Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

Sixth-Gen Nissan Micra Launches in September, Starting at £22,995

The Nissan Micra, once known as the charming but unassuming city car, is turning a radical new page. The sixth-generation Micra, revealed ahead of its September on-sale date, emerges as a bold and fully electric supermini—with a striking design and competitive pricing to match its Renault 5 twin.

Starting from £22,995, the new Micra is Nissan’s latest salvo in its effort to reinvent itself in the European market. Sharing its platform and drivetrain with the Renault 5 EV, the Micra is available exclusively as an electric vehicle for the first time in its 42-year history, marking the end of the combustion-powered Micra era.

A Radical Redesign

While the new Micra shares underpinnings with the Renault 5, Nissan designers were given free rein to ensure the car retains a unique identity. “We had to fight for it,” said exterior design manager Yongwook Cho, referencing the effort to distance the Micra visually from its French sibling.

The result is a head-turning design that blends retro cues from the bulbous third-gen Micra with futuristic flourishes. The circular daytime running lights and exaggerated arches give it a playful but assertive personality. A higher, more muscular bonnet provides a hint of crossover appeal, while the rear lip spoiler and shoulder line—described by designers as “scooped by a gelato spoon”—add flair and distinction.

“This is a grandma car no more,” said Cho confidently. Mission accomplished.

Electric-Only Line-Up with Competitive Range

Two battery options are available: a 40kWh pack good for up to 198 miles, and a larger 52kWh unit offering a more generous 260-mile range. Both power a single front-mounted motor, with outputs of 121bhp and 148bhp respectively.

Pricing starts with the Engage trim at £22,995, which includes 18-inch alloys, a 10-inch touchscreen, and a heat pump. Move up to the Advanced trim (£24,995 with the smaller battery or £26,995 with the 52kWh pack), and buyers gain Google-integrated infotainment, wireless phone charging, and parking sensors.

The top-spec Evolve trim—available only with the larger battery—tops the range at £29,865, adding heated seats and steering wheel, two-tone paint, and Nissan’s one-pedal driving system, e-Pedal.

Nissan expects the Micra to qualify for the UK’s Electric Car Grant, which could knock £1500 off the price—a move that could make a meaningful difference for cost-conscious EV adopters.

Interior Familiarity, Global Ambition

Inside, the Micra mirrors the Renault 5 with twin 10.25-inch displays and familiar switchgear, though it opts for a more muted colour palette with white, grey, and black themes.

European marketing chief Arnaud Charpentier acknowledged the Micra’s mission: to reposition the model as a cool, youthful EV aimed squarely at younger buyers. “The UK is our best market in Europe by far,” he noted, referencing over 133,000 UK sales since the start of 2024. “We had to come back with something different.”

The UK has long held a reputation for associating the Micra with older buyers, but Nissan is clearly aiming to shift that image. “We believe through the audacious and playful design… it’s going to help conquer new types of buyers, like younger, modern parents.”

More to Come in Nissan’s Electric Future

The Micra is just one piece of Nissan’s wider EV offensive. It will be followed by an all-new Leaf crossover, an electric Juke, and a compact A-segment model based on the upcoming Renault Twingo. All are due before the end of 2026, part of a critical phase in Nissan’s bid to rebound in Europe after recent losses and a sweeping cost-cutting programme.

Built in Douai, France, alongside the Renault 5, the Micra may share a skeleton, but it’s got its own soul—and Nissan is betting that’s enough to lure a new wave of buyers.

With a rich history and a nameplate that still carries weight, particularly in the UK and Italy, Nissan’s electric Micra might just be the surprise hit in a fast-growing EV marketplace.

Source: Nissan

NEW CARS

2025 Opel Frontera – Affordable versatility for the modern family

In an era where SUVs dominate the streets and practicality is paramount, Opel returns to the scene with a renewed sense of purpose. Meet the 2025 Opel Frontera, a boldly styled, electrified SUV that promises to be more than just a daily driver. With its competitive pricing, clever packaging, and genuine family-first approach, the Frontera marks Opel’s next move in the ever-growing compact SUV segment.

Design Meets Function

The new Frontera immediately commands attention with its rugged, upright stance, yet it remains unmistakably Opel. At 4.39 metres long and just under 1.85 metres wide, it strikes a confident profile without overwhelming urban streets or tight parking garages. But the real magic happens inside – especially when you consider that this compact SUV can seat up to seven occupants.

Thanks to its 2,670 mm wheelbase, the Frontera makes smart use of every millimetre. A tall roofline and upright rear glass offer generous headroom and a sense of openness in the rear, while access to the third row is made easier with forward-folding middle seats. Whether you’re hauling the kids to football practice or heading out on a weekend adventure, the Frontera adapts with ease.

Space Where It Matters

Opel knows that versatility is key for families, and the Frontera delivers in spades. In its five-seat layout, there’s a generous 460 litres of cargo space, expanding to a cavernous 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded down. Opt for the seven-seater package (a modest €800 surcharge on the Hybrid GS), and you gain two additional seats in the back – perfect for children or occasional adult passengers.

The 60:40-split folding second row and individually folding third row allow for multiple cargo-passenger configurations. Need to bring luggage and a few friends? No problem. Going full IKEA? Fold everything down and you’ll have a flat, expansive load floor ready for action.

