Sporty vans are trending, with nearly every single automaker offering some sort of optional package or special edition inspired by the aftermarket tuning scene. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has already applied the GTI-style treatment to its vans, but its Dutch division has just introduced a new option for local buyers.

The Signature Edition is an optional package available for the Transporter Bulli and the ID.Buzz Cargo in the Netherlands. Both vans feature sharper aero components, new alloy wheels, side decals, Signature Edition badges, and fresh upholstery inside the cabin making them more appealing.

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The bodykits include splitters and rear spoilers with a carbon finish, paired with black side skirts. The grille and VW emblems are also finished in black. The same applies to the alloy wheels, measuring 19 inches on the Transporter and 20 inches on the ID. Buzz Cargo.

VW ID.Buzz Cargo Signature Edition

Inside, the package adds eco-leather upholstery on the seats with Dinamica accents, a hexagonal pattern, and contrasting stitching. Signature Edition logos can be found on the seatbacks and the dashboard. The door cards also gain Dinamica and eco-leather inserts, with the Transporter featuring the same materials on the dashboard. Finally, the vans feature carbon-style details on the steering wheel.

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Unfortunately, the sporty looks and the upmarket interiors are not combined with any performance or chassis upgrades. This means that the electric ID. Buzz and the diesel-powered or electric Transporter/e-Transporter retain their standard powertrains.

VW Transporter Bulli Signature Edition

Volkswagen is offering the Signature Edition as an optional package in the Netherlands, with a starting price of €6,495 ($7,300) before VAT. The accessories are fitted locally after the vehicle’s registration, ensuring that the upgrades won’t increase its taxable catalog value.

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This is not the first time Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles spruces up its vans. The company is offering an even cooler VW Transporter Sportline in the UK as well as various sporty add-ons for the ID.Buzz Cargo. As for performance, the flagship ID.Buzz GTX trim of the passenger van remains the most potent member of the VW lineup thanks to its 335 hp bi-motor setup.

VW Commercial Vehicles / Netherlands

The Mazda BT-50 might not be as popular as its Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger rivals, but it remains an important model for the Japanese automaker. The increased competition in the midsize pickup segment has prompted Mazda to consider a new generation, set to arrive over the next couple of years.

The third generation of the Mazda BT-50 was introduced in 2020, with a mid-lifecycle update following in late 2024. The model is based on the ladder-frame underpinnings of the Isuzu D-Max, with Mazda-specific styling inside-out and is currently offered with non-electrified turbodiesel powertrain options.

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Our colleagues at CarsGuide spoke to Vinesh Bhindi, Mazda Australia’s managing director, who confirmed that a new generation of the BT-50 is under development. The high-ranking official didn’t get into details about the specifications, but confirmed it will likely hit the road around 2028.

The same publication spoke to Eiji Kimoto, Mazda’s chief designer, who was responsible for the styling of the current BT-50. When asked about the upcoming pickup, Kimoto said: “I am not allowed to speak much about the future product, but I can tell you, please look forward to it”.

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Since Mazda doesn’t have enough R&D resources to develop a pickup on its own, the next BT-50 will likely be the result of a partnership. After all, the first two generations were paired with the Ford Ranger, while the third one migrated to the Isuzu platform.

Collaborative Effort

Illustrations: Thanos Pappas / CarScoops

Mazda could continue the partnership with Isuzu, developing the new model alongside the new generation of the D-Max. Another option would be to broaden its collaboration with Chinese automaker Changan, following the 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV projects.

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Changan already offers a pickup in the form of the Hunter K50 with a revolutionary range-extender powertrain. However, this one is based on the ladder-frame chassis of the diesel-powered Changan Hunter which has already spawned several siblings from Stellantis brands in South America including the Peugeot Landtrek, the Fiat Titano, the Ram 1200, and Ram Dakota.

Sharp Looks And Upmarket Interior

Illustrations: Thanos Pappas / CarScoops

In any case, the next Mazda BT-50 is expected to adopt the brand’s updated styling language with sharp LEDs and sculpted details. In our speculative rendering we used the proportions of the Isuzu D-Max as a base, infusing elements from the Mazda CX-6e alongside wide fender extensions and a rear canopy.

