A recap of recent goings on
Car Design round-up: Subaru, Xpeng, Cupra
Car Design News takes a look at the news that may have gone under the radar, including the latest from Cupra, Ferrari, Xpeng, Subaru and more
Goodwood may have been over a week ago now, but is still very much in the press. Beyond the show, there have been new paint options, new models and new concepts being teased. Let's get into this week's news-in-brief.
Xpeng P7+
Chinese brand Xpeng took full advantage of its platform at Goodwood to promote its new performance sedan. If it is anything like the G6 we tested recently, expect a minimalist interior and fairly high spec for a decent price. The press release seems to focus primarily on interior comfort and overall tech than exterior design.
Full release here.
Subaru Uncharted
Anyone fancy an adventure? Subaru’s European arm has revealed a new compact electric SUV, completely shaking up the new vehicle market with an unexpected typology.
We jest. In all seriousness, the Uncharted carries itself well with a wide stance and fast roofline that snips off with a defined kammtail rear. Inside is a ‘squircle’ steering wheel and monolithic centre console with the all-important phone charging slots. It is due to launch in 2026.
Full release here.
"This is democracy, manifest"
The Octavia VRS – a quiet favourite among the British motoring press – is now available with a couple of new colourways following a public vote. Space Violet and Waterworld Green are not only creatively named but seem to sit well with the brand’s existing palette.
Full release here.
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake
We reported earlier that the new CLA leans heavily on lighting and technology for this newest generation, and the same rings true for the shooting brake variant. Proportionally, Mercedes says it is identical to the CLA Saloon right up to the B-pillar, with only the rear end being tweaked for that higher roofline. That being said, passengers in the second row do get an extra 26mm of headroom.
Full release here.
Cupra teases new concept
We are expecting to see a few new showcars being revealed at the IAA in Munich this year, one of which comes from Spanish brand Cupra. Not too much to go on just yet beyond the description of “the perfect symbiosis between human and machine,” and an ambiguous image of some hexagons. It will be interesting to see where Cupra’s design is headed; has the shiftaround in management already made its mark following the departure of CEO Wayne Griffiths in March?
Full release here.
Amalfi on the English coast
We had already seen shots of the new Amalfi, but it was at Goodwood where the car was shown in the metal to public. The new coupe is described as “sculptural” and succeeds the outgoing Roma. It is less of a revolution and more of an evolution, resplendent in white on the stand. It was the outgoing Roma however that got a good run up the hill and as is often the case looked at its peak while on the move.
