Latest news with #PHEV
Auto Express
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Volkswagen Golf GTE vs Toyota Prius: two visions of family car efficiency collide
Is it possible for a plug-in hybrid to be fun? It's a question that any petrolhead with an eye on penny-pinching will be keen to answer. As it turns out, it's only if your budget is limitless that the answer becomes a resounding yes. The Ferrari 296 and McLaren Artura both emphatically prove that petrol and electric can mix to spectacular effect. Advertisement - Article continues below But step down the budgetary ladder and things aren't so clear – often the extra weight and complexity of PHEVs makes them feel less pure and thrilling than simpler petrol or even fully electric alternatives. The maker of the famed Golf GTI clearly knows its way around a hot hatchback, so if anyone can make an engaging PHEV, then we'd put our money on Volkswagen having a better stab at it than most. The latest version of the Golf GTE boasts more power than a GTI, a longer range than ever before, while also addressing some of the previous Golf foibles. And do not adjust your sets – its competitor here really is a Toyota Prius. The latest model has transformed from its predecessor's slightly gawky eco-car shape to something that looks like it's beamed in from a Japanese Anime. But unlike previous versions, UK buyers get the Prius exclusively with PHEV power. Has that transformed the Toyota into a driver's car, or will VW's hot hatch know-how shine through? Model Volkswagen Golf GTE Price: £40,140 Powertrain: 1.5 4cyl plug-in hybrid, 268bhp 0-62mph: 6.6 seconds WLTP efficiency: 196mpg Official EV range: 81 miles Annual VED: £620 There will be plenty of company-car drivers who lust after a Golf GTI, but its high CO2 emissions rule it out of many schemes. That's where the GTE comes in, combining hot-hatch looks with tiny annual Benefit-in- Kind (BiK) deductions. At £40,140, it just undercuts the GTI on price. However, after adding options including leather upholstery with heated and cooled front seats (£2,135), a panoramic sunroof (£1,250), adaptive dampers (£735) and plenty more, the car pictured here costs £48,095. If plug-in hybrid tech appeals to you but you're not in quite so much of a hurry, then the Golf line-up offers another PHEV choice. A 201bhp version of the GTE's powertrain is available lower down the Golf hierarchy; it uses the same 1.5 petrol engine and battery, and while the electrical element is in a less potent state of tune, the maximum system torque is the same as in the GTE, at 350Nm. As a result, the overall performance is only slightly blunted, with 0-62mph taking 7.2 seconds. EV-only range increases to 88 miles, too. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below View Focus View Corsa Current Golfs, including the GTE, have VW's Car2X driver-assistance system. The tech can wirelessly communicate with other vehicles fitted with the same system, warning drivers of problems, such as vehicle breakdowns, and even cars performing emergency stops ahead, or incoming emergency vehicles behind. The set-up also uses the information it receives to detect when the end of a traffic jam is coming up, and can re-engage the car's adaptive cruise control once the traffic clears. Model Toyota Prius Excel Price: £40,545 Powertrain: 2.0 4cyl plug-in hybrid, 220bhp 0-62mph: 6.8 seconds WLTP efficiency: 403.5mpg Official EV range: 44 miles Annual VED: £620 Where once the Toyota Prius was seen as a fairly steady, dependable fuel-efficient hatchback, the fifth-generation model's dramatic new look has the potential to tempt the more style-conscious away from established sporty hybrid options, including the GTE. A list price of £40,545 means the Prius is very similarly priced to its rival. Unlike the Golf, however, there isn't a long options list that causes that figure to spiral; the only extra here is the striking 'Mustard' paint, which costs £655. We've griped about many new cars' driver-assistance systems, but the Prius has a few more irritations than the average. Speed limit bongs reading incorrect signs and warnings when pulling out of T-junctions are fairly commonplace, but perhaps most irritating is the fact that it can be very tricky to turn these systems off. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Most settings are buried in a sub-menu of the driver's display, and are labelled by abbreviations that aren't that clear or easy to understand. Some rivals make disabling these systems easier than in the Prius. Taking a more stylish approach with the Prius is an interesting strategy for Toyota. It's a name that has long been associated with eco-conscious buyers, and slow and steady performance in the name of fuel efficiency. Now, the latest model has taken a radical turn; yes, low energy usage is still very much a core part of the Prius's make-up, but it's also trying to appeal to more style-driven buyers – and even keen drivers, too. The question is, does the Prius name have the prestige to carry off its new position? Toyota has judged the Prius's chassis superbly, with a more compliant low-speed ride than the Golf, but with great body control on a twisty road. It's fun, but still impressively