Volkswagen ID.7 GTX

The Volkswagen ID.7 GTX range is the result of taking Volkswagen's humble midsize EV lineup and transforming it into something irresistible to drive. It's just like the other GTX cars you're familiar with.

2025 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX

2025 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX Tourer

Starting at 63,155 Euros plus additional costs, the ID.7 GTX range, in sedan and Tourer versions, transformed Germany's answer to the Hyundai IONIQ 6 into something worth driving and living for a lifetime if today's gas prices mean you can't afford to have the hot Arteon R you're dreaming.

With features similar to the normal ID.7 range, especially the 15-inch floating central infotainment screen, AR HUD, a new layout for air-con, Favorites buttons where users can save their configurations, an electronically dimmable panoramic sunroof, a massager, Harman Kardon sound system, and a rather annoying IDA voice command assistant, not to mention the adaptive Climatronic front seats with cooling, heating, and drying functions, and up to 1714 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down for the Tourer variant, the GTX adds another electric motor to the front axles, making it 4WD.

As a result, it produces 340PS of power and 679Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds and has a top speed similar to every single Japanese car on the road. With the 91kWh lithium battery, it has a range of 595km and it takes up to 26 minutes to reach 80% of battery charge while at a public charging station.

Being aerodynamic is the top trump for the ID.7 GTX and it's surprisingly still milder to drive even with the 4MOTION four-wheel-drive setup that isn't shabby when things go south. Not as exciting as expected but it feels spartan and unique in every way. As for safety, it comes with Travel Assist which comes with assisted lane change maneuvers and assisted parking maneuvers, among others.

While it may not be as fast as the Arteon R you hoped for, the ID.7 GTX range demonstrates that even EV saloons can be fun.

Photo: Volkswagen

Chevrolet Equinox IV /GMC Terrain III

The Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain are two of the best-selling SUVs from General Motors. They have evolved for their latest generations, promising to pick up where the previous models left off. These models will face stiff competition from Asian automakers, but GM is confident that they can keep their customers interested.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

2025 GMC Terrain

The all-new fourth-generation Chevrolet Equinox starts at $28,600, while the all-new third-generation GMC Terrain begins at $30,000, excluding additional costs. With these new versions, these midsize crossovers demonstrate to their dominant Asian competitors that they are still in the market.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox interior

2025 GMC Terrain interior

The all-new Equinox looks more like an oversized mash-up between the Trailblazer and the Trax crossover, while the Terrain looks pretty much the same as the previous model. However, the new side profile proves that it's an all-new model. Either way, they can be spec with a two-tone roof for the first time for these models.

It's the same story goes for the interior as well as they don familiar dashboards from the current-generation family tree with the Equinox donning an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touch-screen while the Terrain features a 15-inch diagonal premium infotainment system. In terms of space, they both have up to 63.5 cubic feet of max cargo volume and a hidden rear cargo floor storage to keep the good things hidden. They both come with the available hands-free Autosense Power Liftgate as well.

Both the Equinox and the Terrain are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged engine with up to 175hp of power and with the available AWD, 203lb-ft of torque with 1,500lbs max trailering and mated to an 8-speed AT. Fuel economy is around 26MPG city and 28 MPG highway, and those are for the FF variants with CVT.

While the Equinox Activ and Terrain Elevation have shown slight improvements in dynamics and drivability compared to their predecessors, both models offer all-wheel drive (AWD) with Hill Descent Control for challenging conditions. As for safety, they're both packed with over 15 standard safety and driver assistance technologies, including an optional rear camera mirror for the first time for these models.

In the past, the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain have been slowly losing market share to their Asian competitors. However, the narrative has been reversed with the introduction of these new models. The Equinox and Terrain are now poised to regain the upper hand in the midsize crossover segment. Wish them luck, if they can.

Photo: General Motors

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 Silverado EV / GMC Sierra EV Denali

The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are General Motors' greatest workers in the full-size pickup segment. These two pickups went to the electrification route in response to Ford's megahit F-150 Lightning.

2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV

2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali

The first-ever Chevrolet Silverado EV starts at $73,100 while the GMC Sierra EV Denali starts at $89,900 plus additional costs. Although they're twice the price tag compared to the Ford F-150 Lightning, these electrified pickup trucks are rewriting the rules of business one mile at a time, whether if these trucks are for business or for pleasure.

2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV interior

2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali interior

Although mechanically the same just like its ICE-powered counterparts, the Silverado and the Sierra look different inside and out. The Silverado EV's exterior design looks similar to today's Colorado while the Sierra EV Denali borrows styling cues from the first-generation Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon. 

