Here Are the Best Finance Deals Before the EV Tax Credit Goes Away
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
The time to buy an electric vehicle at a discounted price might never be better than September. With new models heading to dealer lots and automakers incentivizing slow-moving existing models, EV shoppers can get thousands of dollars in cash back, as well as 0% financing.
Is the Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling a Good SUV? 3 Pros, 3 Cons
By Jim Travers
September 19, 2025
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2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
Key points:
- Cars.com editors liked the Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling’s boxy profile, dual-access liftgate and ride quality.
- However, the 2024 model’s Free Wheeling trim had outdated tech, as well as a basic interior and an underwhelming powertrain.
The Ford Bronco Sport launched for the 2021 model year, offering compact SUV buyers a boxier and more rugged-looking alternative to more carlike competitors (including Ford’s own Escape). Inspired by the original Bronco of the 1960s, it also brought more than a little retro style. For 2024, Ford cranked up the retro factor with the addition of a new Free Wheeling trim, a throwback to a similar option and graphics package offered in the 1970s; it added multicolor bold stripes, matching 17-inch wheels and other distinctive bits.
Because the Free Wheeling trim is limited to cosmetics, with no changes to the powertrain or mechanicals other than those wheels, its driving experience is pretty much like that of most Bronco Sports. Overall changes to the Bronco Sport for 2025 include an infotainment update and other improvements, some of which address our concerns with the 2024 model covered here.
Cars.com Road Test Editor Brian Normile spent some time behind the wheel of a 2024 Bronco Sport in the Free Wheeling trim to see what’s new and how it compares with the last Bronco Sport we tested. Tap the link above for the details in his expert review; for a quicker look, read on for three things we like about the Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling and three we don’t.
What Do We Like About the Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling?
2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
1. The Beauty of a Box
The Bronco Sport’s interior room is decent upfront, with an open and airy feel aided by a rotary shifter mounted low and out of the way. The SUV’s upright shape and large glass area make for good visibility all around, and the boxy profile helps make for decent cargo room. There’s plenty of head and shoulder room in both rows, too, but rear legroom is not as generous as upfront.
2. Trick Liftgate
A feature we’re happy to see is the Bronco Sport’s dual-access liftgate, which gives the option of either lifting it in one piece like a conventional hatch or opening just the window for smaller items — which is also handy for carrying longer items without having to drive with the full hatch open. While a little thing, the liftgate adds a measure of convenience that will likely be appreciated by the outdoorsy crowd Ford is targeting with the Bronco Sport.
3. Ride and Handling
The Bronco Sport’s more trucklike vibe extends to its driving experience, which is fine as long as you’re not expecting the more agile feel of a typical car-based SUV. The SUV’s steering provides decent feedback, and ride quality is good overall. However, it feels as if the Bronco Sport has a higher center of gravity, which makes it less at home on twisty roads when pushed.
Read More About the Ford Bronco Sport:
- 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Sasquatch Review: Mythically Capable
- How Much Is the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport?
- 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Embraces Free Wheeling Spirit
- Six Models Earn Top Crash-Test Accolades From IIHS
- Research the Ford Bronco Sport
What Do We Dislike About the Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling?
2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
1. Retro Tech
Unfortunately, the retro vibe carried over to the 2024 Bronco Sport’s infotainment system. Rather than having the latest version of Ford’s Sync, our test vehicle was stuck with Sync 3. While simple enough to use, the system is several generations behind the latest version, leaving it with a dated look and feel. However, the good news is that the Bronco Sport retains physical controls for radio tuning and volume. (Ford addressed this by giving the Bronco Sport an infotainment update for 2025.)
2. Basic Interior
The cabin has a businesslike (if basic) look and feel, with cloth seats and a lot of hard plastic surfaces. Design details and material choices add visual appeal, and the Free Wheeling trim livens things up with red stitching and bold use of color to match the exterior graphics. It helps, but the overall look is still more functional than upscale.
