DS Automobiles N°4

The DS N°4, priced at 37,730 Euros plus additional costs, is the DS4 replacement that the French elites would want. It's the ideal fashion statement that balances the good and bad characteristics of a proper French car. Let's investigate.

2026 DS Automobiles N°4

2026 DS Automobiles N°4

At first glance, the N°4 bears a similar shape to the DS4 it replaces, but up front, it dons the new DS design language first applied to the N°8, while the rear view shares a similar story. It has the DS AUTOMOBILES lettering to prove it. Either way, it blends fashion sense and common sense.

2026 DS Automobiles N°4 interior

While the inside offers similar creature comforts to its DS4 predecessor, the N°4 features a new 10-inch High-Definition instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. Perfectly integrated into the dashboard, the touch interface features augmented technology, orchestrating navigation, smartphone connectivity, and audio system control. The DS IRIS SYSTEM comes with ChatGPT, so you can ask questions now, drive later when you are ready. Asked about boot space, the HYBRID version is the most spacious with 430 litres to stack some stuff. 

The N°4 features an all-electrified lineup consisting of the 145PS 1.2L HYBRID mated to a 6-speed AT, a 225PS 1.6L PHEV with a new eDCT7 dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and the first-ever all-electric E-TENSE with a 58.3 kWh nickel battery with 213PS of power, 343Nm of torque, and up to 450km of driving range.

Sounds like a high-performance class until we get to know about its dynamics. Despite its cheap suspension layout that behaves like a mainstream Japanese family hatchback, the N°4 drives better than the previous model. It even comes with the DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION, which uses cameras that can detect road conditions and adapts through it like an auto-correct feature on your word processing software.

As expected, the N°4 is loaded with the most cutting-edge ADAS features offered in this semi-luxury hatchback, such as the DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0 and the new DS DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING, among others.

The N°4 carries the same fashion and common sense as its DS4 predecessor, but with the tech and the electrified lineup to prove its worth. Common sense never looked or felt stylish with this new DS hatchback rolling through the streets of Paris.

Available Colors: Vol de Nuit, Noir Perla Nera, Cristal Pearl, Cachemire, and Blanc Nacre.

Photo: DS Automobiles

My GT7 Log: Eunos VS Eunos

What do the Eunos Roadster and the Citroen BX have in common? They were both sold at Eunos dealers a long time ago, as Gran Turismo fans from Japan would tell you. Here in Gran Turismo 7, it's time for the showdown between the two Eunos cars.

The tale of two Eunos machines. One is purely an Eunos, and the other is a French hatchback paying a visit to the Eunos stable. How do these two Eunos machines differ? Let's begin with the one everybody knew and loved from the start, the Eunos Roadster.

The first Roadster, designated as NA, debuted in 1989 under the name Eunos Roadster. Eunos was one of the brands from Mazda, alongside Efini and Autozam at the time. Sold worldwide as the MX-5 Miata, the Eunos Roadster gained immense popularity among enthusiasts due to its lightweight chassis. 

The Eunos Roadster is equipped with either a B6-ZE 1,597cc 4-cylinder DOHC engine, producing 120 PS at 6,500 RPM, or a BP-ZE 1,839cc 4-cylinder DOHC engine, producing 130 PS at 6,500 RPM. There are many special editions of the NA Roadster, including the S-Special, V-Special, and J Limited.

Now, let's focus on the Citroen BX, one of the Citroen models that got its way through the Eunos dealership a long time ago. Unveiled at the 1982 Paris Auto Salon, the BX features styling by Marcello Gandini, who worked for Bertone at that time. Despite using bits and bobs from Peugeot, it retained Citroen's signature hydropneumatic suspension that delivered extraordinary comfort even on rough roads. The BX is offered with a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines and, depending on the variant, can be mated with either a 4-speed AT or a 5-speed MT.

