the overall body lines are smooth and softly curved, as the laws of aerodynamics now dictate, and iconic angular designs are a thing of the past. Therefore it is very important that the overall proportions of the car are “just right”, and here the Mercedes stylists succeeded admirably.
A Mercedes coupé always stands out with a magnificent interior, and the CLE truly lives up to the tradition. Opulence reigns, with a top choice of excellent materials and a beautiful finish. Opening the wide door, your eyes meet the free-standing 12.3-inch, fully digital instrument display and the 11.9-inch, driver-oriented central display in portrait format. Modern times embrace you. Your shoulders are smoothly held by the front seats in so-called “integral sport design”, developed exclusively for the CLE. Beautiful, and very comfortable indeed.
Before stepping in, your hands are searching for the release handle of the front seats, to put your jacket, purse or camera, tablet or laptop on the rear seat, only to discover that the release handle is not there. Indeed, the Mercedes stylists have made a little surprise for you. They replaced the knob with an elegant loop made of Nappa leather.
It is conveniently located at the upper edge of the backrest, the only thing is that you have to pull it straight up and not a bit sideways, because then it did not function. It took some getting used to, but soon enough we got the hack of it. But the seats are a dream. In conjunction with the optional Burmeister® 3D surround sound system, which we enjoyed in our test car, they each have two speakers at the level of the integrated headrests, creating an immersive music experience with Dolby Atmos close to the ears. The premium sound system has a total of 17 speakers…The front seats are heated and have an electro-pneumatic four-way lumbar support as standard. Seat climate control and a seven-zone massage are also available in conjunction with the optional ENERGIZING Plus package.
Enjoy now further the Mercedes world. Additional panache is created by the dynamic ambient lighting in not less than 64 colors. There is ambient lighting with indirect light on the trim strip of the instrument panel, the cup holders on the centre console, the overhead control unit, the door handles, the seat adjustment unit and in the front footwell. All this is standard.
The AMG Line comes standard with ARTICO/MICROCUT black, which is made of 65 percent recycled materials in the seat area and 85 percent in the inner lining. Our test car had a macchiato beige/black colour scheme.
Intuitive user interface…
The display graphics and their arrangement are taken from the C-Class. The styles “Classic”, “Sport” and “Ambiente” can therefore also be selected in the CLE Coupé and are optionally supplemented by a full-screen map in the instrument cluster. All relevant settings for media, vehicle, telephone, comfort, etc. can be found on the central display. The new main icons in the central display were recently introduced in the new E-Class, and are self explaining. Here the highlight in the AMG line is a new trim part with a silver-coloured mixed-metal fabric. Also new is an open-pored, black wood veneer that is interspersed with fine real aluminium inlays. Superb!
Spacious…
With its dimensional concept – in particular the 25-millimetre longer wheelbase – the CLE Coupé offers more space than the C-Class Coupé.
The rear passengers enjoy 10 millimeters more headroom, 19 millimeters more shoulder and elbow room and 72 millimeters more knee room. The trunk offers 60 litres more volume, with a total of 420 litres. Indeed, we were able to transport one of my larger paintings to an exhibition with it, which could be conveniently and safely placed flat on the luggage compartment floor.
The magic of a powerful straight six…
As the happy owner of a classic 3.4 litre Jaguar Mk II we know something about powerful straight-six petrol engines. I also vividly remember my long drive in Marbella at the wheel of a 300 SL Gullwing at the anniversary celebration of this legendary car.
So straight-six petrol engines are close to my heart. This one incorporates of course all the up to date engine technologies. This M 256 M as the factory designates it, combines a twin-scroll turbocharger with ISG, eliminating all turbo lag. The exhaust ducts of three cylinders each are combined in the dual-flow exhaust manifold and only rejoin directly in front of the turbine wheel. This leads to a spontaneous build-up of boost pressure and torque as well as rapid engine response and spontaneous revving from low engine speeds. This of course means abundant power and performance.
