Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

2026 Kia EV5 GT: A Sharper Edge for Kia’s Expanding Electric Performance Line-Up

Kia is continuing its electric performance push, and the upcoming EV5 GT looks set to play a key role in that strategy. Due to make its public debut at the Brussels Motor Show, the sporty new SUV will join a growing family of GT-badged electric models that blend everyday usability with a dose of driver appeal.

The EV5 GT won’t arrive alone. Kia has confirmed that Brussels will also host the global unveiling of the compact EV2, alongside GT versions of the EV3 and EV4 hatchback. With the EV6 GT and the larger EV9 GT already on sale, those additions will bring Kia’s electric GT portfolio to five models – a clear statement of intent from the Korean brand.

Sales of the EV5 GT in the UK and wider European market are expected to begin in the summer of 2026. While Kia has yet to release teaser images, the company has already revealed the key performance figures, giving us a clear idea of where this model will sit in the competitive electric SUV landscape.

Unlike the more extreme EV6 GT – which shares its bespoke performance-focused platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – the EV5 GT takes a more measured approach. Power comes from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup producing 302bhp and 480Nm of torque. That translates to a 0–62mph time of 6.2 seconds, quick enough to justify the GT badge, even if it stops short of outright hot-SUV territory.

On paper, that leaves the EV5 GT trailing some of its key rivals from the Volkswagen Group. Both the Skoda Enyaq vRS and Volkswagen ID.4 GTX deliver around 335bhp and can sprint to 62mph in roughly 5.4 seconds. However, outright numbers rarely tell the full story. If Kia can infuse the EV5 GT with some of the engaging chassis tuning and playful character seen in the EV6 GT and Ioniq 5 N, it could still prove a compelling driver’s choice.

Battery and charging details remain under wraps, but the EV5 GT is expected to use the same 81.4kWh battery as the EV5 Long Range. That points to a real-world range close to 300 miles, which would make it practical as well as performance-oriented. Kia has also confirmed that a slightly less potent 261bhp dual-motor version will launch alongside the GT, though its range figures are still to be announced.

Visually, the EV5 GT is likely to follow the understated approach of Kia’s other GT models. Expect subtle but purposeful upgrades rather than dramatic bodywork changes. Acid-green highlights on the brake calipers and inside the cabin are all but guaranteed, along with a dedicated GT alloy wheel design. Kia has also confirmed a distinctive matte Magma Red paint finish as the hero colour for the range-topper.

Pricing is still to be confirmed, but the EV5 GT will almost certainly sit above the all-wheel-drive Long Range GT-Line model. A figure in the region of £50,000 would place it neatly alongside established rivals such as the Enyaq vRS and ID.4 GTX.

With its mix of performance, range and restrained styling, the Kia EV5 GT looks set to broaden the appeal of electric performance SUVs. It may not be the wildest GT in Kia’s line-up, but it could turn out to be one of the most rounded.

Source: Kia

NEW CARS

Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops Debuts as a Mission-Ready Statement in the Midsize Truck Segment

Jeep has never been shy about leaning into its military heritage, but with the debut of the Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops, the brand sharpens that identity with its most purpose-built midsize pickup to date. More than a cosmetic exercise, Shadow Ops arrives as a limited-run special edition that breaks new ground—most notably as the first midsize truck to offer a factory-installed winch, signaling Jeep’s intent to push real-world capability beyond the aftermarket.

Serving as the opening move in Jeep’s new “Convoy” campaign, Shadow Ops represents a shift toward mission-ready special editions that emphasize toughness, unity, and authenticity. Appropriately, Jeep chose to introduce the truck not through flashy theatrics, but via a ground-led military-style convoy, reinforcing the Gladiator’s rugged ethos and utilitarian roots.

According to Jeep brand CEO Bob Broderdorf, Shadow Ops is aimed squarely at the brand’s most dedicated off-road audience. Built on the already formidable Gladiator Rubicon platform, the package elevates the truck’s trail credentials while delivering a stealth-inspired aesthetic that sets it apart from the standard lineup. “Shadow Ops gives adventurers not just the tools, but the confidence and attitude to dominate any trail,” Broderdorf noted, underscoring the package’s blend of function and presence.

