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All who joined us at the latest Mycarforum hangout with the Smart #1 got the chance to learn more about one of newest brands to officially enter Singapore. After visiting the Lexus LBX in May, Mycarforum has now visited yet another crossover also perfect for taking on Singapore's streets! This time, we visited the new Smart #1, in both its 'Pro+' and 'Brabus' variants, at a swanky new pop-up showroom, located at 209 Pandan Gardens Road. This new space is set to serve as the temporary home for the newly-arrived-in-Singapore Smart brand until renovation work is completed at its permanent showroom located at level 3 of Mercedes-Benz Centre. If you're unfamiliar with the cars, here's a quick low-down on them: Sales of the all-electric Smart #1 kicked off here in Singapore only in April of 2024. The Smart #1 in its 'Pro+' variant comes with a total of 268bhp alongside a 66kWh battery, which allows you to cover a claimed 420km before its battery goes flat. The Smart #1 'Brabus', meanwhile, will please those looking for a bit more zest in their daily commute. Offering a total of 422bhp, this electric crossover will complete the century sprint in just 3.9 seconds. All this is made possible thanks to a battery which offers the same 66kWh capacity as the Smart #1 Pro+, but the greater energy consumption of the Brabus means you’ll be able to cover close to 400km before you'll need to plug the car back to a charger. And if they look a little familiar, there's a fair chance you're already seen them (other than here on Sgcarmart, that is). The cars have already visited locations including VivoCity, Jewel at Changi Airport, and Waterway point in a host of roadshows organised by Smart itself. The morning's Mycarforum hangout, however, is designed to give those interested in the cars the opportunity to get to know them better in a more exclusive setting. Those attending not only managed to catch some of the impressions of the Smart #1 from our own Editorial Manager, Mr. Desmond Chan, but also got a more comprehensive guide through the history of the Smart brand as well as the features of the cars themselves from Mr. Christopher Thenadi, Head of Operations for Smart at Cycle & Carriage Singapore. And there was more: Those in attendance also got to take part in a contest that saw them scanning QR codes pasted throughout the cars at the event. These QR codes would direct them to different questions about the cars, and those who answered the most questions correctly got to walk away from this Mycarforum hangout with various Smart merchandise! And of course, those present also got to get behind the wheel of both cars, so they could experience the generous cabin space - a product of the car's clever packaging, as well as the instantaneous torque of an electric car for themselves. Interested in joining the next Mycarforum hangout session? Be sure to look out for the notification when we've planned our next event at the Mycarforum homepage here! Those keen to try out the Smart #1 Pro+ or the Smart #1 Brabus can also sign up for a test drive with Smart here! See just what went down the rest of the morning via the photos below!

Car debuts later in Paris. Korean automaker KIA has updated its mid-size SUV model, the Sorento. The nameplate is a stalwat among leasing customers because of versatile seatings and a high-riding stance. Engines lined up for the new car are expected to include two gasoline lumps, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and a 3.3 V6.

Wonder what the possible pricing will be... Launching during next month's car show... http://www.sgcarmart.com/news/article.php?AID=14442 If it is about Vezel or Qashqai pricing... Maybe can sell like hot cakes...?

New design language, riding on the popularity of fastback and crossover. BTW, it is the cousin of Citroen C5X. Peugeot 408 GT Peugeot 408 HYBRID

To be unveiled in Japan in September 2022. Although it is sized between the HR-V and CR-V, but this new SUV will be replacing the CR-V in the Japanese Market, as they just announced the cease of CR-V production days before introducing this latest ZR-V. A strange move to me. For those of you who are follow motoring news closely, you may find that it look very familiar and that you have seen it somewhere. Well, the same model is available in the USA recently, but using the HR-V nameplate. Another head scratching decisions by Honda...

Will the folks at Wearnes reading this....please bring in the 1.5 diesel version, please?

Production version of the new compact crossover from the Italian auto manufacturer. @Theoldjaffa your cup of tea?

