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The Citizen
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
This could be what Land Rover's diminutive Defender looks like
Land Rover looks set to leverage the Defender moniker with its foray into the world of electrification. A reported diminutive Defender is in the works as a new electric SUV which has now been spotted under heavy camouflage during recent testing. This all-new model—possibly dubbed the Defender Sport—is shaping up to be the most compact off-roader in the Land Rover stable, and perhaps the most city-friendly Defender ever built too. This is how the electric Defender might look Though official details remain under wraps, spy shots and clever renderings have helped us piece together a rough idea of what this baby brute might look like. Styled by Nikita Chuyko for Kolesa, the speculative render shows a familiar boxy silhouette, reminiscent of the full-fat Defender, albeit scaled down and smoothed out. Related: Road test figures: BMW M3 Touring In the renders supplied by the Defender Sport retains the hallmark round headlights but there is no traditional grille to speak of—just a set of narrow slits in place of air intakes, echoing its combustion-powered sibling. Chunky bumpers, squared-off wheel arches and flared fenders add to the rugged visual DNA, while blacked-out pillars (save for a colour-coded C-pillar) introduce a more youthful, urban tone. The rear is more interesting and draws some inspiration from models like the Hyundai Santa Fe. This prototype has surprisingly low taillights which may not be replicated into the final production model. Beneath all of this boxy bodywork, the upcoming EV will reportedly ride on Jaguar Land Rover's new Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform, which is designed to accommodate 800-volt tech and ultra-rapid 350 kW charging. As expected, the mini Defender should come standard with all-wheel drive with the potential for dual-motor setups to help it maintain its off-road credibility. Other competitors in the electric SUV market This will likely go up against Mercedes-Benz's forthcoming 'Little G' electric G-Class, which is also due to arrive later this decade. Both models aim to bring iconic off-road names into a more compact, electric future. Pricing for the baby Defender is still TBC, but expect it to sit well below the standard Defender 90 (from approximately R1.5 million locally). Since this is all under wraps, there is no confirmation that it will be coming to the local market – time will tell… Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with Car Magazine! The post This Could Be What Land Rover's Diminutive Defender Looks Like appeared first on Car Magazine.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
What Do the Michelin Guide and Michelin Tires Have in Common? We Took a Road Trip To Find Out
You might think of Michelin as a premium tire company and the Michelin Guide as the ultimate resource for fine dining and hospitality. But some are surprised you to know that the two have shared roots in the mission of creating a refined lifestyle in both travel and dining. I was one of those surprised to learn this. The goal of Michelin–both the tires and the guides–is to deliver a luxury journey that focuses on the experience. Feel the car, not the road. Get to your destination with confidence no matter the weather. Arrive ready to enjoy the best food in the world, then relax in the finest hotels, all listed and rated by the Michelin Guide. This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was Michelin's guest for this experience; tires, hotels and meals were provided but all opinions are my own. When André and Édouard Michelin founded their tire company, there were few cars on the road and even less demand for tires. So, to increase demand for both tires and cars, they created the ultimate travel guide for their clients: the Michelin Guide, a small red handbook that included many handy tips, such as how to change a tire and the best restaurants along scenic routes. To maintain the integrity of the guide, the Michelin brothers began to send mystery diners to rate restaurants, leading to the creation of the Michelin star system, still reviewed by stealth critics and the most prestigious restaurant rating system in the world. Starting in the 1920's Michelin began also listing hotels and just last year added 'Key' ratings to denote excellence. The idea of taking a road trip with great restaurants and fine hotels as your destination has become increasingly popular. But often the on-road experience can be uneven compared to the culinary and hospitality experience. Does it have to be? Read: How Important Are Your Tires? How to Make the Right Choice For New Tires It's been 125 years since the Michelin brothers produced their first guide, and while the popularity of driving has exploded, so has Michelin's influence on culinary and hospitality trends. But we wondered, do the principles of one translate to the other? We tested the theory by taking a road trip on a fresh set of tires as we toured