Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

Dongfeng M-Hero M817: The 912-HP Off-Roader You Can’t Buy in the U.S.

You’ve probably never heard of the Dongfeng M-Hero M817 — and that’s no surprise. Built by Chinese automaker Dongfeng in collaboration with tech giant Huawei, the M817 is a muscular, electrified off-roader that looks like it drove straight out of a sci-fi action film. While its chances of reaching American soil are slim, it’s already stirring up serious interest at home in China — and for good reason.

The M817 debuted just a few months ago as a smaller sibling to the more premium M-Hero 917. Despite its relatively recent reveal, Dongfeng has wasted no time gauging buyer interest. The company opened pre-orders with refundable deposits, and within just 24 hours, a staggering 9,713 deposits had been placed. Whether all of those will convert to sales remains to be seen, but it’s a clear signal that rugged, high-tech SUVs have a strong foothold in the Chinese market.

At the heart of the M817 is a range-extender powertrain that blends internal combustion with electrification — a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine teams up with dual electric motors to unleash a jaw-dropping 912 horsepower and 1,280 Nm of torque. That kind of output is supercar territory, and it helps launch the M817 from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds. Add a 200 km (124-mile) all-electric range to the mix, and this is one plug-in SUV that doesn’t compromise performance for efficiency.

Pricing is equally compelling. With a base tag of 329,900 yuan (around $46,000 USD) and topping out at roughly $50,000, the M817 undercuts Western rivals in both price and performance. That makes it not only powerful but practical for buyers seeking a bold, capable EV that doesn’t break the bank.

A major part of its appeal lies in design. In a world where SUVs often blur together in a sea of bland styling, the M817’s aggressive, futuristic design language stands out — a welcome departure from cookie-cutter crossovers. Its angular lines, commanding stance, and distinctive lighting signature look every bit the part of a next-gen adventure vehicle.

While a U.S. launch is highly unlikely due to regulatory hurdles and brand recognition challenges, rumors suggest that Dongfeng may offer the M817 in both left- and right-hand drive variants, hinting at potential exports to other international markets.

If the early hype and spec sheet are anything to go by, the Dongfeng M-Hero M817 isn’t just another Chinese EV — it’s a statement of intent. And while American consumers might never get a chance to drive one, the M817 could be a glimpse of what the global future of rugged electric mobility looks like.

Source: Car News China

NEW CARS

Isuzu D-Max EV Breaks Ground as Europe’s First Fully Electric 1-Tonne Pick-Up

Following its debut at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC Birmingham, Isuzu UK has officially pulled the wraps off the D-Max EV, the first fully electric pick-up in Europe capable of combining a 1-tonne payload, 3.5-tonne towing capacity, and full-time 4WD.

This groundbreaking model represents a significant leap forward in the electrification of the commercial vehicle sector — a bold move from a brand long renowned for rugged durability and no-nonsense utility. Now, that same DNA powers forward into the electric era with zero tailpipe emissions.

A True Workhorse, Now Electric

Available in two well-equipped trim levels — eDL40 and eV-Cross — the production-ready D-Max EV is powered by a dual-motor setup fed by a 66.9 kWh battery, delivering all-wheel drive capability and off-road confidence without compromising on payload or towing strength.

Isuzu has maintained consistency in its naming strategy by aligning the electric variants with their diesel counterparts, ensuring customers know they’re getting the same capability and premium features — now with the environmental and operational benefits of electric power. Hence, the D-Max eDL40 and D-Max eV-Cross carry forward the brand’s hard-working legacy under new, electrified skin.

Premium Trims, No Compromise

Each variant comes generously equipped. The eDL40, available in both Extended Cab (£59,995 +VAT) and Double Cab (£60,995 +VAT) formats, offers chrome exterior styling, an 8” infotainment display, 7” digital driver cluster, leather upholstery, Bi-LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and Isuzu’s signature Rough Terrain Mode.

At the top of the range, the eV-Cross (£62,495 +VAT) leans into luxury with dark grey accents, a larger 9” infotainment screen, upgraded 8-speaker audio, and additional tech like an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Colour options include a palette of solid and metallic finishes, with Dolomite White Pearl exclusive to the eV-Cross. Signature blue EV elements and unique badging further differentiate the electrified model from its combustion-engined siblings.

