Honda transforms Passport into hybrid off-road vehicle to compete in Baja 1000

Volkswagen is relaunching its up! model as an all-electric vehicle, specifically aiming to compete with the BYD Dolphin Mini. The German automaker has prepared the ID. Up, a subcompact car scheduled to debut in Europe next year, with an estimated price around 20 thousand euros (equivalent to R$ 119 thousand), a value comparable to that of the Dolphin Mini in the Brazilian market.

VW requested the registration of the vehicle's name in the European Union on October 22. According to Quatro Rodas magazine, this project was developed exclusively by the company's headquarters engineers, without involvement from Chinese partners, unlike what happened with Stellantis, which partnered with Leapmotor, or with VW itself in China, where it develops vehicles in collaboration with Xpeng.

The ID. Up will use an adaptation of the MEB+ platform, incorporating elements from the ID. Polo, but will feature a battery with a capacity lower than the 37 kWh of the larger model's entry version, which contributes to reducing the final cost of the automobile.

The electric motor located at the front is expected to replicate the 95 horsepower of the ID. Every1 concept. The projected range reaches over 250 km under the European WLTP cycle, a more optimistic figure than that established by Inmetro, and its maximum speed will be limited to 130 km/h.

With dimensions of 3.88 meters in length, the ID. Up is 28 centimeters longer than the up! sold in Brazil and 10 centimeters taller than the Dolphin Mini. The trunk space accommodates 305 liters, and the vehicle seats four passengers.

The design of the ID. Up references characteristics of the up!, such as the rear tailgate with a darkened finish. Inside, the multimedia center stands out, while physical controls have been retained on the steering wheel.

Additionally, the ID. Up will feature the new electronic architecture developed by VW in collaboration with Rivian, the American electric vehicle manufacturer. This system concentrates functionalities in a few more robust processing units instead of distributing dozens of control units throughout the car. Such systems are capable of being updated via the internet, allowing the car to receive new functions and corrections without needing a dealership visit, a practice already adopted by Chinese and Tesla models.

Production of this model will take place at the Palmela plant in Portugal starting in the middle of next year. However, the commercialization of the ID. Up in Brazil has not yet been confirmed.

The first contact with the Honda XL750 Transalp occurred while descending the Serra do Rio do Rastro in Santa Catarina, an environment suitable for any mid or large trail motorcycle. After ten days of practical use, which included urban traffic and daily commutes, it became clear that the Transalp occupies a specific niche: highways and touring.

This model returned to the market with a distinct look from its predecessor, the 700, presenting a more imposing appearance and a design that appeals even off-road. Unlike the new CB 750 Hornet, which faced criticism for dropping the four cylinders, the Transalp avoided this scrutiny, as its adventure proposal benefits off-road riders who generally adapt better to less-cylindered engines.

Performance and Handling

Although it shares the same base as the CB 750 Hornet—a 755 cc twin-cylinder engine producing 69.3 hp and 7.04 kgf·m—the Transalp demonstrates different behavior. Its acceleration is smoother at low RPMs, and the engine reaches most of its capacity near 7,000 rpm, providing a noticeable increase in speed and power.

The practical recommendation is to operate the engine at higher RPMs, avoiding a lack of power in lower ranges, especially in higher gears. Even though it is considered 'weaker' in this range, the bike ensures safe riding on any type of road. The setup reveals its maximum potential at higher speeds, during tours and on highways, a moment when its size ceases to be an obstacle and the engine operates within its ideal range.

The ergonomics of the Transalp were pleasing from the first contact, and despite its dimensions being classified as intermediate to large, nothing seems excessive while the bike is moving. Maneuvering it is not difficult, even considering 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, along with 200 mm and 190 mm suspensions, respectively. What truly stands out is the feeling of control in all situations.

Off-Road Capabilities and Equipment

Off the asphalt, the bike performs its role well. Although it is not a CRF nor was it specifically designed for it, it can handle lighter trails without issues. The onboard electronics assist in this regard: among the six available riding modes, the Gravel and customizable User 1 and User 2 modes allow disabling both ABS and traction control (HSTC).