some Michelin Key hotels and had dinner at Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City and Washington D.C. Read: I Need New Tires. Should I Buy the Same Ones My Car Came With? To prepare for the trip, my boyfriend and I had a set of Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires installed on his Hyundai Santa Fe. We didn't think it really needed new tires; the car seemed to drive just fine. But was really just the first step in our Michelin journey: starting out with confidence and convenience of having new tires installed. We took the car to 106th St. Tire & Wheel in Corona, Queens, a local shop where we knew the installation would be done properly. In this case we didn't shop for tires with the shop, but if we had, the shop's advice would have been a key point of distinction; trust in the advice you're given matters greatly. Read: Run Flat Tires: The Most Civil Way to Have a Flat Tire Then we checked into The Mark Hotel, a Michelin Key sanctuary of luxury on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The neighborhood is a privilege on its own, one filled with luxury boutiques and chicly dressed locals. Just off Central Park, The Mark is known as a destination for celebrities and moguls seeking intuitive and thoughtful hospitality in a modern setting. A great hotel delivers more than just hospitality, though. It delivers confidence: of a great experience, no worries that things will go wrong, and if something isn't right, someone will take care of it. The Michelin Key designation is the first signal that we could have confidence in our stay. Yes, The Mark is a luxury hotel with excellent service and fine linens, but its luxury is more deeply woven into its DNA. Its design allows guests to suspend the stresses of the day and delve into The Mark experience. Housed in a landmark building of old New York architecture, its interiors and design motifs contrast heritage architecture with a modern graphic feel. Black and white stripes are the stage for chic objets d'art, deco furnishings and bold colors, designed by celebrated French architect Jacques Grange. The hotel's public spaces and guest rooms bring the whimsy of art to life. Even if you're not a celebrity, you'll feel like one. Having a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant is enough to be nerve-racking: It's more than a meal, it's an experience. And Torrisi, which sits on the border of New York's Little Italy and Chinatown, might be the biggest deal in NYC, America's food capital. Reservations are not easy to get and the menu takes study; every dish has a story, in this case, a story from the fabric of New York and the cultural influences that have shaped the city. Again turning to an expert for confidence that our journey would be memorable, we asked our waiter for guidance to what is a pretty complex menu. We began with Cucumbers New Yorkese, a dish created to celebrate the famed pickle trade of old New York. Then we tried the Italian and American Hams with Zeppole, shaved cured ham and prosciutto with Zeppole, fried Italian donuts found at street fairs like the famed Feast of San Gennaro. For our main course we had cavatelli with Jamaican beef ragu—a classic Italian dish with a distinct New York spin: the Jamaican beef patty known to so many as street food and pizzeria fare. Together, they are a New York story. To end the meal of course, I had to have the Caffe Espresso martini. Every good New York meal should end with espresso. Only later did I learn just how spot on our waiter's advice was. Our meal was exactly what the New York Times food critic Sam Sifton recommends to experience the heritage of New York City on a plate. The next leg of our journey took us through some of the toughest roads in the country: New York City, the New Jersey Turnpike, the parkways and traffic jams of of Washington, D.C. Then add rainy winter weather to the mix this drive becomes a white-knuckle experience. Confidence is a must, but we felt good. Having a solid set of tires capable of whisking away water from the road really helped; that's just part of what the Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires are known for. The unique chevron-style tread spans to the sides of the tires without large grooves. This means the tires are also quiet on the road, transforming what can be a loud drive into one that is optimal for conversation. And with a freshly-realigned front end and nicely cushy tread-depth, the tires added quite a lot to the comfort of our ride, something we hadn't even thought of but noticed immediately. And, behind the wheel they gave me more ability. If you've ever driven in NYC or D.C., you know: Potholes, darting pedestrians and short stops are a part of the routine. A good set of tires mean you can do all that with confidence. Like The Mark, the Pendry at the Wharf in Washington D.C. allowed us to walk through its doors and leave our stresses behind. The Pendry, a collection of nine boutique hotels, each uniquely designed from a Kate Spade-like dream to a neoclassic equestrian estate, is a hotel brand to collect and compare: Which are your your favorite rooms? Which has the best views, restaurants or most interesting neighborhoods? The Pendry at the Wharf is perhaps the brand's most modern hotel, a faceted glass tower filled with elegant, minimalist details, architectural lighting and water and city views everywhere you look. It wasn't unlike the comfortable ride that removed jarring pothole bumps and the noise of pavement against rolling rubber; the effect is to isolate the things that create your experience: rippling water, twinkling city lights, the smile of your companion. Our dinner journey took us to another Michelin Star restaurant, Reverie, nestled in D.C.'s historic Georgetown neighborhood, notable for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and cozy pubs. Reverie, which reopened in late 2023 after a devastating fire, is a contrarian in the neighborhood with it's open, modern room framed in stone and wood for a zen feel. But it also provides a connection to the region with a menu composed of Eastern seafood, local vegetables and game. The real magic at Reverie, though, is the confidence diners have in booking a reservation. Diners are served a fixed course meal and the menu changes daily. In fact, only after the meal are you presented with the menu so you can see what you ate. The room, the open kitchen bustling with chefs moving through the space with speed and precision and the Michelin star created a sense of excitement. As each course was presented, our chef appeared to explain it and break it down: The fundamental flavors that were deconstructed and reassembled to create an unexpected dish. Even after understanding each dish, we were still in awe of Reverie's creativity. Spiny lobster was not what you might expect; it was sliced thin, marinated in a citrusy ponzu and served with verbena, finger lime and elderflower vinegar, creating layers of flavors in a small, ice-chilled dish. Some dishes were served concealed under a layer of gel, others atop a delicate foam. Each was a surprising delight. For each bite to be presented then savored was part of the experience, but so was the idea that we could arrive rested and relaxed and ready to take in each part of the journey. And it changed me as a traveler. Now I know to look for the confidence that clears the way for a memorable journey and comforts that will help me to soak it all in. More must-reads: The Best Foldable Stroller Wagons for Travel, Family Beach Trips and More Have you heard about Ford Warriors in Pink?
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Thinking about buying a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe? Here are other top choices to consider
Kudos to Hyundai executives for having the guts to approve and market the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. In a part of a conservative market where design uniformity is king, this is a three-row SUV that's unafraid to show it's an SUV fashionista of the first order. While many casual onlookers remarked that Hyundai's brutalist breadbox resembled a Land Rover Defender or Range Rover, some found it profoundly unappealing. Its slab sides deliver a spacious interior, including 15 cubic feet of cargo space that opens up to 80 cubic feet with the seats stashed. For passengers, it means a comfortable seat height and lots of headroom, although third-row legroom is tight. Given its design ethos, it's no surprise that the interior's mix of light colors and interesting textures emits a premium the Santa Fe is a 277 horsepower 2.5-liter direct-injected, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. You can also opt for a 231 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid with a six-speed automatic transmission. Either driveline can be matched with front or all-wheel drive. The Santa FE's towing capacity is 3,500 pounds when equipped with trailer brakes, dropping to 1,650 pounds without them. Choosing the XRT trim with trailer brakes increases the rating to 4,500 pounds. Driving the 2.5-liter reveals a noticeable case of turbo lag, a bit too much engine noise, and a nervously shifting transmission. Regrettably, it lacks the sophistication of its design. Like most of the SUVs listed here, ride comfort is prioritized over handling, but that's no surprise given most SUVs' family-based prerogatives or the Santa Fe's fashion-forward ones. Like every Santa Fe ever built, driving one is wholly unremarkable, but it looks fab, and that's what matters here. Still, there are others that share the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe's proclivities and might be worth a look,With its Camaro-inspired design, Chevrolet seemed to have a handle on the SUV fashionista class until the Hyundai and Kia showed up. Yes, it only has two rows, not three, but that's why there are 31 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats and 64 with them stowed. The cabin is equally spacious and comes with a decent tech package, including a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Blazer is powered by a 228-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or an