Xpeng introduces MONA L05 SUV with electric and extended range

The pre-sale of the new generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is now available in Brazil. On Monday, the 26th, Mercedes began selling the CLA 200 AMG Line model with a suggested price of R$ 364,900. This price represents an increase of R$ 18 thousand compared to the cost of the CLA 200 AMG Line launched in 2023.

This vehicle is the first to be marketed in the country using MMA, an acronym for Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture, a platform developed for the automaker's new line of compact cars.

In the entry-level luxury car segment, the CLA is positioned to compete directly against the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Audi A3 Sedan. However, the complete technical specifications for the version intended for the national market have not yet been released.

In Europe, the CLA 200 version is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that generates 163 hp and 25.5 kgfm, combined with an electric motor of 30 hp and 20.4 kgfm. This combination is integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, forming a mild hybrid system.

Together, the two engines produce a total of 184 hp and 33.7 kgfm, operating with front-wheel drive. According to the manufacturer, the sedan can reach 100 km/h in just 8 seconds, achieve a top speed of 232 km/h, and has a fuel consumption between 18.5 km/l and 20.4 km/l in the European consumption cycle.

The dimensions of the new CLA are 4.72 meters in length, 1.85 meters in width, 1.45 meters in height, and 2.79 meters in wheelbase. Its trunk capacity is 405 liters. The AMG Line package, which refers to Mercedes' sporty style, includes 18-inch wheels. Furthermore, the car comes standard with a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free trunk opening function.

Internally, the major difference is the new generation of the MBUX multimedia center with Superscreen, featuring side-by-side screens on the dashboard. The CLA also has digital key functionality via mobile phone and online voice command capability. Driving assistance systems include the Distronic adaptive cruise control, which adjusts the distance to the vehicle ahead, as well as features such as lane keeping, emergency braking, blind spot detection, and the Parktronic parking sensor.

Hyundai has released its new mid-size crossover model, the Bayon. This new SUV is available in several trim levels: HX 2, HX 3, HX 3 Plus, HX 5, HX 6, HX 8, and HX 10. In the most basic configurations, the manufacturer offers a manual transmission.

The Bayon is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that generates 115 horsepower and 143.8 Nm of torque. Additionally, the company offers a six-speed manual and a CVT transmission. The trunk capacity of this SUV is 505 liters. Vehicle dimensions are: length 4245 mm, width 1810 mm, and height 1605 mm, with a wheelbase reaching 2600 mm. The starting price for this vehicle is 9.99 lakh rupees, including export duties.

Let's look at the features of the most affordable, base version of the Hyundai Bayon. Primarily, this concerns safety and protection features. Six airbags are standard, even in the base variant. Furthermore, the car is equipped with driving assistance systems such as hill start assist, electronic stability control, vehicle stability control, ABS, and electronic brake force distribution.

Additional safety features include an emergency stop signal, rear parking sensors, Highline tire pressure monitoring system, day/night IR cameras, headlight beam assist function, central locking, automatic door unlocking upon collision detection, automatic door locking upon speed detection, keyless entry, seatbelt reminders, immobilizer, Isofix child seat mounts, and front disc brakes.

Regarding the exterior appearance, this version features LED projector headlights, H-shaped LED daytime running lights and turn signals, as well as H-shaped LED taillights and an LED top stop light. The car also has a rear spoiler, a shark fin antenna, and 16-inch steel wheels supplied with covers.

The interior features a color scheme of black and olive-gray tones. It includes fabric upholstery, a D-shaped steering wheel, manual adjustment of the driver's seat height, a fixed center console armrest, height-adjustable front seat headrests, and a digital instrument cluster.

In terms of comfort and convenience, the vehicle is equipped with front and rear electric windows, manual air conditioning, rear air vents for climate control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, as well as front and rear Type C USB charging ports, a power outlet, and electrically adjustable side mirrors.

Hyundai informed the press that the HB20 model will continue to be sold in 2027 as the brand's entry-level car in Brazil. The versions of this hatchback will be concentrated in the price range between R$ 90 thousand and R$ 100 thousand, and its presence will not be replaced by the arrival of the i20.

This strategic reorganization aims to prevent the two compact vehicles from competing for the same consumer. The i20, which was introduced in June, will be positioned at a higher level, situated between the hatchback models and SUVs.

Currently, the prices of the two models are very close: the HB20 starts at R$ 96,140, while the i20 starts at R$ 99,990. Above these values will be the Creta and, in the future, the Bayon, a compact SUV derived from the i20, expected in 2027.

At the moment, the HB20 registers a significantly higher sales volume than its counterpart. According to Fenabrave, 53,589 units were registered between January and September. In September alone, the hatchback achieved 6,314 registrations, which is more than four times higher than the 1,404 registered by the i20.

To remain at the base of the product line, the HB20 will favor versions equipped with the 1.0 naturally aspirated engine, as, according to Hyundai itself, these versions have historically represented the largest share of the model's sales. However, the manufacturer did not specify whether the turbo options will be discontinued.

Furthermore, there are plans to launch a new version that will incorporate more technology and comfort features for a price under R$ 100 thousand. Details regarding name, price, and equipment list will be disclosed in the coming months.

Among the commercial initiatives planned for 2027, the year the HB20 will complete 15 years in the market, there will be an offer targeted at micro-entrepreneurs who use the vehicle for passenger transport via applications. This specific audience will have differentiated purchase conditions for the Comfort version, and this modality will also cover versions of the i20 and Creta.

The HB20, originally launched in October 2012, was the first Hyundai vehicle developed and manufactured in Brazil. Currently, the hatchback, the i20, and the Creta share the assembly lines of the brand's factory located in Piracicaba, São Paulo.