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Stuff.tv
a day ago
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
I think the Nissan Qashqai e-Power is the best compromise if you can't charge at home
Stuff Verdict The hugely popular Nissan Qashqai e-Power has been spruced up and looks and performs noticeably better than earlier editions, but it's got some tough competition to beat. Pros Refreshed design works a treat Offers most of the appeal of an EV Interior has had a real boost Cons Average driving experience Boot space could be better Feels a bit lumpy on rough roads Introduction One of the biggest hurdles with buying an electric car is where to charge it. Things have got better in terms of infrastructure but costs to charge are high. Charging at home therefore makes a lot of sense, but not everyone is able to do that. One possible answer is the new Nissan Qashqai e-Power. This hugely popular family-friendly SUV has sold by the bucketload, and it's also built in the UK. The new edition looks like it could make even more friends. In many ways it feels like a proper EV, but it never needs to be plugged in. This is, in essence, a petrol-engine hybrid, but the engine charges a small battery that in turn supplies electric power to the wheels. While the Nissan Qashqai e-Power isn't quite as smooth and silent as a genuine EV all of the time, it actually works very well when driven on frequent around town-type journeys. Nissan has worked hard to refine the latest iteration, promising longer service intervals that can lower running costs, along with some cosmetic tweaks and a quieter driving experience. Underneath the tasty new bonnet lines, the powerplant has been reworked into a more condensed and much leaner setup, which promises a much more refined experience than older cars. That said, it's up against the new Kia Sportage, which I've just driven and is a hard act to follow… How we test cars Every electric car reviewed on Stuff is tested on a range of road surfaces and, where possible, in varying weather conditions. We use our years of experience to compare with rivals and assess ergonomics, technology features and general usability. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. The styling Nissan knows it's got a good thing going on with the Qashqai, so there's not a huge amount of difference with the exterior of the new version compared to the old. I'd say it's a case of tweaking, rather than transforming, but the overall effect makes the Nissan Qashqai e-Power great to look at. The front end is the best example, with a more prominent grille area that's particularly striking. It's the same at the back, with revised taillights that bring the look bang up to date. Adding to the external design appeal is a nice balance between shiny black trim and chrome flourishes, with the icing on the cake being a very decent selection of alloys across the trim levels. This rather more premium tone continues on the inside, with an interior that both looks and feels a lot more impressive than some of the older trim grades. It didn't feel quite as snazzy as the Kia Sportage, but it's acceptable enough. The drive Nissan's engineers have done a fine job with the new powerplant, so this Qashqai feels like a much more refined car than the last one. Setting off for the first time, I found the car to be effortless to drive, and the vibe is the same one delivered from a proper EV. It's super quiet, offers lightweight but positive steering and delivers a commanding view of the road ahead. To enhance the feeling that I was driving an EV, I also made full use of Nissan's e-Pedal mode, which delivers a regenerative feel to the braking. It's still very good. The six-speed automatic gearbox didn't deliver any unwanted surprises and shifted effectively without too much in the way of fuss. Hitting the open road and pushing it up to faster speeds, the Nissan Qashqai e-Power did change its tune a little though, but the engine noise does seem less pronounced than its predecessor. Delivery of said power seemed a lot smoother as well, although at motorway speeds it was also patently clear I wasn't behind the wheel of a full-blown EV. There's a Sport mode option from the drive selections, which is worth exploring even if it only adds a little colour to the driving experience rather than transforming it entirely. I'd imagine most owners who buy the new Nissan Qashqai e-Power will probably be fine pottering around in the standard drive mode. As a bonus, the efficiency of this car has been improved, so it should prove reasonable economical to run with up to 62mpg achievable on average. The technology One of the best improvements to the tech setup in the Nissan Qashqai e-Power is the revised suite of Google infotainment tools. They sit within a landscape screen that's okay rather than brilliant. Meanwhile, the dedicated camera views around the car are a real valued added extra if you're looking to squeeze into tight spots. Nissan is still pushing its ProPilot system, which has been around for a while but that too has been tweaked and functions as a useful assistant. This is especially so if you find it hard to stick to speed limits as ProPilot can help do that for you automatically thanks to its adaptive capability, with cool lane-keeping prowess as well. Heading for the middle of the range N-Design trim seems to get you most of the good stuff in terms of tech, which is topped off by a workmanlike audio system that gets the job done. Nissan Qashqai e-Power verdict The Nissan Qashqai e-Power will make a lot of sense for many folks, especially anyone who likes the appeal of going electric but doesn't have the means to charge at home. There are strong rival options, however, like the latest Kia Sportage, which I also love. That feels like a slightly better car too, especially when it comes to the interior. Nevertheless, the Nissan Qashqai e-Power looks and feels better than the outgoing model. It's noticeably quieter too. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 The hugely popular Nissan Qashqai e-Power has been spruced up and looks and performs noticeably better than earlier editions, but it's got some tough competition to beat. Pros Refreshed design works a treat Offers most of the appeal of an EV Interior has had a real boost Cons Average driving experience Boot space could be better Feels a bit lumpy on rough roads Nissan Qashqai e-Power technical specifications Powertrain Petrol engine, electric motor Battery 1.8kWh Power 203bhp Torque 243lb-ft 0-62mph 7.9sec Top speed 105mph Fuel economy 62mpg (745 miles per refuel, estimated) Cargo volume 455 litres
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Qatar Tribune
MoCI orders recall of Lincoln, Ford and Kia vehicle models
Tribune News Network Doha The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in cooperation with Almana Motors Company, the authorised dealer for Ford and Lincoln vehicles, has announced the recall of Lincoln Aviator and Nautilus (2021–2022 models), as well as Ford Explorer and Bronco (2021 model). The recall is due to the possibility that an engine valve in some affected vehicles may crack, potentially resulting in engine failure and a loss of motive power. Additionally, in collaboration with Al-Attiya Motors and Trading Company, the authorised dealer for Kia vehicles, the MoCI has recalled the Kia Sportage 2025 model. The recall is attributed to a possible fuel leak caused by a poorly manufactured high-pressure fuel pipe, which could lead to a fire in the engine compartment or reduced engine performance. The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs. The ministry added that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out. The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquiries, and suggestions through the following channels: Call Centre: 16001; Email:
The Sun
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Another Chinese car giant is launching in UK this summer with new range of EVs including 7-seater to rival Hyundai & Kia
A LEADING Chinese car brand is launching a new electric SUV in the UK as it aims to rival Hyundai and Kia. 3 3 Chery, the largest exporter of cars from China for the past 22 years, will enter the British market this summer. The Chinese manufacturing giant exported 1.14 million vehicles globally in 2024 alone. And it is now introducing its Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid to the UK buyers. The newest model was presented at Goodwood Festival of Speed over the weekend. Tiggo 8 is the first 7-seater from Chery to be sold in Britain. MODEL SPECIFICATIONS The hybrid vehicle combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 201bhp and 269lb ft of torque. According to Chery, it can travel up to 765 miles on combined power sources, with an 18.4kWh battery providing an additional 56 miles of EV range. The sophisticated interior is enhanced by chrome grills and a rear that has a slight resemblance of the Kia Sportage. The interior sports a dual screen, and standard specifications include a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Sony sound system, and adaptive cruise control. Chery UK country director, Farrell Hsu, said: "Goodwood is one of the most prestigious stages in the automotive world – so there's no better place to reveal Chery's most versatile and refined hybrid SUV to a UK audience. "The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is a perfect expression of what Chery stands for: smart technology, generous space and electrified efficiency without compromise. "It's designed to make people happy, knowing they've made the smart choice for their next SUV." New EV from China that's 'over £5,000 cheaper than Tesla' coming to the UK in weeks MORE CHINESE CAR BRANDS Geely, which owns LEVC, Lotus, Polestar, and Volvo, will soon be launching in the UK. British showrooms will see the Geely EX5 in the final quarter of the year. And the brand will open its own standalone dealership network in the UK. The model is an electric crossover designed to rival the Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3, and Renault Megane. Geely said the EX5 has been assessed by Lotus Engineering to evaluate whether it requires retuning for European roads. Meanwhile, Solihull 's International Motors has started importing Xpeng's new G6 car which could undercut the Tesla Model Y. Chinese firm Xpeng's new motor has been designed by the world-renowned JuanMa Lopez who was responsible for leading on the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. Despite the market becoming saturated with various EVs in recent years, the G6 looks to be a contender against the Tesla model for a fraction of the price.