refined. The Golf's powertrain offers similar outright performance, but isn't as smooth. However, its optional adaptive dampers are brilliant; the high-speed ride is great in their softest settings and the chassis is sharp in firmer positions. The GTE's 19.7kWh battery is enough to see it officially cover 81 miles on electric power. Combined with a 108bhp motor and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, there's 268bhp. The Toyota's 149bhp Atkinson- cycle engine is designed for efficiency, and the 161bhp e-motor offers more grunt; combined, they make 220bhp. At 13.6kWh, its battery is smaller, but it still returns a WLTP electric range of 44 miles. THE GTE's long EV range puts it into the six per cent tax band for company cars. That's three per cent lower than the Prius, which is the difference between annual deductions of £480 a year for the Golf and £727 for the Toyota for a standard-rate income-tax payer. Charge the VW regularly at home and it will be cheap to run, but the Prius is much more fuel-efficient once the batteries have been depleted. The plug-in hybrid powertrain compromises the Golf's boot space compared with other non-hybrid Golfs; capacity drops from 381 litres to 273 litres. But the cabin is as spacious as ever. The Toyota's coupé-like profile harms its usability; the roofline makes access awkward in the front, and rear headroom is tight. Yet kneeroom is better than in the Golf, and the 284-litre boot is 11 litres larger than its rival's. Euro NCAP awarded the Golf family five stars when it was tested in 2022. While the standards have increased since then, so has the VW's standard safety kit; the GTE gets adaptive cruise control, lane assist, a reversing camera and all-round parking sensors. The Prius hasn't been tested by NCAP; the closest car that has is the Toyota C-HR – the pair share a platform and powertrain – and it earned five stars. Volkswagen finished 28th out of 32 brands in our 2024 Driver Power satisfaction survey, with disappointing marks for reliability and quality. Toyota didn't quite hit the heights of previous years, but an eighth-place finish remains a strong result. The brand offers up to 10 years' warranty cover, as long as annual services are carried out at an approved dealer. The Golf gets a less impressive three-year package. The Prius has become more desirable than ever before, but more importantly, it's better to drive, too. The ride and handling are great, and thanks to its powerful PHEV powertrain, the car has got the performance to match its chassis where its predecessors didn't. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Most of all, and more than any other PHEV, the Toyota's hybrid system feels like something that progresses automotive technology rather than simply acting as a company-car incentive box-ticking scheme. If you can live with the Prius's slightly cramped rear headroom and small boot capacity, there are few more stylish hybrids for the money right now. Latest Toyota Prius deals If you're a company-car user, the Golf GTE deserves to be right at the top of your shopping list. Its superb electric-only range means it's incredibly cheap to run on a company-car scheme, and the Volkswagen will be kind on your pocket too, if you can charge it up regularly at home. However, the Golf GTE is a little more costly than the Prius – especially if you load the car with options. While the VW's hybrid tech isn't quite as slick as its rival's, it's right on the money when it comes to ride and handling, and the cabin is spacious, too. The latest Golf isn't perfect yet, but it's better than ever. Latest Volkswagen Golf GTE deals Model tested Volkswagen Golf GTE Toyota Prius Excel Price from/price as tested £40,140/£48,095 £40,545/£41,200 Powertrain and performance Engine 4cyl in-line/1,498cc 4cyl in-line/1,987cc HEV Motor 108bhp 161bhp Combined power 268bhp 220bhp Torque 350Nm (combined) 190Nm (engine only) Transmission Six-speed auto/fwd e-CVT auto/fwd 0-62mph/top speed 6.6secs/143mph 6.8secs/109mph Fuel tank/battery capacity 40 litres/19.7kWh 45 litres/13.6kWh MPG (WLTP)/EV range 196mpg/81 miles 403.5mpg/44 miles Dimensions Length/wheelbase 4,289/2,620mm 4,599/2,750mm Width/height 1,789/1,478mm 1,782/1,430mm Rear knee room 543-781mm 615-868mm Rear headroom/elbow room 968/1,440mm 850/1,444mm Boot space (seats up) 273 litres 284 litres Boot length/width 800/1,035mm 806/938mm Boot lip height 682mm 711mm Kerbweight/towing weight 1,670/1,700kg 1,610kg/N/A Turning circle 10.9 metres 10.4 metres Costs/ownership Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000 miles) £17,525/43.66% £22,198/54.75% Depreciation £22,615 £18,347 Insurance group/quote/VED 30/£630/£620 31/£680/£620 Three-year service cost £534 (two years) £1,243 Annual tax liability std/higher rate £480/£959 £727/£1,454 Basic warranty (miles)/recovery 3yrs (60,000)/1yr 3yrs (60,000)/1yr Driver Power manufacturer position 29th 8th NCAP Adult/child/ped./assist/stars 88/87/74/82/5 _ (2022) N/A Equipment Metallic paint/wheel size £810/17 inches £655/19 inches Parking sensors/camera F&r/yes F&r/360 Spare wheel/Isofix points Repair kit/three Repair kit/two Keyless entry & go/powered tailgate Yes/no Yes/yes Leather/heated seats £2,150/yes Artificial/yes