Category Archives: NEW CARS

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Trail Edition Brings Dakar DNA to the Dirt

Mitsubishi has never been a stranger to dirt. With 12 overall victories in the grueling Paris-Dakar Rally and four World Rally Championship driver titles under its belt, the brand’s off-road legacy runs deep. That legacy now takes a bold step forward with the debut of the 2025 Outlander Trail Edition—the first-ever Mitsubishi SUV packaged specifically for off-highway styling and performance.

At its core, the Trail Edition stands on the shoulders of proven engineering, most notably the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. This sophisticated AWD setup—standard across the entire Trail Edition lineup—delivers the kind of surefooted confidence that made Mitsubishi a force in rally circles. Whether it’s gravel roads, muddy trails, or snow-covered switchbacks, the Outlander Trail Edition is built to handle it with composure.

Trail-Ready, Street-Savvy

Based on the SE trim, the Outlander Trail Edition carries an MSRP starting at $39,295 and blends enhanced functionality with bold, blackout aesthetics. Unique matte-gloss Trail Edition hood decals, a dedicated badge on the rear hatch, and blackout treatments throughout the body—including the grille, skid plates, mirrors, and trim—give the Trail Edition an assertive presence. Most striking, perhaps, are the exclusive black-finished 18-inch basket-weave alloy wheels, a first for the Outlander lineup.

Inside, Mitsubishi focused on durability and comfort. All-weather Trail Edition floor mats come standard in every row, including the hatch area, which cleverly accommodates the Outlander’s segment-exclusive third-row seating—a standout feature in the compact SUV class. Upgraded materials include a blend of synthetic black leather and suede for the seats, offering both tactile richness and wipe-down ease after an adventure.

Personalization, Powered by Thule and Cooper

Mitsubishi has taken the Trail Edition’s spirit of exploration to the next level by offering a range of dealer-installed accessories that include:

  • Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT tires (235/60R-18)
  • Mountain-themed body graphics
  • Thule Caprock flat-rack roof rack
  • Thule-branded accessories for canoes, paddleboards, fishing rods, awnings, and bicycles

This plug-and-play personalization approach allows buyers to outfit their Outlander Trail Edition with gear that suits their lifestyle before they even leave the dealership lot.

Upgraded Interior and Tech Across the Line

In addition to its trail-specific features, the Trail Edition benefits from the broader updates applied across the 2025 Outlander range. These include:

  • Revised steering and ride quality
  • A larger center console
  • Wireless device charging
  • A redesigned interior with more ergonomic cupholders

Tech and convenience remain a strong suit, with standard features like Mi-Pilot Assist (adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist), LED lighting throughout, heated windshield wipers, five USB-C ports, and a power panoramic sunroof. The cherry on top? An eight-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system, available exclusively through Mitsubishi.

Backed by a Legendary Warranty

As with all Mitsubishi vehicles, the Trail Edition offers industry-leading coverage, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, seven-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion warranty, and five-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance. A two-year/30,000-mile maintenance program adds further peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Trail Edition doesn’t just talk the talk—it’s built to walk the walk, over dirt, gravel, and whatever lies beyond the pavement. With rally-proven AWD technology, rugged styling, dealer-ready upgrades, and a reputation for reliability, Mitsubishi has crafted a compact SUV that’s not only ready for the trails, but ready to redefine them.

Whether you’re an urban explorer or weekend warrior, this isn’t just another badge job—it’s a thoughtfully curated package for those who demand more from their SUV. And with S-AWC underfoot, you’ve got the DNA of a champion on every drive.

Source: Mitsubishi

Lexus Enhances the RZ for 2026 with Stronger Powertrains and Faster Charging

As Lexus accelerates into the electrified era, the 2026 RZ emerges not just as an evolution of the brand’s first global BEV, but as a confident leap forward in performance, luxury, and electric sophistication. With a revamped powertrain, extended range options, sharper dynamics, and a bold new flagship variant, the RZ cements its place as a true contender in the premium EV crossover segment.

Performance Reimagined: Meet the 550e F SPORT AWD

Headlining the 2026 refresh is the new RZ 550e F SPORT AWD, a performance-oriented addition that dials Lexus’ electric ambition to eleven. With 408 system horsepower, this is the most powerful RZ ever, and it arrives with specially tuned suspension, enhanced damping, and sport-calibrated springs that promise both comfort and control.

But Lexus doesn’t stop there. The 550e introduces an innovative M Mode, allowing drivers to experience virtual gear shifts via paddle shifters—a rare feature in the EV world. Thanks to a virtual 8-speed setup and responsive torque mapping, the RZ delivers an engaging, almost analog experience, enhanced further by simulated engine and exhaust notes and a shift guide in the digital cluster. It’s an EV engineered not just to move, but to move the driver.

Fast Charging, Longer Range, Less Waiting

Efficiency and convenience see a major upgrade for 2026. The RZ now supports the North American Charging Standard (NACS), giving owners access to thousands of high-speed DC fast chargers nationwide. A beefed-up 11-kW onboard AC charger also slashes home charging times compared to the previous 7-kW unit.

