DOSSIER

AUTONEWS

Recommendations for the best used cars under 10,000 euros and £10,000

Experienced buyers of used goods know well that for less than 10,000 euros, you can still find real gems on the used car market.

Many do not want, or simply cannot, set aside 20 or 25 thousand euros for a new car. Experienced buyers of used goods know well that for less than 10,000 euros, you can still find real gems on the used car market. But it is not an easy job. It takes patience, a good eye and a willingness to wait for the right opportunity.

When buying a used car, the biggest mistake is focusing exclusively on the price, writes Autonews.

In practice, the key factors that determine whether a car will be financially profitable in the long run are the structural robustness of the engine, the availability of spare parts and the experience of the service with a particular model. This is exactly what makes the difference between a good and a bad choice.

Cars with complicated electronics, experimental technical solutions or expensive automatic transmissions may seem attractive, but in this price range they often pose a greater risk. In most cases, it is better to avoid them.

A safer choice is models with proven reliable engines, whether they are simpler atmospheric units or well-known turbo engines. The key is not how modern the technology is, but how well it has proven itself in practice and how easy it is to maintain.

-Volkswagen Golf...The seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf is one of the best choices in this budget, especially in higher-mileage versions. It is a modern car with a well-made interior and balanced driving characteristics.

The most reasonable choice is the 1.4 TSI petrol engine after modernization, which no longer suffers from the previous problems of older versions. The diesel 2.0 TDI offers a good power-to-consumption ratio. However, you should avoid DSG gearboxes without a proper service history.

-Mazda 6...The Mazda 6 represents a middle-class used car that offers a good balance between comfort, reliability and driving characteristics. The best choice is the petrol engines of the MZR series, especially the two-liter 2.0 with around 147 horsepower or the more powerful 2.5 MZR, known for its durability.

The diesel versions 2.0 and 2.2 MZR CD offer lower consumption, but require regular and careful maintenance. When buying, it is important to check the bodywork, as older models may have corrosion problems.

-BMW 3 Series...The BMW 3 Series of the F30 generation is already entering this price range, especially the higher-mileage models. It is a modern car with excellent driving characteristics and a quality cabin.

A reasonable choice is the diesel versions 318d or 320d with manual transmission, which offer a good balance between performance and fuel consumption. The petrol ones are smoother, but more expensive to drive. It is crucial to check the service history, the condition of the timing chain and the suspension. A well-maintained example can be surprisingly reliable.

-Honda Accord...The Honda Accord is among the most reliable mid-range used cars. The 2.0 VTEC petrol engine is known for its durability and with regular maintenance can cover high mileage without major problems. The more powerful 2.4 engine offers better dynamics, but still remains reliable with proper care.

The 2.2 DTEC diesel is powerful, but can be more expensive to service compared to the competition. The Accord stands out with its quality suspension, precise handling and well-made interior, which makes it a reasonable choice for long trips.

-Volvo S60...The second-generation Volvo S60 brings a premium feel at the price of a classic used car. The D3 and D4 diesel versions are the most rational choice when it comes to consumption and reliability.

The petrol T5 offers better performance, but also higher costs. The S60 stands out with its comfortable suspension, high level of safety and quality interior. When buying, it is important to check the automatic transmission, suspension and complete service history, especially with imported vehicles.

Best used cars for less than £10,000:

-Ford Fiesta...The Ford Fiesta is a bestseller and our number one here for good reason..Ford knows how to do small cars well, and the Fiesta has always been the prime example. Its forte is its excellent driving experience, featuring a composed ride and fun handling.

It's a decently comfortable and practical car, too. Admittedly, the infotainment system isn't quite on a par with the best in the class, but the rest of the package is so good that it’s hardly a deal-breaker.

Its reliability record is strong, and our budget buys a 2022 car, one of the newest on our list. 

-Volkswagen Polo...The Volkswagen Polo tends to cost just a fraction more to buy age-for-age than many of its rivals, so that here you'll have to make do with a 2021 model rather than a 2022 model, like the Fiesta and the Duster, but that's one of the very few digs we can make at what is a comprehensively well-done package.

The Polo is remarkably comfortable and has a nicely finished interior that mimics the larger VW Golf. The small, turbocharged petrol engines are the best picks as they tend to be smoother and quieter than the diesels.

It rides well, is comfortable inside, nicely built, and its reliability looks excellent. It's a terrific all-rounder and a great used buy. It would probably finish in the top slot here if you could get a newer car for the money. 

