Changan Deepal S05 arrives in South Africa priced at R699,000

Xpeng has introduced the MONA L05 model, which expands the lineup of more affordable MONA vehicles by adding its first five-seater SUV. The launch took place on October 29th.

The official starting price for the model is 144,800 yuan, but as part of a special launch offer, the initial price has been reduced to 139,800 yuan.

The MONA L05 model is available in two variants: fully electric and with extended range. The electric versions can travel up to 635 kilometers according to the CLTC standard, while the extended range version provides 310 kilometers of pure electric driving range and a total range of 1,310 kilometers.

Xpeng reported that this vehicle was designed with adaptation for 65 countries and regions. The driver assistance system uses a vision-based system. The Max models are equipped with one Turing AI chip, while the Ultra SE versions use two such chips.

The company also specified that the first 5,000 units have already left the specialized production line, allowing for the distribution of cars on the night of the launch.

Kawasaki has introduced the KLE 650 motorcycle, which becomes the new member of the Japanese manufacturer's trail bike line. This model is available in two configurations: KLE 650 ABS and KLE 650 SE ABS, elevating the engine level of the KLE line, which currently features the 500 version.

This launch corroborates speculations made by international media following the teaser released shortly after the debut of the KLE 500 SE Smartride 2027, indicating the arrival of a larger displacement trail bike within the same vehicle family.

The disclosed specifications come from Kawasaki North American material, which classifies both versions as the 2027 line and confirms their availability in US stores starting in February.

Technical Details and Engine

The engine is a 649 cc parallel twin equipped with liquid cooling, dual overhead camshafts, and eight valves. It is based on the medium-displacement platform used by Kawasaki in other models, such as the Ninja 650 and Versys 650.

Although power, torque, and weight have not been disclosed by the manufacturer, motorcycles with the same parallel twin engine generate approximately 69 hp and 6.5 kgf·m.

The most significant technical change lies in the electronic throttle, which features 38 mm butterfly bodies. The absence of a cable between the grip and the engine allows the electronic control unit to manage air and fuel, enabling features such as cruise control and traction control. According to Kawasaki, the intake and exhaust tuning focuses on delivering torque below 4,000 rpm, with an increase in power above 6,000 rpm.

The KTRC traction control system presents two modes: Mode 1, less intrusive, preserves more traction when exiting curves; and Mode 2, designed for wet surfaces, cobblestones, and gravel, cuts power earlier upon detecting slippage.

The clutch is assisted and slipping, which reduces the effort required on the lever and restricts rear wheel lock during sudden braking. Cruise control is standard on both versions.

Chassis and Suspension Features

The chassis is constructed from high-strength steel trellis and weighs 16.9 kg. The engine functions as a structural component, as the swingarm is fixed by a bolted plate on the rear of the engine, eliminating the need for extra crossbars. The steel swingarm is 0.5 kg lighter than that of the KLE 500, offering greater vertical rigidity.

Kawasaki itself states that the wheelbase, caster, and trail have been optimized to offer greater stability on asphalt compared to the KLE 500. This implies that the larger bike is more geared towards road use than maximum off-road performance of the family.

In terms of suspension, the front inverted fork measures 43 mm and offers 211 mm of travel. The rear Uni-Trak monoshock provides 196 mm of travel, featuring continuous preload adjustment to accommodate passengers and luggage.

The braking systems include two 300 mm discs in the front, with 27 mm two-piston calipers, and a 230 mm disc at the rear. Although ABS can be disabled for use on sandy terrain, it is programmed to automatically reactivate upon each ignition.

Wheels, Ergonomics, and Finishes

The spoked wheels use aluminum rims and steel spokes, measuring 21 inches in the front and 17 in the rear. Only the SE version has tubeless-ready wheels; on the standard version, a puncture in the tread would require removing the wheel and changing the inner tube.

