Tag Archives: Munich Motor Show

NEW CARS

Ioniq 3 Takes Shape: Hyundai’s Radical Electric Hatch to Debut in Munich

Hyundai is getting ready to shake up the electric hatchback market with a daring new concept bound for the Munich Motor Show. Dubbed Concept Three, the design study previews what will become the Ioniq 3, Hyundai’s upcoming compact EV and sibling to the Kia EV3. If the sketch is any indication, this is no ordinary commuter car—it’s a wedge of racing-inspired aggression wrapped around Hyundai’s proven E-GMP architecture.

From the side profile, Concept Three looks less like a practical hatchback and more like a two-door sports coupe. A massive rear wing, ducktail diffuser, and a front splitter that wouldn’t look out of place in touring-car racing all combine with sharply sculpted flanks and a visor-shaped greenhouse. Hyundai’s designers say the new look is rooted in a fresh philosophy called “Art of Steel,” which aims to mimic the bending and flowing of steel surfaces, emphasizing clean lines, sharp cuts, and fluid movement. Unlike the retro-inspired Ioniq 5 or the slab-sided Ioniq 9 SUV, Concept Three leans more toward the sleekness of the Ioniq 6 sedan.

The production Ioniq 3 is expected to arrive in the third quarter of 2026, with first deliveries potentially starting next summer. Underneath, it will ride on the group’s scalable E-GMP platform, meaning it should share specs with the Kia EV3. That suggests a choice between 58.3- or 81.4-kWh batteries, good for up to 590 kilometers of range, and a single front-mounted motor producing 204 horsepower and 283 Nm of torque.

Inside, Hyundai promises a step forward in everyday usability. A new infotainment system will tie driving modes to the cabin atmosphere—adjusting lighting and even ambient sound to match your chosen style. It’s an attempt to add more character and emotional connection to what’s typically the most clinical aspect of EVs.

If Hyundai holds true to the concept’s radical styling cues, the Ioniq 3 won’t just be another compact EV. It will land squarely in the ring with hot-looking electric hatches like the Cupra Born, signaling that Hyundai wants to fight on both design and driving appeal.

Source: Hyundai

NEW CARS

Leapmotor B05: China’s Electric Challenger to the VW Golf Debuts in Munich

Leapmotor is wasting no time making a name for itself in Europe. The Stellantis-backed Chinese EV brand has confirmed it will pull the covers off its latest model—the Leapmotor B05, a compact electric hatchback—at the Munich motor show next month.

Targeting one of the toughest battlegrounds in the EV world, the B05 is designed to take on heavyweights like the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born, and MG4 EV. Compact, affordable, and tech-focused, the B05 could be Leapmotor’s most important European launch yet.

Part of a Bigger Expansion

The B05 is one of three new models Leapmotor plans to release over the next two years, joining another hatchback and a small SUV. The car is a close relative of the B01 sedan revealed earlier this year and sits on the company’s modular Leap 3.5 platform, which underpins the larger C10 SUV. That means we can expect a claimed 650 km (404-mile) range—a figure that would place it near the top of the compact EV class.

Alongside the B05, Leapmotor is also preparing the B10 crossover, positioned as a rival to the Ford Explorer EV and Peugeot e-3008, while an entry-level crossover called the A10 and its hatchback sibling, the A05, will join the lineup as budget EV alternatives. Leapmotor has ambitious plans: six models on sale in the UK by 2027.

Accessible Technology, Premium Feel

If Leapmotor follows its established playbook, the B05 will offer a blend of sharp styling, high-tech features, and affordability. Expect wraparound LED light bars, sport-inspired wheels, and an aero-optimized profile. Inside, the B05 is tipped to share the same 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and premium material choices found in the C10.

Pricing remains under wraps, but given Leapmotor’s “Excellence within reach” philosophy, industry insiders expect a starting point below £30,000. That would give it a strong price advantage over many European rivals, while still packing long range and advanced tech.

A Rapidly Rising Brand

Founded just a decade ago, Leapmotor is already a major player in its home market and abroad. The brand now boasts nearly 1,500 retail sites worldwide and was the 11th most popular EV maker globally in 2024. With backing from Stellantis and an aggressive product rollout, Leapmotor is targeting a spot among the world’s top five EV brands by 2027.

