Category: New Models

We drove the DS4 Rivoli E Tense 225: the goddess enters the C segment…

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The new DS4 is styled to make its mark in the competitive C segment, to bring a touch of French refinement and panache in its class.

Already at the first presentation of the DS4 in Chantilly, we were impressed. We now had the chance to drive this elegant Crossover SUV on our roads for a longer test, and we must admit that it was a very convincing experience indeed. Just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Seeing the new DS4 and walking around it, one has to admit: this is a well proportioned, timelessly styled car, with unique contours and styling elements, clearly showing that its designer wanted this DS4 to really stand out.

The volumes are carefully balanced, front, side or rear, the DS4 shows character and elegance. The grille and sidelights at the front, the elegantly chiseled rear lights, the flush door handles, popping up when one approaches, the up to 20 inch wheels, this DS4 has the elegant and refined shapes which are appealing. The DS4 recently won also accolades for its styling…

This French couture-like “savoir faire” continues in the interior. Dashboard, centre console and seats breathe distinction, with styling never interfering with functionality.

The higher waistline of the whole car, being a crossover SUV, results also in cabin proportions which invariably invite you to cocoon in its interior, with the DS (and Citroën) extra thick foam-padded seats enveloping you.

The well finished panels of the dashboard and console awake your senses, and you invariably enjoy the refinement of it all, finding it a pleasure to touch and look at.

Take your time to familiarize yourself with its sculpted controls, from the lozenge shaped starting button to the writing pad above the gear selector, and of course the latest generation infotainment which the Stellantis group now offers in its cars.

Besides the clean and to the point driving information displayed by the instrument panel in front of the driver, our test car came in its posh Rivoli equipment level also with an informative and well to read overhead display with augmented reality.

Refined power…

The E-Tense PHEV drivetrain is nothing less than top notch. Shared with other brands and models within the Stellantis Group, it impresses with its smooth, feline power. Driving the front wheels through an 8 speed automatic is a 1,6 petrol engine combined with an electric motor. Total system power is more than enough, with not less than 165 kW/225 PS and maximum torque of 360 Nm. This results in very lively performance: accelerating from standstill is quite powerful, and 100 km/h is thanks to the assistance of the electric motor effortlessly reached in just 7,7 seconds.

Delightful indeed, and the fun doesn’t stop there, as this DS4 is also quite formidable on the motorway: it top speed is not less than 233 km/h.

But besides all this power, it is also the smoothness and the overall silence and refinement of the drivetrain which really stands out. Your servant also considers this to be far more important than outright performance in our modern everyday traffic, and found it a strong point that the DS4 also delivers in this respect.

The combination of performance with the refined charms of electrification and on top of that the absence of any lengthy refueling worries will make me opt for the hybrid solution for the time being, considering the present state of the charging infrastructure on our shores. The DS4 proved again to be a case in point.

DS Automobiles, or rather Stellantis Group for that matter, succeeded in developing a drivetrain with a very smooth and fluent power delivery, with imperceptible gear changes, instant responsiveness and overall very good mechanical quietness. Just when the battery is almost depleted and in kick-down situations, the pleasant roar of the high performance four cylinder is briefly heard, being not obtrusive at all.

Consumption of this PHEV is totally determined by how you use it. Frequent recharging of its 12,4 kW battery via plug-in and driving frequently short distances will of course let you drive with E-power most of the time, with fuel consumption consequently dropping below 2 litres/100 km. Driving briskly with a depleted battery will push the consumption to the other hand of the scale, as the petrol engine is doing almost all the work. Suffice to say that sitting snugly in the comfortable DS, driving with restraint and enjoying fully the good sound insulation of this refined car and its silent drivetrain, we achieved typically a consumption between 5 and 6 litres/100 km.

Divine comfort

The forte of the DS4 is of course its comfort. It will come as no surprise to you that we drove our test car in the comfort mode most of the time. The DS scans the road ahead for irregularities with a camera, and adapts the active suspension accordingly. Impressive to say the least, and we enjoyed the resulting comfort indeed. It is not so soft as the legendary hydropneumatic suspension of the DS 19, but it doesn’t have to be.

This is an active suspension, and it combines a more dynamic setup, necessary to contain the impressive power and torque, with nevertheless stunning “souplesse” and comfort, which makes this DS also the long legged cruiser able to maintain high speeds completely effortlessly on miserable, wet roads.

