Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

Temsa Avenue Neo: The Turkish Electric Bus That Thinks Big in a Compact Package

At Busworld 2025 in Brussels, Turkish manufacturer Temsa rolled out something that might not make your pulse race like a supercar—but could redefine the way cities move. Meet the Avenue Neo, a fully electric, nine-meter-long city bus built to haul crowds quietly and cleanly through congested streets.

Despite its modest footprint, the Avenue Neo is anything but small in ambition. The bus can accommodate up to 75 passengers, a number that puts it right at the top of its class. Underneath, it’s built on Temsa’s proven MD9 Electricity platform—a workhorse that’s already logged over five million kilometers across climates ranging from the icy roads of Scandinavia to the sun-baked avenues of the Mediterranean. In other words, this isn’t a prototype still finding its feet; it’s an EV that’s seen some serious mileage.

Powering the Avenue Neo is a 265-kilowatt TM4 electric motor, fed by a liquid-cooled battery pack offering up to 384 kWh of capacity. Temsa claims a driving range of up to 600 kilometers on a single charge—numbers that would make even some passenger EVs blush. And when it’s time to top up, operators can hit a 300 kW DC fast charger and get from empty to full in just 75 minutes. For depots already equipped with pantograph infrastructure, there’s that option too.

Passenger comfort didn’t get lost in the engineering shuffle either. The Avenue Neo comes with a 20 kW electric preheater for those cold mornings and a 33 kW air-conditioning system to keep things cool when the summer hits hard. Together, they make sure the cabin remains a pleasant place—no matter what’s happening outside.

While Temsa might not yet be a household name in the West, the Avenue Neo proves the company is thinking globally. Efficient, versatile, and smartly engineered, it’s a reminder that the future of urban transport isn’t just coming—it’s already parked at the bus stop.

Source: Temsa

NEW CARS

Auriga Voyager: The German-Built Ranger Camper That Thinks Outside the Bed

Midsize pickups like the Ford Ranger have long been the sweet spot between daily usability and weekend wanderlust. They might not tow a house or swallow a full pallet of drywall like an F-150, but they’ll squeeze through narrow alpine passes, carry a dirt bike, and still fit in your garage. Now, a new German upstart called Auriga Explorer wants to take that formula one bold step further with its latest project—the Voyager—a camper conversion that turns a humble single-cab Ranger into a fully fledged micro-expedition vehicle.

And make no mistake—this isn’t your typical bolt-on camper shell.

At first glance, the Auriga Voyager looks almost extraterrestrial. Dual spare tires hang off the rear like oversized jet engines, while wide bolt-on fenders and knobby all-terrains give it an unmistakable overlanding stance. The transformation starts with a lightweight glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) body that replaces the stock bed and integrates the factory taillights seamlessly. But it’s what happens above that sets this camper apart from the crowd.

Mounted over the cab and extending well beyond the tailgate, the camper module is a masterpiece of packaging and engineering. It features slide-out sections on both sides and the rear, plus a pneumatic pop-up roof that provides standing height and ventilation. Closed up, the Voyager measures 5.85 meters (230.3 inches) long—roughly the size of a standard midsize pickup camper. Open it up, however, and it unfolds into 8 square meters (86 sq ft) of living space, enough to sleep four adults in surprising comfort.

Inside, German efficiency reigns supreme. The main bed is perched above the cab, while a second bed converts from the daytime seating area, which comfortably accommodates six people around a pull-out table. The entrance doubles as a compact wet bathroom, complete with a shower and a clever water circulation system designed to minimize waste—a nod to serious long-range travelers.

A small but capable kitchen module sits up front, fitted with a diesel-powered oven, two-burner stove, and modular storage solutions. Side slide-outs stash clothing and gear, while a rear slide-out functions as a mini garage—perfect for folding bikes, recovery tools, or an inflatable kayak. Onboard solar panels, underfloor heating, and a skylight round out the list of creature comforts designed to make off-grid life not just possible, but pleasant.

