The All-New Mazda6e Unveiled

The all-new Mazda6e is the latest addition to Mazda’s fully electric lineup in Europe. A stylish electric hatchback with a fastback saloon style, the Mazda6e embodies a perfect balance between dynamic aesthetics and everyday practicality.

“The exterior is a true expression of its ‘Authentic Modern’ design philosophy,” explains Jo Stenuit, Director of Mazda’s European design studio in Oberursel, Germany. The vehicle’s sleek, coupé-inspired silhouette features a short rear deck, creating a sporty saloon-like appearance while maintaining the practicality of a five-door hatchback. It embodies harmony through contrast, balancing light and shadow, sharpness and roundness, to create a sense of dynamic motion even when stationary.

Mazda’s “Kodo – Soul of Motion” design language is brought to life through fluid surfaces and a low-slung profile, with parallel lines enhancing the car’s dynamic presence. This is further emphasised by the Aero-Fusiform shape—resembling a beautifully sculpted barrel, where all lines appear to converge at a single point. This seamless, flowing form reinforces the car’s aerodynamic elegance and sense of motion.

The sculpted door panels, inspired by the spray of a speedboat cutting through water, create a light-catching effect that further enhances the sense of movement. The rear end exudes power and stability, incorporating four distinct cylindrical taillight elements—a subtle homage to Mazda’s rich design heritage.

For the first time at Mazda, a glowing signature wing illuminates the Mazda6e’s front, featuring dynamic light animation as a visual charging indicator. The rear blends modern and classic design, with a horizontal line adding sleekness and width, while four cylindrical elements honour Mazda’s heritage.

Frameless doors and integrated handles enhance the seamless look, while an electrically extendable rear spoiler improves aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.

“The cabin of the Mazda6e is inspired by Japanese simplicity, built around the design principle of ‘ma’—the power of empty space,” says Jo Stenuit. “By intentionally creating emptiness, Mazda achieves a harmonious balance that enhances both aesthetics and functionality.”

A floating horizontal dashboard stretches across the cabin, creating a sense of openness and serenity, while the prominent centre console enhances driver focus and security. The interior design prioritises minimalism with depth, replacing excess buttons and screens with intuitive, thoughtful placement of controls.

The standard panoramic glass roof invites natural light into the cabin, reinforcing the expansive and airy feel. Tinted glass and heat insulation ensure comfort in all conditions. The sophisticated ambient lighting system, featuring 64 customisable colours, enhances the premium atmosphere with soft, indirect illumination.

The mono-form front seats, with their integrated headrests, deliver both modern elegance and exceptional comfort. Mazda offers a choice of high-quality upholstery: Beige or Black artificial leather in the Takumi trim, and luxurious Tan Nappa and Suede cloth woven fabric in the Takumi Plus trim. Subtle satin chrome accents and meticulous stitching complete the refined, sophisticated look.

The all-new Mazda6e is a masterclass in design, seamlessly blending form and function to create a vehicle that is as visually striking as it is practical. With its fluid exterior lines, cutting-edge lighting technology, and a minimalist yet luxurious interior, the Mazda6e represents the next chapter in Mazda’s design evolution.

Bridging tradition and innovation, the all-new Mazda6e marks a bold step into the electric future while staying true to the craftsmanship and aesthetic excellence that define the Mazda brand. Entering a new era, the Mazda6e is more than just a car—it is a statement of Mazda’s commitment to design, technology, and electrification.

The Mazda6e is the next chapter in Mazda’s EV story in Europe.

90 Years Of Škoda Superb

Ninety years ago, Škoda Auto began production of the Superb at its Mladá Boleslav plant. The model quickly became synonymous with a comfortable, refined, and dynamic driving experience, even on poor road surfaces. It impressed with its spacious interior – offering seating for up to seven passengers – generous equipment, and outstanding craftsmanship. Production continued until 1949. In 2001, the legendary name returned with the first modern-generation Škoda Superb. Now in its fourth generation, the Superb is available as a Hatch or Estate, featuring a choice of petrol and diesel engines, as well as mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The plug-in hybrid variants, the Superb Estate iV and Superb Hatch iV, offer an electric range of more than 75 miles. Customers can also opt for front- or all-wheel drive.