Screen size/digital dashboard 12.9 inches/yes 12.3 inches/yes Climate control/panoramic sunroof Yes/£1,250 Yes/no USBs/wireless charging Four/yes Six/yes Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Yes/yes Yes/yes Blind-spot warning/head-up display Yes/£595 Yes/yes Adaptive cruise/steering assist Yes/yes Yes/yes Of the many options, the Dynamic Chassis Control system, which includes adaptive dampers, is the one we'd pick first. It transforms a decent chassis into a very capable one, with a great spread between comfort and sharp handling. We're big fans of our car's 'Mustard' yellow paint, a £655 option. If you'd prefer a more sober shade, then there are six others; dark blue is a no-cost colour, red and pearl white are both £950, with the rest costing £655. Looking for your next car? You can now search our nationwide dealer network for a choice of great cars on offer right now with new, used and leasing deals to choose from... New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date The upcoming, all-electric Volvo XC60 alternative is designed to 'keep learning and evolve with time' Nissan Qashqai e-Power hybrid gets more efficient, powerful and eco-friendly for 2025 Nissan Qashqai e-Power hybrid gets more efficient, powerful and eco-friendly for 2025 The mid-size family SUV segment has just got a whole load tougher thanks to Nissan New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand's hot-SUV onslaught New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand's hot-SUV onslaught Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
7 Features That Make the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus the Perfect Family SUV
Practical AND attractive Aside from the Miata, I'd never driven any other Mazda before the 2025 CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus AWD was delivered from the fleet company. My first impression was that it was quite large for only a two-row SUV, had very curvy and funky styling, and had one of my favorite shades of red on the inside. Not too bright like a Lexus F-Sport, and not too dull—it was a nice break from the typical monochromatic black interior that comes in most family-oriented SUVs. At $57,450 MSRP, it's no cheap pony, but it's not a dull one, either. 0:08 / 0:09 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Source: Kristen Brown After reviewing several SUVs from various manufacturers, a trip to Costco illuminated a light bulb in my head. Out of all of them so far, including the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Subaru Outback Touring XT, the Mazda CX-70 has some features that, surprisingly, put it at the very top of the list of my favorite family haulers. Let's get into why. 1. The large doors have a wide opening for easy access When speaking with other reviewers, most complained about the size of the doors and how wide they need to open before you can fully access the rear seats. So, I went into this review a little skeptical. However, when I swung those massive doors open and noticed how incredibly easy that made installing my toddler daughters' car seats, it became a perk rather than a nuisance. After they installed, getting my daughters in and out of their seats, which are both rear and front-facing, was even easier. The lower anchors and upper tethers were easy to access and secure, too. It was one of the quickest installs to date, thanks to removable covers on the seats. You have to find a safe place to keep the covers when the car seats aren't in use. I just put them in the center console. The seat's bottoms were right at my hips, bringing my toddlers to my chest, so there was no bending over involved at all. Source: Kristen Brown 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. The only thing that was mildly annoying about it was parking in downtown Bend. When I had to park in tighter spaces, I noticed it was a challenge getting in and out. So, you just have to be mindful about where you park, which you should be regardless of what you're driving. But when it's parked in the driveway or at stores with large spots, like Costco, it's one of my favorite features. I can see it being amazing for dog owners, too. 2. The visibility was excellent, especially for rear passengers My oldest daughter, who just turned three, was a huge fan of the panoramic sunroof and the large, tinted windows. She loved being able to see everything and was alert to everything around her. My youngest, who's still rear-facing, was able to see her world in 4k, too. And she's usually staring at the back of her seat, only enjoying what's outside of her window from the baby mirror I always install on the headrest. She, too, was giddy to ride in the Mazda CX-70, and looked forward to every drive—even if it was just to our nearest Dutch Brothers. Source: Kristen Brown The A and B pillars weren't obscenely large like they were in other SUVs I've tested, making checking over my shoulder or seeing over the mirrors so much easier. The large rear windows helped me see my blind spot (even though there were blind spot monitors and alerts on the windows) while merging, which to me is a huge perk. 3. Not having a third row was actually a perk Most people I know who have reviewed the CX-70 