The steering is light, well insulated from road irregularities and the steering wheel is also a delight to touch, delicately covered by hand stitched leader. We saw one of the craftsmen at work at the DS4 inaugural presentation at Chantilly, and it was truly stunning to see.

I could not resist to show you a photo of this demonstration here. The DS philosophy behind it is right: the steering wheel is what your hands feel and touch; it is your main contact with the car, so it better be a work of art and craftsmanship…

Seating comfort is excellent fore and aft, (very) tall persons will find leg- and headroom in the rear somewhat restricted. If more limousine space is wanted, the DS lover can opt for the majestic DS9, which we drove too, and we will tell you our impressions also soon…

The DS4 will offer you all the thinkable driving aids, and of course also the necessary camera’s to safely maneuver the car. Boot space is still a useable 390 liters in the PHEV version, and of course the backrests of the rear seats can be folded back, so the trip to the “antiquaire” can be crowned with success.

Conclusion

The DS4 has all the endearing French style, character and panache to win your car loving heart. Well designed with lots of “génie Francais”, it is expertly built in German Rüsselsheim.

It has the soothing comfort and road manners of its iconic and legendary DS19 predecessor, which in my eyes makes it even more attractive. It is also timelessly styled, and will be your elegant companion for years to come.

So you want to make a statement in the C segment? Slide behind the hand stitched wheel of this electrified goddess…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

All-new Renault Austral: a revolutionary dashboard and interior…

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The dashboard of the new Austral: a drawing by Damien DURAND

The Renault Design team completely redesigned the all-new Renault Austral’s passenger compartment down to  the last detail – and it makes the most of OpenR technology, of with more soon in a separate report…

Spacious and modular…

The cabin design of the Austral has all the traditional SUV hallmarks. But the high and wide central console stands out. The dashboard’s architecture gives it a slim and wide look, and the connections to the door panels give front-seat passengers that distinct cockpit feeling. The fact that the door panels are high up also create a sense of safety. The overall design follows the angled lines that give the car its dynamic stance.

The passenger compartment is also modular. It has multiple storage areas, starting with a wide sliding armrest that can provide extra storage and makes using the OpenR Link multimedia system simpler. The console has two large storage areas and a nest to hold your smartphone – and induction-charge it at the same time if you want. Combined, the choice of nooks around All-new Renault Austral’s passenger compartment can fit more than 30 litres.

To make the cocoon effect perfect, a flecked fabric decks the entire roof and windscreen posts. Seat comfort also got special attention. At the front, each person has an ample, ergonomic and comfy area. The rear is also roomier because the transmission tunnel is gone. Versatile and multipurpose All-new Renault Austral has a sliding and folding rear bench, operated with a button in the boot. The seats are designed for chatting: as the front ones taper at the top, it’s easier for passengers in the front and rear to interact.

Agneta Dahlgren, Renault Design Project Director, sums it up for us.

“When we created All-new Renault Austral’s passenger compartment, the three recurring themes were the perception of space, edgy design and a protective feel. And all that based on high quality standards.”

Technology focused on the user…

Passengers also enjoy the large “OpenR” screen. This centrepiece in the passenger compartment is one of the largest screens on the market. Its L-shaped configuration sweeps across the central dashboard and the total display area spans 24.3 inches (774 sq. cm.). It is easy to look at, easy to reach, intuitive and connected. And it has controls for practically all of the car’s features – so the rest of the passenger compartment is considerably leaner.

This state-of-the-art technology runs on the Google Automotive Services system and is so bright and anti-reflective that it makes the visor over the dashboard superfluous. Besides its visual streamlining, the panel has inconspicuous built-in vertical air vents, and the ultra-fine contouring around the screen is perfectly flush. The steering wheel is squarer, and slightly flatter in the centre to enhance driving pleasure while providing the driver with an unobstructed view of the dashboard screen.

Packed with the latest connected and smart solutions, the OpenR Link interface includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus a Google search feature and Google Maps. A full 90% of the features you need every day are only one or two clicks away. The OpenR screen is as smooth and simple to use as a smartphone. And it’s one of Renault’s biggest breakthroughs in on-board technology in the past several years. We will tell you soon more about this “OpenR” screen architecture!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

New special exhibition at the Porsche Museum: 50 Years of Porsche Design

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Here you see the new Porsche 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design. This exclusive special edition is a limited run of 750 cars…

The Porsche Museum is honouring the brand’s 50th anniversary with a special exhibition. Until July 10th 2022, visitors can find out how Porsche Design became what it is today.

