Having only separated from Citroen about two years ago, there has been a lot of discussion surrounding what exactly DS planned on doing with their new-found autonomy and how long it would take them. Well, DS have just released details of four new SUVs and a brand-new hybrid supercar which might well send a few shivers down the spines of some big players such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi.

DS 7 Crossback

The DS 7 Crossback is the first of the models and will get its official debut at the upcoming 2017 Geneva Motor Show this month. The few details that have emerged, as well as photographs circulating the internet, suggest that it is a visually stunning SUV with a remarkably well-designed interior which will essentially challenge existing models such as the popular Audi Q5 in the luxury SUV marketplace.

DS 3 Crossback

The DS 3 Crossback, the slightly less aggressive-looking little sister of the DS 7, displays many of the high-end qualities of the DS 7 but will be a less expensive model. It is also going to be featured at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show with both models expected to go on sale early next year.

DS 5

The DS 5 is a handsome if not slightly more conservative-looking hatchback, proudly displaying its original Citroen DS heritage. Part coupe, part sports estate, perhaps even part family saloon, it is slightly difficult to pin down but that is not an inherently bad thing. The vehicle looks to be impeccably designed and thought out, however, and whilst it might not be quite the giant-killer the DS 7 is, it remains unique and certainly packs a good punch for its price.

DS Hybrid Supercar

The DS hybrid supercar, however, is another kettle of fish altogether. It is perhaps comparable to the BMW i8 and is no doubt part E-Tense, the DS concept car that sent jaws to the ground at the Geneva Motor Show two years ago. It features 600bhp hybrid plug-in technology, autonomous capabilities and is so devastatingly handsome it risks reducing everything else that happens this year to a footnote.

There was concern and doubt as to how serious a contender DS would be once they had decided to go it alone. Their concepts, however, have been beautifully brought together, married with up-to-date technology and with more than enough reasons to tempt car buyers of BMWs, Audis and Mercedes.

It’s around this time of the year, prior to the highly anticipated Geneva Motor Show, that car buyers with an eye on luxury cars find their pulses racing. This year Porsche are expected to debut their new Panamera Turbo and there is an understandable buzz surrounding it right now. The 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid appears to be once again upping the ante in the world of hybrid technology. The pace of progress in hybrid super-cars has been pretty outstanding in recent years, yet Porsche’s new offering could set another new benchmark.

Building on the success of previous Panamera E-Hybrid models the 2018 model now packs a fierce new and smaller 4 litre V8 engine with a 136 hp electric motor that churns out an impressive 680 hp (up from the 2016 model’s 416 hp) and 626 pound-feet of torque. This is a more powerful, lighter engine than previous models and due to some design tweeking is considerably more efficient.

The Porsche developed ZF 8DB Eight Speed PDK transmission is now standard on all Panamera models, replacing the previous seven speed version with an improved gear ratio spread and a taller top gear. Power loss has been reduced by over a quarter due to reduced friction provided by the improved lubrication system creating what will be noticeably improved performance.

The 14.1kw thirteen prismatic lithium-ion battery cells on two levels with it’s own dedicated cooling circuit allows the Panamera to travel roughly 31 miles on electricity alone with a low end torque capable of propelling it to 96mph in roughly 3.2 seconds. If you were to keep your foot down you could expect to reach a top speed of over 305kmph.

The specifications beneath the hood do indeed suggest that the new Panamera is something quite special, even in the fast-paced world of luxury hybrid cars. Inside the vehicle is equally impressive with a 12.3 inch touchscreen incorporating the Porsche Communication System, air suspension, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and a composite ceramic breaking system.

Visually however, very little has changed as the improvements to the new 2018 Panamera are predominantly technologically geared towards increased power and superior efficiency. Porsche continue to punch above their weight and many people expect the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid to be a success and help further propel the evolution of luxury hybrid cars.

For those of us who end up spending a considerable amount of time in the car travelling to and from work, especially in hot temperatures, the level of comfort a car provides is a primary consideration when choosing to buy a car. We have chosen the three most comfortable cars 2017 has to offer for car buyers who primarily seek comfort.

Audi A4

The timeless Audi A4 has seen few cosmetic changes in recent years, and although some people will maintain that the Mercedes C-Class is a technically better car, it is the additional options available that make the Audi A4 so special. Even the standard interior on the A4 models is remarkably well thought out; the three zone climate control is incredibly effective, the passenger space is cavernous and the Audi Air Shower keeps you feeling fresh throughout your entire journey. The acoustic window upgrade provides a wonderfully quiet journey – ideal for making phone calls or getting on with some work on the way to a meeting.

