All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

VW Golf 8.5 2.0 TDI covered 1,500 km on one tank

In a market dominated by SUVs and electrified powertrains, it’s easy to forget the type of car that once defined long-distance driving: the diesel-powered hatchback. But the latest test of the Volkswagen Golf 8.5 2.0 TDI, conducted by motor.es journalists, serves as a stark reminder that the old formula still works – and in many cases, works better than ever.

On a 1,500-kilometer journey from Madrid to Barcelona and back, the updated Golf proved that for those who rack up serious mileage, there’s still no substitute for a well-tuned diesel engine. In fact, the team needed just €68 worth of diesel to cover the first 1,000 kilometers, a feat few electrified or petrol-powered rivals can match in terms of both cost and range.

Evolution of an Icon

Now in its eighth and a half generation, the Golf 8.5 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it focuses on refining what already worked. Subtle styling updates—such as redesigned bumpers and the adoption of IQ.Light Matrix LED headlamps—keep the design fresh without losing the Golf’s signature silhouette. Inside, the upgrades are more meaningful. A larger touchscreen, improved software, and a new steering wheel with physical buttons (finally!) all contribute to a more intuitive and ergonomic experience.

The Diesel Dilemma, Revisited

Let’s address the elephant in the room: diesel has a PR problem in Europe. Regulatory crackdowns and urban restrictions have led many to dismiss it as outdated tech. But if your driving habits lean more toward highway cruising than city crawling, diesel remains a compelling proposition. And the 2.0 TDI engine with 150 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque is a shining example of that.

This engine doesn’t just sip fuel—it impresses with refinement. Even when cold, engine noise is well isolated, and once you’re at cruising speed, it fades into near silence. That mechanical serenity, combined with the Golf’s characteristic handling balance, makes for a composed and confidence-inspiring ride. The punchy low-end torque outclasses its petrol sibling (the 1.5 TSI), especially in real-world scenarios like overtaking or merging onto highways.

Real-World Efficiency

Over the course of the 1,500 km test, average fuel consumption settled at just 4.8 l/100 km—an astonishing result considering the challenging conditions: over 35°C ambient temperatures, heavy use of air conditioning, and frequent traffic snarls. The car covered the first 1,000 km on a single 50-liter tank, and the total fuel bill for the entire journey came in just over €100.

That’s not just efficient; it borders on absurd. And in a time when many car buyers are weighing the high up-front costs and infrastructure challenges of EVs and hybrids, this kind of real-world frugality cannot be overlooked.

Not Perfect, But Purposeful

It’s worth noting that modern diesel engines come with complexity. Systems like AdBlue injection, particulate filters, and EGR valves are necessary to meet today’s emissions standards—but they also make diesels less ideal for city dwellers. In heavy urban traffic, consumption rises to around 6.5 l/100 km, and components like the DPF may struggle to regenerate properly.

Still, for drivers covering 20,000 km or more per year, no current alternative offers the same blend of performance, range, and economy.

Verdict: The Right Tool for the Job

The Golf 8.5 TDI isn’t trying to be a revolution. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t shout about its talents. But for those who want a mature, versatile, and incredibly efficient car for long-distance travel, it’s hard to think of a better option. With a 381-liter trunk, room for a small family, and the kind of driving experience that makes you forget the SUV craze ever happened, this diesel hatchback makes a compelling case for itself.

Hybrids are great. EVs are the future. But when you need to traverse a continent, sometimes the old ways are still the best. And the Golf TDI proves that diesel, far from dead, still has plenty of life left on the open road.

Source: Motor.es

News

Geely Auto Achieves Milestone in Global AI Vehicle Safety Standards

Geely Auto has made industry history by becoming the world’s first automaker to receive ISO/PAS 8800 certification—an international benchmark for artificial intelligence safety in road vehicles. The certification, awarded by Germany’s DAkkS (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle), underscores the Chinese auto giant’s leadership in both engineering excellence and next-generation vehicle safety.

This achievement places Geely at the forefront of a global movement to redefine safety in the age of intelligent mobility. The ISO/PAS 8800 standard, released in December 2024 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is the first globally recognized framework to address the safety of AI systems across the entire vehicle lifecycle. It marks a major shift from traditional compliance-based approaches to a holistic, end-to-end safety model.

DAkkS, Germany’s national accreditation body and a prominent member of both the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), certified Geely’s adherence to three key areas of international safety standards: functional safety, expected functional safety, and AI safety. The certification confirms that Geely’s development processes, safety governance, and AI system designs meet the highest global standards.

Building a Safety Ecosystem for the AI Era

Geely’s approach goes beyond ticking boxes for compliance. Through strategic partnerships and sustained R&D investment, the company is building a comprehensive AI safety system encompassing everything from core functions and embedded software to chips, hardware, and the entire supply chain. This end-to-end framework was validated through an EU SGS audit, culminating in formal recognition from DAkkS.

