Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

Nissan Kicks e-POWER Confirmed for Europe as Sunderland Plant Secures £170 Million Investment

Nissan has confirmed that the Kicks compact crossover will launch in Europe, with production to take place at the company’s Sunderland plant in the UK. The £170 million investment will bring a new e-POWER hybrid model to European customers, while strengthening Nissan’s electrified vehicle manufacturing operations in Britain.

The announcement comes as Nissan Sunderland celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking a major milestone for a factory that has now produced 12 million vehicles since the first Nissan Bluebird rolled off its production line in 1986.

Nissan Kicks Will Be Built in Sunderland Alongside Qashqai, Juke and LEAF

The second-generation Nissan Kicks will become the tenth model allocated to Sunderland production. It will be manufactured alongside the Nissan Qashqai, Juke and LEAF, creating a broader electrified lineup at the UK plant.

Production will support customers in the UK, Europe and Turkey, with the Kicks joining Nissan’s European crossover range as a compact B-segment model.

Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson of Nissan’s AMIEO Region, described the decision as an important step for the company’s European operations.

“Kicks is a compact crossover, with the unique e-POWER hybrid drivetrain, exciting design and innovative technology. Electrification with choice is what European customers want, and the introduction of Kicks will further demonstrate how Nissan has options for all.”

The European launch also follows Nissan’s announcement of the new PIXO A-segment electric car, which is scheduled to be unveiled next week.

Nissan Kicks e-POWER: Electric Drive Without Plug-In Charging

The defining feature of the European Nissan Kicks will be its third-generation e-POWER hybrid system, introduced in 2025 and comprehensively re-engineered to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and enhance refinement.

Unlike a conventional hybrid, where the petrol engine can mechanically drive the wheels, Nissan’s e-POWER system uses the petrol engine exclusively to generate electricity and recharge the battery. The wheels are driven solely by an electric motor.

That configuration gives the Kicks an electric-car-style driving experience, including instant response, smooth acceleration and quiet operation, while retaining the convenience of refuelling at a petrol station.

For drivers who want electrification without committing to a fully electric vehicle, the system offers a different approach to hybrid technology.

Nissan has sold more than 1.9 million e-POWER hybrid models globally since the technology was introduced in 2016. That figure includes more than 200,000 Qashqai e-POWER models built in the UK, giving Sunderland an established production base for the technology.

Nissan Kicks Production Expands Sunderland’s Electrified Lineup

Nissan Sunderland already manufactures e-POWER versions of the Qashqai. The arrival of the Kicks will allow the plant to build on that expertise while adding another electrified model to its production portfolio.

Adam Pennick, Vice President of Manufacturing at Nissan Sunderland Plant, said:

“I’m proud to welcome this new model allocation for Sunderland. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our 40th year as a world-class manufacturing site.”

The Kicks will be the tenth model produced at Sunderland since 1986, following a succession of Nissan vehicles that includes the Bluebird, Primera, Micra, Almera, Note, Infiniti Q30, Juke, Qashqai and LEAF.

From next year, Sunderland will also manufacture the third-generation Nissan Juke, which will be fully electric for the first time.

Nissan Kicks Has Already Sold More Than 1.8 Million Units Worldwide

Although the European debut is new, the Nissan Kicks is already an established global model. The second-generation version is currently built in Japan, Mexico and Brazil, serving markets around the world.

Nissan says the Kicks has surpassed 1.8 million sales in more than 70 countries, providing the compact crossover with a substantial international customer base before its European arrival.

The European version will add a new e-POWER option to Nissan’s lineup, complementing the company’s existing petrol, hybrid and fully electric offerings.

Sunderland Plant Reaches 12 Million Vehicles After 40 Years

The £170 million Kicks investment arrives at a significant moment for Nissan’s UK manufacturing operation.

Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK has grown into the UK’s largest single-site car manufacturing plant, supported by approximately £5 billion in investment over four decades. The Sunderland facility has built vehicles for more than 100 markets worldwide.

The plant currently employs around 6,000 people directly and supports a further 30,000 jobs across its supply chain.

Its latest production milestone—12 million vehicles—equates to an average of approximately one car every 1 minute and 45 seconds since production began.

UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds welcomed the decision, describing Sunderland’s role in British manufacturing as a major contributor to the North East’s automotive industry.

“The decision to build this new model in Sunderland is a huge vote of confidence in the UK’s manufacturing expertise and automotive future.”

What the Nissan Kicks Announcement Means for Europe

The European arrival of the Nissan Kicks e-POWER gives the company another compact crossover with an electrified powertrain, while allowing Nissan to expand production at one of its most important manufacturing sites.

The model’s combination of electric-motor drive and petrol-powered electricity generation positions it between conventional hybrids and fully electric vehicles. Its success in global markets also gives Nissan an established product to introduce to European buyers.

With the Kicks, the upcoming electric Juke and the existing Qashqai and LEAF, Sunderland is becoming an increasingly important part of Nissan’s strategy for electrified vehicles.

Nissan Kicks e-POWER Europe: Key Facts

FeatureDetails
ModelNissan Kicks
European debutConfirmed
Production locationSunderland, UK
Investment£170 million
Vehicle segmentB-segment compact crossover
PowertrainThird-generation Nissan e-POWER hybrid
Wheel driveElectric motor only
Petrol engine roleGenerates electricity and recharges the battery
Markets suppliedUK, Europe and Turkey
Global salesMore than 1.8 million units
Global marketsMore than 70 countries
Sunderland plant milestone12 million vehicles
Plant anniversary40 years
Next major Sunderland modelThird-generation, fully electric Nissan Juke

Source: Nissan

NEW CARS

Volkswagen ID.3 GTI Revealed: 326 PS, Rear-Wheel Drive and 601 km of Range

Volkswagen has unveiled the new ID.3 GTI, bringing the iconic GTI formula into the electric era with 326 PS, 545 Nm of torque, rear-wheel drive and a range of up to 601 km. The most powerful production GTI ever built will arrive in 2027.

In the 50th year of GTI history, Volkswagen is opening a new chapter. The company has released the first official photos and technical details of the Volkswagen ID.3 GTI, an electric hot hatch that combines the familiar GTI identity with the instant response of a battery-powered drivetrain.

Based on the new ID.3 Neo, the ID.3 GTI is positioned as the sporty flagship of the compact electric lineup. Its electric motor produces 240 kW (326 PS) and 545 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful series-production GTI in Volkswagen history. Power is sent to the rear axle, while a 79-kWh net battery provides up to 601 km of range.

Pre-sales are scheduled to begin at the start of 2027.

Volkswagen ID.3 GTI Performance: 326 PS and 545 Nm

The numbers immediately establish the ID.3 GTI as a serious performance car. Volkswagen says the electric hot hatch will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h.

The headline figures, however, tell only part of the story. Unlike a combustion engine that builds torque through the rev range, the ID.3 GTI delivers its maximum 545 Nm instantly and continuously when conditions allow. That should make acceleration feel particularly immediate, whether pulling away from a traffic light or overtaking on the open road.

Launch Control is standard, allowing drivers to exploit the car’s full acceleration without excessive wheelspin. Volkswagen has also tuned the chassis to make the most of the electric drivetrain, combining a low centre of gravity with an adaptive DCC sports suspension and progressive steering.

The result is intended to be more than a quick electric hatchback. Volkswagen is promising a new interpretation of the classic GTI driving experience, built around responsiveness, balance and accessible performance.

79-kWh Battery and Up to 601 km of Range

The ID.3 GTI is equipped with a 79-kWh lithium-ion battery, measured at net energy capacity. Volkswagen quotes a maximum range of 601 km, although the final real-world distance will depend on driving conditions, temperature, speed and equipment.

When it is time to recharge, the battery supports DC fast charging at up to 183 kW. Volkswagen says a 10-to-80-percent charge takes approximately 29 minutes under suitable conditions.

That combination of performance and range is central to the ID.3 GTI’s appeal. It is designed not only to deliver quick acceleration, but also to remain practical enough for everyday commuting and longer weekend journeys.

GTI Design Meets the Electric ID.3

Visually, the ID.3 GTI leaves little doubt about its identity. Volkswagen has carried over the familiar GTI design language while adapting it to the proportions and technical requirements of an electric vehicle.

