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Testing Of A Mysterious Future Toyota EV Sparked A Recall Of The New C-HR

  • Toyota is conducting two new recalls that impact an assortment of models.
  • The 2026 C-HR can lose drive power due to a software programming issue.
  • A handful of trucks and SUVs have incorrect load carrying capacity labels.

The Toyota CH-R returned for 2026 as an electric crossover, but it’s already getting recalled. As the government explained, the battery can become “overcharged” and shut down the powertrain while driving.

The issue impacts 8,521 vehicles and is being blamed on a software programming error. Toyota first discovered the issue in April during testing of an undisclosed “future BEV model.” This sparked a review of electronic control units in other EVs and this eventually identified the 2026 C-HR as being impacted.

More: Toyota Delays New Electric Highlander Before It Even Launches

The issue involves a faulty battery protection logic, which is intended to limit the charging of the battery. Due to a programming error, the battery can become overcharged in certain conditions.

This mainly appears to be a problem in low temperatures, when the battery is at a high state of charge, and when the vehicle is in regenerative mode for a long time. In effect, if you live up in the mountains, fully charged your C-HR overnight, and are driving down into the city while relying heavily on the regenerative braking system, it could be an issue.

 Testing Of A Mysterious Future Toyota EV Sparked A Recall Of The New C-HR

While that’s just an example, it highlights how rare the problem appears to be. Speaking of which, Toyota isn’t aware of any warranty claims or field reports related to the issue. If a problem were to occur, warning lights and a buzzer would activate to alert drivers to the loss of motive power.

Since this is a simple software issue, the fix is straightforward as dealers will update the electronic control unit. Notifications are scheduled to go out on October 18.

Label Mistake

 Testing Of A Mysterious Future Toyota EV Sparked A Recall Of The New C-HR

In other Toyota recall news, 135 vehicles have an incorrect load carrying capacity modification label. The problem impacts a handful of different models including the 2024 Tacoma and 2025 Tundra as well as the 2026 4Runner and RAV4.

The recall is the result of data entry errors as accessory weight values were wrong in one of Toyota’s systems. This threw off calculations and resulted in labels that could cause people to overload their vehicles.

Toyota discovered the problem during an internal audit that found eight accessory parts with weight discrepancies. To address the problem, dealers will replace the label with a correct one.

 Testing Of A Mysterious Future Toyota EV Sparked A Recall Of The New C-HR

Trump Administration Blasts Ford For Its Business Dealings With China

  • Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has criticized recent Ford business deals.
  • Duffy criticized Ford’s battery licensing deal with Chinese giant CATL.
  • Ford says the Trump administration is simply trying to capture headlines.

The Trump administration isn’t pleased with Ford’s close ties to certain Chinese companies, prompting a fierce rebuke from Ford, which continues to tout itself as “the most American automaker.” The tit-for-tat comes just before a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month.

In a letter to Ford chief executive Jim Farley dated September 3 and recently made public, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy expressed “profound concern” about the “strategic trajectory of Ford,” claiming the historic brand is “actively intertwining its future with Chinese state-backed enterprises.”

Read: Ford Is Partnering With The Chinese Automakers It’s Fighting To Keep Out Of America

Ford’s relationship with Chinese battery manufacturer CATL appears to have rubbed the Trump administration the wrong way. The licensing deal, first signed in 2023, would have allowed Ford to manufacture EV batteries using CATL’s chemistry. Still, a recent decline in demand for EVs in the US prompted Ford to start assembling lithium-iron phosphate cells using CATL tech for energy storage systems.

 Trump Administration Blasts Ford For Its Business Dealings With China

“The prioritization of imported Chinese technical expertise and operational know-how – even in a scaled-back capacity – challenges the spirit of American national and economic security and supply-chain independence policies,” Duffy wrote.

The transportation secretary also took issue with Ford’s recent deal with Geely in Spain, saying it “helps strategic adversaries secure a vital foothold in Western markets.” The letter also addressed ongoing talks between Ford and BYD to share hybrid vehicle components.

“When a company intentionally chooses to deepen operational dependencies on strategic competitors, it fails to act as the reliable partner the American public and this DOT require,” Duffy added.

 Trump Administration Blasts Ford For Its Business Dealings With China

Ford Responds

It didn’t take long for Ford to respond. The company described Duffy’s letter as “a wrongheaded attempt to capture headlines at the expense of a company that has done more for American manufacturing than virtually any other in the nation’s history.”

“BlueOval Battery Park Michigan in Marshall is a Ford-owned and Ford-operated facility representing billions of dollars in investment and approximately 1,700 new American jobs,” Ford’s statement reads, noting “it is producing batteries in Michigan, with American workers, for Ford vehicles also built in America.”

 Trump Administration Blasts Ford For Its Business Dealings With China
Ford BlueOval Battery Park

Volvo’s Decade-Old XC40 Refuses To Die, Gains Design And Tech Updates

  • Volvo applies a second facelift to the XC40, extending its lifecycle.
  • It gains modern styling cues, a larger screen, and improved safety.
  • The fully electric EX40 and EC40 benefit from the same updates.

Volvo has announced substantial updates for the 40 series SUVs, including the evergreen XC40, its fully electric EX40 twin and the closely-related EC40 coupe-SUV. All three models receive a redesigned face, larger screens, AI tech, and improved safety features in a quest to stay relevant against younger rivals.

The XC40, in production since 2017, received a facelift in 2022, but the 2027 update is more substantial. The fully electric coupe-SUV variant debuted in 2021 as the C40 Recharge before being renamed to EC40 in 2024 and receiving its first facelift for 2027.

More: New Volvo EX50 Could Be Better, Bigger And Cheaper Than The SUV It Replaces

Visually, the first thing you notice is the reshaped headlights with the trademark Thor’s Hammer LED graphics, joined by a cleaner front bumper. The grille is wider than before, reaching out to the headlights, and adopts the body-colored finish of the zero-emission EX40 and EC40.

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Volvo XC40

The sculpted profile is largely unchanged, but the diamond-cut alloy wheels measuring 18, 19 or 20 inches are new. The rear end benefits from sharper LED taillights in the XC40 and EX40, alongside fresh surfacing on the tailgate and the rear bumper. Volvo has also shown photos of the Black Edition variants combining a stealthy finish with a dark-themed cabin.

More: Volvo May Bring Sedans And Wagons Back To America

Inside, the centerpiece is the larger 11.2-inch central touchscreen (up from 9 inches), with its top end sticking out of the dashboard. The display runs Volvo’s latest infotainment software with Google Gemini integration. Other interior updates include a new wireless charging pad, “refined” ambient lighting, and new materials such as Arianne Cardamom leather, Brown Ash or Black Ash wood accents, and aluminum inserts.

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Volvo EC40

On the safety front, the XC40 gets new hardware and software. Volvo threw in new radars, a new forward camera, and a total of 12 ultrasonic sensors. These enable a 3D view for the optional 360-degree camera system and make the optional Pilot Assist with lane change assist run more smoothly. The company has also added a Door Opening Alert and real-time hazard detection for the emergency braking and steering functions.

More: The EX30 Is Dead, But Volvo’s Next Cheap EV Is Already On The Way To America

The XC40 continues to be powered by the familiar mild-hybrid turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, available with different outputs depending on the market.

The fully electric EX40 and EC40 also retain their existing single-motor and twin-motor configurations, delivering up to 584 km (363 miles) of WLTP range. Note that the PHEV powertrain option has been discontinued.