thought it was unusual that an SUV of that size didn't have a third row of seats. But as a person who moved states away from their family, doesn't have any friends locally, and only has two children, not having a third row was nice. It meant a more cohesive and very large trunk, which came in handy during my Costco run. It was able to fit a whole box of diapers, wipes, two toddlers' Stanley pressure washer toys, and the impulse buy of a folding camping couch. Source: Kristen Brown I also bought three dinners' worth of food, snacks for the girls, and milk. And the trunk was able to accommodate everything with plenty of room left. My girls don't use a stroller anymore once they learned how to walk, but everything I bought would have easily fit in the CX-70's trunk with a stroller—or even a double stroller—without breaking a sweat. If you don't have kids but have a dog, your dog would adore the space it has, as well as the large windows in the rear. Putting a barrier between the rear seats and the trunk would be easy too, and your dog would have plenty of room to move. 4. Being a PHEV made daily tasks guilt-free Everything in Bend is close by, so having an EV range of about 25 miles was perfect for getting my daily errands done without using a drop of gas. Going to get coffee, bringing my husband some lunch, hitting the grocery store, and then heading back home was all done in EV mode. When I was done for the day, I'd back the Mazda into my driveway, leave the garage door ajar, and plug er' in with the factory charger. Source: Kristen Brown Within about 16 hours, the CX-70 PHEV was fully charged, and that was without any kind of EV charger installed in my garage. Will it run up your electricity bill? Maybe, but you can always bypass that by charging publicly or having a Level 2 charger installed. I just enjoyed having the choice to not do either one, as I'm the biggest hater of public charging. When not in EV mode, I enjoyed how much power was in the CX-70. A 68kw battery is attached to a 2.5-liter turbo four, making 323 horsepower combined (189 from the gas engine, 173 from the battery). The power division is smooth and effortless, and it gave the heifer of an SUV a little more oomph when it was needed most, like passing large trucks on the highway. Even after the battery drained, I was getting around 25 mpg combined, because of Mazda's intelligent AWD system that is rear-biased when slipping isn't detected. When it's switched into 'Off-Road' mode, 'Snow' mode, or slipping is detected, it will automatically and evenly distribute power to both sets of tires. 5. The interior is classy, but not ostentatious Mazda's interiors were always fairly minimalistic, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I can name about 15 people in my life who feel very overwhelmed by how many screens there are in new cars. The CX-70's interior has technology, but it's not in your face like Hyundai, Kia, or even Subaru cars are nowadays. The screen was the perfect size to use for navigation (which was easy thanks to wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay), and easy to use once it was set up. Every other driver control was a button or a knob, which is a welcomed design for most. Myself included. Source: Kristen Brown Mazda's native OS is very easy to use, but it's also very antiquated. It's only a touch screen when a phone mirroring software is being used. Otherwise, you have to use a dial that doubles as a button to flip through settings. I never had to customize anything on the screen, except for when I was charging it, so that would be something you have to get used to. But it wasn't all that terrible. The red leather that was in my tester is only for the Premium Plus model, but I'd definitely pay for it. It helped make the 'budget' SUV feel a lot more premium, and pairs very well with any exterior color you choose, though I'm a sucker for that gray color. 6. It felt much more expensive than it was The Premium Plus model is obviously more expensive than the standard CX-70 PHEV, but looking at the design, the red leather interior, the rear passenger features, the creature comforts, sound system, the size of it, and the simple yet intuitive interior, I assumed it costs closer to $80,000 than $60,000. The Premium Plus model has an MSRP of $57,450, which isn't cheap, but it should definitely make the Volvo XC-90 PHEV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, and the Kia Sorento PHEV very nervous. Source: Kristen Brown For the long list of features, it felt the price was more than fair. Especially since our of all the vehicles listed, Mazda is well-known for its reliability, durability, and affordability. The CX-70 PHEV I tested was certainly not an exception to that rule.. 7. My mom-brain appreciated the long list of standard safety features Logging onto the IIHS's website, the CX-70 PHEV was rated as one of the safest full-sized SUVs, and that helped make me more confident while driving my girls around. Even at that price point, it came with all the features most modern cars do, like lane assist, a camera, rear and cross traffic alerts, blind spot monitoring, and more—but knowing the IIHS rated it as a Top Safety Pick Plus helped relax me. I'll admit, all