Car industry

Australia’s fresh-automobile gross sales outcomes are in for but one other checklist-setting March, with 111,617 gross sales reported via the Federal Chamber of Automobile Industries (FCAI) and the EV Council.

Riding gross sales exclaim were streak-in hybrid autos, up 380 percent from the identical month last three hundred and sixty five days. It’s corresponding to February’s result, and reflects a dart to accumulate in earlier than the FBT exemption for PHEVs ceased on 1 April.

Electrical automobile gross sales were down in contrast to 2024, but no longer as worthy as the FCAI claimed. Taking into consideration Tesla and Polestar, battery-powered autos made up 7.5 percent of the market with 8385 gross sales.

FCAI chief executive Tony Weber’s assertion that “demand of for EVs is extinct” comes as The Australian stories the federal opposition will scrap emissions fines below watered-down Original Automobile Effectivity Standards (NVES) if elected.

Simplest-promoting brands March 2025

Toyota used to be Australia’s greatest fresh-automobile vendor, adopted by Ford then Mazda within the month of March. Mazda retains its three hundred and sixty five days-to-date lead over the Blue Oval, alternatively.

Kia stayed narrowly forward of Mitsubishi with Hyundai following. Chinese language carmaker GWM posted its supreme resolve ever in March with 4393 gross sales, ample to sight it withhold a solid seventh space overall. Alternatively, a exhausting-charging BYD recorded 4811 gross sales in March — lets peek if it will spoil the cease-10 by three hundred and sixty five days’s end.

Nissan had a greater month, though MG peaceable remains forward three hundred and sixty five days-to-date, and Subaru saved its head within the cease-10 three hundred and sixty five days-to-date, but BYD is coming rapidly to upset that occasion.

Australia’s preferred autos in March 2025

A little upset to Toyota’s plans of RAV4 domination in March, the Ford Ranger ute took high-promoting honours forward of Toyota’s family SUV. The RAV4 remains forward three hundred and sixty five days-to-date (13,802 plays 13,226).

Toyota’s evergreen Hilux managed third space adopted by a solid displaying from the Mitsubishi Outlander, bolstered by now-extinct FBT exemptions. Over a third of gross sales were for the Outlander PHEV last month.

The fresh potato Toyota Prado adopted in fifth save and inserting that nameplate nicely on its formulation to a checklist gross sales three hundred and sixty five days of 30,000-plus units.

Another hater-silencing fulfillment used to be the BYD Shark 6 streak-in hybrid ute. The newcomer’s gross sales tally is already great, notching up 2810 deliveries in its third month on sale. Especially spectacular, this comes with factual a single variant, not like all diverse autos forward.

Request remains if the Shark 6’s success will proceed after the beneficiant streak-in hybrid incentives go. The reply will are available in in next month’s gross sales figures.

A solid month for the Ford Everest big SUV, a weaker one for the Isuzu D-Max ute, a actual one for the MG ZS and one other right displaying from the Hyundai Kona little SUV with its mixture of petrol, hybrid and electrical energy, spherical out the cease-10.

Thanks for joining us this Wednesday, second of April 2025. Particularly in vehicle news nowadays: Tradies celebrate! Extra Tritons are coming, Ford’s 100 years in Australia.

Browse this concern:

• A Triton for every occasion: Original Triton variants coming
• 100 years of the Blue Oval in Australia
• Alfa Romeo’s acknowledge to Lexus LBX and Peugeot 2008
• Mazda’s unique Chinese-manufactured SUV

• Reviewed: 2025 Skoda Octavia RS Facelift

A Triton for every occasion: Cheaper Triton variants coming

• Mitsubishi Australia has unveiled two unique alternate-oriented variants of the Triton, with an expected initiate in Q3 2025. A singular single cab Triton will be sold completely as a cab-chassis, whereas the membership cab and recent twin cab will be equipped with both a bathe-tray or cab-chassis.

• Focusing on the fast and alternate market, the $34,490(RRP) 2WD GLX single cab chassis Triton will sight to rob on rivals such as the $36,880(RRP) 2WD XL Ford Ranger and $32,990 (pressure-away) 2WD SX Isuzu D-max.

• Mitsubishi will proceed to present one engine possibility: a 2.4-litre four cylinder twin-turbo diesel producing 150kW / 470Nm and coupled to both a six-ride manual or six-ride automatic transmission.

• Currently, Mitsubishi will ideal sell the twin cab ‘decide-up’ or single cab-chassis Triton in a extra inexpensive 2WD kit. The membership cab, which guarantees extra cabin room in a two-seat structure, is good available in the market as a 4 wheel pressure.

READ: Mitsubishi Triton 2024 review

WATCH: Hang they fixed it? Starting our Mitsubishi Triton prolonged time frame review

100 years of the Blue Oval in Australia

• Ford Australia is commemorating 100 years in Australia. First launching in 1925 with an Australian-built Model T, Ford Australia has grown to be one in all the nation’s high promoting brands, spearheaded by the recognition of the Ranger ute in extra recent events.

• Official celebrations for Ford Australia’s 100 year anniversary will originate up on the 4th of April, with an extraordinary “History in the Making” occasion in Melbourne. Ford will proceed to turn into enthusiastic with the annual ‘All Ford Day’ held in Geelong on April sixth.

• Ford Australia used to be based in Geelong, Victoria, and a convincing connection to the dwelling has remained since. It’s dwelling to Ford’s analysis and trend centre and You Yangs automobile proving grounds.

• Ford Australia has also announced a party of history to be explored digitally. The Ford Heritage Vault online page is available in the market for public viewing and incorporates over 19,000 articles, at the side of brochures, photos, press releases and concept art.