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the son of Ferry Porsche, founded Porsche Design together with his brother Hans-Peter in Stuttgart in 1972. Porsche Design has long since become an internationally renowned lifestyle brand.

Alongside a presentation of the life and work of F.A. Porsche, his design philosophy and his great creative influence, various exhibits from five decades of Porsche Design will also be on display.

The 911 S 2.4 Targa from the Porsche Design’s founding year of 1972 is in the background, viewed from the cockpit of the new 911 edition 50 yr. Porsche design…

If one thing symbolises the beginnings of Porsche Design, it is the Chronograph I, a milestone in the art of watchmaking. This is why the centrepiece of the special exhibition will be two different versions of the legendary timepiece: the Chronograph 1 – 1972 Limited Edition and the Chronograph 1 – 911 Edition 50 Porsche Design.

The anniversary exhibition also includes style-defining cars that F.A. Porsche created or which come from his private collection. Among them is the 904 Carrera GTS, which he himself once described as his masterpiece. A 911 (993) Speedster from his estate will also be on display. The 911 S 2.4 Targa from the Porsche Design’s founding year of 1972 that has been restored by the Porsche Classic department as part of the special request program will join the vehicle show, as will the new Porsche 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design. The exclusive special edition is a limited run of 750 cars with numerous features reminiscent of the iconic designs of F.A. Porsche.

In addition to the plain Black exterior, the nods to the past include the classic check-patterned Sport-Tex centre panels of the seats and the red second hand of the Porsche Design Subsecond clock in the Sport Chrono Package, which comes as standard.

The quintessence of Porsche Design

“Good design must be honest,” F.A. Porsche always emphasized. He designed the legendary Porsche 911 and founded the design studio in 1972. Today, Managing Director Roland Heiler and his team still follow that philosophy. Using authentic materials, they design carefully thought-out, functional and durable products with a purist aesthetic. As the in-house design team of the Porsche Design brand, their inspiring high-quality products include watches, sunglasses, luggage and leather goods.

With locations in Zell am See, Berlin and Ludwigsburg, Los Angeles and Shanghai, the design office also offers its services to international clients. This results in first-class consumer goods, household appliances and industrial products – for example in collaboration with Elan, KEF, LaCie, Morita and Panasonic.

The choice of materials plays a decisive role in Studio F. A. Porsche’s products. Titanium and carbon can turn them into lifetime companions and add new, unexpected functions. The combination of traditional, honest design approaches with ambitious innovations turns the products into genuine luxury items.

The Porsche Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Information on the Porsche Museum’s current hygiene regulations can be found at http://www.porsche.com/Museum.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Kia announces a sustainable future with the all-new Niro…

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The new Niro also pleases with clean, rather rectangular lines…

The new year also brings a lot of news for Kia. It has revealed its all-new Niro on January 17. Kia calls it “a next-generation state-of-the-art model that further demonstrates the company’s rapid progress in becoming a global sustainable mobility solutions provider.” Wow!

An integral part of Kia’s growing eco-friendly model line-up, the next-generation Niro has been designed from the ground up to meet the complex and varied needs of today’s sustainability-conscious consumers, that’s for sure.

Based on the third generation platform, the new Niro benefits from a larger body. One will find also more premium and eco-friendly materials which, according to Kia, “combine to create a minimalist avant-garde feel”

The photo of the dashboard indeed shows rather modernistic digital displays and interior controls.

At the heart of all-new Niro’s eco-friendly credentials are a trio of electrified powertrains, comprising hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV) options. PHEV and BEV models will be revealed at a later date, closer to market launch.

A so-called “Smartstream” 1.6-liter GDI engine featuring improved cooling, friction and combustion technologies helps power the HEV model. The powerplant ensures competitive fuel efficiency, with the all-new Niro HEV capable of achieving 20.8km/L or 4,80 l/100 km. (based on Korean standard).

“The all-new Kia Niro heralds the next step in our journey to become a sustainable mobility solutions provider,” said Artur Martins, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Brand and Customer Experience Division at Kia Corporation. “From the outset, our ambition was to create a car that makes it easier for people to practice a sustainable lifestyle. With its eco-friendly materials, advanced technology and range of highly efficient electrified powertrains, the all-new Niro truly delivers on its goal.”