Either way, they're both armed with the available Multi-Flex Midgate with pass-through and available Multi-Flex Tailgate. The former can fit items up to 10 feet, 10-inches in length, while the latter features six different configurations depending on various situations, all in the name of the Working Well Huddle. The frunk of the Silverado EV carries up to 10.7 cubic feet of goodies while the Sierra EV Denali carries up to 11 cu.ft. They both come with the optional power up/down hood as well.

The interior holds similar stories as well with the Silverado EV featuring optional features such as the 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment screen, 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center, and the 14-inch diagonal HUD, while the Sierra EV Denali is the most premium of the two with signature Denali luxury, 16..8-inch large diagonal center touchscreen, panoramic glass roof, and Bose Sound System.

Being the first GM truck running on the revolutionary Ultium electric platform, the Silverado EV produces 754HP of power while the GMC Sierra EV Denali produces 760HP with Wide Open Watts active. Such power output gives these trucks up to 10k lbs of towing capacity and a range of 440 miles.

Although capable of getting on and off the roads, both the Silverado and Sierra EVs are packed with 4-Wheel Steer, Dual Motor 4WD system, four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, and the similar Crabwalk feature from the Hummer EV range, giving them the ability to drive diagonally. They both come with PowerBass offboard power with up to 10.2kW of offboard power, which sounds essential for plugging in your appliances while on a camping trip.

As for safety, both of these trucks are loaded with a suite of safety and driver assistance features such as Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Super Cruise driver assistance technology, and others.

The Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV are impressive electric pickup trucks. They may cost twice as much as the Ford F-150 Lightning, but with such capabilities, luxury, and performance, these trucks are sure to rewrite the rules of business. Cowboy Charlie should consider one of these.

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 Q6 e-tron

The Audi Q6 e-tron is the first Audi crossover to run on the Volkswagen Group's new PPE platform. It's part of Audi's "progress is an attitude" tagline. But is it worth it? Let's take a look at it.

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron

Starting at 63,500 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Audi Q6 e-tron is the cheaper alternative to the second-generation Porsche Macan because it's twenty grand less, which sounds fair but is it worth it?

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron interior

Beginning with the exterior design, the Q6 e-tron has taken a simpler approach which is clean by Audi standards. It features matrix LED front headlamps, OLED rear taillights, the signature Audi Singleframe grille, and other notable details that make it sporty, progressive, and perfectly proportioned.

Step inside, the Q6 e-tron is packed with the MMI panoramic display consisting of an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch touchscreen that controls almost the entire vehicle. There's even a 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display that can only be seen in the eyes of a front passenger, not the driver for safety reasons. Although as spacious as most crossovers in its class should be, it packs up to 526 litres of boot space with all five seats present or 1529 litres of boot space with the passenger seats folded down. It even has 64 litres of frunk space.

2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron

Running on the PPE platform and 100kWh battery pack, the Q6 e-tron's power output ranges from 292 to 387PS of power output with the latter sprinting from 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 210kph. The mid-range variant packs the longest driving range with up to 637km on one full charge.

Those willing to push further should go for the SQ6 e-tron with 462PS of power output when launch control is active, sprinting from 0-100kph in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 230kph. Either way, they're both mild to drive everywhere, especially on tarmac, gravel, and snow, and they pack Audi's suite of intelligent driver aids consisting of adaptive cruise assist plus, active front assist, traffic sign-based cruise control, park assist plus, and rear turn assist.

The all-new Audi Q6 e-tron range demonstrates that crossovers are as popular as Hollywood superhero movies. While it may not be a superhero itself, it offers great value, costing less than its Porsche Macan sibling. Thoughts?

Photo: Audi AG

Let's Do The News! (December 31, 2024)

 

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The PH Department of Health (DOH) recorded 163 firecracker-related injuries based on data released yesterday, December 30.

- Russia and Ukraine carry out a major prisoner swap with at least 300 people set free.

- The United Nations warned of climate breakdown after a "decade of deadly heat".

- Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations were canceled due to concerns over weather including high winds.

- The boss of Jeju Air says the firm is cutting flight numbers to increase safety following South Korea's air crash.

- The Ariel Atom 4R lapped the Top Gear Test Track in 1m13.7s.

- Seiyuu Ai Fairouz is limiting some work activities due to PTSD a few months ago.

- Seiyuu Riho Iida announces her pregnancy.

- Live broadcast of the 39th Golden Disc Awards was canceled in observing a week of mourning for the plane crash victims.

- Hollywood celebrities Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached a divorce settlement after eight years.

TTFN.