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Volvo EX40

The updated Volvo 40 series is scheduled to enter production in Belgium later this fall. Depending on the market, deliveries are expected to start in early 2027 with pricing to be announced.

The main rivals of the Volvo 40 series in the premium compact SUV segment include the soon-to-be facelifted BMW X1 and X2, the brand new Mercedes-Benz GLA, and the Audi Q3 / Q3 Sportback.

Porsche’s Boxster EV Is Almost Showroom-Ready, But Is The Showroom Ready For An Electric 718?

  • Porsche’s 718 Boxster Electric has been spied testing for the first time in months.
  • The zero-emissions, two-seat ragtop has dropped almost all of its heavy disguise.
  • Single motor comes standard, but available bi-motor creates first AWD Boxster.

More than two years have passed since we last spied a Boxster Electric prototype testing. It’s almost like Porsche forgot about it. And there must be some suits at Stuttgart who would rather forget about it, because the world in which the EV sports car is about to debut is very different to the one Porsche imagined when it green lighted the project more than five years ago.

We’ll get to that problem in a minute, but for now let’s take a look at these fresh spy shots because they show the Boxster EV with almost non camo for the first time ever. Sure, it’s still got some misleading stickers around the front and rear lights and rear quarters, but we can see the true shapes of those lights and the heavy disguise has gone from the bumpers.

Related: Porsche’s Next Supercar Could Be An Audi That’s Really A Lamborghini

That means we can see this Boxster has the same vertical, active cooling slats in its front grille that Porsche has already deployed in the 911 GTS and Turbo. Lesser models, and their Cayman EV counterparts, are likely to have a simpler grille design, as the base 911 Carrera and Carrera S have. Shots from the rear showing a diffuser panel and lack of exhaust tailpipes confirm Porshe is sticking to its EV plan for the two-seater – for now, at least.

Besides the grille, there’s another indicator that we’re looking at a hotter version of the Boxster Electric. Previous spy shots showed a digital gauge cluster and conventional internal door handles. But this car has fabric, loop-style handles of the kind usually reserved for cars like the 911 GT3 or the old Cayman GT4 and its Boxster Spyder brother.

Choose One Or Two Motors

 Porsche’s Boxster EV Is Almost Showroom-Ready, But Is The Showroom Ready For An Electric 718?

Intel from sources close to Porsche suggests base cars will get a single motor driving the rear wheels, but the big news is the rumored availability of dual-motor powertrains in more expensive versions that will give the Boxster and Cayman their first all-wheel drive options.

If Porsche’s GT4 e-Performance racer concept is any guide, expect up to 604 hp (612 PS / 450 kW) for the hottest AWD cars and the option of a virtual paddle-shift transmission, a feature recently added to the Taycan lineup. A T-shaped battery mounted in the transmission tunnel and behind the seats keeps the floorpan low and replicates the weight distribution of a typical mid-engined, ICE-powered car.

EV First, Gas Later

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The Boxster and Cayman Electric go in sale in 2027, but a couple of years after that, they’ll be joined by combustion versions, potentially limited to the top of the lineup. That was never part of the plan, but Porsche’s hand has been forced by a dramatic slowdown in EV sales.

The Boxster and Cayman Electric were conceived in the late 2010s, a period when Porsche’s Taycan was still enjoying its honeymoon glow and the car industry was projecting electric cars would soon relegate old-fashioned combustion vehicles to a sideshow act. Now, in 2026, it’s true that EV sales are riding high, though not universally.

Taycan To Tap-Out?

One in four mass-market cars sold in Europe is now electric and the numbers are growing. But luxury buyers and American drivers aren’t buying EVs. They want gas cars. The Taycan is tanking and could reportedly die soon, but since it was too late to scrap the Boxster and Cayman Electric, which have the added complication of sharing their platform and hardware with Audi’s upcoming TT replacement, Porsche opted to re-engineer them for combustion power instead.

Would you buy an electric Boxster or is Porsche setting itself up for a massive fall? Leave a comment and let us know.

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Bronco Basecamp Breaks Out Of China And Heads Down Under

  • The Ford Bronco Basecamp is coming to Australia and New Zealand.
  • Model arrives next year with a range-extended powertrain and pop-up roof.
  • Crossover could have a combined output of 416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque.

Nearly a decade after wrapping up production in Australia, Ford has announced big plans for the land down under. As part of an event, the company announced plans to “double coverage of the Australian vehicle market to over 60% within three years.” The automaker is also aiming for “over 90% of its volume sold to be all-new or significantly refreshed by the end of 2030.”

The centerpiece of this plan is to bring the Bronco Basecamp to Australia and New Zealand in the second half of 2027. The model launched in China last year and targets a “new breed of outdoor enthusiasts.”

More: Ford’s Electrified Bronco Arrives In China With A Pop Up Roof Surprise

Ford didn’t say much about the local variant, but confirmed it will have a “super hybrid extended-range electrified powertrain.” It consists of two electric motors, a 49 kWh battery pack, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that acts exclusively as a generator.

The company said this will deliver the smooth and responsive driving dynamics of an electric vehicle, but with a range of 497 – 559 miles (800 – 900 km). It also goes without saying, you can simply fill up with gas and be back on your way.

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Ford didn’t talk numbers, but the Bronco Basecamp starts at ¥229,800 ($34,245 USD / $47,565 AUD) in China and features a combined output of 416 hp (310 kW / 421 PS) and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. The model also has a CLTC electric-only range of 137 miles (220 km).

While Ford didn’t say much about the vehicle, they noted it’s built for adventure and would make the perfect camping companion. When it’s time to go to sleep, all the seats fold down and an inflatable mattress can be placed on top of them to create a bed.

When morning comes, the rear swing gate has a “Wild Kitchen” with a fold-down table. The model even has Pro Power Onboard, which enables owners to access up to 6.6 kW of juice to power equipment such as coffee makers, cooktops, and lights.

The upscale Bronco Basecamp Outer Banks goes even further as it has an electric pop top that rises at the touch of a button to increase headroom, such as when camping. The Outer Banks also has a 7.5-liter center console compartment that can be warmed or chilled.

Besides the Bronco Basecamp, Ford announced the electric Transit City will arrive in November for $50,000 AUD ($36,100 USD). Around the same time, the Mustang Dark Horse T8-Spec will land at dealers. The automaker also announced the local launch of Ford Pro, which will be supported by a new seven-year, unlimited kilometer warranty for commercial customers who exclusively rely on Ford dealerships for servicing.

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Mercedes’ New E-Class Electric Is Washing Bad Memories Of The Soap-Bar EQE Clean Away

  • Mercedes’ E-Class EV loses camo, reveals production headlights.
  • New rear lights ditch star graphics for cleaner straight-line LEDs.
  • Expect 800-volt tech, rapid charging and 483 hp in E400 guise.

Mercedes’ EQE was a flop, lasting just four model years in the US. Its battery tech was outdated, and the melted soap-bar styling certainly didn’t help. Now, as the EQE bows out, Mercedes is preparing its replacement, and these new revealing spy shots suggest the E-Class Electric has learned a valuable lesson. Turns out a battery-powered sedan can actually look like a regular sedan, and be all the better for it.

