News Roundup: Nov 17, 2025
- Adam Bernard
- Nov 18
- 5 min read
Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/BddWjJA3tkE
Peugeot’s New Shape
The Polygon EV concept previews the next-generation 208, as the first entry on the new STLA Small Platform in 2027. Originally previewed in the Fortnite video game universe—all the better to engage younger people with the brand—it features an exterior design inspired by the legendary 204. The trio of light of front light bars is an interpretation of Peugeot’s three-claw lighting signature, and there are front and rear animated micro LED screens. The gullwing doors allow easier entry and exit and reduce the number of required parts—but are still mechanically complex. The Goodyear tires feature laser engraving to allow bespoke customization, and the single piece 3D printed wheel covers made from recycled plastic.
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Most significant is the new Hypersquare steer-by-wire rectangular steering controller, part of the next generation i-cockpit design—which first appeared on the Inception concept in 2023. Lock to lock requires one full turn of the controller, compared to three turns on the current 208, and it features slower response at higher speeds for greater stability. There’s no IP cluster, but instead info projected from a micro LED panel to the base of the windshield—equivalent to 31” display. The seats are replaced with 3D printed racing shells and swappable molded foam, and the interior lacquer features components from recycled tires, while the entire cabin is covered in forged textile from recycled seats.
WHY IT MATTERS: The Polygon is intended to preview Peugeot’s new design language, but, more importantly, it launches the revolutionary—and likely controversial—Hypersquare steering controller, which Peugeot intends (so far) to roll out across the entire portfolio.
THE BOTTOM LINE: As edgy and as forward-thinking as you expect from a concept, so it will be interesting to see how much of the Polygon makes it into the 208.
Kia Telluride, Take Two
Kia’s 2nd-generation Telluride launches early next year, about seven years after the original, on a largely carryover platform. As with other recent Kias, the Telluride shoots for the moon with a bold and complex patterned grille with vertical headlamps and driving lights. The offroad-oriented X-Pro features blacked-out out wheelarches, mirrors, trim, and D pillars, with raised roof rails, all-terrain tires, and a 9.1” ground clearance. It’s slightly longer on a longer wheelbase, and slightly taller as well, with flush door handles and slim vertical taillight bars. There’s no word on the powertrain, but it’s likely to include Palisade’s 2.5L turbo hybrid and 3.5L V6 with 8-speed automatic.
Inside is a less angular interior with premium materials and nontraditional colors, like blackberry with sand beige and deep navy with Tuscan umber. It’s slightly roomier, with a new column shift, as well as “wood-like textures” and real metal accents. The cargo area features a folding luggage table with integrated ruler markings, adding additional functionality.
WHY IT MATTERS: The latest Hyundai Palisade took a significant step upmarket, so it’s logical for the Telluride to follow suit—and this is likely a high-margin vehicle for them that will help offset losses connected to the EV market. The upgraded X-Pro also takes on the various Tremor, AT4, and Rock Creek variants in this segment.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Boldly styled, improved functionality, upmarket interior, and a likely state-of-the-art hybrid combine to create a highly competitive family SUV.
Toyota Hilux Adds an EV Option
Toyota’s pickup everywhere but the US and Canada (where we get the Tacoma) enters its 9th generation late this year, now badged as Travo and coming out of Toyota’s Thailand plant. It’s not a complete makeover, however—the doors, glass, and roof are carried over from last year’s model. The ‘cyber Sumo’ design picks up cues from the Tacoma and 4Runner, with angular wheelarches and slim headlamps up front. It retains the full slate of configurations: two- and four-wheel-drive, with regular, extended, and crew cabs.
The upgraded IMV platform includes new electric power steering, new engine and cabin mounts for reduced vibrations, new front rail extensions for improved crash performance, and a revised suspension setup. While the 2.8L turbodiesel is carryover, the 2.7L gasoline L4 adds a mild hybrid—but what’s missing is any kind of strong hybrid. Instead, the Hilux gets an EV variant: a 59kWh battery—the largest that fits between the rails—150kW DC fast-charging, and a 193hp two-motor setup. Toyota estimates a 150-mile WLTP range, 3527lb towing, and 1576lb payload (which turns out to be about half the towing and one third the payload of an ICE Hilux). Finally, a hydrogen fuel cell variant due in 2028.
The Land Cruiser inspired interior features a new floating central touchscreen (8” or 12.3”) and a shift-by-wire gear selector (for the EV), while retaining physical HVAC and audio controls. The new T Mate ADAS technology includes Low Speed Acceleration Suppression, Proactive Driving Assist, and an Emergency Driving Stop System. Finally, the available Multi-Terrain Select system offers modes like Mud & Sand, Loose Rock, and Rock & Dirt to improve traction and control based on the off-road surface.
WHY IT MATTERS: This is a core product for Toyota around the world, and a segment leader, so they can’t afford to muck around. They are also the first major midsize truck brand to offer an EV (Isuzu announced one earlier this year).
THE BOTTOM LINE: The low range and reduced capability for the EV make Toyota’s choice (instead of, say, a plug-in hybrid) a perplexing one, and one which may backfire, especially in the face of the Ford Ranger PHEV. The rest of the truck seems to be suitably improved in terms of both design and technology which should ensure it remains at least competitive.
VW and XPeng’s First Collaboration
About two years ago, VW acquired 5% of Chinese startup XPeng for $700M as part of a plan to collaborate on vehicles for the Chinese market. The intent was to leverage VW’s brand and XPeng’s technical expertise in both EVs and connectivity—and we now see the first fruits of their collaboration. The ID Unyx 08 is a midsize SUV which joins the ID Unyx 07 compact sedan and the 06 compact SUV, based on the ID EVO concept shown at Shanghai earlier this year. The ID Unyx 08 launches next year in single and dual motor setups—up to 496hp—with two LFP battery options, and a maximum range of 434mi CLTC (~325mi EPA). VW claims the automated driving tech can pick up a driver at a parking lot, and is targeting eventual L3 capability. The new SUV leverages the 800V architecture underpinning the Xpeng G9—providing 300kW fast charging, or 10-80% in 20min.
WHY IT MATTERS: The VW/XPeng collaboration is one of several collaborations between western legacy automakers and Chinese automakers. With the size of the Chinese market and VW sales in China down 34% in H1 2025, this can’t happen soon enough. The biggest problem is that VW’s initial plan—to use their own MEB and PPE architectures—has shifted, resulting in lower volumes projections for those platforms, which impacts their business case.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The ID Unyx 08 may have an odd name, but it’s handsome and seems to be technologically competitive with other midsize SUV EVs, and should do well for VW in China.
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