Renault 5 E-TECH

The legendary Renault 5 made a comeback as an all-electric hatchback that promises to look as good as its ancestors. So, what's it all about the born-again Renault 5?

2025 Renault 5

Priced at 23,990 Euros plus additional costs, the return of the Renault 5 in the age of the "new normal" is more than just welcoming back a legendary nameplate because this is the city car that adapts to the challenges of this unstable world we live in.

2025 Renault 5

The all-new Renault 5 features a design inspired by concept cars while remaining true to its heritage. However, the five-door layout might disappoint purists who are familiar with the original Renault 5. Still, consistency is only part of the equation. The Renault 5 has also become the flagship vehicle for Renault's electric revolution.

2025 Renault 5 interior

2025 Renault 5 interior

Inside, the Renault 5 features an innovative openR 2x10" dashboard packed with over 50 onboard apps, including Google Maps. It even comes with its own in-car mascot named Reno, which pops up when you say the magic word "Hey Reno," it does whatever you ask, a la Amazon Alexa. It's disturbing but addictive.

Regarding space, the reborn R5 has a boot space of 326 to 1106 liters, which is more than the outgoing Twingo E-Tech and more spacious.

2025 Renault 5

Now, let's talk about the E-TECH powertrain that serves as the beating heart of the 21st-century Renault 5. The base model runs on a 40kWh battery with 120PS of power and a range of 312km. The range-topper uses a 52kWh battery with 150PS of power and 410km of driving range. It does 0-100kph in eight seconds and flat-out in 150kph. Enough said.

Unfortunately, the Renault 5 E-TECH is available only as a front-wheel-drive model. Given the size of the electric drivetrain underneath, the vehicle may not offer the best handling dynamics. While it performs well in city driving, it can be less enjoyable during a Sunday afternoon track day.

As always, the all-new Renault 5 boasts 26 advanced driver assistance systems and devices developed by Renault for efficient driving. These features include active driver assist, automatic emergency braking, lane departure detection with emergency trajectory correction, parking assist, safe occupant exit alert, and a driver attention monitoring system.

What can I say about the reborn Renault 5? While it doesn't quite resemble its ancestors, it's exciting to see the iconic nameplate return in the 21st century as a symbol of Renault's electrification revolution. Will it ignite a French motoring revolution? Only time will tell.

Available Colors: Jaune Pop!, Vert Pop!, Bleu Nocturne, Blanc Nacre, and Noir Etoile.

Photo: Renault

Alfa Romeo Junior (966) v Abarth 600e

Alfa Romeo is no longer involved in motorsports. Cars like the Giulia and Stelvio are being phased out after a long run. The Tonale is new to the market, and the reborn 33 Stradale is already sold out. Alfa Romeo has gone dark, but it has emerged with another compact crossover: the Alfa Romeo Junior.

2025 Alfa Romeo Junior

Starting at 29,900 Euros plus additional costs, the Alfa Romeo Junior crossover is the replacement for the Giulietta hatchback, which sounds cruel because with Alfa Romeo no longer making hatchbacks, this Fiat 600-based crossover took over the slot and positioned below the Tonale.

Despite being a crossover, the Junior, as the name implies, is sized like a hatchback, making it breathable on city streets and open roads. Design-wise, the Junior's front view looks like it came from the pages of Toyota and Ferrari design catalogs, while the grille is surprisingly a throwback to Alfa Romeo's past, embellished by the Alfa Romeo Legend Shield. Although made in Poland, it still boasts Alfa Romeo's Italian dolce vita.

2025 Alfa Romeo Junior interior

Inside, the Junior's driver-focused interior features a fully digital 10.25-inch TFT screen, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity and ChatGPT, Sabelt sport seats, and so on. On the topic of space, the Junior carries 415 to 1280 liters of boot space.

2025 Alfa Romeo Junior

Of course, since electrification is inevitable in the new normal, the Alfa Romeo Junior is offered with the choice of a 1.2 VGT mild-hybrid with 136ps of power while mated to an eDCT6 gearbox, the 156PS Junior Elettrica with 54kWh battery and 592km of driving range, and the cream of the crop; the Junior Elettrica Veloce. The Veloce has 280PS of power and 345Nm of torque through the front wheels, sprinting from 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 200kph. Driving range is around 315km.

