smart #3

Following the advent of the smart #1 electric crossover, smart shook away its Little Tykes image in favor of a city-centric approach, and the renaissance continues with its coupe-crossover derivative, the smart #3.

2024 smart #3

Starting at 38,490 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever smart #3 is basically a smart #1 with a sloping roofline. It's a city-centric coupe-crossover done the smart way and you'd better thank the Chinese overlords from Geely for making it possible.

2024 smart #3

2024 smart #3 interior

While the exterior and interior look and feel similar to its #1 equivalent, the #3's boot space has 370 liters with the rear seats present and up to 1160 liters with the rear seats folded down, that's more than you get from the #1 because of the longer wheelbase that makes up from its lowered height. This means the added dimensions made the #3 roomier than its #1 equivalent. Not bad for a coupe crossover, though.

2024 smart #3 Brabus

Like the #1, the smart #3 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. Most variants come with the TZ220XSA02 electric motor bolted to a NiCM battery that produces 272PS of power and 343Nm of torque, capable of hitting 100kph in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 180kph. The #3 Brabus, meanwhile, produces  428PS of power and 543Nm of torque. Although it has the same top speed, the 0-100kph time was dropped to 3.7 seconds.

For safety, the smart #3 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.

For a coupe-crossover of its size, the smart #3 is becoming more of a big brother compared to its smart #1 equivalent because of its proportions. Has the whole world gone upside down? For the smart #3's case, it is.

BMW 5-Series G60 & i5

BMW's premium midsize saloon, the 5-Series, has been regenerated from scratch and it spawned its all-electric derivative, the i5. Time for a little quick dive with the all-new 5-Series.

2024 BMW 5-Series and i5

The 5-Series G60, starting at 57,500 Euros plus additional costs, marked a brave new chapter for BMW's premium midsize saloon, and with the spawning of the first-ever i5 all-electric variant, yours for 70,200 Euros, this is the 5-Series of the new normal, like it or not.

2024 BMW i5 interior

Beginning with the styling, the G60 5-Series prefers to keep it clean, unlike the other "new normal" Bimmers with their monster grilles. While the front view is pleasant for observers, the rear lamps can be utterly mistaken for a facelifted fifth-generation Camaro. Looks odd but this is a clear sign that BMW's designers haven't lost their touch even though the big ones made them lose their minds. 

Step inside, the G60 model showcases the business-end behind the wheel such as the available HUD and augmented view, a 12.3-inch info display and 14.9-inch control display, BMW Live Cockpit Plus, BMW Drive with "QuickSelect" and BMW OS 8.5. 

Because of the new model's minimalist approach which resorts to the reduced number of buttons and controls, it's going to be difficult to figure out where the volume controls and the climate controls are. That's the new normal for you, but still, the added in-car gaming is a flashy gimmick for this one.

The normal G60 5-Series kicks off with the 520i variant with the 208PS 2.0L turbo engine and the 520d with the 197PS 2.0L diesel engine. All of these engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic with the 520i sprints 0-100kph in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 230kph. Come spring, PHEV variants of the G60 5-Series come into play with the most powerful version being the 550e xDrive with the 3.0L PHEV powertrain producing 489PS of power.

The i5, meanwhile, features a rear-wheel drive eDrive40 variant with 340PS of power output and the all-wheel-drive M60 variant with 601PS of power output, making it capable of hitting 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 230kph, the same as the 520i. The i5 eDrive40 is good for 582km while the i5 M60 does 510km in one full charge.

Whichever 5-Series you're on, the G60 model is still the 5-Series we're familiar with; having a near-perfect weight distribution making it capable of handling like a proper BMW, and with the front double wishbones and rear five-link suspension, this is textbook BMW dynamics behind the wheel. To get the most out of it, the G60 5-Series can be fitted with electronically controlled shock absorbers, Integral Active Steering, and new vertical dynamics management, not to mention the Adaptive M Suspension Professional. 