Stuff.tv
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
The fab new Kia Sportage Hybrid will keep me going until I get my hands on the plug-in
Stuff Verdict The Kia Sportage in GT-Line hybrid guise packs in plenty of appeal although the forthcoming PHEV version might suit school run folks slightly better. Pros Tried and tested format is nicely honed Respectable performance from all versions Lots of room and plenty of comfort too Cons There's no fully electric option Can feel a little wafty when pushed Exterior looks might prove divisive The Sportage has gone gangbusters for Kia over its many generations; I liked earlier editions of the family-focused SUV and so did plenty of others based on the large numbers of them I see being driven around. It's no surprise, then, to see the Korean carmaker stick to the format – albeit in a much fresher incarnation here. The new edition is a much stronger package, with lots of in-car tech complimenting those already solid practical foundations. There's lots of strong competition in the family SUV arena, with the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga and fellow Korean brand Hyundai with its Tucson, all vying for attention. However, Kia is coming on strong on the pricing front, with prices starting at £30,885 for the base level petrol model. I've just been driving a pre-production Kia Sportage Hybrid though, which comes in at £36,925 and is my own preferred pick of the new crop. Kia will also introduce a PHEV edition of the Sportage later on down the line. If it's anything like the rather good hybrid, I'd probably head for that one instead as I'm lucky enough to have a home charger. In the meantime, there are three model variants to choose from, starting out with the Pure, followed by the GT-Line and topped off with the snazzy GT-Line S. How we test cars Every electric car reviewed on Stuff is tested on a range of road surfaces and, where possible, in varying weather conditions. We use our years of experience to compare with rivals and assess ergonomics, technology features and general usability. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. The styling I like the continuity of the current Kia range and the styling of the new Sportage is on a par and just as impressive as any of the angular lines seen on the likes of the Kia EV3 or Kia EV9. Things get off to a cracking start with the front end. There's quite a lot going on and the imposing grille and the quite dramatic lights might not be to everyone's approval. I like the overall effect though, and I also think this car looks great in plain old white. And that's from someone who doesn't like white cars. However, Kia's so-called 'opposites united' design approach works to even better effect on the duo tone models with a nice line on colour contrast and funky alloys across the range including 19s on the GT-Line hybrid driven here. I loved the chunky door mirrors too, which offered up a good view backwards to compliment the generally good sight lines delivered by the sizeable expanse of glass all round. As usual, things taper towards the back and there's some compromise to be had, but overall, the high-riding position makes it easy to get the Sportage in and out of less generous spaces. Around at the back, there's a very generous boot hiding behind the neatly styled tailgate. Meanwhile, the interior feels like a real success story with an excellent combination of materials and low-key trim colours. The dashboard is dominated by lots of kit that will be familiar if you've already sampled recent Kia's and it's all easy to use and works as it should. After driving the GT-Line hybrid, I was also really impressed with the comfort levels. Those front seats were really accommodating and the room in the back is very decent too. The drive Kia is offering the Sportage in a range of powertrains, from a meat-and-potatoes 1.6 turbocharged petrol, a mild hybrid as well as a self-charging hybrid and a soon-to-arrive plug-in hybrid armed with a 13.8kWh battery. Anyone wanting full electric with similar dimensions and practicality will have to opt for the similarly soon-to-arrive Kia EV5, due later in the year. Driving the Kia Sportage GT-Line hybrid was everything I'd expected from such a proven workhorse. Sure, there's a little bit of roll and a touch of bounce from the suspension if this car is pushed but, driven casually as it probably would be in everyday family ownership scenarios, the Kia Sportage is a very comfortable car. Performance is fine too, with enough oomph for times when it's needed but, equally, clever use of the power for delivering great fuel economy. I also quite like the circular twist-and-go drive selector located in the central console. This is certainly different to other Korean models, where drive options are on the column, but this format worked well for me. The Sportage was also a doddle to park, with light steering making it an easy thing to wend around city streets. The suite of camera views made reversing into tight spots no big deal either, which when you consider this car is a mid-size, feels all the more impressive. The technology I'm pretty happy with what Kia has going on in its cabins for the current range, with the dashboard of the new Sportage being dominated by a now-familiar 12.3in touchscreen infotainment screen. I also like the way it works, with good levels of control options both in the screen and in the long touch button panel, which sits immediately below it. These offer easy access to climate controls and navigation options. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also present. My test car came with lots of additional goodies, like heated and cooled seats, with the latter option being mighty handy in the hot temperatures. There's other neat stuff too, like the way the instrument panel shows the view down the side of the car when either indicator is on, which has been present on Kia's for a while now. I still think it's a nice touch, although I'm not sure just how useful people find it if they already use their door mirrors. Kia Sportage verdict I think Kia has got the Sportage just about right now and there's something for everyone in the powertrain department. I'll personally be heading in the direction of the plug-in edition when that arrives, with its ability to offer 40 miles of all-electric range being perfect for my needs. However, the GT-Line hybrid car seen here is an excellent SUV that offers a decent driving experience, oodles of practicality plus enough storage space to make it a proper family car option. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 The Kia Sportage in GT-Line hybrid guise packs in plenty of appeal although the forthcoming PHEV version might suit school run folks slightly better. Pros Tried and tested format is nicely honed Respectable performance from all versions Lots of room and plenty of comfort too Cons There's no fully electric option Can feel a little wafty when pushed Exterior looks might prove divisive Kia Sportage technical specifications Powertrain petrol engine + permanent magnet synchronous motor Battery 1.49 kWh Power 177 bhp Torque 184lb-ft 0-62mph 8.1sec Top speed 121mph Cargo volume 587 litres
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Used cars under $20K have almost vanished from the market: Here's what's behind the surge
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than half the used cars for sale in the nation were 3-year-old vehicles priced for $20,000 or less. Today, those same type of vehicles comprise only 11% of used cars. In fact, most shoppers who are in the market for a used vehicle would be hard pressed to find a 3-year-old model below even $30,000, forget finding one for $20,000. According to a new study from research website called: "The sub-$20,000 used car is almost gone," the average list price for a used 3-year-old vehicle is now $32,635, that's $9,476 more than it was six years ago. "There's very little negotiation going on for used cars because demand is so high," said Karl Brauer, executive analyst with which is based in Woburn, Massachusetts. "The price of used cars was dropping for the last two years, not dramatically, but going down a little bit every month. The last three months it's gone up again.' In February, the average list price for a 1- to-5-year-old used car was $31,257, up 1% from the year-ago period. In June, it was up to $32,437, a 4.8% bump from a year ago June, Brauer said. Of course that's still cheaper than buying a new car. According to the average manufacturer's suggested retail price in June was $50,523, but the average transaction price — which is what a customer pays for the car — was $48,261. More: Car buyers set a record with more than $1,000-a-month car payments in Q2 'Who knows what will happen in July. Maybe the trend will stop?' Brauer said of used car prices climbing. Metro Detroit reflects what's happening nationally. Brauer said in 2019, 52.2% of 3-year-old used car inventory in the Motor City was priced $20,000 or less. Today, only 13% of the used car inventory in metro Detroit consists of 3-year-old cars priced for $20,000 or less. Brauer told the Free Press his company conducted the study in mid-June. It analyzed data on 2.6 million 3-year-old cars. They focused on 3-year-old cars because those are in the "heart of the age group in the used market" which are 1 to 5 years old, he said. The study showed that the best-selling 3-year-old used models that are virtually no longer available for under $20,000 include the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda Civic, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Corolla. For example, Brauer said in 2019, 97.6% of 3-year-old Honda Civic cars could be bought for $20,000. Today, 5.7% of 3-year-old Honda Civic's are available at that price range at $20,000. 'That's 94.1% drop off," Brauer said. "The Toyota Corolla, 99.9% were available to a $20,000 buyer in 2019 and now its 62.9% so they've lost about 37%. Chevy Equinox: 88.1% were available in 2019 for a $20,000 buyer and now 22.3% for a $20,000 buyer.' The study found that passenger cars saw the biggest price increase since 2019, up 48.7%. Prices for used pickups rose 28.8% and used SUVs prices are up 15.4%. Here's how that translates to dollars: Passenger cars: The average 2019 list price: $19,734. Average list price today: $29,343. SUVs: The 2019 average list price: $31,649. Average list price today: $36,509. Pickups: The 2019 average list price: $31,627. Average list price today: $40,731. All vehicles types combined: The 2019 average list price: $23,159. Average list price today: $32,635. The dramatic shift in used