Hyundai Kona debuts with a bigger body and buyers will be able to get the new Kona as an EV, hybrid, combustion engine only, and a sporty N Line model. Hyundai's designers started by creating the new Kona EV and then applied the look to the other versions. In front, all of them share a distinctive light bar along the hood's edge. The headlights are below this strip on the outer corners. The lower fascia's styling is the primary differentiating factor among the 2024 Kona models. The EV has pixel-like elements there, and the styling shares some cues with Hyundai's Ioniq vehicles. The standard ICE vehicle has a rectangular opening in this space. The N Line has a more aggressive appearance by using a trapezoidal element. From the side, the 2024 Kona models share a similar look. The hybrid- and combustion-powered variants have body cladding on the fenders. The EV and N Line keep this section in the body color. The N Line has a rear spoiler, silver side skirts, and available black pieces for the mirror caps and roof. The rear matches the front by having a light bar stretch across the hatchback. Like the headlights, the tail lamps are in the lower corners. The N Line gets dual exhaust outlets. The new Kona EV is 4,355 millimeters long, which is 150 millimeters longrr than the existing model. The wheelbase increases by 60 millimeters while the width is wider by 25 millimeters. Inside, the new Kona has a pair of 12.3-inch screens that share a single bezel. The gearshift is now on the column behind the steering wheel. Below the big displays, the center stack includes a pair of vents and the controls for the HVAC system. In the second row, there's a simple rear bench. The company's announcement says that it follows the rest of the new Kona's "21st-century urban design aesthetic." The automaker isn't yet disclosing powertrain specifications or pricing details for the new Kona. Hyundai will release that info in the coming months.

Honestly, I have lost count of the number of SUV / crossover available in the Kia stable. A quick check on Kia (Korea) website, revealed the following: Telluride Mohave (Borrego) Sorento Sportage Seltos Niro Stonic Soul That seems to be a lot of SUV / crossover for company with a total of 19 distinctive models in it lineup (some are not available here through). Now, Kia has just announced another new sub-compact SUV in India, and they plan to introduce it to other market at a later stage. That's too much of SUV / crossover if you ask me, but it seems that NO auto manufacturers are immune to the "crossover virus", which started spreading since 5 - 10 years ago. Kia Sonet Kia Sonet is an all-new subcompact SUV to be produced at Kia's Anantpur facility for sale in India and also exported to international markets. Rivalling the likes of Hyundai Venue and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Kia Sonet shares its engine and platform with the sister company Venue subcompact SUV and will be the second car in the country to feature clutchless transmission. Upfront, the Kia Sonet gets the company’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ with all-LED headlamps. The side profile looks quite impressive too and the car has a decent amount of lines and creases running across the body length, further escalating its sporty appeal. Now, coming to the interiors of the Kia Sonet, the SUV gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with as many as 55 UVO connected features as well. Moreover, you also get a digital instrument cluster and the same will come as standard on higher-spec variants. Apart from these, Kia Sonet comes with a three-spoke steering wheel with integrated buttons and scroll wheels. Prime features on the Kia Sonet include an auto climate control system, Bose sound system, electric sunroof, front ventilated seats, ambient lighting and six airbags – front, side and curtain. The Sonet also gets the world’s first virus protection tech for better safety in times like the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Kia will also be offering a smartwatch with the Sonet for remote functions. The list doesn’t end here as the Kia Sonet will also come with a wireless charger with a cooling function. The Sonet will be offered in a dual trim concept including the GT-Line trim that gets sporty-looking highlights on the outside as well as inside. The Kia Sonet will be launched with three engine options – two petrol and a diesel. These include a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol motor, a more powerful 1.0 T-GDi petrol mill and a 1.5-litre CRDi diesel unit. Transmission options on the Kia Sonet include five and six-speed manuals along with a seven-speed DCT, six-speed automatic, and more importantly, a new six-speed Smartstream intelligent manual transmission (iMT) that was seen on the Hyundai Venue iMT very recently. The biggest benefit of this transmission is that it offers clutchless shifting with the control of a manual shift lever. That said, the iMT on the Kia Sonet offers operation exactly like a manual gearbox with the need to shift gears but there is no clutch pedal. The Kia Sonet will also be offered with a six-speed automatic gearbox option with the 1.5-litre diesel engine option. You also get multi-drive & traction modes and grip control for the automatic variants of the Sonet.