The latest prototype has ditched much of the heavy camouflage we saw when we last caught an E-Class Electric testing in January. We’ve got our first proper look at the production headlights, which reveals a pair of Mercedes’ star-shaped daytime running lights in each lamp cluster, ensuring nobody mistakes this thing for a BMW after dark.

Also: Blob Be Gone! The EQE Gives Way To A Proper Sedan

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And though we still can’t see it, we’re expecting Mercedes’ gigantic illuminated grille treatment, already rolled out on its latest electric GLC and C-Class, to feature out front when the EV goes on sale next year. Whether you think it looks reassuringly expensive or as tacky as Times Square squeezed between two headlights, it will certainly give the E-Class Electric some real presence, something the bland EQE always lacked even after its last-ditch facelift.

There’s a surprise at the other end, though. Earlier test cars wore placeholder taillights, and we expected the finished units to continue Mercedes’ current obsession with three-pointed stars. Instead, the production lamps appear to feature straight-line graphics and thankfully no stars at all.

Beneath the skin is Mercedes’ MB.EA architecture already in play with the C-Class Electric and its GLC SUV cousin. Based on what we know of those cars, the E-Class will feature an 800-volt electrical system, and charging speeds reaching 330 kW.

Out-Charges BMW And Audi

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That’s not quite a match for the 400 kW inhalation rate of BMW’s Neue Klasse iX3 and i3, but it easily trumps the 205 kW offered by the Benz’s direct rival, the BMW i5, and the 270 kW of Audi’s A6 e-tron. Both of those cars, though, also offer a wagon body style option the sedan-only E-Class won’t.

A dual-motor E400 version using the C400 4Matic’s setup could deliver 482 hp (489 PS / 360 kW) and a zero-to-62 mph (100 km/h) time of just over 4 seconds, although Mercedes hasn’t confirmed specifications yet. The C400 employs a 94 kWh gross battery to deliver 473 miles (762 km) of claimed WLTP range, and Mercedes might not feel the need to go bigger because the i5’s pack is only 84 kWh gross and promises 356 miles (573 miles).

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We can’t see inside the E-Class Electric in these pictures, but again, the existing EVs have set a precedent we expect Mercedes to keep following. If it does, the mid-size sedan will get a full-pillar-to-pillar digital dashboard in its most luxurious form, though buyers will almost certainly have to pay extra for the passenger screen one recent study told us hardly gets used.

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Audi Is Paying Lessees $10,000 To Keep The EVs They Already Have

  • Incentives are currently available for the Audi e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron, and Q8 e-tron.
  • Audi has increased the Q4 e-tron buyout incentive from $3,000 to $5,000.
  • These discounts may convince some to buy out their lease when the term ends.

Audi is eager to see current lessees of its electric models buy out their vehicles at the end of their terms, and it’s offering some pretty generous incentives to encourage them to do so.

A recent Audi BEV Lessee Buyout Option Incentive, sent to dealerships on September 1, reveals that current e-tron GT lessees are being offered a $10,000 discount to purchase their vehicle at the end of the lease term. In addition, a $5,000 purchase incentive is available for the Q4 e-tron, while a $4,000 one has been confirmed for the Q8 e-tron.

Read: Audi’s New A2 Revives A Genius Idea That Was 25 Years Too Early

In addition, dealerships stand to benefit as they will receive $500 for each lessee who uses the incentive to buy out their vehicle. This incentive program was first launched in July, but now the Q4 e-tron’s discount has increased to $5,000 from the original $3,000, CarsDirect reports.

The move may make it a little easier to digest the extraordinary depreciation Audi EVs and other electric models from premium brands continue to experience in the United States and elsewhere.

 Audi Is Paying Lessees $10,000 To Keep The EVs They Already Have
Audi Q8 e-tron

In the case of original Audi RS e-tron GT models, a car that once started at around $140,000, it’s now easy to find relatively low-mileage examples for under $55,000. Prices of the updated 2025 RS e-tron GT Performance have also cratered, from an MSRP exceeding $170,000 to less than $120,000.

It’s worth noting that Audi discontinued the Q8 e-tron in the United States more than 18 months ago, so those who currently lease one won’t be able to replace it with a like-for-like electric SUV from the German brand. The Q4 e-tron continues, and it was recently updated in Europe.

 Audi Is Paying Lessees $10,000 To Keep The EVs They Already Have

Sources: CarsDirect

Range Rover’s Boss Just Told The World What He Thinks Of China’s Temu Range Rovers

  • JLR says buyers are willing to pay extra to get “the best of the best.”
  • Range Rover is eager to further differentiate its models from rival brands.
  • Jaecoo models such as the J5 and J7 have been compared with Range Rovers.

Jaguar Land Rover isn’t concerned about vehicles emerging from China with designs suspiciously similar to its own, noting they cannot match the heritage of Range Rover and have so far yet to impact the brand’s sales.

Of all the new SUVs being launched by Chinese brands, none have drawn more comparisons to existing Range Rover models than those from Chery-owned Jaecoo, specifically the J5 and the J7, often labeled as the ‘Temu Range Rover.’ We tested the J5 recently, though it obviously doesn’t compete in the same segment as any Range Rover. Speaking with Australian media recently, global Range Rover managing director Martin Limpert said if anything, having its designs copied is a “compliment.”

Read: They Nicknamed It The Temu Range Rover, Car Insurers Are Pricing It Like The Real One

“If other brands… copy our designs [it] is a signal that within the luxury world our design seems to be inspirational… what is important for us is to stay [as] the original – that’s why we will keep evolving,” Limpert told Car Sales. “It’s probably a bit of a badge of honor – we take it as a compliment.”

Range Rover Still Stands Out

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Jaecoo 7

Limpert went on to add that people buy a Range Rover because “they want the best of the best,” and they’re willing to “pay the extra money” for it.

“We are operating from a position of strength… having that British originality, design and engineering ingenuity built over more than five decades and five generations of Range Rover has specifically brought us into a position where we are thankfully synonymous with the choice of [world] leaders.”

 Range Rover’s Boss Just Told The World What He Thinks Of China’s Temu Range Rovers

As impressive as some new Chinese vehicles are, they obviously lack the heritage and name cachet of some legacy brands. However, recent sales trends show that car buyers in the lower end of the market are buying Chinese cars in growing numbers, often won over by their value. Buyers in the premium and luxury segments are very loyal to the brands they like, however, and it won’t be easy for new entrants to sway shoppers out of car companies they already trust.

Moving forward, Range Rover’s global marketing boss Ryan Miller added that the company will continue to differentiate its models from the competition. One obvious example of this is the new low-slung GT, set to launch soon as the brand’s fifth model.

 Range Rover’s Boss Just Told The World What He Thinks Of China’s Temu Range Rovers
Jaecoo 5

New Dacia Spring EV Flees From China And Pays The Price

  • New Dacia Spring is a Euro-made budget-friendly urban EV.
  • It has a Renault platform, 80 hp and a 155-mile WLTP range.
  • The entire lineup will be priced under €20k before subsidies.

Dacia has unveiled a new generation of the Spring, marking a complete overhaul for one of Europe’s most affordable urban EVs. The small hatchback is built on Renault bones, promising a 155-mile range, clever design features and a sub-€20k ($23k) price tag. Unlike its Chinese-built predecessor, the new Spring will be manufactured in Slovenia, avoiding import tariffs in Europe.

The new model swaps the aging CMFA-EV platform of its predecessor for the new RG-EV architecture. This is another name for the AmpR Small platform, already underpinning the Renault Twingo E-Tech, Renault 5 E-Tech and Nissan Micra hatchbacks.

