Rumors that French cars will bid farewell to the Chinese market are rife, but even if they are reduced to a niche in the minority, French cars are still insisting on launching new cars, and their courage is commendable. No, on March 31, DS officially announced that the new DS9 family was officially listed, priced at 254,900-40.49 million yuan, a slight increase compared with the 2021 model.
The DS brand currently has only two models sold in China, the DS9 and DS7, and the last time the DS7 released a new car was in the distant October 2020, so the new DS9 can also be regarded as bringing some surprises to French fans. Because it is an annual remodel, the appearance has not been adjusted too much. The front face features a large chrome mesh grille, which is a common way to enhance the luxurious texture. The unique diamond headlights have a "welcome mode", the tear-eyed daytime running lights have a high degree of recognition, and the 4933mm length matches the flat lines used on the sides to create a slender atmosphere.
The rear part of the car also added more chrome elements, but because the shape is simple and capable, it will not appear thick, and the tail lights that integrate the triangular elements have a strong sense of visual impact, and the rich details can make it easy for you to identify it on the road, and the overall design of the appearance is remarkable.
In terms of interior, the 12.3-inch full LCD dashboard and the same size of the central control touch screen are still the most recognized designs of domestic consumers, and the four-frame multi-functional steering wheel is quite the style of a luxury car. The whole car uses a large amount of leather to cover the interior of the car, which has excellent performance in visual effects and touch. The mechanical clock on the central control screen is the finishing touch on the center console, and it is said that the seats of the whole car are also integrated into the design elements of the watch wristband, which shows the French people's dedication to "controlling time".
For a good mid-level sedan, the rear space performance is crucial, the DS9 has a wheelbase of 2895mm, the use of space in the car is not excellent, compared with the same class, it is a medium to high level.
The DS9 still offers a 1.6T and 1.6T plug-in hybrid powertrain with a maximum power of 215 hp and 228 hp, respectively, matched by an 8AT gearbox. The power performance is at the superior level in the same displacement engine, but for luxury brands, in addition to the leading position in parameters, displacement is also one of the important indicators.
This year is the tenth year that the DS brand has entered China, and the official revealed that a series of limited edition models will be launched, but even if it is not limited, I am afraid it will be difficult to become a hit. Brand awareness is not high, some models of design style is not the usual way, it is difficult to fit the aesthetics of domestic consumers, coupled with the refusal to give in easily in price, resulting in their own even if they have a strong product force, in the eyes of most consumers, compared with mainstream intermediate cars such as Accord and Camry, it is only a typical example of low cost performance. Even models such as the Cadillac CT5 and Volvo S60, which are closer in price positioning, have an advantage at all.
An important reason for DS9's continuous production and sales in China is that it needs to supply other markets around the world, so exiting the Chinese market may not happen in the short term, and there are many sources that DS is developing new 4S stores in many places, is DS really a chance to make a comeback? Are you looking forward to its future development? (Text/UVIS Auto Ride)
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