Crossover fever has hit Lamborghini yet again, and if you are expecting another SUV, sorry you are wrong (so am I). This Sterrato is something I least expected, as it serve no real purpose at all, imo. The Sterrato has a modest 1.7-inch suspension lift over the Huracan Evo. This allows for more suspension travel, and Lamborghini gives the Sterrato an updated version of its Integrated Vehicle Dynamics system to make the most of it. There are new calibrations for Strada and Sport driving modes, and there's a new Rally mode dedicated to low-grip surfaces. In addition to being taller, the Huracan Sterrato is also slightly wider. The track is stretched 1.2 inches in the front and 1.3 inches at the back, and of course it's all-wheel drive. 15-inch brakes with six-piston calipers provide stopping power at the front, with 14-inch discs and four-piston calipers at the rear. They are tucked behind 19-inch wheels shod with a special set of Bridgestone Dueler AT002 all-terrain run-flat tires, made specifically for this car. They're still low-profile 40-series rubber, but there's at least a little more sidewall for protection and comfort when venturing off-pavement. The tires also offer a bit more bite in the dirt, which is important when you have 602 horsepower and 560 Newton-meters of torque to play with. That's the rating for this version of Lamborghini's 5.2-liter V10, sending all that power through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. When the grip is plentiful, the Huracan Sterrato will reach 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and continue on to a top speed of 261 kmh. It's not as flat-out fast as other Huracans, but it also has a very different purpose in life. That's further evidenced by the Sterrato's visual appearance. Aluminum underbody panels protect vital portions of the powertrain. It also gets reinforced sills and a relocated air intake at the back of the roof, designed not for deep-water fording but to pull in clean dust-free air. It's impossible to miss the bold fender arches and auxiliary lights on the nose, and moving inside you'll find exclusive Verde Sterrato Alcantra upholstery with new graphics on the touchscreen. There are also several off-road-focused instruments including an inclinometer, pitch and roll indicator, steering angle indicator, and more. It's ironic that Lamborghini's first car-based off-roader will also be its last pure-combustion vehicle. Lamborghini will build 1,499 units for the world, with production starting in February 2023. Pricing will be announced later.

Here come the Vezel Hybrid competitor... All new Toyota C-HR (even the name remind us of HRV)

The spy photos aren't the best quality – they look like they were taken from quite a distance – and camouflage hides the finer details. However, we can see that it should wear new clothes even if the underpinnings carry over unchanged, which is the current rumor. It'll borrow design cues from the redesigned Nissan Juke while taking inspiration from Nissan's IMQ concept. You can see the Juke's influence at the rear with the prominent rear quarter panels and sloping hatch glass. The interior is expected to receive a major overhaul with a new dashboard design and a revamped infotainment system. Nissan will begin focusing on electric vehicles instead, using two new hybrid systems. One is suspected to be the company's ePower system that pairs a gasoline engine with batteries and an electric motor. The other could be a plug-in hybrid system relying on Mitsubishi's experience in the arena. Other gasoline engines will likely feature mild-hybrid setups to increase efficiency.

