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)

Peugeot 3008 III

The Peugeot 3008 is now in its third generation, and it comes with a brand-new all-electric version: the e-3008. What's it all about the all-new model?

2024 Peugeot 3008

Starting at 34,700 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new third-generation Peugeot 3008 pens a new chapter in Peugeot's "new normal" era with its new design language fit for future Peugeots, a new Peugeot i-Cockpit, and the addition of its new electrified variant.

2024 Peugeot 3008

The all-new Peugeot 3008 has a futuristic coupe-like design inspired by its smaller sibling, the 408. It’s a radical change from its predecessor. The new face of the 3008 is proof of Peugeot’s latest design language. Its front face was inspired by the Inception Concept. The 3008 is the first model to feature this new look.

2024 Peugeot 3008 interior

Aside from its polarizing exterior design, the all-new 3008 features the all-new Peugeot i-Cockpit featuring a 21-inch curved touchscreen display standard on the GT variant or a pair of 10-inch displays for lesser variants like the Allure, customizable touch-sensitive buttons, spacious center console, and the gear lever positioned inboard of the steering wheel just like today's Hyundais. It even comes with Peugeot-first front seats with adaptive side bolsters which can inflate or deflate to adapt the occupant's body.

But what’s the scoop on the boot space? It can accommodate up to 520 liters with the rear seats in place, but when folded down, it can fit up to 1,480 liters, which is two liters less than the previous model. This could be because of its new coupe-like form. What do you think?

2024 Peugeot 3008

The all-new third-generation Peugeot 3008 is offered with a choice of a 1.2L hybrid with 136PS of power and mated to a 6-speed e-DSC, and of course, the electric powertrain with a 73kWh Lithium battery pack. The e-3008's electric powertrain has 210PS of power output and 345Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 8.8 seconds and flat-out in 170kph. The driving range is 524km in one full charge and it will take half an hour to reach 80% while charging at a public charging station. You get the point.

Because it now runs on Stellantis' STLA platform, the all-new 3008 behaves better than the previous model thanks to its low center of gravity. It may be front-wheel-drive only as expected but it feels just okay for a French car.

Peugeot’s new Drive Assist Plus, an optional feature for the 3008, makes it easy to navigate tight spots and other potential hazards. It includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. It can even automatically change lanes and correct lane departures. You can also add on speed limit notifications and hill descent control.

The Peugeot 3008 is back with a bang for its third generation. It now comes with an electric version, and the design is more futuristic than ever, inspired by its smaller sibling, the 408. It may be slightly less spacious than the previous model, but the Inception-styled front, new i-Cockpit, the additional electric variant, and a host of new packaging are a sign of things to come from Peugeot under the thumb of Stellantis.

Available Colors: Gris Titane, Bleu Ingaro, Noir Perla Nera, Bleu Obsession, Gris Artense, and Blanc Okénite.

Photo: Peugeot

My FH5 Log: Sludge Wave

Forza Horizon 5’s Horizon Retrowave update has just been hit with a sludge wave bringing with it three old cars from the 1980s. It’s the same story as last time, the cars came from the salvage yard and into the game. It’s just one more thing that makes it seem like the Forza franchise is on a path to self-destruction. We’ve seen enough old cars already.

First up, the BMW M635CSi that I've salvaged from the update's Storm Season Playlist.

The BMW M635CSi was revealed at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show and is based on the E24 6-Series. The M635CSI features an upgraded six-cylinder engine that was used to power the BMW M1. This engine generates 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) of power, and it is mated with a Getrag 280/5 five-speed manual gearbox. 

In the United States, the M635CSi is known as the M6 and uses a catalyzed S38B35 motor engine. This engine produces 256bhp, which is less than the Euro-spec version due to stricter emissions regulations in North America. The M6 was built at BMW's Dingolfing plant from 1983 to 1989 with body shells sourced from Osnabruck-based Karmann works.

There are several versions of the M635CSi and M6. Two non-catalyst models were produced for the European market, one with left-hand drive and one with right-hand drive. There are also three distinct catalyst versions for Europe, North America, and Japan, all of which are left-hand drive.

Our second offender in this recent mess is the Lotus Esprit Series 2 that I've salvaged from the update's Dry Season Playlist.

The Lotus Esprit Series 2 is a cool sports car with a great history and a unique design. It has taillights from the Rover SD1 and an interior with Morris Marina switches. There’s even a special model that commemorates Lotus’ victory at the 1978 Formula One championship. It was originally limited to 300 units, but nearly half of it was made and sold.