READ: Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 prolonged-time frame review

WATCH: Living with the Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 (Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 prolonged-time frame review)

Alfa Romeo’s acknowledge to Lexus LBX and Peugeot 2008

• Alfa Romeo has confirmed it must carry the Junior to Australia in Q3 2025. The Junior will be equipped with ideal one trim stage and two assorted powertrains: the “Ibrida” (48V hybrid) and “Elettrica” (corpulent-electric).
• At the same time as the value of the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida has no longer yet been confirmed, demand it to be in the realm of $50,000. This rivals equal finances-luxury compact hybrids, at the side of the $47,550(Checklist) Lexus LBX Luxurious and $42,490 Peugeot 2008 Entice.

• The Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica will seemingly assign around $60,000, and once more finds rivals in the finances-luxury compact EV dwelling, at the side of the $54,990(MSRP) Renault Megane E-tech and $59,990 Cupra Born.

• A 1.2-litre three cylinder turbo petrol engine and gearbox-mounted electric motor propel the 48V hybrid Alfa Romeo Ibrida, producing 100kW / 230Nm. The corpulent EV Elettrica aspects a 54kWh battery and single electric motor, producing 115kW/260Nm and able to travelling a claimed 407km (WLTP).

Mazda’s unique Chinese-manufactured SUV

• Mazda has teased a brand unique all-electric SUV almost straight away after releasing the EZ-6. The teaser went reside on Chinese social media platform Weibo, and aspects a undeniable SUV silhouette showing in a faux digital wind tunnel.

• Worthy luxuriate in the Chinese manufactured Mazda EZ-6, Mazda’s unique EV SUV will fragment many general aspects with a Deepal sister vehicle – seemingly the Deepal S07, which went on sale in Australia final year for $fifty three,900(MSRP).

• The unique electric SUV has no longer yet been formally named, nonetheless heavily resembles the Mazda Arata concept vehicle. Basically based on a 2024 Chinese trademark, it’s seemingly the unique mannequin will be dubbed ‘EZ-60’.

• A world initiate date, pricing, specification and even mannequin title has no longer yet been confirmed by Mazda for the upcoming corpulent-electric SUV. If the auto had been to approach assist to Australia, it will seemingly initiate in 2026 or 2027.

2025 Skoda Octavia RS Facelift Evaluate

• Chasing Vehicles side twin carriageway take a look at editor John Laws’s first Australian pressure of the 2025 Skoda Octavia RS used to be printed, and praises Skoda for bettering an already lawful automobile, nonetheless questions the save the Octavia RS would possibly well well space in an already bloated VAG lineup.
• Laws applauded the handling functionality of the Octavia RS as smartly as the efficiency of the 2.0-Litre four cylinder turbo petrol engine, which now produces 195kW/370Nm.

• The Octavia RS had few flaws, nonetheless Laws drew essentially from the bumpy gallop over repeated bumps, and a small intrusive side twin carriageway noise recent in the cabin.
• Priced at $62,990 pressure-away for the sedan and $64,490 for the wagon, the Skoda Octavia RS is a smartly priced, attain-all sporty vehicle. Optioned as a wagon, it’s exhausting to sight previous for luxurious, yet assign-for-money making an strive to receive households or those that crave a natty boot and an appetizing riding abilities.

READ: Skoda Octavia RS 2025 review: Australian first pressure

The next concern of Automobile Files Nowadays will be printed on Thursday second April at 4.30pm Sydney time.

Thanks for joining us this Friday, twenty eighth March 2025. Severely in automobile data this day: Trump holds ground on 25% original automobile and beneficial properties tariff, Skyworth BE11 confirmed – with three other vehicles also on the manner, and Audi Q2 e-tron to originate in Australia as their most fee-efficient EV.

Browse this bid:

• Trump holds ground on 25% original automobile and beneficial properties tariff
• Skyworth BE11 confirmed – with three other vehicles also on the manner
• Audi Q2 e-tron to originate in Australia as their most fee-efficient EV
• Volvo EX90 electric SUV now on sale in native dealerships

Trump holds ground on 25% original automobile and beneficial properties tariff

• Donald Trump has refused to back down on his controversial extra 25% tariff, which is in a snort to have an effect on all original vehicles and automobile beneficial properties imported into The United States, including from Canada and Mexico.

• This sizable 25% tariff is also the minimum figure, that means extra costs would possibly additionally very successfully be imposed from the birth date which has been confirmed as the 2nd of April 2025.

• Trump has stated the tariff imposed on abroad auto producers will give a rob to local USA manufacturing, by truly forcing world producers to situation up shop in The United States as a replacement of foot the bill.

• The circulation-on manufacture from any such switch is determined to consequence in large lay-offs right via the realm automobile sector. These are clearly nervous instances, as stocks like fallen on the foremost US automobile producers following the announcement that Trump’s tariff is a extraordinarily honest thing.

Skyworth BE11 confirmed – with three other vehicles also on the manner

• One more Chinese producer is anticipated to land within the community within the impending months, with the announcement that Skyworth will be promoting their BE11 eclectic automobile in Australia.

• The BE11 is an electric SUV that is sized within the same style to the Toyota RAV4, with initial differ claims of 489km between charges. Powering the BE11 is an 86kWh battery, with an electrical motor producing a claimed 150kW and 320Nm.

• Pricing is determined to birth from $forty eight,990 sooner than on-road costs for the Comfort spec, with high spec Luxurious costing $52,990 sooner than on-road costs. Deliveries are expected to reach within the impending months.

• Going off the Skyworth web suppose, there looks to be other fashions on the horizon. These encompass the Skyworth Q Hatch, Skyworth Y, and Next Know-how Van. We can continue to update you as data comes to hand.

Audi Q2 e-tron to originate in Australia as price’s most fee-efficient EV

• Arriving sooner than time table, manufacturing has been confirmed for the 2026 Audi Q2 e-tron electric automobile.

• The Audi Q2 e-tron would possibly well be the most fee-efficient electric automobile within the Audi acquire, with pricing rumoured to sit down down down below rivals comparable to the BMW iX1’s pricing of sub $80,000.

• Within the starting keep slated for arrival in 2027, Audi is fervent to push ahead with the Q2 e-tron. They’ve also expressed passion in offering an electric automobile in every automobile category.

