Skoda Kodiaq Mk2 RS

The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq SUV has gained the high-performance vRS variant, and things are looking slightly promising for the new model. 

2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS

Yours for 1,500,000CZK plus additional costs, the all-new Skoda Kodiaq vRS adds some spice to the current-generation model that eschewed the sharp looks from the previous model in favor of a rounder one with the rearview easily mistaken for a Volkswagen ID.5 or certain Lincoln crossovers from the past decade.

2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS interior

Although it looks and feels similar to the normal Kodiaq, the vRS features a darkened front grille, sporty exterior design, red stitching, sports seats, and a new steering wheel design that proudly spells SKODA on it. It's only offered as a five-seater with up to 2105 liters of boot space with the passenger seats folded down.

Under the hood, the Kodiaq vRS is powered by the same 265PS 2.0 TSi OPF petrol engine as the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line variant. Mated to a 7-speed DSG, it does 0-100kph in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 231kph. Combined fuel economy is 8.2 l/100km based on WLTP standards.

Thanks to its standard 4x4 drivetrain, the Kodiaq vRS is more than happy to get itself dirty. Driving on either tarmac, gravel, or snow, the 4WD system means business for the Kodiaq vRS, although taking one on track days means stocking up on some ibuprofen and paracetamol because handling one can be a real pain.

Like the normal Kodiaq, the vRS is packed with numerous safety features such as a lane change system, autonomous emergency braking, a lane keeping system, rearview camera system, dynamic road sign display, and others.

With the vRS variant, this SUV's ready to rock through tarmac, gravel, or snow in style and comfort, no doubt.

Photo: Skoda Auto

5th Gen Ford Expedition vs. 5th Gen Lincoln Navigator

Ford's flagship full-size SUV, the Expedition, has reached its fifth generation. It's now more rugged and more luxurious enough to tackle uncharted heights while rewriting the rules of what a luxury SUV should be.

2025 Ford Expedition

Starting at $62,320 plus additional costs, the fifth-generation Ford Expedition is now more Republican than before with new and exciting ways to keep this flagship SUV going for more.

2025 Ford Expedition

The all-new Ford Expedition shows us what a luxury full-size SUV should be. On the outside, you'll find a front end inspired by today's F-150, taillights that echo those on the Toyota Verossa, and a body shape that's still decidedly boxy. It's still the Expeditions that rich Texans and Republican politicians can't get enough of, even in its new off-road-oriented Tremor variant.

2025 Ford Expedition interior

2025 Ford Expedition interior

The new interior showcases the business class of this Republican-friendly SUV. Behind the wheel, you will be greeted by the new Panoramic 24-inch display that tells important driving info from navigation to entertainment. Although you still get a touch screen with smartphone connectivity and knobs for the radio controls, it offers a Flex Powered Consle that slides up for more storage and aisle room. On the comfort side, it can accommodate up to eight people, and it features a power-folding second-row bench seat with a Tip-and-Slide feature for easier third-row access. Go for the MAX variant and you'll have a boot space big enough for almost everything. There are other new useful features for the all-new Expedition, such as the all-new Multifunction Ford Split Gate, the available Cargo Tailgate Manager with backrest, and a 360-Degree Zone Light, among others. Handy for almost every situation.

2025 Ford Expedition

The all-new Expedition is still powered by the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 turbo engine, but it now produces 400HP of power and 480lb-ft of torque. Some models have a High Output version of the said engine with up to 440HP of power and 510lb-ft of torque. They're all mated to a 10-speed Automatic with SelectShift.

Underneath, the all-new Expedition features Continuous Control Damping Suspension and Independent Suspension for better stability and dynamics. Sounds luxurious, but if you go for the Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System, not only is it good everywhere, it's better for towing thanks to its Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, giving it up to 9600lbs of towing capacity. The Tremor variant gives off-road capability for the all-new Expedition thanks to its 3.73 electronic locking differential and modified higher-ride suspension with Premium Passive Shocks.

Such features really put the "common sense" for the new model, and to add some more common sense, the all-new Expedition features Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assist tech as well as a 360-degree camera.

So, what can I say about the all-new Expedition? With its powerful styling, luxurious interior, the new off-road-oriented Tremor variant, and numerous features, it's safe to assume that the new model is more Republican than the previous model. If you're a Red State politician, consider the all-new Expedition the one for you, but if you're an A-list celebrity, you'd be better off with this.

2025 Lincoln Navigator

2025 Lincoln Navigator interior

This is the all-new, fifth-generation, $99,995 Lincoln Navigator. It's the ultra-expensive, all-American, luxury full-size SUV that rewrites the rules of what a luxury SUV should be.