Technical innovation and progress: 1934–1949
In the spring of 1934, Škoda introduced a new generation of vehicles featuring a backbone chassis frame and independent wheel suspension. By the October of that year, the company had decided to name its flagship model ‘Superb’, catering to the most demanding customers. Series production commenced in Mladá Boleslav in March 1935. The first model, the Škoda 640 Superb, was powered by a six-cylinder engine producing 55 hp (40.5 kW). Right from the start, the Superb featured hydraulic brakes and a state-of-the-art 12V electrical system. The highlight of the range was a 96 hp (70.7 kW) 4.0-litre V8 engine. Offering generous space for up to seven passengers and their luggage, the Superb was available with various wheelbase lengths and body styles, including open-top and bespoke designs. By the time production ended in 1949, approximately 890 passenger cars and 1,630 military derivatives had been built – including a unique 4×4 version.

The Superb legacy: Four generations of innovation
The Superb reflects Škoda’s ongoing transformation over its 130-year history. After a 50-year hiatus, the name was revived in September 2001 with the introduction of the first modern-generation Škoda Superb. This saloon offered exceptional interior space and came with a range of engines producing between 85 kW and 142 kW (193 hp), including a range topping 2.8-litre V6 with Tiptronic automatic transmission and bi-xenon headlights for enhanced comfort and safety.

Subsequent generations, launched in 2008, 2015, and most recently in 2023, further developed the Superb’s legacy. The second generation introduced a more practical Hatch and, for the first time, an Estate version, offering more powerful yet efficient powertrains and extensive standard equipment. The third generation continued this trajectory, integrating advanced technologies and innovative design.

The Superb’s popularity has grown significantly across generations. The first modern generation, produced from 2001 to 2008, saw 137,000 units sold. Its successor, introduced in 2008 and available for the first time as both a saloon and an Estate, achieved 6,18,000 sales, with 65% of customers opting for the saloon. The third generation, launched in 2015, continued this strong growth course, with 805,000 units sold – 56% of which were Estate models.

Now in its fourth modern generation, the Superb continues to set new benchmarks. Customers can choose between Hatch and Estate body styles, with petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains and more than 65,000 have been sold at this time. The latest plug-in hybrid models offer an electric range of more than 75 miles (WLTP). Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, sustainable materials, and smart solutions like Smart Dials, the new Superb is designed for modern mobility.

A Spectacular Sunday At The DI EIMG Heritage Vehicle Display

The Dalhousie Institute (DI) and Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) in association with Concourz Restorations joined hands to organise the third edition of THE DI EIMG HERITAGE VEHICLE DISPLAY on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

The event was held at the lawn and the courtyard of The Dalhousie Institute where a bevy of 75 heritage vehicles including four and two wheelers were displayed.

The member of DI along with their guests were in for a visual treat as some rare and exotic heritage wheels made the onlookers drool in admiration and envy.

Established in 2020, EIMG has since been anchoring the revival of the heritage motoring movement in Kolkata. Under the leadership of Founder & President Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria (himself a collector & restorer of national repute) and his team, EIMG has been instrumental in organising some of the most widely appreciated and admired heritage motoring events in the city.

These stellar events has provided the much needed impetus to heritage vehicle owners and restorers to pursue their passion with added zest to ensure that these beauties turn up at each event looking their best.

Founded in 1859, The Dalhousie Institute is a venerable social club with a rich legacy and heritage of its own. It was just a matter of time that these two organization – DI and EIMG – came together to create an evening of automobile magic.

This collaboration was made possible with the effort of Mr. Shubhajit Kumar, EIMG Secretary and a collector himself – who acted as the bridge between DI and EIMG.

Kanoria had handpicked 75 heritage vehicles which was part of this grand display. The vehicles were segmented into four different categories namely Vintage Cars, Classic Cars, Indian Heritage Cars and Two Wheelers.

All the vehicles selected for this event were spectacular in their own right with significant historical importance.

