Nother CarGuy

Skoda has taken the wraps off the brand new, 2021 Fabia. Based on the Volkswagen Polo’s MQB A0 platform, the fourth-generation subcompact hatchback gets access to up to 147 hp, a bigger infotainment screen, advanced driver aid technology, and a starting price of less than €14,000 ($16,830 USD) in most European markets “The Fabia has been an integral part of our portfolio for over 20 years and embodies the core values of our brand like no other model,” said Thomas Schäfer, Skoda’s CEO. “The latest generation has everything it takes to seamlessly build on the success of its predecessors.” Indeed, Skoda has chosen to refine, rather than revolutionize the look of the Fabia. The new design isn’t a massive departure from the third-generation car although it is 11 cm (4.3 inches) longer than the outgoing model. There are improvements to the Fabia’s design, though. The proportions, for instance, have been massaged to make it look more “dynamic and grown-up.” The door handles have also been res...

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 ...

Volkswagen’s Polo is a giant among small cars. In a career spanning almost 50 years it’s shifted over 18 million units, and regularly ranks close to the top of best-seller charts, proving Europeans love competent but dull cars. To ensure it stays there, and to make it slightly less dull, Volkswagen has given it a mid-life refresh, applying a touch of the Mk8 Golf’s design and some tech features more usually seen on cars like the flagship Touareg SUV. This being a facelift rather a ground-up rebuild, the major visual changes are limited to lights and bumpers. LED head and tail lights are standard on every model, the front units connected by an illuminated strip at the base of the radiator grille. Or you can upgrade them to the adaptive Matrix LED technology from the Touareg and Passat. That’s not the only big-car tech the Polo inherits. Volkswagen has bundled various assistance system together and given them the IQ.Drive Travel Assist tag. Those extra cost systems include adaptive cruis...

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 ...

Mercedes has just unveiled the new EQA, the brand’s smallest EV to date and the entry point of the EQ model range. Based on the Mercedes GLA, the new EQA debuts in its base EQA 250 form which uses an electric motor with 187 HP (190 PS) and 276 lb-ft (375 Nm) of torque driving the front wheels and fed by a 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Mercedes hasn’t finalized yet the WLTP test cycle of the EQA 250, saying it offers an estimated 264 miles (426 km) of driving range on a full charge. The NEDC driving range -which is generally more generous than WLTP- is 302 miles (486 km). The Mercedes EQA 250 will be followed by more variants of the new compact electric crossover; the German carmaker says that it’s working on “a whole family of EQA models”, which will offer front- and all-wheel-drive, a power output of over 268 HP in the flagship variant, as well as a special version with a driving range of over 310 miles (500 km) on the WLTP. As expected, the Mercedes EQA shares the same bodyshell...

Nissan has unveiled the facelifted Kicks in the United States. Looking far more attractive than its predecessor, the 2021 Kicks has a new front fascia with a “double V-motion” grille that is flanked by new LED headlights. The entry-level crossover also gains sportier air intakes and new LED fog lights. Additional changes are limited, but there’s a new rear bumper and updated LED taillights. The model also has restyled wheels and a revised color palette that includes three new colors as well as three new two-tone paint schemes. Moving into the cabin, there’s updated upholstery and revised trim. The model also gains a 7.0-inch driver information display, an additional USB Type-C port and a new 8-inch infotainment system in SV and SR trims. Other highlights include newly standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility as well as an optional Bose audio system and an Intelligent Around View Monitor.  The SV and SR trims also boast a new center console with an armrest. While intern...

Consumers have an insatiable appetite for crossovers and Volkswagen is responding by introducing the 2022 Taos. Designed to slot beneath the Tiguan, the Taos is a compact crossover that is “small in stature, but big on value.” While the model looks a little plain, it features a wide grille and sweptback headlights. Higher end variants go a step further as they feature LED lights which extend into the grille via an illuminated light bar. Elsewhere, designers installed sporty skid plates and plastic body cladding. The Taos also has squared off wheel arches and a greenhouse which closely resembles the Tiguan. Out back, there’s an angled liftgate with an integrated spoiler. We can also see wraparound taillights and faux dual exhaust system. Eight different colors will be available and wheels range in sizes from 17- to 19-inches. In terms of size, the Taos measures 175.8 inches (4,465 mm) long, 72.5 inches (1,842 mm) wide and 64.4 inches (1,636 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 105.9 inc...

Toyota has finally released the first photos and information on its Yaris-based SUV, appropriately named the Yaris Cross. Offering more room, an increased ground clearance and the option of all-wheel drive, the Toyota Yaris Cross will become the third member of the Yaris family when it launches in Europe in mid-2021. Joining the regular Yaris subcompact hatch and the GR Yaris hot hatch, the Yaris Cross is larger than both. While the wheelbase is the same at 2,560 mm (100.8 in), the crossover is 240 mm (9.4 in) longer at 4,180 mm (164.5 in). The Yaris Cross is also 20 mm (0.8 in) wider and 90 mm (3.5 in) taller than the Yaris. Despite that, it’s still small enough to avoid stepping on the Toyota C-HR‘s toes. Compared to the larger crossover, it appears less controversial from a styling standpoint, adopting a more conventional look. Some could say it looks like a mini-me Toyota RAV4, with the similar front end, generous plastic body cladding, flared wheel arches and overall S...

There has been a lot of speculation about Dacia’s first-ever electric vehicle, more specifically about the Renault model on which it will be based. That ends today as the Romanian brand has unveiled the Spring Electric Concept previewing its first EV, which it’s very clearly based on the Renault City K-ZE sold in China. We don’t know why Dacia bothered to present the electric crossover in concept form given that a production model is already on sale in China. However, the reason behind it could be the fact the Dacia EV won’t launch earlier than 2021 in Europe. There’s not much to comment regarding the styling: it looks pretty much like the Renault Kwid-based City K-ZE, with some minor differences. Those include the Dacia-specific grille, three-piece LED headlights located under the horizontal LED DRLs, full-LED taillights with ‘double-Y’ effect and… that’s about it. Dacia says this look previews the future of the brand’s lighting design. Known as the ‘Dacia Urban City ...

Toyota have really outdone themselves with the new GR Yaris, a subcompact hot hatch with state-of-the-art engineering and power levels that broke cover at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon. Positioned against the Ford Fiesta ST, Renault Clio RS and Volkswagen Polo GTI in terms of size, the Japanese supermini is way more powerful and adds something its rivals lack: an all-wheel drive system. How was this possible? By combining the front end of the GA-B platform that debuted in the new-gen Yaris with the rear of the GA-C architecture. This allows the implementation of the all-wheel drive system, as well as a new suspension design, with double wishbone set-up, front strut system and rear torsion beam. Stopping power comes from the 356 mm (14 in) ventilated front discs with four-piston calipers and 297 mm (11.7 in) ventilated rear discs with two-pot calipers. Powering the GR Yaris is the 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that produces 261 PS (257 hp / 192 kW) and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft)...