Whether the B05 will include the company’s new range-extender hybrid system—debuted on the C10—remains to be seen. Executives say they’ll wait for European market feedback before deciding.

Why It Matters

The B05 could be one of the first Chinese EVs to make real inroads into Europe’s fiercely competitive compact hatchback market. If it delivers on range, tech, and pricing, Leapmotor might just have the formula to disrupt the dominance of Volkswagen and its European peers.

Munich will provide the first real glimpse of whether Leapmotor’s big ambitions—and the B05 itself—can live up to the hype.

Source: Leapmotor

NEW CARS

New Renault Clio Set for Landmark Reveal at Munich Motor Show

Sixth-generation model promises major overhaul, hybrid-only powertrain, and uncertain UK future.

Renault has confirmed that the sixth-generation Renault Clio will break cover imminently, with its global debut strongly tipped for the 2025 Munich Motor Show this September. The reveal marks a significant evolution for what is currently Europe’s best-selling car, as the iconic supermini transitions to a hybrid-only powertrain and undergoes one of the most substantial overhauls in its history.

Bold Shift for Europe’s Favourite Supermini

Renault has a habit of making big statements at European motor shows, having recently debuted headline models such as the Renault 5, 4, Twingo, and Mégane E-Tech. The new Clio looks set to be the marquee unveiling in Munich on September 8, based on the firm’s plans for a ‘pre-show’ reveal.

While full details remain under wraps, it’s clear the new Clio will ditch pure-petrol engines in favor of an updated version of Renault’s E-Tech hybrid powertrain. The existing 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine will be paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 143bhp and 151lb ft of torque.

Hybrid-Only: Driven by Regulation

The decision to go hybrid-only isn’t just about performance—it’s about compliance. EU fleet emissions targets are tightening fast, with the average CO₂ threshold dropping to 93.6g/km in 2025, and a drastic 49.5g/km expected by 2030. By comparison, the outgoing petrol-only TCe 90 emits 120g/km, while the hybrid E-Tech is rated at 96g/km—a critical 20% improvement.

Renault’s move positions the Clio as an emissions-conscious choice in the B-segment, but there’s a caveat: the sixth-gen Clio will not be offered with a fully electric drivetrain. That strategic omission could impact its availability in the UK.

UK Future Uncertain

The Clio’s UK future is now in doubt due to the government’s Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires 24% of a carmaker’s sales to be EVs in 2024, ramping up to 80% by 2030. Without an electric variant, Renault may find it difficult to justify allocating sales to the Clio in the UK, especially when the Captur crossover—which shares underpinnings with the Clio—is more profitable.

That’s despite the Clio’s strong brand identity in the UK. “Clio is a brand in itself,” said Renault’s Product Performance Chief, Bruno Vanel. “In the UK, it is probably as well known as Renault – or even more.” A final decision on the UK market is not expected until 2025.

Design, Platform, and Affordability

Visually, the new Clio will feature a bolder front end and twin-decked lip rear spoilers, hinting at a sportier design direction. Under the skin, it will ride on an evolved version of the CMF-B platform, shared with models like the Captur and Arkana, and updated to enhance efficiency and cost management.

Affordability remains a top priority for Renault. As the brand pivots toward more expensive EVs, the Clio will serve as a crucial bridge for budget-conscious buyers. “We are not moving directly towards 100% electric,” said Vanel. “We are doing it step by step, to have this transition with hybrid cars so that we remain an affordable brand.”

Rather than slashing list prices, Renault will lean on monthly leasing or PCP finance packages to maintain accessibility. “If you compare the rentals in 2018/2019 to last year, with the improvement of residual values and even with some price increases, I think we experienced quite a good performance,” Vanel added.

What’s Next?

The all-new Clio is expected to go on sale across continental Europe in early 2026, but whether it will remain part of Renault’s UK portfolio remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the sixth-generation Clio is shaping up to be more than just a facelift—it’s a clear symbol of Renault’s evolving identity in a rapidly changing industry.

Source: Renault