At the heart of the Shadow Ops concept is capability. The factory-installed winch alone is a significant milestone, offering serious recovery performance straight from the showroom floor. That capability is reinforced by heavy-duty steel front and rear bumpers, designed to withstand demanding off-road use. Jeep complements the hardware with practical touches such as all-weather slush mats, ensuring the interior remains protected when the trail turns unforgiving.

Visually, Shadow Ops embraces a bold blackout theme. A satin black grille, exclusive hood and fender decals, and Shadow Ops-specific tailgate branding give the Gladiator a covert, tactical look. Body-color elements—including the Freedom Top three-piece hardtop and fender flares—balance the aggressive styling with a premium, cohesive finish, while still preserving the open-air experience Jeep owners expect.

From a value perspective, Jeep positions the Shadow Ops package competitively. Priced at $4,995 MSRP, it represents only a $2,605 premium over a comparably equipped Gladiator Rubicon with body-color hardtop and fender flares, making the added hardware and exclusivity relatively accessible for buyers already shopping at the top end of the Gladiator range.

Set to arrive at dealerships nationwide in February 2026, the Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops isn’t just another special edition—it’s a clear statement of intent. By combining genuine off-road hardware, a factory-backed winch, and a focused design philosophy, Jeep is reminding the midsize truck market that capability still matters, and that heritage can be more than just a styling cue when it’s backed up by substance.

Source: Jeep

NEW CARS

Fiat 600 Sport: Italian Style Meets Everyday Performance

Fiat is doubling down on its reputation for compact ingenuity with the introduction of the new Fiat 600 Sport, a sharper, more dynamic evolution of its latest small SUV. Rooted in the heritage of the original Fiat 600, this all-new Sport variant blends unmistakable Italian design with modern performance and family-friendly usability.

Positioned for young, active families, the 600 Sport aims to strike a rare balance: compact dimensions that suit urban life, enough space and comfort for daily practicality, and a driving experience that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

Visually, the Fiat 600 Sport leans heavily into its sporty intent. Drawing inspiration from the Fiat 500’s characterful styling, it adds the substance of a five-door family car. Standout details include dark-finish 18-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior accents on the grille, door handles and rear lights, and dedicated Sport badging. A vibrant colour palette is offered, highlighted by a bold new Acid Green, paired with a contrasting black roof that adds a dose of attitude.

Inside, the Sport theme continues with a predominantly black cabin, redesigned dashboard elements and sportier seat upholstery. While the ambience is more focused than standard versions, practicality hasn’t been sacrificed. Passenger space is generous for the class, and the boot is well sized, reinforcing the 600 Sport’s role as a realistic everyday family car rather than a purely style-led statement.

Under the skin, Fiat offers a broad range of powertrains to suit different needs. Hybrid buyers can choose between a 110 hp or 145 hp setup, both using Fiat’s latest turbocharged T-gen3 technology paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The system allows for smooth operation and short periods of fully electric driving, particularly in urban conditions.

For those ready to go fully electric, the Fiat 600e Sport features a 54 kWh battery producing 156 hp, with a WLTP range of up to 248 miles. Notably, Fiat has aligned the pricing of the electric version with the higher-output hybrid, underlining its push to make electric mobility more accessible.

UK pricing reflects this strategy. The Fiat 600 Hybrid Sport starts at £28,750 for the 110 hp version, rising to £29,750 for the 145 hp model. The fully electric 600e Sport also comes in at £29,750, making it one of the more competitively priced electric options in the segment.

In the end, the Fiat 600 Sport reinforces a familiar Italian philosophy: style and emotion don’t have to come at the expense of usability or value. With orders opening in the UK in January 2026 and first deliveries expected in April 2026, Fiat’s latest compact crossover looks set to appeal to families who want practicality—with a bit of personality still intact.

Source: Fiat