Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

RAM Rampage: The Compact Rebel Heads for Europe

There’s a new animal in the paddock — and it’s not a horse. When the gates open at Fieracavalli 2025 — Italy’s grand celebration of horsepower of the four-legged kind — RAM will be showing off some horsepower of a more mechanical persuasion. Meet the RAM Rampage, the brand’s first-ever compact lifestyle pick-up and its first model designed and built entirely in Brazil. And for Europe, this is just the beginning.

A Latin-American Brawler with European Manners

RAM has built its reputation on trucks that look like they could tow a small moon, and the Rampage is no exception — only now it’s sized to fit European roads and sensibilities. Think of it as a Ram 1500 that’s gone to finishing school. It still flexes those big-shouldered, square-jawed looks, but the proportions are tidier, the attitude sharper, and the mission clearer: blend proper utility with everyday liveability.

In a market increasingly obsessed with SUVs that pretend to be tough, the Rampage is the real deal — a pick-up designed for both the workday and the weekend. It sits neatly between your typical C-segment SUV and a midsize truck, plugging a gap in the market that few brands even realised existed.

Brains, Brawn, and a Bit of Bling

Underneath its muscular skin, the Rampage promises to deliver that familiar RAM recipe of capability and comfort. Expect robust chassis engineering, clever load solutions, and an interior that’s more “premium lodge” than “farm shed.” RAM insists that the Rampage combines force, technology, and premiumness — that last word being something of a RAM signature these days.

And if recent RAM interiors are anything to go by (we’re looking at you, Ram 1500 Tungsten), expect plush materials, large screens, and enough gadgetry to make a Range Rover blush.

Built in Brazil, Tuned for the World

What makes this truck truly interesting is its origin story. The Rampage is the first RAM conceived, engineered, and produced entirely in Brazil — a sign that the brand’s global ambitions are expanding beyond its traditional American heartland. It’s a machine born in a market that understands both urban sprawl and off-road grit — a perfect testing ground for Europe’s mix of city streets and countryside adventures.

The Right Truck at the Right Time?

Europe’s pick-up scene has been looking a bit thin lately. As emissions rules bite and big trucks fall out of favour, the Rampage might be arriving at just the right moment — smaller, smarter, and ready to appeal to drivers who want something with authentic muscle but without the bulk.

RAM’s reputation for innovation — think RamBox storage, multifunction tailgates, and that air suspension that makes a mountain road feel like a motorway — suggests the Rampage will bring some clever touches to the table too.

The Bigger Picture

In Europe, RAM continues to operate through KWA, its commercial arm handling logistics and distribution. The line-up already features heavy hitters like the Ram 1500 RHO, a go-anywhere off-road brute, and the Ram 1500 Tungsten, the new luxury benchmark with 540 hp under its hood. But the Rampage? That’s the brand’s bridge to a broader audience — the accessible, versatile truck that could make “Nothing stops Ram” more than just a slogan.

We’ll get full details at the close of Fieracavalli 2025, but one thing’s certain: this is RAM showing it’s ready to run with the stallions of Europe.

Source: Ram

NEW CARS

Opel Mokka GSE: The Hotshot EV That Wants to Rally Your Commute

You know what’s better than a small SUV that looks good? One that looks good and thinks it’s a rally car. Enter the new Opel Mokka GSE, the fastest all-electric production Opel ever—and the company’s cheeky way of proving that “green” doesn’t have to mean “granny”.

Design: Detoxed but Delicious

The regular Mokka was already one of the better-looking crossovers in its class—angular, confident, and wearing Opel’s now-signature Vizor face like a grin that knows something you don’t. But for 2025, the designers have turned up the spice. Chrome? Gone. Instead, it’s all about clean surfaces, smart aero tweaks, and GSE-specific yellow accents that shout “performance” louder than a teenager’s tuned Corsa at a retail park.

Inside, it’s modern minimalism done right: twin 10-inch screens, vegan steering wheel, and seats clad in Alcantara so sticky you’ll swear they’re part Velcro. Everything feels focused, almost Scandinavian in its restraint—but with just enough flair to remind you this is still a German hot hatch at heart, only taller.

Power: Rally Genes Meet Real Roads

Now to the good stuff. The Mokka GSE packs 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Nm of torque, all available the instant you so much as breathe on the accelerator. Zero to 100 km/h? 5.9 seconds. Top speed? 200 km/h. Those are proper performance-car numbers, not “eco crossover” fluff.

The chassis has been re-engineered, too: a Torsen limited-slip diff, bespoke suspension setup, and hydraulic dampers pinched straight from the rally playbook. The brakes—complete with yellow four-piston calipers—could probably stop a freight train, and the steering wheel, flattened at both ends like an angry pretzel, sends crisp feedback through your palms.

In short, it’s an EV that feels alive—something we don’t say lightly. Opel hasn’t just electrified the Mokka; it’s caffeinated it.

Range of Flavours: Electric, Hybrid, or Old-School Petrol

But maybe you’re not ready to go full-GSE. Opel’s got you covered. The Mokka Electric delivers a perfectly reasonable 115 kW (156 hp), a 54 kWh battery, and up to 403 km of range—ideal for urban commutes with the occasional weekend dash.

Prefer a blend? The new Mokka Hybrid teams a 1.2-litre turbo with a small electric motor for a combined 145 hp, reducing fuel bills and CO₂ without sacrificing fun. And for the purists, there’s still a 136 hp petrol manual—because Opel knows some of us still enjoy doing the shifting ourselves.