The Citroen BX took part in the 1985 World Rally Championship with poor results. The best result it has achieved is a sixth-place finish in Sweden with Jean-Claude Andruet behind the wheel.

In the Japanese market, the Citroen BX was initially offered by its original distributor, Seibu Motor Sales, until Mazda stepped in and the BX was sold in the Eunos dealership in 1989. It drew a similar situation with Nissan for their Volkswagen Santana for the Japanese market and Kia for their Mercury Sable for the Korean market.

To channel my Best MOTORING vibes, I've picked Tsukuba Circuit for a duel between the two Eunos cars, the Roadster and the Citroen BX. Yes, they were both sold at Eunos dealerships a long time ago, and now, I have the chance to decide which one is the best. Let's roll the tape.

And now, the results...

Eunos Roadster - 1m16.007s

Citroen BX - 1m17.591s

A close result, but it's PROJECT EUNOS 1 that defeated PROJECT EUNOS 2.

The Eunos Roadster and the Citroen BX may be entirely different vehicles, but they both embody the essence of Eunos. It's about connecting the East and the West through the world of automobiles. Cultural exchanges are beautiful, and a game like Gran Turismo truly showcases the richness of car culture.

My GT7 Log: Summer Like It's 2008

When you think of 2008, what comes to mind? The Beijing Olympics? The global financial crisis? Barack Obama? It could be anything as long as it is associated with the memorable events of the year 2008. However, in the Peugeot catalog, there is a car not made in a year 2008. It's a car that was named the 2008. THE PEUGEOT 2008. Here in Gran Turismo 7, I got the chance to drive one, the second-generation Peugeot 2008.

Launched in 2020, the second-generation Peugeot 2008 eschews its sleek looks that draw resemblance to the 208 for a sleeker design that is utterly mistaken for its big brother, the 3008.  The new model offers a choice of a 1.2 petrol and a 1.5 diesel engine, as well as the first ever electric powertrain that can go up to 320km on one full charge according to WLTP standards. The model featured in Gran Turismo 7 is the one with the 1.2L petrol engine with 129HP of power and 170ft-lb of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Like its predecessor, the second-generation 2008 is front-wheel drive only by default, but the Advanced Grip Control makes it more capable on either tarmac, gravel, or snow.

To test out the capabilities of the FF-only Peugeot compact crossover, I went to Brands Hatch for a one-lap time attack. It may not be as exciting as such, but I need to keep it active. Let's roll the tape.

My performance in 2008 at Brands Hatch resulted in a time of 2m05.466s. While it may not be particularly exciting, it clearly demonstrates what this front-wheel-drive Peugeot compact SUV is capable of.

As I noted some time ago during my first encounter with the second-generation Peugeot 2008, it's a modern crossover that may not be worth the wait for everyone, but it's certainly worth considering for those seeking space, technology, eco-friendliness, performance, and versatility. Its inclusion in Gran Turismo 7 may also not be worth the wait, but it’s definitely worth a try.

A Peugeot crossover named after the year the Beijing Olympics took place, the world financial crisis struck, and Barack Obama became US President... Just don't call it a 2008 Model Year Peugeot car. Just call it the Peugeot 2008. That's it.

DS Automobiles N°8

2025 marks DS Automobiles' 10th Anniversary, and the French luxury brand of Stellantis is celebrating the occasion with...an all-electric coupe-crossover serving as the brand's flagship.

2026 DS N°8

DS Automobiles has introduced its latest flagship model, the all-electric coupe-crossover known as the N°8, priced at €59,500. The name N°8 signifies a new beginning for DS Automobiles, which has been in operation for a decade. It's high time for the brand to adopt a new naming structure, as previous names like DS3 and DS9 have caused considerable confusion. Some models ended up being associated with the Dark Souls series, while others were mistakenly linked to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

2026 DS N°8

Beginning with the exterior, the N°8 is the first to don DS Automobiles' new design language, judging by the implementation of the new DS logo on the front grille and the DS AUTOMOBILES lettering at the back. Although the front is as sharp as any other DS vehicle you come across, the side profile and the rear view can be easily mistaken for the Kia EV4. Long story short, but you get the point.