Built for Business, Ready for the Future

Neil Scott, National Sales Manager at Isuzu UK, commented:

“We’re incredibly proud to launch the D-Max EV at a competitive price point for a fully electric, fully capable, and work-ready 4×4 pick-up. There’s nothing else like it in the market today that combines zero-emission driving with full commercial capability.”

The D-Max EV’s durability, standard features, and workhorse ability make it an ideal solution for fleets and professionals seeking to future-proof their operations without compromising on capability.

On Sale Timeline

Pre-sales are set to begin later in 2025, with first UK arrivals in February 2026, followed by customer deliveries in March. Right-hand drive demonstrator vehicles will be made available to fleet customers ahead of launch, underlining Isuzu’s commitment to supporting the commercial sector through the EV transition.

The Isuzu D-Max EV isn’t just a box-ticking electric truck — it’s a full-fledged utility vehicle engineered for real-world tasks. In an era where many EVs still struggle to match the toughness and utility of their ICE counterparts, the D-Max EV stands apart. This isn’t just an evolution for Isuzu — it’s a revolution for the European pick-up market.

Source: Isuzu

NEW CARS

Kia EV1: The Urban Electric Revolution Is Taking Shape

After making waves with the quirky EV2 concept earlier this year, Kia appears to be inching closer to unveiling an even more compact entry into the electric car market. Recent developments suggest that the long-rumored EV1—a city-focused EV targeting budget-conscious buyers—is more than just a speculative idea.

According to recent U.S. trademark filings, Kia has secured the names “EV1 Land” and “EV1 Wave”, signaling possible lifestyle variants of its upcoming electric city car. While these trademark applications don’t confirm production, they offer a compelling glimpse into Kia’s creative approach to electrified urban mobility.

From Filing Cabinet to Showroom?

Historically, automakers often reserve names long before vehicles make it to production. As such, the “Land” and “Wave” suffixes may simply point to future design directions or concept offshoots. Still, the imagery is clear: EV1 Land suggests a slightly rugged, possibly crossover-inspired variant for light outdoor adventure, while EV1 Wave evokes beachside cruising—maybe even with a convertible top.

The EV1’s DNA: Affordable, Practical, and Purpose-Built

Though Kia hasn’t officially pulled the wraps off the EV1, its strategy seems aligned with capturing the small EV segment that remains underserved in many markets. Similar in spirit to the gasoline-powered Kia Picanto, the EV1 is expected to ride on a cost-optimized version of the E-GMP platform, the same modular base underpinning the EV3 and future EV2.

To keep pricing competitive—likely under €25,000—the EV1 will likely use a 400-volt electrical system rather than the faster-charging 800V setup found in premium Kia EVs like the EV6. This trade-off makes sense: in city use, charging speed often takes a back seat to convenience and affordability.

The EV1 is tipped to be front-wheel drive, with a small battery offering just enough range for urban daily use. While not ideal for long road trips, this setup is perfect for zero-emission commuting and urban errands. Kia might eventually explore a sportier GT version, but that remains speculative.

The Race to Affordable EVs

Kia is far from alone in this space. Volkswagen is pushing forward with its ID.1/ID.2all strategy, promising a €20,000 entry-level EV by 2027. It too registered the ID.1 name years in advance, highlighting how carefully planned this segment’s battleground really is.

As urban centers continue to tighten emissions rules and customers demand practical, affordable EV options, automakers like Kia, VW, and Renault are jostling for early advantage.

What’s Next for Kia’s EV Lineup?

Kia aims to launch at least 15 new electric models globally by 2027, spanning everything from compact crossovers like the upcoming EV5, to pick-up trucks, and eventually a flagship EV7 SUV. Enthusiasts hoping for a Stinger-style sports EV may need to wait longer—plans for a dedicated electric sports sedan seem to be on pause for now.

For now, the spotlight is shifting to the smallest player in the family. If the EV1 delivers on its promise, it could become a cornerstone of Kia’s urban electrification strategy, much like the Picanto once defined small, efficient ICE mobility.

Source: Kia