-Skoda Kamiq...In contrast to some small SUVs, the Skoda Kamiq puts you quite low to the ground; in fact, its driving position is barely any more elevated than that of the Skoda Scala family hatchback, another one of our favourite cars. 

However, in every other respect, it's a brilliant used choice, with a supple, well-controlled ride and a remarkably spacious interior. That interior feels classier than that of the Volkswagen T-Cross, too. It's also more spacious, and it has a huge boot. 

If you’ll mainly be driving in town, then the entry-level 94bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine is peppy enough and the cheapest on the used car forecourt. The SE trim is handsomely equipped and fairly priced.

Kamiq reliability is pretty good, too: it scored an excellent 94.1% in our most recent reliability survey. Parts and servicing are both reasonably priced, and our budget here buys you a good 2021 model, though there are 2022 cars within sniffing distance now of our cut-off point. 

-Hyundai i10...If you're looking for a tiny town car that offers more civilised motoring on a sensible budget, the Hyundai i10 is an ideal candidate. It's relatively spacious, comes with a smart-looking interior and great infotainment system, and rides and drives more impressively than plenty of bigger, pricier cars.

It's more refined than the likes of the Skoda Citigo, but it'll cost you a fraction more like-for-like to buy. However, it's proving to be extremely reliable, according to our annual What Car? Reliability Survey, so combined with reasonable servicing costs, the i10 should be easy on the pocket to run. 

-Ford Puma...The Ford Puma is one of our favourite small SUVs, not just at this £10,000 price point but at any price point. It’s impressively economical and great fun to drive, with pin-sharp steering and eager handling. All the engine options are gutsy, but we’d seek out the 155 version of the 1.0-litre Ecoboost for its easy oomph.

It's supremely practical and so far proving reliable, too. And here’s the best news of all: the Puma is now excellent value against its main rivals, matching the Skoda Kamiq and being cheaper age-for-age than the Volkswagen T-Roc.

-Ford Focus...The Ford Focus has an impressive roster of rivals in the family car class: the Skoda Octavia is spacious, the Volkswagen Golf is comfortable, and the Audi A3 is classy inside. However, the Focus stands above all of those cars in terms of handling, even besting the Seat Leon. It's sharp, agile, engaging and fun to drive. If you're a keen driver, this is the family car for you – or better yet, check out the Ford Focus ST hot hatch. 

That said, the driving experience isn't the only thing going for the Focus, because buying and running costs are very reasonable, aided by great fuel economy. It's also proving to be reliable, too, according to our annual surveys. You can pick up a good 2020 model within our budget. 

-Skoda Karoq...The Skoda Karoq just edges out its broadly similar sibling, the Seat Ateca, here. It's extremely practical (even more so than the Ateca), plus it's good to drive with a good choice of efficient engines. The ride is cosseting too, and it's decently refined in town and on a motorway.

The Karoq’s greatest asset, though, is its interior, which is flexible, smart and beautifully built, with loads of space for all your passengers. The boot's a good size, too. 

It's also terrific value for money bought used, it's cheap to run and is proving decently reliable, according to our surveys. 

-Dacia Duster...The Dacia Duster has more than just a name that's fitting for a rugged SUV. It's genuinely capable off-road, particularly if you go for a four-wheel drive model, where you can engage all four wheels via a dial near the gearlever. As a bonus, four-wheel-drive models have a more sophisticated rear suspension that two-wheel drive models don't get, helping to improve ride comfort and handling. 

While the Duster is basic in terms of kit and interior quality, it's a practical, rugged car that's excellent value, starting from just £7000 for a high-mileage 4x4 car. That's well within our budget, but if you have £10,000 to spend, you'll be able to find a much nicer 2022 example, like the Fiesta, one of the newest cars on our list. 

-Volkswagen Passat Estate...The Volkswagen Passat Estate boasts a wide range of capabilities. It's a smart-looking executive estate car with a nice interior, and it's great to drive, with flexible diesel engines and some peppy petrol options. There's a great plug-in hybrid version, too, so you can drive for town miles on electricity alone.

If you're after a plush-feeling and decidedly upmarket cruiser that's also hushed and comfy, look no further. It also comes well-equipped and is quite economical, and – of course – its interior and boot, especially in this estate-car form, are spacious. Six-footers will have plenty of room to lounge in the rear.  