The seat height of the KLE 650 is 869 mm, very close to the 870 mm of the KLE 500. This height is considered high for the segment, but Kawasaki offers low seats as an accessory for shorter riders. Other available accessories include an engine protector, top box, side panniers, and heated grips.

The fuel tank holds 15.9 liters and has a narrow shape, designed so the rider can slide their body forward on uneven terrain. The windscreen offers three positions, with options of 27 mm or 55 mm more than the standard setting. The handlebars are a fat bar type, made of steel on the basic version and D.I.D. aluminum on the SE. The footpegs have tool-free removable rubber, exposing metal teeth for standing riding off-road.

The rear subframe was designed to support two side panniers and a top box simultaneously. Furthermore, the raised exhaust was positioned to allow the use of symmetrical panniers without compromising the angle of inclination.

Differences Between Standard and SE Versions

The distinctions between the two versions go beyond the instrument panel. The standard version uses a 5-inch LCD display, while the SE is equipped with a similar-sized color TFT that alternates between light and dark backgrounds according to ambient lighting. The SE version also offers two screen layouts and point-to-point navigation when connected to the Rideology app, a feature that requires a paid license and varies by country. Both versions display notifications from the mobile phone.

The SE version additionally includes quickshifter, tubeless wheels, aluminum handlebars, reinforced metal handguards, a USB-C port, and a 106 mm taller windscreen. The skid plate also differs: the standard version receives a plastic piece, justified by Kawasaki due to its lower weight, while the SE version features an aluminum protector, which offers greater protection to the side and bottom of the engine. In practice, this latter option represents the most economical solution in the entry version.

The values and dates mentioned refer exclusively to the United States market, and direct conversion should not be used as a parameter due to tax, shipping, and trade policy issues. There is no information about the arrival of the KLE 650 in Brazil.

While the KLE 500 was confirmed for the Brazilian market during the Interlagos Festival 2026, the larger version, revealed this Tuesday, has no confirmation regarding its arrival or the versions that will be offered locally.

Kawasaki has released an updated version of its powerful streetfighter motorcycle, the Z1100, in the Indian market, which is aimed at superbike enthusiasts. The company has not made significant changes to the design, engine technical specifications, or pricing policy of the new release.

The motorcycle remains available for 12.79 lakh Indian rupees, including exterior costs. The new Kawasaki Z1100 variant is presented in a single color—Ebony/Metallic Carbon Grey. Despite the lack of new technical improvements or features compared to the previous model, the introduction of new graphic elements or color options could give the bike a fresh look.

The Kawasaki Z1100 uses a liquid-cooled, four-cylinder inline engine with a displacement of 1099 cubic centimeters. This engine is capable of generating 136 hp and 113 Nm of torque. It is worth noting that this same engine is used in the updated touring motorcycle, the Versys 1100, although there it is offered with slightly less power and torque. In the Versys 1100, the engine produces 135 hp and 112 Nm. Such power levels are typically seen in compact cars sold in the Indian market.

Structurally, the Kawasaki Z1100 is equipped with a tubular diamond frame. The front suspension features a 41 mm diameter inverted (USD) fork with a travel of 120 mm. The rear is supported by a monoshock with back-linkage, featuring a travel of 136 mm. The front damping allows adjustment of compression and rebound, while the rear suspension allows setting of preload and rebound.

The braking system includes two 310 mm Brembo disc brakes in the front and one 260 mm disc brake in the rear. In terms of equipment, the Kawasaki Z1100 is fitted with a 5-inch TFT display. Additional features include a bidirectional quickshifter, cornering traction control, and dual-channel ABS. The traction control system has three levels, helping to maintain better control while riding.

The motorcycle also features cruise control and smartphone connectivity, making long journeys more comfortable and providing the rider with necessary information. The overall weight of the bike is about 220 kilograms, and the fuel tank capacity is 17 liters, which is quite advantageous for long trips. In the Indian market, the Kawasaki Z1100 competes with powerful models such as the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, which is priced at 13.29 lakh rupees.