Fiat revealed two Grizzly SUVs heading to global markets this year.
The compact models will serve as flagships above the Grande Panda.
Buyers can pick petrol, mild-hybrid, or fully electric power.
Fiat has handed over fresh photos of the Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback, both due in global markets before the year is out. These compact SUVs now sit at the top of the range, larger and more practical than the Grande Panda beneath them. Affordability stays part of the pitch, and buyers get a spread of powertrain choices to pick from.
The Italian company calls the Grizzly a versatile, spacious and approachable SUV, naturally suited to family use. Read between the lines and the target is obvious. This is aimed squarely at the Dacia Bigster, itself a stretched take on the popular Duster.
The styling leans boxy, with sculpted surfaces and modern detailing throughout. The sharp LED headlights run down into the bumper, the grille is illuminated, the wheel arches are squared off, and the greenhouse borrows a Citroen flavor. The alloys finish the look with a futuristic edge.
The Grizzly Fastback gets a sloped roofline toward the rear and drops the roof rails of the standard version. The coupe-SUV tail brings full-width LED lights, a subtle ducktail spoiler, a recess across the bumper and tailgate, and plenty of plastic cladding.
Fiat designers seem to have found the right balance between visual separation and cost-cutting, since the two SUVs appear to share most of their body panels. On size, the company says the Grizzly duo comes in under 4.5 meters (177.2 inches) long.
While we have yet to see photos of the interior, Fiat says that the Grizzly and the Grizzly Fastback will “elevate the in-car experience through refined interiors, attention to detail, and technologies designed to simplify everyday life”. They also promise “exceptional interior space” and segment-leading cargo capacity with the latter being a strong selling point.
The new models ride on Stellantis’ Smart Car architecture, the same platform already underpinning the Fiat Grande Panda, Citroen C3, C3 Aircross, and Opel Frontera. Fiat has confirmed the Grizzly family will arrive with a full powertrain offer, from petrol to BEV. That points to the 1.2-liter engine in regular and mild-hybrid forms, plus the fully electric setup borrowed from its Stellantis stablemates.
The Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback will be sold across several regions, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Depending on the market, they could act as an indirect replacement for the discontinued Fiat Tipo and the smaller Pulse and Fastback. The rollout starts in the second half of 2026, beginning with Europe and the Middle East and Africa.
Fiat CEO Olivier Francois said: “[The] Grande Panda marked the return of Fiat to affordable family movers. With Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback, we’re completing this lineup with two vehicles designed around different needs, different lifestyles, but sharing the same idea: smart, accessible and rooted in Fiat’s design DNA. Together, they bring Fiat back at the heart of the family mobility market with a complete and coherent line-up”.
Lotus will sell two versions of the hybrid Lotus Eletre across key European markets.
The flagship H1000 variant delivers 939 hp and 690 lb-ft (935 Nm) of torque.
The Eletre X plug-in hybrid has a combined driving range of over 745 miles.
As impressive as the all-electric Lotus Eletre is, it’s never been very popular, in part because of its price, but also because few people are willing to pay a premium for an electric SUV like it. This prompted Lotus to launch a hybrid version in China earlier this year, and it’s now touched down in Europe.
Known as the Eletre X, the plug-in hybrid model is arguably what the Eletre should have always been. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, a 70 kWh battery pack, and has a 900-volt architecture, resulting in a combined 939 hp and 690 lb-ft (935 Nm) of torque. This gives it 34 more ponies than the all-electric Eletre R, although it is down on that model’s 985 lb-ft (1,335 Nm).
Lotus says the Eletre X can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.3 seconds and power from 50-99 mph (80-160 km/h) in just 3.88 seconds. Perhaps more important than the straight-line performance is that, thanks to the generous battery pack and the 52-liter fuel tank, the plug-in hybrid Lotus can travel more than 745 miles (1,200 km) between stops. All-electric range also sits at a solid 217 miles (350 km). What’s more, it takes just 9 minutes to charge the 70 kWh pack from 20-80 percent at a 350 kW DC charger.
Two Versions On Offer
Two different versions of the Eletre X plug-in hybrid will be offered. The figures of 939 hp and 690 lb-ft (935 Nm) are reserved for the H1000 model, but an H550 entry-level version will also be offered. This model is capped at 542 hp but retains the same 690 lb-ft (935 Nm) of torque. It can hit 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and tops out at 130 mph (210 km/h), whereas the H1000 is good for 143 mph (230 km/h). The H550 includes the same 70-kWh pack, 900-volt system, and driving range.
Among the key features retained from the electric version are a 48-volt active anti-roll control system, dual-chamber air suspension, dual-valve adaptive dampers, front double-wishbone suspension, and huge Brembo brakes.
Then there’s the all-important pricing. In Germany, the base all-electric Eletre starts at €95,990 ($111,600), while the new Eletre X H550 starts at €96,990. Importantly, the H1000 starts at €119,990 ($112,800), whereas the flagship electric version is much pricier at a touch over €150,000 ($174,400), so the H1000 seems like quite a good deal.
Mitsubishi confirms the launch of 13 new models over the next six years.
The lineup includes a baby Pajero and a new pickup for North America.
Five hybrids, five PHEVs, and three BEVs dominate the strategy.
Mitsubishi has confirmed the return of the Pajero, previously sold as the Montero in markets like North America, reborn as a flagship cross-country SUV on ladder-frame underpinnings. That alone would be news. It is also just one of thirteen model debuts the Japanese firm has promised over the next six years.
One of the more important details to emerge is that the Pajero name will spread across a family of vehicles, led by that flagship SUV based on the Triton pickup, joined by a compact SUV and a small one that could slot into the kei car segment. The baby Pajero looks to be a different animal from the existing Delica Mini, itself one of the most rugged-looking kei cars Japan has to offer.
There is also a minivan coming under what Mitsubishi calls its off-road product group, which reads like a successor to the aging, but still popular in Japan, Delica D:5. That van has soldiered on since 2007 with two facelifts to its name. Rounding out the off-road push are two more SUVs Mitsubishi is staying quiet about, plus a pickup that may well turn out to be the facelifted Triton.
Over in ASEAN markets, Mitsubishi will roll out a new generation of the Xpander, the hybrid crossover minivan that first appeared in 2017 and was facelifted in 2022.
The other five launches will be the fruit of collaboration with other brands. There is a fully electric coupe-SUV built on the Nissan Leaf, another electric SUV developed with Foxconn, a pair of Nissan-sourced kei wagons offered in combustion and EV forms, and a new pickup.
