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BYD Atto 3 Gains More Power and Longer Range with New 74.9 kWh Battery in China

BYD is giving its popular Atto 3 a significant update, with the latest version — known as the Yuan Plus in China — set to feature a larger 74.88 kWh Blade battery pack capable of delivering up to 650 km of range under the CLTC cycle. Details of the refreshed model surfaced through the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), hinting at a strong performance and efficiency boost for the electric crossover.

The current second-generation Atto 3 on sale in China is available with either a 49.92 kWh or 60.48 kWh Blade battery, offering 430 km and 510 km of range, respectively. The jump to a 74.88 kWh unit marks a major step forward in driving distance, making the new Atto 3 one of the longest-range electric crossovers in its class.

Beyond the upgraded battery, BYD has also enhanced performance. The updated Atto 3 will use a new TZ200XYC permanent magnet motor rated at 308hp, representing a 107hp increase over the outgoing 201hp unit. The extra power also raises the top speed from 160 km/h to 180 km/h, aligning the model more closely with the brand’s higher-tier offerings.

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Xpeng G6 EREV Revealed with 325 km Electric Range and 1.5L Turbo Range-Extender

Xpeng’s upcoming extended-range electric SUV, the G6 EREV, has made its first official appearance through China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) filings, offering an early look at the technical details ahead of its launch.

The documents confirm that the G6 EREV will feature a 55.8 kWh battery pack capable of delivering an electric-only range of 325 km based on the WTLC cycle. Complementing this is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine acting purely as a generator, producing 147hp, sourced from Dong’an Powertrain. This engine supports a 292hp rear-mounted electric motor, which drives the vehicle’s rear wheels.

Dimensionally, the G6 EREV mirrors the fully electric G6, measuring 4,771 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, with a 2,890 mm wheelbase. It also retains the same streamlined fastback SUV design, highlighted by its sloping front end, integrated LED headlights, full-width daytime running light strip, flush door handles, and a coupe-inspired roofline. The model will be available with R18 and R20 wheel options, and the top speed is listed at 202 km/h.

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Toyota Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept Turns Water Into Adventure

Toyota took centre stage at this year’s SEMA Show with a concept that pushes off-road innovation into new territory — the Tacoma H2-Overlander, a hydrogen-powered pickup designed not only to drive emissions-free but to literally make and reuse water as it goes.

The concept sits under Toyota’s “Powered by Possibility” theme, a showcase of experimental builds aimed at demonstrating how future vehicles could combine clean energy with real-world versatility. At its core, the Tacoma H2-Overlander begins life as a standard Tacoma pickup, but instead of the usual petrol engine, it’s fitted with the second-generation hydrogen fuel cell system lifted from the Toyota Mirai sedan.

Three hydrogen storage tanks are integrated neatly within the frame, with a total capacity of around 6kgs. Power delivery comes from two electric motors, one mounted on each axle, drawing energy from a 24.9-kWh lithium-ion battery. Together, the system produces a hefty 547hp, driving all four wheels while generating zero emissions — unless you count the water vapour it emits instead of exhaust fumes.

What makes this Tacoma truly clever, however, is how it handles that water. Rather than letting it drip away, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) developed a patent-pending exhaust water recovery system that captures, filters and stores the distilled water created by the fuel cell’s chemical process.

The stored water can then be used for washing, cleaning or even showering during remote overlanding trips. Toyota notes that the water isn’t drinkable, but it’s a clever example of how hydrogen technology can deliver unexpected benefits beyond propulsion.

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Chery’s iCaur V27 Set for Debut as a Rugged Range-Extender SUV

Chery Automobile is gearing up to unveil its latest model under the new box-style SUV sub-brand, iCaur, with the official debut of the iCaur V27 scheduled for 21 November at the Guangzhou Auto Show. Known domestically in China as the iCar V27, the model adopts the “iCaur” name for international markets due to trademark considerations. Positioned above the smaller iCaur V23, the new V27 takes the lead as the brand’s largest and most advanced model, powered by a range-extender electric powertrain rather than a fully electric setup.

The iCaur V27 strikes a balance between modern sophistication and retro-inspired toughness. Its boxy silhouette, chunky bumpers, flared wheel arches, and rear-mounted spare tyre give it the kind of rugged, adventure-ready stance reminiscent of classic off-road icons.

Yet, the execution is thoroughly modern, with clean lines and thoughtful detailing that bring a premium, contemporary touch. Measuring 4,909 mm long, 1,976 mm wide, and 1,894 mm tall, and riding on a 2,910 mm wheelbase, the V27 falls into the mid-to-large SUV segment, suggesting ample cabin space and strong road presence.

Chery has yet to reveal the V27’s interior, but based on current information, higher-spec variants are expected to feature a lidar-based driver assistance system powered by Horizon Robotics chips, hinting at an advanced suite of semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

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Hongqi HS6 PHEV Breaks Guinness World Record with 2,327 km Journey

FAW’s premium sub-brand Hongqi has made global headlines with the HS6 PHEV, which has officially entered the Guinness World Records for the longest distance travelled by a plug-in hybrid SUV on a single full charge and full tank — without refuelling. The remarkable journey began in Shangri-La on October 30, taking the SUV through Kunming, Baise, and Wuzhou, before reaching Guangzhou on November 3. By the end of the trip, the HS6 had covered a total distance of 2,327.343 km, setting a new benchmark for hybrid efficiency and endurance.