More: Dacia’s Sub-$28K Striker Claims To Be Three Cars At Once

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Power comes from a Twingo-sourced electric motor producing 80 hp (60 kW / 82 PS) and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque, sending power to the front wheels. The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint is completed in 12.1 seconds and top speed is limited at 130 km/h (81 mph). Energy is stored in a small 27.5 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, offering up to 250 km (155 miles) of WLTP range.

The battery needs 28 minutes to charge from 15-80% when connected to a 50 kW DC fast charger, or 2 hours and 55 minutes from a 7 kW wallbox using the standard AC charger.

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The shift to the new platform gives the urban EV different proportions and a larger footprint while keeping weight low at 1,212 kg (2,672 lbs). The new Spring is 150 mm (5.9 in) longer and 180 mm (7.1 in) wider compared to its predecessor, stretching to 3,850 mm (151.6 in) long. It is also 61 mm (2.4 in) longer than the Renault Twingo E-Tech twin, while adopting a different styling language.

More: Renault Shipped 100 Frog-Eyed Twingos To The UK Purely So You Can Stare At Them

Unlike the Renault which is known for its frog-style headlights and soft curves, the Dacia looks less playful and more utilitarian. Designers gave it boxy LEDs, a generous amount of plastic cladding on the bumpers, conventional door handles and steel wheels measuring 15 or 16 inches in diameter.

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Inside, the larger body translates to a more spacious cabin although the model retains the four-seater layout. The cargo space has a capacity of 337 liters (11.9 cubic feet) and grows to 1,283 liters (45.3 cu ft) when folding the 50/50 split rear bench. Dacia has also added a optional 18-liter (0.6 cubic feet) frunk, plenty of storage solutions around the cabin, and the modular YouClip accessory mounting system.

More: Renault’s New Duster Looks Like An Expensive Dacia, Until You See The Price

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The dashboard appears to be covered in hard plastics with a large piece of colorful trim above the practical tray breaking the monotony of black. The standard 7-inch digital instrument cluster is joined by a 10.1-inch infotainment display on the flagship Journey trim, although the entry level Expression will be limited to a smartphone mount.

Occupants are treated with fabric seats and scratchy plastics on the door cards, designed to keep the costs low. Finally, the model has a familiar “My Safety” button allowing the driver to quickly disable or enable ADAS.

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Production of the new Dacia Spring takes place at the Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia alongside the Renault Twingo E-Tech. The market launch is expected in late 2026, with the first deliveries scheduled for early 2027. Dacia has yet to announce detailed pricing but confirmed that all variants will cost under €20,000 ($23,000) before local EV subsidies.

More: Opel’s Cheapest New Car Is Now A Family SUV With Three Pedals And Steelies

This suggests that the new model will be more expensive compared to the outgoing Chinese-built Spring, which started from a heavily discounted €11,900 ($13,800) in Germany earlier this year. The latter will remain on sale alongside the new generation for a transitional period, serving as a cheaper alternative.

The new Spring is one of four new Dacia EVs set to debut by 2030 according to the official roadmap, including the upcoming Sandero EV with a slightly larger footprint.

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Electric AMG C-Class Pops Its Wing As BMW M3 EV Battle Looms

  • 2028 AMG C-Class EV prototype shows off its deployable rear spoiler.
  • AMG division is developing active aero, rear steering and a firmer chassis. 
  • Rumored 778 hp output would help it outrank AMG’s smaller CLA 45 EV.

Another electric AMG is creeping closer to production, and this time it’s literally raised its game. Fresh spy shots of the upcoming AMG C-Class EV have caught its pop-up rear spoiler deployed, giving us another clue about the car Mercedes hopes will keep the electric BMW M3 honest.

The regular electric C-Class debuted in April, but AMG’s version is still undergoing development ahead of an expected 2027 launch. Curiously, this latest prototype is actually more disguised than the one we saw in June, with additional camouflage obscuring the taillights and lower doors, suggesting its an older test car. But at least it forgot to hide the interesting bit.

Related: 2027 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 EV Debuts With 3 Motors, 671 HP And A Vibrator

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Rising from the trunk lid is the active rear spoiler we’d previously suspected was lurking there. Sources say the AMG will use active aerodynamic hardware to genuinely key the fat tires into the road surface, so the wing isn’t simply an elaborate way of telling everyone you bought the expensive C-Class.

Elsewhere, this prototype wears different wheels from the last one we spied, while the production car is expected to get a more aggressive AMG body kit. Underneath, Mercedes is reportedly developing modified air suspension and rear-wheel steering, with AMG promising an “authentic experience” covering performance, handling and even sound.

Can fake sounds be authentic? The recently revealed electric CLA 45 uses synthesized combustion noises, simulated gearshifts and even active seat shakers to replace some of the sensations EVs normally delete. So we expect similar features in the electric AMG C-Class, and plenty of power to go with them.

778 HP Rumored

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Mercedes hasn’t confirmed the specs of the AMG C-Class, but between what we already know about the CLA 45 and the C400 4MATIC Electric, and rumors coming out of Affalterbach, a Yasa tri-motor setup producing around 778 hp (789 PS / 580 kW) seems likely.

The hot C-Class will need serious muscle simply to outrank the CLA 45, which already produces up to 671 hp (680 PS / 500 kW) from its own three-motor powertrain. The standard C400 4MATIC Electric, meanwhile, has two motors and makes a more modest 482 hp (490 PS / 360 kW). The C400 also supports DC charging at up to 330 kW and can travel up to 473 miles (762 km) on a charge, though the AMG C-Class won’t match those figures if it retains the C400’s 94 kWh battery.

Ultimately, though, AMG’s biggest challenge won’t be beating its little brother. BMW is preparing its first electric M3, meaning two of Germany’s defining performance sedans are heading into the battery era at roughly the same time.

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Tiny, Slow, And Super Cheap: The VinFast VF 2 Could Come To America And Europe

  • VinFast has suggested the tiny VF 2 could eventually be sold outside Vietnam.
  • The two-door microcar has 40 hp, a top speed of 50 mph, and 130 miles of range.
  • Company implied it could be positioned as a golf cart alternative like the Topolino.

VinFast had grand ambitions, but things didn’t go according to plan. However, the company isn’t giving up and recently hinted their new microcar could eventually come to Europe and the United States.

In a meandering press release, VinFast Canada said the “microcar is quietly making a comeback.” They went on to note the success of the Citroën Ami and Fiat Topolino, the latter of which is now available in America.

More: Stellantis’ Cheapest New Vehicle In America Is A $14K Fiat You Can’t Take On The Highway

The company then pivoted to the VF 2, which is their smallest model. The two-door, four-seater measures 121.7 inches (3,090 mm) long, 58.9 inches (1,496 mm) wide, and 65.5 inches (1,663 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 81.3 inches (2,065 mm). To put those numbers into perspective, the Fiat 500e is over 21.3 inches (540 mm) longer.

While the VF 2 is tiny, it only costs $7,214 (đ188 million) in Vietnam, which is “roughly as much as a premium motorcycle.” Despite the bargain basement pricing, the company noted the model has LED headlights, air conditioning, a 7-inch display, and 13-inch alloy wheels. They’re joined by a handful of safety features including a driver’s airbag, anti-lock brakes, and a traction control system.