2026 DS N°8 interior

Inside, the N°8 showcases the brand's reflection on French contemporary art in motion. Although it looks more like an abstract painting than a typical interior, the N°8 features an X-shaped steering wheel, bespoke center console, and a 16-inch integrated central display powered by DS IRIS SYSTEM 2.0, not to mention the panoramic glass roof and FOCAL Electra 3D Hi-Fi sound system. True to the DS mantra, the passenger space showcases its "out-on-a-limo" feel while offering boot space up to 620 litres.

2026 DS N°8

The N°8 is the first all-electric vehicle from DS, incorporating the expertise of the DS Penske Formula E team. It is available in Front-Wheel Drive (FF) and All-Wheel Drive (4WD). 

The Front-Wheel Drive Short Range variant, with 258 PS and a 73.7 kWh lithium battery, offers a driving range of 550 km. In contrast, the All-Wheel Drive Long Range variant delivers 375 PS and features a 97.2 kWh lithium battery, providing a range of 664 km. This variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, outpacing many standard Japanese cars and current Volvo models.

Although not as exciting to drive as expected, the comfort-tuned dynamics gave the DS N°8 a similar driving feel to a German luxury saloon, and being a French-made car full-stop, even with AWD, it feels exceptionally comfortable everywhere, even on tarmac, gravel, or snow, courtesy of its DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION system. 

The DS N°8 features a one-pedal mode for drivers, allowing them to accelerate or brake without using the brake pedal. Regenerative braking is advantageous for this feature.

Being the most technologically advanced DS model to date, the N°8 is packed with night vision, digital rear vision, DS PIXELVISION, and DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0, among others.

While it may seem disappointing that luxury car brands' first EVs are crossovers, the DS N°8 stands out in this trend. As another luxury EV crossover from Europe, the N°8 marks a bold beginning for DS Automobiles in its 10-year history. This is the DS that deserved to be auto-focused because it's a DS. Not those Dark Souls or Star Trek Deep Space nonsense, simply DS.

Available Colors: Bleu Topaze, Noir Perla Nera, Gris Palladium, Cristal Pearl, and Blanc Albatre.

Photo: DS Automobiles

Renault 4 E-TECH vs smart #5

The Renault 5 isn't the only Renault that made its comeback in the form of an electrified city car; the utilitarian-esque Renault 4 also returned as the crossover version of the said car.

2025 Renault 4 E-TECH

Starting at 27,990 Euros plus additional costs, the revival of the Renault 4 is a 21st-century take on a utilitarian legend that promises to chart new paths for today's generation of drivers.

2025 Renault 4 E-TECH interior

Beginning with the exterior, the new Renault 4 stays true to its ancestral roots with its styling. Apart from its blast-from-the-past styling, it has 18.1 ground clearance, a variety of wheels, and a choice of having roof rails or a canvas top. Renault says there are over 600 ways to make your Renault 4 unique. How will you style your Renault 4 E-TECH?

The Renault 4's interior is broadly similar to that of the revived Renault 5, meaning it packs an innovative openR 2x10" dashboard packed with over 50 onboard apps, including Google Maps. It even comes with its own in-car mascot named Reno, which pops up when you say the magic word "Hey Reno," it does whatever you ask, a la Amazon Alexa. It's disturbing but addictive.

Asked about the boot space, the 4 can carry up to 410L with the rear seats present, but with the passenger seats folded down, you can have up to 1405L of boot space. Ideal for various situations.

Now, let's talk about the E-TECH powertrain. The base model runs on a 40 kWh battery with 120 PS of power and a range of 322km. The range-topper uses a 52 kWh battery with 150 PS of power and 410km of driving range. It does 0-100kph in 8.2 seconds and flat-out in 150kph. Enough said.