To make sure that the Junior behaves like an Alfa Romeo should, it features the most direct steering in the segment while the Veloce's sport-tuned suspension drops the height by 25mm, not to mention sport-tuned anti-roll bars, 380mm front disc brakes, four-piston monoblock calipers, Torsen differential, 20-inch tires, and Alfa D.N.A. system. For a crossover with an electrified drivetrain, the Junior feels out of character for a compact crossover. It may be mild but it's also tangy.

In the topic of safety, the Junior is packed with numerous driver assistance features such as level 2 autonomous driving, 360-degree parking sensors, a 180-degree rear camera, and others.

The Junior may be a cruel thesis in Alfa Romeo's right but despite its crossover credentials, it feels not so bad to drive, although the Veloce is the top shot of the range. In fact, because of the Veloce's electric performance, it didn't take long before another Stellantis relative took advantage of it.

2025 Abarth 600e

2025 Abarth 600e interior

This is the anti-thesis doing the work of Abarth's thesis. It's the first-ever five-door Abarth EV crossover that prefers to be obvious rather than subtle. This is the Abarth 600e and this crossover is also a cruel thesis just like the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce.

The Abarth 600e is a compact crossover based on the Alfa Romeo Junior. It's priced at less than 45,000 Euros plus additional costs. Abarth took the humble 600e and injected it with steroids to make it behave like the vermin it is.

In its Turismo specification, the 600e delivers 240 PS of power. The limited-edition Scorpionissima matches the performance figures of the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce but offers an additional 6 km of driving range. However, it is smaller and slightly heavier than the Alfa Romeo model.

It is said that Stellantis cooperated with Michelin, Sabelt, JTEKT Torsen, and Alcon in the making of the Abarth 600e, giving it sporty performance and dynamics in a compact crossover setting. Such lab rat experimentation worked wonders and with such performance, it became the Abarth too cool to be missed.

The Alfa Romeo Junior is a bit more refined, while the Abarth 600e is a bit more aggressive. If this is the case, which sporty crossover would you choose?

Photo: Alfa Romeo, Abarth

Opel/Vauxhall Grandland Mk2 v Peugeot 5008 III

The Opel/Vauxhall Grandland and Peugeot 5008 are very different vehicles. But they both have the same electrified heart. That's something you might expect from Stellantis' mad inventions.

2025 Opel Grandland

2025 Vauxhall Grandland

2025 Peugeot 5008

First, let's get to know the prices of the twin midsize crossovers. The second-generation Grandland starts at 36,000 Euros or 34,700 Pounds while the third-generation 5008 starts at 38,200 Euros plus additional costs. On paper, they're slotted below the 40-grand mark, which is reasonably priced for these midsize crossovers from the Stellantis fleet.

2025 Opel Grandland

2025 Vauxhall Grandland

2025 Peugeot 5008

Despite their similar sizes, the Grandland and the 5008 have distinct appearances. The Grandland features the new Vizor design that first appeared on the second-generation Mokka, while the 5008 is essentially a larger version of the 3008.

2025 Opel Grandland interior

2025 Peugeot 5008 interior

The all-new Grandland features a 16-inch HD touchscreen with smartphone connectivity that controls almost the entire vehicle as well as the 10-inch driver information cluster and an optional HUD. 

The all-new 5008, meanwhile, is jammed with Peugeot's i-Cockpit setup consisting of dual 10-inch screens on the Allure or the 21-inch Panoramic i-Cockpit with i-Connect Advanced, voice recognition, ChatGPT, and others.

Space-wise, it's the 5008 that is the most spacious of the two because while the Grandland has 550 to 1645 liters of boot space, the 5008 has 758 to 1815 liters. Surprising.

As told earlier, they both have the same electrified heart. They are offered a choice of a 136PS 1.2L Hybrid mated to an e-DSC6, a 1.6L PHEV with 195PS of power while mated to an e-DSC7, and the range-topping electric with a choice of a 73kWh and 82kWh battery packs.

The Grandland Electric has up to 213PS of power with a 0-100kph time of nine seconds and a driving range of 582km while the e-5008 has up to 230PS of power with a 0-100kph of over nine-and-a-half seconds and a driving range of 664km so, on paper, it's another win for the 5008.