vehicle market pricing can be attributed to a few things, Brauer said. First there is inflation, which the nation saw rise after the COVID pandemic. But a $9,500 average price boost can't all be due to inflation, Brauer said. He blames it more on the restricted new-vehicle production in the second half of 2020 as automakers idled assembly plants because of the pandemic. Even though they were back online in a matter of weeks, it takes time to get the suppliers and production back to full capacity. When they finally did, many automakers were then hit with the semiconductor shortage in 2021 that hindered new vehicle production again. "So you had a huge hit for new car production from mid-2020 to 2022," Brauer said. "We're now in 2025 and the cars that would be 3 years old would have been built around 2021 to 2022 and they are not there in terms of the volume the used market needs. It is because the supply of new cars in three-plus years ago are restricted." On top of that, prices have systematically been pushed higher by demand as a result of the pandemic, which saw people move from urban to suburban areas when they no longer had to come into an office. With no public transportation in surburban areas, those people now need to buy cars. "So right when you had new car production restrictions, you had new car demand go up ... and this is three or four years ago," Brauer said. "That pushed up prices of new cars and pushed people into the used market, which pushed up the prices of used cars." To add to the lack of available late-model used cars, he said, the people who leased cars three to five years ago, came off those leases and saw the prices of new and used cars and realized buying out their lease was the cheapest way to get another vehicle. So those leased vehicles are not going back into the used market, he said. 'So all these things, almost every variable that could or would affect used car pricing, has done so in a bad way," Brauer said. "That's made them more expensive.' So where does this leave used-vehicle buyers? "They have to buy older cars with higher mileage," Brauer said. "When you look at what's selling, for $20,000, it used to be a 3-year-old car and it had like 32,000 miles on it. Now, $20,000 buys you a 6-year-old car with 71,000 miles on it.' The good news is cars are built better so the older used models with higher mileage will last longer, he said. "If you're forced to buy an older, higher mileage car, thankfully older cars are better than they used to be," Brauer said. "I used to consider 100,000 miles as: 'That's disposable.' That's not true anymore. You can get to 200,000 to 250,000 miles fairly easily.' Brauer offers the following tips for used-car buyers: Research the market value. Go to or other sites such as Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book and put in the VIN number of the vehicle you're interested in to find out the price you should pay. Be flexible: If you're open to a variety of brands and models, that will help you find something in your price range. 'Most things are expensive," Brauer said. "But there are pockets: models, makes and parts of the country, were things are less expensive.' Get a pre-purchase inspection: If it's a private sale, pay $200 to have a professional mechanic inspect the used car. Demand a print out of the CarFax: At a dealership, insist on seeing a printed CarFax report on the car. Be willing to go outside your home market to find a good deal. 'Let's say you're in Detroit and there's a car in Iowa you want. Let's say it would take you 12 hours to go get the car," Brauer said. "Well, if you're saving $1,200 on price of the car, you're getting paid $100 an hour to go get it, so that's a good deal.' If you have to take a bus or a flight it might not be a big savings, he said. But Brauer is a big believer in expanding your radius in where you're willing to get a car to save a few bucks. 'Sometimes a dealer will ship it and that can be the most economical," Brauer said. "It might cost you $800 to ship it, but if you're saving $2,400 on the price, then you're still getting a $1,600 savings.' Brauer said it is possible for prices to reverse, but unlikely unless there is a "substantial and unwelcomed turmoil" in the economy. The average used-vehicle prices had stabilized over the last year. But when President Donald Trump applied 25% tariffs to all imported vehicles and car parts this spring, buyers flooded the market to buy new and used cars on fears the tariffs would inflate prices. That sudden rush of demand with limited inventory actually caused prices to rise, Brauer said. "We've stabilized. But I think it's unlikely we'll see 1- to- 5-year-old vehicles available for around $20,000 like we did before the pandemic," Brauer said. "I don't think that's going to come back. We'll see ongoing stabilization, but no retraction in pricing." More: Ford CEO Jim Farley doubles down on dealerships: 'That's the secret sauce' More: Ford's latest sale may be just the start in a summer of car-buying deals, experts say Jamie L. LaReau is the senior autos writer who covers Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie at jlareau@ Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Used cars under $20K nearly vanished from market: What's behind it Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
