Latest news with #SUV
Auto Car
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Could "SUV bashing" mean the comeback of people carriers? Renault's design boss thinks so
Renault design boss Gilles Vidal predicts the people carrier could make a comeback to shake up the family car market as designers explore new ways of boosting efficiency and depart from the hallmarks of conventional SUV styling. People carriers, or multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), used to be big business in Europe, with the likes of the Renault Scenic, Vauxhall Zafira, Ford Galaxy and Citroën Picasso claiming a huge share of the regional car market (the segment accounted for more than 10% at one point) on the basis of their ability to accommodate seven occupants in a tall cabin, while occupying a footprint comparable with an estate car. The decline of the MPV began in 2006 when Nissan launched the Qashqai - effectively the genesis of the crossover segment, which would come to be the default choice for family motoring and dominate Europe's car market. Currently, SUVs account for more than half of all European car sales, while MPVs have dropped to a market share in the low single digits. But Gilles Vidal says the transition to electrification could bring about a renaissance for the MPV segment, as car makers strive to make their vehicles as efficient as possible and exploit the packaging freedoms of EV 'skateboard' architecture. He said: "SUVs won the battle against the MPVs because MPVs are cars that you need but you don't desire, and suddenly SUVs with the same engines, same weight, same everything - they are shapes that you will desire. "Now there's an SUV bashing going on in Europe, especially. You would never do MPV bashing because it's a very respectable family car - but it's equally polluting, equally heavy, equally everything, so that's a weird society twist." Vidal added that the general concept of an SUV "is still attractive today for most people, and still a functional car in terms of size, roominess and practicality". But he said that as cars become more aerodynamic in pursuit of efficiency, we could see a return to lower, sleeker and more MPV-like silhouettes. "What will probably happen with SUVs is they will try to be more and more efficient, so maybe slightly lower and better in aerodynamics. They will morph into a very efficient car, less energy consuming, with equivalent habitability and roominess and everything that's probably the trend." He said Renault's segment-straddling Emblème concept (pictured below), due in production in the coming years as the first of a new-generation electric car line-up, is a 'morphing of all of that' – with a raised ride height but a sleeker, lower profile than any of Renault's current SUVs.
Motor Trend
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Volvo Might Be Spinning Up a New Off-Road Trim Level, and You've Already Seen It
Volvo's Cross Country trim level has been around since 1997, when it was first applied to a lifted V70 station wagon decked out in Subaru-es que plastic body armor. For a time, the Cross Country name was also used interchangeably with the 'XC' moniker before reverting back to the longer Cross Country when XC came to underpin Volvo's SUV naming scheme. (Do you have that all straight?) Until now, the trim has adorned only cars (mostly wagons, though there was one sedan!) modified like that original V70. So, what does it mean, if anything, that for the first time ever, an SUV—namely the 2026 EX30 electric SUV—is getting the Cross Country treatment? Volvo is introducing the Cross Country trim to the EX30 electric SUV, marking the first SUV and EV to get this off-road treatment. This could expand to other Volvo SUVs if successful, leveraging the brand's off-road heritage and appealing to adventure-minded buyers. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next From Crossing Up Cars To… As a practical matter, the use of the Cross Country name on the EX30's more off-road-y variant is one of convenience. The EX30 Cross Country, with its mildly raised suspension, special black plastic styling elements and fender flares, and available all-terrain tires closely follows the established Cross Country formula. What else would Volvo call it? But that simple explanation glosses over the "firsts" this Cross Country represents: As outlined, it's the first Volvo SUV to bear the name, and the first EV. Every other Cross Country has been a car modified to (vaguely) resemble an SUV. Applying the name and treatment to an actual SUV, even one that blurs the line between SUV and hatchback like the EX30, is a major development. What's In a Name, Then? We don't think Volvo ginned up the EX30 Cross Country simply to convince people the EX30 is an SUV, since the EX30 already is SUV-shaped and the EX program goes beyond what any standard XC product gets. It's additive, not equalizing, relative to Volvo's internal-combustion SUVs. Again, it follows closely the beefed-up Cross Country guise that is now the only way to buy a V60 or V90 station wagon in America. (Those are available as regular cars, sitting lower to the ground sans fender flares and toughened-up styling, in other markets.) In other words, it is a proven, repeatable off-road-ish format that Volvo has now spread to multiple models over the years. So, our natural question posed to Volvo after driving the new EX30 Cross Country was this: Will other Volvo SUVs get the Cross Country option, and is the automaker looking at spinning it off into a new off-road sub-brand? Shiqian Li, vehicle product lead for the EX30 hinted as much, but noted that Volvo is seeing how the market reacts to the EX30 Cross Country first. If people like the EX30 Cross Country, then Volvo could look at adding Cross Country variants to other SUVs where it makes sense. Other automakers are flirting with such off-road-lite sub-brands of late, with Honda spreading its TrailSport trim level from the Passport to the Pilot and CR-V; Kia introducing its X-Pro guise on the Telluride three-row SUV and other models; and Hyundai offering an XRT trim that, applied to the Ioniq 5 electric SUV, largely matches the EX30 Cross Country's upgrades and up-armored look. It makes sense for Volvo to go there, too, especially given its Cross Country heritage and name recognition. On the EX30 specifically, the Cross Country setup gives the fun, small SUV appeal to a different crowd and lets Volvo go full ham sandwich, offering adventure-minded buyers outdoorsy accessories and add-ons such as mud flaps, roof racks, and more. History Repeats Itself In a way, every Volvo SUV today—save for the new all-electric models—owes its name to the original Cross Country. For the V70 Cross Country and its successors, Volvo shortened the name to XC, as in, XC70, until the 70-series cars went away. The smaller V60 and larger V90 wagons that came later readopted the Cross Country nomenclature for their XC'd variants. In the meantime, "XC" came to underpin Volvo's naming scheme for its internal-combustion SUVs: XC40, XC60, and XC90. Volvo could, in theory, append "Cross Country" to those names for off-road-ish variations similar to the V60, V90, and EX30 Cross Country models without creating a redundant-seeming word salad, at least to those not steeped in Volvo naming history. Same goes for the brand's all-electric SUVs, which are emerging with "EX" naming that mimics the XC names (the upcoming EX60 is the XC60's electric sibling, while the EX90 is the XC90's electric counterpart—ditto the EX40 and XC40). The EX30 has no internal-combustion-powered counterpart, but it does have a Cross Country model. Right now we're not sure whether the Cross Country treatment could or would expand beyond Volvo's electric SUVs (the upcoming EX60 seems like the natural next candidate for the off-road upgrade). The internal-combustion XC products are older, and Volvo has said they'll eventually go away near the end of the decade. But until then, those aging products—two of which, the XC60 and XC90, just received light, mid-cycle-style upgrades—could use a shot in the arm; and the XC60 and XC90 offer adjustable air suspensions, making them somewhat easy starting points for Cross Country status. Simply add some fender flares, tougher bumpers, and voila, right? We'll see how people respond to the first Volvo Cross Country'd SUV first, but we wouldn't be shocked to see the Cross Country sub-brand's second act.