At first glance, the new model is similarly sized to today's Ford Expedition, but with Lincoln's new design language to differentiate it, this is the ultimate essence of luxury.

The biggest surprise is the new interior, which feels like you’re driving a concept car from the future. The Lincoln Digital Experience features the largest panoramic display in its class, as well as an 11.1-inch center-stack touchscreen with Google software. Call it flashy, but its futuristic dashboard layout does showcase the loud and proud side of Lincoln’s usual calm, cool, and collected status.

Offered with a choice of seven or eight seater, the seven-seater variant takes the credit for the Navigator's luxury status, with the available Tailored Seats delivering Business Class comfort while on the move. Not only that, the all-new Navigator comes with the available split gate, the available Cargo Tailgate Manager with backrest, and a 360-Degree Zone Light, among others.

Under the hood, the all-new Navigator is powered by the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost High Output engine with up to 440HP of power and 510lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a 10-speed Automatic with SelectShift. Not only that, it also features Continuous Control Damping Suspension, Independent Suspension, and the Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System. It even comes with Lincoln BlueCruise driver assist tech as well as a 360-degree camera, among others.

So, there you have it. The all-new Expedition appeals to the Reds while the all-new Navigator appeals to the Blues. Either way, they're both benefited by their ultra-luxury characteristics that made them alphas of the luxury SUV market. Welcome to the new normal.

Photo: Ford Motor Company

Volkswagen Tayron R4

The Volkswagen Tayron is a new vehicle that replaces the Tiguan Allspace. It has a three-row seating layout, as opposed to the two rows on the current Tiguan, which will probably be great for families who are on the road often. So, what's it all about, the first-ever Tayron?

2025 Volkswagen Tayron

2025 Volkswagen Tayron interior

The first-ever Volkswagen Tayron is basically a longer version of the Tiguan, which is a big plus for anyone who likes this current car but doesn't think it's long enough. Starting at 45,475 Euros plus additional costs, it is the replacement for the old Tiguan Allspace, which had a three-row seating layout, so it might appeal to families in particular. There's nothing crazy-special about the Tayron, but I like the idea that European families will get to drive a three-row crossover, and even more importantly, that it's made by Volkswagen.

While the Tayron's exterior is basically an enlarged Tiguan, the interior holds a similar story. It still employs the minimalist approach like most Volkswagens today. While the button-packed steering wheel is the tip of the iceberg, it also features a Digital Cockpit comprising a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch central infotainment display touchscreen that controls the infotainment, air conditioning, and the show-off ambient lighting. It even comes with HUD, Driving Experience Control, and the annoying IDA voice assistant. 

Having three-row seats is a welcoming feat, but getting through the third row is as challenging as any other three-row SUV you're familiar with, and with 345 liters of legroom from the third row seats, grown-ups are going to find it challenging to squeeze through. No sweet spot there. You'd be better off sitting in the second row unless the invasion of child seats would ruin your touring day.

Asked about boot space, the Tayron can fit up to 885 liters with the third-row seats present, which is big enough for today's groceries, but with the passenger seats folded down, it has a max boot space of 2090 liters.

Thanks to the MQB evo platform, the Tayron behaves slightly better than the old Tiguan Allspace. With the available 4MOTION 4-wheel-drive system and Dynamic Chassis Control, it can do slightly more.

The Tayron offers several engine options, and each comes with a different transmission. Petrol and diesel variants are paired with a 7-speed automatic. However, eHybrid variants come mated with a 6-speed automatic. Right-minded Europeans are skipping the 2.0 TDi variant due to the fallout from the Dieselgate scandal. 

More appealing choices include the 1.5 eTSi OPF, 1.5 eHYBRID OPF, and the 265PS 2.0 TSi OPF, which is exclusive to the R-Line variant. 

The Tayron’s fuel efficiency is impressive, with the WLTP fuel economy of the entry-level variant rating at 6.2 l/100 km. For those who want a little more pep, the 1.5 eHybrid OPF will take you 0-100kph in 7.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 215kph. Its electric-only driving range is only up to 119km. Best to ditch your Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for this one.

As always, the Tayron is packed with numerous safety features such as a lane change system, autonomous emergency braking, and a lane keeping system, rearview camera system, dynamic road sign display, available park assist pro with remote parking capability, and the available trailer assist.

The first-ever Volkswagen Tayron is everything you'd expect from today's Tiguan, only bigger. This is common sense paid off, the Volkswagen way.