Comfort and Connectivity

Inside, the Frontera GS trim brings a surprisingly high level of comfort and tech to the table. Opel’s patented Intelli-Seats are standard up front, designed with a unique recess that reduces pressure on the tailbone – a thoughtful touch for long-distance drives. Standard features also include automatic climate control, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a digital driver display.

Charging devices is a non-issue here, with five USB-C ports distributed across all three rows and a wireless charging pad up front. Whether you’re road-tripping with teens or toddlers, everyone stays powered and entertained.

Safety and Visibility

Equipped with full LED lighting – from headlights to taillights – and a 130-degree rear-view camera, the Frontera prioritizes safety without bloating the spec sheet. Maneuvering in tight spaces is easier than ever, and visibility in low light conditions is excellent.

Electrified for Everyday Adventures

Importantly, every Opel Frontera variant is electrified, aligning with Opel’s broader strategy for sustainable mobility. While details on the powertrain range are still emerging, the inclusion of a Hybrid GS model at €27,690 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany) positions it as an attractive option for eco-conscious buyers seeking efficiency without compromise. Entry-level pricing starts at a very accessible €24,190 for the five-seater variant.

The 2025 Opel Frontera is not trying to reinvent the wheel – but it doesn’t have to. What it offers is straightforward value, clever design, and a healthy dose of flexibility, all wrapped in a package that looks and feels more premium than the price tag suggests.

For growing families, urban adventurers, or anyone seeking an affordable yet capable SUV, the Frontera hits the sweet spot. Opel may have just redefined what a budget-conscious family SUV can be.

Source: Stellantis

NEW CARS

2026 Acura Integra: A Fresh Face and Sharpened Edge for a Performance Icon

As Acura celebrates four decades of the Integra nameplate, the Japanese premium automaker is giving its award-winning sport compact a notable update for the 2026 model year. The refreshed Integra lineup brings sharper styling, enhanced tech, and a more engaging driving experience, ensuring its continued reign as the segment’s go-to liftback for enthusiasts with taste.

Since its 2022 revival, the modern Integra has dominated the premium sport compact segment, claiming over 40% of retail sales and earning accolades such as the North American Car of the Year. With a youthful buyer base and the highest conquest rate of any Acura model, it’s no surprise the brand is doubling down on what makes the Integra tick.

A Sportier, Smarter Integra

For 2026, Acura introduces three new paint options—Solar Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl, and the striking Double Apex Blue Pearl, borrowed from the electric ZDX Type S. A new aero body kit adds a more aggressive touch to the A-Spec trim, featuring gloss-black front corner spoilers and a redesigned side sill garnish. Updated 18-inch black wheels round out the visual upgrades, while a color-matched grille is now available in select hues.

The cabin receives meaningful tech upgrades across the board. A larger 9-inch touchscreen is now standard, up from 7 inches, and brings with it wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Wireless phone charging and a faster processor ensure the user experience is more seamless than ever.

For A-Spec models, interior personalization has been pushed further. A fresh trim pattern spans the dashboard, ambient lighting has been expanded, and upholstery options have become bolder—blue microsuede inserts grace the Orchid interior, while yellow contrast stitching animates Ebony-trimmed cabins.

Performance With Precision

At the heart of the Integra remains the spirited 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a healthy 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with either a CVT (with paddle shifters and step-shift logic) or an enthusiast-approved 6-speed manual transmission—still a segment exclusive. The manual variant also includes a helical limited-slip differential for improved traction through corners.

Driving dynamics remain a strong point. Built on an ultra-rigid chassis, the Integra continues to deliver confidence-inspiring handling with its independent suspension, precise variable-ratio steering, and available Adaptive Damper System (ADS). The standard Integrated Dynamics System offers Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an “Individual” mode added on A-Spec models with the Technology Package.

Form Meets Function

One of the Integra’s most compelling features is its unique 5-door liftback design, offering the sleek silhouette of a coupe with the cargo flexibility of a hatch. Rear seat legroom remains generous for the class, and split-folding rear seats make practical use of its spacious layout.

Inside, the Integra balances luxury and sportiness. Leatherette-wrapped heated front seats are standard, with optional microsuede inserts, contrast stitching, stainless steel pedals, and red gauge needles on A-Spec trims. Visibility is aided by slim pillars and well-positioned side mirrors, while the Acura Precision Cockpit™ 10.2-inch digital cluster adds clarity and customization to the driving experience.

Tech and Safety Take Center Stage

The Integra isn’t just about driving fun—it’s packed with class-leading technology. The Technology Package adds a 5.3-inch Head-Up Display, built-in Alexa voice integration, and a premium 16-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D® sound system.

Safety remains a cornerstone of the Integra’s appeal. AcuraWatch™, the brand’s suite of driver-assist technologies, is standard and includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and traffic sign recognition. A blind spot information system with rear cross-traffic monitoring is also standard, while A-Spec models with the Technology Package add front and rear parking sensors and Low-Speed Braking Control.

Already earning a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA, the Integra continues to set the benchmark for safety in its class.

Built for America, by America

True to its roots, the 2026 Integra is built exclusively at Honda’s Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio. Its turbocharged engine is also made stateside at the Anna Engine Plant, reinforcing Acura’s commitment to American manufacturing excellence.

As Acura prepares to usher in the next chapter of the Integra’s story, the 2026 model demonstrates a perfect balance of heritage and innovation. With sharper styling, improved tech, and the same fun-loving spirit, the Integra remains one of the most compelling entries in the premium sport compact segment.

Source: Acura