With this achievement, Hongqi has demonstrated that plug-in hybrids can deliver long-distance practicality alongside electric efficiency. The HS6 PHEV will soon be available for purchase in China, with pre-sales beginning on November 15, where it will be positioned as a five-seater premium SUV.

Visually, the HS6 carries Hongqi’s signature design language, blending traditional luxury cues with modern flair. The front fascia features a closed waterfall-style grille accented by 12 vertical chrome strips, anchored by the brand’s trademark red line emblem that runs through the centre — a symbol synonymous with Hongqi’s identity. The overall styling strikes a balance between refinement and authority, underscoring its role as a flagship SUV in the brand’s expanding electrified portfolio.

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Jaecoo J5 EV Launched in Indonesia

Jaecoo has officially introduced the all-electric J5 EV in Indonesia, signalling another major step in the brand’s regional expansion within Southeast Asia’s fast-growing EV market. The SUV is offered in two trims — the Standard, priced at 249.9 million rupiah (around RM63,000), and the Premium, at 299.9 million rupiah (around RM75,000). These launch prices are exclusive to the first 1,000 buyers, making the J5 EV one of the most accessible electric SUVs in the segment.

Both variants share a similar powertrain setup, featuring a front-mounted electric motor that produces 211 PS and 288 Nm of torque, powered by a 60.9 kWh battery pack. With this configuration, the J5 EV can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds and offers an impressive driving range of up to 461 km based on the NEDC cycle.

Charging performance is equally noteworthy, with support for DC fast charging at up to 130 kW, enabling a 30% to 80% recharge in 28 minutes. For added practicality, Jaecoo has also included vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing the SUV to supply up to 3.3 kW of power to external devices — a handy feature for camping trips or emergencies.

Inside, the J5 EV’s cabin combines functionality and sophistication, offering a premium feel without breaking the bank. Key features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof with a powered sunshade, a powered tailgate, and ventilated front seats wrapped in synthetic leather.

The dashboard is dominated by a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, complemented by an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, 64-colour ambient lighting, eight speakers, a 50-watt wireless charger, and built-in telematics connectivity.

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Honda Reaffirms Commitment to Hybrids But Will Continue To Develop EV’s

Honda is one of the most dynamic companies in the market. On one end it builds cars like the Honda CR-V, HR-V, Honda City and City Hatchback for regular people to go about their regular lives.

On the other end it builds cars like the Civic Type R and now the Prelude for those who love the joy of driving and want to have fun.

It also builds electric cars such as the e:N1 and the Prologue, the latter available in the North American market only.

In fact, Honda has been building electric cars since 1997, the year it introduced the EV Plus, an exclusively EV only model powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery. Groundbreaking at that time.

Honda is also a firm believer in hybrid technology and has over 25 years of experience in building hybrid powertrains.

On a completely different spectrum, the company builds some of the best motorcycles in the business, marine engines, airplanes, and as of late, has also started delving into reusable rockets to rival that of Elon Musk’s Space X.

All of that without mentioning the decades of success it has enjoyed in the world of motorsport, particularly Formula 1 and MotoGP.

So, believe me when I say that Honda is one of the most dynamic companies in the business.

So, to be able to sit down for a question-and-answer session with the decision makers of the company is nothing short of impossible.

Except that member of the Malaysian automotive press had that exact opportunity recently at the company’s office in Tokyo.

In attendance was the man himself, Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer of Honda Motor Company, Ltd.

Mibe-san is not your regular executive. He joined Honda in 1987 and began his career in automobile research and development with a focus on engine development.

On Honda’s official press site, Mibe-san is described as a “true engine expert” and has played a key role in the development of some of Honda’s most iconic engines that have powered most of Honda and Acura models for the past two decades.

He was also the President of Honda’s global research and development and has been the driving force in the advancement of Honda’s electrification effort.

So when Mibe-san talks, we listen.

Also in attendance were press members from other countries who asked questions that were specific to their markets, but there were two key takeaways for global markets.

The first being Honda still acknowledges that battery electric vehicle’s play a big role in environmental impact.

Despite heavily backing hybrid technology as the best way forward, Mibe also reaffirmed Honda’s commitment to BEV’s.

During the interview Mibe said, “it is not true that we are scaling back on our development of full EV’s, but compared to our initial forecast, the volume will have to be lower”.

“As I have said before, when it comes to carbon neutrality for passenger cars, battery EV’s are the optimum solution. That remains unchanged. So, it is not that we are scaling back on EV development, but we are just reviewing and revising our models and their volume, and we will continue to work on that”.

Mibe was also quick to reaffirm Honda’s commitment to hybrids, which the company has been building and refining over many years.

“On the other hand, hybrid vehicles is an area where we have many years of experience, and we have been building hybrids for more than 25 years or so”.