Photo: Volkswagen AG

BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe F74

Is the new BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe F74 a major upgrade from its predecessor? Is the front-wheel-drive Bimmer sedan actually improved? Or did BMW fail to address the flaws in the F44? What will BMW purists say now that the F44 has been rehashed? Will they give the F74 the same flak that they gave the F44? We don’t know the answers yet, but the time is almost here for us to find out.

2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe

Starting at 37,100 Euros plus additional costs, the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe F74 is still the 2-Series most speedo boys may not like, but it's pointed squarely at the Audi A3 sedan. You can refer to it as a 1-Series with a liftback, but just like today's 1-Series it was based on, the F74 2-Series Gran Coupe also uses BMW's new naming policy where all petrol-powered BMW models will ditch the letter "i" at the end of the trim name because the letter "i" is officially exclusive to all-electric models such as the i4, the i5, and the i7.

2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe

The design of the F74 2-Series Gran Coupe features a sharper front face than its predecessor. It also has rear lamps shaped like those from the Nissan Skyline V37, but the side view remains the same as the previous model. Purists who dislike that this is a front-wheel-drive car with bits from today's Mini may not be happy to see it again, but the front grille of this Bimmer can be configured to either weird or weirder, if that's what you are into.

The revised interior features the new dashboard and center console, including a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by the latest Android-based BMW Operating System 9. Although more user-friendly than the previous model, some would have a hard time mastering it, just like a newly bought smartphone with advanced features. As for space and comfort, it accommodates up to five people. Boot space is good for 430 liters, the same as before.

What features does the 2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe have? Like the F44 predecessor, the F74 2-Series Gran Coupe still runs on the front-wheel-drive FAAR platform, making it mild on the corners and easy to drive everywhere.

As told earlier, it ditches the “i” lettering at the end of the trim name for petrol-powered models, while the “d” for diesel and “e” for PHEV models remain. There’s no PHEV model for now. Only the 1.5L petrol and the 2.0L diesel are available in this model with various configurations.

The range-topper of the F74 is the M235 with 300PS of power and 400Nm of torque. With the available xDrive all-wheel-drive system, it does 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. This is your go-to hot compact sedan worthy of redemption from its purist-unfriendly platform.

As for safety, the new 2-Series Gran Coupe has the Driving Assistant package and Parking Assist with a reversing assist that is now part of the standard specification. Customers can opt for the Driving Assistant Professional, which adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centering assist, and speed limit assist, while the Parking Assist Professional enables remote park assist.

With the F74 model, BMW's other worst offender just got slightly improved for better and for worse.

Photo: BMW AG

Third-Generation Audi Q5 (Typ GU)

The Audi Q5 is now in its third generation, and it promises to be the most advanced Q5 to date. The question is, what's it all about, the all-new Audi Q5?

2025 Audi Q5

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The all-new, third-generation Audi Q5 starts at 52,300 Euros plus additional costs. This all-new model is a gambit in its class as it aims squarely at the likes of the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the Lexus RX, and the Genesis GV80. Do you think that the Q5 can compete with these luxury vehicles?

Beginning with the design, the all-new Q5 is reminiscent of its all-electric equivalent, the Q6 e-tron, because of the time Audi used a naming policy where odd numbers were used for ICE-powered cars and even numbers for EVs. Long story short, but never mind all that. With such looks that mimic the Q6 e-tron, it's a sign that Audi's new design language is suffering from the Russian doll effect.

2025 Audi Q5 interior

The all-new Q5 features a familiar Audi interior representative of the current generation. However, it has been noted that the soft-touch haptic controls can be tricky to use, especially for those with recently sanitized fingers. The Q5 is equipped with an MMI panoramic display that includes an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch touchscreen that manages nearly all vehicle functions. Additionally, there is a 10.9-inch MMI display for the front passenger, designed to be visible only to them for safety reasons.

The all-new Q5 is not as spacious as its predecessor, so your comfort zone may not be as large as it was on your old ride. Although the wheelbase has grown by just a millimeter, it was not enough to improve cabin space. This new Q5 is shorter and wider than the previous model, and it is taller. What I find particularly disheartening is that there is less cargo space in the new model, 47 liters less, to be precise.

2025 Audi SQ5

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

Because it now runs on the new Premium Platform Combustion, a platform suitable for ICE-powered vehicles, which serves as a replacement for the MLB architecture, the all-new Q5 feels more dramatic to drive than before, even with Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive system. Feels bulky, but it's slightly enough for your next escape plan, especially if you're on either tarmac, gravel, or snow.

