Car industry

Tesla sales delight in rebounded in Australia thanks to rep inquire of for the heavily up to this point Mannequin Y SUV.

The midsized electrical SUV registered its finest sales month for virtually a year with 3580 devices shifted in May perhaps maybe perhaps maybe. It used to be the up to this point ‘Juniper’ mannequin’s first beefy month in showrooms.

It marked a 123 per cent elevate on the 1609 Mannequin Ys supplied in May perhaps maybe perhaps maybe 2024, and reduces the year-to-date decrease from 58 percent at the tip of April to 27% at the tip of May perhaps maybe perhaps maybe.

Tesla Australia registered handiest 500 vehicle sales in 500, with the Mannequin Y accounting for 280 of these.

Tesla sales were struggling each and each globally and in the neighborhood through a aggregate of issues. These consist of production/shipping delays, elevated competitors, and even harmful particular person response in the direction of the elevated political job of firm CEO Elon Musk.

The up to this point Mannequin Y involves necessary improvements to technology, styling and the driving experience.

Sales of the connected Mannequin 3 sedan remain an home of scenario for Tesla. The firm supplied appropriate 319 devices in the neighborhood in May perhaps maybe perhaps maybe, with year-to-date sales of 2583 equating to a 71 percent decrease compared with this time final year.

Tesla Australia new-vehicle registrations to this point in 2025 take a seat at 9557 – virtually half of the 18,433 devices documented for an analogous length in 2024.

The most unique Tesla figures were again reported by Australia’s Electrical Car Council after the US label final year pulled in a foreign nation’s reputable ‘Vfacts’ reports from alternate physique the FCAI.

Within the same EVC file, Swedish EV label Polestar persisted to repeat improved sales. May perhaps maybe perhaps maybe registrations of 243 devices used to be a 66 percent elevate over May perhaps maybe perhaps maybe 2024, with year-to-date registrations up 41 percent to 834 devices.

Polestar has lately bolstered its vary with the additions of the Mannequin Y-rivalling Polestar 4 and the Porsche Macan-rivalling Polestar 3.

The Polestar 4 is the emblem’s most smartly-appreciated mannequin at the 2d, with 502 registrations in 2025 to this point, followed by the Polestar 2 sedan (261) and Polestar 3 SUV (71).

The Polestar 3 Dual Motor used to be final month named Chasing Vehicles’ 2025 Luxurious Automobile of the Year.

May perhaps maybe perhaps maybe sales outcomes for other vehicle producers are attributable to be released by the FCAI the next day, Wednesday 4th June.

Read our 2025 Tesla Mannequin Y evaluation.

Thanks for joining us this Thursday, Could possibly maybe honest twenty ninth 2025. Severely in vehicle news this day: MG HS ‘Sizable Hybrid’ pricing and specs, Ssanyong title set up to pasture in Australia, and more.

Browse this order:

• MG HS ‘Sizable Hybrid’ pricing and specs printed
• KGM Ssanyong renamed as KGM Australia
• Kia Sportage face-rob pricing and specs
• Renault’s Alpine sub-division return to Australia
• Contemporary Hyundai Australia chief to reshape local technique

• Reviewed: 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV

Establish and specs printed for upcoming MG hurry-in SUV

• MG Australia has launched pricing and specs for its extremely anticipated HS hurry-in hybrid. The MG HS ‘graceful hybrid’ will formally commence later this twelve months in September.

• The MG HS Sizable Hybrid will commence with two vivid variants: the Excite from $52,990 driveaway and the Essence from $55,990 driveaway; a $17,000 top price over the outgoing combustion-most appealing MG HS Vibe ($35,888 force-away till Could possibly maybe honest 31 2025).

• The ‘graceful hybrid’ powertrain combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electrical motor and 24.7kWh LFP battery. It completely sends energy to the entrance wheels, with a combined output of 220kW/350Nm.

• MG claims the diagram achieves a combined fuel financial system of roughly 5.0L/100km and combined vary of 1000km. EV-most appealing using is also carried out at speeds of 80km/h or decrease, with an EV-most appealing vary of 120km (WLTP).

Ssangyong title takes a bow in Australian rebranding

• KGM Ssangyong has determined to alternate its title (and image) in Australia, after a mediocre stillwater strive in local markets, which started in 1997.

• From the first of June, KGM Ssangyong will change into KGM Australia. The rebrand will most in all probability be headlined by an all-modern model, the KGM Actyon – a midsize SUV starting at $47,000 for the scandalous K50 variant.

• The Actyon is powered by a 120kW/280Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, mated to a six-tempo veteran auto. Key facets consist of 20-trudge wheels, dual 12.3-trudge driver and infotainment displays, heated, cooled, and energy adjustable entrance seats, and a wealth of driver assistance and security facets.