Two Pickup Projects With Nissan, Maybe Three
Speaking of trucks, another slide in the presentation mentions a new “pickup collaboration project with Nissan” for North America. A separate global pickup project is also under consideration, again with Nissan, alongside an updated Triton that is likely already in development
Worth untangling the web here. The Australian-spec Nissan Navara is based on the current Mitsubishi Triton, while the electrified Nissan Frontier Pro draws on the Chinese Dongfeng Z9. That second one could feed into the global project, since it is rumored to reach Europe wearing Navara badges and could just as easily put on a Mitsubishi suit for markets with strict emissions rules.
HEVs, PHEVs, and BEVs
In terms of powertrains, Mitsubishi’s future relies heavily on electrification. The company announced that five of the 13 upcoming models will be self-charging hybrids, and another five will be plug-in hybrids.
Since three models are listed as BEVs in the official teaser, there is no room for any non-electrified offering. That is a little puzzling, since the Pajero was thought to use the 2.4-liter turbodiesel from the Triton, though that engine could presumably gain hybrid assistance.
In fact, Mitsubishi explicitly states they are developing in-house PHEV/HEV-dedicated engines boasting a world-class 48% thermal efficiency, confirming their deployment across all models – including those riding on ladder-frame underpinnings.
To fight off rapid-fire releases from new competitors, the brand is using AI and digital transformation to slash development lead times by 20%. They are shrinking the timeline from the current 45 months down to 36 months to get these 13 models to market faster.
Foxconn’s Cavira lands right in Tesla Model Y territory on size.
All versions are powered by the same 82.7 kWh LFP battery.
The dual-motor model delivers 468 hp and a 3.8 second sprint.
The company that screws together your iPhone now wants to build your next EV. Foxconn, the Taiwanese contract manufacturer best known as Apple’s assembler, has revealed its second electric vehicle. Called the Cavira and engineered by the firm’s Foxtron division, it is a sleek SUV that will launch in Taiwan first, with other markets to follow.
Visually, the Cavira resembles the smaller Foxtron Bria introduced earlier this year, which will itself spawn a Mitsubishi-branded model. But whereas the Bria is a compact hatchback, the Cavira is closer in size to a Tesla Model Y. As such, it is 195.4 inches (4,695 mm) long and has a generous 114.9-inch (2,920 mm) wheelbase.
The front end features a blacked-out lower grille and striking headlights with the obligatory light bar you’d expect on a new Asian EV. Bold creases run along the door skins, while found at the rear are slender LED taillights and a spoiler stretching out from the roof.
Taiwan To The World
Two versions of the Cavira have been confirmed. The first, known as the Emerge Long-Range Edition, has a single rear-mounted electric motor with 249 hp (186 kW) and a claimed driving range of 359 miles (578 km). Foxtron will also sell the Cavira in Pioneer Long-Range Performance Edition guise, utilizing two electric motors to produce 468 hp (349 kW). This will reduce the driving range to 334 miles (538 km), but the car does boast a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 3.8 seconds. Both versions use the same 82.7 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery.
The interior of the Foxtron Cavira is rather unremarkable, as with many new EVs. Key features include a large digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented 15.6-inch infotainment display. One element we like is the row of physical toggles below this screen for important vehicle functions.
Other important interior features include a 12-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, over-the-air software update functionality, and a fragrance system. There are also all the safety features you’d expect from a modern EV, including adaptive cruise control and lane-assist technologies.
The Foxtron Cavira is the production version of the Model C concept.
All versions are powered by the same 82.7 kWh LFP battery.
The dual-motor Cavira delivers an impressive 468 hp.
Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn, which currently assembles the Apple iPhone, has unveiled its second EV. Dubbed the Cavira and brought to life by the brand’s Foxtron division, the model is a sleek SUV that will initially be sold in Taiwan before likely being introduced in other markets.
Visually, the Cavira resembles the smaller Foxtron Bria introduced earlier this year, which will itself spawn a Mitsubishi-branded model. But whereas the Bria is a compact hatchback, the Cavira is closer in size to a Tesla Model Y. As such, it is 195.4 inches (4,695 mm) long and has a generous 114.9-inch (2,920 mm) wheelbase.
The front end features a blacked-out lower grille and striking headlights with the obligatory light bar you’d expect on a new Asian EV. Bold creases run along the door skins, while found at the rear are slender LED taillights and a spoiler stretching out from the roof.
Taiwan To The World
Two versions of the Cavira have been confirmed. The first, known as the Emerge Long-Range Edition, has a single rear-mounted electric motor with 249 hp (186 kW) and a claimed driving range of 359 miles (578 km). Foxtron will also sell the Cavira in Pioneer Long-Range Performance Edition guise, utilizing two electric motors to produce 468 hp (349 kW). This will reduce the driving range to 334 miles (538 km), but the car does boast a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 3.8 seconds. Both versions use the same 82.7 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery.
The interior of the Foxtron Cavira is rather unremarkable, as with many new EVs. Key features include a large digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented 15.6-inch infotainment display. One element we like is the row of physical toggles below this screen for important vehicle functions.
Other important interior features include a 12-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, over-the-air software update functionality, and a fragrance system. There are also all the safety features you’d expect from a modern EV, including adaptive cruise control and lane-assist technologies.
Dozens of Kia EV9 owners are reporting significant battery pack problems.
Some of the EV9’s battery modules appear prone to premature death.
Replacement packs can take months to arrive, leaving owners stranded.
As impressive as the Kia EV9 is, a growing number of owners are experiencing serious battery pack issues and enduring long waits for repairs. It will be a huge concern for Kia, particularly given that several other EVs from the broader Hyundai Group have also suffered serious powertrain-related faults in recent years.
Reports from EV9 owners have been swirling online since at least last year, and a UK writer from The Verge, who just so happens to own an EV9, has experienced them firsthand. It started with a small issue, where the 12-volt battery was drained, and he was unable to unlock the car. To get it up and running, he had to access the frunk manually and then hook up a booster to the battery. As it turns out, this fault would soon be the least of his worries.
Several weeks later, he says the SUV’s battery would suddenly jump from 82 percent to 100 percent charge when plugged into his home AC charger. The EV’s estimated driving range at 100 percent also plummeted. After purchasing an OBD-II scanner, he discovered that when the Kia displayed 100 percent charge, it was actually only holding 71 kWh, despite having a 99.8 kWh pack. The scanner revealed that some of the pack’s 38 individual modules were dead.
Long Waits For Battery Replacements
A Kia dealership soon verified the issue and confirmed the SUV would need to have the high-voltage battery pack replaced. It’s been entered into Kia’s battery repair program, available through the eight-year warranty for the batteries in the UK, but there’s no clear timeline for when it will be repaired.
The Verge writer says he’s spoken with more than a dozen other EV9 owners in the country who have had similar problems, and some have been unable to continue driving their vehicles while waiting for a new battery. He says at least one has seen their EV9’s range drop to just 30 miles (48 km). Numerous owners in the US have also complained about battery pack failures, indicating this could be a global issue.
Widespread Faults Across Hyundai’s EV Lineup
For years, EVs from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have also suffered failures of the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). The automaker stayed quiet about the problem for a long time before finally acting in 2024, recalling every e-GMP-based EV sold in the US. That didn’t resolve things. Owners continued reporting faults, and Hyundai eventually extended warranties for electric vehicles with ICCU-related problems.
At this stage, no recall has been issued for battery pack failures in the EV9. However, if more owners start experiencing problems and these reports receive greater media coverage, the South Korean car manufacturer may be forced to act.
SUV concept targets hardcore off-roaders with trail-ready hardware and ground clearance.
Longer pickup concept blends Chevrolet Colorado proportions with futuristic technology.
GMC’s Hummer EVs are too big and too expensive to register on most American buyers’ radar, but maybe that’s about to change. The heavy-duty GM brand just pulled the covers off two concepts that it swears aren’t destined for production, but give us a taste of what we might expect from a future generation of smaller, leaner-looking Hummers.
The concepts were unveiled alongside the opening of GM’s new Advanced Design studio in Pasadena, California, a 148,000 square feet studio spread across three buildings and home to 100 staff. Called the Hummer X SUV and Hummer X Truck, both are significantly shorter than today’s Hummer EV models and were, we’re told, created as rolling laboratories for new design, manufacturing, and technology ideas.
First up is the Bronco-sized Hummer X SUV. Measuring 188.3 inches (4,783 mm) long with a 116-inch (2,946 mm) wheelbase, it’s 10.7 inches (272 mm) shorter between the axles than a current Hummer SUV, while retaining the chunky stance and visual toughness buyers expect from the nameplate.
The off-road credentials are equally serious. GM fitted the concept with 37-inch tires, beadlock wheels, Multimatic dampers, removable fender flares, substantial underbody protection, and enough ground clearance to handle some really gnarly obstacles. Approach and departure angles of 44 and 46 degrees suggest the designers weren’t merely focused these things simply looking ready for off-road action.
Inside, the concept explores a highly configurable cockpit featuring stackable infotainment displays that can be added or removed depending on how much information drivers want available. There’s even a drone that can scout terrain ahead and relay information back to the vehicle.
The Hummer X Truck follows a similar philosophy but packages it in a familiar pickup shape. At 207.3 inches (5,265 mm) long and riding on a 130.7-inch (3,319 mm) wheelbase, it’s much bigger than the SUV, but slots into midsize truck territory rather competing with today’s XXL Hummer truck.
Flex Fab Technology
Like the SUV, it incorporates removable components, rugged off-road hardware, and a design intended to support customization. GM also used the concepts to showcase Flex Fab manufacturing technology, which allows low-volume metal parts production without traditional stamping tools.
GM is adamant these vehicles aren’t destined for showrooms. That’s probably true. But the ideas behind them feel harder to dismiss. The Hummer brand remains surprisingly underutilized given its recognition and the fashion for tough-looking utilities. And a family of smaller, more affordable off-road EVs would arguably make more sense than relying solely on enormous six-figure flagships that are selling so badly GM had to shut the plant down.
Even if these exact concepts never reach production, don’t be surprised if elements of their DNA eventually filter into future Hummers aimed at the likes of Ford’s Bronco and Jeep’s Wrangler and Gladiator. And probably sooner than you’d think.
The all-electric Nio ES9 has dual electric motors delivering 697 hp.
All models feature the same CATL-sourced 102 kWh battery pack.
Key features include foot massagers and a 47-speaker audio system.
A few months after the first photos and details about the Nio ES9 emerged, the huge SUV has been officially launched and priced in China. It’s the automaker’s most luxurious model built to date and could be enough to make local shoppers forget about European alternatives.
All versions of the ES9 use an advanced 900-volt electrical architecture and come standard with a 102 kWh battery sourced from CATL. Power is provided by a pair of electric motors that combine to deliver 697 hp, allowing the ES9 to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds. The driving range will vary from 580 km (360 miles) to 600 km (373 miles) and 620 km (385 miles), depending on the trim level.
Importantly, the ES9 has been designed to support Nio’s battery-swapping technology, meaning the 102 kWh pack can be replaced in just 3 minutes at one of the company’s swapping stations. Buyers can opt for Nio’s battery-as-a-service rental program to reduce the ES9’s starting price to 390,000 yuan ($57,500). Those who opt to own the ES9 and its battery pack outright will need to pay a minimum of 498,000 yuan ($73,500). Either way, it’s pretty cheap for what you get.
The ES9 is massive, measuring 5,365 mm (211.2 inches) long, 2,029 mm (79.8 inches) wide, and 1,870 mm (73.6 inches) tall, with a 3,250 mm (127.9-inch) wheelbase. Given its size, it is perhaps no surprise that it sits on large 23-inch wheels. In general, the SUV’s design is quite homogeneous with other Nio models, meaning it includes a set of rather simple split headlights, simple body lines and creases, and a light bar at the rear.
A Cabin For Ultimate Comfort
It’s in the cabin where most of the exciting stuff is found. The dashboard has a large central 15.6-inch infotainment display and a 48-inch screen stretching across the dash. There’s also a large head-up display and loads of premium materials. As with other premium SUVs, those in the second row get treated to a true first-class experience.
Not only are there a pair of captain’s chairs, but there are also large entertainment screens and a 42-point massage system, including massaging footrests that fold down from the rear of the front seats. Nio has also added a panoramic glass roof and a 47-speaker audio system.
Cupra’s aggressive-looking Tindaya concept is officially heading for production, the automaker’s boss says, meaning Europe’s premium SUV crowd is about to get a new headache. The dramatic electric crossover will sit above the Tavascan and Terramar in Cupra’s lineup and target established players like the new BMW iX3, Volvo EX60, and Mercedes-Benz GLC EV.
And with a design we described last fall as looking like it was whipped up by Lamborghini on a wild night out, we can imagine it grabbing sales from drivers who think those other premium SUVs are just too dull.
The concept first appeared at last year’s Munich motor show looking more like a sci-fi prop than a realistic production model. At the time, Cupra played it mostly as a design and technology statement. Now, though, Seat-Cupra boss Markus Haupt has confirmed the company is deadly serious about bringing it to showrooms.
“It looks fantastic. Why should we not build the Tindaya?” Haupt told Autocar in a recent interview. “We are indeed looking at our plans for when we could build the Tindaya, but it’s something I can promise. This car will see the streets in some years.”
Premium-Sized, Premium-Priced
At 4,720 mm (185.8 inches) long, the Tindaya is sized right for Europe’s lucrative premium SUV segment. That’s a crowded neighborhood packed with familiar badges from Germany, plus challengers from brands like Genesis, Lexus and Volvo. Cupra clearly believes buyers want something less conservative than another neatly tailored executive crossover.
Pricing is expected to start around £60,000, making it much more expensive than the cars in Cupra’s current lineup, but again, right for the segment. While neither Haubt or Autocar said as much, we suspect the Tindaya is the bigger of the two models that would have led Cupra’s plan to expand to North America. That expansion is no longer happening due to tariffs and weak US demand for EVs.
Electric Or Range Extender
The Tindaya will ride on Volkswagen Group’s upcoming SSP electric platform, which is set to replace today’s MEB architecture across multiple brands, the magazine says. But the report claims Cupra still hasn’t locked down the final powertrain setup. The original concept used a 489 hp (496 PS / 365 kW) range-extender arrangement combining electric power with combustion support, but Haupt suggested everything remains on the table while the company watches market trends evolve.
“All this discussion is changing by the day, very fast,” he said. “Which powertrains will we have in the end? It’s a decision we have not taken now.”
That flexibility is one advantage of belonging to the sprawling Volkswagen empire. SSP reportedly supports everything from pure EVs to electrified combustion-assisted setups, depending on regional demand.
European brands have spent the past few years watching the affordable electric SUV segment fill up around them. Most of the continent’s biggest names arrived late to the fight, scrambling to put together competitively priced models that could hold their own against fresh entries from China and the established Asian players.
The VW Group’s new Skoda Elroq is one answer to that problem. It won’t be sold in the US, but it is available across Europe and several other markets including Australia, where we recently tested it in entry-level Elroq 60 guise. The rivals list reads like a roll call of the segment: Kia EV3, Nissan Ariya, Tesla Model Y, Geely EX5, and plenty more. To hold its own against that lineup, it needs to be more than competent.
Slotted between the large Enyaq and the smaller Epiq, the Skoda Elroq doesn’t initially announce itself as a standout in this crowded segment. Spend a little time behind the wheel, though, and it actually reveals itself to be quite a compelling proposition.
QUICK FACTS
› Model:
2026 Skoda Elroq 60
› Starting Price:
AU$49,990 ($36,300) including on-road costs
› Dimensions:
176.6 L x 74.1 W x 63.9 in H (4,488 x 1,884 x 1,625 mm)
› Wheelbase:
108.8 in (2,765 mm)
› Curb Weight:
1,934 kg (4,263 lbs)
› Powertrain:
Single electric motor / 59 kWh battery
› Output:
201 hp (150 kW) / 229 lb-ft (310 Nm)
› 0-62 mph
~8 seconds (0-100 km/h) as tested
› Transmission:
Single speed
› Efficiency:
16 kWh/100 km as tested
› On Sale:
Now
SWIPE
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
In Australia, three versions of the Elroq are available. Sitting at the base of the range is the Select 60, priced from AU$49,990 ($36,300), including all fees. Sitting above it in the range is the Select 85 available from AU$59,990 ($43,500), while the range is topped out by the AU$69,990 ($50,800) 130 Years Edition.
Positioned beneath the bodywork is a 59 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack, while power comes from a single electric motor delivering 150 kW (201 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft). Crucially, the Elroq is rear-wheel drive, unlike rivals including the Kia EV3 and Geely EX5, which are front-wheel drive. In theory, this should eliminate any torque steer concerns and help deliver more engaging and enjoyable driving dynamics.
The price of the Elroq 60 is competitive, although certainly not class-leading. A more well-equipped Geely EX5 Inspire is available for AU$50,061 ($36,300), while the base Kia EV3 Air – Standard Range is available from AU$46,990 ($34,100), and the Air – Long Range is $52,990 ($38,500). Nevertheless, it’s nice to see something from Europe that largely matches the competition from Asia.
A Fresh, Modern Cabin
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Stepping inside the Elroq for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by just how spacious it is and by the overall fit and finish.
Modern EV interiors are growing increasingly homogeneous, and while the cabin of the Elroq is far from industry-shifting, it does have some intriguing elements that make it feel somewhat special.
The highlight of this base model is the fabric upholstery adorning the dashboard, armrests, seats, and center console. It’s a welcome point of difference from much of the competition that relies exclusively on hard black plastic or soft-touch leather. While it may not come through in photos, the fabric looks a little like dark grey denim, although it’s much softer than any pair of jeans you may own. Alongside the upholstery, the two-spoke black steering wheel is quite interesting.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
In terms of tech, the Skoda includes a 13-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a small 5.0-inch instrument cluster display. The cluster screen isn’t anything special, but it’s better than some rivals that don’t have one at all.
The central touchscreen houses all of the important car controls, and yes, that includes the climate control. There are some controls, like temperature and media shortcuts, pinned to the bottom of the menu, but it’d be nice to have shortcuts for fan speed as well. Below the central air vents are physical buttons for several driving settings and the front and rear demisting functions.
The overall build quality in the cabin is top-notch, but it’s a real shame that this base model has only manually adjustable seats, with no configurable lumbar support. This alone will likely some turn off some prospective buyers, particularly given that some rivals from China do have these features. Like with other Skoda models, an umbrella has been neatly fitted into the driver’s door, just like a Rolls-Royce.
As Skoda’s designers have avoided falling into the trap of trying to make the Elroq look too sporty with a teardrop-style roof, there’s more than enough head and legroom for adult passengers in the second row.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Most vehicles in this segment aren’t designed to tug at the heartstrings of enthusiasts like ourselves. Taking a step back and viewing the Elroq 60 as a vehicle to appeal to everyday buyers looking for something that feels premium, the Skoda ticks a lot of boxes.
First is efficiency. Skoda claims the Elroq 60 can average 15.9 kWh/100 km over the combined cycle, which should give it a theoretical range of 395 km (245 miles). During my week with the car, I averaged exactly 16.0 kWh/100 km, just shy of the claim, and driving across a mix of urban and rural settings.
In a world where more expensive EVs are now promising driving ranges exceeding 800 km (497 miles), a sub-400 km range of the Elroq 60 may not seem that impressive, and it’s not. However, it’s important to note that this is more than enough for the daily driving duties of the vast majority of people looking for an SUV like this, especially one that’s large enough to ferry kids around in.
As for charging, the Elroq 60 supports DC speeds of up to 165 kW. Again, that’s far from class-leading and means that topping up from 10-80 percent takes 24 minutes. This is better than the popular Kia EV3, however, which takes around 29 minutes to charge its 58.3 kWh battery from 10-80 percent. Plugged into an 11 kW AC house charger, and the battery can be fully charged in about 6.5 hours, so an overnight charge is all most owners will ever need.
Performance is also solid. Owing to the rear-wheel drive layout, there’s none of the torque steer found in some of the competition. All owners will experience smooth, unfettered power. Admittedly, the Elroq 60 isn’t particularly brisk, needing around 8 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h).
Dynamically, the Skoda feels excellent. Body roll has been kept to a minimum thanks to the excellent suspension setup, yet it remains compliant enough for daily use on even the roughest roads. Shod in Hankook tires, there’s more than enough grip on offer to hustle the Elroq through corners at an impressive clip, and when it does reach the limits of adhesion, it remains easy to control.
Very few electric cars on the market have particularly engaging or communicative steering, but for most drivers, that’s not a concern. What is nice is how light and direct the steering is, working just as well on the highway as it does in a cramped shopping mall car park.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Braking is an area where the Elroq 60 could be improved. Left in Drive, there’s no regenerative braking on offer at all, meaning the SUV will simply coast – seemingly endlessly. If you do want some regen, you’ll have to drive in B mode, which offers plenty of stopping power but crucially does not include a one-pedal driving mode, which is unfortunate. It’s also a shame there aren’t more ways to tweak the regen level on offer. Things could be worse, however, as some of the competition require you to dive through multiple menus on the central display to adjust the regen level.
Among the key safety features fitted as standard to the Elroq 60 are autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist, as well as front and rear parking sensors and an optional 360-degree camera.
I found the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to function flawlessly on well-marked highways, and it’s quick and easy to turn the lane-centering on and off using the steering wheel controls if you’d prefer to remain in charge.
Verdict
The Skoda Elroq 60 helps prove that established European brands are up to the task of competing with the Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean rivals in the world of cut-price EVs.
This isn’t the type of vehicle that’ll ignite a burning passion among owners to go for a midnight cruise just for the fun of it, but it does exactly what it should and at a good price. Skoda has never been a massive volume seller in Australia, only delivering around 5,000 units last year. If locals can look beyond some of the glitz and glamor and tech gizmos found in some of the competition, they’ll find a very adequate EV with the Elroq 60.
A satin silver wrap makes this Escalade IQL stand out from all others.
Matching matte Giovanna wheels give the EV a clean custom look.
The large SUV is driven by a pair of electric motors producing 750 hp.
For years, the meanest-looking Cadillac Escalades on the road have been those blacked out with heavily tinted windows, perfect for everyday owners, executives, rappers, and people who would very much like to be mistaken for either. It is, by now, a default. Which is why this modified Escalade IQL caught our attention.
This Escalade IQL has been modified by DESIGNBYTWM in Texas, and the first thing you notice is the Satin Silver White Aluminum wrap. Cadillac will sell you the electric Escalade in a handful of perfectly respectable colors, but matte is not among them, and matte is precisely what a vehicle of this size and price tends to want.
Photos DESIGNBYTWM
Make no mistake, there will be plenty of people, perhaps including you, who think this shade of matte silver looks cheap and tacky. But it will certainly land with others, likely the same buyers who would otherwise specify a murdered-out Caddy on oversized wheels.
Speaking of wheels, this Escalade IQL sits on Giovanna rims in matte silver, which perfectly match the exterior. Combined with tinted windows and blacked-out taillights, there’s no denying this Cadillac is quite the head-turner.
Big And Powerful
The IQL is quite a bit longer than the regular Escalade IQ, and is also 1.5 inches (38 mm) longer than the gas-powered Escalade ESV. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury while still sticking with an American brand, rather than buying something German, this is certainly one of the better options.
Then there’s the powertrain. Cadillac fitted the SUV with a 205 kWh battery pack, which is a major contributor to the curb weight. The good news is there is plenty of muscle to haul those 9,000 lbs (4,082 kg) around, with a pair of electric motors producing 750 hp and 785 lb-ft (1,063 Nm) of torque.
DESIGNBYTWM has not put a number on the modifications, but cheap is not the operative word here. The IQL itself opens at $133,800 before a single option is ticked.
BMW has been forced to shut down production of a popular electric SUV over parts shortages.
The German plant has enough 17- and 18-inch wheels for May, but not for the whole of June.
Customers are being told to wait as long as October for delivery, or upgrade to 19-inch rims.
New-car buyers might expect to wait a while for their ride if they’ve ordered some fancy personalization option, like a Porsche paint-to-sample color. But some drivers expecting to take delivery of their ordinary electric BMW SUVs this summer might have to wait until fall simply because they wanted something that’s supposed to be standard.
That’s apparently the situation facing some BMW iX1 customers in Europe, where production disruptions tied to the humble 17- and 18-inch wheels are reportedly forcing builds to be paused and slowing deliveries by months.
“There are still enough wheels for production in May, but already in June the capacities will not be sufficient,” a BMW production manager wrote in a letter to dealers seen by Automobilwoche. Though the cause of the mess-up wasn’t revealed, and the manager said BMW was in contact with the supplier, he admitted “it will probably take some time before this bottleneck is resolved.”
This isn’t some limited-run supercar needing carbon fiber center-lock wheels. We’re talking about the smaller, cheaper wheels many customers specifically choose because, while they might not be as attractive as bigger rims, they’re affordable, and deliver better ride comfort. But most importantly for an EV, they also deliver the best electric range.
BMW’s suggested workaround is to move buyers into 19-inch wheels instead. But the larger wheels reportedly require customers to upgrade into pricier trim packages, adding roughly €1,900 ($2,100) to the bill. Buyers might also lose a bit of driving range.
A bone-stock iX1 on 17s claims 320 miles (515 km) of range, but switching to 19s drops that to 316 miles (509 km), and going with 20s, it falls to 305 miles (491 km). Strangely, the short-supply the standard 18s deliver 313 miles (504 km) of range, so it’s only those who wanted the no cost-option 17s that’ll lose out in terms of range by upgrading to 19s.
For customers waiting on expiring leases or trade-ins, the delays could be a real pain. One dealer reportedly pushed an iX1 delivery back by roughly three months, leaving the customer stuck figuring out transportation in the meantime.
It wouldn’t be so bad if we were talking about a niche product, but the soon-to-be-facelifted iX1 is a big deal on a continent where electric sales are still booming.
“The iX1 has become our bread and butter vehicle,” one dealer told the German outlet.
Many Thai owners don’t want battery replacements, but full refunds.
A total of 1,668 Volvo EX30s are involved in the battery recall in Thailand.
Last week, a white EX30 caught fire while charging at the owner’s home.
The trouble with a recall is that it only works if the fix arrives before the thing you were trying to prevent. Three months after Volvo pulled more than 40,000 electric EX30s worldwide over a battery fire risk, Thailand’s consumer protection authority has sued the automaker following two local fires.
Earlier this week, the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) met with officials from Volvo following two high-profile fires involving the electric crossover. The first fire occurred around March 25 in Bangkok, while the second occurred on May 15, when an EX30 was plugged in and charging at the owner’s home. The fire quickly spread to a Ford Ranger parked next to the Volvo and also damaged the building.
According to the recall Volvo issued in February, both EX30s that caught fire in Thailand had been charged beyond the 70 percent limit Volvo had recommended as a temporary safety measure. This explanation hasn’t satisfied local authorities, who have filed a civil suit and are seeking damages and refunds for owners.
A total of 1,668 EX30s in Thailand are impacted by the recall. Volvo says replacement battery packs have recently arrived in the country from China and will be installed in customers’ cars from May 22. The OCPB isn’t happy that it took three months for these batteries to arrive after the recall was announced and has asked Volvo how it intends to compensate those owners who’ve been unable to use their vehicles normally over this period.
Speaking with Reuters, a local EX30 owner, Tanchanok Nowsuwan, has suggested that most owners don’t want a battery replacement, and instead want a full refund. The EX30 recall impacts both Single-Motor Extended Range and Twin-Motor Performance models.
In a statement issued online, Volvo Car Thailand noted that it will take approximately 3 days to replace the battery packs on each affected model.
“Volvo Car Thailand would like to express our sincere concern regarding the two recent fire incidents involving Volvo EX30 vehicles,” it wrote. “We have closely monitored and thoroughly investigated each case and have promptly provided appropriate support and remediation to those affected.”
Fiat’s “Sunny Road to 2030” plan includes 13 global vehicle launches.
The new Grizzly will be offered in Fastback and SUV bodystyles.
Urban lineup to expand with the Quattrolino and a new Pandina.
Stellantis has revealed its future product roadmap, and Fiat carries a heavier load this time around. The Italian brand is committing to 13 launches across multiple regions under a strategy called “The Sunny Road to 2030,” an unusually large bet on a marque that has spent the last decade leaning almost entirely on the 500 and the Panda.
Starting with Europe, the big news is a new compact SUV duo named the Fiat Grizzly. The model will be available in Fastback and SUV bodystyles serving as the big brother of the Grande Panda. It is designed for “affordable family transformation”, targeting rivals offerings Dacia and Skoda.
While the official debut of the Grizzly is scheduled for the Paris Motor Show in October, Fiat has shared the first official renderings and they are quite revealing.
The face is upright and squared off, with LED headlights running into an illuminated grille and chunky bumper intakes flanked by ribbed fender cladding. From the A-pillar back, the two body styles share doors and glasshouse, with the differences confined to the rear. The Fastback gets a sloped roofline that almost certainly trims rear headroom and cargo space, while the SUV keeps the upright tail and roof rails for buyers who actually need to use the thing.
The Grizzly duo will ride on the Smart Car architecture, which already underpins the Fiat Grande Panda, Citroen C3, C3 Aircross, and Opel Frontera. The powertrain lineup is expected to include the mild-hybrid 1.2-liter engine and fully electric options.
The other pillar of the Fiat brand in Europe is Urban Mobility. The Topolino will be joined by a second heavy quadricycle dubbed the Quattrolino. The new model looks like a spiritual successor of the original Multipla from the ’50s, featuring a single-box silhouette and retro styling touches. While it has two doors, it’s name and silhouette hint at a four-seater layout.
Besides the existing 500 and the Tris tricycle, Fiat has also unveiled a rendering of another urban EV. The yet-unnamed model looks like a concept but could preview a future production offering riding on the STLA City architecture and serving as a replacement for the aging Pandina. It has a toy-like stance with a grille-less face and boxy LED headlights sticking out of its short nose. The interior appears to have three seats with the driver in a central position.
As for South America, Fiat targets to remain the best-selling brand in Brazil and Argentina which are crucial markets for its global sales numbers. The automaker will freshen up its lineup with an emphasis on localisation and affordability.
The headline act is the new generation of the Argo, which is the South American version of the European Grande Panda. The subcompact hatchback with the crossover stance will be joined by three new SUVs. Two of them will likely be the successors of the Pulse and the Fastback, while the third one remains a mystery.
Fiat will also double down on its pickup lineup. The Strada and the Toro unibody pickups are getting new generations, joining the larger Titano.
Alfa Romeo will launch a new compact SUV and a halo model.
Maserati has officially confirmed a pair of E-segment models.
Both Stellantis brands will leverage multi-energy platforms.
Stellantis used its FaSTLAne 2030 strategy update to telegraph the obvious, which is that the next five years will be busy ones for nearly every brand under its roof. The plan calls for 60 all-new products and 50 refreshes across the portfolio, and to the surprise of anyone who had written them off, Alfa Romeo and Maserati are both on the invite list.
Alfa’s contribution includes two cars that sit apart from the long-awaited replacements for the Stelvio and Giulia. One is a new C-segment SUV. The other is a limited-production halo model. Both were shown under sheets during the official presentation, though the webcast slipped in a mockup rendering of the SUV.
The yet-unnamed model has a sporty stance making us wonder if Alfa Romeo will bring back the Giulietta nameplate. It has aggressive LEDs, a larger than usual trilobo grille, and an aerodynamic roofline. Overall, it appears to bridge the gap between the subcompact Junior and the compact Tonale, potentially serving as a rival to the likes of the Cupra Formentor, VW T-Roc, and Toyota C-HR.
As with most Stellantis products, the upcoming C-SUV will most likely be offered with hybrid and fully electric powertrain options. It is also expected to get the new STLA SmartCockpit infotainment.
The other new Alfa Romeo is a “Bottega Fuoriserie” product, and a follow-up to the limited-production 33 Stradale. However, unlike the mid-engined supercar, this one appears to have a hatchback or shooting brake bodystyle. Chances are it will evoke the styling of a classic model from the Alfa Romeo history and share its underpinnings with a Maserati.
More Maserati Models
Speaking of the Trident brand, it will expand its lineup with an SUV and a grand tourer positioned in the E-Segment. The first will likely be a successor to the discontinued Levante, sitting above the Grecale which is getting a facelift soon alongside the GranTurismo and GranCabrio.
The other model has a low-slung silhouette with a long hood and a grand tourer stance reminiscent of the Ferrari 12cilindri. Its sharp nose is similar to the 2016 Maserati Alfieri concept but its footprint appears to be larger. The pushed-back cabin and the sloping roofline suggest it will have a two-seater cabin unlike the 2+2 layout of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio.
While there is no word on technical specifications, we expect the E-Segment Maseratis to come fitted with combustion engines rather than taking the EV route.
Alfa Romeo will launch a new compact SUV and a halo model.
Maserati has officially confirmed a pair of E-segment models.
Both Stellantis brands will leverage multi-energy platforms.
Stellantis’ FaSTLAne 2030 strategy includes the debut of 60 new and 50 refreshed products across its brand portfolio. Luckily, Alfa Romeo and Maserati are also invited in the party, confirming a few interesting launches.
Alfa Romeo has teased a new C-SUV and a limited production halo model which are separate from the upcoming successors of the aging Stelvio and Giulia. In the official presentation, the new models were covered under a veil, but the webcast gave us a sneak peak of the SUV in a mockup rendering.
The yet-unnamed model has a sporty stance making us wonder if Alfa Romeo will bring back the Giulietta nameplate. It has aggressive LEDs, a larger than usual trilobo grille, and an aerodynamic roofline. Overall, it appears to bridge the gap between the subcompact Junior and the compact Tonale, potentially serving as a rival to the likes of the Cupra Formentor, VW T-Roc, and Toyota C-HR.
As with most Stellantis products, the upcoming C-SUV will most likely be offered with hybrid and fully electric powertrain options. It is also expected to get the new STLA SmartCockpit infotainment.
The other new Alfa Romeo is a “Bottega Fuoriserie” product, and a follow-up to the limited-production 33 Stradale. However, unlike the mid-engined supercar, this one appears to have a hatchback or shooting brake bodystyle. Chances are it will evoke the styling of a classic model from the Alfa Romeo history and share its underpinnings with a Maserati.
More Maserati Models
Speaking of the Trident brand, it will expand its lineup with an SUV and a grand tourer positioned in the E-Segment. The first will likely be a successor to the discontinued Levante, sitting above the Grecale which is getting a facelift soon alongside the GranTurismo and GranCabrio.
The other model has a low-slung silhouette with a long hood and a grand tourer stance reminiscent of the Ferrari 12cilindri. Its sharp nose is similar to the 2016 Maserati Alfieri concept but its footprint appears to be larger. The pushed-back cabin and the sloping roofline suggest it will have a two-seater cabin unlike the 2+2 layout of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio.
While there is no word on technical specifications, we expect the E-Segment Maseratis to come fitted with combustion engines rather than taking the EV route.
VinFast introduced the second-generation VF 8 in Vietnam.
The electric SUV has downsized compared to its predecessor.
It gets a smaller battery and a less potent FWD setup.
VinFast has pulled the covers off the second-generation VF 8 in Vietnam, arriving five years after the Pininfarina-designed original. The replacement is physically smaller than the car it succeeds, and on paper it gives up both range and power in the process.
Visually, the highlight is the aggressive face that looks like a comic book villain’s helmet. V-shaped LEDs flank a gloss-black enclosed grille and slim side inlets, with a similar treatment at the rear. The profile carries a rising window line reminiscent of the Peugeot 2008 and Alfa Romeo Junior, paired with aero-friendly 19-inch wheels and toned rear shoulders.
Most automakers use a generational reset to add length. VinFast went the other way. The new VF 8 measures 4,701 mm (185.1 inches) nose to tail, 49 mm (1.9 inches) shorter than the outgoing car. The bigger change is underneath, where the wheelbase has been cut by 110 mm (4.3 inches) to 2,840 mm (111.8 inches).
Inside, the cabin sticks with a five-seat layout and trims the button count even further. Drivers now do most of their work through a 12.9-inch infotainment display, down from the 15.6-inch unit in the old car. A digital instrument cluster joins the party for the first time, paired with a two-spoke steering wheel. Standard kit runs to dual-zone climate, an eight-speaker stereo, and a full ADAS suite.
Under the fresh sheet metal lies a new architecture built around a Software Defined Vehicle electrical layout. Drive comes from a single front-mounted electric motor making 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS), fed by a 60.13 kWh battery good for a claimed 500 km (311 miles). That figure rides on the NEDC cycle, which has never been accused of pessimism.
These specs represent a downgrade compared to the previous VF 8 that produced up to 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS) in dual-motor AWD guise and featured a much larger 87.7 kWh battery pack.
It Costs Nearly 1 Billion Vietnamese Dongs
Vinfast will start accepting pre-orders for the VF 8 in Vietnam on May 27, with the first deliveries scheduled for late July. The electric SUV is priced from 999 million Vietnamese dong, which sounds like a lot until you run it through a converter and land at roughly $37,900 at today’s exchange rate. That’s actually a step down from the previous-generation VF 8, which started at VND 1.019 billion ($38,700) for the Eco trim and climbed to VND 1.199 billion ($45,500) for the Plus in its home market.
Whether the new VF 8 leaves Vietnam is the bigger question, and the company is not yet saying. Export plans are unconfirmed, and there is a real possibility the second-generation car follows a different playbook than the first.
That matters because the original VF 8 was supposed to be the car that planted VinFast’s flag in America, something it did not. Fewer than 1,500 examples found U.S. buyers last year, and yet VinFast is pressing on with its North Carolina factory, with domestic EV production targeted for 2028. Globally the picture is brighter. The company posted a record 196,919 deliveries in 2025
The YU7 GT took the crown away from the Audi RS Q8.
Twin motors allow the flagship Xiaomi YU7 to deliver 990 hp.
The SUV used had a stripped-out interior and a roll cage.
Xiaomi just can’t stop snatching Nurburgring lap records away from its European rivals. After the SU7 Ultra grabbed the four-door record in late 2024 before losing it again to the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Manthey, the company has returned to take the outright production SUV record.
With chief test driver Ren Zhoucan behind the wheel, the new YU7 GT went around the Nordschleife in 7:34.931. That figure is enough to displace the Audi RS Q8’s 7:36.698, which itself had taken the record from the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe at 7:38.925.