Aston Martin DBX shown in near-production form before 2019 launchhttps://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/aston-martin-readies-dbx-suv-2019-launch Aston Martin has confirmed that its first-ever SUV model will be called DBX and launch before the end of next year. The brand has also released official 'spy' images showing the car's near-production bodywork. The DBX was first previewed as a concept car in 2015 but had been tipped to take another name for production, with Varekai one of the rumoured possibilities. Unlike the concept, the production DBX will feature a more conventional five-door layout rather than the sleeker three-door design that was originally expected. The DBX is arguably the most important model in Aston Martin’s history and the next phase of the company’s turnaround plan under boss Andy Palmer. While every Aston produced under Palmer to date as part of his ‘Second Century’ plan has been a replacement for an existing model (DB11, Vantage and DBS Superleggera), the DBX breaks new ground by having no direct predecessor. As well as being the first Aston SUV, it is also the first Aston to be produced in a new purpose-built factory in St Athan, Wales. During its life cycle, it will introduce hybrid technology to Aston, and it will also play a key role in trying to attract female buyers to the Aston Martin brand. The DBX is built on an Aston Martin architecture that will be closely related to that set to be used by the Lagonda saloon and SUV that Aston also has in the pipeline and which will be built alongside the DBX in Wales from 2021. Whereas the Lagonda models will be electrically driven, however, the DBX will start life with petrol power, before getting Mercedes-sourced hybrid technology early in the next decade. Aston Martin’s own V12 and Mercedes-AMG’s V8 engines will both find their way into the DBX, with Mercedes also donating the car’s electrical architecture. The DBX will compete against the likes of the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, Rolls-Royce Cullinan and upcoming Ferrari SUV. Given the broad appeal and rise in popularity of SUVs, the DBX is expected to quickly become Aston’s bestselling model. New official shots show DBX's design for first time Aston has released images of the DBX undergoing testing on the gravel stages of the Wales Rally GB, for the first time giving hints of the final production car’s design. There’s little left of the DBX concept in the camouflaged test mule, although the sleek silhouette does remain, albeit with an extra pair of doors. Sharp body creases and a pronounced shoulder line help reduce the overall visual bulk on what is the most high-sided Aston yet produced, while a new integrated grille design performs a similar role at the front of the car. Aston Martin is already talking up the DBX’s all-terrain capabilities, which are revealed in these official testing images with the company’s chief engineer Matt Becker at the wheel. The DBX is the first Aston Martin to go through a new dedicated test programme, to ensure it can produce the kind of dynamic on-road performance on which Aston has always made its name, allied to some credibility off-road. Testing is also due to take place in the Arctic, the deserts of the Middle East, on German autobahns and at the Nürburgring, as well as both on and off-road in the UK. Itwill also be the first all-new Aston Martin model launched after the company’s stock market flotation, a formal intention for which was finally confirmed in late August after the firm returned to profitability last year. In a long-rumoured move, Aston Martin is set to offer more than £1 billion of shares, which equates to some 25% of the company, on the London Stock Exchange in the autumn. The initial public offering (IPO) values the British manufacturer at around £5bn and would place it in the FTSE 100. Following its own IPO in 2015, Ferrari’s value doubled to around £15bn a year later. Aston Martin has changed significantly as a company under the leadership of Andy Palmer, who joined as CEO in 2014. He has brought financial stability to the company and returned it to profit. Last year, it was in the black for the first time since 2010. Aston’s first-half results in 2018 showed that it recorded a pre-tax profit of £20.7 million. Palmer has underpinned that growth with his so-called ‘second century’ plan, which is formed of seven models being launched over seven years at the rate of one per year, each then on sale for a seven-year model cycle with various derivatives and special-edition versions launched within that. Hybrid powertrains to arrive later in DBX's lifecycle Daimler will provide Aston’s hybrid technology and is also one of two routes for sourcing full-electric drivetrains, according to Palmer, with other external partners also being explored. Aston has sourced an 800V system for its first electric car, the limited-run RapidE due in 2019, and Palmer said 800V and access to the latest chemistry is key to any future EV powertrain from the firm. Although hybrid versions of the DBX are a long way off, the car will be launched with a Mercedes-sourced 4.0-litre V8 and Aston’s own 5.2-litre V12 as core engine options. Palmer said that although he lists the DBX’s rivals as the Bentayga, Urus, Cullinan and upcomingFerrari, each model performs a very different role in the super-luxury SUV segment. “Those minded towards a beauty of execution will move to Aston,” he said. First-time Aston customers are expected to be found in China and North America in particular for the DBX, but Palmer said plenty of existing Aston owners will be interested, too. “It’s fascinating to me that 72% of Aston customers also own an SUV, and normally these are Cayennes or Range Rovers,” he said. “If you’re converted to Aston, it’ll be easier to convert buyers to an Aston SUV.” The final model name of the DBX has yet to be decided upon. However, earlier this year Aston trademarked the name Varekai. The seventh model in its product plan, a mid-engined supercar to rival the Ferrari 488, will be called the Vanquish. The DBX is expected to sell at around 5000 units per year, which would comfortably make it Aston’s most popular model. Last year, the firm sold 5117 sports cars, with the long-term goal of up to 14,000 split between 7000 each from Gaydon and St Athan, and the rest from up to two special, limited-run models each year.