Eight vintage Rolls-Royces including a rare Bentley graced the display, which included three Rolls-Royces from the Shrivardhan Kanoria Collection itself.

Other notable cars on display included an ultra rare 1934 SS1 Sports, 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, 1931 Chevrolet Big 6, 1937 Opel Cabrio, 1947 MG TC, 1950 Austin 8, 1958 Mercedes Ponton, and 1965 Hillman Imp.

The Thanksgiving Ceremony was conducted by EIMG President Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria wherein the beautiful mementos sponsored by Concourz Restorations were presented to the heritage vehicle owners and other important stakeholders.

In his thanksgiving address Mr. Kanoria said, “I would like to express my gratitude to the committee members of The Dalhousie Institute for their support and cooperation for making this event possible. Special mention to the Club President and Club Secretary. Heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Shubhajit Kumar for being instrumental for this collaboration between DI and EIMG. Lastly thank you to Telegraph T2 and Exide for supporting this event.”

The thanksgiving ceremony was followed by a sumptuous dinner hosted by EIMG President Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria.

Photographs by Mohammed Adnan Aslam

Volvo Car India Launches The New XC90

Volvo Car India has unveiled the new XC90, at SPL Volvo dealership in Kolkata, with an ex-showroom price of Rs. 1,02,89,900. The new XC90 showcases a suite of advanced technology and refined design elements, further elevating the award-winning and best-selling flagship SUV.

“This iconic SUV has long been a cornerstone of our success, and we are thrilled to unleash the new XC90 onto the Indian market,” stated Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director, Volvo Car India. “The SUV embodies the pinnacle of Swedish luxury and design, seamlessly integrating innovation and safety, the hallmarks of the Volvo brand. This vehicle delivers unparalleled comfort, spaciousness, versatility, and efficiency. Its refreshed, contemporary exterior design reinforces its commanding presence on the road.”

As with every Volvo, the new XC90 is designed to be one of the safest vehicles on the road. It features a robust safety cage and a comprehensive array of active safety technologies, ensuring the protection of occupants and other road users.

Utilizing the radar and front camera, the new XC90 can detect unintentional lane drifts and automatically steer the vehicle back into its lane, preventing potential collisions. It also includes run-off road mitigation and collision avoidance systems that can detect and react to other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.

The new XC90 delivers unparalleled driving experience, characterized by exceptional seating comfort and an upgraded standard suspension. The individual dampers now adapt mechanically to real-time road conditions, optimizing both comfort and stability for a confident and relaxed journey.

The optional air suspension system, working in conjunction with an active chassis, monitors the vehicle, road, and driver 500 times per second to ensure the most comfortable ride. This system allows ride height adjustments, lowering the vehicle by 20mm for improved aerodynamics or raising it by 40mm for challenging terrains. Enhanced insulation further reduces wind and road noise, creating a serene cabin environment.

The redesigned interior of the new XC90 reflects contemporary Scandinavian design, featuring a more horizontal dashboard with premium recycled material decorative panels and new vertical air vents. Enhanced ambient lighting adds to the luxurious ambiance.

A new 11.2-inch central touchscreen with higher resolution and an updated user interface provides seamless access to a range of features, apps, and over-the-air software updates.

“We are thrilled to unveil the new Volvo XC90 at our dealership today,” said Mr. Nikunj Sanwaria, Dealer Principal of SPL Volvo. “This iconic SUV sets a new standard for the luxury auto segment in the Indian market. We are confident that our customers will be impressed with the XC90’s advanced technology, refined interior, and unparalleled comfort. We invite everyone to visit our showroom and experience the magnificence for themselves.”

Volkswagen Provides Preview Of Entry-Level Electric Model

Since the Beetle, Volkswagen has been enabling affordable mobility for millions of people with compact and likeable cars. Now, with the world premiere of the ID. EVERY11 show car, the German car manufacturer is presenting an entry-level all-electric model. Volkswagen will launch the production version in 2027 – with a starting price of around 20,000 euros. The ID. 2all1 will be launched in the 25,000 euro class as early as in 2026. Both models are part of the new Electric Urban Car Family with front-wheel drive, which is being developed under the umbrella of the Core brand group in the Volkswagen Group. They are based on Volkswagen’s new modular electric drive platform: the MEB with front-wheel drive.