According to Frank Haltermann, Auriga Explorer’s Managing Director and the design brain behind the project, the company’s mission was to “combine the best of two worlds—the freedom of a compact four-wheel drive pickup and the comfort of a luxurious expedition vehicle.” Judging by the attention to detail and the Voyager’s rugged yet minimalist aesthetic, they’ve come impressively close.

Though this prototype is based on the previous-generation Ford Ranger single cab, Auriga confirms that the production-ready version will also fit the new Ranger and the Volkswagen Amarok, which shares its platform. Production will take place in Germany, Europe’s camper heartland, and the entire setup has been engineered to fit inside a standard shipping container—a practical move that hints at global ambitions.

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but given the build quality and engineering sophistication, expect it to sit closer to the “expedition-grade” end of the camper market than your average bed-top tent.

Still, in an age when adventure has become the new luxury, the Auriga Voyager makes a compelling case for itself. It’s compact enough for the daily grind, capable enough for the wild, and clever enough to make even a long-term journey feel like home.

If this is what the future of midsize overlanding looks like, we’re ready to start packing.

Source: Automotive News

NEW CARS

2025 Škoda Fabia 130: A Hot-Hatch Homage with 174 Horses and Attitude

Škoda has just turned up the heat on its smallest hatchback. Meet the new Fabia 130 — the most powerful and quickest version of the supermini the Czech brand has ever built. Packing 174 horsepower, a 142 mph top speed, and plenty of old-school vRS flavor, this little car wants you to remember when hot hatches were light, nimble, and unapologetically fun.

Turbocharged Heart with Extra Punch

At the core of the Fabia 130 is a familiar 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but Škoda’s engineers didn’t just dial up the boost and call it a day. The engine gets a new intake plenum, vibration dampers, and revised rocker arms to cope with the extra muscle — 26 hp more than the regular Fabia’s 1.5 TSI.

Power now peaks between 5,750 and 6,000 rpm, and while torque remains unchanged at 184 lb-ft (from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm), Škoda says the unit delivers stronger performance throughout the rev range.

The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission has also been reprogrammed with a bespoke software map, holding gears longer and executing snappier downshifts in Sport mode. The result is a sharper, more responsive drive that feels less economy hatch, more pocket rocket.

Performance That Nearly Matches a Legend

On paper, the numbers tell a compelling story. The Fabia 130 sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds, shaving 0.6 seconds off the standard 1.5 TSI’s time. That’s almost dead even with the old Mk2 Fabia vRS, which clocked in at 7.3 seconds — an impressive achievement for a modern, safety-laden supermini.

Top speed climbs to 142 mph, nudging past the vRS by 3 mph. It’s not just quicker; it’s a symbolic nod to Škoda’s performance heritage as the brand celebrates its 130th anniversary.

Sharper Chassis, Better Feel

To match its newfound vigor, the Fabia 130 borrows the sportier suspension setup from the Monte Carlo trim, sitting 15mm lower for a more aggressive stance and improved cornering poise. Škoda also reworked the electric power steering for better feedback — a move enthusiasts will surely appreciate in an era when steering feel is often filtered out.

Inside and Out: Everyday Usability Meets Sporty Flair

Visually, the Fabia 130 walks the fine line between subtle and spirited. A special front splitter, 18-inch alloy wheels, twin exhaust tips, and commemorative “130” graphics add just enough visual drama without veering into boy-racer territory.

Inside, it gets electrically adjustable bucket seats and stainless-steel pedals, touches that elevate the driving experience while keeping daily comfort intact.

Price and Position

Order books open on October 30, with prices starting at £29,995 — about £3,000 more than the Fabia Monte Carlo fitted with the standard 1.5 TSI. That premium buys a tangible step up in performance, sharper handling, and a unique slice of Škoda’s history.

The Fabia 130 isn’t a full-blown vRS revival, but it’s the closest we’ve come in years. With more power, smarter gearing, and chassis tuning that prioritizes feel over flash, it’s a reminder that fun doesn’t need to be loud to be fast.

For a brand celebrating 130 years of engineering, the Fabia 130 feels like the perfect tribute — compact, clever, and just a little bit mischievous.

Source: Škoda