Sales of the all-new Kia Niro HEV will commence in Korea this month, with sales in selected global markets due to follow later this year.

We will come back later with more technical details about the Kia Niro, stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and… Rimac: Belgian Importer D’Ieteren enlarges import activities in top segment…

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Amidst the Supercar Story exhibit at Autoworld, D’Ieteren presented the brands it imports in Belgium, with Rimac as a newcomer…

The famous Belgian firm D’Ieteren, which has a unique and rich history, mainly but not exclusively in the automotive world, looks back at a very good year for its three luxury brands, and adds another one… Rimac.

The Flying Spur Hybrid reveals its electrified nature by a blue colored radiator mascotte…

But let’s start our overview here with Bentley. Your servant has always been very fond of these cars, and vividly remembers a drive in the Mulsanne Bentley from the D’Ieteren headquarters in Brussels to Le Mans, to attend the 24 h race there. This unique experience was further enhanced by the invitation by D’Ieteren to attend the race in the Bentley hospitality room above the Bentley pit stand. Sweet and precious memories…

Your servant was unfortunately medically advised not to attend the press conference at Autoworld in the light of the present pandemic, but thanks to the excellent D’Ieteren PR department, last but not least PR Managers Bernard Van Bellingen and Jean-Marc Ponteville, there is, dear reader, more than enough info material available to present all the news in detail to you.

A Bentley remains a Bentley, even when only judging it by its dashboard instruments…

Bentley took advantage of the sensational Supercar Story exhibit at Autoworld to delight fans and enthusiasts of exceptional cars. The Continental GT Speed Cabriolet has been on display since the opening of the show on December 17 last. Over 40 exceptional cars from the history of the automotive industry accompanied the Flying Spur Hybrid at the Autoworld venue. Among these were the Flying Spur V8, the Continental GT Speed Convertible and the Bentley Continental GT3-R. The selection of Bentley models on display showcases the strongest product portfolio in the history of the brand whilst cementing the role of Bentley in automotive history.

The Flying Spur Hybrid made its debut…

But in a surprising move, at the initiative of its headquarters in Crewe, this collection has been joined by two additional models: the Flying Spur Hybrid, which is having its European premiere there, as well as the very first Flying Spur to leave the factory in 2003 with the number 1 stamped on its chassis.

“The Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid that we can admire at Autoworld until January 23, is the model that has traveled 733 kilometers through Iceland with electricity generated from geothermal sources and biofuel. Because, indeed, our engines are already compatible with 100% renewable synthetic fuels ,” said David Favest, Bentley General Manager.

Combined with electricity from natural sources, this biofuel can reduce CO2 emissions from well to wheel by 45%. In electric mode, the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid can travel 40 kilometers. We will come back with a detailed review of this formidable car.

Towards carbon neutrality

Bentley’s ambitious Beyond100 strategy…

Indeed, “the world’s best luxury sedan”, as Bentley calls it, goes green: the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid is another step in Bentley’s “Beyond100” strategy. Its goal is to be carbon neutral from start to finish by 2030. On its journey, it will see the entire Bentley range having an electrified drivetrain option by 2024 and the brands first BEV in 2025.

In that respect, the dealership Bentley Brussels is setting a good example with its power supply on solar panels. But that’s not all: in 2021 Bentley Brussels also installed three beehives on its site in Drogenbos.

David Favest explains: “The surrounding site, which is owned by D’Ieteren, is a Natura 2000 site. In this zone we are recolonizing Belgian Black Bees (Apis Mellifera Mellifera), the purest breed of the Belgian bees on the brink of extinction; we aim to have 30,000 bees in three hives over a three-year period.”

We would also like to remind you that last summer Bentley Motors entered into a partnership with The Macallan, the prestigious Scottish producer of Scotch whiskey and alcohol-free thanks. Both companies want to develop a number of experiments together for a more sustainable future.

More sales and more customization

2021 was a remarkably successful year for Bentley with 109 registrations. But with the foreign registrations added, the order book is more representative: together with Lamborghini, a total of 250 vehicles last year. In Belgium, Bentley’s registrations grew by 9%, orders even by 70%!

In the total luxury market (more than 450 hp), Bentley and Lamborghini have a market share of 22.2%, while the D’Ieteren group (Porsche, Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini) even approaches a share of almost 45%!