News.com.au
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance review
Life is getting busier. These days parents are expected to drop the kids at school, get to work, take the kids to sport, get to the shops and on and on … So, if you need to get all your running around done quickly, why not buy the world's fastest SUV? The new Audi RS Q8 Performance has just landed in Australia, promising performance that will leave even a Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne trailing in its dust – for much less money. Audi has proudly claimed the RS Q8 Performance is the fastest production SUV around the famous Nurburgring in Germany and packs the most powerful engine ever offered by the brand in a production car. But why do you need an SUV? Well, because you can – obviously. Not everyone can afford a $275,000 SUV, but for those who do have such money, the appeal of having 'the best' or 'the fastest' is hard to resist. Especially if it represents a significant saving over the equivalent Porsche or Lambo. And in that regard, the RS Q8 Performance has plenty of appeal. As mentioned, it has the most powerful internal combustion engine the four-ring brand has ever built for sale, a twin turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that produces a supercar-like 471kW of power and 850Nm of torque. That's enough for this family-sized SUV to sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds and keep going to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Of course nobody actually 'needs' that much performance in an SUV, but when you're spending a quarter of a million dollars, it's nice to have some things to brag about. But the RS Q8 Performance isn't just fast in a straight line, what really makes it special, and what owners will get to enjoy in Australia, even with our strictly enforced speed limits, is the handling. A complex array of technology is deployed beneath the surface to ensure this huge SUV, capable of fitting for adults in comfort, handles like a sports car. For starters, there's the way it stops. The RS Q8 Performance comes equipped with RS ceramic brakes as standard, these race-bred rotors provide both stopping power and consistency to pull up such a big machine. These brakes sit behind lightweight 23-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in sticky Pirelli P-Zero tyres, which are connected to the complex suspension and steering set-up. The RS Q8 Performance has active air suspension, adaptive dampers, active roll stabilisation and all-wheel steering. What does that all mean? You'd need an engineering degree to understand it in detail, but the net result is the RS Q8 Performance rides and handles like a dream. It soaks up the bumps in the road, while also feeling direct and responsive when you turn the wheel, which is usually a tough duo to get right in such a big SUV. And make no mistake, it is a big SUV. Again, you're handing over a quarter of a million dollars, so you should also get yourself a pampering luxury car – not just something fast. On that front the RS Q8 Performance delivers again. Despite its sporty, sweptback, coupe-style roofline, there's room for four adults to sit in absolute comfort inside. Each occupant gets a Nappa leather upholstered seat and their own climate control setting and a 17-speaker 730-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system to entertain them. Audi has always been a leader in interior design, and that's very much the case in the latest RS Q8. There's a nice blend of traditional, high-quality materials, but balanced with technology. There's a fully digital instrument panel, with multiple display settings, including a new 'RS specific' graphic, as well as digital panels to control both the infotainment and the climate control. On top of all this there's a generous sized boot. So the RS Q8 Performance will feel just as home doing the school run, trip to the shops or family holiday as it would setting records at the Nurburgring. Of course, no-one is likely to take their RS Q8 Performance to do hot laps at the racetrack, but it's just another element to help you feel good about handing your Audi dealer $275,000. ENGINE 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol, 471kW and 850Nm THIRST 12.2L/100km PERFORMANCE 0-100 in 3.6s, 250km/h BOOT 605 litres SPARE Space-saver
Auto Blog
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Do You Have to Be an Off-Roader to Daily a 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro? My Thoughts After Reviewing It
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. What does it take to tame the 4Runner? Off-road-ready SUVs are becoming increasingly popular, especially after the revival of the Ford Bronco, Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Defender, and the Scout Harvester or Traveler. Nissan quietly revealed it's developing a new XTerra and Toyota's reportedly bringing back the FJ Cruiser, only adding more fire to the off-road blaze. The Bronco, Land Cruiser, original 4Runner, and Land Rover were designed as part-time 4WD passenger cars with a comfy ride, acceptable fuel economy, and cargo space–so if you didn't take them strictly off-road, they'd still be suitable to drive every day. The Ford Mach 4 could be the brand's first sedan since 2020 Watch More Then, Toyota made the 4Runner hybrid-only for 2026, packed with the company's i-FORCE MAX 'performance' hybrid setup, made to enhance a vehicle's ability to tow or handle off-road. It does this by enhancing torque in the low end to give it an extra edge when more power is needed. The TRD Pro trim level, which is a step below the Trailhunter (but oddly the same price), is