The CLE 450 4MATIC develops 280 kW (381 hp) and 500 Nm of torque, resulting in a 0 to 100 sprint in merely 4,4 seconds, hurtling further to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. We can assure you, it is a true delight to put this coupé through its paces. The instant responsiveness of this engine makes everyday both relaxing and enjoyable indeed. The 9 speed auto gearbox reacts instantaneously and is well tuned to the sporting character of the CLE. It will show some jerkiness under some conditions when parking and moving slowly back and forward when manoeuvring, but is otherwise super smooth.
Electric support…
In addition to a turbocharger, the CLE has a second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG). This will also deliver extra push, albeit only from a 17 kW motor, so it is only useful to propel the car on E power at low speeds or in city driving situations.
The ISG includes a 48-volt vehicle electrical system. Besides boosting with extra power, it also allows coasting and recuperation. Another advantage is an almost imperceptible start-stop function. Also the transition from coasting with the engine switched off to propulsion with engine power is not noticeable. Refined city motoring is the result, fitting for a coupé of this stature, we would think.
A plug-in hybrid propulsion is in the cards too…
Besides the formidable straight six, Mercedes has a wide array of engines to choose from, as we told you already here above. The four-cylinder petrol engine (M 254) is available in two output levels at market launch: with 150 kW as the CLE 200 and CLE 200 4MATIC and with 190 kW as the CLE 300 4MATIC . The entry displacement is 2.0 litres. There is even a 2 litre diesel engine available under the hood of the CLE 220 d Coupé developing 145 kW.
Soon a plug-in hybrid version is available. Of course, this 450 CLE is efficient, and its fuel economy depends largely on your driving style. Official WLTP figures for combined consumption are 8.6-7.8 litres/100 km, with Co2 emissions between 196-176 g/km.
Dynamic handling?
The CLE enjoys the so-called 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which has been further developed. It increases the surefootedness of the car, especially in the wet. Our test car came with the technology package, which includes the DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL suspension with continuously adjustable damping on the front and rear axles as well as rear-axle steering. Truly state of the art!
Of course you can use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to choose between a comfortable or a sporty, taut setting. In conjunction with this DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL, the CLE Coupé is equipped with sports direct steering.
Just a few words more about the 4 wheel steering. The steering angle on the rear axle is up to 2.5 degrees. This reduces the turning circle by 50 centimeters. At speeds below 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels. The wheelbase is thus virtually shortened, making the more agile. From a speed of 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels. The resulting virtual longer wheelbase increases driving stability and safety at high speeds, fast lane changes or sudden evasive manoeuvres.
Entering the digital age…
The CLE Coupé adopts the third generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, as we told you already. This makes the sporty two-door the most intelligent coupé with the star. The MBUX infotainment system, the MBUX language assistant, the instrument cluster, the central display and the optional head-up display share a very powerful central vehicle computer.
For entertainment, a new Android compatibility layer allows the installation of third-party apps. The “Mercedes me” Store has also a new App Store. The offer will be gradually expanded. The MBUX entertainment package is optionally available from the Mercedes me Store. It includes Internet radio, music streaming and a data package from a selected third-party provider. With the online music service, Mercedes-Benz has fully integrated the largest music streaming providers – Tidal, Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music – into the MBUX infotainment system. MBUX enables access to the personal user profile of the linked music providers. Classical and jazz music lovers as we are, we certainly enjoyed this…
But there is more: with the “Just Talk” function, the intelligent voice control can now also be activated without the keyword “Hey Mercedes”. The customer must be alone in the vehicle for this. When the function is activated, a red microphone symbol appears in the display. Then the CLE Coupé is ready and waiting for voice commands.
Hey Mercedes also explains vehicle functions and helps, for example, if you want to connect your smartphone via Bluetooth. If compatible building technology and household appliances are available, these can also be networked with the CLE Coupé thanks to the Smart Home function and controlled from the vehicle by voice. The language assistant can also recognise occupants acoustically. After the individual voice characteristics have been learned, this can be used to access personal data and functions via profile activation.