As for safety, the G60 5-Series comes with the available Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control, with Stop & Go, Highway Assistant, the world's first Active Lane Change Assistant, and the available Parking Assist Professional.

Thoughts on the G60 5-Series? Despite its minimalist approach on the inside and the questionable rear view, the improved design, dynamics, and technology made the new model a serious premium executive midsize saloon. Although it's not as fancy as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 it has its crosshairs, the G60 BMW 5-Series is still a textbook BMW business end even though it now comes with the all-electric variant. Should the W214 E-Class and the EQE be worrying? Can't say...

Photo: BMW AG

Volkswagen ID.7

This is Volkswagen's answer to the Hyundai IONIQ 6, the first-ever, all-electric saloon called the ID.7, and it's taking the place of the now-deceased Passat saloon. So, what's it all about the first-ever Volkswagen ID saloon car?

2024 Volkswagen ID.7

2024 Volkswagen ID.7 interior

Starting at 56,995 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Volkswagen ID.7 is the first saloon of the ID line of electric cars and it's obviously the most dramatic one because with this, you can really kiss the Passat saloon goodbye for real.

While the styling is broadly similar to its electric family tree, the ID.7 has a longer wheelbase compared to the now-deceased Passat sedan, and having learned from Volkswagen's mistakes, the interior is packed with a 15-inch floating central infotainment screen, AR HUD, a new layout for air-con, a new Favorites buttons where users can save their configurations, an electronically dimmable panoramic sunroof, a massager, Harman Kardon sound system, and a rather annoying IDA voice command assistant. It even comes with Volkswagen's first adaptive Climatronic front seats with cooling, heating, and drying functions. Optional extra as expected.

Because of its longer wheelbase, this five-seater saloon is spacious as such and it comes with foldable rear seats that allow the ID.7 to carry up to 1600 litres of boot space. With the rear seats present, it's just 532 liters, which is more than the IONIQ 6.

Although it runs on the same MEB platform, the ID.7's electric powertrain is unlike the others. Called APP550, the electric motor powering the rear axle produces 286PS of power and 545Nm of torque. It's the most powerful single electric drive motor in the VW ID family tree. It does 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds and a Japanese-esque top speed of 180kph. As for the driving range, it's good for 621km for one full charge.

Being aerodynamic is the top trump for the ID.7, the questionable dynamics for an all-electric saloon is starting to show its worth. Despite being rear-wheel-drive, its mild driving feel is what sums up the ID.7 really well. Not as exciting as expected but it feels spartan and unique in every way, which is unheard of for a commoner's electric saloon like the ID.7. As for safety, it comes with Travel Assist that comes with assisted lane change maneuvers and assisted parking maneuvers, among others.

Although it's a stalemate compared to the Hyundai IONIQ 6, the first-ever Volkswagen ID.7 is proof that the sedan race is not dead yet, although it killed off the Passat saloon immediately. It may be part of the ID family tree of electrics but it rather feels like an outcast because of the one electric motor that sets them apart. Still, with its familiar styling and spartan driving manners, the fully-electric ID.7 has a long way to go for Volkswagen's electrification road map.

Photo: Volkswagen AG

Fiat 600 (365)

Fiat brought back the 600 naming for the successor to both the 500L MPV and the 500X crossover. So, what's it all about the all-new Fiat 600?

2024 Fiat 600

Starting at 24,950 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new Fiat 600 is the successor to the aging 500L MPV and the 500X crossover, and it's about time Fiat decided to merge the two aging 500-based derivatives into an all-new model that is also based on the 500, the new one of course.

2024 Fiat 600

Just like its predecessors, the all-new Fiat 600 is shaped like today's Fiat 500 but with the added bulk and extra doors to differentiate it from its little sibling. Despite being big in size, the 600 is still city-friendly, meaning it can squeeze through places where the big cats can't.

2024 Fiat 600 interior

The 600's interior dons the minimalist approach much like most of the "new normal" cars these days. Behind the wheel, the 600 is packed with a 10" Uconnect Radio with navigation, a 6-speaker audio system, and wireless charging for mobile devices. It even comes with 8 ambient colors, 8 different LED colors for the radio, and up to 64 combinations to personalize the interior.