• At the same time as you’d are looking ahead to the most reasonable EV Audi within the road-up to be consistent with a metropolis-friendly hatch, Audi CEO, Gernot Dollner, is asserting the Q2 e-tron as an SUV at the birth.

Volvo EX90 electric SUV now on sale in native dealerships

• The EX90 has launched in Australia, with the $124,990 (plus on-roads) electric SUV now on hand within the community in Australian showrooms.

• Volvo has stated the key short when designing the EX90, used to be to create the most acquire Volvo ever made.  As such it contains Volvo’s Safe Verbalize technology which utilises camera, radar and LICAR systems giving the EX90 an genuine-time 360 stage camera.

• Powering the 2025 Volvo EX90 is a desire of Twin Motor powertrain with 300kW of power and 770Nm, or Twin Motor Performance producing a claimed 380kW and 910Nm.

• The EX90 is the first Volvo designed purely from scratch to be a 100% battery EV. In accordance to the ‘inexperienced theme’ it has been manufactured the utilization of 15% recycled metal, 25% recycled alloy, and up to 48kg of recycled plastics.

The next bid of Automobile Records This day will be published on Monday 31st March at 4.30pm Sydney time.

Chinese language automobile producers are lining up to rob ambitious pictures at Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz after 16 years of tempting Australians with cheap autos.

MG this week confirmed its plans to commence its luxury sub-word IM in Australia, starting with the electrical IM5 sedan and closely related IM6 SUV.

The anticipated transfer follows newest facts that compatriot BYD is bypassing its native distributor EV Dispute to introduce the manufacturing huge’s own luxury hotfoot-off called Denza.

A Lexus LX and Mercedes GLS rival in the invent of the U8 plug-in-hybrid huge four wheel pressure is decided to be the first model in Australia featuring the Denza badge.

The U8 is 5.3 metres long and powered by a petroleum-electrical powertrain with 880kW and 1250Nm, plus a WLTP EV-most efficient utilizing differ of 124km.

Four hub-mounted electrical motors no longer most efficient ship all-wheel pressure nevertheless give the U8 ‘tank turn’ (or hotfoot on the distance) functionality.

Pricing in China is an identical of $250,000, far above the reasonably reasonably priced pricing of BYD models already purchased in Australia.

The Lexus LX costs between $156,000 and $220,000, with the GLS Mercedes costing from $189,000 up to $420k for the extremely-luxurious Maybach version.

One more sturdy candidate for the Denza sub-word in Australia is the B5 plug-in hybrid huge four wheel pressure that shares noteworthy commonality with the BYD Shark 6 ute.

MG has chosen the uncommon word title ‘IM Presented by MG Motor’ to abet the MG association reasonably than market IM as a wholly new title.

IM stands for ‘Intelligence in Circulate’ and the word from MG guardian firm SAIC involves a important shareholder in the invent of online retail huge Alibaba.

Pricing for the IM models has yet to be confirmed, though they’re anticipated to be positioned nearer to their related (if a minute bit smaller) Tesla models – the Mannequin 3 sedan and Mannequin Y SUV – reasonably than related electrical models from the likes of BMW and Mercedes.

The Zeekr top fee word owned by one other Chinese language manufacturing huge – Geely – arrived in Australia in leisurely 2024 with the X compact electrical crosser that’s related to the Volvo EX30.

While the Zeekr X is priced from $56,900, the Zeekr 009 electrical of us-mover has just just as we issue arrived as one other rare Chinese language automobile to price better than $100,000.

With a trace of $135,900, it joins the LDV Mifa 9 – one other electrical of us-mover, priced between $104K and $129K – and MG Cyberster electrical sports actions automobile ($115,000 plus on-roads) as Chinese language autos with six-figure stickers.

Many extra Chinese language producers are queuing up to commence in Australia, though the majority shall be playing in the mainstream characteristic.

Nio has been flirting with the root of promoting its top fee autos right here for a couple of years nevertheless has gone quiet of leisurely, though Geely-Volvo hotfoot-off word Lync & Co seems put to conclude abet right here through the same importer in price for introducing Zeekr, one other Geely-owned word.

Price will remain a key selling point even for the extra ambitious Chinese language producers. Ask them to assuredly offer extra facets and additional efficiency than the same model from any of the established European or Eastern luxury marques.

This form has already contributed to a a great deal a great deal surprised of car gross sales for European automobile makers who as soon as dominated China’s luxury automobile section.

All of it nevertheless ensures that the native arms of Audi, BMW, Lexus,  Mercedes, and even Porsche won’t be too complacent about these emerging producers.

Thanks for becoming a member of us this Wednesday 26th 2025. Critically in automobile data recently: Toyota takes on Lexus in battle for four wheel pressure supremacy, Peugeot’s unique GTi gets electrical.

Browse this project:

• Toyota Prado Kakadu takes on Lexus GX550 in four wheel pressure battle
• Peugeot to raise lend a hand iconic GTi nameplate… on an EV
• Volkswagen originate T-Roc R Wolfsburg version
• Hyundai teases unique gaming-inspired vehicle dubbed ‘INSTEROID’
• Reviewed: 2025 Skoda Enyaq RS “tennis ball”

Toyota Prado Kakadu takes on Lexus GX550 in four wheel pressure battle

• Chasing Automobiles has printed a entire, large respond to the quiz on every four wheel pressure driver’s lips, ‘Which is better: Prado or Lexus GX?’
• Contributor Iain Curry expertly outlined every vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses. One of the excellent choices of contention is tag: Prado Kakadu starts at $ninety 9,990(MSRP), whilst Lexus GX sibling starts at $116,000.

• Every are constructed on the identical Toyota ladder-physique platform, however use vastly diversified powerplants. The Kakadu a 150kW 2.8L turbo-diesel and eight-slip automatic, whereas the GX uses a 260kW / 650Nm 3.5L turbo-petrol V6 and 10 slip automatic.

• The Toyota Prado and its variants indulge in lengthy been established as Australia’s high preference for enormous four wheel pressure off-roading. Curry stipulates that despite a top payment if truth be told feel and bump in energy over the Prado, the Lexus GX can’t rather tumble the longstanding king.