Enjoy also personal routines…
The CLE Coupé goes one step further in terms of automated adaptation to personal habits. You can use templates of standard routines, or have the opt for creating our own routines. You can link several functions and conditions with routines. Examples here include “Cold days” (switching on the seat heating at a certain outside temperature, ambient lighting changes to warm orange) or “Date night” (romantic music is played via Bluetooth audio, the ambient lighting turns pink)…
Conclusion
This CLE Coupé sets again very high standards in its class, in the legendary tradition of the brand. First comes the excellent quality of materials and workmanship, the unique design language, the mechanical refinement and solidity.
The panache of the interior and the excellent infotainment add to the magic of Mercedes coupés, as does its performance and handling, combined with a great amount of comfort.
In this age of energy transition, Mercedes here follows the path of mild hybrid technology, which could prove to be a future proof mobility solution in world markets…
The fine art of travel: we drove the C5 Aircross for a stay in Hotel des Indes in The Hague…
Driving between and into the iconic cities of Europe in a Citroën has always a special touch. Our test car indeed added the unique aura of the brand on our tour through Belgium, Holland and Germany. Comfortable, smooth, spacious, frugal and efficient, being last but not least also fast and safe. These are the qualities of this C5 plug in hybrid SUV we appreciated on motorways and narrow inner city roads along Dutch canals and their historic houses. Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Enjoying Utrecht by staying a few nights in a historic house in the beautiful city centre along the grachten…
The Citroën we tested came with a 180 HP engine, combined with a 81 HP electric motor coupled to a battery pack which gives you close to 60 km range. A wonderful hybrid drivetrain, smooth and pleasantly frugal when you drive it sensibly, of course. This C5 is not unduly heavy, with a kerb weight of 1.825 kg, which indeed makes it future proof when weight coupled road taxes will be imposed increasingly in the coming years.
The iconic city centre of Gouda…
We liked the looks and the typical Citroën styling language with a preference for well-rounded shapes while keeping an eye for boxy room efficiency in its overall proportions. The silver grey paint scheme and the judicious use of chromed accents added a touch of luxury and panache to “our” C5. Since its facelift in 2022, its overall looks have dramatically improved, especially on the front end.
Your spacious travelling companion…
Right away we were very seduced by the excellent luggage capacity and the overall shape of the boot, as it allowed to stow our large suitcases upright on their side which allowed us to take maximum use of the available space of without having to fold down the rear seat backrests at all, leaving the cabin uncluttered and free for passengers. Indeed, the three individual back seats can be moved back and forth over a distance of not less than 15 cm. In the plug in hybrid version we drove, the available space is at least 425 litres. One can enjoy that the luggage load is discreetly stowed away, which makes city visits more safe when on tour between hotels and cities with a fully loaded car. A major practical advantage which is often not fully appreciated…
Superb seating and driving comfort…
Citroën goes to great lengths in making their seats comfortable, and indeed, they are a class of their own. They provide smooth and restful support, due to the clever use of foam material. Citroën calls them Advanced Comfort, and they are also pleasantly wide.
Infotainment is up to scratch, and Android Auto as well as Apple Car play are possible; we liked very much the dual digital clusters, which enabled the navigation map to be displayed both on the central screen as well as in the instrument panel in front of the driver, which is so useful when you have to find your way in unknown iconic city centres.
The suspension of the C5 is also calibrated and set up to combine good handling and surefootedness with excellent comfort, both at high and low speeds. We were also quite impressed by the high speed stability on German Autobahnen, where this hybrid SUV left nothing to desire in terms of fast GT cruising. It just goes to show again how good cars have become nowadays…The C5 is also remarkably silent, even at higher speeds.
Performance and economy
On this voyage we never ever felt the desire for more power, and indeed the C5 Aircross has all what it takes. Its 180 HP engine combined with the 81 HP electric motor develop a total of 224 HP, resulting in an acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h in under 9 seconds, and a top speed of not less than 225 km/h, as we could enjoy on German Autobahnen, where the Citroën truly impressed with its silent ease at these high speeds.