Fiat says that the 600's interior is sustainable and refined with the 29,450 Euro La Prima variant featuring a premium ivory interior while the 31,950 (RED) variant, made in collaboration with (RED), features recycled black fabric seats. Either way, the 600's packed with chromotherapy massaging seats, space for five, up to 360L of boot space, and a hands-free opening tailgate.

2024 Fiat 600

The electric variants of the Fiat 600 are powered by a 156PS electric motor with a 54kWh lithium-nickel-mangan-cobalt battery. The electric powertrain made the 600 capable of sprinting 0-100kph in nine seconds and has a top speed of 150kph, slower than a typical Japanese car. As for the driving range, the 600 is good for over 400km in one full charge and it will take 24 minutes to hit 80% battery charge while plugged at a 100kW outlet.

There's also a hybrid variant where the 100PS 1.2L petrol engine with mild hybrid tech is connected to a Li-ion battery and a new 6-speed e-DCT, delivering a combined fuel economy of 5.1L/100km based on WLTP standards.

Apart from being easier to live with because of its sizing, the 600 is packed with 360° sensors, a rear parking camera with a 180-degree view, and blind spot detection for a safe trip home.

The all-new Fiat 600, in hybrid and BEV configurations, is the much-needed replacement for both the 500L and 500X, and although it feels as regular as the others, the 600 is the easiest compact crossover to live daily and you can't go wrong with it. This is how Fiat rolls in the new normal.

Photo: Fiat

Rolls-Royce Spectre

Rolls-Royce has officially braced electrification and unlike most luxury carmakers began their road to electrification with nothing but SUVs, the most exclusive carmaker of all kicked off electrification with a grand tourer.

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre

This is Rolls-Royce's first-ever electric vehicle, a grand tourer with a dramatic name called the Spectre. Yes, the first electric car is named after the terrorist organization from the world of 007. Villainous the name is, the Spectre is all about blending with the crowd quietly with its classic Rolls-Royce looks, comfort, and silence with a performance unheard of.

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre interior

For a fully electric grand tourer with prices starting at 275,000 GBP but can skyrocket to half a million pounds, the Spectre features the widest Pantheon grille for a production Rolls-Royce road car with individual active shutter panes for aerodynamics. While the sizing is broadly similar to the Wraith, the Spectre's styling is surprisingly dramatic as well as the interior that can be tailor-made according to clients' desires. As expected, it's a four-seater electric coupe, meaning it would be challenging to gain access to the rear seats even with the electric switches to adjust the front seats. Still, you can't complain about the top-notch level of handiwork done to bring out the best of the Spectre inside and out.

The electric powertrain is the hallmark of the Spectre and powering this dramatic grand tourer is a pair of electric motors with one for each axle, making it an all-wheel-drive luxury coupe with 585PS of power and 900Nm of torque. It sprints from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and is electronically limited to 155mph. As for driving range, the Spectre is good for 329 miles on a full charge and it’ll charge from 10-80 per cent in 34 minutes via a 195kW charger.

Despite being an electric car, the Spectre runs on the same bits and bobs as the Cullinan and today's Phantom but with a stiffer chassis because of the integration of the 106kWh battery into the structure as well as the use of extruded aluminium sections. Although not recommended to be thrashed because of its heavy structure, the Spectre is as quiet and as comfortable as a Rolls-Royce should be.

Although villainous by name, because it was named after the terrorist organization from the world of 007, the Spectre is the ultimate personification of silence Rolls-Royce has ever crafted and if you're in the mood for a fancy road trip, consider this. The classic Rolls-Royce styling, handcrafted interior, and electric powertrain are what made the Spectre special, and that is the bottom line.

Photo: Rolls-Royce

Aston Martin DB12

Aston Martin's glorious era of crafting V12 engines is well and truly over as the DBS 770 marked the end of an era. This is the newest chapter of Aston Martin's 110-year history.