READ: Lexus GX550 Overtrail 2025 review: Australian check

WATCH: Is Lexus price the $20K upcharge over Toyota? (2025 Lexus GX vs Toyota Prado review)

Peugeot to raise lend a hand iconic GTi nameplate… on an EV

• Peugeot has confirmed the sacred GTi badge will return. And, rather all of a sudden, its first appearance will be on an EV sizzling-hatch.

• The Peugeot e-208 has been imply to don the GTi badge, presumably with more energy, shiny colours, and most importantly for any GTi, uncompromised, narrate handling.

• It’s far doubtless the e-208 GTi driveline will be taken at this time from Abarth 600e, constructed on the identical e-CMP platform because the e-208 and boasting a 177kW front mounted electrical motor, Torsen shrimp-scoot differential, and a 0-100km/h around 6.0 seconds.
• It’s far no longer yet confirmed when the Peugeot e-208 GTi will be launched globally, let on my own for the Australian market. An Autocar interview with unique Peugeot CEO Alain Favey printed that Peugeot will “reintroduce the GTi (badge) on the e-208 as quickly as imaginable”.

Volkswagen originate T-Roc R Wolfsburg version

• Volkswagen has launched a brand unique Wolfsburg variant of doubtlessly the most fresh period T-Roc R, marking the first time in the company’s history that a T-Roc will receive the Wolfsburg cure.
• The Volkswagen T-Roc R Wolfsburg is priced from $69,290 (sooner than on-freeway costs). Maximum output will stay at 221kW / 400Nm — the identical offering from the well-liked T-Roc R.

• The predominant changes to the Wolfsburg T-Roc encompass an Akrapovic titanium exhaust machine, 19-go Pretoria alloy wheels, and carbonfibre-come at some level of C-pillars, as properly as a $4300 tag amplify over the well-liked T-Roc R. Finest 200 T-Roc R Wolfsburgs will attain to Australia.

• The Wolfsburg tidy of doubtlessly the most fresh T-Roc is the beginnings of the auto’s bustle-out, as a brand unique period T-Roc is expected to be unveiled in the impending months.

READ: Volkswagen T-Roc R Wolfsburg: special version launched sooner than unique-gen little SUV demonstrate

Hyundai teases unique gaming-inspired vehicle dubbed ‘Insteroid’

• Hyundai has teased a brand unique belief automobile, is called the ‘Insteroid’. The one-of-a-form get is basically based on the Hyundai Inster, an electrical compact SUV which changed into as soon as expected in Australia in February of this year.

• Hyundai claims the ‘Insteroid’ nameplate is a aggregate of Inster and steroid to “replicate the funky, youthful and muscular nature of the observe automobile”. It’s far unlikely the Insteroid will ever be attach into production — at least on this compose.

• The Insteroid belief vehicle components extra air intakes in the wheel-arches, 21-go wheels, video-game inspired LED headlights, and a pronounced rear spoiler over the well-liked mannequin Inster.

• The Insteroid incessantly is the superstar of Hyundai’s stand at the Seol Mobility Philosophize in April, which is taking place at the identical time because the Melbourne Motor Philosophize.

2025 Skoda Enyaq RS reviewed

• Chasing Automobiles journalist Tom Baker’s review of the 2025 Skoda Enyaq RS changed into as soon as printed to YouTube, and entails reward for the Enyaq’s sporty vibes.
• Baker changed into as soon as impressed by the Enyaq RS’s ability to exclaim glorious handling with out compromising trek quality. He eminent that with 250kW and all-wheel pressure, the RS is sporty however approachable.

• Two choices of contention with the Enyaq RS encompass the lack of cyber web connectivity offered by the infotainment machine (a feature prevalent in many rivals), and the lack of an EV-defining frunk.
• The RS is excellent, however the entry level Enyaq RWD’s tag is more household friendly. A heavy facelift of Skoda’s first EV is due in Australia later this year.

WATCH: Is the priciest Skoda yet a accurate fun machine? (Skoda Enyaq Coupe RS 2025 Review)

The following project of Automobile News At the present time will be printed on Thursday 26th March at 4.30pm Sydney time.

Thanks for joining us this Friday March twenty first, 2025. Significantly in automobile news at the present time: Facelifted Haval H6 launching imminently, Tesla confirms pricing for unique Model Y, and additional.

Browse this recount:

• Facelifted 2025 Haval H6 hybrid launching imminently
• Tesla confirms pricing for unique Model Y
• Sport-altering Zeekr 7X and Mix land in Australia
• BYD develops wild excessive RPM electrical motor

• Reviewed: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Elite N Line Hybrid

Facelifted 2025 Haval H6 hybrid launching imminently

• GWM has confirmed the open date of the facelifted Haval H6 at a most contemporary press tournament. The Haval H6 is scheduled to open in Q2, between April and June 2025.

• The fresh Haval H6 hit the market at $32,790 earlier than on-boulevard charges in April, 2021. Now, the new facelifted H6 affords revised entrance and rear bumpers, a bump in energy, and an overhauled interior.

• GWM sold over 42,000 vehicles final one year, with the H6 inserting as the company’s 2nd most-favorite mannequin with 8973 sales plus a additional 3443 H6 GT ‘coupe’ variants.

• With an up as a lot as now hybrid powertrain and new scuttle-in hybrid offering, the facelifted Haval H6 will shake up the mid-size SUV segment collectively with the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and MG HS.

READ: Haval H6 2025 evaluate: facelift first pressure

WATCH: First price Price Below $50K, But It’s No longer Preferrred (Haval H6 GT 2024 Evaluate)

Tesla confirms pricing for unique Model Y

• Tesla Australia has released pricing for the new 2025 Model Y, with unique variants joining the vary. The brand new Model Y will be on the showroom ground by mid-Would possibly perhaps well also in Initiating Series guise from $63,400 earlier than on-boulevard charges.

