The DS No.8: A Comfort Car with a Twist
The DS No.8 is a car that promises comfort and a smooth ride, but does it deliver? In my opinion, the answer is a bit of a mixed bag. While the car is indeed comfortable and leisurely, it falls short in terms of handling and efficiency.
One thing that immediately stands out is the car's tendency to understeer and push wide when turning at high speeds. This is surprising, given the adjustable suspension and the car's pitch, roll, and yaw capabilities. It seems that the DS Active Scan system, designed for a smooth ride, struggles with the UK's pothole-ridden roads, resulting in a less-than-ideal driving experience.
The car's efficiency is also a bit of a letdown. While the average range has improved to 3.5mi/kWh, the real-world range remains the same at 320-330 miles, which doesn't make absolute sense. This is both good and bad, as I haven't experienced the drop-off associated with lower temperatures, but I also haven't seen a significant improvement in warmer weather.
The DS No.8's service schedule is also a bit of a mystery. The initial service at 8,000 miles consists of a basic health check, while the next service at 2 years/16,000 miles involves replacing the passenger compartment filter and brake fluid. This raises a deeper question: what's going on behind the scenes that's not being communicated to the customer?
In terms of gremlins, the car has a few issues with inconsistent switches, including electric memory seats and a heated windscreen that don't work as expected. The drive mode selector and haptic bar also have a mind of their own, which can be frustrating. These minor glitches are a bit of a mixed bag, but they don't take away from the car's overall comfort and leisurely nature.
In conclusion, the DS No.8 is a car that has its strengths and weaknesses. While it's comfortable and leisurely, it falls short in terms of handling and efficiency. The car's service schedule and gremlins are also a bit of a mystery, which raises questions about the overall ownership experience. Personally, I think the DS No.8 is a car that needs some fine-tuning to live up to its promise of comfort and sophistication.