Combining the old with the new. Or simply: "A return to the roots", as Chief Engineer Keita Moritsu aptly describes it. When a car has such a long - and successful - history as the Toyota Land Cruiser, this works particularly well, of course. The model has been around since 1951 and over 11 million units have already been sold in more than 170 countries.

The new generation of the Land Cruiser returns to tried and tested values. The body parts have a simple design and can be easily replaced if damaged. The headlights, radiator grille and rear lights are positioned high so that they are not damaged when driving off-road.

And despite the modern design, the Land Cruiser relies on proven and robust technology: a ladder-type steel frame, permanent all-wheel drive, mechanical differential locks and a decoupling stabilizer bar. The package is complemented by modern technologies such as a camera system with all-round visibility and an automatic creep mode for the 8-speed automatic transmission. The new Land Cruiser is powered by the familiar 2.8-liter diesel engine with a choice of 151 kW/205 hp or 169 kW/230 hp and a fuel consumption of 10.3 to 10.6 l/100 km.

The principle of "form follows function" has been the Toyota Land Cruiser's recipe for success for over 70 years. This still applies today and is particularly clear in the interior: there are many buttons and each of them has a clear function. This makes operation much easier and more intuitive than a touchscreen with countless functions and menus.

The character of the Land Cruiser may be rustic - but the prices are top class: the weaker engine version is available from 69,900 francs. For the more powerful engine in the upscale "Invincible" equipment, the price is at least 91,700 francs.

At the heart of the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the completely revised plug-in hybrid powertrain - which boasts an extended range with instant acceleration and minimal engine noise in the interior. The system, which has a 40 percent increase in system output and therefore now has 225 kW or 302 hp, combines a four-cylinder petrol engine, two high-performance electric motors and a larger lithium-ion battery pack. The traction battery now has a total capacity of 22.7 kWh. More power also requires good handling, which is why there have also been improvements to the chassis. The braking performance of the robust yet elegant Japanese model has also been increased with larger brake discs.

The new Outlander PHEV is equipped with seven selectable driving modes, each of which is tailored to offer optimum driving behavior on any road, any surface and under different conditions, be it "Normal", "Eco", "Power", "Tarmac", "Gravel" or even "Snow" and "Mud". The vehicle has an intelligent S-AWC system (Super All Wheel Control), which was developed on the basis of knowledge gained from rallying. It ensures an uncompromising and pleasant driving experience as well as optimum torque distribution between the front and rear axles, as the electric motor is positioned on each axle, which would not be possible with a conventional all-wheel drive system with cardan shaft.

The SUV also leaves nothing to be desired in terms of passive safety: its structure is reinforced with ultra-high-strength steel in key areas. The Outlander also has several load path structures to improve the absorption of impact energy in the event of an emergency, as well as eight airbags. A wealth of assistance and safety systems also help to prevent accidents. And with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, occupants can bring their personal digital world into the interior of the new plug-in hybrid Mitsubishi. The comfort inside the fourth-generation Outlander is further enhanced by Dynamic Sound from audio equipment manufacturer Yamaha - an audio system with eight or twelve speakers that has been specially tailored to the interior.

The 4.72 m long, 1.86 m wide and 1.75 m high vehicle has a spacious interior, a sunroof and rear seats that can be rearranged and folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio depending on load requirements. The optimized trunk lid makes it easier to load the 495-litre load compartment, which can be extended to up to 1422 liters when the seats are folded down.

The new Mitsubishi SUV will be produced at the Okazaki plant (Japan) from the end of 2024. The service commitment includes a five-year warranty with a mileage of 100,000 km, which gives customers peace of mind and sets the New Outlander PHEV apart from the competition. Prices for the all-rounder, which is expected to arrive at Swiss dealerships from spring 2025, are not yet known.

There are very different reasons for the skepticism towards e-cars. Too expensive, short range, dubious resale value, long charging times - depending on the life situation, very different demands are placed on a car.

One argument you often hear is that there are no affordable electric cars that are suitable as a sole vehicle for the family. Either the electric cars are cheap but tiny, or they are large with a long range but cost a fortune. Kia now wants to solve this problem with the EV3: The SUV, which is only 4.30 meters long, offers a long range, a good amount of space for five people including a decent trunk (460 to 1251 liters) and should be affordable for many families. Sounds too good to be true? We went for a test drive.