• Two core variants of the Model Y, the Model Y RWD ($58,900) and Model Y Long Fluctuate AWD ($68,900) will near in June, priced $4500 lower than restricted Initiating Series counterparts.

• Whereas the flawed Model Y RWD has elevated in label by $3000 over its predecessor, the vary topping Model Y Long Fluctuate AWD has obtained a $1000 reduction.

• In an exclusive interview with Chasing Autos, Tesla confirmed all mannequin pricing will be extra consistent as the company shifts point of curiosity a long way from ‘The Save Wars’. Key rivals for the Tesla Model Y consist of the XPeng G6, Kia EV5 Air, and BYD Sealion 7.

READ: Tesla Model Y 2025 pricing: $4500-more cost-effective core variants confirmed for favorite electrical automobile

Sport-altering Zeekr 7X and Mix land in Australia

• Zeekr has formally opened its doorways to the Australian public with a new dealership in the center of Sydney’s CBD. Within the potential is the first public appearance of the 7X mid-size SUV and Mix folks mover.

• Each the Zeekr 7X and Mix are constructed with Zeekr’s top price 800-volt electrical structure. The 7X is coming to Australia this one year even supposing the Mix is unconfirmed, even supposing presence at a new dealership open has resulted in hypothesis.

• In in a foreign nation markets, the 7X is equipped in three variants: Core RWD, Long Fluctuate RWD, and Privilege AWD, with offerings of 75kWh and 100kWh batteries. The Zeekr MIX is purely equipped in RWD configuration, with a desire between a 76kWh or 102kWh battery.

• The Zeekr Mix would possibly per chance well per chance moreover simply be a severe EV-only rival to the Kia Carnival GT-Line Hybrid, in the intervening time priced at $76,210, and the funky Volkswagen ID.Buzz ($87,990).

BYD develops wild excessive RPM electrical motor

• BYD has unveiled plans for a new 580kW electrical motor capable of spinning as a lot as 30,511rpm. It will turn into seemingly the most absolute most realistic output industrially produced objects on the market as a lot as now, triumphing over rival Xiaomi’s 27,200rpm misleadingly-named HyperEngine V8s.

• The Chinese language carmaker has published the Han L and Tang L sedan and SUV would possibly be the first objects to make utilize of the new motor, a seemingly exclusive desire for mid-vary household vehicles.

• Each the Han L and Tang L are constructed on BYD’s new 1000V structure platform, which helps one megawatt fast charging. For the time being, each vehicles are only available for presale aquire in China.

• At this stage, it is now not seemingly the Australian market will leer BYD’s groundbreaking 30,511rpm motor in the advance future.

Hyundai Tucson Elite N Line Hybrid Evaluate

• Chasing Autos deputy editor Curt Dupriez’s lengthy-term mortgage of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Elite N Line Hybrid came to an conclude after six months and 10,000km.

• Dupriez used to be enamoured with the wide vary of successfully-rounded powerplant ideas available for the Tucson, and spoke highly of the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi Hybrid machine below his lengthy-termer’s bonnet.

• There’s no question the Hyundai Tucson’s finest rival is the ever-favorite Toyota RAV4. Dupriez used to be fast to surmise which automobile must gentle get the hearts (and wallets) of the Australian public.

• A successfully-rounded, atmosphere pleasant, and competitively priced mid-size SUV, the Hyundai Tucson Elite N Line Hybrid must gentle completely be a shortlisted contender for any buyer seeking cost-for-money — notably if they’ve a younger household.

READ: Hyundai Tucson Elite N Line Hybrid lengthy bustle evaluate

The following recount of Car News This day will be printed on Monday 24th March at 4.30pm Sydney time.

Thanks for becoming a member of us this Thursday March Twentieth 2025. MG’s fresh electrical automobile printed in China, Toyota Hilux rendered in top-spec GR Sport neatly-organized, an ex-Holden worker’s mountainous pronounce, French worth’s Nissan X-Hunch rival and extra.

Browse this pronounce:

• Neatly-liked electrical automobile upgraded in China, but is it a fresh MG4?
• New Hilux GR Sport printed in renders!
• How an ex-Holden worker will change into Chinese language vehicles
• French worth’s resolution to Nissan X-Hunch and Mitsubishi Outlander
• Overview: What’s it cherish to reside with a Ford Ranger?

Neatly-liked electrical automobile upgraded in China, but is it the fresh MG4?

• An up to this point version of the MG4 has been printed by the Chinese language automobile regulator. New sheet steel that has ties to the existing MG4’s proportions but elevated in every dimension suggests an all-fresh mannequin.
• Surprisingly, even though, the fresh automobile has a much less distinguished 120kW motor, moderately than the present 125kW heinous. It’s additionally about 150kg lighter, pointing perchance at a smaller battery and even lower designate of entry.

• In a complex twist, MG has complied the automobile with numerous nameplates, including MG4, E5 and MG3EV. CarNewsChina reports here is a frequent tactic to both confuse, or retain choices open

• Not like in Australia the put pricing as little as $30K has saved MG4s selling strongly, the mannequin struggles in its home market, the put it lacks the whizz-bang technology cherish light reveals and talking assistants of rival vehicles.

New Hilux GR Sport printed in renders!

• We commissioned a location of queer renders from digital artist Theottle to present what the next generation Toyota HiLux GR Sport will stumble on cherish.
• With headlights and fascia inspired by Toyota’s fresh Hammerhead front end invent and fresh hind lights, the huge-physique GR Sport appears to be like to be subtle in its fresh dresses.

• The involved-eyed among you are going to perceive that the mid-physique is if truth be told unchanged. That’s since the IMV ladder frame underpinnings, wheelbase and centre portion of the physique are expected to elevate over from the present eighth-gen ute.

• Equally, the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel will nearly with out a doubt reside on, with a solid hybrid plot now not going. Sufficient to knock the Ford Ranger off its perch? We’ll occupy to wait except the Hilux’s likely late 2025 commence to search out out for true.