3. Poky Powertrain
Our test vehicle had the 181-horsepower, turbocharged three-cylinder engine that powers all 2024 Bronco Sport trims except the Badlands. While performance and response are lively enough for around-town driving, our test vehicle tended to run out of steam at higher speeds, without a lot in reserve for highway merging and passing. Fuel economy is another issue, as the engine was EPA-rated at an unimpressive 25/29/26 mpg city/highway/combined for 2024. (It’s rated at 25/30/27 mpg for all but the Sasquatch trim for 2025.)
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
Nissan Hits Pause Button on Ariya EV for 2026
By Robert Duffer
September 18, 2025
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2025 Nissan Ariya | Manufacturer image
Key Points:
- Nissan has halted production of the all-electric Ariya for 2026 in an effort to consolidate resources.
- The redesigned 2026 Leaf will be the only Nissan electric vehicle on sale in the U.S. for the new model year.
Nissan is canceling the 2026 Ariya electric SUV for the U.S., according to an Automotive News report Thursday. The report cites slowing electric-vehicle sales, ongoing import tariffs and the end of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit come Sept. 30.
Related: The EV Tax Credit Is Ending; What Should an EV Shopper Do Now, and What’s Next?
A Little Ariya Lore
The Ariya five-seat SUV launched for 2023 after delays, but it impressed with its premium cabin, comfortable ride and a potent dual-motor e-4orce variant. However, it was priced higher than many electric SUVs, exceeding $60,000 for the top trim level. Nissan subsequently cut prices, and the 2025 Ariya with a larger 87-kilowatt-hour battery pack and more competitive 289-mile EPA-rated max range had an equally more competitive price in the low-$40,000 range.
However, while sales of the Ariya increased 24% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same time in 2024, the Ariya was the beleaguered brand’s second-worst-selling SUV ahead of the full-size Armada.
In the meantime, Nissan will reallocate resources to its more affordable EV, the updated 2026 Leaf. The Leaf — which was the first mass-produced EV to launch for the 2010 model year — has grown from a hatchback to a crossover. Production of the new model has shifted away from Smyrna, Tenn., which is near Nissan’s North American headquarters and where the old Leaf had been manufactured since 2013, to Tochigi, Japan. (The Ariya is also built in Tochigi.)
In May, Nissan announced it would slash its workforce by 15% and cut its global manufacturing plants from 17 to 10 in an effort to reduce costs and streamline efforts. The automaker had been the subject of mergers and acquisitions prior to that, and a planned merger with Honda fell apart in February. Nissan’s plans to convert its Canton, Miss., factory into an EV hub producing two distinct EVs by 2028 also appears to be in jeopardy; in July, the company reportedly announced it delayed EV production there by at least 10 months.
Can You Still Buy a Nissan Ariya?
Nissan didn’t rule out the Ariya’s return for later. But for shoppers who are interested in buying an Ariya now, the 2025 model can still be found on dealer lots where available. For those who still want a 2026 EV, the new Leaf is still expected to go on sale in the fall.