2024 Aston Martin DB12

2024 Aston Martin DB12 interior

This is the Aston Martin DB12. Priced at 185,000 GBP plus additional costs, this so-called Super Tourer rewrites Aston Martin's 110-year history with controversial but exciting features that will make you beg to drive one someday.

At first glance, the DB12 is more of a refined version of its DB11 predecessor but with a bigger front grille and the new Aston Martin logo to contemplate the new GT's aesthetics. As for the inside, the DB12 features a rather dramatic cockpit view with a fully functional touch-screen made by Aston Martin themselves rather than the Mercedes-sourced one from the DB11. Despite being a super tourer, it's got two extra seats at the back that can only fit your pet or your extra stuff so clearly, the inside is driver-focused indeed.

Because the DB12 is the "new normal" Aston, the engine that powers it is a controversial 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine that produces 680PS of power and 800 Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it does 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and flat-out in 202mph, faster than its DB11 predecessor.

Apart from the performance, the DB12's dynamics are dramatic but jaunty behind the wheel thanks to its e-diff, all-new adaptive dampers, revised EPAS, improved suspension setup, improved brakes, and a multi-mode ESP with six-axis inertial measurement unit, among others. When you drive it on the road, the DB12 is beyond compare to other grand tourers because, as Aston said, this is no mere GT. On the track, however, the DB12 is as elegant as chewing a Kouign-Amann cookie served on a golden platter. Divine.

The DB12 truly is a sign of things to come for Aston Martin's future sports cars and with its glorious era of crafting 12-cylinder engines now behind them, it seems that the only way to go is V8 power for the time being until the times demand to eschew it altogether. Sounds controversial but despite the V8 power, the DB12 is a must-have for every Aston Martin fanatic and you can't escape the envy of driving one someday.

Photo: Aston Martin

My FH5 Log: British Scrap

The Winter Wonderland series update on Forza Horizon 5 brought back three British track weapons fresh from Britain's scrapyard for everyone to enjoy.

The first on the list is the Lotus 2-Eleven, obtained as a prize car in Week 1 of the Winter Wonderland playlist. Based on the Exige, the 2-Eleven is a track weapon powered by a supercharged 1.8L 2ZZ-GE engine mated to a 6-speed manual. The track version of the 2-Eleven weighs a devilish 666kg, although an optional extra made the 2-Eleven fully road-legal.

Second on the list is the Morgan Aero GT, the final edition of the Morgan Aero 8 based on a GT3-class car that won a certain race it competed. Limited to 8 units, the final edition of the Aero 8 is the last to be powered by a BMW N62 V8 engine producing 367HP of power and 370lb-ft of torque while mated to a six-speed manual. Obtained from Week 2 of the Winter Wonderland playlist.

Last on the list is the Lotus 340R, a series-limited model based on the first Lotus Elise. Limited to 340 units, the 340R is powered by a 1.8L K-series engine mated to a 5-speed close-ratio gearbox. It produces 177bhp of power output and 172Nm of torque, although an additional extra bumped the output slightly more, making it capable of going 0-60mph in four-and-a-half seconds and flat-out in 133mph.

Let's give the trio of British scrap metal a quick drive around the limited-time Winter Wonderland circuit and see if they're still as good as they were built in the first place. Let's roll the tape.

They may be scrap metal, but they still run smoothly as they were made. That's endurance to you.

The Winter Wonderland is the last FH5 series update of 2023, and as we kick off 2024, expect more junk cars to arrive in FH5 because January's Community Choice update features a dumpsite full of junk cars to obtain. Yes, Horizon Mexico's kicking off the Year of the Dragon with nothing but junk cars.

As they said, brace for impact...er...turbulence, because Forza Horizon 5's nearing its peak for 2024, I believe, but peak aside, Horizon Mexico's packing lots of surprises in store in the new year.

Our fun in Mexico's not over yet even in the next turbulent year we're facing head-on.

Good luck and Happy New Year.