Category Archives: NEW CARS

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N: Sharper, Sleeker, and Ready to Electrify Performance Driving

Hyundai’s N division is turning up the voltage once again. Hot on the heels of the acclaimed Ioniq 5 N, the South Korean performance arm is set to debut its second electric halo car — the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N — this autumn. Promising a more sophisticated and razor-sharp driving experience, the 641 hp electric saloon aims to redefine what precision feels like in the era of high-performance EVs.

Unveiled for the first time at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Ioniq 6 N takes everything Hyundai learned from the 5 N — and sharpens it. According to N division founder and vice president Joon Park, this new machine isn’t just a follow-up — it’s a different breed altogether.

“We want a different type of driving experience between the two,” Park told Autocar. “The 5 N is a bit wilder. The 6 N is more precise.”

Underneath the sculpted silhouette of the facelifted Ioniq 6 lies a host of motorsport-inspired upgrades. With 60mm-wider tracks front and rear, a lower centre of gravity, and bespoke N aero elements including a functional front splitter and aggressive rear spoiler, the 6 N is more than just a design statement. Every detail is functional, said Eduardo Ramirez, Hyundai N’s chief designer. “Every new design element serves a purpose,” he emphasized.

The 6 N shares its electric muscle with the 5 N: a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup delivering 641 hp and 568 lb-ft, split between a 234bhp front motor and a 406 hp rear. But the similarities end there. As Sven Risch, head of chassis and braking at N, explains: “It’s an all-new car, I mean technically.”

The updates under the skin are substantial. Revised motor magnets improve performance durability, while a 7kWh battery heater brings the 84kWh pack to optimal temperature more quickly — crucial for consistent performance under spirited driving.

While Hyundai hasn’t yet disclosed weight or performance figures, the 6 N’s lower stance — it sits well below its 5 N sibling — and advanced suspension tech suggest it’ll be a sharper scalpel in the corners. Expect electronically controlled dampers, a rear limited-slip differential, and lightweight 20-inch forged alloys wrapped in 275/35 Pirelli P Zeros. The focus is clearly on agility, consistency, and control.

As with the Ioniq 5 N, software defines much of the 6 N’s character. The car features torque vectoring through braking, Hyundai’s signature ‘N Grin Boost’ mode to unleash full power at the press of a button, and an evolved suite of artificial engine sounds and simulated gearshifts — an acquired taste, perhaps, but one that has helped bridge the sensory gap for drivers transitioning from ICE to EV.

Track-day enthusiasts will appreciate the new drift mode, which now includes adjustable parameters for drift initiation, angle, and — yes — tire smoke. And a new ‘N Track Manager’ lets drivers log lap times on self-created circuits.

Production of the Ioniq 6 N kicks off in September for Hyundai’s domestic market, with European deliveries expected later in the year.

With its blend of cutting-edge EV tech, precision-honed dynamics, and a more mature, saloon-style silhouette, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N might just prove that performance EVs can offer both thrills and finesse — and look good doing it.

Source: Hyundai

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2026 Mazda CX-5: More Space, Smarter Tech, Same Soul

Mazda’s best-selling model is entering a new era. The third-generation Mazda CX-5 has officially broken cover, bringing with it a host of meaningful updates aimed at enhancing everyday usability, boosting technology, and refining the driving experience—without compromising the soul that made the original such a global success.

Since its launch in 2012, the CX-5 has represented Mazda’s core values, being the first to fully embrace the brand’s Kodo – Soul of Motion design language and Skyactiv Technology. Over 4.7 million units later, the SUV remains central to the company’s identity. With the 2025 model, Mazda is sharpening the CX-5’s appeal for the modern family, while laying the groundwork for updates across its entire line-up.

More Room, More Convenience

The new CX-5 has grown—but not dramatically. It now measures 4690mm long, 1860mm wide, and 1695mm tall, with a wheelbase stretched by 115mm. This subtle change has unlocked noticeable gains in cabin space, particularly in the rear where shoulder, leg, and headroom have all improved. With families firmly in mind, Mazda has focused on real-world usability. Rear doors now open wider to ease the loading of child seats, while the tailgate lifts higher and the boot loading lip sits lower to improve access.

Boot space has jumped by 61 litres to 583 litres, overtaking the Honda CR-V and nearly matching the Kia Sportage, giving the CX-5 a stronger case in the ever-competitive midsize SUV segment.

A New Digital Heart

One of the biggest shifts in the new CX-5 is its thoroughly reworked infotainment setup. A 15.6-inch Google-powered touchscreen headlines the dashboard on higher trims (base models get a 12.9-inch version), replacing the long-standing physical rotary dial and climate controls. This marks a significant departure from Mazda’s traditional interior layout—but it’s a change driven by customer demand.

“The dial offered limited functionality,” said Christian Schultze, Mazda’s tech research boss. “It was good for volume and simple functions but was harder when more complex operations were called for.”

The new system is as connected as it is intuitive, offering full wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, integrated Google Maps, and support for media apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime—features that make waiting in the car more tolerable, especially for rear-seat passengers. Paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver display, the system brings the CX-5 firmly into the connected era.

With the removal of the dial, Mazda has also added a wireless charging pad and redesigned the center console for improved functionality. It’s all part of a broader vision, according to European design chief Jo Stenuit, who confirmed that this new layout and branding cues—including a refreshed typeface on the steering wheel and rear badge—will roll out across the Mazda portfolio.

Design That Moves

The exterior may not scream revolution, but it’s a clear evolution of Mazda’s Kodo design language. A longer nose and reshaped arches lend the CX-5 a more planted stance, drawing inspiration from the SP Concept shown in 2023. It’s more refined and mature, but still recognizably Mazda—athletic without being aggressive.

Under the Hood: Simpler, Smarter Powertrain

Gone is the array of petrol and diesel engines. Instead, Mazda has simplified the offering with a single hybridised powertrain: a 139 hp 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G petrol engine, shared with the Mazda 3 and CX-30. This setup offers a balance of efficiency and performance suitable for the CX-5’s family-friendly mission. All-wheel drive remains on the menu for those needing extra traction.

To complement the new powertrain, steering and suspension tweaks have been applied to reduce driver fatigue over long journeys—a subtle nod to the brand’s “Jinba-Ittai” ethos, the harmony between car and driver.

An SUV for the Moment

Mazda calls the third-generation CX-5’s development concept “New Generation Emotional Daily Comfort”, a philosophy that blends emotional design, tactile quality, and everyday practicality. Whether it’s school runs, weekend getaways, or the daily commute, the new CX-5 aims to provide comfort, connection, and control.

With enhanced ADAS safety systems, a redesigned Human-Machine Interface, and a focus on quietness and ride comfort, the 2025 CX-5 isn’t just bigger—it’s smarter, friendlier, and better suited to modern family life.

Mazda’s reimagined SUV will arrive in European showrooms by the end of 2025, with global markets to follow in 2026. Pricing is expected to start around £30,000 (in the UK), keeping it aligned with the outgoing model despite the significant upgrades.

In a segment flooded with options, the 2025 CX-5 makes a strong case for itself—not by chasing trends, but by thoughtfully responding to what real drivers and families actually want.

Source: Mazda

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