Range Rover

The Range Rover remains to this day one of the most popular top-end SUVs on sale. Always with a focus on comfort, the Range Rover offers adjustable air suspension which although is designed for off-road use, ensures a sense of gliding effortlessly across any road you are likely to encounter. Recent efforts to increase comfort levels have included a reshaped windscreen to cut down on cabin noise and the option of a long wheelbase for extra leg room. Technologically well considered, the rear seats have access to electric fold-out tables, USB ports and even a champagne cooler. As you would expect with a car of this class, the finishing is superb – it really is hard to fault a car such as this.

Rolls-Royce Phantom

The name Rolls-Royce is synonymous with excellence and comfort for very good reason: luxury cars do not come any more luxurious than this. Those who can afford the level of comfort offered by the Phantom will arguably enjoy the highest level of comfort to be found in any new car. The sheer volume of space available can only be described as Epicurean, while the double glazed windows ensure that you are unlikely to notice whatever happens outside. The Phantom really is the epitome of luxury, comfort and decadence.

Just because you don’t have the pockets to be on the waiting list for the new Aston-Martin DB11, it doesn’t mean that 2017 doesn’t have a lot of excitement in store for you. Here we take a look at some moderately priced cars on their way this year that we are looking forward to.

• 2017 Suzuki Swift

  Unveiled in Japan at the end of last year, the Suzuki Swift is in a similar size and class to the classic mini but with exciting extras thrown in. What may not be the most striking looking car of the year comes available in two mild hybrid 48v versions, featuring either 1 litre or 1.2 litre engines which are both capable of holding their own. Suzuki has made safety a central theme for the Swift, inserting an automatic braking system and (we hope) the choice of two or four-wheel drive.

• 2017 Mazda CX-5

  Bucking the trend for large SUVs being gas-guzzling smoke-belchers, the Mazda CX-5 has perhaps the best mpg and lowest CO2 readings of its class. The CX-5 is large, huge in fact, ideal for people and families who rely on plenty of room and boot space. The car handles and grips like a dream with more in common with a hatchback than an SUV. However, the hard suspension might not be to everyone’s taste. While the 148bhp 2.2 diesel version is unexpectedly fierce, the 2.0-litre petrol offering is somewhat lacklustre, which is a shame.

• 2017 Skoda Octavia

  The first impression is that the Octavia looks like it has been spending a lot of time at the gym. Its new muscled look isn’t all that is new though, the on-board three system infotainment systems look as cutting edge as anything else to be found in its class, while the automatic emergency braking (that detects pedestrians) and parking assistant are all wonderful additional features. The 1.6-litre diesel engine remains unchanged, meaning that although the power is unlikely to blow you away, the comfortable ride and controlled handling more than compensates. Skoda has a reputation for being competitively priced, meaning there is going to be a lot of bang for your buck.

Every now and then new nations enter the international car market, with varying degrees of success. The Chinese are now trying – will it work?

Previous entrants

In the Seventies, it was Eastern Bloc cars like Skoda, Lada’s version of the old Fiat 124 and the Russian Moskvitch 1500. Twenty years later the Malaysian Proton and South Korean Kia, Ssangyong, Daewoo and Hyundai brands appeared.

The offering to international car buyers was always one of low price, with lower quality and equipment levels, sometimes even lower safety levels. This makes it hard to sell luxury cars
under these brands – Skoda and Hyundai are perhaps on the way to pulling it off, but not yet.

Chinese way of making new cars

The Chinese have approached the international car market in a different way because they have access to greater finance.

They can buy existing companies with high levels of design, manufacturing and marketing expertise which makes it easier for them to access international markets.

Which new cars are Chinese?

Volvo, the Swedish company with a reputation for safe, high-quality cars, was been bought by Geely. Chinese company SAIC, which makes the Chevrolet Cruze for sale in the USA, also bought the remains of British company MG.

After a lull brought on by the international credit crisis, SAIC is now selling British-built cars as MG Motors, but it’s uncertain if that brand will sell well across the world.

But perhaps the most interesting move is from Geely: launching a new global brand called Lynk & Co using Volvo expertise. The first car from the new brand – the 01 – is a strikingly designed, high-quality SUV, loaded with technology.

Importance of luxury cars

Privately-owned Chinese car companies like SAIC and Geely have to be successful internationally as they are less competitive in China than subsidized government-owned manufacturers.

So the Lynx & Co initiative is very important – delivering new cars that aren’t perceived as budget cars and have the quality associated with Volvo.

The 01 will be one of the new cars 2017 will bring to the attention of international car buyers – will it succeed?