“Last year we also observed a strong evolution in spending on bespoke customization,” continues David Favest. “The Bentley customer currently spends an average of €42,000, excluding taxes, on the Mulliner program. That’s almost €20,000 more than before.”

Covid safe #One2OneXperience increases customer satisfaction

The health crisis has led us to create new services for our customers, such as the #One2OneXperience. This allows them to configure their car from home in a paperless manner. This experience is only available in the company of a vendor who provides remote access to the world’s most powerful configurators, storing more than 1.7 million images per model in ultra-high resolution. “To develop this service, we upgraded our entire IT system with twice the bandwidth for Teams. This increases the degree of personalization by 10 billion possible combinations,” explains David Favest.

If the customer wishes to complete the configuration at the dealer, we offer him or her a private appointment, with a prepared test vehicle also available. The dealerships of Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti Brussels are currently only open by appointment.

As a result of its bees conservation programme, Bentley even produces honey…

The #One2OneXperience service also includes after-sales service. This makes it possible to collect or deliver a vehicle for maintenance where the customer wishes, either via closed transport or with a driver.

These new services, launched during the health crisis to limit contacts, have increased the satisfaction rate to over 90%!

Of course, news will follow about Lamborghini, Bugatti and a new fully electric supercar brand: Rimac.

Stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Subaru’s First Global All-Electric Vehicle SOLTERRA was presented on our shores…

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Having made its world debut already last November, it was presented this week in Belgium. Subaru wants it to be, well, a true Subaru. This means that the SOLTERRA (from the latin Sol = soil, and Terra = earth) has been built as an authentic SUV, and provides the value of “enjoyment and peace of mind” – as Subaru puts it – that Subaru have cultivated over many years.

The e-SUBARU Global Platform…

Using the know-how cultivated with the highly recognized Subaru Global Platform, Subaru has jointly developed the e-Subaru Global Platform together with Toyota Motor Corporation as a BEV-dedicated platform.

The e-Subaru Global Platform enables a driving experience with superior driving dynamics, that brings high stability and handling linearly responds to driver’s steering operation, says Subaru.

High capacity battery packs are placed under the floor as it is a BEV, and by utilizing that battery as a part of the structure, a low center of gravity and high body strength and rigidity are realized.

An AWD System with two motors…

The SOLTERRA has adopted a new system that drives the front and rear wheels with separate motors. Taking advantage of the expertise in AWD technology precisely controlling the four tires that SUBARU has accumulated over many years, the agile response of the electric motors and the flexible driving force distribution between front and rear, SOLTERRA offers a driving with confidence.

Like the other SUBARU SUV models, SOLTERRA features the X-MODE AWD control system that enhances the sense of security on rough roads. By adding the new Grip Control function, which enables the vehicle to run at a constant speed while stabilizing the vehicle even on rough roads, the all-terrain capability is further improved.

Developed together with Toyota…

The SOLTERRA is the vehicle which takes an important role for SUBARU.

The vehicle has been jointly-developed by Toyota and SUBARU, which entered into a new business and capital alliance in September 2019. They brought together technologies and knowledge’s that are expertise of each under the slogan “Let’s make ever-better cars together” and the engineers of both companies developed it together “while engaging in a friendly rivalry” according to Subaru.

The launch of the SOLTERRA will start by the middle of 2022 in the markets including Japan, the United States, Canada, Europe and China.

We hardly can wait to sit behind the wheel of one!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Subaru unveils the Forester MY22…

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Subaru announces the availability of the Forester MY22. The versatile, compact SUV with standard four-wheel drive is not only getting a makeover, it now comes with an improved suspension, even more comfort, and the latest generation EyeSight safety system.

Bolder looks…

The front bumper was redesigned with a new grille, a revised design for the headlamps and fog lamps The new fog lamp housings (in chrome or black, depending on the trim level) are better integrated with the contours of the bumper and give the Forester extra character.

At the rear only some subtle changes were made to the rear bumper protection. The roof rails will now be given a silver color and the Premium version will be fitted with new 18-inch rims. Finally, the consumer can choose from three additional colours, namely Autumn Green Metallic, Cascade Green Silica and Brilliant Bronze Metallic.

