Showing posts with label german. Show all posts
Showing posts with label german. Show all posts

Sunday, June 8, 2025

DTM 2025: Zandvoort

Zandvoort will host the next round of the 2025 DTM season, where drivers compete fiercely on the historic grounds of the Dutch Grand Prix.

DTM 2025: Zandvoort
Screengrab from DTM

The first race produced an unexpected podium finish that took everyone by surprise. Ayhancan Guven claimed victory, followed by Nicki Thiim in second place and Maximilian Paul in third. In the final race, Rene Rast showcased his skills and secured the win, overcoming strong competitors such as Marco Wittmann and Thomas Preining.

Lucas Auer leads the current DTM standings with 91 points, while Rene Rast and Ayhancan Guven are within two points of each other with 75 and 73 points, respectively.

The next event will be at Norisring this July 3 to 6, 2025.

Saturday, May 31, 2025

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
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
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

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

Monday, May 26, 2025

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - Audi R8 V10

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Forza Motorsport series. To commemorate this milestone, let’s take a look back at the cover cars from the Forza Motorsport franchise, starting with the very first game released in 2005 and continuing through to the final installment launched in 2023.

2010 Audi R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI quattro

Let's continue with the Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSi quattro, the supercar that graced the cover of 2009's Forza Motorsport 3 video game.

2010 Audi R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI quattro

Named after a winning Le Mans Prototype race car, inspired by the Le Mans quattro concept, and running on the same components as the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Audi R8 served as the company's image leader when it made its debut in 2007.

When it was launched, it was initially available only with the 420HP V8 FSi engine, but two years later, the V10 variant of the Audi R8 was added. It features the same 5.2L V10 engine from the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, but it only produces 518bhp of power, sprinting from 0-100kph in less than four seconds. Aside from the engine, the R8 is armed with a quattro all-wheel-drive system and an Audi Space Frame aluminum body.

The Audi R8 V10 is offered with a choice of a coupe and an open-top roadster. There's even a limited-edition GT model that shaved 100kg of weight and improved its V10 engine to produce 560HP of power.

2010 Audi R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI quattro

Let's have a commemorative drive around Le Mans Circuit de la Sarthe, the place where the Audi R8 was inspired by. Roll the tape.


Although it doesn't live up to its namesake, it proved its worth.

The Audi R8 cemented its status as the brand's image leader, and its presence as the cover car of Forza Motorsport 3 showcased its “vorsprung durch technik” philosophy to both worlds.

2010 Audi R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI quattro

WHERE DREAMS ARE DRIVEN

Next time, let's take a look at the Ferrari 458 Italia, the cover car of Forza Motorsport 4.

Sunday, May 25, 2025

DTM 2025: Lausitzring

Amid the loudest race weekend of the year, the 2025 DTM season continues in Lausitzring, further amping up the volume for excitement, making it a great way to warm up race fans before the big day.

Screengrab from DTM

The first race saw Austrian driver Lucas Auer, piloting the Team Landgraf AMG GT3, defeat DTM veterans Lucas Auer and Rene Rast to win. In the final race, meanwhile, Jack Aitken beat Rast, while Jules Gounon completed the podium by finishing third.

With two venues and four races down, Lucas Auer leads with 69 points, 6 points ahead of Jules Gounon, and Jordan Pepper is in third with 55 points.

The next event will be at Zandvoort this June 5-8, 2025.

Monday, May 12, 2025

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 Opel Frontera

2025 Vauxhall 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
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
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
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

Monday, May 5, 2025

My FM Log: Rennsport Reunions

The 992-spec 911 Turbo S and the Le Mans race car are two prize cars from Forza Motorsport's Update 19. Having obtained these two Porsches, it's time to have a word with them.


First up is the Porsche that nobody in Forza's target audience has seen because they were not born at the time of the race car's debut. It's the #1 Porsche System Engineering 924 GTP Le Mans, and I obtained it from clearing the Porsche Tour before the May 28, 2025, deadline.

In 1979, Porsche began developing the 924 Turbo as a Group 4 GT entry for the 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans. It featured a full alloy roll cage and an additional cross-brace beneath the hood. The body panels were constructed from aluminum, lightweight urethane, and fiberglass. The car utilized disc brakes and axles sourced from the 935 parts bin and a larger intercooler positioned in the nose. An upgraded dog-leg five-speed transmission with a limited-slip differential and its cooler mounted at the rear provided exceptional chassis balance. The suspension was fully adjustable, equipped with titanium springs and Bilstein coil-overs, both front and rear.

Porsche brought a small number of 924 Carrera GTs to compete in the GTP class at the 1980 Le Mans 24-hour race, with the best car finishing sixth overall. 