Read the pudgy sage

How an ex-Holden worker will change into Chinese language vehicles

• Long discussed at GWM, the initiating of an Australian jog and facing program has begun, led by ex-Holden chassis wizard Rob Trubiani.

• Following in the footsteps of Hyundai and Kia most just lately, Chinese language carmaker GWM is taking a stumble on to give a boost to its products both for this market and globally, leaning on Australia’s famously awful avenue quality.

• Trubiani has greater than two decades of ride in automobile dynamics, and became once the lead engineer for Holden’s division for discontinuance to 15 years, engaged on the acclaimed Zeta platform and VE Commodore.

• GWM is on a personnel offensive on the 2nd, including poaching Chief Working Officer John Kett, the same title Kett held at Hyundai.

French worth’s resolution to Nissan X-Hunch and Mitsubishi Outlander

• Peugeot has confirmed its fresh medium-orderly 5008 SUV will return to Australia in hybrid guise, with expressions of hobby now open.

• Two neatly-organized ranges are on sale, with the 5008 Attract itemizing at $55,990 and the ritzier GT Top class from $67,990, sooner than on-avenue costs.

• The fresh three-row makes use of the same underpinnings as the smaller 3008, with a 21-drag zigzag cockpit present and that i-Toggle switches below. Boot location runs an impressive 348 litres with all seats and 2242L in ‘van’ mode.

• Boom comes from a 1.2-litre turbo petrol with 107kW and a 21kW electrical motor for boost. The 5008 drives its front wheels by strategy of a six-trip twin-hold computerized transmission.

Overview: What’s it cherish to reside with a Ford Ranger?

• A ample different of Aussies know, but what about the V6? Contributor Zak Adkkins wraps his three month, 5000km long relationship with a Ranger Sport V6.

• Naturally, Zak loved the V6 punch, long-legged comfort, easy-to-use climate controls and orderly responsive touchscreen.

• Less impressive became once the high designate, thirst for diesel, busy transmission calibration and driver monitoring plot.

• Living with the Ranger V6 for 3 months wasn’t sufficient for Adkins, who grew to love the ute no topic its shortcomings.

Read the pudgy sage here

The following pronounce of Automobile Details This day will be printed on Friday 21st March at 4.30pm Sydney time.

Thanks for becoming a member of us this Wednesday March nineteenth 2025. Particularly in automobile recordsdata on the present time: Audi commits to ICE model launches beyond 2026, and Cupra outlines its native model rollout thru 2027.

Browse this difficulty:

• Audi commits to new ICE model launches beyond 2026
• Cupra outlines model rollout for Australia
• Alfa Romeo calling time on petrol-powered Giulia and Stelvio
• Audi A5 to commence from below $80K…possibly with out an Avant option
• Reviewed: 2025 Maserati GranTurismo Modena

Audi revises fat-EV targets and commits to new ICE units beyond 2026

• Audi AG had backpedalled on prior plans to stay the introduction of ICE-primarily primarily based units beyond 2026.

• A anecdote within the Financial Conditions quotes Audi chief govt Gernot Dollner as citing that “with the delayed transformation in opposition to electrical mobility we now must assess these [EV-only] dates and deadlines”.

• Audi AG had beforehand announced that it will probably probably possibly well no longer commence new ICE-primarily primarily based units beyond 2026 with a sight that the Ingolstadt-primarily primarily based Volkswagen Neighborhood build would trip all-electrical by 2032.

• The anecdote additionally states that Audi’s working profits had dropped 38 per cent in 2024 from the twelve months prior and plans to shed 7500 jobs by 2029. It’s additionally been proposed that Audi units sold within the US would possibly perchance possibly perchance cop necessary mark will enhance in allowance for recent US government tariffs, as the emblem does no longer fabricate vehicles stateside.

Cupra outlines model onslaught thru to 2027

• Cupra has outlined its model line-up thru to 2027 promising a frequent portfolio for what stays a challenger build peaceable battling for gross sales traction within the Australian market.

• Talking to Chasing Vehicles on the commence of the Tavascan EV this week, head of product Jeff Shafer defined that something of a delayed model rollout has been strategic, but there’s a slew of novices due soon, with the July arrival of the Terramar ICE/hybrid model following Tavascan.

• Q3 of 2025 will witness the delayed commence of the facelifted Leon exiguous hatchback and Formentor midsize crossover, every nameplates of that are currently supplied within the neighborhood. The debut of the Sportstourer wagon will comprise identical timing. An upgraded Born will round out 2025.

• Past 2025, Cupra plans to debut its compact Raval electrical automobile in 2026, followed by a brand new, yet-to-be-named huge SUV some time in 2027.

Alfa Romeo calling time on petrol-powered Giulia and Stelvio

• Alfa Romeo is dropping the axe on the wondrous 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 and 2.0-litre turbo petrol four versions of the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV, striking the Quadrifoglio badge to leisure for every aging nameplates.

• Manufacturing for petrol Giulia will stay on the stay of this month, with petrol versions of Stelvio following onto the decreasing block in April, per a memo despatched to European sellers.

• The circulate comes after the Quadrifoglio versions were a ways off from sale within the US market final twelve months. It’s anticipated that every Giulia and Stelvio will proceed to be produced for a time in diesel develop easiest.

• Timing suggests that petrol inventory ought to peaceable remain accessible in most markets — including Australia — thru 2025. Alfa Romeo Australia has yet to drawl any ‘changes’ to the native Giulia and Stelvio lineups.

Audi A5 to commence below $80K…but Avant wagon option is in quiz

• Audi’s new-generation B10 A5 is position to commence mid-twelve months from $seventy nine,900, undercutting the entry facets of key competitors in BMW 3-Series (from $92,900) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $87,800).

• Simplest the pricing of the entry Sportback five-door liftback has been printed, which is powered by a 150kW turbocharged petrol four with forty eight-volt ‘soft hybrid plus’ help. The A5 will seemingly be joined by S5 variants bringing 270kW 3.0-litre turbo V6 energy and Quattro all-wheel force.

