In the late 2000s, Toyota’s Prius and Lexus RX400h redefined what a hybrid could be — efficient, desirable, and even a status symbol. Naturally, rivals rushed to cash in, but few missed the mark as spectacularly as General Motors. In 2008, GM launched its GMT900-based hybrids — the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon — pairing a “green” badge with a 6.0-litre V8 that barely managed 22mpg. Somehow crowned Green Car of the Year, these oversized gas-guzzlers became a symbol of GM’s poor timing and worse judgment, selling fewer than 15,000 units before quietly disappearing in 2013.

The Mercedes C30 CDI AMG was the first and only diesel-powered AMG, blending performance with efficiency long before BMW and Audi’s fast diesels. Based on the W203 C-Class, it featured a 3.0-litre inline-five producing 228bhp and 376lb ft of torque, delivering 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and 37mpg. Available in saloon, estate and coupe form, this rare AMG could match contemporary hot hatches with its pace but struggled to sell, ending production in 2004. Today, the C30 CDI AMG stands as a forgotten but fascinating chapter in Mercedes-AMG history and a unique performance diesel saloon.

The Range Rover Evoque defined a generation of small SUVs. From the bold LRX concept debut and Gerry McGovern’s groundbreaking design, to the quirky Victoria Beckham Special Edition. The Evoque became a fashion, tech, and automotive icon of the early 2010s. This article explores its origins, cultural influence, Chinese copycats, and why it remains one of Land Rover’s most successful models today.

Revealed as an indirect successor to the quite excellent Up!, the ID. EVERY1 concept offers a preview into Volkswagen’s upcoming entry-level electric car, which will likely be named ID.1, and will go on sale in 2027