A roundup of this week's motoring news
Citroen launches premium DS
A DS4 and DS5 version will arrive in the next two years but the initial model is a clear indicator of the future direction for these cars.
The Irish versions will be powered by a range of two Euro V compliant engines: a 90bhp HDi diesel and a 95bhp 1.4i petrol unit developed in conjunction with BMW.
A more powerful 1.6 THP 150bhp petrol version will also become available later this year as a special order.
Prices start at €18,950 for the petrol VTi 95bhp putting out 104g/km, rising to €21,500 for the 1.6HDi 90bhp model emitting 134g/km. Along with a smarter finish, the new cars also allow greater personalisation, clearly with an eye to targeting Mini owners.
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ON THIS week's Irish TimesMotors podcast in association with Bridgestone Tyres, we debate the merits of the Government incentives for electric cars, Pamela Duncan explains the background to the growing complaints over NCT delays, while Paddy Comyn takes Audi's V10 version of its R8 supercar for a cross-country trek in the latest of our in-car reports.
Log on to www.irishtimes.com/ motors/podcast
Peugeot merge
PEUGEOT IS LIKELY to be next manufacturer to look at a merger, said the head of Fiat, which has in the past been seen as a possible partner for the French carmaker. “A French group, which has just tried (a merger) with Mitsubishi, and now will try with someone else,” Sergio Marchionne said this week, when asked who might be the next candidates for a merger.
PSA Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi dropped efforts to set up a capital alliance last month but said they would continue to discuss expanding business ties.
Peugeot declined to comment. Last week, Renault, Nissan and Germany’s Daimler agreed to swap stakes and jointly develop cars in a tie-up that could mean combined savings of €4 billion.
Electric Mini on the Ring
A RACE-SPEC VERSION of the electric Mini prototype has completed the famous 20.8km Nurburgring-Nordschleife circuit in a time of 09:51.45 minutes.
While it’s far from the fastest lap of the track, it did offer a new experience to DTM racing driver Thomas Jager, who took the wheel. “The power of the electric motor has an incredible effect, as you can access its full reserves of torque at all times.”
The car remains a test-bed for the brand, with over 500 out on lease with selected customers worldwide as BMW assesses the car’s potential and issues in everyday life.