New DS store, The biggest in the North West opens in Manchester, in time for the new DS 7.

• Stylish new DS Store opens in Manchester as the largest dedicated DS store in the North West
• Opening on Tuesday, 4 July, buyers are helped by a unique combination of virtual and physical assets
• Designed to provide a premium customer experience
• DS 7 CROSSBACK, the all-new SUV from DS, is exclusively being displayed during the new DS Store’s opening week and yet remains available through DS Virtual Vision in 3D

The new DS Store brings a taste of Paris to Manchester and opens on 4 July. Located on a new site on Windsor Street (off Albion Way), it has been conceived from the floor up to represent premium French car brand DS Automobiles. Due to the latest technology, DS Store Manchester will give new and used car buyers a special environment to explore, experience, specify and purchase their next DS.

As an all-new building, DS Store Manchester will be the largest dedicated DS retail space in the North West of England. The 268m2 showroom can accommodate a display of six DS cars. 

These will be positioned around a DS lounge area where customers can be comfortably seated on bespoke leather furniture in air conditioned surroundings, lightly scented by the exclusive DS ambience-scent via a special diffuser.

As well as displaying a compilation of beautifully crafted items from collectors’ models to leather bags, DS Store will bring together an exclusive array of physical and virtual assets. The result will enable customers to try before they buy in a stylish and chic environment that is nonetheless a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Jason Chick, General Manager for DS Store Manchester, explains: “The new DS Store Manchester has a very different feel to a traditional car showroom, being very obviously premium and spacious while providing customers with a feeling of well-being while within the DS experience that is so much more intimate and engaging for them while with us.

Architect Mike Strain from Scaramanga Design has spent two years working on the project. He says: “This showroom concept is unlike anything I’ve worked on before. Everything from the floor tiles to the wall cladding has been carefully chosen to exude quality. We’ve even worked on lighting that picks out specific design features of the cars on display.”

DS Automobiles UK Marketing Director, Mark Blundell adds: “We’ve used intuitive technology such as DS Virtual Vision to be at the forefront of new ways for our customers to specify, experience and buy a new car in order to make their lives easier and better informed. 

DS Store Manchester has been finished with great attention-to-detail. The result has the French savoir-faire we’re renowned for and most importantly, we’ve created an appealing environment for our customers to immerse themselves with the DS brand.”

Specially trained DS advisers will help visitors to DS Store Manchester to immerse themselves in DS Automobiles. An area dedicated to a comprehensive collection of sample materials lets visitors touch, feel, see and even smell the luxury in a DS. 

Slipping on the DS Virtual Vision headset will enable them to be fully interactive with their chosen selection of DS models using high-definition state-of-the-art 3D technology. 

They can personalise trim levels, interior materials, exterior colours and wheel designs as they build ‘their’ ideal DS. They can then explore the full-size ‘virtual’ car as if the real thing is in front of them, able to look around and inside it as if virtually in front of them.

As with all DS retail centres, DS Store Manchester has been designed in line with the brand’s ONLY YOU promise. It means customers in the North West will be among the first in the world to enjoy the unique DS ownership experience. 

For new owners, this could well start in DS Store Manchester’s bespoke handover area. “The new-car handover is a small example of this attention-to-detail, but nonetheless a very important one,” says Mark Blundell. 

“The new DS Store Manchester demonstrates perfectly how we are looking to bring high-class values to the customer buying and servicing experience as we look to establish DS as a premium automotive brand.”

Arnaud Leclerc, UK DS Brand Development Director, explained, ‘DS is bold and daring yet the brand also seeks to keep in touch with prospective clients through a human touch. 

DS 7 CROSSBACK, our new SUV from DS, is on display as we open the doors to DS Store Manchester and yet continually remains available for customers to see through DS Virtual Vision, as it can illustrate all possible versions available to sample and is a great chance to enter the DS brand world, with hi-quality 3D as an experience the closest to reality.’

DS Store Manchester is newly located at Windsor Street (Off Albion Way), Salford, Manchester, M5 4DG and calls can be made to 0161 636 7472 or more details found at its website: DS Store Manchester

GENEVA - DS Automobiles shows of a refreshed range of cars along with a new Concept, the E-Tense.

DS E-TENSE, NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE, NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE BRM CHRONOGRAPHES and DS Virtual Vision, these are the world premieres that embody the DS brand’s spirit of avant-garde at the 86th Geneva International Motor Show.

