The DS No.8: A Comfort Car with a Twist
I've been driving the DS No.8 for a while now, and one thing that immediately stands out is its unique blend of comfort and, well, let's say, less-than-perfect handling. Personally, I think it's a car that's trying to be all things to all people, but ends up falling a bit short in the dynamics department. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between its intended pitch as a 'comfort car' and the reality of its performance on the UK's less-than-perfect road network.
The Comfort Factor
The DS No.8 is definitely a car that exudes comfort. Its languid and stately demeanor is perfect for cruising along the open road, and on a smooth surface, it delivers on that promise. However, when the road gets a bit more rough and tumble, the car's road-scanning system (DS Active Scan) falls a bit flat. In my opinion, it's just not up to par with the best passive set-ups out there, and it's a bit disappointing given the car's focus on comfort.
Handling and Dynamics
The handling and dynamics of the DS No.8 are where things get a bit more interesting. While it's not a sportscar, I expected a bit more sophistication in its handling characteristics. The car has a nose-heavy tendency to push wide, and the body roll, pitch, and yaw are quite noticeable. It's definitely not a car you'd want to hustle around a track for the fun of it. In fact, I'd say it's more suited to a leisurely drive on the countryside roads.
Efficiency and Range
When it comes to efficiency, the DS No.8 has been performing quite well in the hotter weather, with an average of 3.5mi/kWh. However, the real-world range remains the same at 320-330 miles, which is a bit of a mystery. I haven't seen the drop-off associated with lower temperatures, but I also haven't magically gained more range in the hotter weather. It's a bit of a conundrum, and it's something I'd like to see addressed in future updates.
Service and Maintenance
The DS No.8 has been a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to service and maintenance. The initial service at 8k miles was a bit of a non-event, with the DS app only providing vague information. The next service at 2 years/16k miles consists of a passenger compartment filter and brake fluid change, which is a bit disappointing given the car's focus on comfort and technology. I'd like to see more in-depth maintenance procedures in the future.
Minor Gremlins
In addition to the service issues, I've also been experiencing some minor gremlins with the car. The electric memory seats and heated windscreen don't seem to work consistently, and the drive mode selector and haptic bar underneath the big screen have a mind of their own. It's a bit frustrating, and I'd like to see these issues addressed in the next update.
Conclusion
Overall, the DS No.8 is a car that has its strengths and weaknesses. It's a comfort car through and through, but its handling and dynamics leave something to be desired. The efficiency and range are decent, but there are some mysteries that need to be addressed. In my opinion, the car has potential, but it needs some fine-tuning and attention to detail to truly shine. From my perspective, it's a car that's worth considering if you're looking for a comfortable cruiser, but you should be aware of its limitations.
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