• Audi Australia is yet to substantiate whether the A5 will commence with the option of an Avant wagon body trend though, on the time of writing, the A5 Avant seems as an upcoming model variant on its public website.

• It’s pretty probably that, as a minimal in the beginning, primarily the most easy wagon option will seemingly be for patrons to stump up for the confirmed if yet-to-be-priced S5 Avant, which is in a situation to additionally be accessible as a Sportback liftback.

Maserati GranTurismo Modena reviewed

• Chasing Vehicles deputy editor Curt Dupriez’s avenue test of the 2025 Maserati GranTurismo Modena was as soon as printed, including his praise for intoxicating styling but disappointment in a couple of of the execution.

• Dupriez came upon the presence and stance of the 2-door coupe befitting the Italian immense touring transient.

• On the other hand, the Maser succumbed to valuable criticism in plenty of areas, from the lacklustre (and thirsty) powertrain to the wretched and poorly packaged inside of.

• In transient, the entry unusual the GranTurismo stable proved underbaked and homogenised within the areas the build it desires to shine primarily the most and is, at $375K, simply too dear for what amounts to easiest a exiguous take web of virtues.

READ: https://www.chasingcars.com.au/critiques/sports-vehicles/maserati-granturismo-modena-2025-overview/

The subsequent difficulty of Automobile Knowledge At the present time will seemingly be printed on Thursday nineteenth March at 4.30pm Sydney time.

Thanks for becoming a member of us this Tuesday, March 18th 2025. Notably in automobile info these days: BYD’s new extremely-mercurial hastily charging promises 400 kilometres of using vary with a five-minute cost, Peugeot 5008 pricing and specs lob, and further.

Browse this tell:

• BYD charger promises 400km of vary in 5 minutes
• Peugeot 5008 model and specs printed
• Honda could well provide Toyota hybrid batteries to dodge US import tariffs
• Jac T9 EV debuts in Singapore

• Reviewed: 2025 Zeekr 009

BYD charger promises 400km of vary in 5 minutes

• BYD has unveiled new class-main 10C megawatt charging stations, which is ready to mercurial-cost autos with up to 1000-volt programs. At height charging, “Megawatt Flash Chargers” bring two kilometres of vary per 2nd, or a circa-400km of cost in exactly five minutes.

• BYD chairman Wang Chuanfu has pledged to plan over 4000 megawatt-chargers all over China. This announcement comes after BYD launched two devices built on the brand new ‘Super e-Platform’ offering 1000V architecture.

• All the device thru dwell testing in China, BYD’s 1mW charger completed height charging energy after 10 seconds, and charged the firm’s Tang L EV battery from seven to 50 p.c in 4.5 minutes.

• It is unclear if or when BYD’s exchange-main 1000W chargers would perchance be established in Australia. Currently, Tesla’s 350W V4 Supercharger leads the pack for Australian charging infrastructure, with a 500W exchange on the formulation.

Peugeot 5008 model and specs printed

• Peugeot’s new 5008 seven-seater SUV would perchance be coming to Australia later this 12 months, with a beginning model of $55,990 sooner than on-avenue charges. The new mannequin is per the 3008, which went on sale dreary final 12 months.

• The 5008 would perchance be equipped as a light hybrid, powered primarily by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder producing 100kW/230Nm, and mated to a six-velocity twin-clutch automated.

• The vital rivals of the entrance-wheel-force 5008 would perchance be a form of light-hybrid seven-seat SUVs, in conjunction with the $55,500 Hyundai Santa Fe FWD, $62,480 Toyota Kluger GX AWD, and $50,765 Nissan X-Path ST-L E-Energy AWD.
• Closing 12 months, Peugeot equipped 1,896 autos in Australia, with the 3008 being primarily the most widespread internal most-use automobile equipped (365 items).

Jac T9 EV ute debuts in Singapore

• JAC Community has pulled the sheets off its all-electric version of the T9 ute, which used to be unveiled just these days in Singapore.

• The T9 EV points an 88kWh lithium iron phosphate battery in a twin-electric motor format, with a variety notify of a frankly unmarkable 340km (WLTP).

• The new electric mannequin is rather a porker, with an marketed contaminated automobile weight of 3,260kg – concerning the same weight as two Toyota RAV4s combined.

• It has no longer yet been determined if the T9 EV will attain to Australia. Currently, the easiest fully electric ute on sale nationally is the LDV ET60, priced from $92,990 sooner than on-avenue charges.

Honda could well provide Toyota hybrid batteries to dodge US import tariffs

• A listing out of the US claims that Honda The US is in search of a deal to provide hybrid-spec batteries for its domestic devices from arch-rival Toyota in repeat to circumvent emerging US import tariffs.
• Based utterly utterly on Nikkei, by job of Automotive Information, the Toyota Motor North The US’s upcoming $US13.9-billion battery complicated, in North Carolina, could well produce batteries for all of Honda’s domestic hybrid production from mid-2025.

• While Toyota’s US arm refuses to verify the mooted co-op, the mutually counseled deal in the face of stiff import tariff could well doubtlessly undergo fruit as early as mid this 12 months, no topic the truth the battery complicated isn’t projected to be fully operational till 2028.
• The 30 giga-watt-per-hour manufacturing facility, that could produce batteries for Toyota’s US-made self-charging, PHEV and electric autos, is declared so that you can the added production quantity demanded by Honda, or ample provide for Honda 400,000 autos.

Zeekr 009 reviewed

• Chasing Vehicles contributor Iain Curry’s review of the electric 2025 Zeekr 009 7-Seat used to be published, in conjunction with his influence from on the assist of the wheel and being chauffeured as a passenger.
• Curry remarked on the indulgent ranges of luxurious and tech in the futuristic electric Chinese language MPV, to boot to its inserting exterior accept and gamut of fun points.