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Power comes from an 18.3 kWh battery pack, which feeds a rear-mounted motor developing 40 hp (30 kW / 41 PS) and 48 lb-ft (65 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to have an NEDC range of up to 130 miles (210 km). When the battery is low, a 24 kW DC fast charger can take it from 10% to 70% in approximately 34 minutes.

Those numbers aren’t very impressive, but VinFast noted they’d be perfect for the “urban commuter who drives alone.” That’s a relatively niche market, but a super cheap car certainly has some appeal, even if the top speed is limited to 50 mph (80 km/h).

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While the automaker acknowledged they haven’t announced plans to bring the VF 2 to North America or Europe, they added such a decision “would not be entirely out of place.” The company went on to say that, “In many developed markets, even entry-level vehicles have become increasingly expensive, with the average new vehicle selling for more than $50,000 by the end of last year.” This suggests they see a place for something far cheaper.

The company went on to imply the VF 2 could follow in the footsteps of the Topolino and be positioned as an alternative to golf carts for neighborhood transportation. As they noted, “Walk through many newly developed residential communities in the world today, and it is no longer unusual to see golf carts being driven well beyond the golf course. Their popularity suggests there is demand for small, simple vehicles designed primarily for short urban trips.”

 Tiny, Slow, And Super Cheap: The VinFast VF 2 Could Come To America And Europe

One German Sedan Beat Every Tesla On Battery Health After 93,000 Miles

  • Top performers include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Audi Q8 e-tron, and BMW i4.
  • Mercedes CLA retained 94 percent health, but the Model Y retained just 90.3 percent.
  • The largest ever EV battery degradation study also revealed several weak options.

Battery degradation has long been one of the reasons new car buyers have held out on purchasing an EV. However, data from a new study reveal that the top-performing EVs lose less than 5 percent of their range after 93,205 miles (150,000 km) of driving, meaning battery packs will easily last the average life of most new cars.

The study, published by Aviloo, has been labeled the largest independent study of used EV batteries ever conducted. More than 500,000 battery tests have been published, and the results show how 20 of the industry’s most popular EVs perform.

Read: A Seven-Year-Old Tesla Model 3 Survived 380,000 Miles, Its Range Did Not

 One German Sedan Beat Every Tesla On Battery Health After 93,000 Miles
Aviloo

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 performed best after 31,068 miles (50,000 km) of testing, retaining 97.1 percent of its original usable capacity. Other strong performers after 31,068 miles included the Mercedes-Benz CLA at 96.6 percent, the Hyundai Kona EV at 96.3 percent, the Audi Q8 e-tron with 95.7 percent, the BMW i4 with 95.6 percent, and both the Volvo XC40 Recharge and VW ID.4 at 95.2 percent battery retention.

 One German Sedan Beat Every Tesla On Battery Health After 93,000 Miles
Aviloo

After 93,205 miles of driving, the Mercedes-Benz CLA came out on top with a battery health of 94 percent. This placed it ahead of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (93.6 percent), Hyundai Kona EV (93 percent), Volvo XC40 Recharge (92.8 percent), Ford Mustang Mach-E (92.5 percent), and the Polestar 2, also at 92.5 percent.

Teslas Disappoint

 One German Sedan Beat Every Tesla On Battery Health After 93,000 Miles
Aviloo

Several popular EVs did not perform as well as the competition. Most notable was the Tesla Model Y, which retained just 90.3 percent of its battery capacity after 93,205 miles, and the Tesla Model 3, which retained 88.9 percent of its battery capacity. Other poor performers included the Renault Zoe (87.3 percent), Mini Cooper SE (87.1 percent), and Nissan Leaf (86.7 percent), all of which have relatively small batteries.

 One German Sedan Beat Every Tesla On Battery Health After 93,000 Miles
Aviloo

Importantly, the results of this study don’t mean every Mercedes-Benz CLA will have 94 percent battery health after 93,205 miles, or every Peugeot e-208 will have 90.7 percent battery health. The study examined the median across all vehicles and found that good and bad examples of the same car can have battery health ratings that vary by as much as 13.5 percent. Nevertheless, the study demonstrates just how good current EV batteries are.

Model31,000 mi /
50,000 km
62,000 mi /
100,000 km
93,000 mi /
150,000 km
Drop
31K-93K mi
Mercedes-Benz EQA96.6%95.0%94.0%2.6 pp
Hyundai Ioniq 597.1%95.3%93.8%3.3 pp
BMW i495.6%94.3%93.6%2.0 pp
Hyundai Kona EV96.3%94.3%93.0%3.3 pp
Volvo XC40 Recharge95.2%93.7%92.8%2.4 pp
Ford Mustang Mach-E95.1%93.5%92.5%2.6 pp
Polestar 295.0%93.4%92.5%2.5 pp
Cupra Born94.8%93.0%91.9%2.9 pp
Volkswagen ID394.6%92.8%91.8%2.8 pp
Audi Q8 e-tron95.7%93.1%91.3%4.4 pp
Škoda Enyaq iV95.1%92.7%91.0%4.1 pp
Volkswagen ID495.2%92.5%90.8%4.5 pp
Peugeot e-20894.2%92.0%90.7%3.4 pp
Vauxhall/Opel Corsa-e94.1%92.0%90.7%3.4 pp
Audi Q4 e-tron95.0%92.4%90.6%4.4 pp
Tesla Model Y94.4%91.9%90.3%4.1 pp
Tesla Model 393.8%90.8%88.9%4.8 pp
Renault Zoe91.6%88.9%87.3%4.3 pp
MINI Cooper SE94.1%90.1%87.1%7.0 pp
Nissan Leaf ZE191.2%88.3%86.7%4.6 pp
SWIPE

VW’s ID. Polo Waiting List Is So Long You’ll Get A McLaren Sooner

  • VW ID. Polo EV buyers could wait 10 months for delivery, German media says.
  • More than 30,000 orders landed before customers could even take a test drive.
  • The related Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval are also experiencing strong demand.

Waiting an eternity for delivery of a new Ferrari or special Porsche is to be expected. But waiting almost a year for a Volkswagen Polo? That’s reportedly what some buyers of the new electric ID. Polo face after demand for VW’s affordable EV blew past expectations.

VW’s order books have already swallowed more than 30,000 European ID. Polo orders, despite customers initially having to commit without seeing the car at a dealership, let alone taking a test drive, according to German media.

Related: VW’s New ID. Tiguan Finally Stops Pretending It’s An ID.4

“The entire ID. Polo range is sold out. The waiting time is at least ten months,” the head of a major VW dealer group told Automobilwoche.

That makes ordering a bespoke ID. Polo potentially more patience-testing than ordering something vastly more exotic. McLaren Palm Beach, for instance, says a factory-ordered McLaren can take anywhere from “eight weeks to six months,” although it cautions that exact delivery dates can’t be guaranteed.

Order Today, Get It June 2027

 VW’s ID. Polo Waiting List Is So Long You’ll Get A McLaren Sooner

Of course nobody is genuinely cross-shopping an ID. Polo and a McLaren. One costs €24,995 ($32,400 / £23,945) and the other around 10 times as much. But the comparison highlights how unusual a 10-month queue is for a mainstream small car.

VW says it’s now increasing output at its Martorell factory in Spain, though customers unwilling to wait may find pre-configured cars sitting at dealerships. A dealer told Automobilwoche that cars ordered now might not arrive until May or June of 2027.

