Chris Infotainment

A Unique Driving Experience with Kia’s PV5 Passenger Driving Kia’s first Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV), the ‘PV5 Passenger,’ felt like operating a quiet school shuttle bus. Over the course of approximately 100 km in the Seoul-Gyeonggi area, from the 1st to the 4th of last month, I had the opportunity to experience this innovative vehicle firsthand. Spacious and Versatile Interior One of the most notable features of the PV5 Passenger is its spaciousness . The design includes an additional small window between the front windshield and the driver’s side window, which provides an open view from the driver's seat. This thoughtful addition enhances visibility without compromising on safety or aesthetics. Passengers can enjoy a generous interior space, thanks to a wheelbase of 2,995 mm. The flexible seat arrangement allows for various configurations. Folding the second-row seats transforms the vehicle into a large camping car, while unfolding them turns it into a multipurpose vehicle s...

On the 8th, local time, near Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, U.S., Motional, Hyundai Motor Group’s U.S. subsidiary specializing in autonomous driving technology, publicly unveiled its driverless robo-taxi technology to the press for the first time. The event took place at the Motional Technical Center. The atmosphere was heavy from the start, with a minimum temperature around 3 degrees Celsius, making it chilly. Local weather forecasts predicted light rain or graupel, and strong gusts of wind delayed the boarding by about an hour. This mirrored the current situation in the autonomous driving market, where Hyundai Motor Group and Motional are facing stiff competition. Google’s Waymo, a leader in the field, has already begun commercial operations in major U.S. cities and announced plans to expand into global hubs like London and Tokyo by the end of this year. Baidu’s “Apollo Go” in China, backed by full government support, has secured vast data domestically and expanded ...

Mazda is making a strong push into the electric vehicle market with the help of its Chinese partner. The Japanese automaker is set to introduce a new electric mid-size SUV in Europe this year, although it will not be available in the United States. This model, the CX-6e, is positioned to compete with popular electric vehicles such as the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX3, and Audi Q4 e-tron. The CX-6e features an attractive design and a high-tech interior that promises to impress drivers. Mazda has been slower to enter the electric vehicle market compared to some of its competitors, but it is now accelerating its efforts in a sector where being late can have significant consequences. Following the launch of the sleek 6e sedan in Europe and China last year, Mazda is now introducing another appealing EV, the CX-6e crossover. First showcased in China under the name EZ-60, the European-spec CX-6e made its debut at the Brussels Motor Show on Friday. This model will be manufactured in China by Mazda...

Kia has unveiled new GT versions of its EV3, EV4, and EV5 models, offering a more powerful driving experience than before. While these GT models may not match the high-performance expectations set by some competitors, they still deliver impressive speed and numerous enhancements. The EV3 GT and EV4 GT are equipped with dual-motor systems that produce 282 horsepower each, while the larger EV5 GT boasts 302 horsepower. Production for all three models is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026. Although the power figures for the GT versions are not as extreme as those seen in other high-performance electric vehicles, they represent a significant upgrade from the single-motor, front-wheel-drive configurations previously available. Until now, only single-motor versions of the EV3, EV4, and EV5 were on the market, and the focus was more on efficiency and comfort rather than driver engagement. The introduction of the GT models signals a shift in Kia's approach, aiming to provi...

Hyundai has introduced its most advanced electric vehicle to date, the Staria Electric. This futuristic minivan is designed to offer a blend of practicality and innovation, making it a strong contender in the growing electric vehicle market. The Hyundai Staria Electric is equipped with an 84-kilowatt-hour battery that provides a WLTP combined range of up to 248 miles on a single charge. While this range is impressive, what truly sets the Staria Electric apart is its unique combination of features and performance capabilities. Unlike some of Hyundai's other electric models, the Staria Electric is not built on the E-GMP platform. However, it incorporates key elements from this platform, including the 800-volt electrical architecture. This design choice allows for faster charging times compared to many of its competitors, which typically use 400-volt systems. One of the standout features of the Staria Electric is its front-wheel drive configuration. It is powered by a 214-horsepow...

Kia has launched its most affordable electric vehicle to date, the new Kia EV2. This B-segment electric crossover is set to be a significant player in the European market, with an expected starting price of around $35,000 (€30,000). The car will go on sale next month and is positioned as the cheapest new EV from the Korean automaker. The EV2 is based on the E-GMP platform, which also powers models like the EV3 and EV4. It features two battery options, making it a versatile choice for different driving needs. The Standard Range model comes with a 42.2-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering an estimated WLTP range of 197 miles (317 kilometers). The Long Range version includes a larger 61-kWh battery, providing up to 278 miles (448 km) of range. One of the standout features of the EV2 is its ability to charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. This fast-charging capability makes it ideal for drivers who need a quick top-up during their daily commutes or longer trips. Additionally, the E...

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is set to begin shipping early next year, with the most expensive configuration adding $3,255 to the base price. The new model can now be customized through the automaker’s website, allowing customers to explore all available options and pricing details for each additional feature. The base model, the Bolt LT, starts at $28,995, including destination charges. It comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic high beams, and an 11.3-inch infotainment screen. The online configurator has been launched, giving buyers a clear view of what they can expect from the vehicle. It's important to note that this is not a Porsche, where endless optional packages and minute cost details are available. Instead, the new Bolt, much like its predecessor, is designed for the average consumer. This means the online configurator offers limited customization options, focusing on practical features rather than extensive personalization. There are only two trims available:...

The Vision Meta Turismo is an edgy fastback with a lounge-like interior and a huge greenhouse. This concept car represents Kia's vision for a new era of mobility, blending futuristic design with innovative technology. The vehicle features a spacious greenhouse, which allows for an abundance of natural light, and a luxurious interior that feels more like a lounge than a traditional car cabin. Kia celebrated its 80th anniversary with the release of this concept, showcasing its commitment to innovation and forward-thinking design. The Vision Meta Turismo is not just a car; it’s a statement about where the automotive industry is headed. With its sleek lines and futuristic elements, it looks like a car from the future that somehow made its way to 2025. The EV has a huge greenhouse, lounge seats, and a fighter jet-like joystick. One of the most striking features of the Vision Meta Turismo is its driver interface. Instead of a traditional steering wheel, the car features a D-shaped s...

Kia PV5 Wins Prestigious Award Kia has made a significant mark in the automotive industry by announcing that its ‘The Kia PV5’ passenger model has been awarded the ‘Family Car of the Year’ at the 2026 Top Gear Awards. This prestigious recognition was given by the UK-based automotive media outlet Top Gear . The PV5 is Kia’s first purpose-built electric vehicle (PBV), specifically designed for electrification. This achievement is particularly notable as it marks the first time a van has been chosen as the Family Car of the Year by the Top Gear Awards. Traditionally, the category has been dominated by SUVs and passenger cars, but the PV5 managed to outperform these segments and claim the title. A spokesperson from Kia highlighted, “This result reflects how Kia’s DNA—practicality inherited from the Bongo, space utilization from the Carnival, and functionality—has been seamlessly integrated into the PV5.” Hyundai's Casper Electric Recognized In addition to Kia’s success, Hyundai Mo...

A New Benchmark in Luxury Electric Saloons BMW’s i7 M70 xDrive represents the pinnacle of electric luxury saloons, combining comfort, performance, and sustainability in a way that redefines what drivers can expect from an electric vehicle. The 7 Series has long been a symbol of excellence in the luxury segment since its debut in 1977, offering a unique blend of elegance, driving dynamics, and innovation. With the introduction of the i7, BMW has taken this legacy further by integrating sustainability into its design. The i7 comes in three variants: the i7 eDrive50, the i7 eDrive50 M Sport Edition, and the top-of-the-line i7 M70 xDrive. This model is particularly appealing to those who want more power without sacrificing the refined experience that BMW is known for. As a luxury saloon, the i7 M70 xDrive delivers a powerful performance. It boasts 660 horsepower and 1,100Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds. The vehicle's battery, with a cap...

Genesis Makes a Bold Move in the High-Performance Vehicle Market Genesis, South Korea’s first independent luxury automobile brand, has made a significant impact in the high-performance vehicle market as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. In a sector dominated by well-established names like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, Genesis has managed to secure the 10th position among luxury brands within just a decade. This achievement has helped Hyundai Motor Company rise to become the world’s third-largest automaker by sales volume and the second-most profitable, following Toyota and Volkswagen. The brand was led by Chung Eui-sun, the chairman of the Hyundai Motor Group, who oversaw the entire pre-launch process, from initial planning to recruiting external personnel and restructuring the organization. High-Performance Model to Launch Next January At a 10th-anniversary event for Genesis held near Le Castellet in southern France, Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the GV60 Magma...

Introduction to the Self-Driving Shuttle Trial in Tokyo Tokyo is set to witness a significant step forward in the integration of autonomous technology into public transportation. The Japanese government has announced a trial starting on Thursday, where self-driving vehicles will be used as a shuttle service for officials navigating the area around the Diet, which is the country's parliamentary complex. This initiative aims to evaluate the practicality and reliability of self-driving technology in real-world conditions. Overview of the Trial The one-month demonstration will focus on the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) assessing the technical aspects of Level 2 self-driving vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a "hands-off" function, meaning they can operate with minimal human intervention. However, it's important to note that at Level 2, or partial automation, the system controls the steering, accelerator, and brakes to allow the vehicle to fol...

A South Korean autonomous truck is currently making a 2,000 km journey from Texas to Florida in the United States. This feat marks the culmination of a challenge that began in June of last year when three developers from the autonomous truck startup Mars Auto traveled to the U.S. They purchased and modified used trucks, rented accommodations with empty lots to work, and despite complaints from neighbors, they adapted their technology to the U.S. environment. Through persistent efforts, they visited transportation companies one by one to explain their product, securing a contract within six months in a market dominated by American firms. President Park Il-su of Mars Auto described this period as the most difficult since the company’s founding. Mars Auto has been selected as the project manager for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources’ 18.2 billion won-scale “Large Truck Autonomous Driving Commercialization Technology Development” project. The goal is to enable unmanned freigh...

A Controversial Notice Sparks Debate A recent controversy has sparked heated discussions online after an apartment complex issued a notice prohibiting compact cars from parking in regular vehicle parking zones. The incident has drawn attention from residents and netizens alike, raising questions about fairness, practicality, and legal compliance. The notice, titled “Strengthened Enforcement of Compact Car Parking Regulations in Underground Parking Lot,” was distributed by the apartment’s management office. It highlighted that while there are sufficient dedicated parking spaces for compact cars in the underground parking lot, complaints have been received regarding the shortage of regular vehicle parking spaces due to compact cars occupying those spots. The management office requested that compact car owners refrain from parking in regular vehicle parking spaces and cooperate with the new measures. According to the notice, all compact cars parked in regular vehicle parking spaces wo...