Urban life presents particular challenges. When it comes to driving, it's an environment where motorists increasingly appreciate the robust, high-riding qualities of an SUV, but on a scale tailored to suit urban streets and with a genuine emphasis on environmental performance. At the same time, drivers want a vehicle that's distinctive and stylish, and which has all the flexibility they need for an active lifestyle. These are exactly the qualities Toyota has instilled in the all-new Toyota Yaris Cross. The new Toyota Yaris Cross has been designed and developed for Europe, specifically to meet the requirements and preferences of the region's B-SUV market. It will be made in Europe too, at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF), alongside the new generation Yaris hatchback, from 2021. True hybrid, true SUV The new Yaris Cross draws on Toyota's strong heritage of advanced hybrid technology, small car design and SUV engineering. Toyota's world leadership in hybrid vehicle technology includes the first use of a hybrid system in a B-segment car with the original Yaris Hybrid in 2012. The unmatched experience it has gained ensures that Toyota Yaris Cross's new fourth generation hybrid powertrain delivers exceptional performance and efficiency. As a member of the Yaris family, Yaris Cross is constructed on Toyota's new GA-B compact car platform. It also shares the "big-small" design and packaging concept that characterised the original Yaris, and presents a roomy interior within compact exterior dimensions. Toyota Yaris Cross is also a genuine SUV, benefiting from Toyota's experience in originating the concept of the recreational SUV 25 years ago with the RAV4 - today the world's best-selling SUV - and more recently in producing the stylish and highly efficient C-HR. A raised ride height and the availability of AWD-i intelligent all-wheel drive reinforce its authentic SUV credentials. Adding Yaris Cross to the line-up will give Toyota an SUV range that spans the B, C and D segments. New hybrid powertrain Yaris Cross benefits from Toyota's fourth generation hybrid technology. Toyota successfully pioneered the use of full hybrid technology in B-segment cars with the introduction of the first Yaris Hybrid hatchback in 2012. Since then, more than half a million have been sold in Europe, making it a powerful tool in building public awareness and appreciation of the technology. The Yaris and Yaris Cross are the first models to use Toyota's latest 1.5 hybrid system, developed directly from the larger 2.0 and 2.5-litre powertrains used by recent new models such as the Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 and Camry. This features a new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, precision-engineered to reduce friction and mechanical losses and optimise combustion speed. The result is high torque at low engine speeds and excellent fuel efficiency. The engine's thermal efficiency is rated at 40%, which is greater than comparable diesel engines and ensures strong fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The new hybrid system has a maximum output of 116 DIN hp. Special attention has been given to power delivery, making the system very responsive to drive. In terms of emissions efficiency, the front-wheel drive model starts from below 90 g/km CO2 and the AWD-i version from below 100 g/km. Toyota GA-B platform Toyota Yaris Cross follows its sibling hatchback model in adopting Toyota's new GA-B vehicle platform. This ensures a high level of body rigidity and a well-balanced chassis, making the car responsive and agile. All urban. All SUV With the Yaris Cross, Toyota has produced an authentic SUV on a smaller scale, giving customers the higher driving position, practicality and interior spaciousness, they desire in a car with compact dimensions that make it well-suited to urban driving. The design evokes the classic qualities of SUVs, with a higher body and larger wheels/tyres communicating strength and purpose. Toyota Yaris Cross has the same 2,560 mm wheelbase as the new Yaris hatchback, but is 240 mm longer overall, with 60 mm added to the front overhang and 180 mm to the rear, securing more interior space. The ground clearance is 30 mm higher and the vehicle is taller and wider overall - by 90 and 20 mm respectively. Practical and Versatile Being a true SUV, special attention has been given to practicality and versatility. There's a power back door for when your hands are full. And an adjustable deck height to give the flexibility of either a secure underfloor compartment or increased trunk space for larger loads. In addition, the deck board itself can be split in two, giving customers both increased space and an underfloor storage area. The trunk is also equipped with a new flex belt system to secure items and stop them shifting during driving. Yaris Cross is just as spacious as it is practical. With all seats up and tonneau