DS Automobiles was launched just a year ago at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. This year the brand is presenting a completely renewed product range and its new creations.

Technology & refinement, dynamic performance & distinction are the key themes that point to the future of DS. Visitors can discover all this for themselves on the DS stand located in Hall 6 of the Palexpo in Geneva until Sunday, 13 March 2016.

DS Automobiles continues its spirit of avant-garde approach at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show with three global debuts including the DS E-TENSE, a unique all-electric GT car that embodies the brand’s future, mixing luxury, cutting-edge technology and high-end performance.

NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE, both as hatchback and Cabrio, and a limited edition NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE BRM CHRONOGRAPHES - the result of a partnership between DS and French luxury watchmaker BRM Chronographes - will also be shown for the first time at the show. 

Shining a spotlight on DS Automobiles commitment to future technologies, as well as its sporting aspirations, the FIA Formula E race-winning car, the DSV-01, joins a total of 10 models on the DS Automobiles stand.

A world first in virtual reality, DS Virtual Vision will provide visitors with an unprecedented immersive 3D guided tour of New DS 3. Wearing an HTC Vive headset, guests will operate a joystick to discover the extensive personalisation capabilities of this car.

A COMPLETELY RENEWED DS PRODUCT RANGE 

The flagship New DS 5 launched the DS brand identity at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. With its avant-garde style, dynamic performance, refinement, attention to detail and array of advanced technologies, New DS 5 perfectly characterises the DS Automobiles brand.

A year on and these attributes shine through in all the models making up the DS product range today: New DS 3, New DS 3 Cabrio, New DS 4, New DS 4 Crossback and New DS 5:

-Avant-garde design. All the models feature the new DS front end, with its vertical hexagonal grille, around which the ‘DS Wings’ signature sits. The chrome surround extends outwards toward the headlights, as well as the fog lamps on New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio. The effect is heightened by the DS LED Vision light signature, which combines LED and Xenon technologies, along with new scrolling indicators.

-Each DS has its own distinctive features, making each model instantly recognisable. New DS 5, for example, has its sleek chrome sabres running from the tips of the headlights up to the windscreen; New DS 4 has its unique, fluid, sculpted lines and a two-tone body/roof colour combinations; New DS 4 Crossback has its rugged go-anywhere styling features; and New DS 3 has its floating roof and shark fins.

-Advanced technologies. All of today’s DS models are connected; featuring on-board touchscreens with the Mirror Screen function for safe on-the-move use of smartphone applications (iOS or Android). A recent addition on New DS 5 is the DS Connect Nav system: 3D connected real-time satellite navigation for a driving experience at the forefront of modern technology.

-Powerful, efficient engines are another important aspect of DS advanced technology. As well as offering ready access to all the torque the driver needs, they also positively manage CO₂ emissions. Highlights include the PureTech 130 (an Engine of the Year 2015 winner), which delivers torque of 230Nm, for CO₂emissions as low as 119g/km on New DS 4 in the UK; the BlueHDi 180 EAT6, with 400Nm of torque and CO₂emissions of just 114g/km on New DS 5; plus the New DS 5 Hybrid 4x4, with peak power of 200hp and just 103g/km of CO₂.

-The latest-generation EAT6 automatic transmission, available on all models in the DS range, reduces gearshift times by 40%, for an exceptionally smooth drive.

-The DS LED Vision light signature, which combines LED and Xenon technologies, produces 50% more light and reduces energy consumption by 50% in dipped mode and 67% on main beam.

-Refinement and attention to detail. DS Automobiles takes pride in fine craftsmanship and unique styling. This is apparent in the exclusive watchstrap-style DS leather upholstery, which takes no less than eight hours of manual work to complete.

-The attention to detail continues with the subtle brand identification touches such as wing mirrors engraved with the DS monogram on some models, or the aluminium trims on the New DS 5s doors.

-Highly responsive ride. The suspension and steering on New DS 4 and New DS 4 Crossback were fine-tuned to accommodate the new vehicle heights and to further enhance the DS 4s ride quality.  The New DS 5’s shock absorbers have been updated and now feature PLV (Preloaded Linear Valve) technology for a smoother, quieter ride. There are important upgrades on New DS 3 too. For example, with New DS 3 Cabrio, the electric roof can be operated at motorway speeds and provides enhanced acoustic comfort.

DS E-TENSE, WORLD PREMIERE, A UNIQUE, ELECTRFIYNG, HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAR FOR THE FUTURE

DS Automobiles signals its intentions with the show-stopping DS E-TENSE all-electric GT.

