The 2022 VW Golf R Estate Is Slower Than the Golf R, But Still 1 of the Coolest Wagons Ever

by Gabrielle DeSantis

“The coolest wagon ever” is a phrase very seldom used until fairly recently. For many of us, the station wagon represented the lamest of the lame mom cars from our childhood. Although there have been many cool wagons over the years, we rarely ever cared. Lately, the wagon has been getting its propers more often from the automotive community; remember the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon from Bring a Trailer? Now, VW is coming correct with the 2022 VW Golf R Estate. It’s bigger, slower, and less three-pedal-y than the Golf R, but who cares? It’s a Golf R wagon!

2022 Golf R Estate | VW

The 2022 VW Golf R Estate is too cool for school

Before we get in too deep, MotorTrend reports that the Americans among us won’t have the chance to enjoy the 2022 VW Golf R Estate. That’s right. Unfortunately, the 315-hp Golf R wagon is to be jealously guarded by our European friends. 

With every passing year, we Americans feel we have done more to prove our worthiness of these hot European wagons, and year after year, we get snubbed and are sent to the automotive kid’s table. Alas!

What’s so cool about the Golf R Estate? 

2022 VW Golf R Estate in blue parked in a parking lot
2022 Golf R Estate | VW

Other than the fact it has “Golf R” and “Estate” in the name, only everything. The Golf R wagon is almost exactly what you’d expect based on the name; it’s a stretched Golf R. It has a 315 hp four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and 60 cubic feet of storage in the back. This new VW wagon is killer from every angle. 

How does the Golf R Estate compare to the Golf R hatchback?

The Estate is obviously a bit bigger than the Golf R hatch. As a result of its newfound bulk, the Golf R Estate is also heavier and, thereby, a bit slower. The Golf R hatch can run a 0-62mph sprint in 4.7 seconds. The bigger Golf R wagon gets it done in 4.9 seconds. Considering it can hold way more cargo and tow nearly two tons, this 0.2 seconds is a very fair trade.

Aside from the size and speed trade-offs, another major difference may make the Americans feel a little better about the wagon snubbage; VW isn’t offering the wagon in manual. Our Golf R hatchback remains in the enthusiasts’ good graces by keeping the six-speed manual transmission. 

However, the 2022 VW Golf R Estate has traded in the third pedal for a set of floppy paddles linked to its seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This is a serious blow to the wagon enthusiasts. The Golf R has held out longer than most models as a bastion for three-pedal car nerds. It’s sad to see it conform to the automatic world. 

We’ll just have to dry our tears with the Golf R hatchback paperwork

The 2022 VW Golf R Estate in blue is one of the coolest wagons ever
2022 Golf R Estate | VW

While we may revel a little in the fact that the Estate won’t come in manual, we are still sad to not be getting such a cool model on this side of the pond. However, the Golf R hatchback should be able to mitigate our jealousy a bit. 

This newest Golf R hatchback will be quite the riot and is definitely one of the coolest wagons ever. We should have our hands (and feet) plenty full with the lighter, manual turbocharged 2.0-liter hatchback, which also makes 315 hp.

RELATED: You Really Should Buy a Volkswagen Golf GTI

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Loki Now Makes One of the Best Camper Trucks for Overlanding

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Like many companies over the past year, Loki has recently had to transition its business model. They went from building modular showrooms and tradeshow displays to slide-in truck campers. Considering that COVID-19 shut down the event industry for a year, Loki had to pivot. This pivot just so happened to be building one of the best camper trucks in the game. 

Loki Falcon | Loki

Loki has made quite the change

Although it may feel, at times, like the custom camper and RV market is oversaturated, many customers are still waiting over a year for their campers to be built. With that in mind, there is clearly still enough demand to outweigh the supply. Enter Loki. 

Loki isn’t just the name of a popular Marvel anti-hero, although these camper trucks look like something he might drive. According to Expedition Portal, Lokis founder and CEO Pierre-Mathieu Roy decided that it was the perfect time to put his background in design and fabrication to work. His goal was to build the truck camper he’d always dreamed of and share it with the world.

