2022 Genesis G70 Wagon: in the flesh...

This is what the 2022 Wagon version of the Genesis G70 looks like, in black. So there...

 

2022 BMW 2 series Coupe: new pix...

 

The upcoming new BMW 2 series coupe for 2022 looks really good in these new camouflaged photos. 

It basically looks exactly like a BMW coupe should. With strong, elegant RWD proportions.

The shape also seems pleasantly simple. Which is now unusual for BMW... 

These are spy shots from last year. Showing the same 2022 2 series coupe.

As you can see, although the general shape is quite nice and clean, BMW found a way to add some weirdness to it. 

I guess they can't help it. If they can't put a huge disproportionate grille, they will add a bunch of crappy-looking trim to the design anyway.

The side vents on the front bumper... The lower part of the rear one. This is just way too overdone.

Maybe it's just the "sportier" version?

 A more basic model could look better?

 Maybe?

Hope???

Next-generation Toyota Prius: early spy shots...

Apparently, this is a Toyota. Although it's not the new EV that's coming out next year.

And from the front end, it does look like a Prius, doesn't it...

This would mean that, like everything else, the Prius would become a crossover. It started life as a small sedan. Then went to a larger hatchback design. Now it might adopt an SUV shape.

I guess why not. Since this could be the only way to keep the Prius brand name popular these days.

Although I am not sure this will be embraced by many Prius fans. Who do not want an SUV.

Since Toyota is now making their Hybrid system standard in more and more models (like the Venza and Sienna), I would expect this to be offered as a plug-in hybrid only.

 Still, Toyota will really need to increase the EV range to keep the new Prius relevant. The 25 miles range of the current Prius Prime is just ridiculous. Even the RAV 4 Plug-in does much better with 42 miles.

In my perfect world, the new Prius should get at least 60/70 miles of EV range to make it worthwhile.

Could they even stretch it to 100 miles? Is that even possible. (That would really put the Prius back on the map...)

What do you think?

(Thanks to a reader for these!)

 

Revised Ford Escort: more pictures...

 

As I mentioned earlier, the Chinese market Ford Escort has been revised. With mostly the usual new front and rear ends outside. The whole thing has a small Fusion vibe which is OK.

But I really think the interior is quite surprising for a cheap entry-level sedan. Everything, at least on these photos, seems much nicer than what you'd expect. And that dashboard looks pretty nice in a low-end car.

It seems Ford has been very busy designing very modern interiors for his Chinese market models. Like the Evos, (HERE). The new Equator (HERE). And even the Edge (HERE)

These redesigned interior make the ones from our Explorer, Escape and even Bronco Sport look seriously busy and outdated.

I just wonder how long it will take Ford to bring the new interior design language over here. If ever...

2022 Ford Evos: new pix...

I think the new Ford Evos looks pretty nice. In a weird way, it is a modern version of the Honda Crosstour. Which, along with the Acura ZDX, was ahead of its time.

There is still a lot going on upfront. Scoops, black plastic crap, etc... But in that last pic, the 3rd version from the top looks better IMO. The black roof doesn't seem to work on this car. This one also seems to have less of that plastic stuff.

Of course, Ford has said the Evos wasn't coming here. (exactly what they used to say about the Ranger Pick-up). But it has been caught testing in the US. And I think they will modify it a bit, give it another name and bring it over.

As the long-rumored "Fusion replacement".

 

Next BMW 5 series: another illustration...

 I must say, all the recent illustrations of the next-generation BMW 5 series have been terrible. This one shows some weird brutalist design. With, of course, the giant bugs bunny grille. Surrounded by tons of black plastic crap.

Let's hope this is just a case of "lonely illustrator on crack". And not an accurate depiction of what's coming...

2022 Mercedes GLC: new illustration...

 I guess the new GLC is scheduled to be the next new Mercedes we see. Unless the new SL beats it.

The GLC is a very important car for Mercedes. As it is the brand's most popular car in the US. At over $43 000 to start, it's far from cheap. And quite expensive for a 4 cylinder car. No matter what, I still think a car of this price should really have a 6 cylinder standard. I have never driven one, but I hear the Mercedes 2.0 Liter isn't the smoothest thing. (it always sound quite rough and cheap from the outside)

Still, the next generation will probably be even more popular. I also think it's about time for Mercedes to electrify things a bit in the US. They already offer many plug-in hybrid models in Europe. 

2022 BMW X1: new illustration...

 

I guess there is another BMW X1 on its way. It's hard to keep track of all these BMW SUVs these days. There's always a new one "on the way", and they all look the same to me...

Sales of the smallest BMW SUV went down pretty sharply lately. From a hight of almost 31 000 sold in 2017, to less than 14 500 last year. I guess making the driving experience more and more generic doesn't work that well for those seeking a true German car experience...

2023 Subaru Solterra: teasers...

The 2023 Subaru Solterra will be Subaru's 1st EV. And is being "developed" with Toyota.