Unfortunately, the Renault 4 E-TECH is available only as a front-wheel-drive model. Given the size of the electric drivetrain underneath, the vehicle may not provide the best handling dynamics, but given its utilitarian looks, it's about as French as a French car should be.

As always, the all-new Renault 4 boasts 26 advanced driver assistance systems and devices developed by Renault for efficient driving. These features include active driver assist, automatic emergency braking, lane departure detection with emergency trajectory correction, parking assist, safe occupant exit alert, and a driver attention monitoring system.

The Renault 4 E-TECH, like its 5 equivalent, is all about the past and the future coming as one with its heritage-inspired looks, futuristic technology, and the EV powertrain to ease your mind. However, if you are not happy with the new Renault 4, perhaps you can try its more expensive alternative, if that's your case.

2025 smart #5

2025 smart #5 interior

Welcome to the smart #5, the biggest smart car to date. With prices starting at 45,900 Euros plus additional costs, it's by no means the priciest in the new smart lineup.

Unlike the #1 and the #3, the #5 goes for the cubic design that feels like a Hyundai Casper mashed up with the front of a Kia crossover of some sort. As for the interior, the #5 boasts a dual touch screen setup to toy around with while not on the move. 

Asked about the boot space, by surprise, it's bigger than the Renault 4 E-TECH, as expected. 630L with the rear seats present and up to 1530L with all seats folded down. You can sleep with it while on a camping trip, as long as you've got your insect repellent with you.

Like the others, the #5 runs on the SEA platform developed by Geely, and because of its RR layout and city car sizing, it behaves in a unique and spartan manner even while going nuts with it. The base variant has a 76 kWh battery pack with 340 PS of power, 373 Nm of torque, a 0-100 kph time of under seven seconds, a 200 kph top speed, and 465km of driving range. The Brabus model with its 100 kWh battery pack has 646 PS of power, 710 Nm of torque, a 0- 100 kph time of less than four seconds, a 210 kph top speed, and up to 540km of driving range.

For safety, the smart #5 features a wide array of advanced driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering assist, lane change assist, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring, among many others.

So, there you have it. The smart #5 is the ideal EV compact crossover that does all the things you desire from city cruising to a trip to the woods, but if you can't afford the smart #5, you'd better be off with the cheaper Renault 4 E-TECH. These new EV compact crossovers may be different, but this is common sense in a nutshell. This is what the new normal feels like.

Photo: Renault, Smart

Opel/Vauxhall Frontera Mk3 v Citroen C3 Aircross Mk2

The Frontera is back in the Opel/Vauxhall lineup, but it's no longer the off-road capable SUV that Jeremy Clarkson bisected on his final day as a Top Gear presenter. This time, it's a compact crossover with French DNA. Thanks a lot, Stellantis.

2025 Opel Frontera

2025 Vauxhall Frontera

Starting at 23,900 Euros or 23,995 Pounds plus additional costs, the Frontera returns as a compact crossover that now runs on the same framework as this...

2025 Citroen C3 Aircross

Yes, the Frontera is now basically running on the same shape as the all-new Citroen C3 Aircross, which is yours for 19,700 Euros plus additional costs. While the previous model, as Jeremy Clarkson said in his Grand Tour shenanigans, is faster than itself, strong enough to tow a ship, big enough to fit Angelina Jolie's family, better at catching bad guys, and good enough to get through the mountain than the elephant, this new model wants to be just like the said model.

What we have here are two identical compact crossovers whose predecessors got Clarksoned. Anyway, enough about Clarkson's Troll Farm. Onto the crossovers.

2025 Opel Frontera interior

2025 Citroen C3 Aircross interior

Although the Frontera and the C3 Aircross are similar in size, they have distinct appearances. The Frontera showcases the new Vizor design, which was first introduced on the second-generation Mokka. In contrast, the C3 Aircross features a front design inspired by the Oli Concept, similar to that of the regular C3 model.