Loki created a four-season truck camper shell called the Falcon, which comes in three different sizes. The Falcon 5 weighs 1,200 pounds and fits pickup trucks with 5-foot beds. The Falcon 6 is slightly bigger, weighing 2,200 pounds and sized for pickups with 6.5-foot beds. Finally, the Falcon 8 is the largest Loki offers, weighing in at 3,000 pounds and fitting pickups with 8-foot beds.

Each one is made using hand-built aluminum frames and a serious solar-powered electrical system that keeps all your power needs completely off the grid. 

The Loki Falcon camper trucks are highly customizable 

Loki Falcon truck camper top from behind parked in the mountains
Loki Falcon | Loki

It is rare for two customers to want and need the exact same rig, especially when it comes to something as vast and varied as overlanding. For this reason, every Falcon camper truck unit is made to order and completely customizable. Regardless of how anyone intends to use this modular camper shell, the Loki Falcon has them covered. This is, in part, what makes this one of the best camper trucks for overlanding on the market. 

The other aspect that makes the Loki a strong contender is the modular slide-in part of the Falcon. With the added weight and height of the camper shell, drivers will lose a good bit of their vehicle’s off-road ability. However, the design of the Loki Falcon allows for removal, turning your truck back in its 4×4 self when you’re not camping. 

The Falcon camper truck interior 

Truck camper opened up at night
Loki Falcon interior | Loki

The interior of Loki’s Falcon series of campers split into four distinct areas: the mudroom, lounge, kitchenette, and bedroom. The mudroom acts as the entryway to the camper and has an easy-to-clean floor, portable shower, ARB air compressor, and storage. 

The lounge is all about comfort and seating. This area includes a table, removable 68-inch aluminum platforms, anchor points for additional sleeping or storage platforms, and storage for a portable toilet.

The kitchenette comes with a mobile induction cooktop, stainless sink with folding tap and cover, food and cooking equipment storage, and a refrigerator. 

Lastly, the bedroom, which sits in the back of the modular camper truck, features reading lamps, a multimedia monitor with a removable articulating arm, LED lighting, and various electrical outlets. It can also be converted to fit a smaller bed and add more gear storage. 

The Loki Falcon camper is a welcomed addition to the RV market

Solar pannels atop the Falcon camper truck
Loki Falcon | Loki

Even though it feels like there is always a new camper to consider, the truth is, there are still more people wanting overlanding and camper truck rigs that can’t get one. For as long as that dynamic continues, the industry will keep filling in the gaps. For now, the Loki Falcon is one of the best camper trucks for overlanding on the market. 

RELATED: This Overlanding Camper is Better and Half the Price of an Earthroamer

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What Is the Most Sustainable Tractor Model You Can Buy?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There’s an undeniable shift toward sustainability across the globe. There are more hybrid and electric cars than ever before. Even the farming industry is turning to more sustainable practices. So what is the most sustainable tractor model you can buy? 

Claas Axion tractor | Claas Group

According to the Tractor of the Year awards, there is one particular tractor that is the most sustainable tractor in the world. The TOTY gives awards to the best utility tractor, the best specialized tractor, and its namesake the Tractor of the Year. So which tractor model impressed the jury as the most sustainable of all? 

The Claas 960 Axion wins the Sustainable TOTY award

Hand picked from all of the finalists in every category, TOTY considers the Claas 960 Axion tractor model the most sustainable tractor model you can buy. The specialized system of this tractor lends itself to helping Claas 960 Axion operate in a more efficient and resourceful way than before. 

The Tractor of the Year committee says that it takes “a big step towards a more sustainable” way of farming. People in the industry appreciate the Claas 960 Axion for its advanced and user-friendly tech features. Plus, the electrics are updated and the tractor features a new “optimization of tire pressure.” 

The specific tire pressure optimization helps farmers get more hours per gallon of fuel. Sustainability is all about efficiency and making sure that resources aren’t being wasted. Something as simple as fuel economy can’t be overlooked.

“this tractor [has] a remarkable fuel saving and a much more efficient performance on field and in any working condition.”

What is sustainability? 

Let’s define sustainable. The online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sustainable three ways. Most simply, “capable of being sustained.” But there are two other definitions provided that fit better in the context of something (like a tractor) having “environmentally friendly” qualities. 

The second definition that Merriam-Webster gives us for sustainability is “of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.” Then the next one says that sustainable means, “of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods.”

How can a tractor be sustainable?

