Citroën DS Crowned World's Coolest Car in Surprise Auto Express Poll
In a stunning result that defies conventional automotive prestige, the Citroën DS has been voted the coolest car in the world by readers of Auto Express. The iconic French vehicle, which can be acquired for a modest sum starting at £3,850, triumphed over luxury marques like Ferrari, McLaren, and Rolls-Royce in a comprehensive survey of 6,000 enthusiasts.
Readers' Verdict Highlights Style Over Speed
Sam Naylor, covering the poll for Auto Express, noted that the Citroën DS emerged as the absolute epitome of cool according to participants. It is not the fastest or most exclusive vehicle on the list, but it boasts unparalleled style and ingenious engineering. The DS name itself is a clever play on the French word for Goddess, déesse, adding to its allure.
Envisioned gracefully navigating Parisian streets, from the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, the DS has also graced the silver screen in films such as Gattaca, starring Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. This cultural cachet significantly contributed to its top ranking.
Affordable Classic with Premium Potential
While some vehicles in the poll command eye-watering price tags, a review of car buying website Car and Classic reveals that a Citroën DS can be purchased for as little as £3,850, depending on its condition. However, for those with deeper pockets, UK-based examples can fetch upwards of £100,000, highlighting its range from accessible classic to premium collectible.
Industry at a Crossroads: Alternative Fuels for Classics
The poll arrives at a critical juncture for the motor industry, which is grappling with its future direction. Prior to the conflict in Iran, enthusiasm for electric vehicles was levelling off before surging as fuel costs climbed. With uncertainty looming should the Strait of Hormuz reopen, manufacturers are exploring alternative fuels like synthetic fuels and e-fuels.
These options, which include man-made hydrocarbons, offer carbon-neutral solutions by not releasing additional carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In some cases, petrol vehicles require no modifications to run on these fuels, though minor adjustments may be necessary in others.
Synthetic Fuels: A Lifeline for Classics Like the DS
With the sector divided on where to focus efforts, synthetic fuels are proposed as a viable solution to keep classic cars like the Citroën DS on Britain's roads. Journalist Graham King, writing in Car Magazine, observed that this technology is already gaining traction, though expense remains a concern.
He concluded that e-fuels are currently very expensive, unlikely to dip below the £2.00 per litre mark needed to replace petrol and diesel for all vehicles. Nevertheless, synthetic fuels will play a vital role in preserving interesting, old cars for decades or even centuries after traditional fuels are no longer available, ensuring icons like the DS continue to captivate future generations.
