The breathtaking contours of the award winning Maserati A6GCS/53 Berlinetta by Pinin Farina, presented by the Brussels Autoworld museum on their stand.
The 9th edition of the Interclassics car show proved again a formidable event. The 40.000 m2 spread over several palaces was filled with collectible four wheeled beauties, and lovers of Italian, British, German, French or last but not least American classics could have a true delightful time from Friday 15 to Sunday. Your servant also took his Fujifilm X-A5 camera along, and shares here with you his impressions.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
D’Ieteren celebrates 345 years of heritage…
The dynamic PR department of D’Ieteren invited me to their magnificent stand, where they celebrated the anniversaries of some of the most iconic models of the brands they import into our country.
To present the rich history of its brands, D’Ieteren adopted the theme of the evolution of technology, and so displayed the vintage models of the Volkswagen Golf, Audi 100, SEAT Ibiza, Škoda Octavia and Porsche 911 alongside their current versions. The cute Microlino was also present, next to the iconic BMW Isetta…
What better for me to do than to aim my Fujinon lens to bodywork details of both current and vintage cars, visually telling the story of progress along many decades…
Down to the very essence: the “dashboard” of the BMW Isetta…
The electric Microlino continues this tradition of “less is more…”
In doing this, I found it remarkable how ”modern” the Porsches still look, and indeed a ”classic” Porsche hardly feels out of place five decades later. What’s more, its sheer performance and road manners still are impressive today. Actually, the same can be said of the ”Ur” Golf, its proportions, styling, performance and overall stance are still quite modern.
Porsche celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 Turbo . The Porsche 911 Turbo Type 930 made its debut in 1974. I still have the fondest memories of these early Porsche 911’s. As a young car journalist I drove them to the limit, enjoying their delicate handling, the hiss of the air cooled flat six at high revs, the tout feel and precision of the whole car. Indeed, Porsche’s are unique, and once you sat behind the wheel of them, they make an indelible impression.
Celebrating 50 years of Audi in Belgium , D’Ieteren also put a truly pristine and original Audi 100 L Automatic alongside the brand new A6 e-tron, which has just hit the market. It completed this with an equally formidable 100 Coupé.
The dramatic styling details of the ’74 Audi S Coupé…
And the clean lines of the S6 e-tron…
Bentley showed a recent 2022 Flying Spur alongside a mid ‘80s Bentley Turbo R. This now classic Bentley brings back sweet personal memories, as I was invited to drive this impressive powerful V8 turbocharged saloon personally from Brussels to le Mans to attend the 2003 Le Mans 24 hour race, witnessing the event from the Bentley pit stand, and see the Bentley Speed 8 win the race!
Massive power with style…
Seat celebrated 40 years of the Ibiza, showing an immaculate 1984 model, shown here below.
Automotive technical evolution was most apparent when one compared the 65 year old Skoda Octavia Break 1201 with the present Octavia. Understandable, as in the mid sixties, the styling and technology of the products behind the iron curtain were somewhat lagging behind what was made in the west, and indeed, a time span of more than six decades is also very long indeed.
Last but not least there was the Microlino on the D’Ieteren stand, next to the car which inspired it, the BMW Isetta. Similar in shape, but totally different in technology.
Of course, there were some beautiful American classics on the show. Just look at the 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad Sport Wagon shown here on the stand of the Royal Historical Vehicle Club Belgium…
Maserati, or the unique magic of pur sang…
The quality of the Maserati’s on display was nothing short of stunning, and the car which was prized best of show was a pale blue A6GCS/53 Berlinetta by Pinin Farina, presented by the Brussels Autoworld museum on their stand. I show you here some photos of this gorgeous coupé. I am totally smitten by its feline stance and wonderful proportions.
