The DS Autos brand has relaunched in Ireland, with a strong line-up of four models that stand out from the crowd, says Glin Donnelly, Retail Director, DS Automobiles Store Dublin
HOW IS YOUR SUPPLY LINE OF NEW VEHICLES?
Supply is looking good thankfully. We are in a unique situation with DS Automobiles as we are relaunching the brand in Ireland. In order for the launch to be successful we have managed to secure stock for Q1 and into 2023 with the support from the manufacturer.
WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTATION FOR CAR BUYER SENTIMENT IN 2023?
Positive overall. Interest levels going into January are high, and inquiry levels and the order bank would suggest a strong Q1.
WHAT WAS DS AUTOMOBILES' MOST POPULAR MODEL IN 2022?
2022 saw the launch of the new DS 4, a brand-new model to the DS Automobiles line-up, available in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions. DS 4 very much embodies the new generation of DS Automobiles designs.
It’s refined and high tech, combining a charismatic exterior design with the purity and flow of the interior design, characterised by premium ‘hand-made’ features which stand out in the marketplace. The DS 4 is already an award winner, as it scooped up the Most Beautiful Car of The Year Award 2022 in the 37th Festival Automobile in France, and the Design Award at the 2023 Automobile Magazine awards.
HOW IS DS AUTOMOBILES POSITIONED IN THE HYBRID AND EV SEGMENTS?
DS Automobiles currently has four vehicles (DS 3, DS 4, DS 7 and DS 9) in its line-up, and each provides an LEV powertrain option. Within the Stellantis Brand, DS Automobiles will be the first manufacturer to have a fully electric offering across the range by 2025.
In Association with
WHICH EXECUTIVE MODEL DO YOU RECOMMEND TO PURCHASE?
The DS 9 model is the ideal executive car. It is the pinnacle of design and comfort, and a very welcome new entry into the executive market. DS 9 offers the customer a perfect blend of heritage, remarkable savoir-faire and cutting-edge technology.
WHAT NEW MODELS ARE ON THE WAY FROM DS AUTOMOBILES IN 2023?
The already popular DS 7 has just received a facelift. The new light signature now has a more expressive look. The combination of new slimmer DS Pixel LED Vision 3.0 headlamps and the DS Light Veil daytime running lights is seamless. The DS Wings and the grille are now larger, and the slimmer scale-like LED rear lights with a vortex effect have also been redesigned. These changes make the car look fantastic, and it will really stand out on Irish roads.
This car has a PureTech 180 petrol engine, and a 110-horsepower electric motor fitted to the eight-speed automatic gearbox with a two-wheel drive transmission. The drive is extremely comfortable thanks to the DS Active Scan Suspension - a camera-controlled damping system that adjusts each wheel independently according to the road surface, meaning no matter the distance and the road conditions you are guaranteed to arrive at your destination refreshed.
I also very much appreciate the finer details on the interior of this car, such as the seamless Nappa leather trim on the dashboard and door panels, and the B.R.M R180 Timepiece – a physical clock that pops up on the dashboard when you start the engine.
DS 3 has also received a facelift and will be available for test drives in Q1 2023. It features new LED headlamps (similar to its bigger brother the DS 7) which give the model a sharper look. Aside from new design additions, the 100% electric version DS 3 E-TENSE now has a new 115kW (156 horsepower) drivetrain and a new 54kWh battery enabling it to reach a range of up to 402km on the WLTP combined cycle.
Photos: Conor McCabe