Surprisingly spacious

You may or may not like the extravagant design of the Kia EV3 - but it certainly makes the Korean car stand out from the crowd in a refreshing way. You sit very comfortably in both rows of seats, and the engineers have made full use of the specific advantages of an electric platform. The cockpit is equipped with all kinds of digital gadgets and is easy to operate, while the materials in the interior, which contain a high proportion of recycled materials, have a clean finish. Depending on the variant, the equipment ranges from extensive to downright luxurious.

On the road, the EV3 is a pleasant companion, rolls comfortably and can be steered precisely through bends. The front-wheel drive vehicle is only available with one engine variant (150 kW/204 hp), but with two battery sizes (58.3 or 81.4 kWh). The larger one lasts for 605 WLTP kilometers, the smaller one for 436 kilometers. Charging takes place at 101 and 128 kW respectively - not particularly fast, but sufficient for a charging time of 10 to 80 percent in around half an hour.

So is the EV3 suitable as a solo car? For the average Swiss family, the answer is yes, absolutely. Whether you can afford it from 36,950 or 42,250 francs is a question for everyone to answer for themselves.

The Polestar 3 SUV is now followed by the more compact Polestar 4 coupé SUV. Despite its similar DNA, this model sets new accents - especially in the rear, where the absence of a rear window creates a unique feeling of space.

On the engine side, the Polestar 4 offers a simple choice: A single motor with 200 kW/272 hp or a dual motor where the values are doubled accordingly to 400 kW/544 hp. Both variants use a long-range battery with a capacity of 100 kWh and a range of up to 620 kilometers. Charging takes place with up to 200 kW at fast charging stations; 11 kW is standard at home - those who want 22 kW must order the Plus package.

The price difference between the two variants is exciting: single engine from 62,900 and dual engine for 70,900 francs. A moderate surcharge for an increase in power from 272 to 544 hp and an improvement in acceleration from 7.1 to 3.8 seconds. The performance package is also available as an option, including a firmer chassis and larger brakes.

As usual, great importance is attached to the interior, which is kept simple in typical Swedish style. The most striking visual feature is, of course, the absence of the rear window. But it is more than just a design gimmick. It makes the passengers in the rear feel as if they are enclosed in a space capsule. Thanks to the huge panoramic roof, plenty of light nevertheless penetrates the interior, which skillfully avoids the feeling of confinement.

This creates a unique feel-good atmosphere for the passengers, which is a pleasant contrast to conventional rear seat experiences. The seats in the rear are electrically adjustable - both lengthways and in terms of angle. They are positioned slightly higher, giving passengers a good view to the front. The result: a comfortable and luxurious cocoon that turns long journeys into a relaxing experience.

Things are going really well for Cupra at the moment: the compact Raval will soon be on the starting blocks, the Formentor was recently revised and the all-electric Tavascan celebrated its debut. The Terramar is now the next family SUV to be launched, as a combustion alternative to the Tavascan, so to speak.

The difference to the Tavascan is also clearly visible: while the latter has a progressive design, the Terramar is more conventional. The unusual "spine" in the interior has been dispensed with in favor of a classic center console, which offers significantly more utility. With up to 540 liters of trunk space, the Terramar is also more spacious than a Tavascan or the smaller Formentor. Nevertheless, Cupra's unmistakable design features are not missing: the striking "shark nose", the triangular lights and the new illuminated logo at the front and rear also characterize the look of the Terramar.

The engine range reflects Cupra's sporty character. The basis is a rather tame 1.5-liter mild hybrid with 110 kW/150 hp. However, there is also a powerful 2.0-liter petrol engine with 195 kW/265 hp and a 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid with 200 kW/272 hp to choose from. The more powerful variants then offer the sporty driving pleasure that one has come to expect from Cupra: the 2.0-liter petrol engine accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and offers a direct response, while the plug-in hybrid focuses more on efficiency and takes 7.3 seconds to sprint to 100 km/h. The PHEV is equipped with a 19.7 kWh battery, which enables a purely electric range of over 100 kilometers and can even be charged with up to 50 kW direct current for longer journeys.

The Terramar's suspension is sportily tuned without being overly harsh - after all, it remains a family SUV, even though it is named after the historic Sitges-Terramar racetrack near Barcelona. With steel springs, the ride is rather harsh, while the optional adaptive suspension offers a balanced alternative.

The Cupra Terramar is now available to order: The base engine starts at 45,950 francs, the 2.0 TSI at 57,750 francs and the PHEV at 59,800 francs.

Opel is reorganizing its model range: In the compact segment, the Corsa and Astra will continue to provide volume. In addition, there are three SUVs, namely the small Mokka, the recently presented Frontera and the Grandland. Following the end of production of the Insignia, this will become the brand's new top model. With a length of 4.65 meters and a wheelbase of 2.78 meters, the Grandland in its second generation is significantly larger than its predecessor and enters the upper compact SUV segment, in which the brand was previously not represented. The trunk capacity is up to 1645 liters.

Opel is also breaking new ground visually: the Rüsselsheim-based company calls the design concept "Compass", in which the crease on the hood intersects with the vertical axis of the headlights. The strikingly illuminated Blitz logo sits at the intersection behind a Plexiglas panel. At the rear, by the way, a prominent lettering replaces the logo - also illuminated.

The revised STLA-M platform from the Stellantis Group enables the new Grandland to be offered with three different drive concepts: as a 48-volt mild hybrid with 100 kW/136 hp, as a plug-in hybrid with 143 kW/195 hp and up to 88 kilometers of electric range and, for the first time, as a purely electric variant. The manufacturer promises a range of up to 545 kilometers with the smaller 73 kWh battery and 604 kilometers with the larger 82 kWh battery.

The powerful appearance of the Grandland raises high expectations, which it also lives up to on the road. Although the frequency-dependent shock absorbers are not adjustable, they adapt to the road conditions to a certain extent, so that the SUV combines comfortable driving with sporty road holding. The interior of the new Grandland shines with plenty of space and creative detail solutions, such as the "Pixelbox" - an inductive charging cradle for the cell phone behind a plexiglass panel. Although the display is visible, the driver is not tempted to operate the cell phone while driving.

The new Opel Grandland is available from 38,770 francs, while the plug-in hybrid costs at least 45,190 francs. The all-electric model is slightly cheaper, starting at 43,990 francs.

No, this is not the new Suzuki Ignis - even though the look is very similar to the recently discontinued Japanese model. It is the Inster, the latest small car model from Hyundai. If you don't recognize it straight away, you'll be forgiven, because the Koreans hardly follow a consistent design language, reinventing themselves with every model. The Inster combines a touch of retro with the practicality of a small car. There is also a fully electric drive and all this at a price of less than 24,000 francs.

With a length of just 3.83 meters, there is space for four people or up to 1059 liters of luggage. Depending on whether more space is required in the trunk or more knee room for passengers in the rear, the rear seat can be moved lengthways by 12 centimetres. In addition, all four seats can be completely folded down individually, so that there is even room for a mattress and the Inster becomes a mini camper.

Hyundai offers two engine versions for the Inster, either with 71 kW/97 hp and a 42 kWh battery or with 85 kW/115 hp and a 49 kWh battery. This enables the small car to accelerate to 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds - which is perfectly adequate for city traffic. Thanks to the short wheelbase of 2.58 meters and precise steering, the Inster is also agile on country roads and is even great fun to drive.

Thanks to its low consumption of 14.9 kWh/100 km, the Inster can cover up to 370 kilometers on a single charge. However, recharging takes place at a mere 85 kW, so that a charge from 10 to 80 percent takes a good half hour. This is less practical for long distances, but not a problem for an affordable city car like the Inster. The Inster also has to do without the expensive 800-volt architecture. However, Vehicle-to-Load is still on board, so that the coffee machine can be plugged in or the e-bike charged both inside and out.

The Hyundai Inster is now available for 23,990 Swiss francs in the basic "Origo" trim, with the more upmarket "Vertex" costing 33,500 Swiss francs. By the way: The "Cross" variant is also available, which does not turn the Inster into an off-road vehicle, but still offers a cool roof rack with an off-road look.

Seriously, would you admit to gaming on your smartphone? No, we wouldn't either. But we (almost) all do, because it's fun. At BMW and Mini, our playfulness has been professionally encouraged for around a year and a half now: AirConsole is already running in 500,000 BMWs and Minis worldwide (20,000 of them in Switzerland) and is already being praised as the leading car gaming platform.

The special feature: As was once the case with "I see something you don't see" or car type guessing, you can also play together instead of just alone. Pair your cell phone, scan the QR code on the infotainment, enter your name - then play along via smartphone. There's "GoKartGo!" (à la "Mario Kart"), "Who wants to be a millionaire?", jump-'n-run, puzzle or football games - or "Uno".

"To pass the time while charging an electric car, for example. And to have the fun that our vehicles are fun to drive, even when stationary," says Sergio Solero. Solero has been with BMW for 26 years, has held management positions in Italy, Asia and at Group headquarters in Munich - and has been CEO of BMW Switzerland since this year, Solero admits sympathetically and frankly: "My son pointed out to me that we have this."

The BMW Group Switzerland in Dielsdorf ZH is virtually at the source. The BMW headquarters in Munich (Germany) has not teamed up with Asian or American software giants to let us play cool games in the car, whether alone or together. Instead, it has teamed up with AirConsole, developed by the start-up N-Dream AG from Zurich, which currently has 20 employees. Speaking of 20: After other games, "Uno" recently celebrated its premiere as the 20th game for the car - and it speaks for AirConsole that Mattel, the world's second-largest game manufacturer after Lego, has awarded the license for in-car gaming to AirConsole.

What we find really great: The system is very intuitive and designed to be perfectly adapted to the conditions in the car. What's more, with AirConsole, it's no longer just the passengers on their smartphones: families can now play digital games together. The only downside is that this is still only possible when the car is stationary, for example at a charging station or in a traffic jam (the machine must be set to P). But it's probably only a matter of time before not the person at the wheel, of course, but all the other passengers will be able to play "Uno" together while the car is moving at full speed.

"MG is sending out a strong signal with the further expansion of its model range," explains Nicole Sahlmann, Brand Director MG at Astara Switzerland, as she welcomes us. "The ZS Hybrid+, HS and HS PHEV SUV models stand out with their everyday practicality, efficiency and excellent value for money." The two new volume models are intended to boost the once British, now Chinese brand. "MG is modern, fast, ambitious and versatile. And these are also the demands we place on our organization and our now eleven MG partners," adds MG boss Sahlmann confidently.

The MG ZS arrives on a completely new platform. The 4.43 meter long, 1.82 meter wide and 1.64 meter high compact SUV starts with a hybrid drive. The combination of a 102 hp 1.5-liter petrol engine, an electric motor with 136 hp (100 kW) and three-speed automatic transmission gets the ZS up to speed quite quickly. The front-wheel drive delivers a total of 195 hp and 465 Nm. The full hybrid delivers a good performance on the test lap in the Zurich region and sits firmly on the road. The stylish Chinese car also irons out most bumps well and is very comfortable to drive.

Even the entry-level version offers a comprehensive range of interior features and plenty of space thanks to the slightly longer wheelbase compared to the previous version (now 2.75 meters). The rear seats are very comfortable and offer plenty of legroom - and with 443 to 1457 liters, there is also plenty of storage space. "In the course of next year, the ZS will also be available as a pure combustion engine," reveals Laurent Féssy, Head of Marketing at MG. Visually, the new front with the striking radiator grille and the narrow full LED lights give the ZS a clearly more modern look. The price of the ZS starts at CHF 21,990. Even fully equipped with leather, 360-degree camera, heated front seats and steering wheel heating, dual-screen cockpit and 18-inch tires, the MG ZS Hybrid+ can be purchased as a "Luxury" from CHF 25,990.

If you need even more space and would prefer to drive a plug-in hybrid, you can opt for the MG HS. As a combustion engine, it boasts 507 to 1484 liters of storage space, and even the plug-in hybrid version offers 441 to 1219 liters. The mid-range SUV, which at first glance looks almost indistinguishable from the smaller ZS, combines a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine (142 hp) with a 183 hp electric drive. The system output of 339 hp quickly gets the SUV, which is 4.66 meters long and weighs around 1.5 tons, up to speed.