The interiors tell a similar story. Both models are equipped with similar features, such as a touchscreen for infotainment and smartphone connectivity, USB-C ports, and more. However, the seating arrangement raises some concerns, particularly with the seven-seater option, which feels cramped for anyone seeking comfort. When it comes to boot space, both the Frontera and the C3 Aircross offer a capacity of up to 460 liters with all passenger seats in use, and up to 1,600 liters when the seats are folded down. This all seems quite logical.

2025 Citroen C3 Aircross

Both the all-new Frontera and the all-new C3 Aircross are manufactured at the same Stellantis plant in Slovakia, so you can expect a familiar range of hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) powertrains. The entry-level model features a 1.2L THP Hybrid engine paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Additionally, there is a 113PS EV model that offers a driving range of 305 km based on WLTP standards, as well as a more powerful 145PS variant. While it's uncertain whether these models can tow a large boat like the previous C3 Aircross, it's best to set that consideration aside.

Both vehicles are front-wheel drive, but don’t expect to navigate through Broughton Hall without sticking to paved roads or crossing the mountains that Hannibal traversed centuries ago. Additionally, you won’t be chasing bad guys speeding in fast cars on French roads. 

It seems that the typical Clarkson-style excitement has been set aside for these models in favor of practicality. With numerous safety features such as Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Alert, speed sign recognition, high beam assistance, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot detection, and a reversing camera, what more could you need?

Unfortunately, the all-new Frontera and the all-new C3 Aircross have moved away from the unique characteristics of their predecessors in the name of practicality. However, they remain some of the most sensible crossovers available today. That said, the seven-seater variants can be quite challenging for those trying to find the ideal balance between functionality and comfort.

Will you buy either of these two crossovers or stick to the old ones Clarkson enjoyed?

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall/Citroen

Rapide (le film)

As the motoring world eagerly awaits this year's summer racing blockbuster based on Formula 1, there's a French film that highlights the paradigm shift of women in motorsports.

Rapide (le film)

Starring Paola Locatelli and Alban Lenoir, and directed by Morgan S. Dalibert, RAPIDE is a French drama film about a young woman who stands out in the male-dominated world of formula racing and wants to prove to the world that women can race.

This movie is highly recommended by Alpine F1 driver Pierre Gasly, stating that RAPIDE is a movie that "will hopefully inspire more young girls to take up racing and chase their dreams". Amazingly, the folks from Alpine Cars are more than happy to become a proud sponsor of this racing movie that changes the perception of women in motorsports.

In today's world, the perception of women in motorsports is undergoing a significant transformation. We have seen female drivers making headlines in IndyCar and NASCAR, and there have been racing series designed specifically for women, such as the now-defunct W Series and F1 Academy. Additionally, the former Extreme E showcased male-female pairs competing on off-road courses. 

This French racing film delivers a powerful message: women in motorsports are no longer just eye candy; they race just as competitively as their male counterparts. That is the bottom line. 

Forget the F1 movie. This racing movie is for you.

Renault 5 E-TECH

The legendary Renault 5 made a comeback as an all-electric hatchback that promises to look as good as its ancestors. So, what's it all about the born-again Renault 5?

2025 Renault 5

Priced at 23,990 Euros plus additional costs, the return of the Renault 5 in the age of the "new normal" is more than just welcoming back a legendary nameplate because this is the city car that adapts to the challenges of this unstable world we live in.

2025 Renault 5

The all-new Renault 5 features a design inspired by concept cars while remaining true to its heritage. However, the five-door layout might disappoint purists who are familiar with the original Renault 5. Still, consistency is only part of the equation. The Renault 5 has also become the flagship vehicle for Renault's electric revolution.