We also expect Mazda to give its truck a more premium interior, in line with the upmarket move of its entire lineup. This could help the next BT-50 stand out in a crowded segment, targeting a specific kind of buyer. As with most midsize pickups in Australia, the model could continue offering rugged trims like the Thunder alongside a selection of optional accessories for off-road enthusiasts.

What About The Powertrain?

Back in 2025, the Mazda Australia boss said there won’t be a fully electric variant of the BT-50 in the foreseeable future, despite the availability of the closely-related Isuzu D-Max EV. He also didn’t perceive PHEV pickups as a threat, adding that diesel powertrains will probably stick around. Still, the local Managing Director admitted they will let the market pinpoint if there’s demand for electrified trucks and consider the options.

Reading between the lines, Mazda could offer some sort of electrified powertrain options for the next BT-50. If it sticks to the partnership with Isuzu they will likely use a mild-hybrid diesel, while the Changan route would probably result in a range-extender option. That would allow the pickup to fulfil market demand while complying with tightening emission regulations and potentially expanding its scope to markets outside Australia.

Stellantis has introduced two new entry-level trims for the Citroen Berlingo and Opel Combo twins in Europe, making them more accessible and more practical. The base models benefit from a redesigned interior which transforms into a mobile office, and will be available with gasoline, diesel, mild-hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

From the outside, the Citroen Berlingo Van First and the Opel Combo Start have slightly different faces compared to the rest of the lineup. The lower bumper appears to be carried over but the upper portion sheds the body-colored finish for unpainted plastic and gains a simplified design for the grille. The rest of the bodywork remains unchanged.

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Note that the Berlingo Van has different headlights compared to the Berlingo which is better aligned with Citroen’s passenger car and SUV lineup.

More Practicality Inside The Cabin

More substantial changes take place inside the cabin, making us wonder why Opel and Citroen didn’t apply this treatment to the entire lineup of the Combo and Berlingo vans. The dashboard and door panels have been redesigned with the goal of improving “robustness” and “ergonomic handling” for business owners and fleet operators using the LCVs for delivery services and on construction sites.

Highlights include the extra shelfs on the dash, the new drawer under the driver’s seat, and the standard FlexiSeat for the front passenger. The latter can be folded upwards, creating extra space for packages, tool boxes or other equipment and increasing the van’s total load volume by 0.5 cubic meters (17.7 cubic feet).

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More importantly, the FlexiSeat can be optionally combined with the ModuTable. This costs €300 ($350) and offers a surface that can be used as an extra shelf with cupholders or as a mobile desk for your laptop. When not in use, the ModuTable can be stored behind the cabin wall in the cargo area. Still, Citroen said that professionals drive alone for about 80% of the time so it will likely be used quite often.

Finally, the FlexCargo/Moduwork configuration adds a third seat at the front which turns into a load-through when transporting longer items.

Citroen Berlingo Van First

The compact vans remain available in two body lengths, delivering a load volume between 3.3-4.4 cubic meters (116.5-155.4 cubic feet). The maximum payload capacity is unchanged at 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs).

Multiple Powertrain Options

As with the rest of the lineup, the entry-level vans offer the option between gasoline, diesel and fully electric powertrains, with a mild-hybrid variant set to join the lineup in 2027.

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The turbo 1.2-liter engine is good for 109 hp (81 kW / 110 PS), while the 1.5-liter turbodiesel produces 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) or 129 hp (96 kW / 131 PS). All ICE variants are exclusively offered with a six-speed manual gearbox, although the upcoming mild hybrid will get a dual-clutch automatic. Finally, the EV has a single electric motor generating 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), and a 42 kWh battery offering up to 270 km (168 miles) of WLTP range.

Pricing

The base Opel Combo Start with the gasoline engine is priced from €22,400 ($26,000) before VAT in Germany, lowering the entry point in the compact van’s lineup by €1,000 ($1,200). The diesel starts from €23,200 ($26,900) and the electric from €28,500 ($33,100).