In 1980, the Essex Turbo Esprit was launched. Finished in the livery of Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation, which was Team Lotus' sponsor from 1979 to 1981, the Essex Turbo Esprit is the first-ever turbocharged Esprit, powered by a 2.2L type 910 engine which produces 210hp of power and 271Nm of torque. It goes from 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds and flat-out in 150mph. It even comes with a revised chassis rear suspension setup and improved braking.

Last but not least, the Citroen BX4TC that I've salvaged from the Hot Season Playlist.

Developed for the 1985 World Rally Championship, the Citroën BX 4TC is a rally car derived from the Citroën BX production model. It was designed for Group B rallying in the World Rally Championship.

Sharing little resemblance to the normal BX, the 4TC features a longer nose due to the use of the slightly smaller 2.1L Simca Type 180 engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox sourced from the SM.

The 4TC is proven to be a difficult contender due to its weight, small power, and hydraulic suspensions causing understeer. The best result it has done is a sixth-place finish in Sweden with Jean-Claude Andruet. Citroen withdrew from the 1985 WRC to make revisions but the end of Group B racing threw a wrench to BX 4TC's debut.

Citroen produced 200 road-legal versions to comply with Group B regulations, each costing 248,500 francs. Due to its expensive price tag, only 86 were sold.

Although scarred by the corrosion of the past, I've given these three toxic wastes on wheels for a quick race across Horizon Mexico's finest just to see how much poison has left after being salvaged by the Forza producers from the scrapyard to the game. Roll the tapes.

Looks like Horizon Retrowave's very own Toxic Crusaders win the day.

The Horizon Retrowave update in Forza Horizon 5 is just another stark reminder that a racing game franchise like Forza often prefers featuring old cars rather than the latest and the hottest cars. This is a huge bummer because, while it may be a lot of fun to look at classic cars, racing games are supposed to be about having the latest and greatest vehicles, which is something that Forza is sorely lacking.

The next update is called “Modern Horizons” and I can’t help but hope that it will do the exact opposite of the current update. It would be so refreshing to see some modern-day cars coming to the game. I know I’m not the only one who thinks this, so here’s to hoping.

It’s not like there aren’t enough old cars in Forza already. How many more do we need? How long is this going to go on? I want to race in modern cars, and I want to race in them now. If Forza isn’t going to do it, I hope someone else will.

Please, please, Forza producers, bring us more modern present-day cars!

My FM Log: Race Cars kids today don't know

Update 7 of Forza Motorsport not only welcomed players to Brands Hatch but also race cars kids today don't know about. Yes, it's all about older-generation race car garbage and the worst offenders are the 1964 Brabham BT8 and the 1977 Renault #15 Equipe Renault Elf R.S. 01. Is there such a thing as a Renault R.S. 01 in 1977?

First and foremost is the Brabham BT8, a metallic toxic waste that I've got from winning the Update 7 Open Class Tour until May 15, 2024.

Debuted at the 1964 Earls Court Motor Show, the BT8 is the successor of the BT5, which was introduced a year before.

Most BT8 race cars are fitted with the 2.0L Coventry Climax 4-cylinder engine but one has a BRM V8 engine and the other one owned by Jack Brabham has a 2.7L Climax Engine.

Produced between 1964 and 1966, the BT8 won four races and secured ten podium finishes, including the one where Arthur Owen drove the BT8 at the 1964 Singapore Grand Prix and finished second in the Sports and GT race.

Forza Motorsport fans were disappointed when the producers brought in the wrong Renault R.S.01 race car. They were expecting the one with the turbocharged engine that powers the Nissan GT-R R35. Instead, they got the 1977 Renault #15 Equipe Renault Elf R.S. 01. This misprint is the limited-time prize car that can be won by beating the Retro Racers Tour until May 28, 2024.

Created for the 1977 Formula 1 championship, the Renault R.S. 01 is the first F1 car powered by a turbocharged engine in the form of a 2.0L V6 engine. It was also the first F1 car to use radial tires, provided by Michelin.

Designed by Andre de Cortanze and driver Jean-Pierre Jabouille, the R.S. 01 made its racing debut at the 1977 British Grand Prix. Although it faced chronic reliability issues, the R.S. 01 scored points by finishing fourth at the US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen.

With Brands Hatch as the star track of the update, it's time to drive these race cars kids today don't understand around the track to prove their worth. Roll the tapes.

Forza Motorsport features cars from an era that only parents and grandparents can truly understand. Why show these cars to younger players who don't know anything about them? IT'S COMPLICATED.

Enjoy your new rides.