MXF launches Ark 8, an electric off-road motorcycle, with prices starting from R$ 24,490

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 Honda HR-V model sold in Japan, known as Vezel, has been updated for the 2027 lineup, incorporating comfort improvements, especially for passengers in the rear seats.

This compact SUV, available for purchase since Friday (23rd), has also received headlights with darkened lenses and a visual package option. Prices range between approximately R$ 88 thousand and R$ 124 thousand (equivalent to ¥ 2,777,500 to ¥ 3,885,200).

The entry-level version saw a minimal price increase, rising by about R$ 600 (¥ 18,700) compared to the previous generation. The overall design remains very similar to the 2024 restyling, but the main aesthetic change is the darkened internal lenses applied across the entire headlight line.

In some versions, specifically e:HEV Z and Play Package, the plastic trims found on the bumpers and wheel arches now match the body color. Additionally, there is the Black Sport Style package offered at dealerships, which includes a black front grille, bumper extensions with dark chrome details, rearview mirrors, and a black rear spoiler, in addition to 18-inch alloy wheels with a diamond finish.

Inside, the 7-inch digital instrument cluster and the 9-inch multimedia center have been maintained. The G and e:HEV X versions have received air conditioning vents and two USB-C ports for the rear seat. Furthermore, the e:HEV X version now features heated front seats.

There have been no modifications to the engine under the hood. The G version uses a 1.5L gasoline engine that produces 118 hp and 14.5 kgfm, maintaining all-wheel drive and a CVT transmission. The hybrid e:HEV versions, which do not require external charging, combine a 1.5L engine of 106 hp and 13 kgfm, used primarily for energy generation, with an electric motor of 131 hp and 25.8 kgfm. These can operate with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Honda also plans to launch the RS version for the updated lineup later this year, characterized by firmer suspension and a sporty look. In the Brazilian market, the HR-V is manufactured in Itirapina (SP) and sold only with 1.5 flex engines, available in naturally aspirated or turbo configurations, priced between R$ 166,400 and R$ 214 thousand. The hybrid e:HEV version, equipped with a flex engine, is expected to arrive in 2028.

MG Motor has started sales in Brazil of the IM6, an electric SUV that marks the debut of IM Motors, the luxury line belonging to the Chinese conglomerate SAIC Motor. This new model is positioned to compete directly with vehicles such as the Zeekr 7X and the BYD Sealion 7.

The IM6 will be offered in two distinct configurations: the Signature version, priced at R$ 368,990, and the Performance version, which will cost R$ 439,990. Both versions feature notable technical characteristics.

The Signature variant is equipped with a rear electric motor, generating 295 hp and 45.9 kgfm. The Performance version features two electric motors, one on each axle, providing all-wheel drive and delivering 752 hp and 81.8 kgfm of torque.

In terms of performance, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 6.4 seconds for the Signature and an impressive 3.5 seconds for the Performance. The vehicle has a length of 4.90 meters and a wheelbase of 2.95 meters, in addition to offering a trunk capacity of 665 liters and an additional 32-liter compartment under the hood.

The Signature uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a capacity of 75 kWh. It supports fast charging up to 153 kW, allowing it to go from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes, with an Inmetro-certified range of 348 km.

On the other hand, the Performance comes equipped with a 100 kWh battery, composed of nickel, cobalt, and manganese (NCM), and operates with an 800-volt architecture. This version can be recharged at 396 kW, reducing the time from 10% to 80% to 18 minutes, and its range reaches 400 km according to Inmetro.

Both models feature four-wheel steering, a feature that aids both maneuvering and stability improvement, and include crawl mode for diagonal movement. The Performance adds adaptive air suspension and 21-inch wheels, while the Signature uses 20-inch wheels.

The interior of the cars is sophisticated, featuring 26.3-inch and 10.5-inch screens, front seats with heating and ventilation functions, a panoramic sunroof, and a 20-speaker sound system. Additionally, both have V2L functionality, which allows the vehicle's battery to power external equipment.

In terms of safety, the SUV is equipped with autonomous emergency braking and automatic parking, and it received five stars in Euro NCAP, which is the European equivalent of Latin NCAP. MG guarantees seven years or 150 thousand kilometers for the vehicle and eight years or 160 thousand kilometers for the battery.