A good result in our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, after a few years of only average results, has further boosted our admiration for the Passat. It came ninth out of 23 cars in its class with a good overall score of 94.3%. 

-Audi TT...To start our list, perhaps surprisingly, a sporting coupé. Over the years, the Audi TT has managed to fend off all competition that tries to match its winning combination of class, practicality and fine driving dynamics.

With sharp, agile handling, it's a joy to drive, and thanks to a class-leading interior and confidence-inspiring reliability, it's effortless to live with as well. There's a range of fine engines to choose from and well-equipped trims. 

With prices starting from just £10,000 for early TTs of this generation, it's simply a stellar buy and a terrific used coupé.

"It's the comfort of a TT that always impresses me. Yes, it's great to drive, good to own and reliable, but you can potter around town, and it's still a lovely thing." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

Autonews

 

WRC

Sébastien Ogier win WRC Acropolis Rally 2026

French driver Sébastien Ogier claimed a dramatic victory at the 2026 WRC EKO Acropolis Rally Greece, overcoming Thierry Neuville after an intense battle decided on Sunday, June 28, 2026. The legendary "Rally of Gods" marked the eighth round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) and kicked off the season's run of consecutive gravel events.

Winner: Sébastien Ogier (Toyota Gazoo Racing) secured his 69th career WRC victory 

The turning point: Thierry Neuville led the rally until the penultimate stage on Sunday, when he suffered two punctures that dashed his hopes of winning.

New base: The rally moved its headquarters to the coastal town of Loutraki, on the Gulf of Corinth, revamping approximately 75% of its classic itinerary.

Relentless course: Seventeen timed stages were contested in extreme heat exceeding 40°C, demanding maximum mechanical durability and punishing tires against Greece's volcanic rocks.

The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team driver started the day 9.7sec clear of his Toyota rival and spent much of the leg trading seconds with the nine-time world champion across the Peloponnese stages.

At one point Neuville’s advantage grew back out to 10.8sec, but Ogier’s fastest time on the final Menalo Mt test brought the gap down again and set up a finely balanced Sunday finale.

Neuville ended the day with front-left damage to his i20 N Rally1, although he downplayed any concern when asked whether the car would make it back to overnight service.

“It’s not a problem,” said Neuville, when asked about the damage and a small fluid leak visible on his i20 N Rally1 at the end of the stage.

The Belgian had looked strong earlier in the afternoon, responding to Ogier’s pressure with a superb time on the shortened second pass of Ghymno.

Ogier had been the faster of the pair through much of the morning, cutting Neuville’s lead to just 3.7sec before midday service. He then chose a bold tyre strategy for the afternoon, carrying only one spare, and closed the day with another stage win despite admitting that he was not prepared to take every risk.

“I still didn’t go full risk because of the [risk of] punctures,” Ogier said. “I had a clean drive but couldn’t really push so hard because of the people in front having the punctures.”

Saturday offered a different challenge from Friday’s rock-strewn opening leg. There was less exposed bedrock in places, but sandy roads, muddy sections beneath the trees, rough second-pass conditions and heavy road cleaning ensured the Acropolis remained every bit as demanding.

Behind the leading pair, the podium battle changed repeatedly.

Adrien Fourmaux began the day third for Hyundai and showed strong pace again, winning Kolines and staying clear of the fights behind. But the Frenchman lost time changing a wheel on the shortened Ghymno stage and dropped behind Takamoto Katsuta.

Katsuta, who had spent the day balancing pace with caution, moved into third overall for Toyota and will start Sunday 2min 17.0sec behind Neuville.

“Really sorry for Elfyn,” Katsuta said after team-mate Elfyn Evans also hit trouble on the final stage. “I was very careful in some places with the bedrock. It’s really difficult and easy to get a puncture. Normally you know when you get it, but in here you just don’t know.”

Fourmaux responded on Menalo Mt, pushing hard after learning of Evans’ delay and snatching fourth place back from Josh McErlean by just 1.0sec.

“The idea was to try and push the maximum to catch Josh to get a position for tomorrow,” Fourmaux said. “I knew about Elfyn, so I had to take my chance. I was very careful where they had a puncture as there was a big rock in the road.”

McErlean still completed an impressive day in fifth overall for M-Sport Ford. The Irishman avoided major problems while others hit trouble and remains on course for the best result of his WRC career.

“It’s been good, but it’s good to get back to service,” he said.

