2012 Citroen Numero 9

Citroen has announced the new Numero 9 concept - a new vehicle that will join the current DSline-up, including the DS3, DS4, and DS5. The Numero 9 previews the styling cues of the next three models in the line: a C-segment premium sedan, an SUV,nd a D-segment executive saloon.

The new Numero 9 is a plug-in full-hybrid vehicle that combines a 225 HP 1.6 liter petrol engine powering the front wheels with a lithium-ion powered electric motor that is positioned on the rear axle and adds another 70 HP. In pure electric mode, the new Numero 9 has a autonomy of 31 miles. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and hit a top speed of 152 mph.

Citroen will be unveiling their new Numero 9 concept at the end of April at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show.

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The new Renault Koleos

The new Renault Koleos The updated Renault Koleos comes with a few minor changes and tweaks here and there but is otherwise very similar to the model it is based on. The biggest change comes with a focus on reducing CO2 emission in the vehicle and there has been a big improvement compared to the current model. The exterior of the new Koleos has seen its front end re-styled; the air-intakes on the current model have been replaced by an elegant chrome grille and a set of new slimmer headlights add to the styling. Rounding off the list of exterior changes sees the door mirrors now equipped with LED indicators. Inside the cabin there is a selection of new upholsteries and trims available, to add some extra elegance and personalization. There has been some refinement to the dashboard of the car, as well as the instrument lighting to be more modern. Other than that though, there isn’t much that has changed. As mentioned, the biggest change comes in the CO2 reduction of the new Koleos. The Koleos will be available in a 150hp and 175hp diesel model, as well as a 170hp petrol version, with all 3 have impressive CO2 reductions.Renault put in a lot of work on the engine and gearbox of the new Koleos to achieve the CO2 reduction and the work seems to have paid off as the emissions from the 4x2 dCi 150 engine clock in at just 148g/km. The bigger dCi 175 clocks in at 166g/km for its emission rating. The new Renault Koleos will be available later this year in Europe, look for more information on a local release as it becomes available.

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2011 Citroen DS3 Grey Matter

One of the most impressive Citroens ever launched - the DS3 - is now being offered in a "Grey Matter" limited edition. The special edition will only be limited to 750 units and will be offered in VTi 120 and THP 150 versions, priced at €23,400 and €24,950 ex-VAT respectively.

The new DS3 "Grey Matter" edition will be distinguished by a matte gray body with chrome detailing on the side mirrors, side strips, and tail light casings. The roof comes in black or white and is enhanced by a decorative kit and 17-inch diamond alloy wheels in the same colors.

For the interior, the special edition will get Mistral leather and a MyWay Select Comfort Pack, which includes automatic climate control, the MyWay navigation system, and the HiFi system.

The DS3 Grey Matter will have two engines to choose from: the VTi 120 version which gets a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine with 148 HP and a THP 120 model that will be powered by a four-cylinder engine with an output of 154 HP.

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2012 Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy

Renault has unveiled the Megane Renaultsport (RS) 265 Trophy - the company’s fastest ever road going model. The special Megane will make its world debut at the World Series by Renault at the Nurburgring next weekend and will be limited to only 500 units. It will only be sold in specific countries in Europe and will be priced from €35,500 (or about $52,000 at the current exchange rates).

Compared to the Mégane Renaultsport 250 model, the new RS 265 Trophy model delivers an extra 15 HP, will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6 seconds, and will be capable of a top speed of 158 mph. It will feature some very impressive equipment including a Cup chassis, Recaro seats with yellow seat belts and detailing, 19" Speedline alloys in gloss black with red rim, standard Liquid Yellow i.d. metallic paint, ’Trophy’ red decals on F1-style front blade and doors, LED daytime running lights, and Renaultsport Monitor on-board performance tracking.

Hit the jump to read more about the Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy.

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2011 Citroen DS5

Citroen has set its path in motion for the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show with a teaser image of the third model in the DS line-up, next to the DS3 and DS4. The Citroen DS5 will make its debut at the Shanghai International Motor Show on April 20, 2011, but first, the company will be presenting their new model on Citroën’s Facebook page on April 18, 2011 at 10:30am Paris time (so about 4:30pm Eastern time).