Focus on safety and comfort…

The Forester now has the latest generation EyeSight that was previously introduced on the new Outback. Thanks to Subaru’s stereo camera collision prevention system, the Forester now has a wider viewing angle (almost double) and new image recognition software along with a number of safety features, including some new functions: Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering function, Autonomous Emergency Steering, Lane Departure Prevention including recognition of dividing lines such as grass or road edges, Preceding Vehicle Adaptive Steering Control (following the center line of the vehicle in front of the vehicle in the lane) and Pre-Collision Braking System with comprehensive support for collision avoidance at intersections.

For even more comfort, the suspension has been further optimized, making rides even more comfortable in all conditions and on any surface. The possibilities of the X-MODE were also further refined. Once X-MODE is activated, it will automatically go into standby mode from 40 km/h and will automatically reactivate once the vehicle speed drops below 35 km/h.

Airco Gesture Control

From the Luxury version, an Airco Gesture Control is also added. Via two simple hand movements that are registered via the Driver Monitoring System, the driver can quickly and safely adjust the temperature of the air conditioning system to the desired temperature. This way the driver will not be distracted by pressing the buttons and/or looking at the screen.

The Forester MY22 is available immediately from all dealers in the Subaru network from €35,995 (€34,805 in Lux)

More news very soon to be expected, last but not least Subaru’s First Global All-Electric Vehicle SOLTERRA!

Stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Kia EV6 and Carnival win prestigious GOOD DESIGN Awards 2021

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The gracious EV6 announces a new design and styling era for Kia

A strong wind of superb design is blowing through the model range of Kia, and the same is true for Hyundai. Indeed, their new designs are stunning, and therefore it is no surprise that they win international accolades.

Kia received two prestigious design awards for two of its latest models: the Kia EV6 electric crossover and the fourth-generation Kia Carnival MPV. They were awarded top awards in the “Transport” category in the annual GOOD DESIGN Awards.

Sleek and well balanced…

The EV6’s bold conceptual style encompasses Kia’s acclaimed new design philosophy, ‘Opposites United’, which draws inspiration from the contrasts of nature and humanity.

The all-new EV6 is Kia’s first battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) and the first Kia to be based on the brand’s new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), with a driving range of 528 kilometers in real-world conditions and combines this with ultra-fast charging speeds.

Key exterior highlights include the sleek daytime running lights that are part of the ‘Digital Tiger Face’, a contemporary and aerodynamic side profile and the bold crossover silhouette. The interior benefits from the E-GMP platform, which enables a high-tech, spacious and inviting environment.

The Kia Carnival also earned accolades…

Karim Habib, Head of the Kia Design Center said: “These GOOD DESIGN Awards confirm the approach we have taken with the style of the Kia EV6 and Kia Carnival and pay tribute to the combined efforts of our talented international design team. It was really a pivotal year for us. We have launched our brand new design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, which is already transforming our cars today, and we are committed to ensuring that Kia continues to push the boundaries of car design.”

We are keen to drive the EV6 this year, and are looking forward to more elegant creations from their design tables…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We drove the new Nissan Qashqai: better looks, upgraded cabin, smooth performance…

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The Qashqai is a very important car for Nissan, and it enters now its third generation. Consequently, the engineers and designers pulled all the stops. Keeping the car very recognisable as a Qashqai, the designers gave the car nevertheless a contemporary look with headlights stretching all to the sides, emphasising the familiar “V” pattern on the grille, putting some clean, sharp styling accents on the sides, and finishing it all in a very well proportioned rear end.

The suspension has also been redesigned and the drivetrains have been reworked too. You will not see a Diesel engine anymore in this Qashqai, only 1,3 liter petrol engines with mild electrification, awaiting a full hybrid version around the middle of this year.

We found this latest generation Qashqai elegant, refined, and convincing with nice upmarket touches, just read on…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Gained in panache and elegance, but not so much in size…

The new Qashqai grew hardly bigger: it grew only 3,5 cm longer and a good 3 cm larger. But the wheelbase gained some 2 centimeters, which gives you more legroom in the rear. As we said, the elegant presence and stylish proportions of the car have been greatly improved. Luggage space varies between 436 and 504 liters, depending how you use the boot panels, which can make a level luggage floor,or not. Indeed, two panels are available to make a continuous flat floor, and these panels can also be used to divide up the luggage space to prevent things from sliding around. Nissan also lowered the luggage floor for easier loading.