Economy of this hybrid depends totally on the way you drive and use it. You can recharge it regularly and drive only on E power over its 50 km useful E-range, or choose one of the several ’E-Save’ modes, and drive it as a hybrid. In the E-save modes, one can keep or recharge the battery up to a certain chosen level for later use in emission-restricted zones. Driving in hybrid mode, one can achieve easily values ranging between 7 and 8 litres/100 km. The drivetrain, also thanks to the super smooth Aisin 8 speed auto transmission, is beyond reproach, responsive and refined.
Fit for urban use
The C5 needs some vision aids when driving in town centres, and we appreciated these accessories indeed very much. The C5 is rather wide with its 2,11 meters, but then reasonably compact again with a total length of 4,5 meters. It has distance warnings fore and aft as standard equipment.
Conclusion
The C5 Aircross is a bestseller in the Citroën range, and with voyage we found all the good reasons for it. Last but not least it is good to know that the C5 Aircross is offered with a wide choice of different drivetrains, from the 136 HP petrol engine and a Diesel version with the same power to the (plug in) hybrid versions with respectively 180 and 225 HP system power.
It is marvelously versatile, has genuine GT qualities, is roomy, comfortable, is frugal and fast, has distinct, characteristic looks, and indeed drives like a true Citroën…
The most compact SUV in VW range is now already a few years with us, but has lost nothing of its appeal since its recent major facelift . It seduced us greatly during our test with its looks and revamped interior and infotainment, overall agility and driving pleasure, zesty performance and immense practicality. On top of that, it is beautifully compact. We drove it with the 115 HP 1 litre 3 cylinder, mated to a 7 speed dual-clutch transmission. Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Compact looks
The T-Cross is actually only 5,4 cm longer than the Polo, but some 13,8 cm taller. Its stance is quite muscular, and we liked very much the wide front grille and even more the horizontal reflector band at the rear, which gives the T-Cross a distinct VW family character and modernity. Three new, fresh colours have been added to the model range: the solid colour Grape Yellow (a crisp, sporty yellow), Clear Blue Metallic (an elegant and friendly light blue) and Kings Red Metallic (a vivid, striking red). As you can see on the photos, the Grape Yellow suited our R-line T Cross very well…
Quality…
Stepping into the car one is inevitably seduced by the overall no nonsense solidity and quality the materials and the outstanding fit and finish. The recent facelift brings a redesigned dashboard, with a free-standing infotainment display. The top sporting equipment version, the so-called R-Line, we tested, has a 9.2-inch display with a diagonal of 23.4 cm. Android Auto and Apple Car Play are of course standatrd. The dash panel in the T-Cross has also undergone a complete redesign: as in larger VW models, the dash panel features soft-upholstered and significantly higher-quality surface materials.
The nice firmness of the seats, the look and feel of the (now again physical touch) controls, one has the overwhelming impression of stepping into a long lasting quality product.
Despite its compact size, the four doors are quite large, and one doesn’t feel cramped at all. VW proudly comments that this is an advantage of its so-called modular transverse matrix, which allows the front axle to be placed much closer to the front of the car.
The generous 2,55 m wheelbase does the rest. On top of all that, the SUV character of the T-Cross lets you sit pleasantly high. The driver and front passenger sit some 60 cm above the road, the rear passengers even some 5 centimeters higher.
Lively performance
The T-Cross is powered with the 1.0 TSI three cylinder engine with gasoline particular filter. This is a well proven unit with sits all across the Polo range, coded in factory terms as the EA211 aggregate. It comes in several power versions, and we tested the 85 kW/115 version.
With this power, the T-Cross leaves little to be desired in terms of performance. 0-100 km is absolved in just over 10 seconds, with an Autobahn worthy top speed of 195 km/h. The impressive pulling power of this eager 3 cylinder and the reactive 7 speed DSG does the rest. One can choose between normal and sport settings, and indeed, driving pleasure is to be had..