cover in place it delivers a large trunk volume. However, if more load capacity is needed, then there's a 40:20:40 foldable rear seat system to balance rear passenger space with cargo needs. Intelligent all-wheel drive One of the features that defines the new Toyota Yaris Cross as an authentic SUV is the availability of an intelligent all-wheel drive system - a unique feature in its class for a hybrid model. AWD-i provides extra stability and traction in everyday driving, in poor conditions and on low-grip surfaces. An electric system, it is more compact and weighs less than mechanical AWD units, helping the Yaris Cross Hybrid AWD-i achieve lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than any of its all-wheel drive B-SUV competitors. The system directs drive torque to the rear axle when pulling away and when accelerating. In normal driving, the Toyota Yaris Cross operates with front-wheel drive, but when low-grip conditions are detected, all-wheel drive is engaged automatically. This can be, for example, on wet cobblestones, in heavy rain, on wet or packed snow, or on sand. Advanced Driver Assistance System The foundation of the new Yaris Cross's safety performance is its GA-B platform, giving the car an exceptionally rigid body. With the intention of meeting the highest and most rigorous independent test standards, it will further benefit from Toyota Safety Sense active safety systems and advanced driver assistance functions, helping to avoid a wide range of common accident risks through driver information, early warnings and, when necessary, automatic braking and steering intervention. Design The design process of Toyota Yaris Cross brought together a wide team from studios in both Europe and Japan. To describe their ideas and inspiration in more detail, please find below the words of one member of the team - Lance Scott, Design General Manager at Toyota's EDD studio in Nice, France. "When we started this process, we understood that whilst style is the number one purchase reason in the B-SUV segment, customers were also keen to have a high level of practicality. Not easy things to reconcile, especially in a compact package. From the very beginnings of the design concept, we had the European customer in mind, but needed to understand more about them. So we went out and interviewed real customers to understand their lifestyle, what they liked, what their daily activities were and how they enjoyed themselves. After an enjoyable and enlightening process, we came back enthusiastic to design a car that would mirror their personality and deliver a vibrant combination of being both sophisticated and energetic. As a team, we came up with the key words 'Robust' and 'Minimalistic', which we felt would express both compactness and agility, as well as the robustness and strength of an SUV. When we started to sketch ideas for the exterior, the iconic image of a diamond consistently came to mind. Subsequently we coined the phrase 'nimble diamond' to express the hard, strong and premium image of the gemstone combined with the agile and fun to drive personality we felt the car needed to convey. From the top view, or plan view as we call it, we 'cut', or 'shaved' the body to give us a diamond shape that allowed us the space to emphasise the fenders. This diamond body shape combined with the 4 bold fenders gave us an energetic shape which was both strong and sophisticated. Clearly, we want the car to be immediately perceived as a SUV, so we emphasised a higher ground clearance, a strong horizontal axis giving a great balance and poise, big squared wheel arches and of course big wheels ... up to 18"! The face was also a very important aspect for us. We wanted to keep the strong DNA of Toyota's SUV line-up but at the same time give Yaris Cross an identity of its own. At the rear, we again focused on giving the car a good stance with the wide fenders illustrating how it looks planted on its wheels. Combining the horizontal rear tail lamps and rear screen clearly shows family identity with Yaris, yet the wider and more squared tailgate hints at the luggage space's larger flexibility for daily usage. For the exterior colour, we started to think about something that could express an active and high-quality image that our target customers would really appreciate. Looking at future colour trends we can see that there is a growing tendency for gold and other precious metals, but we wanted to offer something a bit more natural and urban. Adding a subtle hint of green to the gold direction, whilst also de-saturating the colour to emphasis the metal like appearance, gave us this fresh urban yet active appeal that highlighted the surface form of the exterior. The final result is a colour we call Brass Gold" Toyota expects to produce more than 150,000 Yaris Cross a year at the TMMF Onnaing factory, near Valenciennes in France, and achieve a B-SUV segment share of more than 8%.