Read More About Nissan EVs:
- 2025 Nissan Ariya Gets Standard Wireless Phone Charging, Starts at $41,160
- Nissan EVs to Gain Access to Tesla Supercharger Network
- Here Are the 11 Cheapest Electric Vehicles You Can Buy
- All-New 2026 Nissan Leaf Remains Cheapest EV Available, Starts at $31,485
- 2026 Nissan Leaf Up Close: Third Time’s Truly a Charm
Related Video:https://players.brightcove.net/1578086878/HyOJ1bP6_default/index.html?videoId=6314450313112
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
MG Cars New Prices After GST Price Cut: Old vs New Prices Compared
Modified On Sep 24, 2025 06:57 PM By Bikramjit
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The flagship MG Gloster receives the highest benefit of up to Rs 3.04 lakh, followed by the Hector and Astor
The recent GST 2.0 revision has brought down the prices of cars. MG Motor India has passed on the benefit to customers, making its ICE portfolio significantly more affordable. The models such as the Astor, Hector, Hector Plus and the flagship Gloster now come with attractive price cuts that range from a few thousand rupees to over Rs 3 lakh, depending on the variant. Here’s a variant-wise comparison of the prices:
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MG Astor
| Variant | Old Price (Old GST rates) | New Price (updated GST 2.0 rates) | Difference |
| Sprint MT | Rs 10 lakh | Rs 9.65 lakh | Rs 35,000 |
| Shine MT | Rs 11.60 lakh | Rs 11.20 lakh | Rs 40,000 |
| Select MT | Rs 12.70 lakh | Rs 12.26 lakh | Rs 46,000 |
| Select CVT | Rs 13.90 lakh | Rs 13.42 lakh | Rs 48,000 |
| Sharp Pro MT | Rs 13.70 lakh | Rs 13.23 lakh | Rs 47,000 |
| Sharp Pro CVT | Rs 14.90 lakh | Rs 14.38 lakh | Rs 52,000 |
| Savvy Pro CVT | Rs 15.70 lakh | Rs 15.16 lakh | Rs 54,000 |
- The top-spec Savvy Pro CVT variant of the Astor gets the highest price drop by up to Rs 54,000.
- The lower variants of the Astor also see a price cut of around Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000.
MG Hector 5-Seater
| Variant | Old Price (Old GST rates) | New Price (updated GST 2.0 rates) | Difference |
| 1.5-litre turbo petrol | |||
| Style MT | Rs 14.50 lakh | Rs 14 lakh | Rs 50,000 |
| Shine Pro MT | Rs 16.42 lakh | Rs 15.85 lakh | Rs 57,000 |
| Shine Pro CVT | Rs 17.82 lakh | Rs 17.20 lakh | Rs 62,000 |
| Select Pro MT | Rs 16.75 lakh | Rs 16.17 lakh | Rs 58,000 |
| Select Pro CVT | Rs 18.15 lakh | Rs 17.52 lakh | Rs 63,000 |
| Smart Pro MT | Rs 17.50 lakh | Rs 16.89 lakh | Rs 61,000 |
| Sharp Pro MT | Rs 19 lakh | Rs 18.34 lakh | Rs 66,000 |
| Sharp Pro CVT | Rs 20.40 lakh | Rs 19.69 lakh | Rs 71,000 |
| Savvy Pro CVT | Rs 21.50 lakh | Rs 20.76 lakh | Rs 74,000 |
| 2-litre diesel | |||
| Shine Pro MT | Rs 18.52 lakh | Rs 17.28 lakh | Rs 1.24 lakh |
| Select Pro MT | Rs 18.85 lakh | Rs 17.59 lakh | Rs 1.26 lakh |
| Smart Pro MT | Rs 19.60 lakh | Rs 18.29 lakh | Rs 1.31 lakh |
| Sharp Pro MT | Rs 21.10 lakh | Rs 19.69 lakh | Rs 1.41 lakh |
| Blackstorm MT | Rs 21.42 lakh | Rs 20 lakh | Rs 1.42 lakh |
- The petrol variants of the Hector see a price drop by up to Rs 74,000, with the Savvy Pro CVT getting the highest cut.
- The diesel trims fall by up to Rs 1.42 lakh, with Blackstorm MT saving the most.
- Revised prices range from Rs 14 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom).