Both the Grandland and the 5008 are now running on Stellantis' STLA Medium platform and as a result, they're both driving better than their predecessors, although they're still front-wheel-drive only so the only paths they're good at are just roads. Not off-roads. Contrasting, isn't it?

The all-new Grandland comes standard with a variety of safety features, including automatic cruise control with stop-and-go function, advanced traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed adjustment, and post-collision braking. For an additional fee, you can add the Intelli-Drive 2.0 system. The all-new 5008 comes standard with Drive Assist Plus 2.0 and Peugeot VisioPark 360.

The Opel/Vauxhall Grandland and Peugeot 5008 are very different vehicles. But they both have the same electrified heart. That's something you might expect but in the end, out of the two, it's the all-new 5008 that takes the share.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall/Peugeot

MG ZS (ZS3A) and HS (AS3A)

MG's ZS and HS budget crossovers have entered their latest generation. These new-generation MG crossovers are worth noting for their budget-conscious pricing, spacious interiors, impressive dynamics, and advanced technology.

2025 MG ZS

2025 MG HS

The all-new MG ZS starts at 21,995 Pounds plus additional costs while the all-new MG HS starts at 24,995 Pounds plus additional costs. Although they're sized differently with the HS slightly bigger than the ZS, these crossovers finally eschewed the Mazda-esque styling in favor of a cleaner styling lifted from today's MG3. Welcome to the new look of MG.

2025 MG ZS interior

2025 MG HS interior

Digging on the new interiors, the all-new ZS features a 12.3-inch color touchscreen as standard on the SE model while the Trophy variant features Black Leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and rear privacy glass. The boot space goes from 443 to 1457 liters.

The all-new HS, meanwhile, features two 12.3-inch HD screens, dual-zone auto airconditioning, heated front seats, and Black Leather Style Upholstery with Tan Leather Style Upholstery. Because of the increased dimensions compared to the previous model, the boot space goes from 507 to 1484 liters.

When discussing performance, the all-new ZS features the same hybrid powertrain as the current MG3. It includes a 102PS 1.5L petrol engine combined with a 100kW electric motor, resulting in a total power output of 196PS and 465Nm of torque. This setup is paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in under nine seconds, with a top speed of 104 mph.

On the other hand, the all-new HS offers more options. It provides a choice between a 170PS 1.5L Turbo GDi engine, which can be mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Alternatively, there is a high-performance 272PS 1.5T GDI plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) paired with a 2-speed automatic transmission. It can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in under seven seconds and reach a maximum speed of 105 mph. Combined fuel economy is 0.5km/100km based on WLTP standards.

Both of these crossovers come with MG Pilot Advanced Driver Assistance System, which provides a variety of driver aids. In addition, they have a 360-degree parking camera and MG I-Smart live services for added peace and security.

MG's ZS and HS budget crossovers have entered their latest generation. These new-generation MG crossovers are worth noting for their budget-conscious pricing, spacious interiors, impressive dynamics, and advanced technology. Which one will you go for?

Photo: MG Motor UK

Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave (Third Generation)

GM's full-size crossover triplets, the Chevrolet Traverse, the GMC Acadia, and the Buick Enclave, are now in their third generation. These vehicles have a reputation for luxury, space, performance, and technology. If you're in the market for a full-size crossover, these vehicles are definitely worth checking out.

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

2025 GMC Acadia

2025 Buick Enclave

The all-new Chevrolet Traverse starts at $40,600, while the GMC Acadia starts at $42,900. The Buick Enclave, the most luxurious of the three, starts at $45,000. All prices include taxes and fees. Whichever of the three you'll go for, it's all in the neighborhood when it comes to style, luxury, performance, and technology.

To differentiate the trio, the Traverse features a macho styling compared to its predecessor while the Acadia looks more like an enlarged Terrain and the Enclave looks good with Buick's new signature design first applied in the Encore GX facelift and Envista.