Sami Pajari moved up to sixth for Toyota, ahead of championship leader Evans, whose difficult Acropolis continued when he stopped to change a front-right wheel on the final stage. Evans lost 1min 50.2sec and slipped to seventh overall.

“It came very unexpectedly,” Evans said. “The deflation was very sudden and I was very close to a crash as I couldn’t stop at the next corner.”

Dani Sordo is eighth overnight after also losing time with a deflation on the final stage, while Andreas Mikkelsen holds ninth overall and the WRC2 lead.

Mikkelsen ended Saturday 13.9sec clear of Toksport Škoda team-mate Robert Virves after another close day in the Rally2 fight. The Norwegian had to respond to pressure late in the day but will carry a useful advantage into Sunday’s four remaining stages.

Sunday brings two passes of Aghii Theodori and Loutraki, with the second run through Loutraki forming the Wolf Power Stage.

Autonews and Mundoquatrorodas

BMW

BMW X5 2027

Just a few days before its planned world premiere (June 30), the first images of the new BMW X5 (G65) have been released.

The images reveal the appearance of the fifth-generation X5, which will be launched in the fall of 2026. The most striking feature of the front end, which is quite similar to the BMW iX3, is the design of the lights that include stylized X elements.

A look at the rear also reveals that the images do not show the X5 with conventional power: the lettering on the rear identifies the electric BMW iX5.

BMW officially confirmed the first technical specifications for some versions of the new X5 and its electric iX5 variant earlier this month.

The base model is the BMW X5 40 xDrive, powered by a 400 hp inline-six engine, the same B58 variant used in the facelifted BMW 740 (G70 LCI), according to Bimmertoday.

One level above is the BMW X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid, which supplements the six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric drive. Just like the 750e, this results in a system output of 360 kW/490 hp, which means we can also expect 700 Nm of system torque in the PHEV X5. Most of the power comes from the internal combustion engine, which produces 310 hp, while the 197 hp electric motor is primarily responsible for even more spontaneous acceleration – and, of course, for the option of purely electric driving.

According to published data, buyers of the all-electric BMW iX5 60 xDrive can expect a powertrain of 425 kW/578 hp, which, thanks to the 800-volt electrical system and BMW eDrive Gen6, should provide a long range. The capacity of the lithium-ion battery varies slightly depending on the continent, with EU countries getting a smaller version of 141 kWh. In the US, the net capacity is higher at 144 kWh.

In addition, a hydrogen fuel cell version, the iX5 Hydrogen, is coming in 2028.

This makes the next-generation X5 the first BMW to be offered with five powertrains: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, electric and hydrogen fuel cell. Some doubted that diesel would survive amid increasingly stringent emissions regulations, but the 3.0-litre inline-six engine has been previously reported to be safe for now. Engineers have updated it to meet current standards.

Autonews

DOSSIER

MOTO GP

Assen: Ogura beats Fernández and wins

Ai Ogura(image above) claimed his first MotoGP victory this Sunday morning (28) at the Dutch Grand Prix. Beyond this maiden win, the Trackhouse rider became the first Japanese rider to win a race in the category since Makoto Tamada at the 2004 Japanese Grand Prix. The Trackhouse rider led a team one-two finish at Assen, crossing the line ahead of teammate Raúl Fernández—who took second place—while Jorge Martin rounded out the podium in third after losing the lead in the final laps of the race.

Unlike on Saturday, Martín got a good start; while Ogura led through Turn 1, the Spaniard was back in front by the next corner. Moreira, meanwhile, struggled at the start, dropping from 14th to 22nd.

Before the first lap was even over, Mir crashed again—going down at Turn 10 and triggering a yellow flag in the area.

By the end of the first of 26 laps, Martín had already opened up a gap over Ogura and Fernández. The intense battle between the latter two allowed Marc Márquez to dive up the inside and move into second place. Fernández managed to reclaim P2, while the Japanese rider dropped to sixth, losing positions to Márquez, Bezzecchi, and Bagnaia.

Even before the start of the third lap, there was more trouble for the championship leader. Bezzecchi was navigating the final corners of the circuit when he suffered a quick crash, sliding straight across the gravel and asphalt. He remained conscious but was immediately taken to the medical center.

As a result, Martín held a 0.8-second lead over Fernández, who was 1.3 seconds ahead of Márquez, with Ogura and Acosta rounding out the top five. Moreira, meanwhile, had climbed back up to 17th.

Marco Bezzecchi's crash in the opening laps had a direct impact on the championship battle. With the result at Assen, the Italian lost the standings lead to his teammate and main title rival, Jorge Martin, who now has 193 points compared to Marco's 186. Fabio Di Giannantonio remains in third place with 177 points, while Ai Ogura climbed to fourth with 168. Marc Márquez rounds out the championship top five with 153 points.

Brazilian rider Diogo Moreira also stood out during the race. The LCR Honda rider faced issues at the start and dropped as low as 21st place, but staged a strong recovery to finish the race in the points.

Martin got off to an excellent start, taking the lead in the very first corners and pulling away from his rivals. The Trackhouse bikes also started well, with Ai Ogura in second and Raúl Fernández in third. Marco Bezzecchi briefly held third place but was eventually overtaken by Marc Márquez.

On the second lap, Marc Márquez overtook both Trackhouse bikes to take third position, trailing only Jorge Martin and Raúl Fernández. Bezzecchi dropped to fourth, followed by Francesco Bagnaia, while Ogura lost pace and fell back to sixth place.

On the third lap, Bezzecchi suffered a heavy crash. Despite the impact, race control reported that the rider left the track conscious and was taken to the medical center for evaluation.

On the sixth lap, Ogura began his recovery and overtook Marc Márquez. Close behind, Pedro Acosta also passed the six-time champion to take fifth place, but Marc reacted quickly and reclaimed the position immediately after. Further back, Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio were engaged in a direct battle for sixth place.

On the ninth lap, Pedro Acosta went head-to-head with Marc Márquez but ran wide on the corner exit, making a mistake. This allowed Marc to take fourth place. Francesco Bagnaia capitalized on the situation to move up to fifth, while Acosta dropped to sixth, coming under heavy pressure from Fabio Di Giannantonio, who was running seventh.

On the tenth lap, Franco Morbidelli crashed and retired from the race. Meanwhile, Diogo Moreira was staging a recovery ride. After facing issues at the start—in an incident that also involved a crash for Joan Mir—the Brazilian had dropped as low as 21st place. Maintaining a strong pace, he managed to fight back throughout the race and secure 15th position.

On the 13th lap, Pedro Acosta ran into trouble again. After running wide in a corner, the Spaniard lost several positions and dropped to 16th place, falling out of the points-scoring zone due to bike issues. Shortly after, two more riders retired: Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Francesco Bagnaia also left the race following mechanical problems.

On the 18th lap, Raúl Fernández finally managed to overtake Jorge Martin and take the race lead. Close behind, Ai Ogura also closed the gap and passed the Spaniard, completing a Trackhouse one-two at the front. Consequently, Martin dropped to third place.

In the battle for fourth place, Marc Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio engaged in an intense duel. The two made slight contact, causing the Spaniard to miss his line and run off the track. Di Giannantonio seized the opportunity to take fourth place, while Marc lost two positions and rejoined the race behind his brother, Álex Márquez.

With five laps remaining, Marc Márquez began battling Enea Bastianini for sixth place. The pair engaged in another fierce duel, even making contact while fighting for the position.

Meanwhile, the earlier incident involving Fabio Di Giannantonio and Marc Márquez remained under investigation. After reviewing the matter, the stewards handed the Italian a double long-lap penalty for cutting the chicane and gaining an advantage. Despite the sanction, Di Giannantonio staged a strong recovery in the final laps, overtaking first Marc Márquez and then Álex Márquez to reclaim fifth place by the time he crossed the finish line.

Out in front, Ai Ogura managed his lead to secure his first MotoGP victory. The Japanese rider led a Trackhouse one-two finish, with Raúl Fernández crossing the line in second place. Jorge Martin, who had led for much of the race, rounded out the podium in third, capping off a historic weekend for the Aprilia satellite team.

Marco Bezzecchi transferred to hospital after crash...After crashing during the Dutch Grand Prix at Assen, Marco Bezzecchi was initially taken to the circuit's medical center and subsequently transferred to the University Medical Center Groningen for further examinations.

According to a statement released by Aprilia, the rider underwent a detailed assessment by the MotoGP medical team, including the series' medical director, Dr. Ángel Charte. Initial clinical exams confirmed that the Italian rider remained conscious and retained normal mobility in all four limbs, showing no immediate signs of serious neurological or systemic complications.