In this case, "developed with..." is code for "they're the same car".

As you can see from the teaser above compared to the Toyota BZ4X, the 2 cars are much more than just similar. They are basically the same car. Just like the Toyota 86GT and Subaru BRZ.

Which is, of course, pretty sad.

Selling a version of Toyota's EV is not really Subaru's best way to enter the EV market. It is, however, the cheapest way to do it, of course.

But I am not sure selling Toyota clones is the best long-term strategy for the brand. This should have at least looked like a Subaru.

Do Subaru buyers really want a Toyota?

 

2022 BMW 2 series Coupe: new photos...

These new photos show a bit more of the all-new BMW 2 series coupe for 2022. The RWD proportions are great. The whole thing seems to have a classic BMW style. Frameless windows hint at the return of a convertible version. Although I had heard earlier that the new generation could actually only be offered as a coupe.

Which would really be too bad...

From this older spy shot, it also looks like it will be getting a very normal-sized grille. Unlike the 4 series. Which is more good news...

 

2022 Honda Civic: the lighter interior color...

 

So far, I had only seen photos of the black interior for the new 2022 Honda Civic sedan.

These pix show what the new interior looks like with the light beige/cream option. (I am personally not a fan of black interiors in general)

I think it does look quite nice. Although I have to admit, the new interior with the chrome vents and glossy black plastic trim might actually look better in black...

But as far as I know, Honda doesn't give you a choice of interior color. You get what comes with the exterior color you pick. It also depends on the trim you get. 

Which usually sucks...

Honda N7X Concept: Vs. next-generation CR-V...

 

I am not saying the new Honda N7X concept is the next CR-V. But it looks pretty close...

The new N7X concept is previewing a new 7 seater model for the Indonesian market. (And probably India as well.)

While the next CR-V will not seat 7, the concept's design looks pretty close to the CR-V prototype caught a few weeks ago. Even though they do look similar, the N7X is based on the smaller Honda City. So it is probably quite a bit smaller than the CR-V.

Still, it might give us a preview of what the next CR-V will look like. 

I really hope the next CR-V turns out to be more interesting. Although Honda might pull a "2022 Civic" and make the next generation even more conservative. Looking like this concept. Which would be sad...

2022 Genesis G70 Wagon: official teasers...

 

Genesis released these new official photos of a lightly camouflaged prototype of the 2022 G70 Wagon. 

As you can see, the rear door design is different. Otherwise, everything in front of the B-Pillar is probably the same as the sedan.

Powertrains and interior are also expected to be the exact same as the revised sedan.

nad, it is looking increasingly unlikely this will ever be sold in the US. As its main market seems to be Europe. Where Hyundai is currently launching the new Genesis brand.

2022/23 Mazda CX-50: new photos...

From what we can see so far, the all-new Mazda CX-50 will look pretty familiar. It will keep most of the current CX-5's design language. With a little bit of the MX-30 thrown in.

And you can already see the huge black plastic wheel cladding similar to the CX-30. You know, the ones everybody hates. For some reason, Mazda refused to listen to anyone and decided we are all wrong. 

The new CX-50 will replace the CX-5. And will be based on an all-new RWD platform. A new 3.0 Liter Inline 6 cylinder will be an option.

The whole package could be one of the most attractive in its segment. If they can keep the whole thing affordable... And if all that black plastic doesn't look too goofy on a more expensive model.

 

2022 Genesis G70 wagon: best photos yet...

 

The 2022 wagon version of the revised G70 sedan is one of these cars we have seen testing around forever.

But these are the clearest photos I have seen so far. Showing a very nice shape. With, as I mentioned last year, different rear doors design. Engines are supposed to be the same as the sedan, which would mean 2.0 Liter or 3.3 Liter V6.

Not sure yet if this will be offered in the US or not. Genesis is currently launching in Europe. And they have mentioned they would offer specific models for that market. A sport wagon seems perfect for Europe.

Still, let's hope this ends over here as well...

The new Genesis wagon reminds me a lot of the super cool Lexus IS300 Sport Cross from the early 2000s. The Genesis is basically the exact same idea: a sporty wagon version of their smallest sedan.

2021 Tesla Model S: better look inside...

The 2 photos on top show a better view of the revised Tesla Model S interior. And I think it does look much better than Tesla's official pix (bottom)

You can see how the screen can now be angled toward the driver. Which is very nice. The trim isn't bad. 

Again, the screen directly in front of the driver could have been much thinner (matching the shape of the vents on the passenger side) and the whole interior would have been much more minimalist, and more similar to the Model 3 design. While displaying convenient info in front of the driver. 

I always liked the Model S. But, like many, was never crazy about the interior. Which never came close to matching the quality and feel of similarly priced cars from the competition. I am not sure yet about the new interior. Which could be great in real life. Or not... 

At least from pictures, it really doesn't seem to match the fantastic Lucid Air interior...