After a successful debut in 1980, Porsche returned to Le Mans in 1981. That year, Porsche entered both a 924 Carrera GTP and a 944 LM, each equipped with the new 2.5L engine that would later be used in the 924S and 944 models.

In 1982, 924s were only entered by privateers, with two cars being fielded by BF Goodrich using road tires. While the 924 won the IMSA GTO class in 1981 and the IMSA GT class in 1982, it never exceeded the overall performance of the factory-backed Porsche entries, even though the customer cars had more power than the original works cars.


Lastly is the King of 911s, the 992-spec Porsche 911 Turbo S. I obtained it from clearing Update 19's Open Class tour before the May 7, 2025, deadline.

The 992-spec 911 Turbo S is a bona fide supercar that can go from 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of 330kph. It has a 3.8L flat-6 engine with two VTG turbochargers that produce 650PS of power and 800Nm of torque. The only transmission offered is an 8-speed PDK, and the optional Sport Chrono pack is available. Apart from its performance, the 911 Turbo has a mild but spartan driving feel when enjoyed on track days. It has a four-wheel drive system, updated dynamics and aerodynamics, a PASM sports chassis, and a showy sports exhaust system.

In 2024, a special 911 Turbo 50 model was unveiled in honor of the 911 Turbo's 50th anniversary. Only 1974 models were made, a reference to the year the 911 Turbo was born.



Let's give these Porsche prize cars a quick lap around Lime Rock Park, demonstrating just how Porsche these Porsches are. Let's roll the tapes.



These two different machines have demonstrated what makes a Porsche...well...Porsche.

Enjoy your new rides!

Sunday, April 27, 2025

DTM 2025: Oschersleben

Reviving the DTM for the next four decades, one of Europe’s legendary motorsport series has undergone a makeover. Even with the new DTM logo, the thrilling action remains unchanged. For the 2025 season, the DTM welcomes back Aston Martin and Ford with the Vantage GT3 EVO and the Mustang GT3 race cars. 

With the world’s best drivers and top GT3 machines coming together, the refreshed DTM kicks off at Oschersleben, the first stop of the 2025 season.

DTM 2025: Oschersleben
Screengrab from DTM

In the season opener, Lucas Auer, driving for the Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf, claimed victory by beating Jordan Pepper, the underrated driver from TGI Team Lamborghini, as they headed to victory lane. Maro Engel from Team Winward Racing secured a third-place finish. Later in the weekend, two lesser-known drivers made an impressive impact; Ayhancan Guven of Manthey EMA achieved a narrow victory over Jules Gounon from Team Mann-Filter. Thomas Preining, also driving for Manthey EMA, completed the podium with a third-place finish.

The next race is at Lausitzring this May 22-25, 2025.

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

My FH5 Log: Battle of the RS flagships

The Audi RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback are the flagships of the Audi RS range, and they may be the last of these RS flagships to be equipped with pure thermal engines. In Forza Horizon 5, let's have a final salvo with the two Audi RS flagships.



The C8-spec Audi RS6 Avant and the 4K-spec Audi RS7 Sportback are regarded as the top guns of the Audi RS hierarchy, yet they pose only a minimal threat to BMW's M5 and Mercedes-AMG's E63. Both are equipped with a formidable 4.0L V8 TFSi engine featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a cylinder-on-demand mechanism for enhanced efficiency on the go. This engine delivers 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque. When paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox, it accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just over three and a half seconds, and with the dynamic package plus, it can achieve a top speed of 305 kph. There's even a performance variant that has seen its V8 engines enhanced to 630PS, reducing the 0-100 kph time by 0.2 seconds.



With their quick introductions done, it all comes down to this question: which of these RS flagships is the best? The RS6 Avant or the RS7 Sportback. With a bone-shaped circuit located near the Horizon Rush site as my laboratory, it's time for these blood relatives to settle the score for the last time in the heat of the rainfall. A fitting tribute to the last pure thermal-powered Audi RS overlords. Roll the tape.


Here are the results...

RS6 C8 - 1m07.818s (Wet)

RS7 4K - 1m07.100s (Wet)

It was a close result, but in the end, it seems the saloon equivalent is the winner after all. I didn't expect the RS7 to be slightly lighter than the RS6. No big deal.

As the Audi RS lineage prepares for the "new normal," we can be certain that the era of powerful Audis will never be forgotten by future generations. The C8-spec Audi RS6 Avant and the C8-spec Audi RS7 Sportback have made their mark, but one day they will return—this time as even more formidable versions that are truly challenging to handle. Remind you of any?

