News Roundup: June 23, 2025

On video: https://youtu.be/DCYMucHYf4o

Nissan Reboots the Leaf

Remember the original Leaf, way back in 2010? The first mass-market EV in the US was a small hatchback with odd looks and middling performance; a significant makeover in 2017 kept much of the structure but add more tech, better performance, and more modern looks. Now, Nissan has rebooted the Leaf as a small SUV, with a slightly smaller footprint than the outgoing hatchback and now using the AMPR Medium (a/k/a CMF-EV) platform used by the larger Nissan Ariya. The "Timeless Japanese Futurism" design includes a fastback profile, reasonably low 0.26 Cd, and optional front lightbar. Bells and whistles include a panoramic dimming glass roof, a 3-in-1 powertrain unit that's smoother and lighter, new liquid-cooled batteries, an EPA range of up to 303 miles, V2L capability, and a decent 150 kW charge rate. Inside the flat-floored interior you'll find dual touchscreens but not handsfree ProPilot driving. It's built in either the UK or the US, with no info on price--but it will come in cheaper than the $40,000 Ariya.

WHY IT MATTERS: Nissan was a pioneer in EVs but never followed through on their grand plans; remember the Infiniti EV concept that never made it to production. With the updated Chevy Bolt and new Kia EV3 on the horizon--and Ford's new affordable EV platform about two years away from launch--the new Leaf hits the trends of zero emissions, SUVs, and affordability, at a time when Nissan is struggling in the market.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The new Leaf hits all the right notes: better looks, faster charging, longer range, and a more functional package. Established EV players should take note...

Audi's 3rd Generation Q3

Having abandoned plans to kick internal combustion engines to the curb in 2033, Audi has remade one of their best sellers (which will now be the entry-level ICE Audi once the A1 and Q2 disappear). The updated look uses an evolution of VW Group's MQB architecture, and the Q3 now gets available matrix headlamps with a module employing 25,600 microLEDs. Under the hood you'll find mild hybrids, a 2.0L turbo, or a new longer-range PHEV. Cool tech includes a cooled wireless charging pad for your phone, a sliding rear seat, and a digital assistant with an avatar on the central touchscreen. A clever steering column module replaces conventional stalks and includes controls for turn signals, gear shifting, wiper, and washer, and the interior includes an assortment of sustainable materials.

WHY IT MATTERS: Mercedes and BMW aren't abandoning the entry-level ICE market, so it behooves Audi to keep at least one entry there--and Audi's decision to avoid an all-EV portfolio mirrors what many other luxury brands are deciding. Fortunately, Audi has a strong background in hybrid technology--but expect other luxury brands to make comparable gains in EV range for their PHEVs.

THE BOTTOM LINE: There's nothing radically new here (aside, perhaps, for the steering column module), but the Q3 was already reasonably competitive, so this is largely more of the same.

Lada Azimut

The over 50-year-old Russian brand--that was briefly owned by Renault from 2016 to 2022 before Russia reacquired it--is launching its first new SUV in nearly 30 years. The rugged, edgy design is not dissimilar to Romania's Dacia, but under the hood it's decidedly old-tech, with naturally aspirated, unelectrified four-cylinder engines topping out at 132hp. At least there's still a 6-speed manual available! The ten-year-old Vesta platform gets a new rear suspension, and the interior gets upgraded with color and a 10" touchscreen. However, at $32,000+, it's quite a bit pricier than the $14,000 Niva.

WHY IT MATTERS: With many western automakers having abandoned Russia, Chinese automakers have stepped in, putting the pressure on Lada. The Azimut is definitely a modern small SUV but the Chinese already seem to be ahead of the curve with their latest products (even those that aren't EVs).

THE BOTTOM LINE: You can teach an old dog new tricks, but perhaps these tricks aren't new enough.