Despite his condition initially appearing stable, severe pain and discomfort in the neck area following the impact led to the decision to send him to the hospital for specialized tests and a more comprehensive diagnosis to rule out potential injuries.

Beyond the physical consequences, his retirement from the Assen race also had a direct impact on the title fight. Failing to score points after the crash, Bezzecchi lost the championship lead to Jorge Martín, shifting the landscape of the battle for the World Championship.

Aprilia stated that further updates on the rider's condition will be released as soon as official medical reports become available.

by Autonews

HYUNDAI

Hyundai drops wagon, new hatchbacks and SUVs are coming

Hyundai is preparing to end the wagon story, as the aging i30 Wagon goes down in history.

Spy photos from last year suggested that the most practical version of the compact model could survive, but a new report says that this body style has no future after all.

The news comes not from someone who wished to remain anonymous, but directly from a high-ranking executive. Xavier Martinet, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, made it clear that wagons are not a priority for the brand, which marked the end of its last remaining representative.

Pointing to the weaker business case when compared with crossovers and the falling demand, Martinet added that Hyundai's compact model has been heavily used as a fleet vehicle in Europe. Because of its appeal to fleet operators, pricing pressure greatly limits profitability. Also known as the i30 Kombi, the longroof specification of the i30 isn't worthy of a successor.

Martinet's comments underline a broader industry trend that has seen two-row estates steadily lose ground to comparable sport utility vehicles of the crossover variety. Once a core part of a manufacturer's lineup, longroofs are increasingly being replaced by higher-riding models that offer pretty similar practicality while delivering noticeably stronger margins for their makers.

From a business perspective, Hyundai made the right call to give customers what they want. For now, the i30 Wagon continues to serve customers who still want a compact estate with better handling than its higher-riding equivalent in Hyundai Motor Europe's model range.

"There is a reason why we don't talk much about wagons, in this segment demand is not growing. The Hyundai i30 is a vehicle that has historically been mainly intended for fleets, where the price is often low and the profit is not so high," Martinet told Auto Express.

The European boss called global appetite for estate cars “minimal,” with buyers in China and the U.S. abandoning these body styles and instead turning to crossovers and SUVs. The math is no longer in the estate’s favor, and Hyundai has noticed.

Martinet explained that SUVs tend to bring in more money than estate cars, making it harder to argue for keeping the body style.

“You put your investment and R&D resources into projects that make the most sense. There is some demand for estate cars right now, but not a lot,” he said.

The Hyundai i30 estate, which is also sold under the Wagon, CW, SW and Kombi badges, is still on order books in European markets including Italy, France, Germany and Spain. However, Martinet’s comments suggest a quiet departure without a successor.

The estate has been part of the lineup since 2007, with the second and third generations arriving in 2011 and 2017, respectively. Under the hood, the i30 wagon shares its underpinnings with the Kia Ceed SportsWagon, which has already been discontinued.

While Hyundai isn't currently developing wagons, there's a lot going on behind the scenes. The South Korean brand will soon unveil the European version of its new i20 subcompact hatchback, which debuted in Brazil.

The older third-generation i30 is expected to receive a third facelift, but it's unclear whether the hatchback and fastback will be the same. The Elantra sedan could return to the Old Continent after an earlier departure.

In any case, the real focus is on the SUVs that are struggling to sell in Europe's busiest segments. The Bayon, Kona and Tucson are all set to get redesigned versions soon, each with sharper styling and the latest infotainment hardware.

Aside from weak demand, there’s another reason Hyundai isn’t allocating budget and resources to new wagons. Martinet admitted SUVs generate higher profit margins: “Usually we manage to make more money with an SUV than a station wagon.” While it’s easy to criticize automakers for launching the umpteenth crossover, that’s what buyers want, and it makes the company more money than a slow-selling wagon with a lower profit margin than an equivalent SUV.

That’s not to say wagons are dead. Europe remains the last bastion for long-roof models, and there are still plenty of compact and midsize estate cars for buyers who don’t want to deal with the downsides of an SUV. From the Volkswagen Golf Variant to the BMW 5 Series Touring, Europeans remain relatively spoiled for choice. Just last week, Audi brought back the A6 Allroad and gave it some RS6-worthy wide hips.

Even Hyundai’s sister brand Kia remains committed to the segment, launching the K4 Sportswagon in Europe as a replacement for the aging Ceed Sportswagon. It competes against models such as the Skoda Octavia Combi from the VW Group and the Peugeot 308 SW from Stellantis. It shows that the wagon isn’t completely dead, but there’s clearly more money to be made with SUVs.

