Cars

Suzuki Across: Reimagined Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid Arrives

The Suzuki Across, essentially a rebadged version of the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, receives a significant update, bringing advanced technology, refined styling, and enhanced performance to the European market. This new iteration features a sophisticated interior, powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain, and a suite of modern safety features.

Experience the Future of Hybrid SUVs with the Refined Suzuki Across

Exterior Design and Aesthetic Enhancements of the Suzuki Across

The updated Suzuki Across showcases a sleek and purposeful exterior design, drawing heavily from the latest Toyota RAV4. Its prominent grille, robust fender flares, and substantial wheels contribute to an assertive appearance, hinting at its all-terrain capabilities. The vehicle is offered in a selection of four sophisticated colors: Massive Grey Metallic, Ever Rest Metallic, Super White, and Attitude Black Metallic.

Innovative Interior and Advanced Comfort Features

Step inside the Suzuki Across to discover a meticulously designed cabin based on an "island architecture" concept. This layout thoughtfully arranges controls and displays into intuitive clusters, ensuring an uncluttered and ergonomic environment. The low-profile center console optimizes forward visibility and enhances occupant comfort. Drivers will appreciate the 10-way power-adjustable seat with lumbar support and two memory settings, while the front passenger enjoys an 8-way adjustable seat. Both front seats provide three levels of heating and are adorned with a blend of cloth and synthetic leather.

Cutting-Edge Digital Displays and Infotainment System

The digital cockpit of the Across features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch central touchscreen. The instrument display is highly customizable, offering navigation and eco-driving information. The central touchscreen manages climate control, audio, and navigation, with flexible widgets for personalized layouts. A head-up display, a first for the Across, projects essential information directly onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience for the driver.

Comprehensive Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies

Safety is paramount in the new Suzuki Across, which integrates a Pre-Collision System utilizing millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera. This system actively detects vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, issuing warnings and providing braking and steering assistance as needed. An emergency steering assist function intervenes in critical situations, while motor output is limited at low speeds to prevent unintended rapid acceleration. Additional safety features include adaptive cruise control with anticipatory driving, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-change assist, front cross-traffic alert, driver fatigue monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system with a 3D view.

Practicality and Versatile Cargo Space

The Suzuki Across offers impressive practicality with a cargo capacity of 15.7 cubic feet. A power liftgate, operable with a foot gesture, adds convenience for loading and unloading. The rear seats can be folded to create additional space, accommodating larger items. Designed for five passengers, the Across is equipped with a 14.5-gallon fuel tank and a 22.7-kilowatt-hour battery.

Powerful and Efficient Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain

Under the hood, the Across utilizes Toyota's advanced plug-in hybrid system. This innovative system integrates the Power Control Unit and DC/DC converter into the front eAxle, employing silicon carbide semiconductors for improved compactness and efficiency. This design not only maximizes interior space but also minimizes power loss. A higher-capacity battery extends both electric-only and overall driving range. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 141 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque, complementing the front electric motor's 201 hp and 200 lb-ft, and the rear motor's 54 hp and 91 lb-ft. Power is seamlessly managed by an e-CVT automatic transmission and a standard E-Four all-wheel-drive system, which electronically distributes torque for enhanced stability. Driving modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, and a specialized Trail mode for off-road conditions.

Performance and Market Availability

The new Suzuki Across boasts a top speed of 112 mph and achieves 0–62 mph in just 6.1 seconds. It meets Euro 6e-bis emissions certification, highlighting its environmental credentials. While specific pricing details are yet to be fully released, a slight increase is expected over the previous generation's starting price of over €58,000 in Europe. It is important to note that the Suzuki Across will not be sold in the American market.

2027 Audi SQ6 e-tron: Performance, Range, and Interior Innovations

The 2027 Audi SQ6 e-tron and its Sportback counterpart mark a significant evolution in electric luxury SUVs. Sharing core architecture with the Q6 e-tron, this performance-oriented variant delivers a compelling blend of power, advanced technology, and sophisticated design. While its raw performance gains over the standard Q6 e-tron are incremental, the SQ6 e-tron distinguishes itself with enhanced suspension tuning, a refined interior, and cutting-edge features. This model aims to offer a premium electric driving experience, bridging the gap between everyday usability and dynamic capability in the ever-expanding EV market.

Detailed Review of the 2027 Audi SQ6 e-tron's Innovations and Features

In the coming year of 2027, Audi is set to impress with the updated SQ6 e-tron, including the sleek Sportback variant. Both models are similar in size to their gasoline-powered siblings, the Q5 and SQ5, and offer a choice between a traditional SUV silhouette and a fastback design. The Sportback, while slightly reducing rear-seat and cargo space, gains a small advantage in driving range and efficiency due to its more aerodynamic profile.

Under the hood, the SQ6 e-tron boasts a formidable dual-motor setup, delivering a total of 510 horsepower, a notable increase of 54 horsepower over the Q6. This translates to quicker acceleration, though the S model maintains a remarkably smooth and controlled demeanor on the road. The performance-tuned suspension features adaptive dampers and air springs, offering a more aggressive feel, particularly in Dynamic driving mode.

Drivers can expect an exhilarating sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, placing it firmly in the high-performance category. For comparison, the standard Q6 e-tron reaches 60 mph in a still-impressive 4.4 seconds. The vehicle also incorporates adjustable regenerative braking, with an intelligent Auto mode that leverages navigation data and external sensors to optimize deceleration.