With a lighter right foot, the DSG makes full use of the available power at low revs, and the fuel consumption is therefore quite good, even when one adopts a rather dynamic driving style. We achieved an average test consumption well below 7 litres, which is very creditable indeed, and amply shows that a state of the art ICE has not said it last word at all.
The latest news at the moment of writing is that Volkswagen intends to allocate shift some of its EV-designated funds to continue developing petrol engines. Company Chief Financial Officer Arno Antlitz recently stated that it would spend around $65 billion to “keep our combustion cars competitive.” It seems that VW would invest a third of its planned EV funds in combustion engine technology , and this is a change in its strategy for the time being.
So, remember what we wrote in the test of the Polo GTI. Just cherish your ICE engined VW, it will be useful for years, if not decades to come… We liked this 1 litre engine, with excellent smoothness and excellent pulling power at low revs, making it very “zen” to drive in urban traffic.
Versatile and practical
The T-Cross has been, despite its compactness, convinced with excellent versatility. The rear bench seat that can be moved by 140 mm. When all the seats are occupied, the T-Cross offers a luggage compartment capacity of between 385 and up to 455 litres when loaded up to the height of the rear bench seat.
When the rear bench seat is folded down (60:40 split), this creates a flat load area with a stowage volume of up to 1,281 litres (loaded up to the height of the front seat backrests). But there is more. The front passenger seat can additionally be folded down as standard from the Life specification package and up.
The continuous load area from the rear to the front is then 2,398 mm long and can stow everything “from surfboards to para gliders”, as VW puts it.
Volkswagen has also increased the draw bar load of the T-Cross from 55 to 75 kg, so you can transport safely those heavier E-bikes.
Let there be light…and safety first with “assist” systems.
The T-Cross now has new LED headlights (instead of halogen) and new LED taillight clusters as standard equipment. The IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights are a completely new Volkswagen development by the way.
Safety is paramount, and indeed our test car came with the optional Travel Assist. Depending on the traffic ahead and the permitted speed, the T-Cross can control the vehicle’s speed with automatic acceleration and braking.
Within the system limits, Travel Assist can also include speed limits, bends, and roundabouts in its control interventions. Wonderful, although sometimes you just want to cruise quietly along at the slower speed imposed by the new speed limit, and not being catapulted vigorously to the previous original speed limit when this new lower limit ends. But you can set all this, so you are well advised to do this homework first at the start of your trip.
The new T-Cross can also automatically perform stop-and-go operations when fitted with the DSG, and this is something we appreciated very much indeed…
Conclusion
The T-Cross totally convinces, and it embodies indeed perfectly what a ICE engined Volkswagen should be: superbly built, powerful and fast on Autobahnen, fit for Grand Touring yet smooth and “zen” in town, quite frugal if you let it show its qualities by adopting a more relaxed driving style.
It offers genuine driving pleasure and offers also all what the dynamic owner and his/her family wants: a versatile interior, offering also excellent towing talent.
In the very competitive B segment the Opel Corsa is a very interesting EV since a few years now, and like its Peugeot and Jeep sister models it has now also received a new, more efficient 156 HP electric motor and a slightly larger 54 kW battery. But there is more: it received a facelift, and now has also the iconic Opel “Visor” grille at the front. Also the infotainment system has been revamped and the driving assistance systems have been further refined. Its seats are as fine as ever and it has therefore excellent long distance qualities… just read further.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
We always had a weak spot for Opels. They were always part of my motoring life, from the Kadett A onwards to the Opel Rekords, the fantastic Manta, Commodore GS, the Admiral V8 and later the potent Ascona’s.
I found these Opels sturdy, touch, no nonsense, perfect Autobahn cars as well as excellent (urban) touring cars with pleasing docility.
