Electric Cars

Despite some industry speculation and minor shifts suggesting a comeback for sedans, Japanese automaker Mazda is firmly convinced that the sport utility vehicle (SUV) market's expansion is far from over. This perspective stands even as the company diversifies its own passenger car offerings in international markets. Mazda's leadership believes that the global appetite for SUVs will continue its upward trajectory, challenging notions of a market plateau.

Hiroshi Ozawa, the program manager for Mazda's 6e initiative, articulated this view during a discussion with Australia's CarSales. He explicitly stated that Mazda's internal projections indicate ongoing growth in the worldwide SUV segment. This stance is particularly notable given Mazda's recent strategic moves, such as reintroducing the Mazda6 sedan in certain regions like Australia with the electric 6e model.

Ozawa highlighted that compact SUVs, exemplified by the CX-5, represent a significant avenue for future expansion. He noted varying regional dynamics: European markets are increasingly favoring smaller vehicles due to urban congestion, while China is experiencing rapid adoption in this category. Meanwhile, North America continues to demonstrate an unwavering preference for crossovers.

Further evidence supporting Mazda's forecast comes from early customer interest in its forthcoming electric crossover, the CX-6e. Reports indicate that over 1,000 pre-orders have already been secured for the CX-6e, significantly outpacing the approximately 700 pre-orders received for the electric Mazda 6e sedan. This disparity suggests a clear consumer preference for utility vehicles, even within the evolving electric vehicle landscape.

The global automotive market trends consistently reinforce Mazda's position. In Australia, for instance, SUVs now constitute roughly 63 percent of new vehicle sales, a figure that underscores their commanding presence. Similarly, the demand for crossovers remains robust across North America. While electric vehicle innovations may be breathing new life into passenger car segments, Mazda believes these developments are unlikely to fundamentally alter the long-term dominance of SUVs in the automotive industry.

In conclusion, while the automotive landscape is dynamic and preferences can evolve, Mazda's leadership firmly believes that the ascendancy of the SUV is not a temporary phenomenon. The company anticipates a sustained period of growth for utility vehicles, driven by consumer demand for practicality and versatility across diverse global markets.

Anticipation is building around Hyundai's plans for the next-generation Elantra N, with recent remarks from the company's design chief suggesting a significantly more aggressive and wider version of the compact sedan. The standard Elantra (known as Avante in South Korea), which recently debuted at the 2026 Busan Auto Show, has already grown in width by 30 millimeters (1.18 inches) compared to its forebear, now measuring 1855 millimeters (73 inches) across.

Adding to the excitement, Hyundai's Executive Vice President and Head of Global Design, Sangyup Lee, explicitly stated that the new Elantra N would feature even wider fenders and a sportier feel. While not officially confirming the "Elantra N" moniker, his comments strongly point to a high-performance iteration. Furthermore, discussions from late 2023 with former R&D head Albert Biermann indicated a departure from merely enhancing the existing 2.0-liter engine. Instead, a more substantial 2.5-liter engine is expected, promising a significant boost in power beyond the current model's 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. This new engine, possibly a next-generation high-performance powertrain tested at the Nürburgring endurance race, is anticipated to deliver over 300 horsepower while meeting modern emissions standards.

Hyundai's continued dedication to developing performance vehicles like the Elantra N is a positive sign for enthusiasts, especially as the market for such models shrinks. The combination of a beefier aesthetic and a more potent engine is poised to make the Elantra N a compelling choice within the compact sporty sedan segment. Maintaining a manual transmission option and a pure internal combustion engine setup would further enhance its appeal, though the evolving landscape of emissions regulations might necessitate some form of electrification in the future.

The pursuit of excellence and innovation drives the automotive industry forward, and Hyundai's commitment to enhancing its performance line demonstrates a forward-thinking approach. By blending striking design with cutting-edge engineering, the upcoming Elantra N symbolizes a vibrant future where driving pleasure and advanced technology coexist harmoniously. This dedication to pushing boundaries fosters excitement and sets a high standard for future vehicle development.