At the front, the new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights frame a transparent light strip with an illuminated Volkswagen logo. Above the strip sits the unmistakable red GTI accent, a direct reference to the red grille surround of the original 1976 Golf GTI.

A high-gloss black honeycomb grille occupies the lower section of the bumper. Rather than serving as a conventional engine air intake, it helps manage airflow for the interior climate-control system and battery. Vertical LED elements at the outer edges of the bumper provide another visual distinction, while red inserts and a splitter-style front spoiler add a motorsport-inspired touch.

The side profile is defined by standard 20-inch Wörthersee alloy wheels, named as a tribute to the legendary GTI gathering in Austria. High-gloss black exterior mirror caps and side skirts complete the sporty look.

Compared with the previous ID.3 GTX, the GTI appears longer and sleeker. Volkswagen has also changed its colour philosophy: the roof, roof spoiler and tailgate are now painted in the body colour rather than finished in black. The result is a more cohesive silhouette and a stronger road presence.

Volkswagen ID.3 GTI Colours

The new electric GTI will be offered in five colours:

  • Tornado Red
  • Moonstone Grey
  • Scale Silver metallic
  • Grenadilla Black metallic
  • Glacier White metallic

Tornado Red, in particular, carries considerable GTI heritage. The shade was already available on the facelifted version of the first-generation Golf GTI and remains one of the most recognisable colours associated with the badge.

A Red-and-Black Interior with Classic GTI Details

Inside, Volkswagen has given the ID.3 GTI a distinctly individual character. The dominant colour combination is red and black, with traditional GTI cues reinterpreted for an electric cockpit.

A fine red stripe runs across the dashboard, while the new multifunction sports steering wheel features a red 12 o’clock marking. The premium sport seats use a new interpretation of the tartan-style check pattern that became famous in the original Golf GTI.

The steering wheel also houses an illuminated GTI button at the six o’clock position. Pressing it activates the dedicated GTI driving profile, which is standard equipment alongside Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual modes.

GTI Mode: The Electric Hot Hatch’s Secret Weapon

Volkswagen describes GTI mode as the dynamic heart of the ID.3 GTI. Once activated, it adjusts the vehicle’s drive and chassis systems for maximum sportiness.

The electric motor’s power delivery becomes more aggressive, while the progressive steering and adaptive DCC sports suspension are tuned for a more dynamic response. GTI mode also enables the new Launch Control function.

The interior atmosphere changes with it. Background lighting turns red, the ID. Light briefly flashes red, and the Digital Cockpit switches to a dedicated GTI display. A power meter with an integrated speedometer takes centre stage.

Volkswagen has even included combustion-engine-style sound in the background, an intentional nod to the GTI’s petrol-powered heritage. Whether that soundtrack will appeal to purists remains subjective, but it is clearly designed to make the electric GTI feel emotionally connected to its predecessors.

ID.3 Neo Technology and Everyday Practicality

Although the ID.3 GTI is focused on performance, Volkswagen has not abandoned the practical qualities expected from a compact hatchback.

Its cockpit is based on the redesigned ID.3 Neo, which brings a larger Digital Cockpit and a 12.9-inch Innovision infotainment display. Both screens are positioned on a common visual axis, while a new physical-style control strip beneath the infotainment display handles the air-conditioning functions and hazard-warning light.

The centre console includes a rotary control for volume adjustment and skipping songs or radio stations, adding a more tactile element to the cabin.

Optional equipment available for the ID.3 GTI includes:

  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Premium sport seats with massage and memory functions
  • 480-watt Harman Kardon sound system
  • Augmented-reality head-up display
  • Removable bicycle-carrier bracket for trailer couplings
  • Vehicle-to-load functionality through the optional PowerSocket adapter

The bicycle-carrier system is particularly relevant to the GTI’s lifestyle appeal. With a 75-kg drawbar load, the ID.3 GTI can transport two e-bikes, while the optional vehicle-to-load system can recharge them between rides.

Advanced Driver Assistance and Park Assist Pro

The ID.3 GTI will also offer Volkswagen’s latest driver-assistance technology. Optional systems include the new memory function for Park Assist Pro and the latest generation of Travel Assist.

One of the more notable updates is Travel Assist’s ability to react to traffic lights. If the system detects a red light, it can automatically brake the vehicle to a standstill as part of its assisted lateral and longitudinal guidance.

