Citroen DS5 2012 Review

 

Citroën has revealed the eagerly anticipated third model in its innovative and distinctive DS line: Citroën DS5. Designed to express the full extent of Citroën's 'Créative Technologie', Citroën DS5 combines ground-breaking style, rewarding driving dynamics and exceptional refinement with innovative engineering solutions.

Citroën DS5 is the first Citroën model to feature HYbrid4 diesel hybrid technology, providing enhanced performance and class leading environmental credentials. The advanced HYbrid4 system delivers 200bhp; four-wheel drive capability; emission-free electric power for the city; and an acceleration boost function for the open road - with total CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.

The DS line has already redefined expectations in the supermini segment with DS3, and combines the style of a coupé and the flexibility of a five-door hatchback with DS4. Progressing to the executive segment, Citroën DS5 targets customers looking for a truly bold and assertive car with a resolutely modern approach to vehicle design.

Based on the futuristic and magical C-SportLounge concept, DS5 bringstrue technological innovation to its class.

The dynamic exterior reflects a modern expression of status and promises enhanced driving pleasure. Flowing lines, a sleek profile and muscular wheel arches - which wrap themselves around the large (16" to 19") alloy wheels - give Citroën DS5 an undoubted air of refined confidence.

The assertive front end instantly identifies Citroën DS5 as a member of the DS family. There is an oversized air intake, a large chrome-finished grille housing the chevrons and a new LED light signature. A distinguishing feature, DS5 boasts chrome-finished 'sabre' inserts stretching from the top of each headlamp to the windscreen.

The rear design takes Citroën DS5's on-road presence to yet another level. The car stands firmly on wide tracks, emphasised by two tail pipes built into the rear bumper and highlighted by a rear signature featuring six light guides.

Citroën DS5 is equally charismatic inside, with a remarkable cabin fully consistent with the exterior styling. The driver-focused cockpit features a coupé-like driving position with a near-vertical steering wheel and a wide central console. Citroën DS5 instantly fires the imagination. An array of buttons, switches, scroll wheels and toggles are grouped on two central consoles, one low down and one above the driver's head, 'pilot-style'. A simple push on the START button brings the interior to life. The colour Head-Up Display projects essential information into the driver's line of sight and the ambient lighting bathes the cockpit in a heady mix of red and white.

Most importantly, Citroën DS5 benefits from Citroën's expertise in quality and refinement. Each detail has been carefully considered, with premium materials such as fine-grain Club leather and exclusive designs like the 'watchstrap' seat upholstery - a signature touch of the DS line that is unique to the market.

Reconciling fun at the wheel with comfort and practicality, Citroën DS5 opens up new horizons with pioneering architecture, including:

A sleek, compact body (4.52m long, 1.85m wide) and a driving position worthy of a Gran Turismo coupé.

A roomy boot (up to 465 litres VDA) reminiscent of a Sportwagon.

Five real seats, four doors and all the access and modularity of a hatchback.

For its motor show debut in Shanghai, DS5 appears in a one-off livery as the Citroën DS5 White Pearl. The cabin features ebony-coloured full-grain leather, contrasting subtly with silver-flecked overstitching. Interior detailing includes decorative inserts in Markassa ebony and a highly reflective fascia, created by applying several layers of lacquer. Citroën DS5 White Pearl also sports specially designed 20-inch alloy wheels. 

 

 

 

 

2012 Ford EcoSport – Thoughtfully Designed

The 2012 Ford EcoSport is the mini SUV which is expected to hit the Indian shores at the famous 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo. According to the well known North American based automobile manufacturer, the Ford EcoSport SUV is an latest global compact size SUV that will be officially presented to the public at the New Delhi Auto Expo. The interior portion is designed with complete style and the whole seating arrangement is truly comfortable for driver and passengers.

 

Large numbers of car enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for Ford EcoSport launch. The company says that the EcoSport is a concept automobile and is powered by the turbocharged 1.0-liter Ecoboost engine which is able to generate around 88.7 bhp of energy. The displacement of this powerful engine is 1,999 cc and its fuel type is diesel. The top capacity of its fuel tank is about 71 gallons. This engine is direct injected, down-sized turbocharged engine which offers excellent fuel economy.

 

To grab the attention of crowd, this 2012 Ford EcoSport range comes in various attractive colors like silver, blue and red. Initially, it will be targeted to emerging markets but after that the crossover will hit international auto market under the One Ford global product strategy. This roadster might hit the market at a low cost because the upcoming SUV is expected to be built on the upgraded Ford Fiesta platform. At the upcoming automobile event, the automaker is expected to declare more information about this SUV such as its fuel consumption, C02 emission and performance.

 

The car includes some well designed headlights with huge bumper and reworked fog lights. Due to presence of modified tail lights, it has sporty appearance. For driver and passengers, this automobile houses other several amenities namely, the air conditioning, set of airbags, power steering, front fog lamps, anti lock braking system and alloy wheels and so on. This 2012 Ford EcoSport is understood to be the latest Indian-built Ford to have been enhancement with significant input from Australia engineers, following the Figo City car manufactured for the auto market of India.

