Latest news with #MPV
Irish Times
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Irish Times
The VW Buzz is a superhero, here to save us from villainous SUVs
Volkswagen Year : 2025 Fuel : Electric Verdict : Funky styling on the outside, unmatched space on the inside, and a decent range makes the Buzz the best electric seven-seater by far. I've had a bowdlerised version of the original 1966 Batman theme song rattling through my head all week. However, instead of the exultant 'Batman!' at the end of the 'Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na' prefix, I've been calling out 'BatBuzz!' instead. Childish but I can't help myself. The all-over 'Deep Black Pearlescent' paintwork of this long-wheelbase, seven-seat Volkswagen ID. Buzz test car, a model more normally seen and photographed in bright, often two-tone pastels, just makes it look very Bruce Wayne spec. The effect is to make the big VW MPV appear a bit sterner and more serious-minded. VW seven-seater It also helps to, somewhat, disguise the extra size of this long-wheelbase model. Ever since the first generation of arrived in 2022, its five-seat-only layout has been a slight disappointment. Surely if Dacia can squeeze seven seats into a compact Jogger , then VW could do the same with the tall and roomy Buzz? Well, yes it can, it just wanted to add a bit of extra length first. In fact, VW has added an extra 250mm overall to the length of the Buzz to create this long-wheelbase version, all of which is inserted into the wheelbase, stretching the gap between the wheel centres front-to-rear to 3.2m. The Buzz has managed to stay, just, within five metres of overall length, which means it just about fits into a standard parking bay. It's also about the same overall length as VW's lower-slung ID.7 Tourer estate, so while the Buzz looks huge, that's more to do with its height than its length. READ MORE VW seven-seater Then again, that height and length really pay off. You see, most seven-seat cars on the market these days are SUVs, which are wasteful. I don't just mean of fuel and emissions (although, heaven knows, those too) but of space. SUVs are big, tall and long and yet they sacrifice much of that cubic space to long bonnets and lofty ride heights, which means their interiors are often much less spacious and practical than they at first appear. The Buzz, by contrast, is a true, proper MPV, sharing its cavernous body with a commercial van, and therefore turning over almost all of that height, and virtually all of that length, to passenger space. VW seven-seater VW seven-seater VW seven-seater Sit up front in the Buzz, and aside from the – broadly impressive, although more proper buttons would be welcome – 12.9-inch touchscreen, little enough has changed. You have the same comfy, lofty seating position (you can eyeball Land Rover Defender drivers), the same Vista-Vision widescreen view out the front, which just makes you realise how hard it is to see out of so many other big cars. Hop in the back, though – through the never-not-fun electric sliding side doors – and there is a big change. Legroom was never an issue in the five-seat Buzz, but here in the seven-seater, there's simply masses of space. Even in fairly roomy cars, I can usually at least brush my knees off the back of the front seat, but not here. I can almost stretch my legs out straight, when the adjustable rear bench has been slid to its furthest-aft position. Better still, the entirely flat floor and the broad middle seat means that there's actually room, and comfort, for three full-grown adults here. Usually, pushing a set of adjustable middle-row seats all the way back means that anyone in the third row has to have a knee-ectomy, or at least cram their legs up into their armpits. Not so in the Buzz – row three is not only easy to access (the big sliding side doors and the tilt-and-slide middle row make getting in and out much easier than in rival SUV models) but there's still ample legroom and headroom in there, even if you're built like me. I'm officially classified as 'husky'. VW seven-seater Behind, with all seven seats in use, there's a mere 306 litres of boot space left over, but flip row three down flat, and you have an enormous 1,300 litres to play with. For high-spec models such as this Style version, there's also a raised section of boot floor to give you a flat-load space across the backs of those seats. The raised section has a lid, allowing you to easily stash charging cables and so on underneath, and you can remove it to get a lower boot floor, but that involves screwdrivers and spanners, so it's probably best left alone. Two issues will give you loadspace pause, though. One: there's nowhere to store the retracting luggage cover if the back seats are in use or if you want to load up to the roof. Two: the top-hinged tailgate is so big that you need to leave considerable room behind you when parking so as to be able to open it. Side-hinged barn doors would be better. A longer Buzz means a bigger battery, so this version gets an 86kWh unit, compared with the 77kWh of the standard five-seat Buzz. That makes for an improved range, rising from about 420km for the five-seat version to up to circa 470km here. In the real world, the difference is quite significant. In previous test drives of the five-seat Buzz, range generally works out to a realistic 350km or so. Here in the seven-seater, range is more like 430km in real-world conditions, which is much more useful, and we easily matched VW's claimed 21kWh/100km energy consumption figure. Put it this way: in one day I drove from Dublin to Wexford and then on to Belfast, using mostly motorways, with only one quick 25-minute stop for a recharge, arriving home with 35 per cent remaining charge in the battery. That's more than decent, and with charging now possible at up to 200kW from a high-powered DC charger, that turns the Buzz into a viable long-haul machine. Which is its perfect role. The suspension, generally good at ironing out the worst tarmac, does tend to occasionally heave and jerk on rough urban streets as it attempts to keep the Buzz's 2.6-tonne weight under control. On bigger roads it's much better, although motorways are not the Buzz's natural environment. Much better to take windier main roads, stick to about 80-100km/h and enjoy both the surprisingly direct steering, and that glorious view of the countryside. It's an expensive thing, the seven-seat Buzz – our test car clocked in at €75,350, but that does need contextualising. First off, that's in line with all-electric seven-seat rivals such as the Kia EV9, yet the Buzz has more space. It has as much usable space as, say, a Mercedes EQV, but is – wait for it – €50,000 cheaper, and has better range on one charge. Batman might be good at rescuing the citizens of Gotham City, but the seven-seat Buzz is here to save us from SUVs. Lowdown: Volkswagen Style Seven Seat Power 210kW e-motor developing 286hp and 550Nm of torque, powering the rear wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission. CO2 emissions (annual motor tax) 0g/km (€120). Electric consumption 19.5-21.0 kWh/100km (WLTP). Electric range 453-487km (WLTP) 0-100km/h 7.9 sec. Price €75,350 as tested, starts from €67,785.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- New Straits Times