Same Platform, Similar Wait Times

 VW’s ID. Polo Waiting List Is So Long You’ll Get A McLaren Sooner

And the VW brand isn’t alone in having this particular problem. Sister company Skoda has reportedly collected more than 35,000 orders for its related Epiq (above), while dealers say Cupra’s Raval (below) is also booked out for months. Both share their single-motor, front-wheel drive MEB+ hardware with the ID. Polo, and are also built at Martorell. All three are part of the VW Group’s plan to bring EV prices closer to traditional combustion-powered small cars in an effort to fend off Chinese opposition.

The related ID. Cross SUV is also reportedly attracting plenty of early interest too, while the facelifted ID.3 Neo is facing waits of two to three months. That’s all good news for VW, and boy could it use some right now. It’s cutting 100,000 workers, shutting multiple plants, and looks likely to kill off the Seat brand after 2030 in an effort to turn around its fortunes.

 VW’s ID. Polo Waiting List Is So Long You’ll Get A McLaren Sooner

VW, Skoda, Cupra

Lexus Just Fixed The One Thing California’s EV Rebate Won’t Do For Many Buyers

  • Lexus is rebating the California buyers the state program shuts out.
  • The MyLexusEV rebate carries no price cap and no first-timer rule.
  • Lexus is allowing the new discount to be stacked with other incentives.

Lexus has stepped up for Californian residents who are ineligible for the MyFirstEV Program discounts, announcing an incentive it hopes will drive sales of the all-electric RZ and the new ES EV.

Under the MyFirstEV Program, shoppers receive an instant rebate of up to $3,500 for new zero-emission vehicles and $1,750 for used models, but only if you’ve never owned a ZEV previously and are a verified California resident, so many locals aren’t eligible. There’s also an MSRP cap of $50,000.

Read: First-Time EV Buyers To Get $3,500 Instant Rebate In California

The MyLexusEV Rebate does not have these same restrictions, providing an instant $2,500 rebate with no MSRP cap, regardless of whether someone is a first-time EV buyer.

 Lexus Just Fixed The One Thing California’s EV Rebate Won’t Do For Many Buyers

The good news doesn’t stop there for interested buyers of the RZ and ES EV. The MyLexusEV Rebate can be stacked with other discounts, including a current $4,000 Lease Cash Incentive for the 2026 RZ, boosting savings up to $6,500, CarsDirect notes. There are currently no other incentives available for the Lexus ES EV.

Lexus is no doubt eager to boost sales of the RZ and ES EV in the United States. Through the first half of this year, 7,814 examples of the RZ had been sold, an impressive 106.8 percent increase from the 3,779 sold in the first half of 2025. By comparison, sales of the ES, which just entered its eighth generation, have slipped 79.7 percent this year to just 3,896, down from 19,181, although this can be largely attributed to the model change, rather than a huge decline in demand. Sales of the all-electric version haven’t been published, but it’s unlikely to sell in numbers to rival the combustion model.

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Polestar Has A Shiny New Concept But Everything Else Is On Fire

  • Formula 2030 previews styling for Polestar’s next-generation 2 and 7 models.
  • Polestar shares plunged nearly 30 % after disappointing Jan-June financials.
  • EV brand is also being forced out of the US market while Volvo gets to stay.

Polestar has announced a futuristic concept designed to show us where it’s heading by 2030, just as investors are wondering whether it’ll even get there.

Called Formula 2030, the concept is intended to preview Polestar’s next design era under design boss Philipp Römers. We haven’t actually seen it in full yet, but the sole image shows a low-slung car with motorsport-style vertical windshield wiper. Investors, retailers and selected customers will get an early peek at Polestar’s Gothenburg headquarters before a global unveiling later this year.

Related: $25M Dealer Lawsuit Says Polestar Rigged Its Own US Ban, A Senator Says $35K Per Car Is Why

The brand says the car will provide clues to the next Polestar 2, due in 2027, as well as the upcoming 7. Expect an evolution of the company’s familiar minimalist Scandinavian look rather than a complete reset, with signature details such as its Dual Blade headlights sticking around.

Unfortunately, Polestar’s accountants have more immediate concerns than headlights. The company’s shares recently dropped 29.4 percent following its first-half 2026 results. Vehicle sales increased just 0.4 percent compared with the same period last year, while revenue slipped 4.4 percent to $1.4 billion.

Polestar still lost $842 million during those six months, although that loss was 29 percent smaller than the one recorded during the first half of 2025. The company has also dialed back its planned 2026 production growth, warning that competition remains intense.

Polestar 4 SUV Leads New-Model Charge

 Polestar Has A Shiny New Concept But Everything Else Is On Fire

There are brighter spots. New products including the Polestar 4 SUV (below) give the company fresh metal to sell, but not in America. The brand is being pushed out of the US after failing to secure authorization to sell 2027-model-year vehicles under connected-car rules targeting technology linked to China.

To add insult to injury fellow Geely brand Volvo received an exemption, despite the Polestar 3 sharing hardware, software and a South Carolina production line with the Volvo EX90. A New Jersey dealer has even sued Polestar for at least $25 million, alleging the automaker had already been planning an American retreat.

The Formula 2030 concept tells us Polestar has plenty of plans for tomorrow. First, though, it needs to navigate today.

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Polestar

Xiaomi Conquered China In Two Years, Now It’s Coming For Europe

  • Xiaomi brings its EVs to Europe next year, starting in Germany.
  • Sales will run through dealers, not Xiaomi’s own direct model.
  • A China EV tariff of up to 45.3 percent could bite hard.

After conquering its home market of China with several exciting EVs, Xiaomi will soon start selling its cars internationally. Things will kick off in Europe next year, including in Germany, with the signing of several memorandums of understanding with dealership groups to make it happen.

Read: Xiaomi’s New $38,400 SUV Runs 314 Electric Miles Before Burning A Drop Of Gas

Xiaomi already operates a large research and development center in Munich, Germany, and will work alongside groups including LUEG Mobility GmbH, a Mercedes-Benz dealer, and Emil Frey Germany, one of the nation’s largest automotive dealership groups. Working with experienced partners will allow Xiaomi to hit the ground running with dealers that have already established trust with customers across Germany and have extensive experience in new-car sales.

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In addition, working with dealerships rather than selling vehicles directly to consumers will give prospective buyers the chance to touch and feel Xiaomi products in the flesh before handing over any of their hard-earned cash.

Xiaomi’s models in Europe will be more expensive than the ones it sells in China. The EU imposes hefty tariffs on EVs imported from China, significantly increasing their prices. Xiaomi had yet to launch its first EV, the SU7 sedan, when the European Commission launched its investigation into Chinese EVs in 2023, and as a result, the technology company didn’t participate in the probe. As noted by the South China Morning Post, this means it could be hit with the highest possible duty of 45.3 percent.

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Xiaomi’s Skynomad

Since it started selling vehicles, Xiaomi has delivered more than 700,000 units in China, a remarkable achievement given how new it is to this ultra-competitive industry. However, in China, Xiaomi is a well-established consumer product brand, often viewed as the ‘Apple of China.’ This gave it a huge competitive advantage over other new-vehicle brands as it’s already a trusted name.

Although Xiaomi products are also available in several overseas markets, they remain a relatively small player in regions like Europe and won’t be able to rely on familiarity to win over customers. Instead, it will need to convince shoppers with great features and competitive pricing, which is a tall task indeed, especially in the hotly contested markets of the Old Continent.