Tech: AI in Your Dashboard, Not Just Your Chat App

The infotainment system’s been given a serious brain upgrade. Two crisp 10-inch screens handle all your info and entertainment, and yes, it even understands “Hey Opel” voice commands. But here’s the kicker: the Mokka now offers built-in ChatGPT. That’s right—your car can literally answer questions, plan routes, and even entertain you in traffic. Top Gear dares you to ask it who would win in a fight: an Astra VXR or a Corsa E OPC.

Add in the 180-degree HD rear-view camera, a full suite of driver-assist systems, and the Mokka starts to feel like a tech showcase in hatchback heels.

Verdict: A Small SUV with Big Attitude

With prices starting at €26,890 in Germany, the Opel Mokka range offers something for nearly everyone—from eco-minded commuters to weekend tarmac warriors. But the GSE is the headline act: bold, brash, and blessed with the sort of electric punch that makes even Tesla drivers raise an eyebrow.

It’s not just another crossover—it’s proof that Opel’s design and engineering teams are having fun again. And in a world of beige mobility pods, that might just be the biggest innovation of all.

Source: Stellantis

NEW CARS

2026 Renault Twingo: The Funky French EV Comes Back Swinging

Images of Renault’s all-new Twingo have slipped out ahead of its official November 6 debut, and the internet’s already buzzing. What we’re seeing is a retro-cool electric city car that wants to remind everyone just how fun small cars can be — and do it for less than £17,000.

That’s not a typo. The Twingo will be Renault’s cheapest EV when it hits the streets in 2026, undercutting the Renault 5 and 4 in the company’s rapidly expanding electric family. Its mission? Take on the upcoming Volkswagen ID.1 and prove that affordable electric mobility doesn’t have to look (or feel) like an appliance.

Retro Charm, Updated for 2026

If the leaked photos are anything to go by, the fourth-generation Twingo doesn’t stray far from the 2023 concept that wowed showgoers. The production car keeps the concept’s playful, bubble-like shape and the semi-circular light signatures front and rear — clear nods to the original 1990s Twingo that made Renault’s design language famous for its cheeky confidence.

Some of the wilder details have been tamed for production, of course. The concept’s flush, Mk1-style door pulls have been replaced by traditional handles, and the ride height has been lifted a touch — sensible moves for urban reality. Still, the vibe remains unmistakably “Twingo”: simple, joyful, and just a little bit weird in the best way.

Inside: Simple, Bright, and Clever

The cabin shows Renault’s new approach to small EV interiors: minimal but not minimalistic. Unlike the Renault 5 and 4, which blend their infotainment and instrument displays into one wide screen, the Twingo splits them up. Expect a standalone 7-inch display — likely borrowed from Dacia — and good old-fashioned physical dials for climate control.

Oval vents and body-colored dash inserts make sure the retro cues keep coming, echoing the first-gen car’s youthful energy. Renault describes the interior as “airy, cylindrical, and suspended” — which is PR-speak for “you’ll actually enjoy sitting in traffic.”

Power, Range, and Efficiency

Renault’s keeping mum on exact specs for now, but the Twingo rides on the same AmpR Small platform as the Renault 5. The 5’s base version delivers 118 horsepower and 190 miles of range from a 40kWh battery. The Twingo will probably go smaller and lighter — think Dacia Spring territory — with a 25kWh pack and around 140 miles of range.

Renault originally promised an impressive 6.2 miles per kWh efficiency figure, which could make the Twingo one of the most energy-efficient EVs on sale. That’s key for keeping costs down — both at purchase and plug-in time.

Built Fast, Priced Right

Beyond the car itself, what’s remarkable is how Renault got here. From green light to production, the Twingo’s development will take just 21 months — less than half the time it took to bring the Clio to life.

This speed is part of CEO François Provost’s new obsession with “competitiveness.” He’s made the Twingo a poster child for how Renault plans to fight back against low-cost Chinese EVs: faster development cycles, leaner production, and smarter software.

The result is a car that reportedly costs 50% less to build than a typical C-segment SUV, thanks to simplified materials and Ampere’s software-focused engineering. Ampere, Renault’s new EV subsidiary, is also driving down production costs to reach price parity between EVs and ICE cars — a milestone that could make or break Europe’s electric transition.

Sustainability Meets Accessibility

Renault says the new Twingo will produce 75% fewer CO₂ emissions over its lifetime than the average European gasoline car sold in 2023. Combine that with its sub-£17,000 price tag, and it’s easy to see why Renault calls it a “fit-for-purpose urban vehicle with no compromise.”

The car also marks a comeback for UK buyers. After the third-generation Twingo Electric never made it across the Channel, Renault initially hesitated to commit to a right-hand-drive version. But strong enthusiasm for the Renault 5 has convinced executives that Britain deserves the little French charmer once again.

The Comeback Kid

It’s been seven years since the petrol-powered Twingo quietly disappeared from UK showrooms — but this all-new, all-electric version feels like the right kind of comeback. Playful, practical, and purpose-built for the city, it’s a reminder that small cars can still be fun, affordable, and forward-looking.

And if Renault really does deliver that £17,000 price tag? The 2026 Twingo might just become the people’s EV we’ve all been waiting for.

Source: Renault