Maximum variety

Attractive mobility in the electric era from Europe for Europe is one of the central pillars of the brand’s plan for the future. With the European launch of the all-electric Urban Car Family from 2026, Volkswagen will offer the most diverse portfolio in the high-volume segment – from efficient combustion-engine models and advanced hybrids to future-oriented all-electric vehicles. Thomas Schäfer: “The ID. EVERY1 represents the last piece of the puzzle on our way to the widest model selection in the volume segment. We will then offer every customer the right car with the right drive system – including affordable all-electric entry-level mobility,” says Schäfer. “Our goal is to be the world’s technologically leading high-volume manufacturer by 2030. And as a brand for everyone – just as you would expect from Volkswagen.”

Focus on people

“In the future model, we talk about Customer Defined Vehicles. The ID. EVERY1 shows that we are putting our customers, their wishes, interests and preferences at the centre of vehicle development more consistently than ever,” says Kai Grünitz, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development. The production version of the ID. EVERY1 will be the first model in the entire Group to use a fundamentally new, particularly powerful software architecture. This means that the future entry-level Volkswagen can be equipped with new functions throughout its entire life cycle if its users so wish. Even after purchase of a new car, the vehicle can still be individually adapted to their needs.

Characteristic design with charisma and identity

The up! – the immediate predecessor of the ID. EVERY1 – built until 2023 still impresses today with its clear, unmistakable design. The new Volkswagen design language also picks up on characteristic elements in the EVERY1. Volkswagen Head of Design Andreas Mindt: “Our ambition was to create something bold yet accessible. The ID. EVERY1 has a self-assured appearance but remains likeable – thanks to details such as the dynamic front lights and the ‘smiling’ rear. These design elements make it more than just a car: they give it character and an identity that people can relate to.”

New MEB with electric front-wheel drive

Following the ID. 2all and the sport version ID. Concept GTI, the ID. EVERY1 belongs to the Electric Urban Car Family and is based on the new modular electric drive platform. Thanks to the electric front-wheel drive, the MEB platform offers revolutionary space utilisation and maximum efficiency. The concept vehicle reaches a top speed of 130 km/h and is powered by a newly developed electric drive motor with 70 kW (95 PS). The range is at least 250 kilometres. With a length of 3,880 mm, the ID. EVERY1 is positioned between the former up! (3,600 mm), the ID. 2all (4,050 mm) and the current Polo (4,074 mm). Inside, it offers space for four people and a luggage compartment volume of 305 litres.

The future plan of the Volkswagen brand

With the “Future Volkswagen” agreement, Volkswagen AG agreed with the employee side at the end of December 2024 on a vision that combines economic stability, employment and technological leadership in the field of sustainable mobility. Binding targets and the measures agreed for them form the foundation for key future projects. The Volkswagen brand is pursuing a clearly defined three-phase plan for this:

Catch up

Strengthen competitiveness and expand the existing model range in a targeted manner. Coming next, the Volkswagen brand will give a further preview of the new Electric Urban Car Family in autumn 2025. There will be nine new models by 2027 including the production version of the ID.2all for less than €25,000 and the ID. EVERY1 for about €20,000. Volkswagen aims to become the technologically leading high-volume manufacturer with the safest, most innovative and best-selling cars by 2030.

Kia To Present Global EV Leadership Strategy And Key Models At 2025 Kia EV Day

Kia Corporation’s 2025 Kia EV Day will take place later this month at Tarraco Arena in Tarragona, Spain. The event follows the first Kia EV Day in Korea in 2023 and will showcase the brand’s latest electric models, concepts, and technologies to advance Kia’s global EV leadership in sustainable mobility.

The second Kia EV day will also underscore Kia’s role as a Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) first mover. It presents a vision of a new paradigm in EV usability with vehicles that offer users exceptional flexibility through radical modularity.

Kia’s 2025 EV Day will mark the global debut of the Kia EV4, unveiled in concept form at the brand’s first EV Day, and the Kia PV5, the first of Kia’s dedicated PBV model, displayed as a concept at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Kia will also present the Concept EV2, a compact EV and the newest member of its dedicated EV model family.