2025 Chevrolet Traverse interior

2025 GMC Acadia interior

2025 Buick Enclave interior

The interior boasts similar stories as well. While the Traverse features a 17.7-inch diagonal color touch screen and an 11-inch diagonal Driver Information System, the Acadia features a 15-inch diagonal touchscreen, and the Enclave, the most luxurious of the three, features the Ultrawide 30-inch diagonal screen. As for seating, the Traverse and the Acadia can carry up to eight while the Enclave can only carry seven. Boot space? The Traverse is slightly the most spacious of the three with up to 98 cubic feet of cargo volume, slightly more than the Acadia and the Enclave.

The Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave are powered by a new 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. These vehicles produce 328hp and 326lb-ft of torque, which is more than the Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee. Front-wheel-drive variants get 27 MPG on the highway, while AWD variants get 24 MPG. The maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

Although they're good to drive, only the Traverse and the Acadia come with offroad-oriented variants in the form of the Traverse Z71 and the Acadia AT4 with its Twin-Clutch 4WD, Terrain Mode, and suspension dampers, making them capable of playing dirty, come tarmac, gravel, or snow.

Of course, these triplets got the safety topic covered with a range of intelligent driver assists such as Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking, Safety Alert Seat, Rear Pedestrian Alert, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Side Bicyclist Alert.

These triplets, the all-new Traverse, Acadia, and Enclave, have redefined the full-size crossover segment in various ways. Although they differ in terms of style and comfort, they share a reputation for luxury, space, performance, and technology. Welcome to the neighborhood.

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Equinox EV

Following in the footsteps of the Chevrolet Blazer EV, the first-ever Chevrolet Equinox EV serves as the entry-level in Chevrolet's fleet of EV crossover SUVs with prices starting at $41,900 plus additional costs.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV

The first thing you need to know about the Equinox EV is that this crossover has nothing in common with the current-generation ICE-powered Equinox. They have no relation with each other just so you know. Anyway, no relation aside, the Equinox EV is one of the most affordable EV crossovers in America and this is less than the Tesla Model Y. Good stuff.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV interior

The exterior design of the Equinox EV features clean lines, while the interior focuses on advanced technology. It includes an 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Screen, multicolor ambient interior lighting, and a best-in-class 17.7-inch diagonal display screen that operates on the Google and Ultifi software platforms. 

In terms of space, this five-seater vehicle offers up to 57.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space and comes with a dual-height cargo floor for added versatility.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV

Running on GM's Ultium Platform, front-wheel-drive variants can get up to 319 miles of driving range and thanks to its Regen on Demand and One Pedal Driving, drivers can keep going further on their weekend road trips. With the eAWD variant, the Equinox EV produces 288hp of power and can sprint from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and up to 1,500 lbs of towing capacity. Although mild to drive, it's still quite impressive for a well-rounder EV CUV.

For added safety, the Equinox EV is packed with automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam. Customers can also go for other extras such as Reverse Automatic Braking, HD Surround Vision, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, and the controversial GM Super Cruise for hands-free driving.

Like it or not, the Chevrolet Equinox EV is the bargain EV crossover of 2024, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable and feature-packed EV SUV.

Photo: General Motors

Audi A5 B10

Audi has a new naming policy where ICE-powered cars will be given odd numbers while EVs will have evens. As a result, the ICE-powered A4 range is now named the A5, a name reserved for coupe versions of the said car. What's it all about?

2025 Audi A5

2025 Audi A5 Avant

Starting at €45,200 plus additional costs, the Audi A5 B10 is no longer the familiar model for speed enthusiasts. The two-door equivalent of the A4 has now been restructured to replace it. However, the A4 may return in the future as the A4 e-tron. Ironically, with Audi no longer producing coupes, this aligns with their mantra that "progress is an attitude."

Beginning with the design, the A5 B10 looks subtle and attractive at the same time even when it was reformatted into a four-door saloon with the more spacious Avant in the party. Hinted by muscular proportions such as the flared wheel arches and the standard, electric tailgate, which opens together with the rear window, not to mention the choice of eight different digital light signature pairs, the A5 B10 is a concoction of business and leisure at a snail's pace.

2025 Audi A5 interior

Moving to the interior, the A5 B10 is futuristic even behind the wheel. On the driver's side, you are greeted by its Audi MMI panoramic display, which features an 11.9-inch instrumental display, a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen with the controversial ChatGPT integration, and an available 10.9-inch front passenger display.