Thanks to a 21.4 kWh battery, the plug-in hybrid achieves up to 103 kilometers purely electrically according to the WLTP. And because the Chinese car still has an impressive fuel tank of 55 liters and a moderate thirst, it even cracks the 1000-kilometer range mark with a full tank and battery. And that's a good thing, because fast charging is not yet an issue with the HS. The PHEV "only" charges with alternating current (AC), which means it takes a little longer and is therefore better charged at home overnight at the wallbox. The price of the MG HS also makes you sit up and take notice: The plug-in hybrid starts at CHF 34,990!

"We sell the pure combustion engine from CHF 25,490," adds Laurent Féssy. "And the HS 2025 will also be available as a full hybrid." Whether as a plug-in hybrid or with the 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine with 170 hp and 275 Nm: the spacious SUV knows how to please on the test drive. A wide range of settings can also be made on the plug-in via the large 12.3 dual HD infotainment system. Regenerative braking can be increased or decreased according to preference. Three driving modes are available, as well as three steering settings ("Comfort", "Normal" and "Sport"), although the differences here are not too great. Almost more important than these settings: The touch display can also be used to stop the annoying warning tones for overspeeding or speed limit changes.

Incidentally, both MG models score points in the interior with their appealing finish and high-quality materials - and with a price-performance ratio that will probably make some competitors wonder. So if you can do without all-wheel drive, you should definitely take a closer look at the two SUVs - it could be worth it.

Honda has already introduced two e-models - after the small Honda e, the SUV with the cryptic name e:Ny1 is currently on offer. Neither of them have been particularly successful. But now things are moving forward: with the 0-Series (pronounced "Zero Series"), the Japanese company has presented a new electric platform on which seven new electric vehicles will be built from 2026. Honda wants to score points not so much with outstanding technical data or a new type of battery, but rather with particularly high efficiency thanks to a sophisticated production method and sophisticated aerodynamics.

The name 0-Series was chosen because Honda has set itself the goal of achieving zero environmental impact and zero fatal traffic accidents by 2050. The 0-Series vehicles are to play a key role in this - because they produce no local emissions and are also to be particularly safe. What's more, the Japanese have started development from scratch, in other words from a blank sheet of paper.

Radically efficient

The motto of the future electric cars from the manufacturer from Tokyo Prefecture is "Thin, light, wise". This should primarily refer to the efficiency of the future models - a clever, lightweight design made from particularly thin components, combined with clever aerodynamics and intelligent driving systems. The basis of the new electric platform is made from hot-pressed steel in a complex production process, which enables a particularly slim design and low overall height. "Our technological development approach is to make the structure of the components as thin and light as possible in order to realize a vehicle with a low height and short overhangs," explains Toshihiro Akiwa, who heads the development of battery electric models at Honda.

This includes the flattest possible battery unit in the vehicle floor, the housing of which is around 6 percent slimmer than before thanks to a special die-casting process and the use of 3D friction stir welding robots. Another core element are the so-called E-Axles, on which the electric motor and all necessary auxiliary units such as the inverter are positioned next to each other along the drive axle, forming a flat, horizontal unit. All of this enables efficient use of space, a low design and therefore particularly good aerodynamics.

Revolutionary design

According to development manager Kazohide Ito, the first models of the 0-Series will be 400-volt-based, but 800 volts will also be possible at a later date. Honda is also talking about standard ranges of around 300 miles, i.e. around 480 kilometers, and there will be single-engine or twin-engine models with rear or all-wheel drive. This is unlikely to knock the socks off competitors from the West, but especially the new competition from China. However, the new design language of the 0-Series is revolutionary, as the Saloon study shows - it is already very close to series production and anticipates the first model, which will be launched in 2026.

The elongated, flat body design, shaped by aerodynamics, changes the automobile as we know it from science fiction films as it drives along our roads today. This is also shown by the second study called Space Hub - however, the manufacturer did not want to specify whether this concept car of a large van with its futuristic interior concept is also close to series production. The upcoming CES in Las Vegas in January 2025 should provide a little more certainty as to what the Japanese company will actually bring to the road from 2026. Honda intends to unveil the first production model of the 0-Series there.