There is, predictably with most Nurburgring record runs, an asterisk. The YU7 GT that set the time wasn’t the standard, or base, if you will, version you buy from a Xiaomi dealer. The Chinese carmaker says the vehicle was equipped with what appears to be an optional “Track Professional Package,” which sounds a lot like the Manthey upgrades Porsche uses for its record-setting cars.
Xiaomi has at least spelled out part of the kit. The package brings 265mm front and 325mm rear semi-slick tires, along with widened rear wheel arches to cover them. But there’s more.
“At the Nürburgring’s request, we performed safety modifications inside the car, including a full-cage roll cage, racing bucket seats, and six-point harnesses,” the company said. “We also removed some interior trim to balance the added weight of the roll cage. This is a production car that has passed the Nürburgring’s official certification and testing.”
The onboard video tells you the rest. The cage is in, the rear seats are gone, and the driver is sitting in what looks like a single lightweight bucket.
Xiaomi presented the YU7 GT to the world at last month’s Beijing Auto Show. While not as extreme as the SU7 Ultra, it still offers the kind of power and performance once reserved for multi-million-dollar hypercars and previously unthinkable for a luxury SUV.
Beneath the skin is a 101.7 kWh battery pack that drives a 386 hp electric motor at the front wheels and a 604 hp motor at the rear wheels, delivering a combined 990 hp. There’s no official word yet on how quickly it can hit 100 km/h (62 mph), but it should leave most performance SUVs sold in the West for dead off the line.
Aiding in the YU7 GT’s on-track prowess is the fact that it uses a trick suspension that offers adjustability for the compression, rebound, and ride height, a setup that was specifically honed at the Nurburgring.
Audi’s reborn A2 EV is set for a fall debut ahead of production starting in Ingolstadt.
New SUV uses older platform from Q4 e-tron, not FWD one from VW’s new ID. Polo.
Winter testing footage suggests Audi’s smallest EV could be entertaining to drive.
Audi’s long-dead A2 is officially coming back this fall, and unlike the original aluminum oddball, this one’s aiming squarely at the mainstream crowd and is fully electric. But despite its sensible mission, Audi’s latest teaser footage hints the compact crossover SUV might still know how to have some fun sideways.
The company confirmed the A2 e-tron will debut later this year as a new entry-level EV family built at Audi’s Ingolstadt headquarters in Germany. It’ll effectively replace both the combustion-powered A1 hatchback and Q2 crossover while opening the door to cheaper electric Audis for younger buyers.
Audi’s announcement doesn’t reveal much beyond production details and testing locations, but the accompanying video tells a more interesting story. Footage shows the camouflaged A2 happily oversteering around snowy Scandinavian test routes, suggesting engineers haven’t forgotten driving enjoyment while chasing efficiency and aerodynamic bragging rights.
That playful balance probably comes down partly to the platform underneath. Unlike Volkswagen Group’s latest small EVs, such as the ID. Polo and Skoda Epiq, which are based on the newest front-wheel-drive MEB architecture, the A2 sticks with the older rear-drive-capable MEB setup already underpinning cars like the VW ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron.
RWD Standard, AWD Optional
That means entry-level models should remain rear-wheel drive, while dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions will likely follow later. It also means the A2 won’t benefit from the faster-charging 800-volt systems arriving elsewhere in the Volkswagen Group empire, since this platform still relies on 400-volt electrical architecture.
Still, Audi clearly believes the package makes sense for buyers who care more about practicality, design, and price than ultra-fast charging times. The company says the A2’s sloping roofline delivers impressive aerodynamic efficiency, something engineers continue refining inside Audi’s Ingolstadt wind tunnel at speeds reaching 186 mph (300 kmh).
The slippery shape deliberately references the original 1999 A2, one of Audi’s weirdest and most fascinating production cars. That pioneering hatch combined futuristic styling with lightweight aluminum construction and astonishing fuel economy, but it was expensive for its size, and buyers never really embraced it.
This reboot feels far less risky. Compact electric crossovers are exactly what Europe wants right now, and Audi’s hoping familiar retro-inspired styling combined with attainable pricing could finally make the A2 badge a commercial success instead of merely a cult favorite.
BYD’s Ti7 is the brand’s first seven-seat SUV headed overseas.
Unlike the B5 and B8, the Ti7 rides on a unibody platform.
Fangchengbao also sells an all-electric version of the Ti7 in China.
There is virtually no segment of the automotive market BYD does not want to dominate, and its latest model, the Ti7, is its first seven-seater outside of China. The new model is going global to take on the likes of the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Land Rover Defender 110.
Unveiled last year in Thailand through the Fangchengbao brand, and since confirmed to be landing in the UK as a BYD-branded model, the Ti7 looks very similar to the B5 and B8 models that Fangchengbao already sells in China. The key difference sits underneath. Those two ride on a ladder frame, while the Ti7 is a unibody, much like the current Land Rover Defender. That trade likely costs it some hardcore off-road credibility against the B5 and B8 but should sharpen its on-road manners.
Bigger Than The Defender 110, Just
The Ti7 stretches 5,146 mm (202.5 inches) long, 1,995 mm (78.5 inches) wide, and 1,865 mm (73.4 inches) tall, riding on a 2,920 mm (114.9-inch) wheelbase. That makes it longer and slightly narrower than a Defender 110, which is the comparison BYD probably wants to put in your head.
When it launches in the UK, it will be the first model from the Chinese brand to feature its DM-p powertrain, comprising a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, a pair of electric motors, and a 35.6 kWh LFP battery. Total power should be above 600 hp, and BYD is quoting a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 4.8 seconds and an all-electric driving range of 79 miles (127 km).
The Chinese Can Do Rugged
Back home, Fangchengbao also offers the Ti7 as a full EV, though Europe is not yet on the invite list for that one. The Chinese electric version comes either as a 402 hp rear-driver or an all-wheel drive twin-motor with 691 hp. Buyers there can choose between a 92 kWh and a 105.7 kWh battery.
Visually, the Ti7 looks quite nice. The front end includes a pair of narrow split LED headlights, small black air intakes, and a blacked-out bumper. It also includes squared-off wheel arches, chunky wing mirrors and door handles, a panoramic glass roof, and a spare wheel carrier positioned on the tailgate.
The cabin is similar to other models from the BYD family and includes a large central infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster, and a chunky four-spoke steering wheel. There are also two wireless smartphone chargers, plenty of soft-touch leather materials, and ambient lighting.
Login