• On the different hand, Curry puzzled about a of the packaging choices with the cabin accept, leaving the 2nd-row accommodation compromised as a four-seater, and boot dwelling restricted as a seven-seater.
• General, Curry used to be rather impressed with the 2nd mannequin on offer from market newcomer Zeekr, calling the 009 real model no topic its $136K model tag (sooner than on-roads).

READ: Zeekr 009 2025 review

WATCH: Chasing Vehicles Zeekr Reviews

The next tell of Automobile Information This day would perchance be published on Wednesday nineteenth March at 4.30pm Sydney time.

Thanks for becoming a member of us this Monday, March 17th 2025. Particularly in car info this present day: Renault 5 Turbo confirmed with 400kW+, Kia Tasman’s public look in police livery.

Browse this bother:

• Official particulars for 400kW electric Renault 5 Turbo 3E “mini-supercar” revealed
• First model of Tasman in Tasmania police livery
• Electric car charging correct received simpler
• New-explore GWM Haval H6 confirmed for comely-hand markets

• Reviewed: 2025 Mitsubishi Triton GSR

Renault confirms 400kW-plus for electric 5 Turbo “mini-supercar”

• Renault HQ has revealed extra legit stats for the noteworthy-anticipated 5 Turbo 3E electric hatchback, bringing high-voltage credentials that has the carmaker describing the EV model as a “mini-supercar”.
• In pattern with slump-snappy skunkworks Alpine, the compact four-metre-lengthy 5 Turbo 3E will fit in-wheel motors capable of “540 horsepower”, or spherical 402kW. Renault’s legit liberate promises “spectacular stride motion” capabilities from this homage to 1980s 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 hot hatches.

• Constructed off a bespoke 800-volt architecture, the 5 Turbo 3E brings 350kW top DC charging vitality, with its maker claiming a “15-80 percent charge” time of correct quarter-hour. Renault has to this level made no vary claims or revealed real battery dimension.
• Finest 1980 devices will be equipped globally, with reservations for buy “begin within the following few weeks”. The 5 Turbo 3E is now not any longer due in showrooms till 2027.

Kia Tasman on public repeat with Tasmanian Police livery

• A police-livery Kia Tasman is on repeat on the 2025 Australasian Police and Emergency Companies and products (AP&ES) Games. Fittingly, this 365 days the games are being hosted in Hobart, Tasmania.

• Here is the first time participants of the public indulge in had the different to seek the Kia Tasman in person. The next different to publicly seek the Tasman will be on the Melbourne Motor Suppose their own praises on the Fifth and Sixth of April.

• Interesting functions of the police-spec Tasman encompass white chequered accents, roof-mounted police lightbar, and snorkel. No Australian police-pressure has publicly confirmed or mentioned the long term employ of the Kia Tasman for lively responsibilities.

• The Kia Tasman is anticipated to slump on sale within the 2d half of 2025, and would possibly most likely perchance very smartly be powered by a 154kW/441Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder mated to an eight-bustle automated and real four-wheel pressure machine.

READ: Kia Tasman: the within story within the serve of its polarising make

WATCH: Under the skin of Korea’s shock new ute! (2025 Kia Tasman deep-diver)

Electric car charging correct received simpler

• Non-Tesla EV owners will soon indulge in the flexibility to pay for Tesla Supercharging with their credit or debit card — no Tesla app required. The characteristic is now not any longer but available on all Tesla Superchargers.

• Integrated card readers were first launched in August 2023, as portion of the V4 Supercharger roll out within the UK.

• Tesla V4 Superchargers are the most likely to receive constructed-in card readers. Whispers of 500kW V4 chargers arriving in Australia would possibly most likely perchance most likely coincide with a roll-out of colossal-snappy chargers with colossal-convenience.

• The all-new characteristic is quietly rolling out in Australia, and not using a legit announcement from Tesla. It is no longer certain how many chargers will be upgraded to salvage standalone payment.

Facelifted GWM Haval H6 confirmed for comely-hand markets

• GWM has confirmed the facelifted Haval H6 will be available for comely hand pressure markets, with both HEV and PHEV alternate choices. An legit Australian liberate date for the facelift is now not any longer but known, but anticipated in Q2.

• The Haval H6 facelift affords a dot matrix entrance grille, 19-creep wheels, and a brand new wrap-spherical model rear gentle. Initial photos of the facelifted H6 point out a Haval tag within the entrance grille, and GWM badge on the tailgate.

• The Haval H6 Hybrid has a combined output of 179 kW / 530 Nm. The PHEV H6 has a bump extra vitality, at 240 kW / 530 Nm. The PHEV H6 will be sold with a 27.54 kWh battery and NEDC vary of 150 km. Interestingly, that battery is smaller than the H6 GT PHEV’s.
• If the facelifted Haval H6 variants strategy within the Australian market, costs are most likely to remain the same to the hot model H6. Currently, the H6 hybrid begins at $42,490 pressure-away, and the PHEV H6GT begins at $53,990 pressure-away.

Mitsubishi Triton GSR reviewed

• Chasing Vehicles manufacturing specialist Tom Situation’s lengthy duration of time overview of the 2025 Mitsubishi Triton GSR used to be revealed, and contains a detailed comparison to the extra in model Ford Ranger.
• Situation used to be swiftly to tackle the elephant within the room: The looming presence of Australia’s most dominant selling ute, the Ford Ranger. The Triton GSR items with better value, and a $17,000 saving over the Ranger Wildtrak.

• Initial reception of the Triton GSR used to be spotty, in consequence of overly invasive and poorly calibrated driver support functions. Situation discusses if a application update from Mitsubishi, which promised to fix the woes from consumers, has genuinely worked.
• The Triton GSR proves to be extra than capable off-toll road, and is equipped to tackle commercial responsibilities on paper. The Triton has a braked towing potential of 3500kg, most payload of 1030kg, and 228mm of flooring clearance.

READ: Mitsubishi Triton GSR lengthy duration of time overview

WATCH: Ford Ranger Wildtrak vs Mitsubishi Triton GSR

The next bother of Automobile News On the present time will be revealed on Tuesday 18th March at 4.30pm Sydney time.