2025 Renault 5 interior

2025 Renault 5 interior

Inside, the Renault 5 features an innovative openR 2x10" dashboard packed with over 50 onboard apps, including Google Maps. It even comes with its own in-car mascot named Reno, which pops up when you say the magic word "Hey Reno," it does whatever you ask, a la Amazon Alexa. It's disturbing but addictive.

Regarding space, the reborn R5 has a boot space of 326 to 1106 liters, which is more than the outgoing Twingo E-Tech and more spacious.

2025 Renault 5

Now, let's talk about the E-TECH powertrain that serves as the beating heart of the 21st-century Renault 5. The base model runs on a 40kWh battery with 120PS of power and a range of 312km. The range-topper uses a 52kWh battery with 150PS of power and 410km of driving range. It does 0-100kph in eight seconds and flat-out in 150kph. Enough said.

Unfortunately, the Renault 5 E-TECH is available only as a front-wheel-drive model. Given the size of the electric drivetrain underneath, the vehicle may not offer the best handling dynamics. While it performs well in city driving, it can be less enjoyable during a Sunday afternoon track day.

As always, the all-new Renault 5 boasts 26 advanced driver assistance systems and devices developed by Renault for efficient driving. These features include active driver assist, automatic emergency braking, lane departure detection with emergency trajectory correction, parking assist, safe occupant exit alert, and a driver attention monitoring system.

What can I say about the reborn Renault 5? While it doesn't quite resemble its ancestors, it's exciting to see the iconic nameplate return in the 21st century as a symbol of Renault's electrification revolution. Will it ignite a French motoring revolution? Only time will tell.

Available Colors: Jaune Pop!, Vert Pop!, Bleu Nocturne, Blanc Nacre, and Noir Etoile.

Photo: Renault

Alpine A290

Alpine, the French sports car manufacturer known for the legendary A110, has just introduced its first-ever five-door electric vehicle (EV) hatchback. Some might consider this a controversial move. Let’s take a closer look at what this new EV hatchback from the makers of A110 is all about.

2025 Alpine A290

Starting at 34,700 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Alpine A290 is undoubtedly the most controversial vehicle made by the makers of the legendary A110 sports car, but that doesn't stop Alpine's finest ambassadors—even its F1 drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon—from giving it a thumbs-up.

2025 Alpine A290

The concept-turned-reality design is one of the A290's charm points, although this is basically a sporty version of the upcoming Renault 5 E-TECH. Although it has some of the reborn 5's exterior details, the A290 differentiates with X marks on its headlamps and its rally-inspired foglamps, not to mention the ALPINE details. Although it mimics the legendary Renault 5 Maxi rally car from a distant past, there's nothing special about it.

2025 Alpine A290 interior

Being a five-door Alpine is obviously the most controversial move ever done but having rear seats in an Alpine is nothing new. Sure, it can carry up to five people and has 1106L of boot space with all of the passenger seats folded down, but what's behind the wheel really matters. Behind the race-inspired steering wheel lies a V-shaped widescreen packed with the virtual instrumental panel and a touch screen powered by Google, not to mention the Devialet sound system.

2025 Alpine A290

The base GT variant is packed with a 52kWh lithium-nickel-mangan-cobalt battery. It produces 177PS of power and 285Nm of torque, making it capable of hitting 0-100kph in 7.4 seconds and a 160kph top speed, not to mention having 378km of driving range. The GTS variant bumps the performance figures to 218PS of power and 300Nm of torque, sprinting from 0-100kph in 6.4 seconds, a top speed of 170kph, and up to 361km of driving range. That's less than its main rival, the Cupra Born.

Being a front-wheel-drive hatchback, the A290 checks and balances the rights and the wrongs in the making of this EV hatchback from its multi-link rear suspension, sporty chassis tuning, by-wire braking, and a choice of four driving modes. On normal roads, the A290 feels right at home even in Parisian streets but on track days, it doesn't feel like an Alpine as expected.

Despite the questionable dynamics, the A290 features over 26 driver assistance systems, providing an unparalleled driving experience for an Alpine.