• A selection-topping Actyon K60 is priced at $50,000 force-away and gains a 360-diploma digital camera, panoramic sunroof, and a wi-fi mobile phone charger.

Face-lifted Kia Sportage price and specs printed

• Kia Australia has detailed and priced its MY26 updates for the Sportage. The replace brings modern AWD hybrid variants, petrol drivetrain updates, and revised exterior and interior styling.

• Headlining the model replace are two modern AWD hybrid variants – a $49,450 (RRP) hybrid all-wheel force SX, and vary-topping $60,370 (RRP) hybrid all-wheel-force GT-Line. Each versions utilise a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and six-tempo automatic.

• Additionally for powertrains, all turbo petrol and diesel powertrains will now grunt an eight-tempo veteran automatic, which replaces the outgoing dual-take hold of seven-tempo beforehand fitted to the 1.6T versions.

• The modern Sportage facets a refreshed entrance stay, modern headlights and grille, and a revised ear bumper. Inner, the Sportage gains a 12.3-trudge infotainment conceal, two-spoke guidance wheel, plus varied feature upgrades.

READ: 2026 Kia Sportage expands hybrid approach to ache Toyota RAV4 more challenging

Alpine returns to Oz! Renault subdivision re-launches with crossover EV

• Renault’s top price sub-division Alpine is giving the Australian market one more shot. Alpine’s closing strive, which started in 2018, lasted four years sooner than in reality fizzling out in 2022.

• Spearheading Alpine’s return to Australia is a modern flagship – the Alpine A390 crossover SUV. It facets three electrical motors, and delivers a total output of 345kW/808Nm in the vary topping GTS vivid, or 295kW/650Nm in the scandalous GT guise.

• The all-electrical A390 uses an 89kWh lithium-ion battery, producing a combined vary between 520-555km (WLTP, area to wheel size). Peak DC charging is 190kW, which is anticipated to reveal a rapid 15-80 p.c alternate in 25 minutes.

• Key opponents to the Alpine A390 consist of the $128,400 (list) Porsche Macan EV, $91,000 (list) BMW iX3, and $ninety nine,900 (list) Audi Q6 E-tron. Alpine has no longer yet printed decent pricing for both model variant.

Contemporary Hyundai Australia chief to reshape local technique

• Contemporary Hyundai Australia chief executive Don Romano has issued stark warnings about the viability of upstart brands flooding the market, calling them “a huge risk” to patrons and likening the 2d to the early-1900s US auto increase, when many nameplates vanished. Hyundai, Romano says, gives certainty: “we’re going to be there.”

• Romano ruled out chasing low costs, as an alternative backing Hyundai’s fame for reliability, sturdy dealer beef up and parts availability—insisting these attributes elaborate Australians paying more for Hyundai’s automobiles than Chinese opponents.

• Hyundai is at the 2d successfully-positioned under Australia’s Contemporary Vehicle Effectivity Customary (NVES) prison guidelines, thanks to its sturdy hybrid and EV vary, while Toyota and Mazda are “in anxiety” under the modern emissions caps, Romano talked about, providing a risk for Hyundai to grab market share.

• With no ute dragging up its CO2 emissions moderate, Hyundai can also steer definite of NVES fines this twelve months. However Romano confirmed a dual-cab is coming — but he wants it to be a hybrid or PHEV to withhold the tag’s low-CO2 location.

• Hyundai’s sales beget fallen 25 p.c accurate by technique of the final decade. Romano has a temporary from global Hyundai president Jose Munoz to reverse the hunch, no longer by returning to heavy discounting or lickety-split presents, but by investing in tag energy and clean increase in a market now overwhelmed by better than 70 competing brands.

READ: Hyundai boss calls modern brands “a huge risk”, Toyota and Mazda “in huge anxiety”

GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV 2025 reviewed

• Chasing Cars four-wheel force boulevard tester Evan Spence’s evaluate of the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV became once published, at the side of assessments of its precise-world EV most appealing using vary, and a total off-roading evaluation.

• Spence praised the Cannon Alpha for its five-link coil-sprung rear stay, and ambitious off-boulevard capability, in particular in the vary topper, which adds entrance and rear diff locks.

• On-boulevard, Spence felt the hurry-in Cannon Alpha became once out of its comfort zone. Its unpredictable throttle response and gentle-weight guidance gave the PHEV ute an unfinished feeling.

• The Cannon Alpha PHEV seriously contends with the broadly acclaimed Shark 6, surpassing its capability when drivers fade out of tarmac. At $62,990 driveaway, the Cannon Alpha will most in all probability be the crown king of PHEV 4×4 utes in Oz. We can beget to take a seat down up straight for the Ford Ranger PHEV to free as much as know for definite.

