Fashion-friendly Kiwi launch of exclusive French DS Automobiles

The letters DS are uniquely Citroen. Mexicom They pass proper lower back to 1955 when the famous futuristic-looking DS government vehicle was first launched. Not only did that car remain in manufacturing till 1975, it also positioned third in a Car of the Century vote in 1999 and cemented the French emblem’s popularity as a manufacturer of progressive motors.

Fast-forward about 30 years, and the PSA institution, which produces both Citroen and Peugeot vehicles, decided to start making a DS line of Citroens. The cars intended to be primarily based on mainstream Citroens, however, advertised as a premium sub-brand. And so from 2009, cars, together with the DS3, DS4, and DS5, started to reach Citroen showroom floors at some stage in New Zealand.

Now, forward to 2016, the PSA organization has taken the premium idea one step by making the DS sub-logo extra unique. That has supposed that whereas up till now, every Citroen dealership in New Zealand had been capable of promoting all the seven DS editions imported here, now the variety of models has been decreased to just three – and they’re to be bought at simply four dealerships (now known as salons) in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

The DS4 has been designed to compete within the so-called crossover section of the new vehicle market.
Pro DS4 has been designed to compete in the so-called segment of the -new automobile marketplace.

It is all a part of a global ambition to revive the tradition of top-class vehicles within the French automobile enterprise by – this is PSA’s phrase – perpetuating the values of innovation and distinction inherited from the very first DS.

Study more:

* youngster gloves required for Citroen Cactus
* Citroen displays new DS E-hectic electric powered GT concept

That explains why when importer Sime Darby Motors NZ Ltd formally revealed the new route for the DS emblem at a function in downtown Auckland, there has been champagne and canapes for the invited visitors and a style display with leading dressmaker Adrian Hailwood.

And even as all that turned taking place, the freshly-appointed DS automobiles sales and service body of workers have been cooped up in a nearby hotel, underground specialist training.

In advance of the day, Sime Darby divisional supervisor Simon Rose instructed the motoring media it it been hoping at least a hundred DS cars may be sold each 12 months.

“We are slowly making the trade for DS to come to be a stand-by myself emblem,” he stated.

“to begin with, the DS Salons will share the area with current Citroen dealerships. However, they may be separated with a tactile DS wall and could offer showroom surroundings to encompass white leather couches and softer lighting. We want to set up an exclusive brand expectation so that our customers’ retail experience might be terrific.”

Subsequently, the DS salons could be separate dealerships, Rose added. And while the DS vehicles will only be bought from those salons, they may be able to be serviced in any respect Citroen dealerships at some point in the usa.

However, all of this for just three vehicles? Rose stated that’s genuine in the intervening time; however, the future will see the DS fleet grow, consisting of several emblem-new SUVs. The advent of this new product will dictate the creation timing of the stand-by showrooms.

A model suggests off-new-season models during the Auckland monitor of DS automotive cars. image: provided

The three DS fashions are facelifted versions of the prevailing DS3 and DS5 and a logo-new DS4 Crossback. TThe fine-performing engines of their ranges power every power everyand boast a high degree of preferred specification, including leather-based upholstery.

The smallest model is the DS3, powered by the modern day-era 1.2-liter Puretech 3-cylinder petrol engine that develops 81 kilowatts of strength and 205-newton meters of torque., and is mated to a six-pace automated transmission. The primary 9 of the DS3s to arrive in New Zealand all nonetheless have the chevron the front grilles so acquainted with the pre-facelift fashions; from July, the cars will have a new front stop – known as “DS wings” – that already feature on the other styles.

This automobile will sell for $ 43,990 with basalt black upholstery, and while the handiest alternative is Nappa leather for $ 3,500, the car may be indent ordered with a big choice of the bodyshell and roof shade combos.

The DS4 Crossback is new to New Zealand and is intended to compete in opposition to the Audi Q3, Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Volvo V40. s. A.. essentially a C4 with an experienced top raised 30mm for a crossover appearance. iit is powered using a 2.0-liter BlueHDI turbocharged diesel engine that gives 133kW and 400Nm and is mated to a six-velocity automobile. It’s going to sell for $ fifty-four 990.

Hero of the variety can is the DS5, which has the identical engine and transmission as the DS4 Crossback but is a larger car with lots of extra luxury. The fee for this version will be $ sixty-four 990.

Simon Rose stated he was excited by the appearance of the DS vehicle logo.

“We are residing through a brand change, which across the world is accelerating,” he told Newshounds. “obviously, there’s nevertheless the crossover among DS and Citroen products, but as the DS brand evolves, the two marques will move similarly aside.”

READ ALSO :