All these memories come back when you slide behind the wheel of this Corsa. No wonder it has been a top bestseller for years in its B segment. The car feels nice, the seats are “just right” and give marvelous support, in the good Opel tradition.
The infotainment is now up to scratch with, as Opel calls it, “Snapdragon® Cockpit Platforms from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.”. With now also an up to 10 inch large colour touchscreen. Happily, virtually all the essential controls are physical knobs and buttons, so it’s easy to feel at home in this Corsa, as you would in virtually every Opel by the way.
Smooth power
We repeat ourselves here over and over. EV’s drive super nice. They seduce you with a velvety power stream and lots of pulling power at every speed, in any situation. With no noise and no vibration whatsoever. So charming, invariably making you feel totally ”Zen” behind the wheel. This electric Opel should carry the nickname “RAK”, as it goes, like its famous predecessor, like a rocket. It will, despite its more than 1,5 tonne kerb weight, catapult you in 8,1 seconds to 100 km/h. The engineers set the top speed at a sensible 150 km/h, which is only for the better, as the range will otherwise dwindle too drastically. And let’s face it, you would only lose your driver’s license in many countries…
The new electric motor is more efficient than the previous 136 HP variant, which is by the way still available. This means indeed, that with some restraint in your driving style, you can achieve consumption’s in the region of 15 kW/100 km. The WLTP range of 402 kilometers is realistic when you drive mostly in slow (urban) traffic, and maintain reasonable (legal) cruising speeds on the open road. Otherwise, something in the range of 350 kilometers is more realistic.
Of course, the Corsa can be charged rather quickly: on a 100 kW fast charger, it costs typically around 30 minutes to recharge it from 10 to 80 pct. On a (AC) wallbox, 3-phase at 11 kW it will take about 3 hours and 10 minutes.
State of the art electronics and infotainment in the cabin
The Corsa is very important for Opel and Stellantis, and therefore much attention has been given to keeping this bestseller up to date. Just like in the development of the latest Astra generation, the “Detox to the max” principle
was applied: the navigation system offers connected services, natural speech recognition “Hey Opel” and even more important, over-the-air updates. In addition, the displays in the 10-inch colour touchscreen of the navigation and multimedia system and in the driver information display have been made even clearer. Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto compatible smartphones can now be connected to the vehicle’s multimedia systems and also recharged – both wirelessly.
Let there be light…
The Corsa now also receives not less than 14 controllable elements in its Intelli-Lux LED® matrix light system, instead of the eight it had already since its introduction in 2019. There is also the new, high-resolution panoramic rear-view camera, an adaptive cruise control and speed limiter and the forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.
All this makes an impressive car, and it is no surprise therefore that the Opel Corsa Electric has been named the “2024 EV of the Year” by the Association of Business Drivers in the Netherlands in the so-called ‘Mid Segment’ category.
Practical and offering driving pleasure with a sporting touch…
Indeed, it offers room for four, has practical storage spaces in the cabin and sufficient boot space too. Besides the smoothness of the drive train, the Corsa offers a hint of sporting driving pleasure. It steers precise, and does not protest when you drive it with verve. High speed stability is important for the German market, and therefore the Opel engineers did not hesitate to make the suspension rather firm, also taking into account its impressive kerb weight of 1544 kg. You can choose between thee driving modes, Eco, normal and sport.
Conclusion
If you opt for electric transport, the Corsa merits a long hard look. Well built, it makes you instantly feel at home with its intuitive controls, its no-nonse simplicity, its excellent seats and quality finish. It handles and drives well, is practical, and last but not least good looking. Our test car was finished in Grafik Grey, and it suited it very well…
Sooner or later, every car enthusiast dreams to be behind the wheel of a true classic car. Know that since 1976 already, Volkswagen offers you this classic driving pleasure with absolute panache and everyday reliability in the form of an icon: the Golf GTI.
