LAUNCH PAD I & II

Two new models from BMW highlight the evolving face of the motor industry at present. At one end is the new M3 Touring, an estate version of BMW’s high performance saloon. The first time BMW has produced a Touring version of the M3, it comes with the same 510hp

6-cylinder engine with M xDrive all-wheel-drive enabling it to accelerate to 100km/h from rest in 3.6 seconds, but has added practicality with a 500 litre boot capacity (extendable to 1,510 litres with rear seats down. Prices are from €148,005. The i7 is the all-electric version of the new 7-Series - two plug-in petrol hybrids will follow next year. The i7 features a 101.7kWh battery and front and rear electric motors that develop 544hp. A range of up to 623km is possible while the i7 can fast charge at up to 195kW. Available in Excellence and M Sport trims, prices start at €133,085.

An important new car for the Stellantisowned French brand, the new DS 4 is a cross between a regular hatchback and a crossover, with a quite distinctive and stylish design. Built on the Stellantis Group’s EMP2 platform it comes with a choice of a 130hp 1.5 diesel, and petrol versions with 130hp (1.2 litre) 180hp

DS 4 aims for the premium market

and 225hp (1.6 litre), as well as an E-Tense plug in hybrid version with 225hp. The interior is suitably upmarket for a brand that sees itself competing against the German premium marques. It features lots of the brand’s signature diamond shaped motifs, and plenty of pleasing to the touch Alcantara and leather surfaces. There’s a 7” digital display in front of the driver and a 10” central touchscreen, while a detailed heads-up display is also available on higher spec versions. Boot capacity is 390 litres, expandable to 1,190 litres with seats down.

As you might expect from DS, an initial drive indicates a car that prioritises comfort over outright sporty handling, but yet feels quite taut compared to many crossovers on sale today.

There are five trim levels - Bastille +, Performance Line, Trocadero, Performance Line+ and Rivoli, with prices starting from €37,295.

Citroën’s new flagship model arrives

We’re starting to see a new breed of car emerge that rides slightly higher than a regular hatch/saloon/estate, but is lower slung than the typical crossover. Citroën’s new flagship, the C5X, is one such model, with an appearance that mingles saloon and estate car stylings, but with a more upright stance akin to an SUV. Looks wise it works, the C5X is arguably the most stylish new car from Citroën for some time.

Power comes via a brace of petrol engines with 8-speed automatic transmission - 130hp 1.2 litre and a 180hp 1.6 litre. Of interest will be a Plug-In Hybrid model which combines the 1.6 litre engine with an 80kW electric motor giving a combined power output of 225hp. A range of up to 55km in EV mode is possible from the 13.2kWh battery.

Comfort is a strong theme of C5X with all versions featuring Citroën’s Advanced Comfort suspension and Advanced Comfort Seats front and rear. PHEV versions get Citroën’s active Advanced Comfort suspension. Further refinement can be added via optional acoustic (double glazed) windows for the front and rear doors. The C5X also scores strongly on space, both in front and rear headroom and legroom, as well as generous storage compartments.

Four spec levels - Feel, Feel Pack, Flair and Flair Pack are offered. There’s a choice of 6 body colours and 5 two-tone offers featuring a black roof, and four interior trims. Prices start at €36,990 for the 130hp petrol engine and €47,300 for the PHEV model.