All posts by Hanif Su'ib

Someone who loves driving manual cars but prefers riding an automatic scooter. Maybe it's an age thing.

Renault Grand Koleos debuts in South Korea as the twin of Geely Xingyue L

Renault has announced their first collaboration with Geely through the introduction of the latest hybrid SUV model Grand Koleos, at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea.

There is no direct relation to the existing Koleos; the 2025 Grand Koleos is a rebranded SUV model based on the Geely Xingyue L.

It is not just a mere rebranding process, as Renault has given a distinct identity to this Grand Koleos model.

 

 

For instance, it features a more futuristic grille design, revamped LED headlight graphics, more angular quarter window design, along with minor changes to the bumpers and tailgate.

The Renault Grand Koleos measures 4,780 mm in length with a wheelbase stretching up to 2,820 mm, the longest in its class.

Moreover, the five-seater layout allows the Grand Koleos to offer a cargo capacity of 633 liters.

 

 

Renault also showcased the premium Esprit Alpine variant featuring blue accents, Alpine badges, 20-inch alloy wheels, complemented by a dark-themed cabin with Alcantara finishes and blue stitching.

All variants come with a setup of three 12.3-inch screens encompassing almost the entire dashboard dimensions.

 

Sharing the same CMA platform with Volvo XC40 and some Geely and Lynk & Co models, the Renault Grand Koleos also offers similar engine options.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model comes with a 1.5-liter turbo engine paired with two electric motors and a DHT transmission, producing a total output of 245 hp.

There is also a 2.0-liter turbo engine option with a power of up to 208 hp paired with a seven-speed DCT transmission.

The Renault Grand Koleos will go on sale in the Korean market starting this fall.

Toyota GR Supra 2.0 is officially dead

Unable to enjoy its second anniversary, the sales of the Toyota GR Supra sports car with a four-cylinder inline 2.0-liter engine for the United States market have been terminated this month.

In a press release, Toyota USA confirmed that the 2025 GR Supra model will only be available with a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six cylinder engine producing 382 hp and 499 Nm of torque.

Fortunately, buyers can still acquire the GR Supra 2025 with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic.

 

 

Toyota introduced the GR Supra with a 2.0-liter turbocharged heart (255 hp/400 Nm) in 2022 as a more affordable option, but this move was seen as not aiding in improving the already sluggish sales performance.

Throughout 2023, Toyota only managed to sell a total of 2,652 units of the GR Supra (manual and automatic models combined).

 

 

Returning to the GR Supra 2025, Toyota offers nearly identical features to the 2024 model, such as leather/Alcantara-trimmed sports seats or the option of grey leather, an 8.8-inch touch screen, wireless device charging, and a 500-watt JBL audio system with 12 speakers.

All models come equipped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, TRAC grip control, Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Warning, Vehicle Stability Control, Automatic High Beams, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and traditional Cruise Control.

The automatic transmission model also includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) function.

 

 

The selling price has increased from US$56,495 (RM266,487) last year to US$57,345 (RM270,496), while the 3.0 Premium model now priced at $60,495 (RM285,355).

Based on a brief internet search, the Toyota GR Supra 2.0-liter is still available in the Japanese market, but only with an automatic transmission.

Those desiring a manual gearbox must opt for the inline-six cylinder version of the GR Supra.

Toyota GR Supra 2025