Cops confirm hardcore suspect and 2 women detained after Kajang chase
KUALA LUMPUR: A man with 23 criminal and drug offences is among three individuals arrested after police intercepted their vehicle in the Taman Kajang Mewah near Kajang early yesterday morning. The incident went viral after several video clips showing the police chase and the moment the suspects were caught went viral. Kajang police chief Assistant Commissioner Naazron Abdul Yusof confirmed the incident and said the viral videos showed members of the police patrol unit (MPV) detaining the suspects. "The incident occurred at 2.10am, involving the arrest of three individuals, one man and two women aged between 28 and 30. "The male suspect has 23 prior records involving various criminal and drug cases. Further checks also found one gramme of syabu (methamphetamine) in their possession," he said in a statement today. He said all three suspects had been remanded for four days. The case is being investigated for obstructing public servants from carrying out their duties, which carried a jail term of up to two years or a fine of up to RM10,000, or both upon conviction. Investigations were also being conducted for drug possession and road offences. Naazron called on the public with information on the case to contact the nearest police station or Inspector Ahmad Zahrein Muhd Suod at 017-3818422.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
/C O R R E C T I O N -- Kia America/
In the news release, KIA AMERICA ANNOUNCES 2026 CARNIVAL PRICING, issued 22-May-2025 by Kia America over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the Carnival EX AWD model and pricing have been removed from the MSRP table. The complete, corrected release follows: Carnival LX FWD has starting MSRP1 of $36,990 Optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with streaming and OTA update2 capability Tech-forward interior includes panoramic dual 12.3-inch displays and available VIP Lounge Seats IRVINE, Calif., May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Kia America has announced pricing for the 2026 Carnival MPV. The Carnival continues to impress with available dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays and advanced comfort amenities, including available VIP Lounge Seats3 with heating4, ventilation, and one-touch relaxation mode. A tailgate, hands-free sliding doors, and expanded USB-C ports ensure modern-day practicality with luxury-like convenience. Both the ICE and hybrid powertrains are available with the striking Dark Edition styling package, further amplifying the Carnival's SUV-like presence. Rear Seat Entertainment is offered exclusively on SX trims with the Dark Edition package and the SX-Prestige with VIP Lounge Seats, enhancing the premium feel of top-tier models. Pricing - MSRP (excludes $1,435 destination)Carnival LX FWD $36,990 Carnival LXS FWD $38,990 Carnival EX FWD $41,190 Carnival SX FWD $46,090 Carnival SX Prestige FWD $51,090 Carnival HEV LXS FWD $40,990 Carnival HEV EX FWD $43,190 Carnival HEV SX FWD $48,090 Carnival HEV SX Prestige $53,090 Connectivity and Convenience: Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation, wireless5 Apple CarPlay®6, and wireless Android Auto™7 Available dual 12.3-inch panoramic curved display with digital instrument cluster Wi-Fi hotspot and full Over-the-Air (OTA) update capability Up to nine USB-C ports across all three rows, plus two 115V inverters and wireless phone charging8 Optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with certain embedded streaming apps and OTA updates Available VIP Lounge Seats with one-touch relaxation mode, heat/ventilation, leg extensions, and available ambient mood lighting Hands-free power sliding doors and tailgate with auto-close functionality Digital Key 2.0 and available head-up display Advanced Driver Assistance Features9: Standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist10 with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist11 and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist12 Standard Lane Keeping Assist13, Lane Following Assist14, and Driver Attention Warning15 Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go16 and available Highway Driving Assist 217 Surround View Monitor18 and Blind-Spot View Monitor19 available on higher trims Rear Occupant Alert20 with radar sensor and Safe Exit Assist21 Parking Distance Warning22 (front, rear, and side) and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist23 (reverse) Click below for more information about the 2026 Carnival: Vehicle specifications, including fuel economy Features and Options Kia America – about usHeadquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. For media information, including photography, visit To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at * Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 1 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.2 Over-the-Air features and updates may require an additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Kia Connect subscription is required and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply.3 Reclining seat and/or elevating footrest can reduce the effectiveness of the safety restraint system and may lead to additional injury in an accident.4 Use extreme caution when using the seat warmers to avoid burns. Refer to the Owner's Manual for more safety information.5 CarPlay runs on smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates apply. Apple and CarPlay are trademarks