Despite being a controversial decision, the Alpine A290 is evidence that it is ushering in the age of the "new normal," and it is going... well... out of the blue.

Available colors: Alpine Vision Blue, Snow White, Matte Tornado Gray, Deep Black, Alpine Vision Blue/Black Roof, Snow White/Black Roof, and Matte Tornado Gray/Black Roof.

Photos: Alpine Cars

Renault Scenic E-Tech v Symbioz v Rafale

Known as the Espace's little brother when it was a humble MPV, the all-new Renault Scenic has morphed into an all-electric crossover because we live in the new normal where crossovers dominate new car sales like superhero movies.

2024 Renault Scenic

Here it is, the all-new, all-electric, fifth-generation Renault Scenic. It's no longer the Scenic the world knows because it's now officially a crossover SUV that uses the same E-TECH all-electric powertrain from the Megane. It starts at 35,990 Euros plus additional costs, cheaper than its main rival, the Peugeot e-2008.

2024 Renault Scenic

Beginning with the styling, the all-new Scenic mimics the design from the Scenic Vision Concept two years ago, giving sharpness to this crossover people carrier. Its dimensions are 4.47m long, 1.86m wide, and 1.57m high, which promises to be more spacious than its predecessor despite being smaller in width and height.

2024 Renault Scenic interior

The all-new Scenic dons the familiar Renault dashboard that today's models have, meaning you will be greeted by the all-familiar 12.3-inch horizontal screen joined by the L-shaped 12-inch vertical touchscreen that controls the infotainment, climate control, and the MULTI-SENSE. It's powered by Google Android Auto just so you know. Concerning sustainability, the Scenic's interior is crafted from 90% of recyclable materials.

As a five-seater, the all-new Scenic allows passengers to turn the middle seat from the second row into an armrest with two cup holders. Ideal for VIP work if you're into that. Regarding boot space, the Scenic V can carry up to 545 liters, with the rear seats present up to 1,670 liters of boot space and the passenger seats folded.

2024 Renault Scenic

The all-electric E-TECH powertrain features a 60kWH standard range or an 87kWh high-range battery pack. The latter produces a high-performance 220PS of power and 300Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in less than eight seconds and is about ten kph slower than a standard Japanese car or a present-day Volvo. As for driving range, it's good for up to 625km on one full charge.

Asked about the driving experience, even with the MULTI-SENSE set to Sport Mode, the all-new Scenic feels regular to drive. Not an exciting experience as expected on an electric crossover but thanks to its CMF-EV platform and its electric drivetrain, it's about as comfortable as sleeping in a bed in a three-star hotel. Of course, being a new normal crossover, the Scenic features Safety Coach which assesses driving behavior and habits to provide tailored advice on driving style and ADAS use. Bossy, eh?

There you have it. The all-new Renault Scenic E-TECH made us forget about the Scenics of yesteryears because from now on, this is one we should stick to our heads. Sadly, it's not going to be easy because as today's customers are showing lukewarm interest in electric cars, they are better off with a crossover that looks just like it, except for every single detail.

2025 Renault Symbioz

2025 Renault Symbioz

This is the first-ever Renault Symbioz and don't let its name fool you. It may bear the name of a funky 2017 concept car but, in reality, it's just another hybrid crossover made to tackle the likes of the Peugeot 2008. Priced at 33,400 Euros plus additional costs, it's slightly more expensive than the 2008.

2025 Renault Symbioz interior

Although the Symbioz bears the same front face as today's Scenic, the rear and side view look like it came from today's Kia Sportage. Same Renault gadgetry aside, the spacing of the Symbioz is smaller than the Scenic because it's capable of carrying up to 1455 liters of boot space. Still, it can carry up to five people. No problem.