It just has tons of character, and it embodies everything the brand with the trident stood and still stands for. This ninth edition of the Brussels Interclassics was certainly a wonderful show, and we are already looking forward to the next edition. Just enjoy the photos…
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…
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…
Fiat has now for more than a century been the pounding heart of Italian engineering and industrial genius. It has given the world wonderful cars, and to me, besides the pre-war Balilla and Topolino, the post-war cars are even more iconic and are absolute milestones in automotive history. Let’s begin with the Fiat 1100 or millecento compact four dour sedan, which is still serving in India as a taxi and has been built there until a few years ago. I absolutely loved the PininFarina styled six cylinder 1800/2100 four door sedans launched in the sixties, and then of course the Seicento and the Cinquecento in ‘57…
About ten years later came the Fiat 124, the 1967 European car of the year, which put the whole east-bloc and Russia on wheels, built in Russian Togliattigrad as the Lada.
Then there was the Fiat 127, putting front wheel drive and excellent performance to the disposal of the masses. Soon then came the Panda, an absolute icon which I photographed in the Galerie de la Reine in Brussels for Keesings Auto Magazine at the time. This car I still find absolutely modern, by the way.
The iconic Panda, born in the 80s, still totally modern and contemporary today…
Now we live in different times, but the Panda is still inspiring many. Therefore only logical that Stellantis put its new Fiat Grande Panda on the new global line-up based on a multi-energy platform. FIAT now starts its transition from local-based production to a global offer through a common global platform. But there is still an Italian DNA left, as it has been styled at the Centro Stile in Turin, and certainly has lots of character as the photos show.
The new Grande Panda…
Olivier Francois, FIAT CEO and Stellantis Global Chief Marketing Officer, summarized it well at the presentation: “Currently we have launched FIAT’s comeback to the global mainstream based on 3 pillars: Italian design and development, global platform and local relevance—and the Grande Panda is the first member of our new global family.”
The Grande Panda will first land in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and will be available in both electric and hybrid versions.
Proudly presenting the big new Panda: John Elkann, Chairman of Stellantis, Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO, and Olivier Francois, FIAT CEO and Stellantis CMO.
Needless to say that we eagerly await to get more acquainted with the Grande Panda soon, both in hybrid and E-versions, which, as we read, will be aggressively priced.
A Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani
But at this anniversary, celebrated on the iconic “Pista 500”, the circular test track on the roof of the famous Lignotto factory building, now converted in a hotel, where the walls of the guestrooms are decorated with mural size photos of details of historic Fiats and a MUST to spend a night when you are in Turin, Fiat stylists and Giorgio Armani designed together an elegant version of the 500e.
The standout exterior design element are the wheels, representing the GA logo on a macro scale. They become the car’s star feature, ensuring it stands out…
We hoe you enjoyed here the photos of the celebration, a very enjoyable event for a brand we always kept very close to our car-loving heart…
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…
Renault has been very early in the EV game, with its fittingly called ZOE, which has been for years an absolute bestseller. The new Megane has been completely redesigned and is the first Renault model to run on the new so-called CMF-EV platform, co-designed with Nissan. The new Megane is compact with its 4,20 meters, which is almost identical with the previous, fourth generation Megane, but that’s were any similarity ends. The new Megane stands proudly on its big wheels (20 inch in the version we tested) and its proportions are beautiful indeed. The longer weelbase of some 2,70 meters clearly shows that this is a latest generation EV. It certainly has style and panache. Will it also convince as an EV? Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Modern times…
The Megane has not only a contemporary flair, it also offers quite enough room for four adults and their luggage. They are greeted by a pleasant and premium interior, with impeccable styling. On the top version we tested, your eyes wander over a well finished dashboard and meet with a crisp 12 inch central screen which offers state of the art infotainment and connectivity. Of course, Apple Car Play and Android Auro are provided. But this is also standard in the base model. Indeed, the latest Megane generation comes very well equipped. Then you get a 9 inch screen, but a rear camera and speed limit recognition combined with cruise control are also standard.
Cocooning
Indeed, the digitalized instrumentation leaves nothing to be desired. Renault has integrated Google functions in its OpenR link, and offers very good information for the EV driver. First of all it uses the chrystal clear Google maps, and when plotting the chosen route for you, it will take into account the charging situation of your battery, and even indicate the estimated remaining charge status at your destination.
