News Roundup: Jan 19, 2026
- Adam Bernard
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
Check out the video: https://youtu.be/uwlOUMrMXu0
Kia Goes Small
The KIA EV2 is a compact electric vehicle that builds on the platform and design cues of the larger EV3, offering a smaller footprint than the outgoing Soul EV and launching in Europe at under €30,000. Notable features include flush doorhandles, a rising beltline, up to 19-inch wheels, and low-mounted taillamps for easier rear access. Powered by the front-wheel-drive EGMP-derived platform, it offers battery options of 42 or 61 kWh, 145 horsepower, but no all-wheel drive. Charging from 10–80% takes just 30 minutes thanks to its 400V system, and it boasts a WLTP range of 278 miles (about 240 miles EPA). The EV2 supports V2L and V2G, Plug&Charge, and will be available in Europe and Asia later this year. Inside, it features a picnic basket-inspired layout with flexible seating, two-tone fabric trim, twin 12.3-inch displays, ambient lighting synced to turn signals, and a suite of advanced tech including adaptive cruise, surround-view cameras, Harman/Kardon audio, and digital key.
WHY IT MATTERS: Kia has been among the most aggressive brands in the EV space, and show few signs of slowing down as other automakers delay or cancel programs. The EV2, while not as cheap as some of the new European entries, does give Kia a more affordable entry-and the expected EV1 will be even less expensive.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Just about everything you like about the EV3 in a smaller and less expensive package, and a strong competitor to the new wave of affordable European EVs.
VW Goes Big
The VW ID.ERA 9X is a full-size flagship SUV from SAIC VW, based on the ID.ERA concept, but with design cues that lean more toward Range Rover and generic Chinese styling than traditional VW identity. Measuring nearly as large as a Chevy Tahoe and weighing up to 6,000 pounds, it offers three EREV options, all using a 1.5L Miller cycle turbo engine. The base model delivers 295 horsepower, with a 51 kWh LFP battery for about 125 miles EPA range; there’s an available 65 kWh NMC battery for up to 185 miles, and a 510 horsepower dual motor variant. The concept also featured advanced air suspension with AI predictive damping-but it’s not clear if that made into production. Inside, the premium but somewhat generic cabin includes a low-profile instrument cluster, twin touchscreens, three rows with six seats, and an optional roof-mounted screen for rear passengers.
WHY IT MATTERS: Unlike some legacy automakers pulling back from China in the face of increasingly competitive Chinese brands, VW is all in, and this is the first of several JV-developed entries for the brand. Given the somewhat generic looks and premium price, however, is VW straying from it’s “people’s car” roots?
THE BOTTOM LINE: Highly competent but not necessarily best-in-class in any particular area, the most important thing about the ID.Era 9X is its EREV powertrain-so look for more of this technology for VW in China.
Renault’s New Flagship Skips Europe
The Filante is Renault’s new flagship SUV, positioned above Europe’s Rafale SUV coupe but destined for Korea, South America, and the Middle East as part of Renault’s €3 billion international expansion. This two-row, long-roofed midsize SUV features a unique face influenced by Korean tastes and is named after a recent record-breaking EV concept. Built in Korea on Geely’s CMA architecture, it uses Geely’s 1.5L 247hp turbo hybrid powertrain and introduces new safety tech to Renault, such as emergency steering assist and child presence detection. The interior boasts three screens, a floating dashboard speaker, console-mounted shifter, satin-finish inserts, laser-engraved trim, and a backlit Filante logo. It also offers trizone climate control, air purification, Bose audio, a full suite of ADAS, and a world-first XR in-car video game experience.
WHY IT MATTERS: Renault has realized they can’t rely entirely on Europe, nor can they rely on tweaked European products to succeed in other markets. The collaboration with Geely is not likely to be the last, and should improve Renault’s standing in its international markets.
THE BOTTOM LINE: High tech, efficient, and stylish, it’s a shame that Europeans can’t get their hands on this flagship-but then, Renault’s history of bigger, premium vehicles in Europe is rather sad, so maybe it works out for the best.
Ford Hits the Detroit Auto Show
At the Detroit Auto Show, Ford stood out as the only automaker to host a press event and product reveal. The Mustang Dark Horse SC, replacing the Shelby GT500, sits between the Dark Horse and GTD, featuring a detuned GTD supercharged 5.2L flat-plane crank V8 (likely well over 700 horsepower) and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It sports a new aluminum hood, fascia, underbody venting, Magneride dampers, and magnesium strut tower brace, with a track pack that adds a spoiler, carbon fiber wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, and cuts 150 pounds. The Bronco RTR, or “ready to rock,” is positioned as a “Bronco Raptor Lite”, with Ecoboost L4, anti-lag tech, 33-inch tires, and unique styling, plus an available Sasquatch package with 35-inch tires, Fox dampers, and locking front differential. The Bronco RTR starts at $52,000, well below the Bronco Raptor.
WHY IT MATTERS: Ford now wants to position themselves as an offroad leader, selling more 4x4s than either Chevrolet or Jeep, so look for additional offroad-focused variants across the portfolio. The Dark Horse SC represents Ford’s commitment to the ICE Mustang, while Chevrolet and Ford have largely abandoned this part of the market.
THE BOTTOM LINE: While it would have been more dramatic to see a new production or concept car at Detroit, at least Ford brought a couple of fun new toys to show off.
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