Teaser images and video footage that hint at the concept’s styling, along with close-ups of the new models, offer a preview of Kia’s innovative design approach. Each vehicle showcases aesthetics inspired by Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, with the visual assets offering a glimpse into the unique characteristics of the Kia EV4, PV5, and Concept EV2.

These three models represent Kia’s bold new electric vehicle strategy. The Kia EV4, Kia PV5, and Kia Concept EV2 feature the brand’s cutting-edge electric platform technology and demonstrate Kia’s clear determination to lead global sustainable mobility in the passenger and business sectors to satisfy customers’ diverse needs everywhere.

Kia will share its overall PBV strategy, providing full details of the business, vision, product line-up, and launch to support the roll-out of the PV5. In addition, the company will also display its game-changing PBV platform. This dedicated battery electric skateboard architecture underpins the brand’s new PBV business by enabling the flexible combination of various types of vehicle bodies.

Key members of Kia’s senior leadership team will take to the stage throughout Kia EV Day. In addition to presenting the EV4, PV5 and Concept EV2, the leadership team will also reveal Kia’s expanded electrification strategy, which is set to transform the global EV market. The event video will be released on the Kia Worldwide YouTube channel in March.

Rolls-Royce Phantom VI

From its foundation in 1904, Rolls-Royce built rolling chassis, upon which clients commissioned coachwork from an independent coachbuilder. The marque produced its first complete monocoque cars in the 1960s, but continued to offer rolling chassis until the 1980s.

Phantom VI was the last Rolls-Royce to be made available in this form. In line with standard Rolls-Royce practice, established by Sir Henry Royce himself, Phantom VI was born out of the upgrades and enhancements to its predecessor, Phantom V. The accumulated improvements reached the point where Rolls-Royce engineers judged it sufficiently evolved to be worthy of a new designation.

Even so, Phantom VI already felt like something of an anachronism. Phantom V clients had been able to choose coachwork from four great names: H. J. Mulliner, Park Ward, Hoopers and James Young. By 1961, the latter two had closed their doors, while Rolls-Royce had acquired and amalgamated the other two to create its own in-house coachbuilder, known as H. J. Mulliner Park Ward, which would provide the bodies for virtually all Phantom VI motor cars.

Like all Rolls-Royce models, Phantom VI underwent various changes during its lifecycle, including a more powerful 6.75-litre V8 engine and a modern three-speed automatic gearbox to replace the original four-speed version inherited from the Silver Cloud era. It also had specially engineered brakes, which used the Silver Shadow-style high-pressure hydraulics to operate rams connected to twin master cylinders; the brake drums were designed for improved heat dissipation and more efficient linings.

Changes in safety legislation required front-hinged doors with burst-proof locks, flush interior door handles and a steering column that would collapse upon impact. New crash-testing protocols also meant the prototype Phantom VI chassis, PRH1500, suffered the indignity of being driven into a 100-tonne concrete block at 30mph (48km/h) – a test it passed so effortlessly it was subsequently rebuilt and is still in service as a courtesy car at a Swiss hotel to this day.

Although coachbuilding was by now a niche offer even for Rolls-Royce, Phantom VI provided a fitting ‘last hurrah’ for this longstanding traditional craft. The seven ‘Special Limousines’, codenamed ‘Alpha’, for example, were superficially similar to other Phantom VIs; but close examination revealed wider, chrome-plated window trims and 16” wheels with tyres inflated to 90psi. These modifications were required to accommodate the 5mm thick glass and 7mm of armour plating that rendered the rear passenger compartment both bullet and bomb-proof. No such provision was made for the luckless chauffeur, however.

Phantom VI was also the last truly coachbuilt Rolls-Royce to offer both Sedanca de Ville and Landaulette coachwork. The Landaulette was available opening either to the B-pillar or over the rear seat, the latter variant being the choice of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Her daughter, HM Queen Elizabeth II, owned two Phantom VIs. The first, codenamed ‘Oil Barrel’, had its roof height raised by 13cm (5″) and a Perspex rear cupola that could be quickly covered by a two-piece, black-painted aluminium dome when the occupants required privacy. The second, delivered for the Royal fleet in July 1987, was codenamed ‘Lady Norfolk’ and had a standard roof height. Both remain in service at the Royal Mews today.