designed for desert running, rock crawling, and pretty much anything you can throw at it. Source: Kristen Brown Before I dive too deeply, I need to preface this by saying that I've been an avid off-roader for a very long time, before I even got my driver's license. If it wasn't dirt bikes, it was ATVs, and if it wasn't ATVs, it was going for long drives with my dad in his old 4x4s. My husband and I each have our own dedicated off-roader, so it's very much a part of my identity. I became comfortable with the 4Runner's ride quality, features, and off-road prowess pretty quickly. However, not everyone buys a 4Runner for its rock-crawling capabilities. Others buy it for its reliability, cargo space, and 4WD system for just-in-case reasons. So, what if you bought it for looks? Could you drive it every day comfortably, without ever shifting the transfer case? Let's dig in. The interior is off-road-centric, but not in an intimidating way With a name like the 4Runner TRD Pro, you'd think opening the driver door would lead to a militaristic, bare-bones SUV. But that's not the case at all. Historically, I'd critiqued Toyota interiors for their cheap-feeling all-black plastic layouts that didn't seem to change unless you bought the top-of-the-line, but this one was different. There were contrasting colors, camo-patterned leather seats, plenty of textured grab handles, a plethora of buttons and switches, and a gorgeous 10-inch infotainment screen. Stepping into the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro almost felt luxurious, which was such a welcome change from the previous generation. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Source: Kristen Brown The user interface was easy to decipher, settings were just as simple to locate and customize, and the digital gauges were just like those in other Toyotas I've tested–nothing confusing, complicated, or difficult to access. I did encounter the typical connectivity issues that come with new Toyotas and Android Auto, but I believe those can be fixed with an update. Otherwise, the JBL sound system—mine had a dedicated subwoofer—was crisp and adaptable. No matter what I was listening to, it was a great overall sound. For a body-on-frame SUV with all-terrain tires and stiffer TRD-tuned suspension, the ride in the cabin was quiet enough for my toddlers to sleep peacefully. The sunroof was small compared to other SUVs of its size, but it was big enough to let in some natural light to open everything up a bit. My favorite part was the driver's seat. It was way more comfortable than you'd assume at first glance. There was always a place to put my elbow, and thankfully, the armrest on the center console was soft and a great size, not firm and small like other off-roaders. The steering wheel was large, but my husband had issues with the ridges around the 'TRD' logo, since it cut into his hands (which are admittedly sensitive) while he was driving it off-road for me to photograph. The passenger seat was just as comfortable, and I really appreciated the large windows, high seating position, and legroom. I scooted my seat far enough for my toddler not to be able to kick the back of it, without cutting into my overall legroom. Source: Kristen Brown Based on the interior quality, seat comfort, visibility, creature comforts, and design, I could easily see myself making grocery runs in this instead of trail trekking. Mileage isn't great, but it's better than most As I mentioned before, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system isn't going to get you stellar MPG ratings. It's meant to increase performance in the lower range of the power band, particularly when towing or going off-road. It helps get better mileage around town, but the only time the engine wasn't used during my test drive was when I was stopped or slowing to a stop. Otherwise, it seemed like the engine was always on. Source: Kristen Brown Therefore, I was averaging around 17 mpg around town, which isn't the worst for a 5,455 lbs SUV with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as the gas engine. But it's also not the greatest. I fear many will fall for the 'hybrid' label and then be shocked when it doesn't perform as well as their dad's RAV4 hybrid. So, just don't go into buying one thinking the mileage is going to be stellar. For the sake of comparison, my sister's 2023 4Runner TRD Sport with the 4.0-liter V6 gets the same MPG. Take that as you may. When we compare it to the SUVs it competes against, though, it's right on par. The Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco get notably worse mileage. My Jeep is from 2006, so we don't talk about how horrible my mileage is. It's our household's Fight Club. Cargo space was perfect for everyday needs If you aren't packing the trunk, backseats, or stock roof basket full of camping gear, there's plenty of space for other items. I had no problem packing it full of my camera gear, children's toys, a stroller, and a diaper bag. When I had my husband in the car and he carried his filming gear, we both appreciated how large the center console is and how many different options both the driver and passenger had to store items. Every door–even the rear doors–had dedicated water bottle holders and storage pockets. Everyone had a charging port, too. It was easy to see that the 4Runner was made to be comfortable, on tarmac or otherwise. Source: Kristen Brown The only thing I had a mild gripe with was the added height the hybrid battery added to the trunk. It eats up a few inches of vertical space, and loading things required a little more effort because the trunk's floor was higher up. During my loan, my husband