Forget the Beetle. Ignore the Golf. It’s the Atlas family keeping Volkswagen dealers busy these days. And they’re getting a boost as the automaker rolls out an updated Atlas Cross Sport. More from Headlight.News.
Mazda
A Week With: 2026 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition
Mazda knows a good thing when it makes it. When the brand introduced the CX-50 in late 2021, it created a massive buzz. It supercharged Mazda’s transition to a crossover-dominated lineup. Four years later, nothing’s changed and it’s nearly the brand’s top-selling vehicle. More important, Mazda keeps making it better, as evidenced by the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition. Find out why in our review at Headlight.News.
Review: 2027 Kia Seltos is a Little Wonder
Since its rolled into the market in 2019, the Kia Seltos has become one of the Korean carmaker’s major product lines. But, in a highly competitive segment, it needed some major updates to keep momentum building. As Headlight.News discovered during a drive adventure in South Korea, the second-generation 2027 Kia Seltos comes through. Here’s our review.
Honda, Mazda Go Big on Hybrids, Disconnect from EVs
Honda reported its first loss in seven decades, largely due to major cuts in its EV program. But the automaker plans a major ramp-up of its hybrid line-up, its CEO revealed. Mazda is following a similar strategy, albeit on a smaller scale, as Headlight.News reports.
Automakers Warn Tariffs May Force Them to Drop Entry Models
At a time when the typical buyer now spending around $50,000 to drive off the dealer lot, millions of American motorists are being forced out of the new vehicle market. Budget buyers could soon find their choices even more limited, however, depending upon negotiations to update the U.S. -Mexico-Canada Agreement. How that shakes out may lead a number of U.S. and foreign-owned automakers to drop their most affordable models.
Hybrid Sales Defy Gravity
Auto sales tumbled sharply during the first quarter and could dip further, industry insiders warn. There is a big exception, however. After roughly doubling in 2025, sales of hybrid models rose another 57% through March. Headlight.News has more.
Under Weight of War, Rising Economic Fears, U.S. Auto Sales Could Be Heading for a Crash
U.S. auto sales tumbled sharply in March reflecting growing consumer concerns about record vehicle prices, surging fuel costs and broader worries about the health of the economy. There was one unexpected positive note, however. Headlight.News explains.
BMW iX3 Dominates World Car Awards
The BMW iX3 was the big winner at this year’s World Car Awards, taking both overall honors and a trophy in the best-EV category. Who else was honored this year? Headlight.News has more.
A Week With: 2026 Mazda3 2.5 S Premium
With so much focus on Mazda’s midsize and large SUVs, it can be difficult to remember that it was smaller vehicles like the Mazda 626 sedan and 323 hatchback that put the brand on the map. If you’re looking for a little reminder of just how good Mazda’s legacy of compact hatchbacks is, spend a week with the 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback 2.5 S Premium — with a 6-speed manual. See how we liked it at Headlight.News.
Mazda Bets on Hybrids – But Still Sees Room for the Rotary Engine
Is there a rotary engine in Mazda’s future? The iconic Wankel engine just might stage a comeback … someday … says the automaker’s U.S. CEO. But expect to see a lot more hybrids in the near future, according to Jim Donnelly, starting with the home-grown powertrain in the next-gen CX-5 now reaching showrooms. More from Headlight.News.
First Drive: 2026 Mazda CX-5 Grows Later, Adds More Features
Mazda’s midsize CD-5 gets a major makeover for 2026 and there’s a lot to like about the redesigned crossover which gets bigger, more lavishly equipped and, later in the year, will add the first hybrid drivetrain the automaker has developed in-house. Headlight.News headed out to California for a drive and here’s our review.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 2-16-26
The Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 2-16-26 covers big Ford losses, sliding EV sales, the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV, President Trump pushing to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, plus we review the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus and look back at this Week in Auto History. Give us a listen.