Although slightly more spacious and more comfortable than its A4 predecessor, it's the Avant that takes the credit with up to 1424L of boot space when the passenger seats are folded down, giving you plenty of room for your quiet weekend drives away from your business degree.

2025 Audi S5

2025 Audi S5 Avant

At launch, the Audi A5 B10 is powered by a choice of a 2.0L TFSi engine with up to 204PS of power and a 2.0L TDi MHEV, which is sadly the one to avoid due to Europe's disdain for diesel. All are mated to a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic.

The S5 range, meanwhile, is powered by a 3.0L TFSi V6 engine that produces 367PS of power, and thanks to its said gearbox, the quattro sport rear differential, and variable AWD clutch, it sprints from 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph.

Because it now runs on the new Premium Platform Combustion, a platform suitable for ICE-powered vehicles, which serves as a replacement for the MLB architecture, the A5 B10 feels more dramatic to drive than its A4 predecessor even with Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive system, the integrated and blending-capable brake control system, and the brake torque vectoring for reducing understeer. It's common sense but it feels okay to drive even when feeling under the weather.

As for safety, the A5 B10 features adaptive cruise assist plus, active front assist, traffic sign-based cruise control, park assist plus, and rear turn assist.

Formerly known as the two-door version of the A4, the Audi A5 was reformatted as the replacement of the A4 thanks to Audi's new naming policy. This is no longer the A5 that speedo boys were familiar with and with Audi no longer making coupes, it's a sad day for them. It's a shame but as a replacement to the A4, the all-new A5 is all about continuing its predecessor's tradition as a direct rival to BMW's 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz's C-Class. Morbid cynicism but it gets results. That's common sense to you.

Photo: Audi AG

Suzuki Wagon R Smile (2025MY Minor Change)

The Suzuki Wagon R Smile has been updated for its 2025 model year, and it is time to reintroduce this kei minivan from a different perspective. 

2025 Suzuki Wagon R Smile

Priced at 1,489,400 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the updated Smile is more than just its revised looks.

2025 Suzuki Wagon R Smile interior

Beginning with the exterior design, the Smile now features an updated front face that saw its front grille shortened to half, all in the name of gentleness and cuteness. Also, the plated back door garnish on the HYBRID X model has been revised and the shoulder line has been simplified.

There are no changes to the interior, but it now offers two new color combinations for the instrument panel: "Reflection Gray & Copper Gold" and "Moss Blue & Silver." The front door armrests also match the instrument panels. Additionally, a smartphone-linked memory navigation system is available as a manufacturer's option. This system includes a new drive recorder link, HDMI input, and Suzuki Connect functionality.

The Suzuki Wagon R Smile is built on the HEARTECT platform and features front MacPherson struts with coil springs. For front-wheel-drive (FF) models, there is a choice of a rear torsion beam, while 4WD models come with an Isolated Trailing Link. Additional features include torsion bar stabilizers, rack and pinion steering, and options for disc brakes on FF models and ventilated disc brakes on 4WD models. These dynamics make the Wagon R Smile enjoyable to drive, comparable to pushing a baby stroller with a peacefully sleeping child.

Under the hood, the Smile is equipped with a RO6D 660cc three-cylinder petrol engine, producing 49 PS of power and 58 Nm of torque. When paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it achieves a fuel economy of 23.9 km/l on the WLTC scale.

For those interested in hybrid variants, they feature the same engine but are enhanced with a 1.9 kW electric motor, a lithium-ion battery, Idling Stop, and Eco-Cool technology, resulting in a fuel economy of 25.1 km/l on the WLTC scale. It's as efficient as today's Spacia, only slightly cheaper.

As always, the Suzuki Wagon R Smile comes equipped with the Suzuki Safety Support suite, which includes various driver aids to ensure safety everywhere.

If you're looking for a fuel-efficient kei minivan but can't afford a Spacia, consider the Smile you're affordable alternative.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Alpine A290

Alpine, the French sports car manufacturer known for the legendary A110, has just introduced its first-ever five-door electric vehicle (EV) hatchback. Some might consider this a controversial move. Let’s take a closer look at what this new EV hatchback from the makers of A110 is all about.

