Tag Archives: Renault

News

2026 Dacia Duster ECO-G 4×4

In December 2024, Dacia unveiled the Duster Soul of Dakar, a special vehicle built for one of the toughest rally races in the world, and now the Romanian manufacturer is announcing the arrival of a Duster that will use LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), the Dacia Duster ECO-G 4×4.

The car is currently in the testing phase and the first photos were published by Motor.es. At first glance, it is striking that the test car bears the name of Renault, not Dacia. However, this is no coincidence, since this model is offered in some markets with the name of the French brand.

Although much is hidden, what we do know for now is that it is powered by a 1.2-L ECO-G three-cylinder engine that can use gasoline or LPG, combined with 48-volt hybrid technology (MHEV) with 150 hp. The engine is paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels thanks to an additional electric motor on the rear axle.

There is currently no information on the official debut of the Duster ECO-G 4×4, although some rumors suggest that it could happen in early 2026.

Source: Motor.es

EV

2026 Nio Firefly EV

Chinese multinational automobile manufacturer Nio has unveiled its new car, the Firefly. It is an all-electric city hatchback designed by former BMW and Ford designer Kris Tomasson.

Nio’s plan is to produce small electric cars that are affordable to a wider range of users, as shown by its price of $20,400. It will officially hit the market in April 2025, and the order book is open. It will also arrive in Europe at the beginning of next year and is expected to cost around 30,000 euros.

At first glance, the three-piece round LED headlights, as well as the taillights, attract the most attention, while some parts such as the glass, black roof and pillars are reminiscent of Honda cars. The size of the car is not known, but everything indicates that its main rivals could be models like Fiat Grande Panda, BYD Dolphin or Renault 5.

Firefly is designed to achieve five stars in C-NCAP and Euro-NCAP tests, which is made possible by the use of high-strength steel and aluminum, which make up 83.4 percent of the body structure, as well as double anti-collision beams in the front doors. The car has nine airbags as standard, as well as the best torsional stiffness in its segment (37,700 Nm).

Photos of the interior have not yet been released, but spy photos reveal a minimalistic dashboard, digital instrument panel and a touchscreen infotainment system, similar to that found in Tesla cars. What is known for now is that the car offers a lot of luggage space, which could please families as well as singles who travel with a lot of bags. The front luggage compartment has a volume of 92 litres, which is more than most electric models offer, while the rear luggage compartment offers an additional 1250 litres, when the rear seats are folded down.

When it comes to the powertrain, Nio has yet to release technical details, so more will be known after the car hits the market next year.

Source: Nio

Gallery:

2026 Nio Firefly EV
News

Renault favors more aerodynamic cars instead of SUVs

The automotive industry is constantly evolving, and the rise of electric cars promises to transform not only the technology but also their design. Gilles Vidal, Renault’s head of design, is proposing new shapes adapted to the demands of today’s market.

In an interview with Autocar, Vidal said that some cities are against this type of vehicle, and have increased the cost of parking for SUVs because of their size and weight. He believes this is not justified, since no one has ever opposed other types of vehicles of similar size and weight, such as compact multi-purpose vehicles.

“There is still a big fight against SUVs. But would you say the same about MPVs? They have the same weight, the same engines, the same CO2 emissions, but no one has ever criticized MPVs – a respectable family product. Who are we to criticize aggressive-looking cars? It’s just a shape,” Vidal said.

Vidal also believes that more aerodynamic cars could soon push SUVs aside, and that smaller cars like the Fiat 500, with occasional refreshes, could be the best solution.

“In Europe, many people say it’s a shame that sedans and estate cars are disappearing one by one, but for electric cars it’s a very good idea to have a low, aerodynamic and practical product. That’s exactly what we should do as an electric car brand, for range and efficiency. So the question is how do we make desirable cars that are also smart choices in terms of size and proportions.”

Source: Autocar