Under the hood, the Q5 is packed with an all-electrified choice of a 2.0L TFSi, a 2.0L TDi, and the range-topping 2.0L TFSi eHybrid with its 105kW electric motor and 20.7 kWh battery that produces up to 367PS of power and 500Nm of torque. Armed with the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it does 0-100kph in 5.1 seconds and is electronically limited to 250kph. Fuel economy is around 2.6L/100km.

If you want more, you should go for the ultra-expensive SQ5 range with its 367PS 3.0L V6 TFSi engine with mild hybrid and the same S tronic gearbox mentioned above. It does 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and is electronically limited to 250kph.

For safety, the all-new Q5 features adaptive cruise assist plus, active front assist, traffic sign-based cruise control, park assist plus, and rear turn assist, among others.

Do you want a car that looks exactly like an EV but is powered by a traditional engine? If so, the all-new third-generation Audi Q5 is a good choice. It shares a lot of design elements with its all-electric equivalent, the Q6 e-tron, but it is powered by a combustion engine. The third-generation Audi Q5 may be less spacious than the previous model, and its soft-touch controls can be a bit troublesome, but it feels okay.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback

The Audi Q6 e-tron range demonstrated that crossovers are as popular as Hollywood superhero movies. While it may not be a superhero itself, it offers great value, costing less than its Porsche Macan sibling. With the addition of the Sportback variant, there's a lot to ask about it.

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback

2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron Sportback

Starting at 65,900 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback is also the cheaper alternative to the second-generation Porsche Macan. Which sounds fair, but is it really worth it?

Like its normal equivalent, amid its coupe-like silhouette, the Q6 e-tron Sportback has taken a simpler approach, which is clean by Audi standards. It features matrix LED front headlamps, OLED rear taillights, the signature Audi Singleframe grille, and other notable details that make it sporty, progressive, and perfectly proportioned.

Step inside, the Q6 e-tron is packed with the MMI panoramic display consisting of an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch touchscreen that controls almost the entire vehicle. There's even a 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display that can only be seen in the eyes of a front passenger, not the driver, for safety reasons. Thanks to its coupe-like silhouette, it slightly reduced the boot space from the normal one, resulting in 511 liters with the rear seats present, up to 1373 liters with the passenger seats folded down.

Running on the PPE platform and 100kWh battery pack, the Q6 e-tron Sportback's power output ranges from 292 to 387PS, with the latter sprinting from 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 210kph. The mid-range variant packs the longest driving range with up to 637km on one full charge.

For those who want to push further, the SQ6 e-tron Sportback offers 462PS of power output when launch control is active. It can sprint from 0 to 100kph in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 230kph. Both variants are easy to drive everywhere, especially on asphalt, gravel, and snow. They also come equipped with Audi's suite of intelligent driver aids, including adaptive cruise assist plus, active front assist, traffic sign-based cruise control, park assist plus, and rear turn assist.

Normal or Sportback, the Audi Q6 e-tron holds a similar story, telling us that crossovers are as popular as Hollywood superhero movies. While it may not be a superhero itself, it offers great value, costing less than its Porsche Macan sibling. That's all I can say.

Photo: Audi

A quick history of 15 years of Love Live!

June 30th, 2025, marks 15 years of the Love Live! franchise. From μ’s, Aqours, Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, Liella!, to Hasu no Sora, we have been with Love Live since the very beginning and will continue to follow the franchise. We have been there since the first installment and will continue to be there for the next. To commemorate 15 years of Love Live!, it’s time for a super-quick history lesson.

Love Live! Series 15th Anniversary

μ’s - The Love Live! series started on this day, June 30th, 2010. This is the day we celebrate the franchise's first school idol unit, μ's. The group consists of Honoka Kosaka, Umi Sonoda, Kotori Minami, Rin Hoshizora, Hanayo Koizumi, Maki Nishikino, Eli Ayase, Nozomi Tojo, and Nico Yazawa. Their first single, "Bokura no Live, Kimi to Life" debuted on August 25, 2010, and that's how the legend began. Three years later, μ's made their way to TV sets. In the TV anime "Love Live! School Idol Project", fans learn the origin story of μ's and how they risk themselves to save Otonokizaka High School from collapse. After two seasons, μ's story concluded with the movie version launched in 2015. A year after the movie, the world bid farewell to μ's with the Final Love Live concert at the end of March 2016.