Of course it will also suggest stops and places where you can recharge your battery. The layout of the dashboard is quite practical, and it is good to see that the commands for heating and ventilation are placed on a separate physical touchboard below the central screen. One also finds the legendary and iconic audio command stick on the right side of the steering column, which is typical for every Renault since the R 25 sedan, launched way back in the seventies…
The finish level of the cabin and seats is high indeed. In the top “Iconic” version we tested, Renault has also provided electric powered front seats with memory and massage functions. The seats are very comfortable and the upholstery is firm.
Smooth power
We tell you nothing new when I tell you that EV’ s spoil you with lots of super-smooth power. With its 300 Nm and 220 HP you can expect very sporting performance. Not only is this Renault very quick off the mark with a sprint from 0 to 100 kmh in merely 7,5 seconds, it excels in traffic with very brisk accelerations. From 60 to 100 kmh costs merely 3,6 seconds, which makes overtaking or joining faster traffic the proverbial breeze. Besides the silence and smoothness, it is this permanent presence of this abundance of power which makes an EV truly delightful to drive. The pleasure stops at 160 kmh, as the electronic limiter sets in quite sensibly. Indeed, high cruising speeds wreck havoc to the range of your EV.
There is a round knob at the steering wheel column where you can choose the different driving modes from eco to sport, and with the paddles on both sides of the steering wheel you can select the amount of energy recuperation you want on your drive.
Despite being only front wheel drive, the drivetrain copes well with all this power. When it comes to consumption, the slower you accelerate and cruise, the better your range will be. We learned to drive EV’s with restraint, despite their abundant power, and this is the only way to achieve a consumption which comes close to the official WLTP figures. We regularly achieved values between 15 kW in urban traffic and 17 KW on the open road, at moderate cruising speeds. When you use this Renault more briskly, you have to reckon with 19-20 kW, which is still a very good value indeed.
The battery has 60 KW capacity, and this means a range between 370 and 400 km is quite realistic and achievable when you drive it with restraint and achieve a consumption of around 15-16 kW. It accepts up to 130 kW fast charging, and this means that you can charge it from 10 to 80 pct in merely 41 minutes. The battery is guaranteed to deliver 70 pct of its capacity for a period of 8 years or 160.000 km.
Practical
We already applauded the excellent infotainment and good cabin layout. The boot space is adequate with some 330 liters, with the rear backrests down this raises to some 750 liters. The boot floor lies very deep, and this makes loading heavy objects a bit cumbersome. One minus point in everyday life might be the rather poor backward visibility, due to the small rear window, high waistline and the large C pillar. But then the Megane has a rear camera as standard equipment, and in the top version we were spoiled with an electronic rear view mirror.
Comfort and handling
The Megane is in good French tradition laid out for comfort, it is also at home on winding roads and offers excellent stability at motorway speeds. We already applauded the comfortable seats, and getting in and out of the car is also easy due to its higher stance.
Conclusion
A well styled car, well built and finished, powerful and reasonably frugal, the Megane betrays the excellent ”savoir faire” of the French car builder in making EV cars. It is full of panache, both inside and out, and certainly deserves a good look if you are looking for an EV in this segment.
Designers can make you dream, and at BMW this is no exception. It brought to this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este a unique design study: the BMW Concept Skytop. It has clearly athletic proportions, and Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, commented: “It offers a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level, comparable to its historic ancestors, like the BMW Z8 or BMW 503.”
Indeed, it does, its lines, surfaces and volumes breathe the classic proportions of its iconic predecessors. Is it a harbinger for future BMW styling? It certainly has interesting details, like winglets integrated into the door shoulders replace conventional door handles. Light-alloy wheels with precise lamellas are also adding elegance and drama.
We like the impressive long bonnet and the classic kidney grille, and also the retracted rear end and the pronounced central spline, which runs over the bonnet through the interior and ends an aluminium trim positioned on the tailgate, add both panache.
The LED headlight units, positioned on milled aluminium carriers, were custom developed for the BMW Concept Skytop, utilizing the latest technology and design for automotive headlights with the slimmest profile currently available.
We also love the leather-finished roll-over bar behind the BMW Concept Skytop’s two seats, as it is combined with side fins on the B-pillar and a fully retractable rear window. The setup is quite practical: the two removable roof parts, also finished in leather, can be stored in a special compartment in the luggage space.
Color harmonies…
The colour scheme ensures a smooth transition from interior to exterior, regardless of whether the roof is open or closed. In the rear section, the reddish-brown tone of the roof flows into the muted silver with chrome shadow effect of the exterior paintwork. The technically elaborate colour gradient was crafted by an experienced master painter at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing (!)
…and luxury in brogue-style leather…
The leather seats in the interior carry brogue-style accents. The reddish-brown tone of the leather gives the whole interior a sense of luxury and spaciousness. Chrystal elements and further are artfully embedded in the gearchange lever and the cockpit, adding to the overall impression. The interior surfaces of the BMW Concept Skytop were crafted in the traditional saddlery of the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing.
The spirit of the Z8 reigns also in this concept car: under the hood roars the most powerful V8 engine in the BMW drive train portfolio.
Of course there is much more news on the BMW front: the new 3 Series Sedan and Touring, the new 5 series Touring and the first BMW i5 Touring, to say the least. Stay tuned!
HKTB: Let me first congratulate you with your new responsibility, and thank you for granting this interview. You have already built up quite a career in the automotive world…
BDM: Indeed! I made my first steps at Renault, then joined the Group D’Ieteren, where I worked in the Marketing department at Porsche, and then took a new challenge by joining Electric by D’Ieteren, putting their product in the market. Then, as I was launching a new product in a premium (electric) automotive market, it was a logical step for me when an iconic brand like Lancia was (re)launching itself in our market, to take up also this challenge and this is how I landed here as a marketing director for Lancia and Alfa.
HKTB: Lancia is a unique premium brand with a noble Italian elegance and spirit, embedded in a rich history…
When I heard that 9 dealers will represent the Lancia brand in our country, with 1 in Luxemburg, it intrigues me to know how they will receive and approach the client and give him this premium impression and “feel” the moment he enters the showroom. What kind of support do you provide to these dealers?
BDM: Indeed, our support goes further than just marketing, and contains other aspects. For instance, the appearance and “look” of the showroom itself. We prescribe a premium level here. But there is also the sales person, i.e. the person who makes the first contact with the client. So we have established a training programme, where learning how to establish a good “face to face” contact is very important. We also have to address any doubts the client may have about the quality of our Italian cars, and therefore we offer an extended guarantee for the entire duration of the contract on our products.
HKTB: Do you work together with Italy to develop this training program for the sales staff?
BDM: Indeed, we have a very good collaboration. They communicate about their best practices, and of course we also have in Belgium our own training team. We have also developed a specific sales course, not only focusing on the technical aspects of the car, but also pointing out which elements constitute a premium brand.
HKTB: And the philosophy of the brand…
BDM: Of course. This has also a special appeal for them. The Italian elegance, the rally successes, there are many aspects. The history of Lancia is also very important.
HKTB: Can you tell us a bit more about the geographical distribution of the dealerships, for instance, there is no dealer in Knokke…
BDM: Indeed, there might come one in 2025… The first idea is of course to spread the dealerships across Belgium, and the person who lives in Knokke or rather has his second residence there, lives usually also in one of the main Belgian cities.
HKTB: You have a dealership in Courtrai…
BDM: Indeed! The (first) locations have been chosen in function of the potential sales volumes. We need motivated dealers who want to invest in the brand, and therefore we need to offer them an opportunity to grow…
HKTB: What about the dealerships who previously sold the Lancia Ypsilon, now some years ago?
BDM: These dealers will still exist for after sales service. Presently there are only two dealers in this situation. They can service the new Ypsilon, even when they don’t have the car in their showroom.
HKTB: The car has many technical similarities with other cars in the the Stellantis group, not to mention the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa …
BDM: Indeed, but when it comes to selling and servicing the Ypsilon, the approach is to maintain its strictly Italian character, which is reflected in the dealer strategy…and which is to be applauded!
HKTB: Do you have a cooperation with the Netherlands?
BDM: We are different, but we work together, as the Ypsilon is launched simultaneously in both countries.
HKTB: Within the Stellantis group, DS is also a brand which addresses a premium client base. Is there a “cross fertilization” concerning client approach, an exchange of best practices in this field?
BDM: Not really. Indeed, we have three premium brands in the group, Alfa, DS, Lancia. We can share some training programmes on how to sell a premium brand, but then for Lancia and Alfa the passion for the automobile, its elegance and its design are rather more important. It is more “Italian”.
HKTB: Can you tell a bit more about the plans and potential for the fleet market for this Ypsilon?
BDM: We know that in Belgium the premium is very much fleet oriented, but as the Ypsilon is a city car, we reckon that about 50 % will be sold in the fleet market and indeed 50 % will find its way to private clients, who will opt rather more for the hybrid version.
HKTB: There will also be a follow up in the Lancia model range with the Gamma…
BDM: Indeed, and next year also there will be the more engaging HF version of the Ypsilon.
HKTB: Are the dealers exclusively Lancia?
BDM: No, they are also Alfa. They are so-called multibrand, but they will have a specific showroom, dedicated to the brand. The showrooms of the different brands have also to be clearly separated, and indeed the sales people are also specific. There is a dedicated sales person for the brand, who has an intimate knowledge of the brand.
HKTB: Are you going to engage with Lancia in cultural and other events? Will you for example sponsor in the future events like the Concours Reine Elisabeth?
BDM: Not in 2024, we now concentrate on the launch of the brand; but the retailers will probably organize or sponsor (local) events. There will be however specific events for the fleet clientele.
HKTB: I am (also) an artist myself and have a keen interest in artistic events, and I could see Lancia sponsoring events in the cultural sector…
BDM: This is a very good suggestion! Maybe in 2025. But you can always contact me, I am always open to new ideas and suggestions! The first event is now the opening of our retailers. The 22nd of May, the Luxembourg retailer will open its doors…
Volkswagen has gained over the years already quite some experience in designing, developing and building EV’s with its already iconic ID series. All this know how is now brought together in the ID.7, the big EV limousine at the top of their ID range. The result is manifest: this car is full of good qualities, and earns indeed top marks in virtually all aspects. We found it clearly one of the best bigger EV’s we have come across lately. Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Imposing and well proportioned
The ID.7 has the same styling and form language as the smaller models in its ID range, but its proportions are even better, not in the least because of its longer weelbase. The overall length of 4,97 meters lets the lines and contours flow more gradually and elegantly and indeed, this ID.7 looks good from any angle. The ID.7 is also very aerodynamic, with a Cw value of merely 0,23. This is very crucial to reduce energy consumption at higher cruising speeds, and to achieve longer ranges on long distances. But there is more: the VW engineers gave the ID.7 also a brand new electric motor. It drives like in the other ID models the rear wheels and develops 210 kW or 286 HP.