EPILOGUE

After delivering their final blow as pure thermal-powered RS overlords, the RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback are ready for their true final blow. Having winded up to similar levels akin to the RS6 Avant performance and the RS7 Sportback performance, I gave them roles that suit their personalities.





Trust anyone who has an RS6 Avant in their spare time because they had a lot of fun driving through the Swiss Alps in style and comfort. With that, I shall call you...Fuwari. As in, Fuwari Midorikaze, one of the Tricolore members from PriPara. Na-chu!





As for my RS7 Sportback, its high and mightiness as the true RS flagship invoked the wrath of a high-and-mighty PriPara idol, and with that, I shall call you...Chili. Chili Tsukikawa, of course.



With everything settled, Fuwari and Chili are up for their Making Drama they'll never forget. The RS6 Avant is taking on an EventLab re-enactment of a Forza Motorsport classic track, the Bernese Alps, while the RS7 Sportback is locked in a duel against...someone outside the temple in the middle of snowy weather. Making Drama, Switch On!



Chili may have a rough "chilly" day but Fuwari feels right at home with the Bernese Alps re-enactment. Still, kudos to the masterminds of these EventLab creations.



The RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback may be polar opposites, but they both share the same powerful engine that has driven them to the very end. They have fulfilled their purpose, but they don't have the classic "Beauty and the Beast" ending. As witnesses, we are grateful to observe their final days and are ready to share their stories.

Danke, RS6 and RS7. We'll meet again someday.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

My FM Log: Barbaric Motorsport Work

Two BMW race cars were included in Forza Motorsport's first series update of 2025, which is unfortunately the franchise's final year. I mention this because the Forza producers have opted not to feature a single car from the 2025 model year or beyond. It's a harsh reality, but it's entirely their fault. While the world moves forward, the Forza team has essentially moved backward, and this trend has contributed to their downfall. They had their choice and they went for the other one.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, the two BMW racers that were the prize cars of Forza Motorsport's BMW Tour series update.


Let's start with the 1976 BMW 3.0 CSL, which I won by completing the Open Class Tour in this update before the deadline on February 12, 2025. We already have one 3.0 CSL race car in the game, but this new one is designed for the European Touring Car Championship, while the existing one is built for IMSA GT purposes. Anyway, some facts.

Based on the E9 3.0 CS Coupe, the BMW 3.0 CSL is one of the company's most iconic race cars when it was introduced in 1972 and nicknamed by car enthusiasts as the "Batmobile" due to its unique aerodynamic enhancements.

Under the hood lies the namesake 3.0L straight-six engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. In its racing specification, it produces around 470hp, depending on the version.

In its Group 2 configuration, it competed in the European Touring Car Championship with its drivers winning Drivers titles six times in 1973 and 1975 to 1979. In 1976, the CSL competed in its Group 5 Special Production specification, winning three rounds of the World Championship for Makes.


Next up, the 2023 BMW #96 Turner Motorsports M4 GT3 that I won from clearing the BMW Tour until February 26, 2025. At last, the latest BMW M4 GT3 arrived in the game and players can recreate its liveries as seen on Super GT, DTM, WEC, IMSA, and others where this race car is involved.

Turner Motorsports is one of the well-known teams that competed in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's GTD class. For 2023, their weapon of choice is a BMW M4 GT3 race car, based on the G82 M4.

The G82 M4 GT3 race car is made to compete in GT3-class races worldwide. Powering this race car is a 3.0L turbocharged straight-six engine producing up to 590HP of power, depending on the BoP adjustments in specific races. It is mated with a 6-speed sequential gearbox and a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis.

Driven by a mix of professional drivers, including Bill Auberlen, who is one of BMW's ace drivers, Turner Motorsports' 2023 campaign sought some podium finishes in its class. However, in the 2024 season, the #96 Turner Motorsports BMW M4 GT3's moment of fame came to fruition by winning the GTD class in Road America.



To highlight the strengths of these Bavarian racers in their racing overalls, I traveled to Daytona to test two BMW race cars. The track is still feeling the effects of last weekend's 24-hour endurance race and seems to be getting ready for this year's NASCAR season if you know what I mean.

Anyway, let's roll the tapes.



Barbaric, the BMW way. That's all I can say.

Enjoy your new rides!

Sunday, January 19, 2025

My FM Log: BMW's LMDh fighter

The BMW M Hybrid V8 race car has joined Forza Motorsport's lineup of current LMDh racers, which includes three Cadillac V-Series.R machines and last year's Porsche 963.

So, what's it all about BMW's LMDh fighter?