Can you imagine if your father had bought one new and would have introduced you to the delights of GT driving by storming with you over the Gottardo or the Stelvio at the wheel of this car? If he would have kept and cherished it and would have passed it on to you, you could now participate with it in classic car events…
But all is not lost if your father wasn’t so wise. Volkswagen still sells the Golf GTI and also since 25 years now the Polo GTI, more compact that the Golf and maybe a bit closer to the “ur” Golf GTI. Delightful? Yes. To be lovingly kept and enjoyed for the rest of your motoring life? We would think so…
We drove it for you, and indeed, we are sold…just read further!
Hans Knol ten Bensel
This modern day Polo GTI follows the classic VW tradition when it comes to building a GTI. A bigger powerful direct injection series production VW engine is shoehorned under the hood, this time the cornerstone of the VW group 2 litre engine family, the EA888, developing not less than 207 HP and 320 Nm of torque over a wide rev range all the way from 1500 to 4500 rpm. It is coupled to a delightfully smooth and fast 7 speed DSG box. Manual gearboxes are not available, and let’s face it, Verstappen doesn’t use them either anymore.
The thoroughbred sound of the engine is an acoustic delight, something no electric motor will ever be able to offer, and who’s car loving heart doesn’t beat faster when the engine revs in staccato under lightning fast gearchanges?
The performance is nothing short of superb: 0 to 100 km/h is absolved in 6,2 seconds, top speed is over 240 km/h. With this GTI, long stretches of Autobahn at cruising speeds between 160 and 200 km/h are an everyday affair, something which a EV simply cannot match without its usable range melting like snow, even if it can reach these speeds…
On your Gran Turismo trip, you can further concentrate on good restaurants, iconic hotels and stopping places with breathtaking vistas, and enjoy totally carefree mobility…no calculations, no recharge planning, no range anxiety.
The handling is top notch, certainly if you opt for the adjustable suspension. You can choose between sport, comfort and normal, with steering, gearbox and engine reactions to match. An electronic limited slip differential is standard, wisely so.
Iconic cabin
The GTI driver finds excellent seats with of course the GTI logo stitched in the upholstery, then the digital instrumentation of the Polo family, which has here large round clocks and is eminently readable and clear. The “haptic soft touch” controls on both arms of the steering wheel are gladfully replaced with true touch buttons, much to our delight. The sliding controls of heating and ventilation below the central touchscreen still need some concentration, and need more often than not a controlling eye, which can be distracting.
What one appreciates however is the excellent finish and the quality and durability of the materials. One feels clearly that this car is built to last, as a VW product befits. We also liked the red accents around the nice dashboard surfaces with a gleaming lacquered effect finish.
One finds of course the overall practicality of the Polo, with enough room for four and a boot space of 302 liters, up to almost 1100 liters when you put the rear seat backrests down. Infotainment and driving aids are top notch, and you instantly feel at home in this Polo, with everything lying “just right” within reach in your hands.
An allround Gran Turismo…
Last but not least there is the question of the true character of this beautifully performing Polo.
This GTI certainly has lots of zest and panache, but in everyday use can be utterly docile and civilised when you are not in a sporting mood. This, in our opinion, is the (very) strong point of this Polo GTI. It is totally versatile, and indeed will please all family members in their daily life(s.) So there is absolutely no reason why this GTI shouldn’t be the evergreen family favorite, and be delightful for shopping as well as for a fast trip or even circuit track day.
The fuel consumption is of course totally dependent on how you use the available power. It is very well possible to achieve close to 6 liters/100 km on the open road, with below 9 liters/100 km in town.
Conclusion
If you want a classic GT high performance car with all the build quality and practicality of the Polo, then this car is for you. It handles beautifully, will take you comfortably on long, fast trips and voyages and excels with superb performance.
It is not a dramatic hot hatch, but the beautiful sound of its powerful four cylinder will put a smile on your face every meter you drive it… so buy and keep this one, as it is a limited edition of 2500 units, and if you have a heart for classic motoring, maintain it lovingly and cherish it, only to pass it on to the next generation…for another delightful 25 years!