MG Hector Plus 6-seater
| Variant | Old Price (Old GST rates) | New Price (updated GST 2.0 rates) | Difference |
| 1.5-litre turbo petrol | |||
| Sharp Pro MT | Rs 19.60 lakh | Rs 18.92 lakh | Rs 68,000 |
| Sharp Pro CVT | Rs 21 lakh | Rs 20.27 lakh | Rs 73,000 |
| Savvy Pro CVT | Rs 22.10 lakh | Rs 21.34 lakh | Rs 76,000 |
| 2-litre diesel | |||
| Style MT | Rs 17.20 lakh | Rs 16.05 lakh | Rs 1.15 lakh |
| Smart Pro MT | Rs 20.20 lakh | Rs 18.85 lakh | Rs 1.35 lakh |
| Sharp Pro MT | Rs 21.70 lakh | Rs 20.25 lakh | Rs 1.45 lakh |
| Blackstorm MT | Rs 22.02 lakh | Rs 20.55 lakh | Rs 1.47 lakh |
- The Savvy Pro CVT benefits the most alongside the other turbo-petrol variants, having prices cut by up to Rs 76,000.
- Prices now start at Rs 16.05 lakh and go up to Rs 21.34 lakh (ex-showroom).
MG Hector Plus 7-seater
| Variant | Old Price (Old GST rates) | New Price (updated GST 2.0 rates) | Difference |
| 1.5-litre turbo petrol | |||
| Select Pro MT | Rs 17.35 lakh | Rs 16.75 lakh | Rs 60,000 |
| Sharp Pro MT | Rs 19.60 lakh | Rs 18.92 lakh | Rs 68,000 |
| Sharp Pro CVT | Rs 21 lakh | Rs 20.27 lakh | Rs 73,000 |
| Savvy Pro CVT | Rs 22.10 lakh | Rs 21.34 lakh | Rs 76,000 |
| Blackstorm CVT | Rs 21.32 lakh | Rs 20.58 lakh | Rs 74,000 |
| 2-litre diesel | |||
| Style MT | Rs 17.20 lakh | Rs 16.05 lakh | Rs 1.15 lakh |
| Select Pro MT | Rs 19.45 lakh | Rs 18.15 lakh | Rs 1.30 lakh |
| Sharp Pro MT | Rs 21.70 lakh | Rs 20.25 lakh | Rs 1.45 lakh |
| Blackstorm MT | Rs 22.02 lakh | Rs 20.55 lakh | Rs 1.47 lakh |
- Like the 6-seater variant, the 7-seater Hector Plus also has a maximum price cut of up to Rs 76,000 in its turbo-petrol variants.
- Amongst the diesel trims, the Blackstorm edition has the highest price drop of up to Rs 1.4 lakh.
- Prices now stand between Rs 16.05 lakh and Rs 21.34 lakh (ex-showroom).
MG Gloster
| Variant | Old Price (Old GST rates) | New Price (updated GST 2.0 rates) | Difference |
| Diesel RWD | |||
| Savvy AT 7-seater | Rs 42.64 lakh | Rs 39.80 lakh | Rs 2.84 lakh |
| Savvy AT 6-seater | Rs 42.64 lakh | Rs 39.80 lakh | Rs 2.84 lakh |
| Diesel 4WD | |||
| Savvy AT 7-seater | Rs 45.53 lakh | Rs 42.29 lakh | Rs 3.04 lakh |
| Savvy AT 6-seater | Rs 39.21 lakh | Rs 36.59 lakh | Rs 2.62 lakh |
*RWD- Rear-wheel drive, *4WD-Four wheel Drive
- The rear-wheel drive (RWD) Savvy trims drop by Rs 2.84 lakh, bringing them under Rs 40 lakh.
- The four-wheel drive (4WD) Savvy trims drop by up to Rs 3.04 lakh, the highest cut in the lineup.
- The SUV now costs between Rs 36.59 lakh and Rs 42.29 lakh (ex-showroom).
Reason For The Price Cut
The government’s revised GST 2.0 structure reduces the tax rate on certain categories of cars, including large ICE-powered models that previously attracted a higher slab.
| Type Of Vehicle | Savings | New GST Rates | Old GST Slab (Including Cess) |
| Sub 4 metre (Petrol) | 11 percent | 18 percent | 29 percent (28 percent GST + 1 percent cess) |
| Cars over 4 metres in length with an engine capacity of up to 1,500cc | 5 percent | 40 percent | Up to 45 percent (28 percent GST+ 17 percent cess) |
| Hybrid cars | 3 percent | 40 percent | Up to 43 percent (28 percent GST + 15 percent cess) |
When Can You Avail The New Prices?