Over in Germany, which is the largest new car market of the Old Continent, the i30 Kombi remains one of the most practical offerings in the segment. Combining a low-slung aesthetic with the cargo flexibility associated with station wagons, the i30 Kombi is adequately powerful and frugal as well.

Key figures include 110 kilowatts (148 horsepower) for the 1.6-liter turbo four-pot engine, seven forward speeds for the dual-clutch box, and 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers in the WLTP. In the United States, that would be 37 miles per gallon of dinosaur juice. Highlights also include digital connectivity and 10.3 inches of touchscreen infotainment.

Canned from the automaker's UK-market lineup in 2025, the i30 Estate targets car buyers who still prefer the lower driving position and better aero efficiency of a wagon over the likes of the Tucson and many other compact-sized crossovers. Just like the i30 Hatchback, the i30 Wagon is assembled in Czechia.

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech is located in Nosovice and serves as the company's sole production facility within the European Union. As of June 2026, the factory operates with a maximum capacity of 350,000 vehicles per annum.

The Tucson accounts for more than 75 percent of the production output, whereas the i30 range clocks a little over 10 percent as of this writing. Every single i30 undergoes dynamic evaluations on the facility's open-air test track before leaving the factory grounds.

Autonews

AUTONEWS

Electric Shell Triple 10 Challenge concept

Shell has quietly unveiled an electric concept called the Triple 10 Challenge, which it describes as "a groundbreaking vehicle concept designed to inspire a new design philosophy for the next generation of battery electric vehicles".

Designed to be compact and affordable, the car is named after three key goals. These include achieving 10 km/kWh, a lifetime CO2e footprint of 10 tonnes and a charging time of less than 10 minutes.

The car's battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent capacity in 9 minutes and 54 seconds. That's quite fast, and this time is achieved using a relatively common 175 kW DC fast charger.

The concept is also environmentally friendly thanks to its lightweight design, "optimised battery capacity" and the use of recyclable materials. Additionally, the EV is expected to use 100 percent renewable energy for charging, and the combination of these factors could lead to “a 50 percent reduction in lifecycle emissions compared to typical battery electric vehicles in the European market.”

When it comes to efficiency, Shell said the concept is “the first road-ready vehicle to successfully demonstrate the potential of a simplified, single-circuit cooling architecture to effectively manage the thermal load of the entire powertrain, even in the most extreme real-world fast-charging scenario.” This is actually the main point, because Shell has a new fluid it wants to sell.

In this case, it’s Recharge thermal fluid. The company said the dielectric fluid “enables direct immersion cooling of the battery and indirect cooling of drivetrain components, including the motor and electronics.” Shell claims the fluid has enabled it to “unlock the potential for faster charging, lighter systems and improved lifecycle efficiency, using technologies that already exist and are scalable.”

While specific figures were scarce, it was reported to have "more than a 30 percent improvement in overall energy efficiency compared to many current-generation EVs." Shell also noted that the battery pack cost has been reduced by about 25 percent thanks to an efficient design with fewer modules, a simplified housing architecture, and the company's own fluids.

Shell did not go into specifics, but confirmed that Empel Systems developed the electric motor and drive unit, while RML worked on the battery and integration.

Details are scarce, but the Triple 10 looks like a small five-door hatchback with an upright front end and a large light bar. There are also digital side mirrors, flush-mounted door handles, and wheels with a "fake" aluminum design. There is also a fluid roof and a minimalist interior with what looks like a rotary transmission.

The evolution of electric vehicles has followed a trend of increasing battery capacity to extend driving range. However, this strategy presents challenges, such as increased weight, higher costs, and a larger environmental footprint associated with cell production.

With the Triple 10 Challenge Concept Car, Shell proposes a different approach. Instead of relying on larger batteries, the company aims to demonstrate how advanced thermal management can significantly improve electric vehicle efficiency, enabling better performance with more compact batteries.

Shell’s "Triple 10" challenge...The concept's name is directly linked to three goals set by Shell:

Enabling the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in less than 10 minutes.

Achieving an energy efficiency of 10 kilometers per kWh.

Keeping the vehicle's total carbon footprint below 10 tonnes of CO2 equivalent over its lifecycle.

To meet these targets, the concept employs a suite of solutions focused on weight reduction and optimizing the battery's thermal performance.