With EV going mainstream in the next few years, the automotive industry is going through a hard "reset", so will the once viewed as problematic French manufacturer turn the tide while riding on the next wave? Let see... Straddling between crossover and chunky hatchback territory, this electrified Mégane E-Tech is a less glorified production version of last year’s Mégane eVision concept study. If you find the outline kind of familiar, it is because it bear similar proportions to the new Nissan Ariya Electric Crossover, which it shares the same CMF-EV platform and electric powertrain. The Mégane E-Tech Electric will initially be offered with 40kW and 60kW battery packs, with the latter providing a maximum driving range of 470 km in the WLTP test cycle. That’s about +20km more than what Renault had initially communicated when it also mentioned that the electric engine on the front axle produces 215 hp. Renault has not revealed if the range-topping powertrain from the all-wheel drive Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE which pumps out an impressive 389 hp and 600 Nm of torque working together with a larger 90kW battery to deliver up to 580km range and a 0-100km/h timing of 5.1 seconds will be available in the future. As usual, stay tuned for more information. The car will be officially unveiled on Monday (European time) at the 2021 Munich Motor Show.

This Mustang-inspired EV will be revealed on 17 November, ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

For today, it's the Mazda CX-30! So, what is the Mazda CX-30? A crossover? A Mazda 3 in taller boots? Let Jon tell you all about it! In the simplest of terms, this is what the Mazda CX-30 is. But if you still don't really understand what Jon means.... Yes. The CX-30 is the taller version of the Mazda 3 Hatchback. Mazda's Kodo design language is arguably one of the best design languages in the car industry, currently, at least to this writer. The Kodo design language carries itself around pretty well, from sedan to SUV, and it almost seems like Mazda can do no wrong with it. Not the most generous boot capacity, admittedly. But, the CX-30 has a flat load floor! Perfect if you want to transport bigger or bulkier items like a bicycle or IKEA furniture. No weird hump in the middle of the car floor to give you difficulty. At Jon's height, he still has a decent amount of legroom. Not to mention, the leather in the CX-30 is quite a lovely colour. But yes, headroom is a drawback. Especially since there is a sunroof. So, taller people, do take note. Jon still has some headroom but it isn't much. This writer daresays Mazda is killing it with the design of the dashboard layout. Clean, simple lines with a rectangular screen positioned at an optimal angle, and with physical buttons for the important things like air-conditioning and music control. It's really intuitive. Took the words right out of this writer's mouth you did, Jon. Well, with these power levels, you won't be winning many traffic light races. But hey, it's more than enough for overtaking on the expressway, plus Mazda's SkyActiv engines do make their cars feel a little more brisk than what the spec sheet claims to be. Want to know more about what Jon has to say about the Mazda CX-30? Watch the video below to find out!

This seems to be the best looking compact crossover from VW stable, although it is technically a fastback version of the T-Cross. VCS bring this in instead of the boring T-Cross!

The new Veune is Hyundai's newest member into its SUV family and its first in the sub-compact SUV segment. In our video review, Julian and Jon go through what they think about the styling of the sub-compact crossover. On to practicality, it looks like the Venue's boot is not exactly deep... In this 'S' variant, you get an interior that matches the exterior paint colour. Check out Julian's view of the layout and build quality. And of course, we proceed to give you our driving impressions on video! Seems like Jon is a bit upset about something? Could this be your ideal crossover? Or a trendy option for those still looking to upgrade their way to something else larger later in life? Watch the full video to find out!