2025 Alpine A290

Starting at 34,700 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Alpine A290 is undoubtedly the most controversial vehicle made by the makers of the legendary A110 sports car, but that doesn't stop Alpine's finest ambassadors—even its F1 drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon—from giving it a thumbs-up.

2025 Alpine A290

The concept-turned-reality design is one of the A290's charm points, although this is basically a sporty version of the upcoming Renault 5 E-TECH. Although it has some of the reborn 5's exterior details, the A290 differentiates with X marks on its headlamps and its rally-inspired foglamps, not to mention the ALPINE details. Although it mimics the legendary Renault 5 Maxi rally car from a distant past, there's nothing special about it.

2025 Alpine A290 interior

Being a five-door Alpine is obviously the most controversial move ever done but having rear seats in an Alpine is nothing new. Sure, it can carry up to five people and has 1106L of boot space with all of the passenger seats folded down, but what's behind the wheel really matters. Behind the race-inspired steering wheel lies a V-shaped widescreen packed with the virtual instrumental panel and a touch screen powered by Google, not to mention the Devialet sound system.

2025 Alpine A290

The base GT variant is packed with a 52kWh lithium-nickel-mangan-cobalt battery. It produces 177PS of power and 285Nm of torque, making it capable of hitting 0-100kph in 7.4 seconds and a 160kph top speed, not to mention having 378km of driving range. The GTS variant bumps the performance figures to 218PS of power and 300Nm of torque, sprinting from 0-100kph in 6.4 seconds, a top speed of 170kph, and up to 361km of driving range. That's less than its main rival, the Cupra Born.

Being a front-wheel-drive hatchback, the A290 checks and balances the rights and the wrongs in the making of this EV hatchback from its multi-link rear suspension, sporty chassis tuning, by-wire braking, and a choice of four driving modes. On normal roads, the A290 feels right at home even in Parisian streets but on track days, it doesn't feel like an Alpine as expected.

Despite the questionable dynamics, the A290 features over 26 driver assistance systems, providing an unparalleled driving experience for an Alpine.

Despite being a controversial decision, the Alpine A290 is evidence that it is ushering in the age of the "new normal," and it is going... well... out of the blue.

Available colors: Alpine Vision Blue, Snow White, Matte Tornado Gray, Deep Black, Alpine Vision Blue/Black Roof, Snow White/Black Roof, and Matte Tornado Gray/Black Roof.

Photos: Alpine Cars

Kia Sportage (NQ5) - 2025 Minor Change

The fifth-generation Kia Sportage received a minor change for the 2025 model year and what an improvement this crossover has gained having been on the road for three years.

2025 Kia Sportage

Starting at 28,360,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the facelifted Kia Sportage is packed with a bolder exterior revision and a new interior, and by surprise, the diesel variant from the pre-facelift model was removed, leaving only a choice of a 2.0L LPG, a 1.6L turbo, and a 1.6L turbo-hybrid.

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage features an enlarged grille and an EV3-styled nose that some people think is too obvious. In addition, they also redesigned the wheels and tail lights to further enhance the vehicle's aesthetics. The pre-facelift model's high-end Gravity variant has been replaced with the first-ever X-Line variant that features a black badging, vertical slanted front grille, a slightly longer but more macho front bumper, 19-inch wheels, premium steering wheel, and suede headlining.

2025 Kia Sportage interior

The interior has given a significant revision for the recent minor change as hinted by the new Kia steering wheel design lifted from the EV3, a slightly bigger touch screen with a next-generation infotainment system, new air vent designs, and a fingerprint authentication system, among others. 

The Kia Sportage maintains its class-leading cabin room. The longer wheelbase provides more legroom, and there is enough space for plenty of luggage in the boot.

2025 Kia Sportage

As said before, the diesel variant from the pre-facelift model was removed, leaving only a choice of a 2.0L LPG, a 1.6L turbo, and a 1.6L turbo-hybrid. The LPG and the petrol variant are mated to an 8-speed AT while the hybrid is mated to a 6-speed AT. 

The 146PS 2.0L LPG variant has a fuel economy of 8.8km/L while the 180PS 1.6L turbo petrol engine has 12.3km/L of fuel economy, and the Sportage Hybrid, now with an improved 47.7kW electric motor, gets 16.3km/L.