The DS5 is described as "the manifestation of its finest expertise. A daring and sculptural creation, the DS5 perfectly expresses the DS spirit, namely bold choices on styling, architecture, sensations and refinement, while implementing the best in Citroën technology."

Next to an impressive exterior design, the DS5 is also the first Citroen model to feature HYbrid4 diesel hybrid technology, providing enhanced performance and class leading environmental credentials.

Updated 04/18/2011: This review has been updated with the official images and details. Hit the jump to read more about the new Citroen DS5.

Exterior and Interior The new Citroen DS5 is based on the C-Sport Lounge concept and features the same styling cues as the DS3 and DS5. The exterior is defined by flowing lines, a sleek profile, and muscular wheel arches. Up front, the car gets an oversized air intake, a large chrome-finished grille housing the chevrons, and a new LED light signature. Compared to the other DS model, the DS5 features chrome-finished "sabre" inserts stretching from the top of each headlamp to the windscreen. At the rear, there are two tail pipes built into the rear bumper and highlighted by a rear signature featuring six light guides. The DS5 will sit on large alloy wheels, size 16" to 19". The same design language is also continued on the interior, where Citroen did their best in making the driver’s job as easy as possible. There is a river-focused cockpit featuring a coupe-like driving position with a near-vertical steering wheel and a wide central console. However, it might be useful to have a manual around you as there are tons of buttons, switches, scroll wheels, and toggles grouped on two central consoles - one low down and one above the driver’s head, "pilot-style". Everything on the interior is covered in 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. The model presented in Shanghai is painted in White Pearl, while the interior of the cabin features ebony-colored full-grain leather, contrasting subtly with silver-flecked over stitching. The car sits on specially designed 20-inch alloy wheels. Engine The new Citroen DS5 is the company’s first model to feature HYbrid4 diesel hybrid technology that combines a 2.0 liter diesel engine with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The system delivers a total of 200 HP and is combined with four-wheel drive capability, emission-free electric power for the city, and an acceleration boost function for the open road. With this engine set-up, the new HYbrid4 system emits only 99 g/km of CO2. Price There is no word just yet on when this new model will go on sale or how much it will cost, but stay tuned and we will let you know. Competition The Citroen DS5 was most certainly built as an alternative for the group’s other HYbrid4 powered crossover: the Peugeot 3008. Of course, the latest DS5 model is far more impressive than the Peugeot model, but when it comes to performance, they are identical. If people decide they want a model with style and luxury then they should opt for the DS5 model. The only problem with that is the extra oomph provided by the new model will come with a higher price tag.

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The 2011 Renault Sandero

The new range of Renault Sandero’s are now available and come with a number of improvements on the previous range. As always though, the range focuses on affordability, value and spaciousness, with particular emphasis on spaciousness, something that is not always present in other hatchbacks in the segment. The new Sandero has the best-in-class interior accommodation and luggage space, a factor that should set it apart in its class. The engine options available for the 2011 Sandero include: The 1.4 Ambiance, which is the only car in its category to be fitted with ABS brakes, with electronic brake force distribution as well as driver and front passenger airbags. The 1.4 litre 4 cylinder engine produces 55kW at 5 500 r/min allowing it to complete 0-100km/h in 13 seconds and maxing out at 161km/h. The average fuel consumption comes in at 7 litres/100km and its CO2 emissions run at 164 g/km. For some extra oomph, the 1.6 Dynamique is also available. It is the only car in its category to come with 15 inch alloy wheels as standard and has the largest dimensions in its class. It is powered by a 1 598cc 8-valve multi-point fuel injected engine that produces 64 kW at 5 500 r/min, this results in a 0-100km/h time of just 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 175km/h. The average fuel consumption is only slightly higher than the 1.4, clocking in at 7.2 litres/100km. Topping off the range is the more stylish 1.6 Stepway. Compared to the Dynamique; the Stepway’s ride height is increased by 20mm, the wheels are 16 inch alloy, front fog lights have been included along with black/satin chrome roof bars. Additional satin chrome finishes round off the door mirrors, door handles, front and back skid plates and exhaust outlet. These 3 models are available with the following prices 1.4 Amiance R104 900 1.6 Dynamique R124 900 1.6 Stepway R149 900

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