Plenty of power, to say the least, and this ID.7 is very agile indeed. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in merely 6,5 seconds and overtaking becomes the proverbial breeze. The ID.7 behaves also wonderfully when you drive it more quietly, and the car then rewards you with a very reasonable consumption. We achieved during our test an average of 17.60 kW/100 km, and we think that this tells the whole story. Indeed, VW succeeded in giving their flagship EV an impressive range of close to 500 km. Of course, the usable range varies with outside temperatures and driven speeds, but let’s say that this ID.7 has its merits as a long distance Gran Turismo. This good range is achieved with the 77 kW battery which is also found in the other cars of the ID range, and all this is due to the improved motor and the better aerodynamic qualities. Of course, as you already know by now, EV cars just LOVE slow driving. The slower the (constant) speed, the further you go. Even to very slow speeds, like say 40 km/h, EV’s are frugal, where IC engined cars need to revert to lower gearing to keep the revs up and are therefore less efficient. Also the outside temperatures are relevant. So at a nice springtime outside temperature of 20 degrees and at a cruising speed of say 90 km/h, you will drive far beyond 600 kilometers with your stylish ID.7. Top speed is sensibly limited to 180 km/h.
This electric flagship will also recuperate its kinetic energy nicely. If you put it in Eco mode, it will also decelerate smoothly and anticipate for bends and crossroads.
Comfort and space…
We found the suspension of the ID.7 actually “just right”, offering excellent comfort in all circumstances and under all driving styles, with outstanding handling and agility. A superbly balanced car indeed.
But it is not only the suspension which stands out, the generous dimensions in the cabin do the rest. Indeed, this is a limousine fit for the very tallest. Even when the front seats are put back to accommodate 1,95 meter tall front passengers, you will still enjoy ample legroom in the back. Indeed, this is a car to fit four basket ball players, and this is pretty unique. Your servant is barely 1,70 m tall, so you can imagine that I was absolutely spoiled.
Climate comfort
The seats itself also merit superlatives. The front seats are optionally equipped with so-called ’Adaptive Climate Control’. It has to be felt to believe it. Humidity sensors in the backrest will prevent transpiration, small jets will cool or heat the seats for optimal comfort. Besides this, the seats will also spoil you with an array of massage functions.
The light atmosphere in the cabin can be changed almost at will, 10 different colour shades are standard, and can optionally be as many as 30…
Our test car came with a panoramic roof, which has a layer of polymer dispersed liquid crystals, so you can control the transperance with a simple touch.
Heating and ventilation are controlled on the immense central touchscreen, although there is an illuminated control bar at the base of the screen which lets you adjust with sliders the basics like air temperature and airflow volume. The direction of the airflow through the vents can only be adjusted on the touchscreen however. Your servant is very sensitive to colder airflows, and was very surprised to feel an intermittent air stream on his face. Indeed, the airvents can be set to turn constantly on a horizontal axis, like a stand ventilator in your home…
A range of well over 500 kilometers is quite possible with the ID.7..
On a public charging point it will accept power up to 11 kW, and the battery will be 80 pct charged in about 4 hours…
Touch controls…and clear instrumentation.
Again the haptic touch controls are the hallmark of this VW, as is typical for the entire ID range. It takes some getting used to, and for instance you are well advised to set the voice command sensor on the steering wheel properly, otherwise she will ask you what she can do for you at every turn of the way.
What we loved is the very clear and concise driver information the instrument display puts in front of you. Indeed, less is more. There is also a very readable head up display. It informs you about speed, the direction you should take and energy consumption.
Practical
In good VW tradition, the boot space is enormous. When you fold the back seats and load until the window openings, you can store 888 liters… There is even a small separate 25 litre storage space for the charging cables.
The ID.7 is rather wide for urban traffic, but its turning circle is a modest 10,7 meters, and indeed the car is thanks to the driving aids also a breeze to park.
Fast charging is a strong point of the ID.7. It will accept up to over 180 kW charging power, and under these conditions it will take little more than half an hour to recharge this flagship from 10 to 80 pct. On a public or wallbox charger it will typically accept 11 kW, and you have to reckon with a charging time of some 8 hours.
Conclusion
The ID.7 is indeed a totally convincing limousine EV. It is hard to find any weak points, and it is therefore not surprising that it earns many top laurels in the international motoring press. Notably it was given the very best note ever for an EV by the German ADAC in their test.