Underneath, the Sportage still comes with front MacPherson struts, rear multilink suspension, and front ventilated disc brakes. Come front-wheel-drive, it behaves like a normal car, but with the 4WD drivetrain, it's capable of getting things dirty, almost. Thankfully, the Sportage Hybrid can be offered with the 4WD drivetrain, so it's not afraid of going under the weather. Coupled with e-handling and e-ride, the Sportage Hybrid drives slightly well.

The 2025 Kia Sportage has eight airbags, steering wheel grip detection, and a Driver Forward Attention Warning Camera. It also has Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear side collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, side parking distance warning, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Safe Exit Warning.

The Kia Sportage is a common-sense crossover for those who are wise to drive one but with the latest minor change, common sense just took a slightly bolder approach in style, comfort, capability, and technology. Need to say more?

Available Colors: Snow White Pearl, Heritage Blue, Wolf Grey, Gravity Grey, Vesta Blue, Fusion Black, Shadow Matte Grey, and Jungle Wood Green.

Photo: Kia Corp.

Suzuki Fronx

After 36 years, the Suzuki Escudo is officially dead and its place was filled by its replacement transferred from India. Meet the first-ever Suzuki Fronx.

2025 Suzuki Fronx

Priced at 2,541,000 Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Fronx fills the void left by the recently deceased Escudo and is ready to compete with the Toyota Raize and the Honda WR-V. The Fronx marks the second time Suzuki imported a vehicle from India's Maruti Suzuki manufacturing line since the Baleno in 2016.

2025 Suzuki Fronx

Beginning with the styling, the Fronx looks well-sculpted and macho compared to the Escudo it replaces. From its NEXwave grille, striking front fascia, NEXTre' LED lights, new-age aerodynamic design, LED sweeping taillights heavily mistaken for a Mercedes SUV, and geometric alloy wheels, rest assured that the Fronx is starting to take shape like an earnest Indian student who got transferred to a Japanese school.

2025 Suzuki Fronx interior

Now, let's get to know the interior and by surprise, the Fronx is shockingly premium in its class. The driver's side is packed with goodies such as a heads-up display, wireless charger, heated seats, and a 9-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity and Suzuki Connect service. Although regularly comfortable by compact crossover standards, you can carry up to 290L of goodies with the rear seats present, which is more than the Escudo and can be folded down for more.

2025 Suzuki Fronx

The only powertrain offered in the Fronx is the 1.5L Dual Jet mild-hybrid powertrain mated to a 6-speed AT with paddle shifters. The engine produces 100PS of power and it's connected to a 2.3kW electric motor with a lithium-ion battery. In its FF configuration, it has 19km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards while the 4WD variant gets 17.8km/L.

Being a fully imported crossover from India that can travel across Japan, the Fronx is packed with Rack & Pinion steering, front MacPherson Struts, rear torsion beam, and front ventilated disc brakes. As a front-wheel-drive crossover, the Fronx feels slightly regular to drive daily but with 4WD equipped, it has slightly improved its capabilities. Not great but it will do. Greatness can somewhat be a cruel and unpredictable mistress if you catch my drift.

The Fronx features Suzuki Safety Support, a suite of ADAS that can tackle everyday driving by streets, highways, parking, and at night. Along with ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child fix anchorages, six airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters, impact compliance, and Pedestrian Protection compliance, it's about as safe as every Japanese crossover should be.

Although this is the most expensive crossover in its class, more than the Raize and the WR-V, it's cheaper to own than the now-defunct Escudo, the fully-imported Suzuki Fronx tries to make a name for itself as a world standard in Suzuki's right. Let's hope it won't repeat the same mistake as the Baleno because this is the second chance Suzuki is selling an Indian import on its home turf. Best of luck.

Available Colors: Artic White Pearl, Artic White Pearl/Black Roof, Splendid Silver Metallic, Splendid Silver Metallic/Black Roof, Bluish Black Pearl 4, Opulent Red Pearl Metallic/Black Roof, Lucent Orange Pearl Metallic/Black Roof, Earthen Brown Pearl Metallic/Black Roof, and Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation