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Stuff.tv
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
The deliberately quirky DS No8 impressed me, both inside and out
Stuff Verdict The DS No8 looks cracking on the outside and is a feast of innovation and comfort on the inside, with enough room to keep most family-focused buyers happy. Pros Very impressive range on all models Elegant looks both inside and out All-wheel-drive version drives super nicely Cons Interiors might be seen as a little garish to some It's quite a big old bus when in small spaces The weight is easy to feel when you're driving Introduction DS Automobiles always offers something a little bit different, and that's maybe never been more true with the DS No8. This is a very individual SUV-coupe that oozes class and also packs plenty of innovation, especially when it comes to using lots of unusual materials for the interior. It's been designed to take on the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q6 e-tron and, interestingly, the Polestar 4, which in itself is a bit of a curio. The unmistakably French model starts at a sniff over £50,000 for the No8 Pallas trim and climbs to nearly £55,000 for the No8 Etoile. You can have a front-driven version with 230bhp, a long-range variant with 245bhp, or a three-motor, 350bhp range-topper if additional grunt is required. The DS No8 is therefore going to be ideally suited to anyone who likes a little bit of individuality, lots of comfort and needs to munch miles on a regular basis. The biggest bonus with driving a DS is that it stands out from the crowd, and there's no better example of that than the new No.8. Here's how I've been getting on with it… How we test cars Every electric car reviewed on Stuff is tested on a range of road surfaces and, where possible, in varying weather conditions. We use our years of experience to compare with rivals and assess ergonomics, technology features and general usability. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. The styling I was expecting the DS No8 to be different and, seeing it in the metal for the first time, the coupe-style exterior is a bit of a head turner. There was a lot to take in as I worked my way around the outside of this large car – it's 4.8 metres long, although that sloping rearward roofline helps keep the profile surprisingly svelte. The acute styling looks quite dramatic, but despite its bulk the No8 has been designed with aerodynamics in mind. Case in point is at the front end, where the carefully honed edges have been worked to cut through the air as efficiently as possible. There's also a distinctive illuminated grille here. My only worry with this is just how much that front end would be to repair should it be damaged in an accident. Standing back for a wider look at the DS No8, it could almost be something from the Rolls Royce stable. The use of colour is quite clever; the Crystal Pearl of my Etoile trim test car works brilliantly against the contrasting black roof, trim highlights and bonnet. The latter, incidentally, is painted using a specially developed new technique that's similar to screen printing, eliminating overspray and thereby wastage. Another bit of innovation. As for the deliciously minimal back-end, I think there are whiffs of the Lexus LC 500 about those taillights – no bad thing in my book. Lift the tailgate and there's 620 litres of storage space, although there's no frunk under the bonnet. The DS designers have gone to town with the cockpit of this car. Although there's quite a lot of plastic, it is balanced by the clever use of new and sustainable materials. The pictures, I think, speak for themselves. The drive Prior to driving the all-wheel drive No8, I spent a little time in the front-driven No8 Pallas. The latter sounded like it was being quite hard on the front tyres, even when it was being driven sedately. As a result, I found the four-wheel drive Etoile car a much more likeable thing to spend time in, even if the extra power isn't really needed unless you're a fan of pushing EVs to their max. The DS No8 isn't really that kind of car. I found it delicious to drive when taking things easy. Sure, there's a lot of weight in evidence, which is more noticeable when it's taking on tight bends. Overall, though, the DS No8 offers no trouble and can be handled with the minimum of effort. I was surprised how good the turning circle was too, especially given its size, and parking turns into a breeze thanks to the excellent on-screen reversing camera views. It's interesting to see how the square steering wheel has made a comeback and the one in the DS No8 was, I thought, surprisingly spindly. It felt good in my hands though, and elsewhere the drive mode controls are all effortless, with a range of options that, naturally, make Comfort the most obvious selection. Sport delivers a boost of fizz, and this large car will still make zero to sixty in 5.4 seconds in the AWD format. That's fine. The Active Scan Suspension will be mighty handy on UK roads too as it uses cameras to spot irregularities in the road ahead and adjust the setup accordingly. Ideal. The technology A big part of the DS No8 experience revolves around the in-car entertainment. Oh sure, there's the novelty value of Chat GPT if you want to find something out, but the sound system is where this car felt decidedly high-end. DS has collaborated with French audio specialists Focal to develop the audio setup, with no less than 14 speakers festooned around the cabin to provide a full-on sensory experience. I was mightily impressed with the way it looked and even more blown away by how it sounded. That works in tandem with a host of other options, all designed to make any type of journey that little more soothing and stress-free. I got so much benefit from the 'Cat paw' massage seat mode that I was surprised I didn't burn the electric motors out. However, it is noticeable that under the posh DS software skin, this looks to be the self-same system found in the Peugeot all-electric range, like the Peugeot E-3008 for example. The infotainment system is centred around a 16in screen that sits nicely along the dash. There was some occasional lag from this during use, but nothing that put me off dipping in altogether. DS has kept things minimalistic when it comes to physical controls, mind, so expect to spend quite a lot of time delving into the screen's innermost workings. Even more so if you want to peruse the delights of those massage seat settings. It's all in there though. Somewhere. DS No8 verdict I was quite taken aback as to how quirky the DS No8 was. The exterior shape and novel design grew on me, and the interior – whilst being a bit wild in places – works when it's enjoyed as a whole. Fair play to DS for keeping up with the innovation and unusual ideas, which in the main work to great effect. I'm not quite sure how well it'll age over time, but people probably said that about the original DS when it appeared all those years ago. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 The DS No8 looks cracking on the outside and is a feast of innovation and comfort on the inside, with enough room to keep most family-focused buyers happy. Pros Very impressive range on all models Elegant looks both inside and out All-wheel-drive version drives super nicely Cons Interiors might be seen as a little garish to some It's quite a big old bus when in small spaces The weight is easy to feel when you're driving DS No8 technical specifications Powertrain Permanent magnet synchronous electric motor Battery 98kWh Power 350bhp Torque 377lb-ft 0-62mph 5.4sec Top speed 118mph Range 469 miles Charge rate 160kW Cargo volume 620 litres
The Independent
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
DS No.8 review: If it's good enough for President Macron...
This year marks the 70th anniversary of DS, the French premium car brand spun-off from Citroen in 2014. DS has been teetering on the edge of 'why bother?' since then, with a range of cars a long way off challenging the German premium establishment. The DS No.8 (note the use of a Chanel-like numbering system for the cars from this model) is the car to change all that. DS has three pillars that mark its cars out as different: French elegance, absolute comfort and dynamic serenity. We're not really sure what that last one means, but it's certainly got bags of unique French style and is impressively comfortable – something you can't always say about the No.8's German rivals. Talking of which, DS says the No.8 offers the space and size of an Audi Q6 for the price of an Audi Q4. It's not wrong, and we'd take the DS over either of the Audis. We'll leave you to decide whether you like the look of the No.8 or not. Its lines are a bit fussy for our taste, but you can't argue with the fact that it's different. It's a similar story inside with so much going on. Some of the bits look too shiny and too plasticky. But there's so much to like that you can forgive it. The ride is plush without being bouncy and the car handles tidily, without wanting to beat a BMW. It's quiet, too, with comfy seats and a decent view out. But it's the range of the Long Range models that will impress you most. The long range DS No.8 will go for up to 466 miles, or over 300 miles on a continuous motorway run. This is the DS model that the company has been promising since it went solo in 2014, and it's a real rival for the premium car establishment. How we tested We were among the first to drive the DS No.8 on the Swiss/French border on the international test drive. We drove it around towns, in the countryside, through twisty switchbacks and on the motorway. We checked on space, quality, tech and efficiency. Independent rating: 8/10 Pros: Long range, impressive refinement, comfortable ride Cons: Styling – inside and out – is a bit fussy, some plasticky bits inside DS No.8 specs Price range: £50,790 to £63,290 Battery size: 74 and 97kWh Maximum claimed range: 466 miles Miles per kWh: 3.8 Maximum charging rate: 160kW Battery, range, charging, performance and drive The DS No.8 makes use of the Stellantis STLA Medium platform, also used by the Peugeot 3008, new Citroen C5 Aircross and the Vauxhall Grandland. That means you get the same battery offerings, although the car itself has a very different flavour. The entry-level front-wheel drive car comes with a 74kWh battery that still claims a reasonable maximum range of 341 miles. The star of the show is the front-drive Long Range model with its 97kWh battery and claimed maximum range of 466 miles. DS says it'll even do up to 565 miles if it stays around town (taxi, anyone?). And if you're running on the motorway at French speeds (which at just over 80mph is a bit too much for the UK) you can still cover 310 miles between loo stops. There's also an all-wheel drive model with the 97kWh battery that will apparently go for a maximum of 427 miles. That car gets the most power, too, meaning a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds. Both front-wheel drive cars cover that same sprint in 7.7 seconds, with the 97kWh car getting more power to compensate for the bigger, heavier battery. Charging can be reasonably fast, too, if you can find a fast charger. Speeds up to 160kW are possible, adding 124 miles of range in 10 minutes and providing a 20 to 80 per cent charge in 27 minutes – as everyone else seems to be able to do these days. The secret to the No.8's efficiency is its super-slippery shape with a drag-coefficient of just 0.24. That's a hugely impressive figure, especially as the car isn't exactly tear-shaped. The flat front features slim headlights plus an illuminated grille and DS badge, which actually looks much better than it sounds. It's the clever aerodynamics that flow the air around and under the car that really help, though, with some clever little design details, even though we wonder how the multiple lines all over and around the car will age over time. It's a bit of French flair, we're told. It may work well with luggage, but we're not so sure on a car. What we are sure about is the way the car drives. It's seriously comfortable, especially the top-spec car with its Active Scan Suspension that reads the road ahead and adjusts the suspension when it sees a bump or pothole. Not that you need the top-spec car for a comfy ride. We were hugely impressed by the No.8's ride quality, while the steering, grip and body control were impressive enough. There are five driving modes, but we'd just leave the car in comfort. This isn't a sports car, nor is it meant to be. But it's enjoyable because it's so comfortable, not because you can throw it around corners at silly speeds. There are three levels of braking regeneration to choose from, plus a one-pedal drive mode, which we'd leave on, too. Interior, practicality and boot space As with the outside, there's a very French flavour to the DS No.8's cabin. Inside and out, we find it a bit fussy with so many different surfaces, details and lines – especially the pointless starburst on the centre console. Yes, it's different, and by and large the quality is pretty good. There are a few cheaper plastics in some places that you can forgive, but also in areas where you can't – the gold elements around the air vents, for example. There are also aluminium 'light blades' on the doors housing the speakers (more on those in a bit) that are used to pull the doors shut. Once again, it's not the perfect solution and doesn't feel as nice as aluminium should. The X-shaped steering wheel certainly looks unique, but we kept finding ourselves fiddling with the slightly annoying metallic bits at the top of the X where they join the rim. While we're moaning, there's only one cup holder on top of the centre console, hidden behind a nicely trimmed lid that gets in the way a bit when you use the gear selector. Two other cup holders are annoyingly positioned under the centre console. Otherwise the quality of the seats and other trimming around the dash and the doors looks and feels first class, while there are a selection of different trims and colours to choose from, too. Whether you go for Pallas or posher Etoile trim levels, they both come reasonably well-equipped, although you'll have to pay extra for the lovely panoramic sunroof. You won't complain about space inside – there's plenty of head and legroom whether you're in the front or back, while the 620 litre boot is long and a bit narrow with storage under the floor. The view out is generally good, but this is another car – like the Peugeot 3008 – that may well have owners complaining about visibility out of the back due to the lack of a rear wiper. It may well improve efficiency, but it doesn't improve visibility on a cold and wet day. Technology, stereo and infotainment The DS No.8 competes on tech with its posh rivals, not least with the twin digital screens for driver display and infotainment, the latter being a wide 16in unit and the same as you'll find in a 3008 and Grandland. As in those cars, Apple CarPlay doesn't go full width but sits awkwardly in the middle. There's 'Hey Iris' voice control (we're not sure why it's Iris, either) with ChatGPT integrated, while the LED pixel headlights cleverly dim areas in front when not only do you risk blinding other drivers, but also where you might get dazzled by road sign reflections. All the DS gadgets get a fancy DS name, like DS Drive Assist (level two autonomous driving) and DS Luminascreen for the fancy illuminated grille. There's even a DS Neck Warmer that feeds warm air through the back of the front seats to the driver and passenger. On warmer days there's even ventilation for the rear seats, as well as those at the front. Remember those speakers we mentioned? They're hidden behind those aluminium light blades/door handles on the front doors. There are 14 speakers in total as part of an optional Electra 3D by Focal sound system, but it didn't take us long to realise that the sound quality isn't as premium as it should be – no doubt partly down to the lack of a decent aperture to get the sound through on those light blades. It seems DS is being reasonable about prices, with a starting price just above £50,000 for the standard (but still impressive) range car, going up to over £63,000 for the bells and whistles, all-wheel drive long range car. There are still a number of expensive options like £800 for the panoramic roof or £500 for the duotone paintwork with a black bonnet and roof. Thinking like a fashion brand, there will also be highly specified special editions for 'seasons', with the first set to be a luxury Jules Verne version. What's equally impressive as the list price is the efficiency, which will keep power consumption reasonably low. That's thanks in no small part to the car's impressive aerodynamics. And as a special treat to DS owners, the brand's Only You programme promises special, exclusive French-based treats. FAQs How long does it take to charge? Charging speeds of up to 160kW can be achieved, adding approximately 124 miles of range in just 10 minutes and allowing for a 20 to 80 percent charge within 27 minutes. How much does it cost – is it worth it? DS offers reasonable prices, starting just above £50,000 for the standard model and exceeding £63,000 for the fully-equipped all-wheel drive long range version. What's the battery and main warranty like? DS lags behind its sister brands Citroen and Peugeot who offer eight-year warranties with just three year's cover for the DS. The DS battery is covered for eight years, though. Why trust us Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump tells ABC 'it's possible' US gets involved in Iran-Israel conflict
President Donald Trump told a news network Sunday the United States could become involved in the Iran-Israel conflict, and that he would be "open" to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin being a mediator. The Republican president, according to ABC News, also said talks over Iran's nuclear program were continuing and that Tehran would "like to make a deal," perhaps more quickly now that the Islamic republic is trading massive strikes with Israel. "It's possible we could get involved" in the ongoing battle between the Middle East arch-foes, Trump said in an off-camera interview with ABC News senior political correspondent Rachel Scott that was not previously publicized. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like DS 7, zarif ve dinamik tasarım DS Automobiles Şimdi Keşfet Undo He stressed that the United States is "not at this moment" involved in the military action. As for Putin being a potential mediator in the conflict, "he is ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk about it," Trump said. Live Events Israel and Iran traded heavy aerial assaults for a third straight day Sunday, with casualties mounting following Israel's large-scale attacks aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure, sparking retaliation. Oman, which has acted as a mediator on the nuclear issue, has said a sixth round of talks between Iran and the United States planned for this weekend had been cancelled. But Trump said the two sides were continuing discussions. "No, there's no deadline" on negotiations, he told ABC when asked whether there was a time limit for Tehran to come to the table. "But they are talking. They'd like to make a deal. They're talking. They continue to talk," Trump said, according to Scott. Trump suggested that something like the clash between Israel and Iran "had" to happen to spur talks on a nuclear agreement. It "may have forced a deal to go quicker, actually," Trump said.
Auto Car
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
DS No8: electric-only flagship could get combustion option
DS's new electric-only flagship, the No8 coupé-SUV, could be in line for a hybrid powertrain option if the market demand is there. The No8 is the only car based on Stellantis's new STLA Medium architecture (and indeed the only current car in the 14-brand group) to be offered exclusively with electric power. But that doesn't mean it can't follow its relations in gaining a combustion option. "Technically, it's always a possibility," said DS future products boss Cyprien Laurentie, but the firm believes "we still need to convince people" of the viability of a pure-electric offering in this segment. "If you are a bit open-minded, you have no real compromise here," he continued, highlighting the No8's lofty 466-mile maximum range. "With this kind of car, you don't really make a sacrifice: it's perfect for commuting and travelling." Laurentie suggested that most EV sceptics 'have never tried' an electric car and said: 'We need to find a way to make them try.' Ultimately, though, if No8 uptake falters on the basis of its singular powertrain offering, DS is prepared to diversify, he said. 'We will keep a close eye on the market and adapt if necessary." The No8 shares its STLA Medium platform with the new Citroën C5 Aircross, Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland, which are each offered with mild-hybrid petrol power or a plug-in hybrid system that musters an electric-only range of around 50 miles. Previously, DS sibling brands Jeep, Citroën and Fiat have launched models exclusively with electric power in certain markets – the Avenger and e-C4 X, for example – before adding ICE options in a bid to boost demand.
Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
DS 7 E-Tense review: this plug-in hybrid aims to restore comfort and joy to driving
It seemed like a great idea at the time. To go with my classic Citroën DS, why not try living with a modern DS, to see what common threads between the two – if any, given the modern version's relationship with the original could be viewed as somewhat tenuous – I could find? The trouble is, Audrey, my DS (Okay, to purists, it's not a fully-fledged DS, but rather a D Spécial) had other ideas. When the plan was made, she was due to emerge from a lengthy (and costly) period of repair and renovation. She did – for about a month – but then she broke again. So back into the garage she's gone. Which is why the picture above, intended to show the two cars together… well, doesn't. So instead, it's a rather more lonesome welcome for the DS 7 (no longer called Crossback, by the way, since a recent facelift). Our test car is a top-flight Opera, in plug-in hybrid form, with a potent combination of a 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine and two electric motors, capable of producing a not-inconsiderable 292bhp. As you'd expect from a marque with ambitions of being a serious player in the premium market, the standard specification is lavish – although not quite as fulsome as you might expect. There is a panoramic roof, electrically adjustable and heated massage front seats and 'watch-strap' leather upholstery. However the lack of a wireless phone charger shows the DS 7's age; there's no adaptive cruise control, either. I wouldn't have gone for the blacked-out chrome and matt-grey paintwork myself. It's a little bit nouveau riche for my tastes, while it also looks rather mournful on a dull day. Lux interior Inside, however, it's plush. There's a lot of quilted, diamond-stitched leather, not only on the seats but on the dashboard and the door trims. The BRM timepiece, which revolves out of the dashboard when you press the ignition, is chintzy, but does feel special (although its noisy motor takes the shine off the effect). The usual complaints about DS's over-heavy use of cheap-feeling switchgear from fellow Stellantis brands Peugeot and Citroën remain, however; the indicator stalks clack and the start-stop button feels plasticky. Then there are the door handles, which are made from silver metal-effect plastic, which really shows because their bezels are real metal. Not what you'd expect in a car costing almost £60,000. A couple of other niggles are immediately obvious, too; firstly, in the boot, where there's nowhere to store the plug-in cables, so DS issues them in a bag which takes up space. You can use Velcro to secure this to the floor – unless, of course, you've installed a dog-friendly boot liner to protect the carpet, in which case the bag slides around, much to the dog's chagrin. After some experimentation, I've managed to get the Velcro to grip the boot's carpeted side panels, keeping the cables out of the pooch's way, but this feels a bit Heath-Robinson. Annoyingly, there is an elasticated strap to secure items – but it's not large enough to hold the bag. Then there's the infotainment screen. The software it uses is a re-skin of Peugeot's but it's a system of which we aren't big fans. The main problems are the complicated menu structure and the laggy response, mainly caused by the juddering animations the system has been forced to produce as you switch screens and select options. It lacks the slickness of the systems you'd find in a genuinely premium rival. Much to like If it sounds like I'm down on the DS already, that's not entirely true. There are lots of things I like. The design, for one thing. There are some lovely details, too – just look at the diamond-like rear lights, or the daytime running lights at the front, which splay out over the bumpers before reconvening at the corner of the headlight. I also like the way the back seat area has been designed. This might sound odd, but when you spend large parts of your life buckling children into safety seats, it means a lot when you find a car that makes this operation easy. The DS's doors open wide, their apertures are large and the sizeable footwells and flat floor mean you can step one leg into the car easily, allowing you to position yourself in front of the seat rather than having to stoop over from the side. That's about the only thing I've found so far that can link it to my old DS. That, and the fact the new DS has ingenious suspension aimed at maximising comfort. The old car's hydropneumatic suspension was known for making some passengers queasy, so I'll be putting this car's commitment to comfort to the test over the coming miles for an update on whether it's a worthy successor to the famed classic. The facts On test: Citroën DS 7 Opera 1.6 E-Tense 300 4x4 Body style: five-door SUV On sale: now How much? £57,020 on the road (as tested £59,845; range from £38,810) How fast? 140mph, 0-62mph in 5.9sec How economical? 223mpg (WLTP Combined) Engine & gearbox: 1,598cc four-cylinder petrol engine, eight-speed automatic gearbox, four-wheel drive Electric powertrain: 2x AC permanent magnet synchronous motor with 14.2kWh battery, 7.4kW on-board charger, Type 2 charging socket Electric-only range: 42 miles (WLTP Combined) Maximum power/torque: 292bhp/383lb ft CO2 emissions: 29g/km (WLTP Combined) Spare wheel as standard: no (not available)