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Audi’s New A2 Revives A Genius Idea That Was 25 Years Too Early

  • New A2 e-tron EV borrows design ideas from Audi’s innovative 1999 A2 hatch.
  • Biggest of three batteries delivers 401 range miles; smallest starts at £32,200.
  • Clever storage and one 167 hp motor comes standard; 322 hp hero tops lineup.

Being ahead of the curve sounds great unless nobody is ready for what you’re selling. Twenty-five years ago, Audi toyed with a radical vision of what a clever compact car could be: light, slippery, incredibly efficient and premium-feeling. Now that thinking and the A2 badge it wore is back, wrapped in a far more marketable electric crossover that might finally have arrived at exactly the right moment.

This is the new Audi A2 e-tron, and while another electric crossover might not sound like something worth cancelling dinner plans for, this one is worth your attention – even if you’re in the US, where the A2 was, and will continue to be, off limits. For a start, it takes some of the design cues of the original A2, the boxy, almost minivan-like body and split-glass rear window, and transplants them on a much wider car with a solid, four-square stance and the cheekiest grin we’ve seen an Audi wear.

Related: VW Group Confirms Plans To Kill Half Its Lineup And Slash 50,000 Jobs

 Audi’s New A2 Revives A Genius Idea That Was 25 Years Too Early

The second reason to pay attention is Audi’s claim that the A2 e-tron is the most efficient production model in the brand’s history. Yes, even more efficient than the fuel-sipping, 78 US mpg A2 3L diesel, though we’re not sure how Audi calculated that. In the right configuration, the baby e-tron consumes just 12.8 kWh per 62 miles (100 km), while the real mile-muncher of the lineup manages up to 401 miles (645 km) on the European WLTP cycle.

And Ingolstadt’s engineers haven’t achieved that by simply throwing a battery the size of a studio apartment underneath their VW ID.3 and Volvo EX30 rival. Instead, Audi has gone hunting for wasted energy pretty much everywhere. The A2 has a drag coefficient of just 0.24, helped by an enclosed underbody, active cooling intake, aero wheels and clever little pieces around the wheel arches designed to calm turbulent air.

Even the door handles have joined the efficiency crusade. They’re wing-type handles at the base of the door pillars that use sensors rather than conventional mechanical hardware. Audi scrapped them in favor of conventional handles on the new Q9 luxury SUV but promised we’d see them on a future Euro product. Tug gently and the door opens electrically. There’s even backup energy storage in case the electrical system decides it’s having the day off.

There are three battery sizes, measuring 52, 61 and 84 kWh gross, so something to suit pretty much every kind of use-case scenario. Stick with the 52 kWh battery and you get a 168 hp (170 PS /125 kW) single motor that helps your A2 hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.8 seconds and cover 262 miles (422 km) of range before needing to plug-in.

Quattro Notable By Its Absence

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An optional 61 kWh pack comes with a 187 hp (190 PS / 140 kW) electric motor, dropping the stoplight sprint to 7.9 seconds and offering a handy range boost to 320 miles (515 km). Splash for the 228 hp (231 PS / 170 kW) A2 and you chop the 62 mph time to 7 seconds flat and unlock that 401-mile headline range figure we mentioned earlier, courtesy of an 84 kWh battery.

And if you’re prepped to swap some of that range for more zip, the 322 hp (326 PS / 240 kW) flagship delivers 5.7-second and 391-mile (629 km) stats. It’s also the only A2 capable of stretching its legs to 124 mph (200 km/h) instead of 99 mph.

 Audi’s New A2 Revives A Genius Idea That Was 25 Years Too Early

In each case that power is settled to the rear wheels because the A2 is based on the MEB platform in use on cars like the Audi’s VW ID.3 rival and Audi Q4 e-tron SUV, not the newer front-drive MEB+ architecture found under the VW ID. Polo, Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq. That means no Quattro tech or badges.

DC charging tops out at 183 kW on big battery cars, which require an unimpressive 29 minutes to fill from 10-80 percent. The two smaller batteries sound like they’re going to be even worse due to their feeble 100 kW charge rates, but they cut the fill time to 24 minutes by virtue of their tiny capacities. Like other VW MEB EVs, this one supports bi-directional charging.

Fidlock? What’s That?

 Audi’s New A2 Revives A Genius Idea That Was 25 Years Too Early

Inside, an 11.9-inch digital instrument display sits alongside a 12.8-inch curved touchscreen, while the gear selector has migrated to the steering column. That leaves more room in the center console for a Qi 2.2 charging pad that can juice two smartphones simultaneously at up to 25 watts. Useful, but hardly revolutionary. The Fidlock system, though, promises to be both.

Fidlock is actually a magnetic mounting system with a mechanical lock, allowing owners to click things like cupholders and charging cable bags into dedicated points around the cabin and trunk. If you’re an avid cyclist you might be familiar with them already, but Audi claims the tech makes its production car debut on the A2.

Ordinary Trunk, But At Least There’s A Frunk

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But what about real practicality? It’s okay, but not class leading. The A2 rides on the same 2,770 mm (109 inches) wheelbase as its Q4 e-tron brother, so legroom should be good, but where the Q4 offers 520 litres of trunk space, the A2 can only muster 396 liters (14 cu-ft). It also loses out to the Renault Megane E-tech (440 liters), but beats the VW ID.3 (385 liters) and cramped Volvo EX30 (318 liters).

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One of the original A2’s most innovative features was its aluminum construction, but that also made it expensive, contributing to its poor sales. So this time the A2 e-tron is mostly steel with some aluminum content. But what does feel advanced is the development timeline. It took Audi 20 years to reboot the A2 after the last was discontinued, but only 21 months to get it from drawing board to debut.

The original A2 was ahead of its time, but with a slick design, some clever interior touches, impressive efficiency, a genuinely affordable £32,200 starting price and European EV sales on fire right now, maybe this is finally the right time for the A2.

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Audi

Land Rover’s Baby Defender Borrows A New But Old Design Trick From Big Brother

  • Latest baby Defender prototype features Defender family’s trademark rear-mounted spare.
  • EMA architecture promises 800-volt EV charging, though hybrid power will also be available.
  • Competition will include Mercedes’ baby G-Class and even a Chinese-built Chery Freelander.

Land Rover’s baby Defender is back in front of our spy photographer’s lens, and you’d be forgiven for wondering what’s changed. The camouflage is still doing its job, the shape looks familiar, but there’s one very Defender-like detail we haven’t had such a good look at before. Yep, that’s a spare wheel hanging off the tailgate.

It might seem like a small detail, but the rear-mounted spare is a visual hallmark of both today’s Defender and the classic model that preceded it. Adding one to the compact SUV helps separate it from the endless stream of similarly sized premium crossovers, most of which have swapped spares for cans of tire foam in the pursuit of saving a few lbs – and a few g/km of CO2 as a result.

Same Bones As The Range Rover GT

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SH Proshots

Unofficially dubbed the Defender Sport, though its true name is still under wraps, the newcomer goes in completely the opposite styling direction to JLR’s upcoming electric Range Rover GT. The pair share EMA architecture and running gear, but whereas the GT adopts a dramatically low, fastback profile, this SUV embraces an upright roof, squared-off tail and chunky proportions to maximize practicality and Defender attitude.

