Ford's entry-level midsize pickup truck received small finishing improvements, especially in the interior, as well as exterior decoration items. It replaces the previous XLS version and the price of R$219,990 puts the Ranger Black in a privileged position compared to its direct competitors.
It kept the 4×2 traction specifications, six-speed automatic transmission and the same 170 hp and 41.2 kgf·m diesel engine unchanged, now also manufactured in Argentina, which tends to help reduce costs.
Inside, the steering wheel is covered in leather. The seats do not receive this material, but it has improved their appearance and the resistance of the upholstery. With a humorous detail on the sides of the front seats of Henry Ford's famous English phrase: “So long as it's black”.
He referred to the fact that the customer could choose any body color as long as it was black, at the beginning of the 20th century. In addition to standardization, the paint dried faster. Despite the name Black, the body colors are not limited to black: it can also be in white, silver and blue.
Basalt, third new Citroën product, tuned to the market
Coupe SUVs have been attracting attention and the Basalt caters to this segment. It's not exactly an SUV, but rather a crossover. But it manages to differentiate itself from the Fiat Fastback, both Stellantis products. There is a balance of lines with emphasis on the large lanterns that extend to the sides, the front optical assembly and the curvature of the roof.
Wheelbase, 2,645 mm (guarantees good internal space, especially for heads in the rear seat); length, 4,343 mm; width, 1,821 mm and height, 1,585 mm. Trunk capacity of 490 L is also very good, slightly lower than that of the Fastback (516 L).
Engine is the same from Fiat, 1 L turbo, 130 hp, 20.4 kgf·m (ethanol or gasoline) and also the same seven-speed CVT transmission. The factory indicates acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 s. This set proved to be well suited to urban and highway use, with immediate responses to the accelerator, well-sized brakes and precise steering during the first evaluation between São Paulo and Fazenda Capoava, in Itu (SP).
The steering wheel position, with good center definition, suffers from the lack of distance adjustment and undamped height adjustment (free fall). Suspensions are firm, maintain comfort on uneven floors, neither too hard nor too soft, within the high standard of Brazilian engineering in general.
The safety package, although reasonable, leaves out expensive items such as LED headlights and forward collision warning. On the other hand, it has competitive prices between R$89,900 and R$107,390.
Hyundai Creta 2025 receives first deeper update
Harmony of lines marks the first major aesthetic change of the second generation, which appeared three years ago. Grille, bumper, headlights and a strip of LEDs from one side to the other show an entirely new front.
At the rear, the Creta 2025 received interconnected lights with a great visual effect, which are completed with a redesigned bumper. There are new diamond alloy wheels. Inside, two integrated 10.25-inch screens stand out. Ultimate and N-Line versions were released simultaneously.
The external dimensions were maintained with a symbolic change of 20 mm in length. Mechanically, the new 1.6 turbo engine and direct injection replaced the previous 2-liter naturally aspirated engine in good time. Now it delivers 193 hp and 27 kgf·m, only in the gasoline version. Transmission is a seven-speed automatic with two clutches.
In the first evaluation in Itu (SP), with only the most powerful engine among all compact SUVs on the market, the change is very striking with immediate responses and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.8 s. Great stability in curves. Noise level, another highlight of the Creta's new engine. Security systems (ADAS, in English), tested separately, corresponded to expectations.
Maintained prices: R$141,890 to R$182,090. Only in the top Ultimate version, with the new engine, an additional R$2,000 (R$189,990)
BMW invests R$1.1 billion and confirms plug-in hybrid
Last April, the German manufacturer had already announced that it would produce the country's first premium plug-in hybrid here, as it began celebrating 10 years since the installation of the Araquari (SC) factory. Now, in addition to revealing the investment of R$1.1 billion, between 2025 and 2028, it confirmed the start of production of the plug-in hybrid X5 in the gasoline version.
Currently imported from the USA, national production of the medium-large SUV should begin in November. Milan Nedeljković, responsible for production and member of BMW's global management, at headquarters in Munich, came to Brazil to announce the disbursement and the start of sales in the coming weeks.
The director also did not rule out a future flex hybrid version that would be in the plans, if there is demand. BMW already has experience with this development since its first engines of this type, by designing the ethanol sensor next to the injection system, which is much more precise and reliable than the one commonly used after the catalyst.
There is also an intention to produce other models in the country and also hybrids, as confirmed by the president of the local operation Maru Escobedo. A competitive advantage of the German Bavarian brand is using the same body to offer cars with combustion, hybrid and electric engines. This was even recognized by the American newspaper The New York Times, stating that the strategy had an effect on sales, something that competitors doubted.
However, BMW has already displayed prototypes of a sedan and a crossover specifically for electric powertrains. Neue Klasse (New Class) should debut by 2026.