As with other driver-assistance systems, these functions are intended to support the driver rather than replace attention or responsibility behind the wheel.

The GTI Formula Goes Electric

The Volkswagen ID.3 GTI represents a significant shift for one of the automotive world’s most recognisable performance badges. Its 326 PS, 545 Nm, rear-wheel-drive layout and 5.6-second 0–100 km/h time give it the hardware to compete with genuinely quick hot hatches, while the 601-km range and practical interior broaden its everyday appeal.

The bigger question is how convincingly Volkswagen can translate the character of a petrol GTI into an electric car. The company’s answer is a combination of instant torque, a low centre of gravity, adaptive suspension, progressive steering and carefully preserved visual and interior cues.

With pre-sales beginning in early 2027, the ID.3 GTI is shaping up to be one of Volkswagen’s most important electric performance models—and a defining moment in the next 50 years of GTI history.

Source: Volkswagen

NEW CARS

Bugatti Brouillard Makes Public Debut at Chantilly Arts & Elegance 2026

Bugatti has marked a defining moment in its modern coachbuilding story with the handover of the Brouillard, the first creation of its exclusive Programme Solitaire, at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille 2026. The one-of-one hypercar was unveiled to its owner inside the Château de Chantilly before making its public appearance at the concours, where it earned the prestigious ‘Best of Show Concept-cars, restomods & one-offs’ accolade.

Few settings could have been more appropriate for the occasion. Surrounded by French elegance, historic architecture and some of the world’s most exceptional automobiles, Bugatti Brouillard completed a journey that began with a customer’s personal vision and culminated in a singular creation carrying the unmistakable spirit of Molsheim.

A Private Handover Inside the Château de Chantilly

The Brouillard’s ownership journey officially began during an intimate celebration held inside the Dôme of the Great Staples at the Château de Chantilly. The owner’s family and friends joined the Bugatti teams who had accompanied the project from its earliest stages, bringing together the people whose creativity, engineering expertise and craftsmanship made the one-off possible.

Rather than simply presenting a finished automobile, the ceremony celebrated the relationship between customer and marque that lies at the heart of Programme Solitaire. Brouillard represents a continuation of Bugatti’s historic coachbuilding tradition, in which individual design visions are transformed into automobiles that remain deeply connected to the brand’s heritage.

The handover also reinforced the philosophy behind the programme: a modern Bugatti can be more than a high-performance machine. It can be a personal statement, a work of art and a legacy designed to endure.

Programme Solitaire: Bugatti’s New Era of Coachbuilding

As the inaugural creation of Programme Solitaire, Brouillard occupies a particularly important place in Bugatti’s contemporary history. The programme is built around highly personalized, one-off automobiles created through close collaboration between the customer and Bugatti.

Its purpose is not simply to produce something rare, but to create a vehicle that reflects a specific vision while preserving the engineering values, design language and craftsmanship associated with the marque.

Brouillard embodies that approach through the fusion of bespoke artistry and performance. Its presence at Chantilly demonstrated how Bugatti’s modern coachbuilding ambitions can exist alongside the company’s historic automobiles, creating a dialogue between past and future.

Bugatti Paris Showcases a Collection of Modern Masterpieces

In collaboration with Bugatti Paris, the marque curated a remarkable display of unique and historically significant automobiles for guests attending the event. The collection brought together several distinct chapters of Bugatti’s modern era.

Among the highlights were the Veyron La Maison Pur Sang 20 Years and the Sur Mesure W16 Mistral ‘Le Retour de Jeune Prince’, both illustrating the brand’s personalized approach to design. They were joined by the W16 Mistral World Record Car and the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Car, which represented Bugatti’s pursuit of engineering excellence and record-setting performance.

Each automobile offered a different interpretation of the Bugatti identity, from bespoke craftsmanship and historical inspiration to outright speed. Together, they demonstrated the breadth of the marque’s modern achievements.

Veyron and Chiron Profilée Bring Bugatti’s Modern Era to the Road

The celebrations continued beyond the Château grounds. Three Veyron models and the Chiron Profilée participated in a majestic rally through the roads surrounding Chantilly, allowing guests to experience Bugatti’s modern heritage in motion.