Taking what we can from these basic definitions, we can move into what it means for a tractor to be sustainable. According to the Tractor of the Year organization, sustainability for the 2021 award ranges outside the scope of a machine simply being “green.” 

The concept of sustainability brings several aspects such as comfort, safety, efficiency and connectivity. In general terms how new and future technologies will help farmers in their every day job.

TOTY focused on areas of interest such as the Intelligence of Things, Internet of Things, and big data analysis. The team then combined this focus with the study of new engines (electric, hybrid, gas, etc.) and new tech features. They then looked at the ways in which these features enrich the daily working lives of real farmers who own and operate real tractors.

Plus, the TOTY jury concentrated their attention on how these technologies and systems help. Do they help produce a more efficient tractor?

Do they provide us with a more effective operation and a lower level of pollution? The answer to both of these questions is yes. That’s why the jury favored the Claas 960 Axion. 

the Claas logo on the grille of a tractor
The Claas logo on the grille a tractor | Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The most all-around efficient tractor of the year

So really the award went to the Claas 960 Axion because it is among the most efficient models in several areas. In addition, it brings quite a bit of innovation to the tractor market.

This makes it one of the most sustainable tractor models you can buy. It provides farmers with modern features. These features help to both ease the daily grind and save the planet. So, this Claas tractor took the prize.

RELATED: Are Kubota Tractors Made in America?

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Honda Now Sells an Electric Scooter and it Looks Strangely Familiar

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you ever thought about purchasing a new Honda vehicle, what kind of accessories would you buy with it? Some all-weather floormats, or perhaps a tent? What about an electric scooter? That’s right, Honda now sells an electric scooter as an accessory. It’s called the Honda eSYMO and you can’t get it here in the U.S. And technically, it’s not even made by Honda.

What’s so special about Honda’s electric scooter?

Honda eSYMO Electric Scooter | BolandsHonda.com

This particular scooter is special because it has Honda stickers on it and that’s about it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have VTEC or a turbocharger or any other special features like a HondaVac. Instead, this electric scooter is similar to most other e-scooters on the market because, technically, it is just like the rest.

If you take a close look at the pictures, you’ll notice that the stickers on the bottom part of it say “Micro for Honda.” That’s because this Honda eSYMO is actually made by Micro Scooters, which is based in the UK. So, it’s no wonder that the Honda eSYMO is only available in the UK as well.

The Honda eSymo’s spec sheet is still impressive

Branding collaborations aside, the Honda eSYMO’s specs look pretty impressive for its price. For starters, the eSYMO has a range of up to 25 km (15 miles) and can go up to 25 km/hr (15 mph). Front and rear 200mm airless tires make for a comfortable, yet grippy ride, and the built-in front and rear suspensions ensure the scooter goes over road imperfections smoothly, according to the automaker.

Riders can even operate this scooter in the dark as it’s equipped with a front headlight and rear taillights. There’s even an illuminated electronic display that sits in the middle of handlebars that displays pertinent information to the rider. The display shows things like the ambient temperature, battery status, speed, and different driving modes.

Speaking of the latter, riders are able to shift between four different speed modes; from “pedestrian mode” (6 km/hr) to “eco,” “standard,” and “sport mode” (25 km/hr). All of that happens with the push of a thumb accelerator button on the handlebar, which awakens the 500-watt battery. The charge time for the eSYMO is short as well, taking only 3 hours via the easy-to-reach charging port.

The Honda scooter costs a little more than the Micro one

Honda eSYMO Electric Scooter
Honda eSYMO Electric Scooter | BolandsHonda.com

If you’re looking to get your hands on one of these Honda eSYMO scooters, then you’ll have to figure out how to get it shipped over from the UK. According to Honda, the eSYMO is priced at 937 euros (plus VAT), but what’s interesting is that the comparable scooter direct from Micro costs a lot less.

Taking a look at the Micro lineup, the brand’s most expensive “Explorer” scooter costs 499 euros and it even comes with a free helmet. As far as the specs go, the Micro Explorer has all of the same specs as the eSYMO, but it also has the added convenience of cruise control and regenerative braking.

It looks like it could be a better decision to go straight to the source. Although, if you’re a die-hard Honda UK fan, then you might not care about paying twice the price for the same scooter.

RELATED: Buying an Electric Scooter Could Be the Best Idea For Your Walking …

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