It can comfortably accommodate at least up to five passengers. This vehicle will step in India and search a position in the crossover SUV category which is steadily and slowly gaining popularity. The Ford EcoSport SUV fits well on congested Indian streets and offers practicality to the car. This roadster is the clever mixture of compact car, hatchback and SUV. It is expected to deliver very smooth ride and is built thoughtfully to give a classic driving quality even on the rugged terrains. The Ford EcoSport launch will surely fulfill dreams of those buyers who want to own SUV but in a limited budget.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bajaj RE 60: Bajaj Mini Four-Wheeler Features & Photo’s

Bajaj Auto​ on Tuesday unveiled its most awaited small car the RE 60 an ultra-low cost car. The company claims that the car would have a mileage of close to 40 km per litre and will have an 800 cc engine.The low-emission car was developed in partnership with Nissan and Renault.

Bajaj has been working with Nissan Motor Co and Renault SA​ on a project to develop what was originally planned to be an ultra low-cost minicar. Bajaj and Renault-Nissan had announced the formation of a joint venture in May 2008. The project ran into hiccups over branding, product detail and concept issues.

France’s Renault SA and Japan’s Nissan Motor Co will decide on any future engagement with India’s Bajaj Auto Ltd on the company’s new four-wheeled vehicle after this weekend’s auto event in New Delhi, Bajaj Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj said.

The engine is a new water cooled DTSi 4 (Digital Twin Spark Ignition) valve and would give a maximum speed of 70km per hour.

The car has a seating capacity of four people. It has been designed and developed fully by Bajaj Auto and not with Renault or Nissan Motors.The RE 60 has body coloured bumpers and funky wheels. The interiors get a central speedometer cluster, folding front windows, 44-litre boot space, 95-litre under seat storage and prominent seatbelts in cabin.It is also available in fuel injected CNG variant.

Bajaj Auto is known for its two wheelers and three-wheelers. The company is making a four-wheeler for the first time.

Bajaj RE60 – Fast facts

• Light weight monocoque metal polymer hybrid structure
• Closed-loop fuel injection system
• Powered by a 200cc water cooled, 4 valve, DTSI technology will make around 20hp – Can ply in Europe as a quadircycle
• Petrol, CNG and LPG are the only fuel options – Diesel engine not under consideration as this is a light weight vehicle
• 44 liter rear boot storage, 7 liter under the hood and 400 liters when the seats are folded down
• Max speed 70kph
• Turning circle radius – 3.5m
• Length – 2,752mm
• Width – 1,312mm
• Height – 1,650mm
• Seating Capacity – 2+2 or 1+3
• Kerb weight 400kg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alfa Romeo Brera

Boldly styled Alfa combines good looks with enjoyable driving experience, but is the Brera an attractive choice?

 

Styling/Image
A typically styled Alfa, the Brera was penned by Italian design legend Giugiaro. The stunning coupé shares elements of its design with the 159 saloon, and 8C Competizione. And thanks to its sharp lines and large rear it is certainly a head-turner on the road. It’s also a big hit with Alfa fans, but its bold styling means the sports coupe isn’t to everyone’s taste.

 

Interior/Practicality
With a slightly shorter wheelbase than most of its rivals, the Brera doesn’t offer that much in the way of cabin space. The rear seats are too small to sensibly seat any children, and the Brera also has a tiny 230-litre boot with a narrow opening. Up front it’s a similar story, the leather seats look great but practicality is a big issue, they are narrow and set too high, so the driving position isn’t particularly comfortable or engaging. Equipment levels are good though, the dash’s central section is angled towards the driver, and the deep-set dials, analogue gauges and chrome-ringed switches give a real sense of occasion.

 

Engine/Performance
Unfortunately, the Alfa lacks the performance to match its looks. The standard 185bhp 2.2-litre engine feels under-powered for a car in its class, and although the Prodrive tuned Brera S is a much more competent vehicle, plus it comes with the added exclusivity. With a 0-60mph time of just over 8 seconds the Brera isn’t particularly fast either, in-gear acceleration is short and underwhelming too.

 

Driving experience
The Brera is not a light car and it suffers for this. Lacking the precision and agility of a Nissan 350Z, grip and handling are both below what you would expect from a car in its company. But good brakes, a smooth refined gear-change and weighty steering help restore some faith in the Alfa.

 

Ownership Costs
Ranging from £22,000 to £28,000, the Brera doesn’t offer great value for money especially against cars like the 350Z, but compared to premium rivals like Mercedes’ CLK it represents far better value. Of all the engines the 200bhp 2.4-litre turbodiesel offers the best fuel economy at 41.5mpg.

 

Safety/Environment
The 2.4-litre JTD diesel engine emits a very respectable 179g/km of C02, the best-selling 2.2-litre petrol is quite reasonable for a sports coupe too, emitting 221g/km. It also excels in its safety levels and comes with seven-airbags as standard.