The high-performance model brings together state-of-the-art technology and avant-garde design to silently deliver an impressive 516Nm of torque and 402hp – all with zero emissions.

DS E-TENSE perfectly encapsulates the brand’s stylistic and technological vision, pointing towards the DS brand’s future with its high-performance electric powertrain. 

WORLD PREMIERE FOR NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE & DS 3 CABRIO PERFORMANCE

Making their world premiere, the brand new high-performance versions of New DS 3 - DS 3 PERFORMANCE and DS 3 CABRIO PERFORMANCE - deliver an outstanding blend of efficiency, comfort, driveability and intense motoring pleasure, along with distinguished looks.

Developed by the DS Performance motorsport division, both variants produce 208hp, 300Nm of torque and CO₂ emissions of just 125g/km. The 1.6 THP S&S engine is mated to a specially modified six-speed manual gearbox with a Torsen^® limited-slip differential, for an exceptional drive and outstanding road holding.

NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE sits 15mm lower, the front and rear tracks have been widened by 26mm and 14mm respectively, and the brake disks measure 323mm at the front (with special calipers) and 249mm at the rear; all combine to deliver exceptional agility.

The design teams were equally attentive to the sporting style of NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE with dual tailpipes, wide-wings, black diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels and gloss black front brake calipers. The interior continues this dynamic theme, with bucket seats and specific instrumentation.

In addition, the visually arresting ‘PERFORMANCE BLACK’ versions see DS take sports-oriented refinement to new heights, with a black body, featuring carbon side trims and a gloss gold roof (on the hatchback). The interior design echoes the smart exterior, with a gold dashboard and gearstick base, and a wealth of additional comfort and safety equipment.  

NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE BRM EVOKES LUXURY & PERFORMANCE – 39 LIMITED EDITION VEHICLES AVAILABLE

Embodying style, refinement, luxury and performance, New DS 3 gives even greater meaning to all these adjectives, without forgetting the key factor underpinning its success: personalisation.

To celebrate, DS Automobiles has partnered with the French luxury watchmaking sector, BRM Chronographes, to create an exclusive run just 39 models for the ultimate in premium personalisation. 

Based on the dynamic 1.6-litre THP S&S 208hp NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE, DS 3 PERFORMANCE BRM CHRONOGRAPHES features roof and door mirror housings in Brilliant Black and Gold Pearl matt bodywork.  The interior reflects the brand’s attention to detail with a Gold Pearl dashboard, carbon pack and a numbered aluminium plate.

Each of the 39 customers will receive a numbered copy of the ‘BRM V6 44 SA SQ DS 3 PERFORMANCE’ watch, with specially personalised details such as hands in the same colour as the bodywork, the DS pattern on the winder and more.

‘BRM V6 44 SA SQ DS 3 PERFORMANCE’ watch - technical characteristics

• Casing: stainless steel PVD with springs 
• Diameter: 44mm
• Lugs and pushers: black PVD 18/8 stainless steel
• Double face sapphire crystal
• Screws: finest stainless steel
• Dial: black 12-hour
• Hands: gold super light
• Strap: black leather with holes
• Water resistance: 100m
• Automatic movement: precitime 

DS VIRTUAL VISION, AN IMMERSIVE 3D EXPERIENCE ALL ABOUT NEW DS 3

As well as discovering New DS 3 on the DS Automobiles stand in Geneva, visitors will be able to experience a unique 3D experience - DS Virtual Vision.

Wearing an HTC Vive headset, they can operate a joystick to control an interactive experience, giving an overview of the 3 million possible customisation possibilities available on New DS 3. They will have the ability to walk right round the car, open and close the front doors, and even take a seat inside.

This fully immersive 3D experience uses ‘Virtual Garage’ technology developed by Dassault Systèmes and making a world debut appearance with DS Automobiles.

DS AUTOMOBILES EXHIBITION (Hall 6 - Palexpo)       

Unique car: DS E-TENSE

Performance Area: NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE BRM CHRONOGRAPHES, NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE, NEW DS 3 CABRIO PERFORMANCE and the DSV- 01 Formula E racecar

Actual product range area: New DS 3 (PureTech 130), New DS 3 Cabrio (PureTech 110), New DS 4 (BlueHDi 150), New DS 4 Crossback (BlueHDi 180), New DS 5 (Hybrid 4x4)

Also exhibited: the 1.6 THP S&S engine of New DS 3 PERFORMANCE