that glass in the rear made me skeptical, but that rating simply sealed the deal. Every single category was a bright green 'G.' Source: Kristen Brown Final thoughts The CX-70 PHEV was a great way to introduce me to Mazda outside of the Miata MX-5. It looked, felt, and drove like a luxury car, but had a much more attainable MSRP to SUVs that come close to the styling, driving feel, and ease-of-use that I experienced in the CX-70. The technology packed inside was easy to become acquainted with, even easier to use, and incredibly easy to love. I couldn't think of a single person who wouldn't find something to love about it, aside from maybe a single person without pets or children. Aside from a minivan, the CX-70 was one of the easiest cars to get my kids and their car seats in or out of, and that was something I didn't see coming. To this day, I always recommend it to my friends with one or two children, car seat-bound or otherwise. About the Author Kristen Brown View Profile
Auto Express
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: Renault Rafale is a stylish, plug-in coupe-SUV for under £250 a month
Stylish design and plenty of equipment 296bhp, four-wheel steering, 60-mile EV range Just £248.83 a month The Renault Rafale sits at the top of the French brand's very broad SUV line-up, and with its Audi Q5 Sportback-aping looks, you might imagine this range-topper comes with an equally high price. But it can be yours for less than £250 a month right now. Advertisement - Article continues below This bargain deal comes from Leasing Options, via the Auto Express Find a Car service, and sees you taking the keys to this stylish plug-in hybrid coupe-SUV for just £248.83 a month, after a £3,335.95 initial payment. Mileage is capped at 5,000 a year, but should you need a larger allowance 8,000 miles per annum costs £37.94 more a month. The Rafale isn't the first coupe-SUV Renault has offered in the UK, but it's certainly the best – and a very complete package. It has premium styling, a plush interior, plenty of technology, and affordable running costs thanks to its PHEV powertrain. The chisel-cut design really makes the Rafale stand out in a sea of coupe-roofed SUV rivals, while the low roofline hasn't restricted the space inside. There's plenty of room in the back seats for tall adults, and the 535-litre boot is pretty good by class standards. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below This deal gets you the powerful plug-in hybrid model. It's arguably the best version of the Rafale, and pairs a 1.2-litre petrol engine with twin electric motors to give an impressive 296bhp and four-wheel drive. The car can travel up to 65 miles on EV power alone, without using a drop of petrol, plus there's even four-wheel steering. There are only two high-spec trim levels on offer with the Rafale PHEV. This deal gets you the lower one, but Techno Esprit Alpine still gets you 20-inch diamond-cut alloys, a 9.3-inch head-up display, Alcantara-trimmed seats with French Tricolor stitching and illuminated Alpine badges. In fact, there are numerous Alpine badges dotted around the car, showing off the car's sporting intent. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Renault Rafale leasing offers from leading providers on our Renault Rafale hub page. Check out the Renault Rafale deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here… Find a car with the experts BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal Octopus' 'Power Pack Bundle' includes a leased BYD, a wallbox charger and charging all for less than £300 per month New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels The new Skoda Epic will sit below the Elroq and Enyaq in the brand's ever-expanding SUV range and is set to offer plenty of space despite its compact … New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date The upcoming, all-electric Volvo XC60 alternative is designed to 'keep learning and evolve with time'
The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Legendary car brand is axing ‘beast' 4×4 in Europe despite increasing popularity
A LEGENDARY car brand has axed its "beast" 4x4 in Europe despite its increasing popularity. This move represents a significant transition for the company. 1 Ford 's Ranger pickup, with the popular 2.0-litre diesel engine is set to be axed as the brand shifts focus to its new plug-in hybrid model. The 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine, often described as a beast of machine, will be removed from the Ranger in early 2026. What does this mean? A Ford spokesperson confirmed the decision to Professional Pickup, leaving the pickup relying on the 3.0-litre V6 EcoBlue engine and the new 2.3-litre EcoBoost plug-in hybrid. Ford of Europe will continue offering the Ranger with the 3.0-liter EcoBlue V6 turbo diesel. The Ranger Raptor is presently available with either 2.0-liter EcoBlue or 3.0-liter EcoBoost muscle in this part of the world. This move represents a significant transition for Ford's best-selling pickup, and shows the brand's confidence in the PHEV as a viable mainstream option for both work and leisure buyers. The shift to a PHEV powerplant will raise entry costs, with the plug-in model commanding a premium