The SQ6 e-tron is built on Audi and Porsche's advanced 800-volt PPE platform, supporting rapid charging with a peak rate of 270 kW. This allows the 94.4-kWh battery to charge from 10% to 80% in an astonishing 21 minutes, adding approximately 158 miles of range in just ten minutes under ideal conditions. The EPA estimates a range of 275 miles for the standard SQ6 e-tron and 283 miles for the Sportback, with our real-world testing confirming a solid 250-mile range at 75 mph. Fuel economy is rated at 96-97 MPGe in the city and 82-85 MPGe on the highway, with a combined rating of 89-91 MPGe.

Inside, the SQ6 e-tron showcases a modern and luxurious cabin, characterized by a panoramic display that integrates an 11.9-inch curved gauge cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. An optional 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen adds to the tech-rich environment, with content cleverly shielded from the driver's view. The Android-based infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, despite the reduction in physical buttons. A head-up display with augmented reality and an 830-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo system with 20 speakers elevate the driving experience. Audi's "Softwrap" design approach balances high-tech elements with soft-touch materials, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Cargo space includes a small "frunk" under the hood, and rear legroom is comparable to the gas-powered Q5.

Standard driver-assistance features include automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning, while optional upgrades offer adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. Audi provides a comprehensive warranty package: a limited and powertrain warranty for four years or 50,000 miles, an electric components warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles, and a complimentary maintenance plan for three years or 30,000 miles.

The 2027 Audi SQ6 e-tron represents a refined and powerful entry into the electric luxury SUV market. Its blend of cutting-edge technology, impressive performance metrics, and a luxurious interior underscores Audi's commitment to advancing electric mobility while maintaining the brand's signature elegance and driving dynamics. For consumers seeking a high-performance EV with advanced features and comfort, the SQ6 e-tron presents a compelling choice, even with a slightly higher price point than its gasoline-powered counterpart, the SQ5.

The debut of the 2027 Audi SQ6 e-tron offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of luxury electric vehicles. It highlights the industry's rapid strides in combining sustainable technology with high-performance capabilities and opulent design. As consumers increasingly prioritize eco-friendly options without compromising on exhilaration or comfort, vehicles like the SQ6 e-tron demonstrate that electric power can indeed be both responsible and thrilling. This model not only pushes the boundaries of EV performance but also redefines the in-cabin experience with its intuitive technology and sophisticated aesthetics, setting a new benchmark for what drivers can expect from a premium electric SUV.

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Huawei Gears Up to Unveil High-Tech Electric Shooting Brake

Huawei, a prominent Chinese technology company, is expanding its automotive ventures with the impending launch of a sophisticated electric shooting brake. This new vehicle, under its Qijing brand, aims to blend the distinctive shooting brake design with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, including a digital chassis engine and advanced autonomous driving capabilities. The initiative underscores Huawei's strategic pivot into the automotive sector, focusing on innovative and tech-forward solutions.

Innovation on Wheels: Huawei's Electric Vision

Challenging the Status Quo: A Glimpse into Huawei's Automotive Ambition

In a market increasingly dominated by crossovers and SUVs, Huawei's Qijing brand is poised to reintroduce the elegant and sporty shooting brake body style. This electric vehicle is designed to stand apart, combining a unique aesthetic with state-of-the-art technological advancements. Its arrival is anticipated to inject a fresh perspective into the electric vehicle landscape, offering consumers an alternative to conventional designs.

Aerodynamic Design and Advanced Features: The Qijing Shooting Brake's Edge

The upcoming Qijing shooting brake is engineered for optimal performance, featuring a sleek, aerodynamic profile that minimizes drag and enhances driving range. Its elongated wheelbase evokes comparisons to luxury sports tourers, while semi-hidden door handles reflect evolving automotive design trends, moving away from fully flush designs that will soon be restricted in China. These design choices not only contribute to the vehicle's efficiency but also its modern appeal.

Exclusive Company: Joining Elite Shooting Brake Lineage

Should it come to fruition, Huawei's electric shooting brake will enter a select category of vehicles, alongside iconic models such as the Ferrari FF and the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake. This positioning highlights the brand's ambition to compete in the premium segment, offering a blend of exclusivity and innovation. The vehicle's advanced digital chassis engine promises superior handling and responsiveness by integrating various control systems for faster, more coordinated decision-making. Furthermore, its SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system will allow for periods of disengagement from active monitoring, signifying a leap forward in driver assistance technology.

Expanding Horizons: Huawei's Strategy in the Automotive Sector

Huawei's involvement in the automotive industry extends beyond merely manufacturing vehicles; the company primarily partners with automakers to supply intelligent components and systems. This collaborative approach distinguishes it from other tech giants like Xiaomi, which develops its own electric vehicles. The Qijing shooting brake is reportedly a collaboration with GAC, a significant player in the Chinese automotive market. However, the potential entry of such competitively priced Chinese EVs into international markets, particularly the U.S., has raised concerns among local dealers about market disruption and fair competition.

Anticipated Launch: The Road Ahead for Qijing

The Qijing electric shooting brake is scheduled for its official unveiling in April, with a market launch expected approximately two months later. This timeline suggests a rapid deployment strategy, aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicles and the niche appeal of the shooting brake body style. The launch will be a pivotal moment for Huawei, showcasing its capabilities in automotive design, technology, and market strategy.

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