Tag Archives: SUV

NEW CARS

Chevrolet Sonic Returns as a Compact SUV – Brazilian Market Exclusive

After a five-year hiatus, the Chevrolet Sonic is set to return—but not in the form fans might remember. The once-pint-sized sedan and hatchback is being reborn as a compact SUV, specifically designed for the Brazilian market.

Chevrolet has started teasing the new Sonic through a series of images on its Brazilian website and social media channels. While details remain scarce, the visuals hint at a modern, compact design. From the side, the SUV presents a tapered rear window and roof rails, emphasizing a sleek profile. The rear features LED taillights reminiscent of the Equinox EV, flanking a centrally positioned black bowtie badge.

The new Sonic has been entirely designed and developed in Brazil, sharing its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Onix—a model that previously held the title of Brazil’s best-selling car. This connection gives the SUV a foundation of practicality and familiarity, crucial in a market that values compact, efficient vehicles.

“The Sonic revives a global Chevrolet name, now reinterpreted for a new generation of vehicles that expresses innovation and modernity,” said Santiago Chamorro, GM South America president. He also noted that the model will occupy a “strategic segment, not yet explored by the brand, that of coupe SUVs,” signaling Chevrolet’s intent to expand its lineup in the compact SUV space.

Powertrain details are still largely under wraps, though GM Authority reports that the new Sonic will debut with a flex-fuel hybrid setup. While performance may not be the focus, efficiency will likely take center stage—aligning with the needs of Brazilian drivers.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether the reborn Sonic will be offered beyond Brazil or remain a local exclusive. What is clear, however, is that Chevrolet is betting on the Sonic name to reestablish itself in a growing segment, combining a familiar brand with a fresh, modern silhouette tailored for today’s urban SUV buyer.

Source: Carbuzz, GM Authority

Tuning

Hyundai Ioniq 9 BigTime Concept Turns an Electric Luxury SUV into a Trail Blazer

Off-road builds are stealing the spotlight at this year’s SEMA show, and Hyundai isn’t about to be left out of the mud-slinging fun. While Toyota went wild with a V-6–swapped vintage Land Cruiser and Nissan brought a 1000-hp Patrol to the desert party, Hyundai’s contribution takes a more unexpected route: an all-terrain version of its luxury electric SUV, the Ioniq 9.

To make it happen, the Korean automaker teamed up with YouTube channel BigTime, run by Jeremiah Burton and Zach Jobe, best known for their creative car builds and offbeat engineering projects. Together, they took the road-going Ioniq 9 and reimagined it as something you might actually dare to drive past the pavement’s end.

That’s a bold move, considering the stock Ioniq 9 is about as off-road-ready as a glass coffee table. The SUV rides just 6.9 inches off the ground, prioritizing long-range cruising and upscale comfort over any boulder-bashing ambitions. But the BigTime duo saw potential—and decided to give Hyundai’s biggest EV a dirt-friendly attitude adjustment.

They started with the top-dog Calligraphy trim, which packs a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup good for 422 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. From there, the suspension was lifted—Hyundai won’t say by how much, but the added altitude looks substantial enough to clear some honest trail ruts. The new BFGoodrich all-terrain tires wrapped around retro-cool white OZ Racing wheels complete the transformation, giving the Ioniq 9 a stance straight out of a rally stage.

The modifications are simple but purposeful. A roof-mounted light bar promises illumination when the asphalt fades and the wilderness begins. And then there’s the look—oh, the look. The ’70s-inspired brown-and-tan wrap channels vintage adventure rigs, complete with an oversized Hyundai logo on the hood and a bubbly BigTime script across the doors and fenders. According to Burton and Jobe, the color scheme was pulled from a 1977 Kenworth cabover semi they rescued for their channel last year—a neat nod to old-school trucking nostalgia in a futuristic EV.

Of course, this Ioniq 9 BigTime concept is strictly for show. Don’t expect Hyundai to roll out an off-road package for its flagship EV anytime soon. But as a SEMA showcase of creativity, it works beautifully: proof that even a plush, tech-heavy electric SUV can get a little scruffy—and look all the better for it.

So while Toyota and Nissan went big on displacement and brute force, Hyundai’s contribution to the off-road conversation is a little more tongue-in-cheek: a lifted luxury EV that’s ready to trade valet parking for dirt trails—at least for a weekend.

Source: Car and Driver

News

Hyundai Tucson is the best used family SUV of 2025

The Hyundai TUCSON continues to cement its reputation as one of the UK’s most desirable family SUVs, recently earning the title of Best Used Family SUV at the 2025 What Car? Used Car Awards. This recognition highlights the TUCSON’s appeal not only as a new model but also as a standout choice in the pre-owned market.

The judging panel at What Car?, a respected UK automotive publication with a global readership, praised the TUCSON for its well-rounded package. The SUV impressed reviewers with its practicality, high-quality interior, engaging yet efficient driving dynamics, and excellent ownership value.

Mark Pearson, Used Cars Editor at What Car?, emphasized the TUCSON’s family-friendly credentials: “If interior space is high on your list of priorities, the TUCSON is well worth a look. Four tall adults have plenty of room, and the boot is cavernous. Its interior quality is also impressive. On top of that, it’s good to drive, there are frugal hybrid options, and it has a confidence-inspiring reliability record. The fact that this appealing SUV is also such great value on the used market just seals the deal for us.”

Launched in 2021, the TUCSON has been a consistent bestseller in the UK, earning praise from international automotive authorities including Top Gear, Auto Express, and Carbuyer. Its blend of style, practicality, and refinement has made it a go-to choice for families seeking a versatile SUV.

Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai Motor and Genesis UK, commented on the accolade: “The TUCSON has proven to be a thoroughly desirable SUV for tens of thousands of new car buyers, so it is no surprise that its many attributes are equally appealing to those in the market for a pre-owned vehicle. It’s stylish, enjoyable to drive, and superb value.”

For families seeking a used SUV that delivers space, comfort, and reliability without compromise, the Hyundai TUCSON has now officially earned its place at the top of the class.

Source: What Car