of Apple CarPlay®: Apple® and Apple CarPlay® are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple CarPlay® runs on your smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates will apply.7 Android Auto™: Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android-compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.8 Charging system only works with select devices. Refer to the vehicle's Owner's Manual for warnings and instructions.9 Advanced driver assistance systems are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.10 When engaged, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects in front of vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.11 When engaged, Blind-Spot Collision Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.12 When engaged, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects behind vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.13 When engaged, Lane Keeping Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.14 When engaged, Lane Following Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.15 When engaged, Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all instances of inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.16 When engaged, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go is not a substitute for safe driving and cruise-control procedures. This is not an auto-pilot feature. Always drive safely and use caution. The Smart Cruise Control system may not detect every object in front of the vehicle.17 When engaged, Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle, and only function on certain federal highways. Always drive safely and use caution.18 Surround View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect or display all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.19 When engaged, Blind-Spot View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving and may not display all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.20 When engaged, Rear Occupant Alert is not a substitute for one's attention and may not detect all movement within the vehicle. Always check the vehicle interior when exiting the vehicle.21 When engaged, Safe Exit Assist is not a substitute for one's attention and may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle. Always pay attention to traffic and to the area around your vehicle when exiting the vehicle.22 Parking Distance Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.23 Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Kia America 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
Auto Express
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Kia PV5 WAV fills gap in market for electric wheelchair accessible cars
Drivers who need wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) have been mostly frozen out of the EV transition to date, as traditional converters in the sector struggle to overcome the challenges of working with new electric platforms. However, Kia is looking to fill this emerging gap in the market with a new WAV version of its new MPV, the PV5. Advertisement - Article continues below It's not just technical challenges converters face when thinking about lowering the floors of electric vehicles to create headroom for wheelchair users – a job that would typically require the battery pack to be modified or moved. There's an arguably greater challenge around the technical regulation defining what is and isn't permissible, because modifications to EV floorpans and battery packs would run into regulatory constraints around crash testing and fire resistance, which independent WAV converters simply can't afford to address. Floorpan and battery pack constraints are less of an issue for bigger electric vans such as the Kia PV5, because there's enough headroom for wheelchair users built-in already. To illustrate the point, Kia has revealed details of a WAV version of its forthcoming seven-seat MPV, designed to 'address challenges faced by wheelchair users, their families, care-givers and drivers'. While there are no specific details on price and spec, Kia has confirmed it's expecting the PV5 WAV to be available in the UK at some point in 2026, alongside the MPV, although no pricing details are currently available. 'With the continued growth of the sector projected to clash with the planned phasing out of ICE vehicles that would usually be converted into WAVs, the introduction of eWAV options is of vital importance,' the company says. Kia's entrant to the WAV market is notable for its built-in 300kg-rated side-loading ramps giving access from the pavement, and a specially developed wheelchair-anchoring system. There's also a third-row seat that Kia says will enable care-givers to assist wheelchair users from the side. Come and join our WhatsApp channel for the latest car news and reviews... Find a car with the experts EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs Running costs for car share club EVs are £6k higher than ICE equivalents according to new data Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change The number of MoT failures caused by worn tyres is on the rise, and experts are calling for mandatory follow-ups on advisories Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future The next Mazda MX-5 roadster is set to be offered as a pure EV, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
Malay Mail
09-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Elderly woman injured as MPV crashes into fast-food restaurant in Sitiawan
IPOH, May 9 — An elderly woman was injured when a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) lost control and crashed into a fast-food restaurant in Sitiawan at 9.10 pm yesterday. Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of operations Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the victim, in her 70s, was trapped under the vehicle but was rescued by members of the public at the scene. 'The operation commander assessed the situation and instructed personnel to assist the Health Ministry staff in providing first aid before handing over the victim for further action. 'The situation was brought under control at 9.30 pm and the operation ended at 9.49 pm,' he said in a statement. Earlier, a video of the incident went viral on social media, showing a white MPV that had reportedly veered off course and crashed into a fast-food restaurant in Sitiawan. — Bernama
