Latest news with #AudiQ4e-tron
Scotsman
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Skoda Elroq review: sensible, efficient and surprisingly stylish
The handsome Skoda Elroq is immensely likeable | Skoda This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Gareth Butterfield tests the new Skoda Elroq - a masterclass in understated competence – practical, refined and perfect for those who like their lives (and lawns) neatly trimmed. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... I always imagine Skoda buyers to be the sorts of people who obsess over their front gardens. Their privet hedges never have a leaf out of place, and their kitchens and living rooms are free of any clutter. They iron their duvets, religiously stick to bedtimes, don't touch sugary drinks, and clean their cars every Sunday, without fail. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad These are the sorts of people I really wouldn't want to go on holiday with, but they're the sorts of people who make sensible purchases; obsessing over details, and not signing a cheque until they're absolutely sure they're doing the right thing. My house is a tip. My front garden is an embarrassment, and I've never ironed a duvet in my life. I've also never owned a Skoda before. But I borrowed one recently to see how the other half lives. It's more sensible from the rear, but no less attractive | Skoda The nice people at Skoda sent me their new fully-electric Elroq. It's currently the smallest Skoda on the fleet, but it's not really very small. A sign of the times, I guess. Skoda describes its newcomer as a compact SUV, presumably because if something isn't badged as an "SUV" or a "crossover" only four people will buy it these days. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And I suspect plenty of people will buy the Elroq, because it's significantly cheaper than the VW ID.4 and the Audi Q4 e-tron with which it shares a platform. That's the sort of sensible choice people who only own two pairs of shoes makes. It could be argued that the Elroq's looks are far from sensible, though. It's all quite conventional at the rear, but the slim LED lights and gloss-black panel instead of a grille are very on-trend. Minimalist, but well laid out - the interior is a pleasant place to sit | Skoda The interior is far more sensible. It's quite attractive, in a not-too-daring sort of a way, with a dashboard dominated by a 13in display, which sits next to a relatively tiny driver's display. The main display is one of the easier ones to use, and it has an array of configurable shortcuts. These are always welcome, but one day we'll go back to physical buttons, I promise, and you'll realise what a clumsy pain in the backside they actually are. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Beneath the screen is a subtle set of capacitive controls for climate settings and audio volume. It's a bit fiddly, but the physical shortcut buttons beneath that are like an oasis in the desert - despite being perhaps in the wrong place. Not very sensible, eh? Rear space is pretty good for the size of car - four people fit in well | Skoda Everything else about the interior is nice, though. There's plenty of space for four occupants, just enough room for the occasional fifth, and the 470-litre boot is very generous. Driving the Elroq feels like a pleasant lesson in how cars should operate. There's no fuss, not even a start button, you just get in and drive. The ride is slightly on the firm side, but only enough to keep body control in check, and with power output ranging from 168bhp to 281bhp, depending on the model you choose, there's plenty of grunt across the range for overtaking, but not enough to engage in any unwelcome frivolity. Ranges are strong in the Elroq, with the base "50", capable of a potential 230 miles, the "60" claiming 260 miles, and the top-spec 85 ready to attempt 360 miles. In practice, the Elroq I tested was very efficient, and 3.5mi/kWh is possible, but that would still reduce the maximum potential range down a fair bit, if I've done my sums correctly. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Charging speed ranges from 145kW in the 50, and up to 175kW in the 85, which isn't too shabby. And it means they'll probably all top up in the same time. Very sensible. There's lots of classic clever Skoda touches - like the innovative net for storing the charging cable | Skoda The trim levels you choose will, to some extent, determine the battery you get fitted, and if you go for top spec, you'll get plenty of goodies thrown in, plus the option of the 63 or 82kWh batteries, but you will start to creep towards £40,000. And £40,000 for a compact Skoda doesn't seem all that sensible. But in the mid-ranges, perhaps in SE L trim with the 63kWh battery, it's probably in its sweet spot, and leasing deals will be tempting, thanks partly to decent residuals. It's hard not to like the Elroq. You don't fall for its charms as such, because they're a bit lacking, but it's just such a competent car, that does everything it's mean to do really, really well. Unlike Kenneth and Janet's immaculate yet soulless new-build detached house in Foxglove Dell, it's really very appealing. In a sensible sort of way. Carly 20% off!! Unlock hidden features and save money with Carly's smart car diagnostic tool £ 50.00 Buy now Buy now Ever wondered what that warning light on your dashboard actually means? Basic OBD scanners might tell you the code – but Carly goes much further. This clever German-made device pairs with a powerful app to translate those fault codes, explain what's wrong, and even guide you through potential fixes. You'll also unlock bonus features, like hidden menus and digital speedos on compatible cars. Right now, you can get 20% off as part of Carly's Birthday Sale with code BDAY20. For more details click here.
Miami Herald
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2026 Cadillac Optiq Gets Cheaper and More Powerful for 2026
Cadillac's push into the electric era started with the Lyriq, but it's the smaller Optiq that's shaping up to be the brand's most approachable EV. Positioned as the most compact and affordable electric vehicle in the Cadillac lineup, the Optiq already offers a sharp design, solid range, and a more premium feel than most compact electric crossovers. For 2026, the Optiq receives a host of updates, including more powerful powertrains and increased charging access, but the biggest headline is a surprising one: it's getting cheaper. According to dealer order guides accessed by CarsDirect, Cadillac is trimming thousands off the Optiq's sticker, making its most attainable EV even more competitive against rivals from Audi, BMW, and Tesla. For the 2026 model year, Cadillac is slashing $1,995 off the price of every Optiq trim except the high-performance V variant. That puts the base Optiq RWD at just $50,990, a 3.8% drop from the 2025 model's $52,895 MSRP. The Sport trim follows suit at $51,500, while Premium Luxury and Premium Sport drop to $53,100 and $53,600, respectively. Apart from being a better deal in isolation, the price cut also makes the Optiq more competitive against similarly sized rivals like the Audi Q4 e-tron. It's worth noting that the Audi starts at $49,800 with less power and fewer standard features. These price cuts come as part of a broader strategy: Cadillac has reconfigured the powertrain offerings, moving the base model to a single-motor RWD layout. We just didn't expect the price cut across the range. The 2026 Optiq RWD makes 315 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, outgunning the 2025 AWD model's 300 hp. For buyers wanting more, the 2026 AWD variant gets a massive upgrade, now making 440 hp and 498 lb-ft – up 140 hp and 144 lb-ft from last year. All 2026 models continue using an 85-kWh battery, good for around 300 miles of range, depending on the drivetrain. DC fast charging enables 79 miles of range in 10 minutes, and a new NACS plug means Optiq drivers can now access Tesla's Supercharger network. A new Vibrant White Tricoat replaces the outgoing white paint option, but otherwise, the exterior design remains unchanged. Production of the 2026 Optiq begins August 25, with order books opening later this month. If you've been waiting for a luxury EV that doesn't break the bank, this could be Cadillac's strongest pitch yet. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Audi Launches Killer Q4 e-tron Lease Offer
Since its introduction, the Audi Q4 e-tron has offered a refined entry point into the luxury electric SUV world. Based on the Volkswagen Group's MEB electric vehicle platform, it shares bones with the Volkswagen ID.4 but brings a more premium look and feel, especially in its latest form. For 2025, the rear-wheel drive Q4 receives a significant hardware update, including a rear motor redesign that delivers better efficiency and an additional 81 horsepower, up to 282 hp. Meanwhile, Audi says the dual-motor Q4 55 e-tron quattro delivers 335 horsepower and can now sprint to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. For city commuters or young families looking for a practical but upscale EV, the Q4 e-tron makes a strong case. And with new lease offers rolling out across the country, Audi hopes it will become an even more compelling option for buyers who've been on the fence. Audi is now offering competitive lease deals on single- and dual-motor configurations of the 2025 Q4 e-tron, though pricing varies significantly by region. California drivers, for instance, can lease the Q4 for 36 months at $499 per month with $3,999 due at signing. That works out to $610 per month over the course of the lease, not bad considering the vehicle's recent powertrain improvements and luxury credentials. In the New York City area, customers are only able to lease the dual-motor spec of the Q4 e-tron. New Yorkers will pay the same $499 a month, plus a $3,175 down payment. That works out to an effective monthly cost of $631. Down in Atlanta, Audi is offering the same 24-month lease for $485 per month with $3,999 down, for a $650 monthly cost. If that's a little rich, Atlanta-area customers can also lease the single-motor Q4 e-tron for as little as $397 a month for 24 months. Including a $3,299 down payment, that comes out to an effective monthly cost of $530. Check your local pricing here. For 2025, the Q4 e-tron lineup includes rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants, with the latter carrying the "55 quattro" badge. All versions now benefit from a reengineered rear motor that delivers better performance and improved energy efficiency. EPA range estimates vary depending on trim and wheel size, but the single-motor Q4 45 e-tron model delivers 288 miles of range on a full charge, according to EPA estimates. Charging is quick, too - especially with the updates. Audi says the Q4 can now charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 28 minutes using a DC fast charger, thanks to a peak rate of 175 kW. At home, a Level 2 charger can refill the battery in about 9 hours. Standard equipment includes Audi's latest MMI infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated seats, and Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Q4 also includes a full suite of driver-assistance features, such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. The Q4 e-tron is still a relatively new face in the luxury EV world, but Audi is giving it the right updates - and lease pricing - to stay relevant. With a notable power boost and smarter lease incentives, the Q4 now makes a stronger case than ever. If you live in a region like California or Atlanta, the current lease terms are especially tempting. Audi's current lease deals on the Q4 e-tron are set to run through June 2, 2025, so anyone considering a new electric luxury SUV might want to start browsing local inventory sooner rather than later. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
NZ Autocar
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Mazda CX-6e SUV is rear-drive hybrid or EV
The EZ-60 SUV from Mazda debuted at the Shanghai show. A rakish mid-size SUV, it will be available with a choice of plug-in hybrid or pure-electric power. That gives it an advantage over the likes of Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-tron and Skoda Enyaq. Likely as not it will be CX-6e outside of China, with naming similar to the 6e sedan with which it shares many mechanicals. The EZ-60 is a Mazda-Changan joint venture project, like the 6e. The look is aggressive, low and wide, with large wheels and a small glasshouse. Its Mazda-typical grille features a 3D lighting surround. The grille has a small vent that funnels air into a wing in the bonnet, aiding aero. Thin daytime running lights are set up high, with the main lighting coming from below. There are drag-reducing cameras instead of mirrors, and a hollow rear pillar that also improves airflow. At the back is a raked screen and there are two aero devices beside the screen's glass edge. A Mazda logo replaces the usual winged badge. The EX-60 is a five seater that measures 4850mm long with a wheelbase of 2902mm. It is 1935mm wide and 1620mm tall so is bigger than Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-60 SUVs. Inside is a huge 26.45-inch 5K screen while all the key driver information comes via a 3D head-up display. The dashboard is a button-free zone but the 'smart cabin' can be operated by voice, touch or gesture. A 23-speaker 3D sound system has headrest speakers so front seat occupants can listen to different music. The electric EZ-60 has a range of almost 600km per charge, while the PHEV can manage 1000km, though these are not WLTP figures. Read our Mazda CX-6e preview here. Weight balance is evidently 50:50 for the PHEV, 47:53 for the EV. All independent suspension (Mac strut front, multilink rear) features adaptive dampers. Likely as not the EZ-60 employs the 6e's EPA1 platform. Pricing should undercut that of the Tesla Model Y, at least in the UK. Other technical aspects, like battery size and PHEV components are unknown. It is unclear whether CX-6e is coming here but given Mazda says it will be a global vehicle, like the 6e saloon, both are distinct possibilities.
