Autoesque

2020 marks twenty years since the original Exige was launched. Such a birthday is worthy of celebration, so Lotus has created the logically-named Exige Sport 410 20th Anniversary.

It’s still only June 2020, but already the contenders for the 2021 North American Car of the Year, Truck of the Year and Utility Vehicle of the Year have been announced.

Vauxhall has introduced the pure-electric Vivaro-e Life, which can carry up to nine people across three rows of seats.

Seat Mó is the name of the Spanish manufacturer’s new urban mobility sub-brand. Its first three products – all electric two-wheelers – are the eScooter 125, eKickScooter 25 and eKickScooter 65.

Whereas the previous BT-50 was based on the Ford Ranger, the all-new model is a reworked Isuzu D-Max .

Twenty-five years ago today, a McLaren F1 GTR driven by JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas and Masanori Sekiya finished first in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. What’s more, other examples of McLaren’s remarkable car – which was competing in the GT1 class against faster prototypes – secured the third, fourth and fifth places. Heavy rain over that June weekend undoubtedly helped, but it was nevertheless a dominant display.

Ford has introduced a couple of new trim grades to tempt van buyers.

Some drivers need a modicum of off-road capability, but they don’t want the bulk of an SUV. For them, ‘lifestyle’ estate cars like the new Octavia Scout provide a perfect solution.

Fiat has begun accepting reservations for the all-new electric Fiat 500 hatchback. As per the convertible model – which was announced in March – availability will be restricted initially to a special launch edition called La Prima.

A revised Kia Picanto city car is due to go on sale in Europe during the fourth quarter of this year. The changes focus on technology upgrades and new powertrains, but there are some styling tweaks as well.

Toyota has announced a series of updates for its Hilux pick-up. The most obvious changes are at the front, where the grille and bumper have been redesigned to give a more purposeful appearance. LED headlights are available for the first time, too.

It was only launched in February 2018, but already the fourth-generation Santa Fe is getting some significant updates. They include revised styling, the arrival of electrified powertrains and, remarkably, an all-new platform.

Lancia’s sole surviving model – which is only sold in Italy – is now available as a mild hybrid. Named the Ypsilon Hybrid EcoChic, the new arrival features the same powertrain as the Fiat 500 Hybrid and Panda Hybrid .

SsangYong has announced a more practical version of the Musso pick-up. As its name denotes, the new Rhino LWB benefits from a 110 mm (4.3”) wheelbase stretch.

Fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac has collaborated with Citroën to create the C1 JCC+. Based on the five-door Flair variant, it boasts a unique look and an enhanced specification.

Volkswagen has previously designed and built plenty of models in South America, but none of them have ever been offered in Europe. The all-new Nivus is going to change that situation.