Increasing difficulty in obtaining minor chassis and coachwork components manufactured in the Silver Cloud era finally put paid to Phantom VI production. The last iteration commissioned by a client was delivered in May 1991; its 117 bespoke features included a solid silver fruit bowl to sit atop the cabinet behind the division, kept in place by concealed magnets.

In its 23-year lifecycle, just 374 Phantom VIs were built. The very last example to be completed was a Landaulette finished in black over red, with red leather in the front and red velvet in the rear compartment. Rolls-Royce had originally intended to retain the car itself, but recessionary pressures finally persuaded the company to part with it in 1993.

Phantom VI was the last Rolls-Royce model with traditional coachbuilt bodywork. It represented both the pinnacle and the swansong of the traditional coachbuilder’s art, with a purity of line and finesse of detail unequalled until Rolls-Royce embarked on its contemporary coachbuilding renaissance at Goodwood, with ‘Sweptail’, more than two decades later.

Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “The launch of Phantom VI marked a significant chapter in the Rolls-Royce story; it would go on to become the marque’s final model offered as a rolling chassis, ending a line unbroken since 1904. However, the coachbuilding era ended in suitably magnificent style with Phantom VI. Launched in 1968, just 374 were built in a production cycle that extended over two decades; however, the 1980s can be regarded as its true heyday – only six examples were completed after 1990. The last fully coachbuilt Rolls-Royce, Phantom VI had coachwork by H. J. Mulliner Park Ward, then a wholly in-house operation; the best-known commissions were likely those built for the Royal fleet, which remain in service today. It would be more than 20 years before coachbuilt motor cars of comparable quality and detail would become available, when Rolls-Royce began its modern-day coachbuilding operation at Goodwood with ‘Sweptail’ in 2017. This was followed by the announcement of a dedicated department within Rolls-Royce named Coachbuild, and the unveiling of Boat Tail in 2021, then Droptail in 2023. Phantom VI is thus an important marker in the Rolls-Royce story, as both the swansong of traditional coachbuilding, and a model for the new generation that would follow.”

Goodwood Revival To Celebrate Alfa Romeo

The Goodwood Revival will bring together a collection of cars from Alfa Romeo’s competitive history to celebrate the centenary of the marque’s victory in the inaugural Manufacturer’s World Championship.

Taking place across the weekend, the demonstration will feature Grand Prix cars, sports cars, touring cars and prototypes, including the machines that became renowned for competing at races including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mille Miglia and Targa Florio. Visitors can expect to see the likes of the first Formula 1 Championship-winning car, the 158 ‘Alfetta’, Tipo 308C, TZ2 and Tipo 33 prototypes – each telling a story of bold innovation and mechanical artistry from 1925 through to 1975.

The celebration will reflect on Alfa Romeo’s domination of motorsport – including celebrating the 50th anniversary of the marque’s victory at the 1975 World Sportscar Championship. The Revival will remember the legendary drivers who piloted these machines, including four-time Grand Prix winner Antonio Ascari; five-time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio; five-time Grand Prix winner and first World Drivers’ Champion Giuseppe Farina; and Alfa Romeo’s most famous and celebrated pre-war driver Tazio Nuvolari.

Earlier in the year, the Festival of Speed will also recognise the centenary of the Manufacturers’ World Championship. The Prologue class, which forms part of the F1 75 celebrations at the event, will showcase the cars that predate the World Championship, with examples from Alfa Romeo.

The New Volvo EX30 Cross Country

Volvo EX30 Cross Country with Swedish winter cabin

Sweden is home to deep lakes, endless forests, great mountain ranges, some of the harshest winters on the planet – and some of the best and most enjoyable cars ever made. So today Volvo unveils not only the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country, but a whole new experience to go with it.