of around £2,500 over the existing 2.0-litre diesel models. However, Ford is positioning the Ranger PHEV as a highly capable alternative, with up to 27 miles of electric-only driving and a total power output that exceeds the current four-cylinder and even V6 diesel models. Crucially, the PHEV will retain the Ranger's full one-tonne payload limit and 3,500kg towing capacity — a key requirement for many business users. Why did they make the decision? New tax changes have created headaches for company pickup drivers, but Ford's decision to drop the EcoBlue engine is unrelated. Ford is forced to immediately shut down factories and halt car production as CEO admits 'day to day' struggle for brand Instead, EU emissions regulations require manufacturers to meet stringent fleet CO₂ averages or face substantial fines. With diesel variants like the Wildtrak emitting 230g/km, switching to a low-emission PHEV cuts pickup emissions by more than half, to 72g/km, helping the manufacturer towards its fleet average targets. The Ranger PHEV nets 68 grams of carbon dioxide for every kilometer in WLTP testing, whereas the high-output version of the 2.0-liter EcoBlue is listed with 230 grams. By comparison, the 3.0-liter EcoBlue and EcoBoost emit 264 and 315 grams, respectively. Available in single- and bi-turbo flavors, the 2.0-liter EcoBlue made its debut in February 2018 with the unveiling of the original Ranger Raptor. When is this going to happen? The 3.0-litre V6 diesel, currently used in high-spec models such as the Wildtrak and Platinum, will continue for the foreseeable future. With 240hp and 600Nm of torque, it offers strong performance for operators needing extra muscle, and is likely to remain a core part of the range until at least the end of the decade. The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid arriving with dealers now, with customer deliveries expected to begin shortly. Production of the 2.0-litre models will cease in early 2026. The Sun has approached Ford for comment. Meanwhile, a major recall issued by Ford over concerns for passenger safety will also affect its UK models. The recall was issued earlier this week in the US over a major safety defect that could leave passengers trapped in their cars. And Britain's best-selling car brands have been revealed with the 'devastatingly handsome' Ford STILL topping the charts – see full list. Plus, Ford is forced to immediately shut down factories and halt car production as CEO admits 'day to day' struggle for brand.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Legendary car brand is axing ‘beast' 4×4 in Europe despite increasing popularity
A LEGENDARY car brand has axed its "beast" 4x4 in Europe despite its increasing popularity. This move represents a significant transition for Advertisement 1 Legendary car brand is axing 'beast' 4×4 in Europe next year despite its increasing popularity Credit: YouTube The 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine, often described as a beast of machine, will be removed from the Ranger in early 2026. What does this mean? A Ford spokesperson confirmed the decision to , leaving the pickup relying on the 3.0-litre V6 EcoBlue engine and the new 2.3-litre EcoBoost plug-in hybrid . Advertisement Motor News This move represents a significant transition for The shift to a PHEV powerplant will raise entry costs, with the plug-in model commanding a premium of around £2,500 over the existing 2.0-litre diesel models . power output that exceeds the current four-cylinder and even V6 diesel models. Advertisement Most read in Motors Crucially, the PHEV will retain the Ranger's full one-tonne payload limit and 3,500kg towing capacity — a key requirement for many business users. Why did they make the decision? New tax changes have created headaches for company pickup drivers, but Ford is forced to immediately shut down factories and halt car production as CEO admits 'day to day' struggle for brand Instead, With diesel variants like the Advertisement The Ranger PHEV nets 68 grams of carbon dioxide for every kilometer in WLTP testing, whereas the high-output version of the 2.0-liter EcoBlue is listed with 230 grams. By comparison, the Available in single- and bi-turbo flavors, the 2.0-liter EcoBlue made its debut in February 2018 with the unveiling of the original Ranger Raptor. When is this going to happen? The 3.0-litre V6 diesel, currently used in high-spec models such as the Wildtrak and Platinum, will continue for the foreseeable future . Advertisement With 240hp and 600Nm of torque, it offers strong performance for operators needing extra muscle, and is likely to remain a core part of the range until at least the end of the decade. The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid arriving with dealers now, with customer deliveries expected to begin shortly. Production of the 2.0-litre models will cease in early 2026. The Sun has approached Ford for comment. Meanwhile, a major recall issued by Ford over concerns for passenger safety Advertisement cars . And Britain's best-selling car brands have been revealed with the 'devastatingly handsome' Ford STILL topping the charts – Plus, Ford is forced to immediately shut down factories and halt car production as