Immersion cooling is the standout technology... One of the most innovative features of the Triple 10 Challenge Concept Car is its immersion cooling system. In this process, the battery cells come into direct contact with a dielectric fluid developed by Shell, which is capable of dissipating heat more efficiently than conventional systems.

By better controlling the battery temperature, the system can support higher charging power and reduce energy losses. According to the company, this solution can help extend cell longevity and improve the vehicle's overall performance.

Furthermore, the concept was designed to be exceptionally lightweight, weighing close to 1,000 kg—significantly less than many compact electric vehicles currently on the market.

RENAULT

Renault Kiger Evolution+ Turbo: Turbocharged petrol version for 7,335 euros

The already cheap subcompact Renault Kiger with a turbocharged petrol engine has become even more affordable in India with the new Evolution+ Turbo variant, which costs from 789,000 Indian rupees, or just 7,735 euros.

That's 146,000 rupees (1,360 euros) less than the price of the equally motorized Emotion Turbo version. And the Kiger Evolution+ can also be purchased with a naturally aspirated petrol engine, starting at 699,000 rupees (6,500 euros).

The Evolution+ trim level is based on the Evolution package, which brings LED daytime running lights and taillights, an 8-inch multimedia system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning, a rearview camera. The Plus adds keyless entry, a start/stop system, a height-adjustable driver's seat, wireless smartphone connectivity and automatic climate control.

The new trim brings with it a set of features that were previously limited to higher variants. These include a push start/stop button, automatic climate control, driver seat height adjustment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and light-embossed fabric upholstery. With the turbo manual Evolution+ priced at Rs. 7.89 lakh, Renault is also claiming that the Kiger Turbo is now the most accessible turbocharged powertrain the segment.

The Evolution+ sits above the Evolution trim in the lineup and is available across three powertrain options - the naturally aspirated petrol with a manual and an AMT, and the turbo petrol with a manual gearbox. The prices for the Evolution+ range from Rs. 6.99 lakh to Rs. 7.89 lakh, ex-showroom. The naturally aspirated 1.0-litre petrol produces 71bhp and 96Nm, while the turbo petrol unit puts out 99bhp and 160Nm. 

The second significant addition is the Techno variant with a five-speed manual gearbox. Until now, the Techno was available exclusively with the turbo petrol CVT combination. The new manual option is priced at Rs. 8.45 lakh, ex-showroom, approximately Rs. 90,000 less than the CVT version giving buyers who prefer a manual gearbox access to the Techno's feature list without the automatic premium.

Under the hood is a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder petrol engine (100 hp, 160 Nm), mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT for an additional 90,000 rupees (840 euros). A cheaper option is a naturally aspirated engine of the same displacement (72 hp, 96 Nm), combined with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, and the 3.99-meter-long subcompact is also available in a compressed natural gas (CNG) version.

Naturally aspirated lineup widens...The NA petrol Kiger range has grown from six to eight variants, offering both manual and AMT transmissions. Prices start from Rs 5.81 lakh for the base Authentic MT and go up to Rs 8.45 lakh for the Emotion MT. This broader spread allows customers to choose configurations that match their budget and feature requirements more closely.

Renault has expanded the turbo-petrol Kiger lineup from three to five variants, lowering the entry price to Rs 7.89 lakh with the Evolution+ Turbo MT. The Techno Turbo variant now offers a five-speed manual gearbox, priced at Rs 8.45 lakh, about Rs 90,000 less than its CVT counterpart. This move targets buyers seeking performance-oriented SUVs without the automatic premium.

Renault India’s VP – Sales and Marketing, Francisco Hidalgo, emphasised that the update aims to make turbo performance, premium features, and greater choice more accessible. He noted that accessibility now goes beyond price, focusing on a complete and rewarding ownership experience. The strategy reflects Renault’s effort to democratise technology and features in the competitive B-SUV segment. Thrust Zone + 4

At Renault, our focus has always been on making innovation and mobility more accessible to customers. With the New Kiger range, we are taking this commitment further by bringing turbo performance, premium features, and greater choice within easier reach. As customer expectations continue to evolve, accessibility today goes beyond price—it is about enabling a more complete and rewarding ownership experience. This update reflects our effort to democratise features and technologies that matter most, while staying true to Kiger’s core promise of performance...Francisco Hidalgo,VP – Sales and Marketing 

 

Autonews