BMW returned to top-class endurance racing with the M Hybrid V8, a racing machine that complies with the LMDh regulations. This allows it to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship's Hypercar class and the IMSA SportsCar Championship's GTP class. It made its racing debut at the 2023 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

Complying with LMDh rules, the P66/3 V8 4.0L Twin Turbo engine with supplementary electric drive produces 670HP of power and 479lb-ft of torque. The bodywork of this racing machine is made in cooperation with Dallara.

The M Hybrid V8's shot of glory is when the #25 BMW M Team RLL BMW M Hybrid V8 was declared the winner of the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen of the 2023 IMSA SportsCar Championship season, following the #6 Porsche 963's penalization due to a technical breach. In the 2024 season, the M Hybrid V8 delivered BMW's first 1-2 finish in the Battle of the Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the #24 car the winner and the #25 the second-placer.


Having recently added in the recent Forza Motorsport update involving the BMW M history, buying one can be a costly option but players have been given the chance to obtain one without cost and that involves a time-limited challenger where players complete 15 laps around the Daytona road course until the February 12, 2025 deadline. Long story short but now that I got one, I decided to have one quick lap with BMW's LMDh competitor around the Indianapolis GP course, the venue where BMW snagged a 1-2 finish in last year's Battle of the Bricks.

Roll the tape.


I finally understand how BMW's LMDh competitor works. My time of 1m27.612s wasn't as fast as the drivers did last year, but it was good enough for me.

Let's all wish BMW the best of luck as the BMW M Hybrid V8 prepares for its 2025 campaign in both IMSA and WEC.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Opel/Vauxhall Grandland Mk2 v Peugeot 5008 III

The Opel/Vauxhall Grandland and Peugeot 5008 are very different vehicles. But they both have the same electrified heart. That's something you might expect from Stellantis' mad inventions.

2025 Opel Grandland
2025 Opel Grandland

2025 Vauxhall Grandland
2025 Vauxhall Grandland

2025 Peugeot 5008

First, let's get to know the prices of the twin midsize crossovers. The second-generation Grandland starts at 36,000 Euros or 34,700 Pounds while the third-generation 5008 starts at 38,200 Euros plus additional costs. On paper, they're slotted below the 40-grand mark, which is reasonably priced for these midsize crossovers from the Stellantis fleet.

2025 Opel Grandland
2025 Opel Grandland

2025 Vauxhall Grandland
2025 Vauxhall Grandland


2025 Peugeot 5008

Despite their similar sizes, the Grandland and the 5008 have distinct appearances. The Grandland features the new Vizor design that first appeared on the second-generation Mokka, while the 5008 is essentially a larger version of the 3008.

2025 Opel Grandland
2025 Opel Grandland interior

2025 Peugeot 5008
2025 Peugeot 5008 interior

The all-new Grandland features a 16-inch HD touchscreen with smartphone connectivity that controls almost the entire vehicle as well as the 10-inch driver information cluster and an optional HUD. 

The all-new 5008, meanwhile, is jammed with Peugeot's i-Cockpit setup consisting of dual 10-inch screens on the Allure or the 21-inch Panoramic i-Cockpit with i-Connect Advanced, voice recognition, ChatGPT, and others.

Space-wise, it's the 5008 that is the most spacious of the two because while the Grandland has 550 to 1645 liters of boot space, the 5008 has 758 to 1815 liters. Surprising.

As told earlier, they both have the same electrified heart. They are offered a choice of a 136PS 1.2L Hybrid mated to an e-DSC6, a 1.6L PHEV with 195PS of power while mated to an e-DSC7, and the range-topping electric with a choice of a 73kWh and 82kWh battery packs.

The Grandland Electric has up to 213PS of power with a 0-100kph time of nine seconds and a driving range of 582km while the e-5008 has up to 230PS of power with a 0-100kph of over nine-and-a-half seconds and a driving range of 664km so, on paper, it's another win for the 5008.

Both the Grandland and the 5008 are now running on Stellantis' STLA Medium platform and as a result, they're both driving better than their predecessors, although they're still front-wheel-drive only so the only paths they're good at are just roads. Not off-roads. Contrasting, isn't it?

The all-new Grandland comes standard with a variety of safety features, including automatic cruise control with stop-and-go function, advanced traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed adjustment, and post-collision braking. For an additional fee, you can add the Intelli-Drive 2.0 system. The all-new 5008 comes standard with Drive Assist Plus 2.0 and Peugeot VisioPark 360.

The Opel/Vauxhall Grandland and Peugeot 5008 are very different vehicles. But they both have the same electrified heart. That's something you might expect but in the end, out of the two, it's the all-new 5008 that takes the share.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall/Peugeot