More: The Electric Range Rover Costs $25,000 More Than The Gas One And Tows A Ton Less

The EMA platform was conceived around electric power, with an 800-volt electrical system and rapid charging. Previous prototypes have supported that story with blanked-off grilles and no visible exhausts, and this one appears to follow the same recipe.

Hybrid Option Added

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SH Proshots

But times have changed, and so has JLR’s plan. It openly acknowledged that the rush toward EVs hasn’t happened as quickly as anticipated (especially in the crucial US market) and that hybrids have proved surprisingly popular. So it’s updated the EMA architecture to also work with hybrid (but not plug-in) powertrains.

Whatever powers it, the baby Defender should have some interesting company when it arrives, potentially in 2027. Mercedes is preparing its own smaller G-Class, giving buyers two compact interpretations of some seriously recognizable off-road machinery.

There’s another familiar name headed its way too. China’s Chery has revived the Freelander, although the new model isn’t a Land Rover despite borrowing a badge and design cues strongly associated with the British brand’s past. But you won’t get a rear-mounted spare on the Freelander…

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SH Proshots

Hyundai’s New Nine-Seat Electric Van Matches The ID. Buzz On Price And Beats It On Size

  • Hyundai opens European orders for the new Staria Electric.
  • It packs an 84 kWh battery and offers up to 430 km of range.
  • The electric van is priced from €57,450 ($66,800) in Germany.

The Hyundai Staria Electric arrived in Korea earlier this year alongside the rest of the facelifted lineup, and the spaceship-shaped van has now made it to Europe, where Hyundai is positioning it against the VW ID. Buzz. The Staria is the bigger vehicle in every dimension that counts, with more room inside for people and their luggage.

Picking the Staria Electric out from its gasoline and hybrid siblings takes a look at the nose, where a redesigned front bumper hides the grille behind a smooth panel, adds a charging port, and puts active shutters in the lower intake. Aero wheels and a dedicated badge on the enormous tailgate finish the job.

More: Electric Kia PV7 Is Coming For The Ford Transit

At 5,253 mm (206.8 in) long, the Staria towers over the VW ID. Buzz and the Kia PV5. It also out-measures the standard Ford E-Tourneo Custom, VW e-Caravelle, Peugeot e-Traveller, Citroen e-Spacetourer, Opel Zafira-e Life, and Fiat E-Ulysse, though the long-wheelbase versions of those go further. It’s the same story with the new Mercedes-Benz VLE executive shuttle.

Generous Equipment

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In Europe, the Staria Electric is available in three trim levels, called Trend, Prime, and Calligraphy. The base version comes standard with full-LED headlights, dual 12.3-inch displays, heated front seats, parking sensors, a reversing camera, a few ADAS and a three-row nine-seater layout.

More: Hyundai Is Now Charging You Extra For A Damn Gauge Cluster

The optional assistance package adds navigation, highway assist and a V2L adapter, while the premium package adds electric sliding doors and tailgate, sliding windows, sunshades, acoustic and heat-insulating privacy glass, plus a wireless charging pad. All of those come standard in the Staria Electric Prime which adds leather upholstery and ventilated front seats while offering an optional sliding roof for the first row and fixed panoramic roof for the second row.

 Hyundai’s New Nine-Seat Electric Van Matches The ID. Buzz On Price And Beats It On Size
The Staria Electric Trend and Prime (left) have a different look compared to the Caligraphy (right).

The pictured Staria Electric Calligraphy is the only version with a seven-seat layout, built around a pair of comfort seats in the second row with heating, ventilation, and relaxation functions. The flagship also gets ambient lighting, a Bose sound system, a 360-degree camera, a suede-style headliner, Nappa leather, and the Passenger View and Talk system.

More: You Can Sleep And Even Wash Your Dishes In This Hyundai Van, But You Can’t Buy It Yet

Outside, the Calligraphy separates itself with a different front bumper housing larger projection headlights, Parametric Pixel LED taillight towers that climb to the roofline, and an exclusive Galaxy Maroon paint option.

Space For Nine And Their Luggage

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Cargo capacity runs to 1,303 liters (46.0 cu ft) behind the third row in the nine-seater, with a 24-liter (0.85 cu ft) frunk for the charging cables. Towing capacity is 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) and maximum payload is 750 kg (1,653 lbs).

More: Kia Brought Its Electric Van To America As Something New York Actually Needs

Under the skin, the van is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS). Energy is stored in a 84 kWh battery pack allowing WLTP range of up to 430 km (267 miles) between charges. Thanks to the 800-volt architecture, the Staria Electric can charge from 10-80% in approximately 20 minutes when connected to a DC charger, while it also gets a standard heat pump and battery heating system.

German Pricing

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In Germany, the the Hyundai Staria Electric starts at €57,450 ($66,800) for the entry-level Trend trim, €63,650 ($74,000) for the mid-tire Prime, and €66,950 ($77,800) for the flagship Calligraphy. The assistance and premium packages add €2,100 ($2,400) each, while the panorama package adds €1,300 ($1,500).

By comparison, the smaller VW ID. Buzz Pro with the long wheelbase and the 86 kWh battery starts at €57,887 ($67,300) in the same market. On the other hand, the VW e-Caravelle starts at €66,080 ($76,800) with the short-wheelbase and the 70.9 kWh battery.

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Hyundai

Kia’s Next Electric Van Is A 17-Foot Box On Wheels And It’s Coming For VW

  • Spy photographers have snapped Kia’s upcoming PV7.
  • Electric van slots above the PV5 and is aimed at businesses.
  • Could share some powertrains with its smaller counterpart.

Kia is gearing up to introduce the new PV7 at the IAA Transportation show on September 14 and they recently released a handful of teaser images. Spy photographers are now filling in the blanks as they’ve spotted the commercial vehicle undergoing testing in Europe.

Set to become the second member of the Platform Beyond Vehicle lineup, the PV7 follows in the footsteps of the PV5 that was introduced last year. As a result, it features a stepped front end and an expansive windshield. They’re joined by black upper accents and lower black plastic body cladding.

More: Electric Kia PV7 Is Coming For The Ford Transit

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SHProshots

The model has a “one-box profile” and that’s putting it lightly as the van is essentially a box on wheels. The prototype seen by spy shooters features dual sliding doors with an odd window arrangement in the middle. They’re accompanied by a relatively flat roof that helps to maximize cargo capacity.

Around the back, there’s a vertical liftgate and a small rear bumper. They’re accompanied by vertical taillights as well as a recessed license plate area. The van also has thick rear pillars with black accents to create the illusion of a wraparound greenhouse.

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The PV7 was previewed by a concept in 2024 and will reportedly measure around 208.6 inches (5,300 mm) long. To put that into perspective, the PV5 Cargo Long is 184.8 inches (4,695 mm) long and has a 117.9-inch (2,995 mm) wheelbase.

The model will ride on the Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), which is a fleet-focused version of the E-GMP architecture that underpins the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60, among others.

Powertrain details remain a mystery, but the PV5 offers a 43.3 kWh LFP battery pack as well as 51.5 and 71.2 kWh NCM batteries. They power electric motors with outputs of 120 hp (89.4  kW / 122 PS) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque as well as 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm).

Given the PV7’s size, we wouldn’t be surprised to find the 51.5 and 71.2 kWh batteries, and they could potentially be joined by an even larger pack. The 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) electric motor also seems like a safe bet and it could be joined by an even more powerful one as well. That being said, we’ll find out for sure later this month.

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