Quality doesn’t come cheap, but then this is a rather formidable EV, and we sincerely regretted to part with it…
Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg have always been “home” for Lancia. Indeed, our roads were marked 4 to 5 decades ago by the presence of the elegant Fulvia’s, and connoisseurs were at the wheel of the Flaminia’s, not to speak of the beautiful Superleggera’s and later, last but not least, the 4WD Lancia Delta “Integrale”, which still makes the hearts of aficionados beat faster.
The rear lights of the new Ypsylon are reminiscent of the legendary Stratos, with also the “Y” Calice symbol worked in…
Even your servant fell for the brand with the elegant chromed “calice” on its radiator, namely a Dedra 1,8 i.e. By then, Lancia was already part of the larger Fiat concern, and it proved to be an utterly reliable and pleasant companion for four years in my stable, and I still remember it fondly. It already had the beautiful dark blue body paint and equally blue Alcantara interior and seats.
Given this enthusiasm, it is hardly surprising that Stellantis decided to pick the Benelux as one of the ideal places in Europe to have the renaissance of the brand, in line with the “Stellantis Dare Forward” strategic plan.
The Lancia Ypsilon is the much loved debutante…
The Ypsilon has maintained the brand alive in Italy, and has been highly popular there over the years. Not that the new Ypsilon has anything in common with its predecessor. It carries the Lancia Pu+Ra Design (the name a combination of ‘pure’ and ‘radical’), the one-of-a-kind Lancia design language with a timeless touch. The new Ypsilon It is available as a pure EV and in hybrid form. The 156 HP EV with a 51 kW battery has a WLTP measured range of 403 kilometers, the 3 cylinder, 100 HP 48 V hybrid caters for a wide(r) public and can be bought at an attractive base price of 24,000 Euros. The EV has the same technical basis as the Peugeot e-208 and the Opel Corsa Electric, but it certainly has quite different looks.
Lancia presented us their Ypsilon at the launch in a very attractive top notch “Edizione Limitata Cassina” version, whith an iconic “Lancia Blu” color for interior and bodywork, ”panno” wool upholstery for the seats executed in “cannelloni” pattern and as icing on the cake, one is seduced by an iconic “tavola” or small round table in the centre of the dashboard, sitting on top of the centre console. This brings you in the unique S.A.L.A. or “living room” atmosphere, which the Lancia designers created in collaboration with Cassina.
The abbreviation S.A.L.A., meaning living room in Italian, actually stands for Sound, Air, Light, Augmentation and is the new name used for the infotainment system. Its command module sits as a disk on top of the dashboard. We will come back on this system more in detail when we will get acquinted with the Ypsilon, hopefully soon…
This Cassina edition is exclusive: only 1906 units will be produced, and the number is actually also quite symbolic, as 1906 is the year Vicenzo Lancia was born…
The Benelux customer can now order this Ypsilon, and besides the top Cassina and the “base” version, one can also opt for the premium LX version. LX is also symbolic, as it is the Latin acronym for 60, created in 1966 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the brand.
Even the base version is well equipped, with multifunctional steering wheel, automatic airco and keyless entry/start/lock. There is also one 10,25 inch digital instrument screen and an equally big central touchscreen. Of course Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also provided.
A new dealer and sales network
The renaissance of Lancia comprises also an all-new network made up of 9 new showrooms in Belgium, 6 in the Netherlands, and 1 in Luxembourg, with 12, 6, and 1 after-sales service points respectively. You can order also your new Ypsilon online, if you wish.
Should you opt for a “pure” EV, it is good to know that Lancia offers “Free2move Charge”, a simple, complete, and integrated ecosystem that allows worry free charging at home and gives you access to 600,000 charging points across Europe. Lancia offers also the Easy Wallbox Home Charging solution and has interesting financial renting offers in store, worked out in collaboration with Stellantis Financial Services.
Last but not least, we had at the presentation an interview with Barbara de Mol, Marketing Director for Lancia and Alfa Romeo, about Lancia’s dealer/sales and marketing approach in our country. It to be published soon, so stay tuned!
Autoprova - for the Connaisseur 