The updated prices have already been in effect across all MG dealerships in India. Customers booking or purchasing any of these models will directly benefit from the reduced pricing.
Follow the CarDekho WhatsApp channel to get instant updates from the automotive world.
Watch Video: Which Engine Option Of Maruti Victoris Is The Right One For You?
Published On Sep 24, 2025 03:46 PM By Aniruthan
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Maruti offers the Victoris with three powertrain options: 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol, 1.5-litre CNG, and a 1.5-litre strong hybrid
The Maruti Victoris is the newest compact SUV in Maruti’s lineup, retailed via its Arena chain of dealerships. This compact SUV is being offered in a variety of powertrain options, including mild-hybrid petrol, strong hybrid, and even a CNG. The mild-hybrid petrol also comes with an optional AWD (all-wheel-drive) drivetrain.
With so many choices on offer, deciding on the right one can be a challenge for customers. But before we get into which powertrain is best for you, let’s first check out the detailed powertrain specifications for the Maruti Victoris:
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Engine Specifications
| Engine | 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol engine | 1.5-litre strong hybrid engine | 1.5-litre petrol+CNG option |
| Power | 103 PS | 116 PS (combined) | 88 PS |
| Torque | 139 Nm | 141 Nm | 121.5 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT, 6-speed AT | e-CVT | 5-speed MT |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel-drive, All-wheel-drive (AT Only) | Front-wheel-drive | Front-wheel-drive |
| Claimed Fuel Efficiency | 21.18 kmpl (MT), 21.06 kmpl (AT), 19.07 kmpl (AWD AT) | 28.65 kmpl | 27.02 km/kg |
AT – Torque converter automatic transmission
CVT – Continuously variable automatic transmission
Which One Is Best For You?
Watch the CarDekho reel below to understand which powertrain of the Maruti Victoris best suits your needs:https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOyErjLEkLW/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=14&wp=822&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cardekho.com&rp=%2Findia-car-news%2Fwatch-video-which-engine-option-of-maruti-victoris-is-the-right-one-for-you-35083.htm#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A44935.5%7D
As demonstrated in the video, the regular 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine is ideal for both city commutes and highway cruising, offering a smooth and refined driving experience. The manual transmission is easy to use, though the 6-speed automatic adds an extra layer of convenience. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective alternative with the manual, the CNG variant is a solid choice. Thanks to its underbody CNG tank, the Victoris also manages to retain full boot space, which is a notable advantage.
Also Read: 5 Things We Learnt After Driving Maruti Victoris
The mild hybrid petrol also comes with an optional AWD (all-wheel-drive) drivetrain with automatic transmission, but do note that it’s best to handle mild off-road and uneven terrain with ease. Also, if you don’t have a budget cap and are looking for performance and good efficiency, the strong hybrid should be your ideal choice.
Features And Safety
The Maruti Victoris comes with amenities like a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a head-up display (HUD), an 8-speaker Infinity sound system with Dolby Atmos support, a wireless phone charger and auto AC with rear vents. Other features on board are a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, an 8-way powered driver’s seat, 64-colour ambient lighting and a powered tailgate.
Also Read: Maruti Victoris: Your ULTIMATE BUYING Guide
In terms of safety, it gets 6 airbags (as standard), hill descent control, a 360-degree camera, disc brakes on all wheels, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), front and rear parking sensors and a Level-2 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite (limited to petrol-AT variants). The Victoris has also achieved a 5-star safety rating in both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP crash tests.
Price Range and Rivals
It is priced between Rs 10.50 lakh and Rs 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India, introductory). It takes on the likes of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and Honda Elevate.