wanted me to swap his winter tires for his summer tires and asked me to bring them to the shop where he works. All four tires fit just fine; I didn't even have to use the factory tubular roof rack. However, those few extra inches I had to clear to get them in the trunk were a tad annoying. That said, this would definitely be something I'd get used to over time. Source: Kristen Brown The integrated compressor that my husband loved so much was built into the right wall beautifully, taking up no space, and the hose for it was hidden under the carpet towards the tailgate. Off-roaders and overlanders would benefit the most from that feature, but it can come in handy any time. If you're not an off-roader, the TRD Pro trim is an expensive choice The Toyota 4Runner is expensive, no matter how you slice it, unless you start with the base trim. The base SR5 trim starts at $41,270, and while it still comes with the things that make the TRD Pro a nice truck, like a 9-inch touch screen and 4WD, it doesn't come with leather seats or a fancy sound system. You'd essentially be getting a sugar-free version of the 4Runner, which still isn't a bad choice. The TRD Pro and the Trailhunter are both $67,400, which is quite a bit more expensive because they're purpose-built instead of generally built like the SR5. So, if you buy it specifically for the way it looks and don't intend on taking it off-road, that's an expensive choice. Especially when you can modify an SR5 to have similar looks to the TRD Pro for a lot less. Source: Kristen Brown If you want something rugged but fancy, consider the Limited or Platinum trims, because they still have off-road features, but the interior styling is geared towards those who appreciate the finer things in life. The Limited leans on a silver or chrome theme, with a silver grille, silver wheels, and silver badging, while the Platinum plays into the dark theme. Blacked-out grilles, black wheels, and black badging accentuate everything beautifully. Though, since I am an avid off-roader, the trim I'd pick is the Trailhunter, largely for those handsome model-specific bronze baja-inspired wheels. Final thoughts You can't go wrong with any trim level of the 4Runner. My little sister's 2023 4Runner TRD hasn't been off-road much, but it's come in handy for her many times, especially when she lived in the mountains. She loves the daily drivability and the choice she has to go off-road if the opportunity presents itself. Aside from people like my husband and me, a lot of buyers are like her, who want the option to go off-road but don't necessarily seek it out. I feel like it's a similar mindset to those who buy Subarus or any other AWD or 4WD car. Source: Kristen Brown To answer the original question: no, you don't need to be an off-roader to benefit from the features on the TRD Pro. But you would benefit the most as an off-roader. It's an expensive SUV to let rot in a parking lot or garage instead of using it as it was intended: to blaze trails, reach remote campsites, cross creeks, and rock crawl on the way back to the highway. The TRD Pro was my first 4Runner, and it was a great way to be introduced to the famed moniker. About the Author Kristen Brown View Profile
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Renault Boreal SUV launch set to boost global presence
Renault says it is set to strengthen its global presence with the launch of the Renault Boreal SUV, a new addition to its line-up aimed at markets outside Europe. The Boreal is designed to drive growth and solidify the brand's presence in the C segment across more than 70 nations. Last year, Renault's sales reached 1.577 million vehicles, with around 40% (560,000 vehicles) sold outside Europe. The Boreal is said to be a key element of the 'International Game Plan 2024-2027', which includes a €3bn ($3.5bn) investment to introduce eight new vehicles outside Europe, five of which are in the high-value C and D segments. The company aims to double the unit revenue per vehicle sold outside Europe by 2027 compared to 2019. Renault Brand CEO Fabrice Cambolive said: 'Today, I'm proud to announce a new chapter in this adventure: Renault Boreal, a true emblem of our ambition to raise quality and innovation on a global scale, bringing more value to our customers outside Europe and reinforcing our move upmarket." Renault noted that Boreal targets areas where the brand is 'under-represented' in the C segment, catering to the growing demand for family SUVs in Latin America and complementing the brand's offerings in the Middle East, Turkey, and the Mediterranean Basin, where SUVs account for more than half of the vehicles sold. The industrial strategy for the Renault Boreal involves production on two continents. The Curitiba site in Brazil will cater to 17 Latin American nations, while the Bursa site in Turkey will serve 54 markets, including Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Mediterranean nations. This approach aims to enhance logistics agility and optimise production expenses. With 4.56m long and 1.84m wide, Boreal features up to 24 driver assistance systems, including emergency stop assist, lane keep assist, and blind spot warning, among others. The rollout of the Renault Boreal will commence in late 2025 in Brazil, with subsequent launches in the rest of Latin America, Turkey, and other markets starting in 2026. Last month, the company launched two new-generation full hybrid E-Tech powertrains, enhancing the performance of the Symbioz and Espace models. "Renault Boreal SUV launch set to boost global presence" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. 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