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Citroen has yet to announce pricing for the Berlingo Van First, but we expect similar figures with its Opel twin. It will be interesting to see whether the same treatment will be applied to the nearly identical Peugeot Partner, Fiat Doblo, and Toyota ProAce City.

Opel Combo Start

Alfa Romeo is gearing up for the debut of a mysterious concept at the Paris Motor Show next month, but before that happens they have a new special series in store. The Biscione brand has introduced Edizione Luna Rossa editions for its entire lineup, including the Junior, Tonale, Giulia and Stelvio.

Luna Rossa is an Italian yacht-racing team competing at the America’s Cup. Its collaboration with Alfa Romeo was inaugurated in June 2025, followed by the debut of the ultra-exclusive Giulia Quadrifoglio Luna Rossa in January 2026. While the first model was only produced in 10 units with custom colors and a unique aero package, the Edizione Luna Rossa models are available for everyone, serving as the flagships of their respective lineups.

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The special editions feature boat-inspired colors, custom touches inside-out, and a dedicated Alfa Romeo emblem. However, not every model is the same, with the Junior and the Tonale getting a different treatment than the stealthier and more exclusive Giulia and Stelvio.

Alfa Romeo Junior Edizione Luna Rossa

Starting with the subcompact and compact SUVs, the Junior and the Tonale Edizione Luna Rossa feature a gray shade with Gloss Black accents and red stripes on the profile, although buyers can also choose black or white for the main color of the body.

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The wheels measure 18 inches on the Junior and 20 inches on the Tonale, both featuring a gloss black diamond cut finish and three-spoke designs. Besides the larger wheels, the Tonale also gets Brembo brakes with red brake calipers.

Alfa Romeo Tonale Edizione Luna Rossa

Inside, we find black and gray upholstery, with 3D knit technology on the premium fabric, red stripes featuring Luna Rossa lettering, and red Alfa Romeo emblems. The SUVs also feature aluminum sports pedals and kick plate, new graphics for their digital cockpits, and ambient lighting.

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Equipment is pretty generous, with the Edizione Luna Rossa being the highest-spec trims. In terms of powertrains, the Junior offers the option between hybrid and fully electric setups, while the Tonale is available with hybrid and PHEV options.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Edizione Luna Rossa

Moving on to the midsize offerings, the aging Giulia and Stelvio take a different route, focusing more on exclusivity and sportiness. The mechanically-related models are pictured with a blacked-out configuration, but the color palette of the Edizione Luna Rossa editions also include white and Etna Red shades.

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Independently of the color, the aging duo benefits from extensive use of carbon fiber on the exterior and the interior, red Alfa Romeo emblems, and the Luna Rossa logo on the mirror caps. The Giulia features Quadrifoglio-inspired side skirts and rear spoiler combined with Gloss Black 19-inch alloy wheels, with the Stelvio riding on 21-inch wheels.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Edizione Luna Rossa

The monochrome interior features a generous amount of carbon fiber on the dashboard, center console, and door cards, alongside leather and recycled Econyl fabric upholstery. Red stripes on the steering wheel and seatbacks break the monotony of black, alongside the matching Alfa Romeo emblems.

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The Edizione Luna Rossa Giulia and Stelvio come standard with a Harman Kardon Hi-Fi system and the electronically controlled suspension. Finally, the electric sunroof is standard on the sedan and optional on the SUV.

As with the regular Giorgio-based models, the special editions are available with the 2.2-liter turbodiesel in two power outputs, while UK buyers also have access to the 2.0-liter gasoline engine that has been phased out in Europe. In other words, only the V6-powered Quadrifoglios escape the Luna Rossa treatment.

The Junior, Tonale, Giulia, and Stelvio Edizione Luna Rossa will gradually go on sale on European markets, positioned at the top of the lineup of each non-Quadrifoglio model. Pricing will be announced closer to the market launch.

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According to Stellantis, the partnership between the two Italian brands goes deeper than colors, materials, and special emblems. More specifically, Alfa Romeo “has provided its expertise in simulation, dynamics and virtual analysis to Luna Rossa, while also collaborating on the development and fine-tuning of the control software for the systems that manage sail movement.”

Alfa Romeo