Hyundai STARIA Electric: Electrified Minivan Makes World Debut 

Hyundai celebrated the world premiere of the all-electric STARIA Electric in Brussels, expanding the brand’s EV portfolio into the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment, where spaciousness and everyday practicality take center stage. Hyundai’s so-called "Inside-Out" design concept places the initial focus on the passenger experience within the cabin, with the vehicle's exterior design evolving from there. 

The STARIA Electric is powered by a 160 kW (218 hp) electric motor driving the front wheels. The 800-volt battery with an 84 kWh capacity allows for a range of approximately 400 kilometers (approx. 248 miles) and supports fast DC charging. The battery is designed to charge from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes. With features like Vehicle-to-Load, ample storage space, and 100-watt USB ports, the Hyundai STARIA Electric is intended to serve not just as a transport vehicle, but also to enable everything from outdoor activities and mobile working to weekend getaways. Additionally, the vehicle boasts a towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg. 

At launch, the STARIA Electric will be introduced with two seating configurations: a 7-seater variant for families and leisure use with 435 liters of luggage volume, and a 9-seater variant for larger families, groups, or shuttle services with a luggage volume of 1,303 liters. 

Opel Celebrates World Premiere of New Astra and Electric SUV Models 

In Brussels, Opel celebrated the world premiere of the new Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer. The model is set to launch with a wide range of powertrain options, from efficient internal combustion engines to 48-volt hybrids and plug-in hybrids, all the way to a fully electric version offering a range of up to 454 kilometers. 

An innovative feature is the Intelli-Lux HD Light, developed by Opel in Rüsselsheim, which now makes its debut in the new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer. More than 50,000 pixel elements flanking the Opel Vizor are designed to ensure that, according to the company, "the road, traffic signs, obstacles, and pedestrians are illuminated with exceptional precision without blinding other drivers." 

Mazda Unveils World Premiere of All-Electric CX-6e and European Premiere of Mazda CX-5 

Mazda celebrated the world premiere of its new all-electric crossover model, the Mazda CX-6e, in Brussels. It is scheduled to hit the market in the summer of 2026. 

As a compact SUV crossover, the CX-6e combines a 190 kW (258 hp) electric motor on the rear axle with a 78 kWh LFP battery, aiming for a range of up to 484 kilometers. The Mazda CX-6e accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.9 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 185 km/h. DC fast charging up to 195 kW allows the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in around 24 minutes under optimal conditions; for charging at home or on the go, an 11 kW onboard charger is available for three-phase AC charging. Additionally, Mazda presented the European premiere of the new Mazda CX-5 in Brussels. 

 

Peugeot Presents World Premiere of New 408 Generation 

Peugeot, in turn, celebrated the world premiere of the new PEUGEOT 408 in Brussels. A particularly striking feature is the brand lettering, illuminated for the first time on a Peugeot at both the rear and the front emblem, complemented by a modern light signature intended to emphasize the brand's "lion character." 

Technically, the new 408 offers several powertrain options: The powerful electric motor of the PEUGEOT E-408 delivers 157 kW (213 hp) and 343 Nm of torque. Combined with a high-voltage NMC battery with a usable capacity of 58.2 kWh, the new PEUGEOT 408 boasts a range of up to 456 km. The onboard charger supports up to 120 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 20% to 80% in just about 30 minutes. 

The Plug-in Hybrid 240 e-DSC7 combines a 132 kW (180 hp) gasoline engine with a 92 kW electric motor, offering an electric range of up to 85 kilometers. The 14.6 kWh lithium-ion battery can be fully charged in 2 hours and 5 minutes using a 7.4 kW wall box and an optional 7.4 kW single-phase onboard charger. The PEUGEOT 408 HYBRID, meanwhile, combines a 145 hp (107 kW) gasoline engine with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission featuring electrification. The battery is designed to recharge automatically while driving, allowing the vehicle to operate in 100% electric, emission-free mode for up to 50% of city driving time. 

Kia Electrifies GT Portfolio with Three New Performance Models 

In Brussels, Kia introduced three new sporty EV versions: the EV3 GT, EV4 GT, and EV5 GT. Production of the three GT models is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2026. Market launch dates will be announced at a later time. 

The EV3 GT and EV4 GT, along with its sister model the EV4 Fastback GT, arrive as a compact SUV, a sporty hatchback, and a compact sedan, respectively. They feature a 215 kW (292 hp) all-wheel-drive system with dual motors (145 kW/197 hp front, 70 kW/95 hp rear), an 81.4 kWh battery, Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) with GT-specific tuning, optimized cornering stability, and 20-inch alloy wheels. 

The all-wheel-drive EV5 GT delivers an output of 225 kW (306 hp), offering more power and torque than the front-wheel-drive EV5 (160 kW/218 hp). Furthermore, it features a GT-specific chassis configuration including Electronic Control Suspension (ECS), which can detect potholes, for example, and adjust damping accordingly.