The rally was followed by a lunch at the Polo Club, where guests gathered with Mate Rimac, Hendrik Malinowski and Frank Heyl, Bugatti’s Director of Design. The occasion offered an opportunity to discuss the marque’s future while celebrating the craftsmanship and engineering that define its most exceptional automobiles.

Sunday brought a more relaxed atmosphere, with a Garden Party across the Château grounds. Hot-air balloon rides, leisure boat tours along the Grand Canal and horse-drawn carriages added to the event’s distinctive blend of automotive culture and French Art de Vivre.

More Than 700 Collector Cars Celebrate Automotive Heritage

The 2026 edition of Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille brought together more than 700 collector cars and their owners, creating a setting in which automotive beauty, craftsmanship and social occasion became inseparable.

The event’s atmosphere reflected the spirit of the early Concours d’Élégance, where exceptional automobiles were presented not only as engineering achievements but also as expressions of design, culture and personal taste.

For Bugatti, the gathering provided an ideal stage for Brouillard to move from a private customer celebration into the wider world of concours competition.

Brouillard Leads the Bugatti Parade

Brouillard made its public appearance in the Concept Class of the Concours d’Élégance, presented by Mate Rimac and Christophe Piochon. The one-off masterpiece then led the Bugatti Parade, which brought together modern and pre-war automobiles in a celebration of the brand’s living heritage.

The modern collection was joined by a distinguished group of historic Bugatti models, including the Type 39, Type 35, Type 35 A, Type 51, Type 13 Brescia, Type 37, Type 37 A and Type 40 Grand Sport.

Among them, a 1925 Bugatti Type 35 claimed victory in the ‘Bugatti: Race Cars’ class, adding another memorable chapter to the marque’s presence at Chantilly.

The juxtaposition of Brouillard with these legendary pre-war cars highlighted the continuity of Bugatti’s design philosophy. Although separated by decades of technological development, the automobiles shared a common foundation: beauty, innovation, performance and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence.

Bugatti Brouillard Wins Best of Show Concept-Cars, Restomods & One-Offs

The weekend reached its high point when Brouillard received the ‘Best of Show Concept-cars, restomods & one-offs’ award. The accolade recognized the exceptional balance of design and performance that defines the first Programme Solitaire creation.

Following the presentation, the owner paraded the one-of-one Bugatti around the iconic Le Nôtre’s Water Mirrors, providing a fitting public conclusion to an ownership journey that had begun inside the Château.

The award also underlined the significance of Brouillard beyond its exclusivity. As a one-off Bugatti, it represents the meeting point between a customer’s imagination and the marque’s ability to translate that vision into a fully realized automobile.

Hendrik Malinowski on Brouillard’s Significance

Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director of Bugatti, emphasized the importance of Chantilly as a setting for the marque and the emotional significance of Brouillard’s debut:

“Chantilly Arts & Elegance has always felt deeply aligned with our brand, bringing together French elegance, craftsmanship, heritage and the pleasure of sharing extraordinary automobiles in an incomparable setting.”

Malinowski described the handover inside the Château as a particularly meaningful moment, bringing together the owner, family, Bugatti teams and the people whose vision and skill made the project possible.

He also highlighted the significance of seeing Brouillard progress from a private celebration to the Bugatti Parade and Concours d’Élégance, ultimately earning a Best of Show accolade. In his words, the occasion represented a powerful expression of what Bugatti stands for: a story, a legacy and an emotional connection unlike any other.

A New Chapter for Bugatti’s Coachbuilding Tradition

The Bugatti Brouillard handover at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille 2026 was more than the delivery of an exclusive automobile. It was a celebration of the relationship between customer and marque, the enduring value of craftsmanship and the ability of a one-off creation to connect modern engineering with automotive history.

From the private unveiling inside the Château de Chantilly to its public debut, Bugatti Parade appearance and Best of Show victory, Brouillard demonstrated the purpose of Programme Solitaire in its most compelling form.

As Bugatti continues into a new era, the Brouillard stands as a reminder that the marque’s most extraordinary automobiles are not defined by performance alone. They are also shaped by artistry, individuality and the enduring vision of Ettore Bugatti.

Source: Bugatti