READ: GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV 2025 evaluation: Australian first force

The next order of Car Recordsdata As of late will most in all probability be published on Friday thirtieth Could possibly maybe honest at 4.30pm Sydney time.

Hyundai Motor Firm Australia (HMCA) chief govt officer Don Romano can also most effective have been in living of business for seven weeks – however the Canadian-born with 40 years within the automobile alternate is establishing a recognition for straight talk in phrases of rival brands.

Romano is the major non-Korean to be appointed CEO at HMCA. Previously chief govt of Hyundai Canada, Romano used to be hand-picked by worldwide Hyundai president Jose Munoz to attend for 3 years in Australia.

Top of Romano’s list is reversing HMCA’s leisurely sales decline from over 100,000 annual sales to spherical 75,000 – and his priorities are inserting launch plans in motion for a twin-cab ute, constructing vendor self belief, and spending more to market why Australians can also light aquire a Hyundai.

Australian contemporary automobile patrons are if truth be told smartly-conversant in an onslaught of up to the moment objects from contemporary and irregular brands – heaps of them from China, and most of which undercut legacy manufacturers like Hyundai on worth.

In a huge-ranging interview with Chasing Autos, Romano dispensed with the premise that Hyundai will likely be ready to reduce prices to undercut Chinese autos in Australia and published that he shall be backing within the South Korean producer’s recognition for quality and certainty.

New brands “a huge risk” as many gained’t remaining, Romano claims

In the context of the launch of the Hyundai Inster limited electrical SUV, which retails for $39,000 plus on-boulevard expenses in Australia when the bigger and more extremely effective MG4 hatch is generally equipped for $35,000 driveaway, we requested Romano – why tell more on a Hyundai?

“Why? Because it’s the peace of mind that we’re going to be there,” Romano acknowledged, sooner than pointing to terminate parallels to the early 20^th century.

“All these brands aren’t going so that you just can succeed. There used to be a proliferation of vehicle brands within the US when the alternate first started. Names like Plymouth and Pontiac no longer exist. I’m in a position to guarantee that every one these brands you gape, they don’t appear to be all going to remaining.

“That represents a huge risk (to the patron),” Romano acknowledged. “Who goes to be there when the auto breaks down? What is it going to be worth? With Hyundai, you know. We’re the fourth-largest producer on this planet and…we’re going to be there within the long hunch.”

Toyota and Mazda are “in effort” below NVES emissions licensed pointers

Sooner than joining Hyundai Canada in January 2014, Romano worked at Mazda – where he used to be instrumental in that Japanese tag’s smartly-identified ‘Zoom-Zoom’ advertising campaign as US chief advertising officer. The Canadian has furthermore been an govt at Nissan.

The 40-300 and sixty five days light of legacy manufacturers has a solid deem about about how Australia’s two most effective-selling carmakers will fare below Australia’s New Automobile Emissions In style (NVES) licensed pointers – and the prognosis is rarely any longer correct.

Romano thinks Hyundai has an correct shot at weathering life below the spectre of NVES and his eyes are verbalize on Toyota.

“My design is to peep forward thru the windshield, no longer the rearview replicate. I peep at Toyota. I spent an correct segment of my life with Mazda. They’re furthermore forward of us. Nonetheless each and every of them are in effort with the NVES.

“Unless (the NVES) adjustments, there are going to be some adjustments within the market. I don’t must be one of the well-known adjustments that’s on the imperfect side. I deem we can pause on the right kind side.”

NVES licensed pointers have been offered by the Albanese Labor govt which used to be re-elected this month, firming expectations amongst senior carmaker executives (alongside side Romano) that the policy will dwell in living and can also light no longer be watered down extra.

NVES penalises carmakers that promote too many excessive-CO2 autos in a given 300 and sixty five days – but penalties might well perchance perchance furthermore be fully offset if a producer sells satisfactory low-emission autos goal like EVs, PHEVs, and complete hybrids.

Romano used to be animated to remind Chasing Autos that Hyundai is number-two for sales of hybrid autos in Australia – within the abet of Toyota – and that it furthermore sells a if truth be told intensive series of fat EVs within the neighborhood, where Toyota is struggling globally.

“(Hyundai Australia) is on the total one of the well-known higher-shaped companies in phrases of NVES compliance. That’s no longer to disclose we’re in big form—no company is until you most effective develop EVs—but we’re in a living that now we have some of essentially the most effective form,” Romano told media.