“Safety has always been a cornerstone of our manufacturing philosophy,” a Geely spokesperson stated. “Achieving ISO/PAS 8800 certification is a testament to our vision of intelligent mobility that doesn’t compromise on protection.”

That vision is backed by substance: according to the China Automotive Technology and Research Center, Geely holds 1,562 patents related to vehicle safety technologies. This new certification adds to the company’s impressive portfolio, which already includes dual ISO 26262 functional safety certifications from DAkkS and ANAB (U.S.), as well as ISO 21448 certification for expected functional safety from ANAB.

Engineering a Culture of Safety

While the certification is a milestone, Geely views it as a starting point—not an endpoint. The automaker is rolling out specialized technical training programs across its engineering teams to ensure deep-rooted understanding and integration of AI safety principles. These programs cover AI lifecycle management, data governance, and safety requirement analysis, effectively embedding the standard into every layer of product development.

As AI continues to redefine the driving experience, the industry faces mounting pressure to ensure smart features don’t compromise driver or pedestrian safety. With this certification, Geely has taken a definitive step toward ensuring that intelligent systems are not only high-performing, but secure by design.

A New Standard for the Industry?

Geely’s success in securing ISO/PAS 8800 certification may set a precedent for other automakers, especially as regulatory bodies and consumers alike demand greater transparency and accountability in automotive AI systems. The move may also help China’s automotive sector position itself more competitively in global markets, particularly Europe.

In an industry rapidly transitioning toward autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, Geely’s achievement demonstrates that safety need not be a casualty of innovation—instead, it can be its foundation.

Source: Geely Auto

News

Honda Reports 7.1% Sales Growth in First Half of 2025

Honda has reported encouraging sales figures for the first half of 2025, with data showing a 7.1% increase year-over-year in U.S. vehicle deliveries. The Japanese automaker sold a total of 670,765 vehicles from January through June, with June alone contributing 103,574 units — a 1.2% uptick compared to the same month last year.

Several key models have played a pivotal role in this growth, including a mix of refreshed stalwarts and new additions to the lineup. Notably, the Odyssey minivan and Passport SUV continue to perform well in the competitive U.S. market, while the all-electric Honda Prologue shows early signs of promise despite a more cautious adoption curve.

Electric Beginnings: Honda Prologue Gains Traction

Honda’s first all-electric SUV, the Prologue, continues its rollout with a notable — albeit nuanced — performance. The company moved 2,799 units in June, a staggering 237.2% increase over the 830 sold in June 2024. Year-to-date figures are even more impressive: 16,318 Prologues have been sold through June, marking a 963% jump compared to the same period last year.

Still, while the growth rates are eye-catching, the Prologue remains Honda’s lowest-selling model in the lineup so far this year. Its best month remains November 2024, when 6,823 units were sold — a high water mark that hasn’t been matched since. The numbers suggest that while the Prologue is gaining momentum, widespread consumer adoption of Honda’s EV offering is still developing. For now, the Prologue appears to be carving out its niche in a market still warming up to electric SUVs.

Passport Sales Surge Ahead of New Model Transition

Meanwhile, the Honda Passport has been a major contributor to the brand’s upward trajectory. June sales rose to 4,433 units, a 67.7% improvement over the previous year. For the first half of 2025, Passport sales totaled 27,068 — up 66.1% from 16,293 during the same period in 2024.

Part of this surge can be attributed to the transition to the updated 2026 Passport, which began arriving at dealerships in February. Honda hasn’t released a breakdown of how many of those sales were for the new model versus the outgoing version, but the overall upward trend suggests healthy consumer interest in the rugged midsize SUV.

Odyssey Continues to Win Over Families

The family-focused Honda Odyssey is also enjoying a resurgence following its recent update roughly a year ago. The minivan saw a 38.1% year-over-year sales increase in June, totaling 9,542 units. Over the first six months of 2025, Odyssey sales climbed 27.4% to 50,033 units — a significant jump in a segment that has faced increasing pressure from three-row SUVs.

Acura Holds Steady With Modest Gains

Over at Honda’s premium marque, Acura, the trend is similarly positive. The brand posted a 6.8% increase in year-to-date sales, totaling 68,386 units. In June, 10,912 Acura vehicles were sold — a 5.4% rise from the same time last year. While not explosive, these gains reflect stable demand for Acura’s performance and luxury-oriented lineup.

Steady Climb, Bright Horizon

Honda’s mid-year performance paints a picture of a brand with a balanced portfolio. Legacy nameplates like the Odyssey and Passport are anchoring sales, while new entrants like the Prologue are gradually finding their footing. With strong year-over-year gains and a clear strategy for electrification, Honda appears to be on a steady climb in 2025 — blending innovation with reliability to maintain its competitive edge in a shifting automotive landscape.

Source: Honda