Revealed today as part of a literal fireside chat including outdoors equipment brand Fjällräven at a secluded winter cabin in the north of Sweden, the EX30 Cross Country is designed for people who want big experiences from their small, fully electric SUV.

It takes the successful recipe of the EX30 and adds rugged ingredients, making it perfect for the growing number of people who want to explore beyond their crowded cities – come rain, come shine, or when everything is covered in snow and ice.

We think that ‘Cross Country’ should be an experience, not just a car, so alongside the EX30 Cross Country we’re also launching a new experience package for customers who buy the car, with access to accessories, gear and information aimed at giving you the full potential to explore the great outdoors.

“We launched our first Cross Country car more than 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ CEO. “In Sweden we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 Celsius outside. That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience, not simply a car, to our EX30 Cross Country customers.”

From city to trail
As a small SUV, the EX30 Cross Country is perfect for the city. It is fully electric, with a range of up to 427 kilometres and zero tailpipe emissions, and can be charged from 10-80 per cent in as little as 26 minutes. But it also has several extra features that enable a seamless switch from one natural EX30 habitat to another.

For example, we’ve raised the car higher off the ground compared with the standard EX30, to help you navigate rough terrain more easily. It also has special, bigger wheels, with the option of an 18-inch all-terrain accessory tyre to make those regular countryside outings even easier.

Naturally, the EX30 Cross Country also comes with all-wheel drive, making it more than capable of handling the tough and slippery conditions that are part and parcel of life outside the city.

A style to match ability
The first model in our Cross Country range was introduced in 1997. Designed to cope with the demanding Scandinavian climate, Volvo’s Cross Country cars perform in a wide variety of road conditions – from muddy tracks and ankle-deep snow to highway driving – with the comfort and convenience elements that Volvo drivers have come to expect.

While its real-world capabilities come first, the EX30 Cross Country is also designed to excel in more diverse conditions – and to look good while doing so.

The front shield of the car and the boot lid get a special dark colour, with the front featuring a unique piece of artwork showing the topography of the Kebnekaise mountain range in Arctic Sweden – an inspiration for many of our designers. Chunky front and rear skidplates as well as wheelarch extensions complete the more rugged look and underline that this car is ready to get out into the wild.

Functional and as safe as you’d expect from a Volvo car
Inside, the EX30 Cross Country is highly functional and contains all the clever tech, storage and design that made the original EX30 such a hit from the moment Volvo revealed it. The doors contain large storage compartments, because the company removed the speakers and incorporated them into the soundbar on the dashboard.

A versatile central storage tunnel between driver and passenger can be slid out as a cupholder for your morning coffee or your travel mug, or back if you need to store more things. There’s also a big storage compartment on the floor between driver and passenger. The glove compartment has been placed beneath the centre console, providing easy access for both driver and passenger.

Rear passengers get a neat storage box that slides out from beneath the central tunnel. This box is also removable and washable, so can double up as a waste bin. At the rear, on the boot lid, we included a handy ‘Will it fit?’ guide, so you know exactly how much of your gear you can get in.

Like every new Volvo car, the EX30 Cross Country has Google built in. That means you get a variety of Google products as standard – including Google Maps, one of the best mapping systems in the world. Finding your way to the most remote nature locations was never easier. To make sure you can get straight into a nice warm car, the Volvo EX30 app allows you to precondition your car while you’re still exploring nature.

And naturally, the EX30 Cross Country is as safe as you’d expect a Volvo car to be. Volvo have applied their high standards of protective safety should you need it, but aim to help prevent you getting into a collision in the first place with some clever tech. Braking and steering support will help you avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, while a driver-monitoring sensor will give you a nudge if it seems like you are distracted or tired.

Embrace the experience
To further bring the Cross Country concept to life, Volvo is also launching a Cross Country Experience, to create concrete, tangible benefits that will help you to embrace your inner explorer even more. This means that EX30 Cross Country owners will benefit from an array of bespoke offers. Think of a dedicated, discounted ‘Cross Country Experience’ package of accessories for your car, which includes a load carrier, a roof basket, 18-inch all-terrain tyres and mudflaps.