Under ideal conditions, the RZ can replenish from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using DC fast charging. Range sees a boost as well:

  • RZ 350e FWD: Up to 302 miles
  • RZ 450e AWD: Up to 261 miles
  • RZ 550e F SPORT AWD (20-inch wheels): Up to 228 miles

While the F SPORT model sacrifices a bit of range for power, the performance gains are sure to appeal to EV enthusiasts looking for more than just quiet cruising.

Powertrain Precision: Lexus Refines DIRECT4 AWD

At the core of the RZ’s updated dynamics lies a reworked version of DIRECT4, Lexus’ all-wheel-drive torque distribution system. Borrowed from the RX but tuned for EV application, DIRECT4 now adjusts torque split in real time—between 60:40 and 0:100 during straight-line acceleration and 80:20 to 0:100 during cornering. This allows for enhanced grip, stability, and a more planted feel in both spirited and everyday driving.

In Range mode, the system holds a 50:50 split to optimize efficiency—proof that Lexus hasn’t forgotten the practical side of electrification.

Design That Dares: Enter the Wind

Aesthetics take a bold step with the debut of Wind, a new exclusive hue for the F SPORT. This solid light gray with a subtle metallic sheen pairs strikingly with black accents, giving the RZ a confident, futuristic edge. The rest of the lineup doesn’t skimp on flair either—buyers can choose from seven monotone and four bi-tone color combinations, ensuring their RZ stands out as much as it stands up to the competition.

Electrified, Elevated, Evolved

From its innovative paddle-shifted performance to its faster charging and refined ride, the 2026 Lexus RZ demonstrates how far Lexus has come in just a few short years of electrification. It’s not just an electric Lexus—it’s a Lexus because it’s electric, combining tech, luxury, and driver engagement in a way that few rivals in the segment can match.

Whether you’re new to EVs or upgrading from a hybrid past, the new RZ lineup—especially the thrilling 550e F SPORT AWD—makes a compelling case for electrification with emotion.

Source: Lexus

2026 Citroën C4 Collection: French Comfort Meets Modern Mobility

In a segment dominated by conformity and subtle evolution, Citroën has chosen a different path — one paved with creativity, comfort, and unmistakable French flair. Enter the new Citroën C4 Collection, a special series that encapsulates the brand’s core values with refreshing precision.

Though recently renewed earlier this year, Citroën isn’t resting on its laurels. The Collection variant stands out as a rolling expression of the marque’s philosophy: delivering distinctive design, modern practicality, and class-leading comfort — all wrapped in a package that feels delightfully unorthodox.

French Elegance, with an Edge

Visually, the C4 Collection asserts itself with confident poise. The exclusive 18-inch Black Amber alloy wheels and the contrasting Perla Nera black roof offer a touch of Parisian sophistication. Rear privacy glass enhances its premium presence, while Rouge André accents — an homage to the brand’s founder — punctuate the design with personality and heritage.

There’s a certain subtlety to the ‘Collection’ badge on the tailgate, but its presence quietly assures this is no ordinary hatchback. Paired with a curated color palette, from Okenite White to Eclipse Blue, the C4 Collection exudes understated class with enough individuality to turn heads.

Citroën Comfort, Perfected

Comfort has long been Citroën’s calling card, and the C4 Collection is no exception. The Advanced Comfort seats, upholstered in soft Urban Grey fabric and enhanced with white Curitiba textile on the backrests, offer support that’s as visual as it is physical. The herringbone dashboard trim injects texture and warmth, while the André Red contrast stitching on the carpets lends a dash of French boldness to the cabin.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Citroën without the brand’s hallmark Advanced Comfort Suspension, equipped with progressive hydraulic cushions that soften the harshness of daily driving. Whether gliding over potholes or floating across rough tarmac, the C4 Collection transforms every journey into a more refined experience.

Tech-Savvy and Intuitive

Step inside, and you’re greeted not just by materials, but by technology that works with you. The centerpiece is a 10-inch high-definition touchscreen, offering seamless wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The MyCitroënDrive Plus system includes integrated navigation that goes beyond the usual — utilizing a smart assistant that factors in traffic conditions, battery status, and charger availability to recommend the most efficient route.

Complementing the main screen is a 7-inch digital instrument panel, creating a cockpit that’s as driver-focused as it is digitally advanced.

Two Powertrains, One Purpose

Available as a 145 hp hybrid or a 156 hp fully electric variant, the C4 Collection adapts to modern mobility demands. The hybrid version is ideal for city dwellers, enabling up to 50% of urban journeys to be completed in electric mode, all without plugging in. It charges via regenerative braking, keeping things simple and efficient.

For those ready to embrace electric driving, the BEV version boasts a 415 km range (WLTP), bolstered by fast-charging up to 100 kW and V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability — ideal for powering devices or outdoor gear on the go. A smart charging system enables convenient charge scheduling, with adjustable thresholds (like capping at 80%) to protect battery health.

A Well-Rounded Upgrade

Positioned above the PLUS trim, the Collection offers enhanced standard equipment that elevates both style and function. Beyond its exterior upgrades, it includes keyless entry and start (ADML Proximity), console lighting, premium floor mats, and improved storage ergonomics.

In essence, Citroën hasn’t just created another version of the C4 — they’ve crafted a nuanced, thoughtful, and undeniably French interpretation of what a compact hatchback should be in 2025: stylish without arrogance, intelligent without complexity, and comfortable without compromise.

Source: Citroen