“We have plenty of expertise and know how when it comes to hybrid vehicles, so without spending extraordinary amount on development expenses, we can utilise our expertise, keeping down the investment required and we can develop new models out of those (Honda’s experience). Both EV’s and hybrid will continue to support Honda’s automobile business”.

“We will also increase the volume of our hybrid vehicles, by 2030 we are planning for over two million units of hybrid vehicles. Hybrids will be the main portion of our business (by 2030) and for BEV’s, we will continue with our research and development activities.

As part of the trip to Japan, I also had a chance to test drive Honda’s future hybrid technologies. Besides the usual emphasis on efficiency and environmental factors, Honda’s engineers also placed a big importance on making the hybrid powertrains feel as close to a regular internal combustion engine as possible, thus improving the ‘feel good’ factor of Honda hybrid cars.

Honda’s hybrid powertrains do not have transmission boxes and rely on electric motors to drive the wheels. But the engineers have figured out a way to simulate engine noise as well as the “feel” of a transmission shifting gears. That requires a different article altogether, but I will say that Honda has done a fantastic job with that because it comes with the accompanying power cuts that we feel in between shifts.

The second takeaway is Honda’s commitment to safety for its four- and two-wheels business. Back in 2021, Honda announced its zero fatalities by 2050 target, and during the recent interview Mibe reaffirmed the company’s commitment to that target.

Citing Honda’s SENSING technology (which is Honda lingo for advanced driver aid system) and the progress of artificial intelligence, Honda continues with the target of zero fatalities in just 25 years.

So, you may think that Honda cars are lagging behind its competitors especially those from China, but Honda has survived many challenges, has a clear pathway for its future and judging from what I saw and experienced at Honda’s test facilities, this is a company that dismiss at your own peril.

Mazda Unveils Sleek New Logo for the Digital Era

Mazda has officially taken the wraps off its brand-new logo, following its trademark registration last year. The redesigned emblem made its first public appearance at the Japan Mobility Show and has already been rolled out across Mazda’s official website and digital platforms.

The new design represents Mazda’s latest step in modernising its image for a digital-first world. Mazda says the move aims to enhance brand visibility and consistency, particularly in online environments where clarity and simplicity are key.

While the overall look has been refined, Mazda has kept the core identity intact. The familiar “M” shape that resembles a pair of outstretched wings remains the centrepiece, symbolising the brand’s spirit of flight and forward motion. This motif has been part of Mazda’s identity since 1997 and was last refreshed in 2018. The latest iteration softens the edges and removes the inner shading, creating a flatter, more minimalist aesthetic that feels both timeless and modern.

This update continues a long evolution of Mazda’s logo design over the decades. The company’s first logo, introduced in 1934, was a simple calligraphic wordmark that reflected its Japanese craftsmanship and cultural pride. Two years later, Mazda unveiled a 1936 emblem featuring three overlapping “M” shapes inspired by Hiroshima’s three rivers — an early interpretation of the “wings” motif that still defines its brand today.

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Lexus Teases Interior of Upcoming Hybrid Sports Car

Lexus has shown the inside of its new hybrid sports car, giving a first look at its bold and futuristic design. The car, based on the earlier Lexus Sport Concept, will be a hybrid model focused on performance and driving fun.

The interior is very different from normal cars — there is no big centre screen. Instead, the digital cockpit wraps around the driver, with one main display in the middle and two smaller screens on each side. These show details like battery level (70%), power and charge meters, and gear position. There’s also an “M” for manual mode and readings for tyre pressure and temperature, showing that it’s made for track driving.

Instead of a normal steering wheel, the car uses a yoke-style steering control with buttons and paddle shifters behind it. The left paddle seems to change how strong the regenerative braking is, while the right paddle may control gear changes. Two small control stalks behind the yoke are believed to manage drive modes and gear selection.

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Mazda Unveils Vision X-Coupe and Vision X-Compact at Japan Mobility Show 2025

Mazda Motor Corporation has taken centre stage at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 with the unveiling of two concept models — the MAZDA VISION X-COUPE and the MAZDA VISION X-COMPACT. Both models represent Mazda’s forward-looking theme for this year’s exhibition: “The Joy of Driving Fuels a Sustainable Tomorrow.”

The MAZDA VISION X-COUPE is a crossover coupe that brings the brand’s KODO – Soul of Motion design language to a new level of sophistication. It’s a striking expression of Mazda’s belief that driving pleasure and sustainability can coexist.

Under its sculpted body lies a plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a two-rotor rotary turbo engine with an electric motor and battery, delivering an impressive 510PS. The car can travel up to 160 km in electric-only mode and achieve a total range of around 800 km when the engine and motor work together.

What sets the X-COUPE apart is its innovative approach to environmental performance. It’s designed to run on carbon-neutral fuel produced from microalgae and is equipped with Mazda’s proprietary “Mobile Carbon Capture” system, which absorbs CO₂ from the atmosphere as the car is driven. Mazda says this combination allows the vehicle to contribute to reducing carbon emissions the more it’s used — an ambitious concept that demonstrates the company’s drive toward a sustainable future without abandoning performance.

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