“We know that more and more people are seeking ways to get closer to nature,” says Jim Rowan. “This is why with our new Cross Country Experience, we aim to create an entire ecosystem around those models, supporting our customers as they embrace adventure.”

In short, the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country is an all-road car that delivers safety, comfort and performance in a capable and adventurous package. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is available to order now in selected markets, with deliveries starting later this spring.

A Very Special Bentley Speed Six

Many a Bentley owner’s love of the marque begins in childhood, and the owner of the third of twelve Speed Six Continuation Series is no exception. In his case, it was a ‘Models of Yesteryear’ scale model Blower Bentley, given to him by his uncle, that sparked a lifelong fascination with the pre-war Bentley racing cars.

The owner and his wife enjoy a stable of Crewe-built Bentleys, including a first-generation Continental GT, a motorsports-inspired Continental GT3R, second-generation Continental Supersports and First Edition Bentayga. Pride of place however goes to his Continuation Series ‘Blower’ 4½ Litre Supercharged and the latest addition, a Continuation Series Speed Six. Not only has he kept that cherished scale model ‘Blower’ to this day, but it also provided the visual inspiration for his two Bentley Continuation Series cars.    

At the workshops of Mulliner Classic, realising a customer’s dreams is both their calling and their pride. Continuation Speed Six #3 (of 12) is a case in point; created with meticulous attention to detail to be identical in every respect to the original 1930s works racer, it also features several personal touches in its specification that make it truly individual, from the one-off paint finish to the racing number 3 that it carries on its flank and radiator.

Personal memories and family associations
Both the Continuation Series Speed Six and the Continuation Series Blower are the third of twelve in their series, and the Speed Six also carries the racing number 3. The number that has fond associations for the owner, who played rugby to semi-pro standard as a tighthead prop, wearing the number 3 jersey, for many years.

Both the Blower and the Speed Six are finished in the same specially blended shade of green, chosen after careful consideration to be mid-way between the light green of the owner’s scale model and traditional British Racing Green. The shade was christened ‘Embelo Green’, taking the first letters of the couple’s three daughters. Like the owner’s scale model Bentley, his Speed Six Continuation Series’ interior is upholstered in red, though the couple chose a more muted shade than that of the toy.

As with all this owner’s Bentleys, the Speed Six will be regularly and enthusiastically driven. Accordingly, another special request was for the Mulliner team to provide two exhaust systems with the Speed Six: one unsilenced as the original Speed Six specification, and the other with a silencer for circuits where noise restrictions are required.  Bentley Mulliner engineering developed this silencer specifically for the Speed Six Continuation series. Finishing touches include a white patch on the leading edge of the nearside front fender for easier identification when coming into the pits and a hand-painted Union Flag on the driver’s side of the car. 

A hands-on experience
Commissioning a Continuation Series Bentley is a highly personal process and, like many Mulliner Classic customers, the owner of the #3 Speed Six became a familiar figure in the Crewe workshops. A highly capable craftsman in his own right, he even spent a day working as part of the Mulliner team to fit the period-correct Rexine fabric of his Blower’s Weymann-style bodywork. While work commitments meant he was unable to do the same for his Speed Six, he fully intends to use it as W.O. Bentley intended – fast, reliable and capable of impressive performance.

The legendary Speed Six
The Speed Six was introduced in 1928 as a more sporting version of the Bentley 6½ Litre. The engine was modified to liberate more power, with twin SU carburettors, a higher compression ratio and a high-performance camshaft.

182 Speed Six models were built between 1928 and 1930. Two wins at the Le Mans 24 Hour race, in 1929 and 1930, cemented the Speed Six’s pre-eminent place in Bentley racing history.

For the Continuation Series Speed Six, Mulliner Classic took two original Speed Sixes as its template: the company’s own Speed Six, GU409, and ‘Old Number 3’, a works Speed Six driven in the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hour race by Sammy Davis and Clive Dunfee. The latter was generously loaned by its owner and gave the Mulliner team invaluable data on dimensions, materials, and components. The Mulliner Classic team is also indebted to the W.O. Bentley Memorial Foundation, which provided 80% of the original drawings and notes used by the team.