I am sure that there are few greater pleasures in this world than KBBQ. Don't get me wrong, the Koreans produce plenty of high-quality stuff: The world of battery technology, electronics, cosmetics, and er, their K-pop groups (I guess) all speak to the dizzying ambitions of the great nation. But I think many will agree that there is likewise something ephemeral in the pleasure of being able to cook and stuff your face for $24.99 an hour. Perhaps its that fact that you sit cossetted in the knowledge that you got a decent deal anyhow, and is thus immune from buyer's remorse once you're full, or maybe it's the fact that for the next hour, you are empowered over your own gluttony, free at will to toe that sublime division between excess and restrain. Whatever it may be, if you, as I myself often do, find yourself in need of cheap transportation to hop from restaurant to restaurant, Ssangyong has the perfect solution for you. Ssangyong needs the facelifted Tivoli to do well. On the international front, Dacia has already firmly established itself as the go-to frills-free brand, and Nissan's all new Juke is once again raring at the heels of the compact crossover segment. But more importantly, think of this facelift as the initial assault, a market acid test if you will, before Ssangyong's more expensive offerings such as the Korando makes it to our shores. So, the headlines first: The new Tivoli comes into the competitive and crowded segment with a new, 161bhp turbocharged four-cylinder unit hot enough to fire up any BBQ joint. Combined with its 260Nm torque output, the Tivoli will be able to see off what will be local close-rivals the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR. Sweet. But better still, the facelifted car also now sports refreshed head lights and integrated fog lamps which manage to lift the look of the entire car into something that is do I dare say, handsome? (Edit: Those that have seen how I dress on our parent site best cast doubts on my aesthetic judgement!) Step inside and you will find space aplenty even for four with pork-bellied stomachs. Opt for the deluxe spec car and you also find a new central 8.0-inch infotainment display that comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility. Abundant use of gloss black in the interior means you will struggle to keep contact points clean from your greasy fingers, but do will to lift the perceived quality of the entire cabin, which is, once again, pretty sweet, especially considering that you're still looking at a $109,888 car (price as of press time). I cover all this in the full review here. But since there is less nannying when it comes to blog posts I shall take the opportunity to speak more freely here. The car needs polishing. To drive at speed, the car makes its high kerb weight and centre of gravity felt, running wide far earlier than you would expect. Quick lane change manoeuvres are met with that sickening sensation that your bum is no longer travelling in the direction your arms have intended, and the suspension has no qualms about constantly making itself heard over bumps. That new engine may be a riot, but it sure as hell sounds like one when climbing into the rev range. Which is all a damm shame. Like finding out your favorite haunt no longer serves fresh entrees. I wanted the Tivoli to do well, mostly because for a while there it seemed like they were starting the make the right noises here and here, and diversity is the spice of life right? Still, its important to remember that this is only a facelifted model. Come 2020, we dig into the meat proper and see the firm's latest efforts. I'm already hungry for more.

Let embrace the EV storm, from CHINA. To those that said China brand is dead in Singapore, think again. China is now leading the EV market, and several established auto manufacturers are actually trying to collaborate with these Chinese EV startup to gain entry into the EV segment. Denza X, an electrified crossover, is a product of the joint venture between Daimler and China’s BYD, but more importantly, the design child of the former. Thus Denza X has unashamedly incorporates Mercedes-Benz influences, from the seat designs, to the trimmings, air vents and everything in between. If you’ve driven any recent Benz’s, you’ll feel right at home here. Earlier this year, China’s EV brand Denza, a 50:50 joint venture between BYD and Daimler, presented the sleek Concept X designed by Mercedes-Benz. Since things move really fast in China’s auto industry, the company has already revealed the production model that’s called the Denza X. The midsize crossover stays remarkably close to the concept from a styling standpoint, although the pop-out door handles and rearview cameras haven’t made it to the production model. The bumpers have also been modified, as have the lights. Inside, the 4.89-meter (192.5-inch) long SUV offers seven seats and a dashboard dominated by a massive center display that can rotate, changing its orientation from portrait to landscape and back. The Denza X also features a fully digital instrument panel. Chinese customers will be able to choose from two powertrains, a plug-in hybrid and an all-electric. The PHEV combines a 192 PS (189 HP) 2.0-liter turbo-four gasoline engine, two electric motors, and a battery. The motor mounted on the front axle delivers 150 PS (148 HP) while the one at the back produces 245 PS (242 HP). It’s the same powertrain found on the BYD Tang, with which the Denza X shares its underpinnings. With a usable output of more than 400 PS (396 HP), the plug-in hybrid model is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 5 seconds. As for the all-electric version, it’s powered by a single electric motor delivering 245 PS (242 HP) and can cover around 500 km (311 miles) on a single charge according to the NEDC cycle. Denza will release more details about its new model at the November launch, with deliveries in China expected to start in early 2020.

First official photos of the new luxurious sport crossover from Ingolstadt, Germany. Stay tuned for more updates...