optional 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard, with front- or all-wheel drive. Towing is rated at 4,500 pounds. While the Blazer boasts smooth, strong power delivery and impeccable road manners, it never proves engaging. But we really dig its round air vents. Quiet, comfortable, and refined, the Kia Telluride belies its price, particularly on upper trims. It's like costume jewelry: it looks like a luxury SUV without being priced like one. That's why it's been such a hot commodity since it debuted in 2020. There are three adult-sized rows and 21 cubic feet of cargo capacity, expanding to 87 cubic feet with the seats stowed. The interior's premium allure comes from its padded and appropriately premium surfaces as well as its 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. A potent 291 horsepower 3.8-liter V6, 8-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive are standard. All-wheel drive is optional. Towing is rated at 5,000 pounds. It certainly rivals the Hyundai for the top spot in this glamorous segment of the SUV chosen refinement over ruggedness, the Mazda CX-90's designers bypassed any false stylistic mock allusions to off-roading. Instead, it radiates a sleek urbanity, an understatedly elegant form that offers three rows and an interior that also belies its price. Lined with sophisticated finishes, its only flaw is its infotainment system, with clunky software and a console-mounted controller. If you can live with it, you'll like the CX-90. Powertrains include a 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder mild hybrid system with 280 horsepower or 340 horsepower, depending on the model. You can also choose a 323 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid with 26 miles of pure electric range. An 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. Towing is rated at 5,000 pounds with the Towing Package and 3,500 pounds without it. Cargo space is rated 14.9 cubic feet, expanding to more than 74 cubic feet. While adeptly athletic, there's no hiding its size and weight. Well-controlled body motions and nicely weighted steering help compensate, making the CX-90 a massive Mazda that drives well. Don't hate it because it's beautiful; the Nissan Murano has always been an automotive fashionista. Open its door, and you'll see its cabin's spa-like ambiance anchored by a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Every comfort and convenience feature is included, even massaging seats. The seats prove comfy, and there's decent space, including a cargo capacity of 33 cubic feet, expanding to 64 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. There is no third standard engine is a variable-compression turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 241 horsepower and a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available on all trims, but base models can be fitted with front-wheel drive. The towing capacity is 1,500 pounds. Unfortunately, the four-cylinder engine possesses complicated engineering that's supposed to supply strong power and superior fuel efficiency but noticeably lacks both. Sadly, this is just a pretty face. Replacing the lovely but unloved Venza in the Toyota line-up, the Crown Signia is similar to its departed relative in that it's a hybrid-powered, all-wheel drive SUV meant to overcome foul weather rather than hit the Rubicon Trail. This makes it a perfect SUV fashionista, one with a comfortably soft ride and a cabin that's quieter than a college library on a Saturday night. This is a cruiser, not a bruiser. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors send 240 horsepower to all four wheels. Towing is rated at 2,700 pounds. Inside, you'll find the roomy accommodations to be very acceptable. Behind its two rows is 25 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 66 cubic feet with the rear row stowed. There's a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen along with the requisite indulgent comfort and convenience items. Much like the dearly departed Avalon, the Crown Signia is aimed at buyers who want a Lexus for Toyota money. Mission accomplished. It's pretty, it's comfortable, and it has adequate speed. For some, that's more than for glam over game, these chic SUVs value appearance and attitude over athleticism, with the exception of the Mazda CX-90, which proves to be a standout in midsize SUVs. That said, none of these are true off-road warriors. Instead, they're meant for the urban jungle and overcoming foul weather. The Kia Telluride and the Crown Signia play this game fairly well. The Chevrolet Blazer isn't bad either, but there's not enough distinctive design here to help it overcome the class winners. The Nissan Murano is a fine candidate, but Nissan's variable-compression turbocharged engine doesn't accomplish any of its goals, making the Murano a good candidate for a heart transplant. Lastly, one hopes that Hyundai refines the Santa Fe's driveline. Given its heritage, however, driving excellence should not be expected. Love reading Autoblog? 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