2025 Renault Symbioz

Front-wheel-drive only as expected, just like the Scenic, the Symbioz is powered by the same 1.6L E-TECH 145 hybrid powertrain as the Arkana. Mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, it has a 0-100kph time of 10.6 seconds, slower than the Scenic, and it has the same top speed as the Scenic E-Tech. 170kph to be exact.

Sure, it still packs the nagging Safety Coach that tells your driving style as well as ADAS recommendations but because it uses the same platform as today's Clio, it's less bulky to drive than the Scenic. Mind you, this is straightforward compared to this...

2025 Renault Rafale

The 45,000 Euro Renault Rafale. Named after a multirole jet used by the French Navy, it's the exact opposite of its namesake. Despite the irony, this is the Top Gun of the Renault SUV lineup.

2025 Renault Rafale

2025 Renault Rafale interior

Despite being a coupe crossover just like its main rival, the Peugeot 408, the Rafale is the most spacious of the Renault crossovers with up to 1910 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down. It still packs the usual Renault tech such as the OpenR Link, Safety Coach, and others, but because it has AI-powered capabilities, the Rafale is another one of the production cars that plunged into the dark side of AI connectivity.

In addition to the 1.2L Turbo E-TECH Hybrid powertrain with 200PS of power output mated to a 6-speed AT with 4.7L/100km of fuel economy, the Rafale features the 300PS 1.2L Turbo PHEV powertrain where the combination of the petrol engine and the electric motor powering all four wheels, making it the only 4WD in the Renault SUV lineup. Armed with the 6-speed AT, it does 0-100kph in 6.4 seconds and has the top speed of a standard Japanese car or a present-day Volvo. Fuel economy is around 0.5L/100km and running on electricity only, it can go up to 105km.

Coupled with MULTI-SENSE and the Megane-derived 4CONTROL system, the Rafale is about as close as enjoyable as the now-defunct Renaultsport Megane. Close but no baguette. The same goes for the 4x4 PHEV variant but good while feeling under the weather.

Three Renault crossovers of 2024 bear such ironies. The Scenic of today has nothing to do with the Scenics of the past, the Symbioz has nothing to do with the concept car namesake, and the Rafale is not as cool as its fighter jet namesake. Differences aside, these crossovers made such a statement and in the end, it's the Rafale that stands out not because...well, you get the idea. Case closed.

Photo: Renault

My FH5 Log: Tales of the #PrimeDay Beasts

I can't believe it's Prime Day again! 🤯 This annual event is when you can unleash the ultimate beasts in Forza Horizon 5 and let them tear up the track. 

For the third time in the game's history, the Horizon Community Choice update brought the McLaren MP4-12C to the Prime Day lineup. That means there are four ways to celebrate Prime Day in Forza Horizon 5. Time to get wild!

Ah yes, the beasts of Prime Day. They're the Jurassic menace I'm talking about because they are business and leisure without compromise. From the roaring sound of the 6.2L V8 engine of the F-150 SVT Raptor, the lightness of the Renaultsport Megane III, the track-honed performance of the MP4-12C, to the Zonda R's ultimate expression of speed, these unstoppable missiles are the heavy beasts only a few people are lucky enough to drive these while their concentration's on racing mode.

Whether it's the F-150 SVT Raptor battles against a HALO jumper, a Renaultsport Megane III battling against a Porsche Boxster, the McLaren MP4-12C surviving the Nurburgring, or the Zonda R going all-out, you can really hear these high-performance cannibals roaring to the sounds of prime. These heavy beasts really are badass. Yes!

From as far as Arizona and Rockingham, these heavy beasts come to Mexico to show that these unstoppable missiles were never past their prime, even if it was Prime Day. It's time to make these beasts roar!

THIS...IS...PRIME DAY!!!

The Jurassic menace from these four prime specimens made PRIME DAY the Jurassic menace you don't want to mess with. Life couldn't get even more exciting when you have the rare opportunity to drive these heavy beasts mixing business and leisure without compromise.

See you next PRIME DAY. 

(Tiger Roar)