Aqours - Five years after the first installment of the Love Live! franchise, a new generation of idol was created. The group, which was known as Aqours, was introduced with a TV anime series. The group had a total of nine members: Chika Takami, You Watanabe, Riko Sakurauchi, Yoshiko Tsushima, Hanamaru Kunikida, Ruby Kurosawa, Dia Kurosawa, Kanan Matsuura, and Mari Ohara. Their first single was released on October 7, 2015, and is titled "Kimi no Kokoro wa Kagayaiteiru Kai?". The TV anime series ran for two seasons, with the finale having aired in January 2019. The group is also well known for its song featured in the spin-off series titled "Yohane of Parhelion -SUNSHINE in the MIRROR-," which was released in 2023. Aqours' final concert was in June 2025.

Nijigasaki High School Idol Club - Nijigasaki High School Idol Club is a byproduct of the Perfect Dream Project from the now-defunct Love Live! School Idol Festival games. Three original idols from the first SIF app game—Shizuku Osaka, Emma Verde, and Kanata Konoe—were chosen to be part of the newest idol group, along with six new faces: Ayumu Uehara, Setsuna Yuki, Karin Asaka, Ai Miyashita, Rina Tennouji, and Kasumi Nakasu.

The group's debut album, "TOKIMEKI Runners," was launched on November 21, 2018. On September 26, 2019, the Nijigasaki members' stories unfolded when Love Live! School Idol Festival All-Stars was released. As the Nijigasaki story progresses, the group welcomes three new additions: Shioriko Mifune, Zhong Lanzhu, and Mia Taylor.

In the fall of 2020, the Nijigasaki story came to life on TV. The Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club TV anime series lasts for two seasons and centers on the eyes of a young teenage girl named Yu Takasaki, who holds the fate of the group. The first of the three-part Nijigasaki finale movies came out last year, and the second is due out this November 2025.

This group's story has an additional distinction. While this group is not just the first in the Love Live! franchise to add members, it is the first to have a seiyuu replaced. Tomori Kusunoki announced her retirement from her role as Setsuna Yuki at the end of March 2023 due to health concerns, and she was replaced by Coco Hayashi.

Liella! - What is Liella!? Liella! is the newest addition to the Love Live franchise, and it comprises five interstellar school idols who hail from the Yuigaoka Girls' High School. These girls are Kanon Shibuya, Tang Keke, Sumire Heanna, Chisato Arashi, and Ren Hazuki. They debuted on April 7, 2021, with their single "Hajimari wa Kimi no Sora." Three months later, their origin story unfolded on the TV screens.

Their story followed Liella! through the second season with the addition of four new members: Kinako Sakurakoji, Mei Yoneme, Shiki Wakana, and Natsumi Onitsuka. In a run-up for the third and final season that aired last Autumn 2024, the group grew to include Wien Margarete and Tomari Onitsuka, rounding out the group. Liella! is the next generation of school idol idols, and they promise to continue the Love Live tradition.

School Idol Musical - The School Idol Musical production is the first to feature an original story, not based on any of the existing Love Live! series. The show, which debuted in 2022, focuses on the challenges and triumphs of 10 high school girls as they pursue their dreams. The musical follows a group of school girls and their musical aspirations, featuring fresh and experienced talented actors alike. The show's positive reception led to the addition of further performances. There is also a live-action mini-drama, aired last November, another first for the series.

Hasu no Sora Girls' High School Idol Club - Link! Like! Love Live! is the first in the Love Live! series to take on an entirely digital format. This app is centered around a group called the Hasu no Sora Girls' High School Idol Club.

The original members are Kaho Hinoshita, Kozue Otomune, Sayaka Murano, Tsuzuri Yugiri, Megumi Fujishima, and Rurino Osawa.

Three new members were added during the app's second year of service. These are Ginko Momose, Kosuzu Kachimachi, and Hime Anyoji.

The 104th Final Term Fes x LIVE in Link! Like! Love Live! marked the last performance for three members before they were replaced. Those three members who were replaced are Kozue Otomune, Megumi Fujishima, and Tsuzuri Yugiri. Kozue, Megumi, and Tsuzuri were replaced by two new members: Ceras Yanagida Lilienfeld and Izumi Katsuragi.

Ikizulive! - The Love Live! franchise celebrates its 15th year by welcoming the world with its latest project titled "IKIZULIVE! LOVELIVE! BLUEBIRD." This new installment, designed for X (formerly known as Twitter) and YouTube, focuses on ten girls enrolled in different branches of Love High School. Together, they form a school idol team called "Ikizulive!" It comes from a time when school idols and "Love Live" became a distant thing of the past.

,,,and there you have it. 15 years of the Love Live! series. The past, present, and future of the franchise that rocked the world. Whether you're a seasoned Love Liver or a newcomer, whichever Love Live series group you represent, you are glad that you have been part of the franchise that caused a lot of stir around the globe.

HAPPY 15TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE LOVE LIVE! SERIES!