Interior and dashboard with premium touches…

Instrumentation is fully digital in the top equipment version we tested, and the design of the dash with its curvacious stitched leather surfaces is decidedly elegant and upmarket. Also the seats in our test car had a premium look and feel with their nice stitching on the seat cushions and backrests.

One finds quite improved soft padding and materials in the dashboard and interior, and one is happy to see a good array of knobs, which make this Qashqai intuitive to use.

Indeed, the heating/ventilation can still be set with thse classic knobs, and below the touchscreen one finds a nice array of knobs too. Also the tactile feeling of these knobs and functions, indeed everything you feel and press, feels solid and well finished.

The infotainment system coming with the higher equipment levels is outstanding, also the digital instruments read well and are elegant. What to think of the 9 inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, etc. There are also two sorts of USB ports for connectivity, USB C-type and the classic ones, and these are provided in the front as well as in the back.

The Qashqai has practical touches too: the rear doors open to almost 90 degrees actually, which is excellent for loading baby seats, toddlers…

We also liked very much the very legible head up display, and many will also appreciate that Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa can be connected to the Nissan system.

Map information can now also be updated “Over the Air”. Of course, all the usual assistance systems are on board. It even uses map information in the cruise control modus, and will slow you down in bends…

Smooth 1,3 litre petrol engines.

There are no diesel engines available anymore for the new Qashqai. Only supersmooth 1,3 litre petrol engines, developing 140 or 158 HP. Both engines are assisted by an integrated starter generator. The Qashqai is therefore a mild hybrid so to say. The Qashqai cannot move on pure electric power, but its engine is assisted by the starter/generator motor, and one feels clearly the extra push when driving away from standstill.

Only the 158 HP engine is offered when you opt for the X-Tronic automatic transmission. This is a CVT type box, but its artificial seven gears prevent the engine from revving too high under full throttle. Even under spirited driving, the Qashqai remains quiet and subdued. The electronic motor assistance sets in harmoniously from standstill, by the way. The drivetrain is very refined indeed, enhancing the premium feel of this Qashqai.

The revised suspension also pleased us. Comfortable, it coped quite well with uneven urban pavés, staying still a bit firm at slower speeds, but for an SUV quite comfortable nonetheless. The steering is light and also now more direct. This Qashqai is even more relaxing to drive than its predecessor.

Good performance

Performance is smooth and leaves nothing to be desired. 0 to 100 km/h is absolved in 9,2 seconds and top speed is 199 km/h. Driving leisurely with this 1468 kg Qashqai will let you reach consumption levels between 6 and 7 liters, but as soon as you move with more zest, the consumption goes up by one liter. According to WLTP norm, the average consumption is 6,4 liter/100 km.

Full hybrid “E-Power”fro the Qashqai will be expected around the middle of this year. Then a 154 HP 1,5 litre petrol engine will be coupled to a quite zesty 140 kW electric motor. The front wheels will exclusively be driven by this electric motor, the petrol engine will only generate the electricity.

This will allow the petrol engine to operate always in ideal conditions, and the Qashqai will accelerate and have the pleasant responsiveness of a “pure” EV. We will be keen to drive this car as soon as it arrives, of course…

Conclusion

The Qashqai has decidedly carved a nice niche for itself in the European compact SUV market. The third generation is even more mature, stylish and refined. The finish and the equipment in the higher level versions is decidedly upmarket, the infotainment is lavish and future proof. The Qashqai is comfortable, practical and also a lively performer, relaxing to drive and supersmooth.  All the good qualities of a bestseller, which it will continue to be…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer already to be seen at Belgian dealerships…

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Some more BMW news: the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer had its physical world premiere for the general public at the Belgian BMW dealers. It is the first time that a new BMW model has been launched so soon after the physical world premiere – in Belgium too! – can be viewed at any BMW dealer. For this stunt, 67 cars from the very first production from the factory in Leipzig, Germany, were taken to Belgian dealers in secret, where they will be unveiled today as part of the BMW Salon, which will take place at the dealers this year.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is BMW’s brand new asset in the smaller front-wheel drive segment. The predecessor of this sporty all-rounder convinced more than 400,000 customers. The new model, which features mild hybrid (48v) technology as standard for the first time in this class, stands out for its extensive connectivity and its unique interior space with the large curved display that we recognize from the latest electric flagships BMW iX and BMW i4.

More BMW news soon, stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel