Latest news with #CaroftheYear
Scroll.in
5 days ago
- Scroll.in
For children: When a neighbour's watch goes missing, three young friends get ready to crack the case
The evil imp who had caused the disruption was currently recovering from the long drive from Chennai to Bangalore. The youngest of the AKA detectives, at nine years old, was pretty much their secret weapon. Book-smart, tiny, and of a fierce nature that often got her into trouble, Asha had battled her way into the group – as she often had to do – to be taken seriously for anything. Prone to travel sickness, Asha usually got to sit in the front seat of the car next to her father. But this time, even that switch didn't help her avoid the queasiness. Sulky and tired, Asha sat in their balcony, sipping juice with crushed ginger and mint, which her mother had made to settle her stomach. Her nap hadn't helped. And everyone at home was huffy at her, just because she told the truth! And I was probably the reason we left a day early, too, Asha thought guiltily. Asha didn't feel like going down to play or finding out what the boys were doing in the clubhouse. She had already laid out her books and uniform for school (even before she left for Chennai), so there was nothing left to prepare for the next day. Asha watched as a new car drove through the driveway below. A Maruti Grand Vitara, she mentally catalogued, remembering that it had been the Car of the Year in 2023. She already knew which apartment it was heading to even before it made the turn toward the owner's complex. Only one house had bought a new car this year. When Asha was younger, she had explored every basement parking lot in their apartment block and memorised all the cars against the owner's flat numbers. She didn't know the people in every house, but she certainly knew what they drove. It had taken her parents a year to realise she wasn't just making it up, and another year for her to realise this was not something everyone could do. 'I left it right here. Next to my phone…like I always do!' A man's loud voice broke through her musings. Asha pressed her face against their balcony's grill but couldn't make out which apartment the shouting was coming from. 'Who came in here? Ask her to come back!' Downstairs, she could see drivers looking up from their cars and groups of gossiping nannies staring. A ball rolled unchecked as a game of dodgeball came to a standstill, the circle of kids gaping upwards in the same direction. 'She's a thief! She knew how valuable it was! She's a bloody thief!' Unable to bear it any longer, Asha grabbed her sweater and chappals and ran past her father, who was reading in their living room. 'Asha? Where are you…' he began. 'Downstairs, back soon!' she responded, slamming the door behind her. By the time Asha reached the ground floor, a crowd had already gathered to watch the uncle, who lived in 101B, vent and fume. Asha skidded to a halt and turned, recognising him as both the parent of a ninth-standard boy in their school and the owner of a silver Maruti SX4. 'I'll call the police! Check her bags!' Dressed in only a white banian and blue checked lungi, the rather hairy uncle in question was waving his hands in a fury like some sort of mad orchestra conductor. He was standing on his first-floor balcony, shouting in the direction of a house help who had already begun screaming back. 'Koopidiga, police. I haven't taken anything. Here!' She threw her bag down dramatically, while one of the security guards who had come running at the noise, bent and quickly checked its contents. 'Amma! I'm not coming to work tomorrow. Find somebody else!' Asha moved through the crowd to observe the entire scene. 'She stole my Rolex watch! I left it right here. Only she came inside.' Standing on the balcony alongside the screaming uncle was Geetha Aunty, looking extremely hassled as she unsuccessfully tried to calm her husband and get the house help to come back upstairs. 'Who still wears a watch? It's not even a smartwatch! I have a smartphone! ' she continued with her tirade. Hastily, Asha looked through the crowd for Karthik and her brother Aarav. This could be their new case! And those dumb boys were missing everything! 'She must have hidden it elsewhere. Where's the manager? Check the CCTV cameras!' Asha edged away from the crowd and hastened towards the guard's entry station. While everyone was busy watching the commotion, she grabbed a pen off their table, tore a sheet of paper from the back of their entry book, and ran towards the lifts. As the man and the helper continued to scream at each other, Asha scribbled down the details of what she knew so far. Stopping in front of the lift, Asha looked up the name of the owner of 101B. Mr TS Muralikrishnan. The house help, whom Asha already knew, was Lakshmi-akka. And a Rolex watch had been stolen!
NZ Autocar
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
2025 Volvo XC90 B5 Ultra Bright Review
The Volvo XC90 undergoes another revision as it enters its second decade. Is it still a viable option for those after a premium seven-seat SUV? It was back in 2015 that the Volvo XC90 made quite the impression, taking away our overall Car of the Year award. And ten years later, the XC90 is still trucking along. Volvo's seven seater has a reputation for longevity in the market. The original went 13 years before this second-generation offering arrived. And now as it enters its second decade, Volvo has given it a thorough freshening. However, that wasn't the original plan. The XC90 was intended to be replaced by the EX90, the battery-powered model that was recently crowned the World Luxury Car of the Year (but not scheduled for arrival here until 2026). You may recall the firm declaring an end to ICE motivation from 2030, and then, like many manufacturers, it rolled those comments back to adjust to market demand for EVs. And so Volvo will continue to sell hybrid models for the foreseeable future, the XC90's retirement party delayed for a few more years yet. But is a luxury SUV with ten candles on its birthday cake still competitive in today's market place? Pricing helps; the revised model is slightly cheaper now. This B5 Ultra Bright costs $112,990, $2k less than the old model. While it gains a bit more on the spec sheet, you're now getting the lesser 184kW tune of the mild hybrid 2.0-litre. The other option is the T8 Ultra Dark Plug-in Hybrid, although this has snuck up in price to $161,990. It does get a better plug-in driveline, however, with a 70km electric range. So what's new? Volvo has given both the exterior and interior an update, which it says makes the XC90 'more contemporary and luxurious in line with the new generation of fully electric SUVs'. From the front is where you'll notice the biggest change with a new grille (or front air intake graphic as the designer would call it), updated bumper and guards and a more sculpted bonnet. The T-shaped headlights take on a revised, slimmer appearance too, and come with Matrix-design LED technology. Wheel and taillight titivation complete the makeover. This B5 Ultra Bright is highlighted with chrome accents, while the T8 Ultra Dark gets the blacked out treatment. The latter looks better, especially on that intake graphic. Interior renovated too The cabin has been spruced with new panels tacked on to the dash and doors, a revised centre console and fresh decor. Cabin quality and premium ambience remain up to the mark. The light-coloured Cardamom trim, a new choice, is suitably Swedish, though will look a little the worse for wear after a year of family life. XC90 was an early adopter of the minimal button approach, and now the overlording touchscreen has been enlarged with a new 11.2-inch display sitting proud of the dash. It's a more pixel-dense screen which boasts a new user interface. The home screen shows maps, media and phone functions, meaning fewer taps to access the most used functions. And you don't have to leave the map page to change your music like you had to with the old system. It's still Google enabled, which will be off-putting for those digital privacy advocates. The voice-activated Google Assistant can perform some of the more menial tasks to save you tapping at the screen. Navigation is via Google maps, so has superior real-time traffic info for the best route home when things go wrong. You also get a four-year subscription to the Digital Services package with all data included. There's an upgraded wireless phone charger but having only one seems mean these days. And there's also the air purifier, four-zone climate control, head-up display, heated seats front and rear and a wheel warmer. Figure also on a panoramic roof and Harman Kardon premium sounds. Helping keep the XC90 viable is its interior versatility. It fits seven inside, the seating arrangement sliding to help everyone fit. With a trio of individual seats, three average-sized Joes should fit across the middle row. The sixth and seventh seats are pretty good too, accommodating lanky teenaged bipeds, while there's enough room left over in behind for a couple of furry quadrupeds to lay comfortably. In five-seater mode, the hold is wide and deep, good for 680L. Mild in nature Being a mild hybrid, the stop/start function is quick and unobtrusive. The 10kW/40Nm integrated starter generator gives a small boost to proceedings so the 2.0-litre's 360Nm feels sufficient for commuting. Consumption they rate at 8.1L/100km while this vehicle's long term average was tracking at 10.1L/100km. Another new addition is frequency selective dampers for improved ride comfort, while still managing the body movements at speed. These work well on highway roads for a smooth ride, and while the urban progress is okay, they don't soak up the sharper edges quite as well. It's not so bad you'd contemplate the $4000 air suspender option however. The steering is commendably light but still with three turns between the stops. A turning circle of 12.1m is large though. The parking camera's 360 degree image isn't as seamless as in newer models but the bigger screen lets you have a split view with both the regular reversing image and surround view shown at the same time. Refinement and ease are prioritised on highway roads, but it steers well enough, resists the urge to push (with a little help from the stability aids) and manages to deal with bumps and body roll. Volvo dispensed with myriad drive modes a while back and they aren't missed. The auto goes alright, though you can still pick the gears yourself if you so choose. Road noise is subdued on coarse chip surfaces. Given its age, this is a 'new' Volvo without five stars as its ANCAP rating has expired since it was tested in 2015. It's missing things like a centre air bag and some of the more active warnings like the overspeed alert and driver monitor (though we don't really miss them at all). The active cruise is a smooth operator in traffic, and on the motorway. What else is there? Lucky for the XC90, some of its rivals from the prestige brands aren't exactly new either, and all are more expensive. The Audi Q7 is brawnier but dearer (50TDI $159,990) and isn't quite as roomy. The Discovery starts at $145k and while it's more capable isn't quite as urban friendly. And the Defender 130 is even more expensive. Other seven seaters from the luxo set like the X7 and GLS are near the $200k mark. Closer to XC90 money are much newer mainstream models like the top Santa Fe and Mazda CX-90, or Prado VX if you want something more rugged. Volvo XC90 B5 Ultra Bright $112,990 / 8.1L/100km / 180g/km 0-100 km/h 7.7s Ambient cabin noise 71.0dB@100km/h Engine 1969cc / IL4 / T / DI Max power 184kW@5400-5700rpm Max torque 360Nm@1600-3000rpm Drivetrain 8-speed auto / on-demand AWD Front suspension Wishbone / swaybar Rear suspension Multilink / swaybar Turning circle 12.1m (3.0 turns) Front brakes Ventilated discs Rear brakes Discs Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB Tyre size f/r-276/45ZR20 Wheelbase 2984mm L/W/H 4953 / 1931 / 2146mm Track f-1665mm r-1667mm Fuel capacity 71L Luggage capacity 302-680-2005L Tow rating 750kg (2400kg braked) Service intervals 12 months / 15,000km Scheduled servicing 3yrs / 100,000km Warranty 5yrs / 150,000km ANCAP rating Not yet rated Weight (claimed) 2080kg
LeMonde
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- LeMonde
Renault CEO Luca de Meo unexpectedly resigns, heading to Kering
Two "Car of the Year" trophies and then he's gone! For two years in a row, Renault, under Luca de Meo's leadership, won the prestigious European award. A triumph, and then... crash. On Thursday, June 12, the chief executive informed Renault's chairman, Jean-Dominique Senard, of his intention to leave the group. The news of his departure, kept secret for a few days, was made public by the automaker on the evening of June 15, along with his departure date: July 15. De Meo is expected to join the luxury group Kering, according to Le Figaro. The company, controlled by the Pinault family, was caught off guard and did not confirm the news Sunday evening. But it is already an open secret. At 58, de Meo, who spent more than 30 years in the automotive industry and turned around the Fiat and Seat brands before leading Renault, is changing course and switching sectors entirely, an unexpected and unusual move. Within Renault's senior management, the announcement provoked a shock, followed by some disappointment. On Thursday, de Meo had presented the main outlines of his "Futurama" plan to the board's strategic committee. This plan sets out the company's strategy for the next five years, covering future vehicle models as well as diversification strategies, particularly in the defense industry. No sooner had it been presented than it was abandoned by the very person who was supposed to implement it. It was a bombshell for some board members, who are now left doubtful. When the Paris stock exchange opened on June 16, Renault shares were down nearly 6%, while Kering shares rose more than 7%.
Motor Trend
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Genesis G70 Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
Don't count the Genesis G70 out just yet. As the compact luxury sedan that won our 2019 Car of the Year award nears the end of its first generation, Genesis makes minor updates to streamline the features on offer. Rivals to the 2026 Genesis G70 include the Tesla Model 3, Alfa Romeo Giulia, and BMW 3 Series. What's New The 2026 G70 lineup sees some new content, but Genesis discontinues more features than it adds. Basics Electronically controlled suspension discontinued Power trunk no longer available on all trims 360-degree camera view standard on 3.3T models and available on 2.5T Prestige Exterior Capri Blue replaces Tasman Blue and Burleigh Blue Updated wheel design for 2.5T Prestige Aluminum trim available on 2.5T Prestige Interior Standard heated steering wheel on 2.5T AWD and above Beige, Gray, and Sport interiors discontinued for 2.5T models Nappa leather and microfiber suede headliner discontinued Alloy pedals discontinued on 2.5T Prestige What We Think Our 2019 Car of the Year returns for 2026, continuing its legacy of blending luxurious appointments with sporty driving dynamics. Although Genesis eliminates some features for the new model year, the 2026 G70 appears to remain a strong value proposition. There are quicker offerings in the segment, but the 2026 Genesis G70's subjective pleasures rival longer-established automakers. Its powerful engines feel gutsy when pushed but exhibit a relaxed character while tootling around town or cruising on the highway. It excels as a luxury car, too, with excellent build quality and interior materials. The 2026 Genesis G70 does have some weak aspects, though. Standard equipment goes well beyond the basics, but doesn't include the new tech features and larger displays offered on other models. The ride can get choppy, the second row isn't the roomiest, and trunk space is down compared to rivals. First introduced for 2019, the Genesis G70 is starting to show its age, as well. Still, the G70 remains a compelling pick for those who love to drive but don't want to sacrifice comfort or convenience. We hope Genesis continues to offer enthusiast-friendly models when the G70's time is inevitably up. Top-Ranked Competitors: BMW 3 Series Alfa Romeo Giulia Mercedes-Benz C-Class MotorTrend Tested Entry-level versions of the 2026 Genesis G70 carry over with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive available. A rear-wheel-drive G70 takes 5.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. All-wheel-drive models require 5.9 seconds. For perspective, the four-cylinder BMW 330i only takes 5.3–5.4 seconds with RWD or AWD. An upgrade to the optional 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine producing 365 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque brings the G70's 0–60-mph time down to a mere 4.5 seconds. For comparison, the BMW M340i xDrive we tested needed just 3.8 seconds to hit 60 mph. MPGs and Range We expect the 2026 Genesis G70 will log similar EPA ratings to the 2025 model. It's most efficient with the base 2.5-liter engine and rear-wheel drive, returning 21/29 mpg city/highway. With all-wheel drive, those figures fall slightly to 20/28 mpg. The competing 2025 BMW 330i is a paragon of efficiency at 28/35 mpg with RWD and 26/34 mpg with xDrive AWD. With the larger 3.3-liter V-6, the G70's fuel economy takes a tumble. Rear-wheel-drive models return 17/25 mpg, and all-wheel-drive models are rated at 17/23 mpg. For comparison, the BMW M340i is only marginally less efficient than the 330i despite its much more powerful I-6 engine, rated at 27/33 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 26/33 mpg with all-wheel drive. The G70 2.5T has the most range, at 379 miles. With all-wheel drive, that figure drops slightly to 363 miles. The BMW 3 Series has a lot more range—484 miles with RWD and 452 miles with AWD. With the 3.3-liter engine, the G70's numbers fall to 316 and 300 miles, respectively. Meanwhile, both of the M340i's drivetrain layouts are good for 452 miles of range. Safety Ratings and Features For 2025, the Genesis G70 receives Good scores in all crashworthiness categories evaluated by IIHS. It also gets a top score in the headlights test. LATCH ease of use is rated Marginal, the second-lowest score. Genesis equips the 2026 G70 with a robust suite of active safety features. We've found the driver assistance systems to be useful in our testing. Automatic high-beams Front and rear automatic emergency braking Side cross-traffic alert Intersection collision avoidance Blind-spot monitoring Lane keeping assist Adaptive cruise control Cargo Space and Interior Room The 2026 Genesis G70's front row is roomy, but the second row feels tight. Cargo space is down compared to rivals. Technology Infotainment Genesis outfits every 2026 G70 with a standard 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Unlike other Genesis models with a single panel for all digital functions, the G70 still uses a second 8.0-inch display and semi-analog instrument cluster. A head-up display is available. The 2026 Genesis G70's cabin has a total of four USB-C ports. Only higher trims come equipped with a wireless charging pad. Sound System The G70's base sound system is a six-speaker arrangement. A 15-speaker setup from Lexicon is also available. Available Upgrades Heated steering wheel Ventilated front seats Power-folding side mirrors with Genesis logo puddle lamps Value Standard Features Genesis equips the 2026 G70 with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. The sport sedan rides on 19-inch wheels and a fully independent suspension. All models use Brembo brakes. Inside the cabin, the G70 features standard leatherette upholstery with heated front seats. All models have a proximity key and pushbutton start. There's an 8.0-inch gauge cluster display alongside an analog gauge, a 10.3-inch infotainment display, and four USB-C ports. Safety features include forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, a rearview camera, safe exit warning, and a rear occupant alert. Recommended Trim Genesis offers the 2026 G70 in eight trims: 2.5T RWD 2.5T AWD 2.5T Sport Prestige RWD 2.5T Sport Prestige AWD 3.3T Sport Advanced RWD 3.3T Sport Advanced AWD 3.3T Sport Prestige RWD 3.3T Sport Prestige AWD Models with the 3.3-liter engine are compact rockets, but the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder still has plenty of grunt. For that reason, we'd go for rear-drive Sport Prestige trim to get the leather seats, sunroof, and ventilated front seats. Pricing for the G70 should start around $44,000 and reach nearly $60,000 for the 3.3T Sport Prestige AWD model. The 2026 Genesis G70 2.5T Sport Prestige RWD is our goldilocks, stickering for less than $50,000. The Sportiest 2026 Genesis G70 All Genesis G70s are fun to drive, but the most enthusiast-oriented are the pair of 3.3T Sport Prestige models, which receive a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, and a variable exhaust system. In prior years, Genesis equipped electronically controlled suspension, but that feature has been discontinued for 2026 in favor of a passive setup.
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Why the BMW X3 might not be a worthy Car of the Year winner: a counterpoint
The new BMW X3 has won Car of the Year, but it's not without faults. Picture: Supplied. Image: Supplied I disagree vehemently with the decision to award the BMW X3 as South Africa's Car of the Year 2025. For one, my understanding is that the winner is supposed to shift the goalposts in its class or for motoring overall. First of all, the looks. Yes, appearances are subjective, but the design, for me, is bland compared to previous iterations and delivers none of the dynamism presented by its drivetrain. On the performance front, of course, there is plenty of cleverness going on under the skin to deliver an engaging driving experience that is also comfortable - but it's a far cry from the engaged driving experience we've come to expect from BMW, particularly in as far as steering input and feedback is concerned. The interior: futuristic but finicky. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Inside, I find the cabin far too finicky and gimmicky – why would BMW include additional actuators just to close the air vents? That's yet another electronic thing that can (and most likely will) fail over time and be ridiculously expensive to replace. One of the other criteria is affordability – the X3 is simply out of reach for most consumers. That being said, previous winners were also out of reach for all but a privileged few – 2024's BMW 7-series, 2020's Jaguar i-Pace, 2018's Porsche Panamera – but in all those cases these vehicles redefined their class, changing the game for their competitors and motoring in general.
