Nother CarGuy

Lexus is embarking on a major product push, which will see the brand launch 20 new or updated vehicles by 2025. That offensive is kicking into high gear with the unveiling of the 2022 NX. Redesigned from the ground up, the 2022 Lexus NX looks like a crossover-ified version of the IS sport sedan. It features an all-new front fascia with a revised spindle grille that has “tall U-shaped blocks” for a more three-dimensional appearance. The grille is flanked by vertical air intakes and redesigned headlights with integrated daytime running lights. This is a notable change as it means the NX no longer resembles a rolling Nike advertisement. Continuing down the sides, we can see evolutionary bodywork and a distinctive shoulder line. The rear end is also familiar, but it adopts full-width taillights and “Lexus” lettering that replaces the circular “L” emblem. Moving inside, the cabin has been completely reimagined with higher quality materials and a modern design. The stars of the show are a 7-...

Compact crossovers tend to be dull and uninspiring, but you certainly can’t say that about the all-new Kia Sportage revealed here in its international form as a 2022 model, with the European-specification version to follow in September, and the North American variant that will carry the 2023MY moniker to debut later on. Set to be launched later this year in several global markets, the redesigned crossover is a radical departure from its predecessor as it adopts a “thought-provoking and daring” Opposites United design philosophy. The all-new look is immediately apparent up front as the model features a bold grille with a black mesh lower section. It’s flanked by boomerang-shaped daytime running lights, which create “solid boundary lines for the striking head lamps.” While the front end will undoubtedly prove controversial, it’s hard to argue with the rest of the Sportage’s styling. The bubbly bodywork of its predecessor has been replaced by taut lines, clean creases and more expressive ...

Hyundai’s N sub-brand has been a hit with enthusiasts, but its appeal has been limited due to a lineup that consists of the i20 N, i 30 N and Veloster N. All three are cars and consumers want crossovers. Hyundai is now acknowledging the obvious as they’ve taken the wraps off the all-new Kona N. Set to become the first N crossover, the model promises to provide a “winning combination of versatility, spirited acceleration, agility and racetrack readiness.” Given its intentions, we’ll start under the hood where buyers will find a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 276 hp (206 kW / 280 PS) and 289 lb-ft (392 Nm) of torque. However, this can temporarily be increased to 286 hp (213 kW / 290 PS) by using the N Grin Shift function. The engine is connected to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission, which features a wet design as well as numerous modifications for high-performance use. Among the changes are specially-tuned gear ratios and a uniquely calibrated control unit that ...

Mercedes has revealed the new EQB, the all-electric variant of the GLB and seven-seater sibling of the EQA, at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show, alongside the flagship EQS electric luxury saloon. The German carmaker is showing off the China-specific version of the EQB, which is going to be produced in Beijing and go on sale later this year. The European version will also be launched in 2021, while US-spec models will arrive stateside in 2022. Global versions of the new EQB will be produced at the carmaker’s factory in Kecskemét, Hungary. The new electric Mercedes SUV will be launched in China in top-of-the-range AMG Line form with an output of 288 HP. Mercedes will offer the new EQB in several configurations, with front- and all-wheel-drive, as well as different power outputs and battery pack sizes, starting from 66.5 kWh. In Europe, the EQB 350 4Matic will offer a driving range of 260 miles (419 km), with Mercedes planning to add “a particularly long-range version” in the near future. The ...

Audi has taken the wraps off two new additions to the e-tron family: the Q4 e-Tron and its slopped roof sibling, the Q4 e-Tron Sportback. With these compact electric SUV offerings, Audi hopes to expand their line-up, with the aim of offering more EVs in the US market than any other luxury manufacturer by the end of the year.  The Q4 e-Tron represents the smallest Audi EV as yet. Unlike the larger e-tron SUV which is based on the ICE-centered MLB Evo architecture, the Q4 e-tron is built upon Volkswagen’s new MEB platform. The MEB platform also underpins the ID.4, and is dedicated to EVs.  Both the regular Q4 e-tron and the Sportback will be offered in the US in a single battery/motor configuration but with two different performance variants. The 77 kWh battery is standard, while other markets such as Europe will see a smaller (and cheaper) 52 kWh version. Prices in the US will start at under $45,000 before incentives.  The Q4 e-tron looks fairly different from the existing...

The GMC Terrain is one of the brand’s most important crossovers and it’s getting a facelift for 2022. Looking instantly recognizable, the 2022 Terrain features a larger grille that is flanked by restyled LED headlights. Further below, we can see a lightly modified front bumper with less chrome trim. Additional changes are limited, but the facelifted crossover gains new LED taillights and a revised color palette that includes four new options. The model has also been equipped with restyled 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels. The popular Denali and Elevation Edition return, and they’re being joined by an all-new AT4 variant. GMC didn’t say much about the latter, but it features a rugged exterior with plastic body cladding, a front skid plate and black wheels wrapped in meatier tires. We can also see a unique grille and plenty of AT4 badging. Interior changes are minor, but buyers will find updated trim and upholstery as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other updates include a n...

Shortly after the announcement of Volvo becoming an EV carmaker by 2030, the Swedish carmaker has revealed the new C40 Recharge, an all-electric coupe-SUV model that will be available for purchase exclusively online. The new Volvo C40 Recharge is based on the same CMA platform as the XC40 Recharge but it’s the company’s first model to be designed as pure electric only. The electric Volvo C40 Recharge adopts the usual styling traits of coupe SUV models, including a lower sloping roofline. Other features include a redesigned front fascia with new headlights that adopt “state-of-the-art pixel technology”, and a range of color and deco options that are unique to the new model. Power comes from a twin-motor setup, on on the front and one on the rear axle, producing a combined 402 HP and 487 lb-ft (660 Nm) of torque. Combined with a 78 kWh battery pack, the new Volvo C40 Recharge is estimated to offer around 261 miles (420 km) of driving range on the WLTP test cycle. In addition, the new Vol...

Nissan has unveiled the all-new Qashqai, the third generation of Europe’s best-selling crossover, which now introduces new electrified powertrains and a new styling direction for the Japanese carmaker. Nissan’s latest crossover model comes with a more muscular and sharp exterior design, featuring a bigger V-Motion front grille, as well as slim LED matrix headlamps with new ‘boomerang’ daylight running lights. The athletic stance of the new Qashqai is amplified by the strong shoulder line that runs across the length of the vehicle while for the first time in the model’s history, Nissan will offer the option of 20-inch alloy wheels. The new Nissan Qashqai is slightly bigger than the model it replaces, being longer by 35 mm, wider by 32 mm, taller by 25 mm, while the wheelbase is extended by 20mm. Customers will get to choose between 11 colors, and five two-tone combinations,  for a total of 16 variations to choose from. One of the biggest upgrades can be found inside, with the new Ni...

Honda has pulled the wraps off the new HR-V in Europe and Japan, where it is known as the Vezel. The subcompact crossover boasts a more modern look that Honda describes as a “coupe-inspired design” and the latest technology gear inside. It will launch in Europe in late 2021 exclusively with a single hybrid powertrain ditching the outgoing model’s plain diesel and gasoline engines. It’s still unknown when we will get a new HR-V in North America, where Honda has already confirmed that it will be a different model “designed to meet the distinct needs of U.S. customers, and will differ from the Honda Vezel/HR-V that will be introduced in other regions”. However, it might arrive for the 2022 model year. The global-spec model features a much cleaner face than today’s HR-V, with a big grille with horizontal slats that blends in nicely with the bumper and slender headlights on each side, though truth to be told, it could easily be mistaken for something that came out of Mazda’s lineup or even ...