The equipment list is robust, including full LED lighting, the mentioned driving assistance systems, and a 5-inch TFT display. This display is accessed via a joystick located on the left wrist and shows all necessary information to the rider. ABS contributes to greater safety during braking, and HSTC minimizes rear wheel slip; both are disableable in specific modes.

Areas for Improvement and Urban Use

Identified flaws include the lack of smartphone connectivity, a feature already available on the European panel but not yet implemented in South America. Additionally, the USB port is not conveniently positioned near the handlebars, being located under the passenger seat, which requires removing the upholstery to access the phone.

With more time spent with it, overheating became the main negative point. The engine heats the rider's legs, and this discomfort occurs predictably: on trips or cold days, the wind helps cool the unit, eliminating the annoyance. However, at low speed, without airflow and with high temperatures, the heat can rise to the point of bothering the passenger as well. None of these situations prevent the ride, but they serve as an important warning.

There is also a minor annoyance: when stopping and resting the left foot on the ground, the fairing under the seat lifts and touches the rider. During riding, with the foot on the pedal, this is not a problem, but when stopped, it may be necessary to adjust the position slightly further forward on the seat.

In the context of urban traffic, the benefits are limited. The first advantage is the available power when needed, which is useful for overtaking or getting out of difficult situations. The second advantage lies in the handlebar height, which exceeds the rearview mirrors of small cars, facilitating lane splitting. However, against SUVs, whose mirrors are higher, this maneuver is not feasible, although these vehicles still represent a minority.

In summary, the bike is too large and heavy for daily city use; besides the overheating issue, this weakens the justification for the Transalp's proposal in this scenario. Despite being versatile and having more qualities than defects, the final cost is considerable. The suggested retail price is R$ 65,545, potentially reaching R$ 70 thousand at dealerships. For those planning to use it according to its vocation—highway, touring, and leisure rides—the proposal remains valid. For those seeking to face daily urban traffic, the weight, size, and heat make the choice harder to justify at this price.

Jeep is preparing a new generation of the Renegade model, which will be launched in the European continent by 2030, as the vehicle was discontinued in Europe in 2025. The announcement was made by Xavier Peugeot, Jeep's director in Europe, during the Paris Motor Show.

In addition to the Renegade, the automaker's plans for Europe include the introduction of another compact SUV, the electric Recon, which will be imported from the United States, and a mid-to-large SUV that is being developed in partnership with the Chinese company Dongfeng, expected to arrive in 2028.

The brand also signaled the possibility of a new electric model inspired by the Willys, the military jeep that served as the origin for Jeep. With these additions, Jeep's European lineup could expand from its current models, Avenger and Compass, to a total of up to six vehicles.

According to Jeep, all these new models will offer various powertrain options, including electric, and all will come equipped with 4x4 traction. The brand's ambition is to capture approximately 90% of the SUV market in Europe.

Historically, the Renegade registered sales exceeding 610,000 units in Europe since its launch in 2014, being produced at the Melfi factory in Italy. Currently, production of this SUV takes place at the Goiana (PE) factory, which serves both the Brazilian and Latin American markets. In Brazil, the model recently received versions equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system.

In Paris, Jeep presented a striking image: the Willys MB, used during World War II, positioned next to a box marked 'Not Fragile' and the silhouette of a square-designed SUV with a rear spare tire.

Jeep informed that after 2030, it is studying compact and electrified vehicles based on icons like the Willys, aiming to meet the needs of increasingly densely populated cities. However, Peugeot clarified to the British magazine Autocar that no launch is confirmed. He emphasized that the ideas related to the Willys need to be finalized by the end of this decade, and that the brand's DNA represents one of the main competitive advantages against the entry of Chinese manufacturers.

The name Willys holds relevance in Brazil because Willys-Overland do Brasil manufactured the Jeep in São Bernardo do Campo (SP) starting in the 1950s, and currently, Willys names one of the variants of the Renegade sold in the country.