Key lieutenant Andrew Tuitahi, HMCA director of promoting and product, confirmed that “this 300 and sixty five days, (Hyundai is) attempting correct” for warding off a penalty below NVES. 2025 limits are 141g/km for autos and SUVs and 210g/km for light business autos (alongside side most utes).

Hyundai does no longer for the time being have a ute dragging up its ‘fast common’ CO2 emissions within the formulation most other mainstream manufacturers produce—one thing that hinders Hyundai’s total sales volume but affords it big help in assembly the NVES CO2 limits.

Romano plans to solidify plans to launch a Hyundai twin-cab ute in Australia for the duration of his tenure, seeing it as pivotal to sales success within the neighborhood, but he’s pushing for that ute to be a hybrid or PHEV so that it does no longer negatively make contributions to the Korean tag’s NVES accounting.

Quality and certainty fee more, consistent with Hyundai

As Hyundai prepares to dispute that this might well perchance undertake a long seven 300 and sixty five days, limitless kilometre guarantee in Australia, the South Korean producer maintains its most costly range ever in easy greenback phrases—and Australian sales have dropped from 102,004 in 2025 to 77,432 in 2024.

Below old leaders, HMCA concentrated less on outright sales volume, and more on a lengthy-term venture emigrate possibilities to dearer (and winning) excessive-sexy variants and N objects, while decreasing reliance on lower-margin fast and rental sales.

That migration did happen, with prime-tier Hyundai variants and efficiency trims now accounting for a wholesome share of sales, however the if truth be told intensive 25 percent tumble in annual deliveries in lower than a decade caught the eye of senior leaders in Korea.

Romano, an ally of worldwide president Munoz, has been despatched with the teach instruction to, in his words, “quit the decline—no longer to switch honest up to 100,000, but to originate rising but again.”

“We’re Australia, globally, as a produce of incubator for what happens when 70 different brands converge on one country and the way (Hyundai) handles itself. That might well perchance perchance be a dispute.

“The contemporary entries—some of them will succeed, some of them will fail. I deem one of the well-known mature OEMs will succeed and some will fail. My design is to maintain (Hyundai) on the success side of the equation. To me meaning development, but no longer fast development.”

Romano told Chasing Autos that affirming fast, excessive-quality ingredients distribution, customer care and guarantee toughen expenses money: “there is a top class that contains that,” he acknowledged.

Hyundai Australia is on the cusp of asserting that it will supply its contemporary vehicles with a seven-year guarantee with limitless kilometres within the Australian market, shifting from the contemporary 5-year/limitless kilometre guarantee introduced in 1999.

Chasing Autos understands that the seven-year guarantee will most definitely be backdated to quilt all Hyundai vehicles purchased in Australia since 1 January 2025.

Don Romano, who commenced as chief govt officer and president of Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) seven weeks within the past, is supportive of a push to elongate the guarantee that been within the authorities approval segment for some months.

HMCA has beforehand used a seven-year guarantee in Australia on a spread of times as a restricted-time rep incentive.

While the seven-year guarantee has now no longer but received final signal-off, final preparations are being made for a formal announcement – no matter ragged HMCA chief working officer John Kett telling media in 2023 a seven-year guarantee would “by no attain” happen.

Seven-year faulty guarantee, in preference to Nissan/Mitsubishi kind extended guarantee

The dazzling print of contemporary automobile warranties differs between automobile manufacturers, and it’s turning into a more frequent notify to present a faulty 5-year guarantee extendable if the buyer services the auto with its maker or meets other stipulations.

Hyundai has opted against that design and could presumably per chance as an different notify a seven-year faulty guarantee, though it calm has to notify authorities approval for a protracted guarantee because it’s known to be planning to backdate protection to encompass existing vehicles bought in 2025.

MG presents a 10 year/250,000km faulty guarantee in Australia, while Kia and GWM each and every provide seven years/limitless kilometres of protection, albeit with mileage limits of 150,000km kicking in for commercial vehicles.

Nissan is currently promoting a 10 year/300,000km guarantee in Australia, nonetheless the faulty guarantee is 5 years/limitless kilometres. At any time when an proprietor services the auto with Nissan yearly from the 5 year tag, an additional year of guarantee is utilized to the auto.

A identical association is in establish at Mitsubishi, where the particular faulty guarantee is 5 years and correct 100,000km – nonetheless annual servicing with Mitsubishi dealers from the 5 year tag extends the guarantee by 365 days/20,000km to a most of 10 years/200,000km.

Whether Hyundai’s seven-year guarantee will establish limits on mileage for commercial customers remains to be seen.

Thought to backdate seven-year guarantee for all of 2025

“My preference would be to bask in a faulty guarantee that used to be longer (than 5 years) and more competitive than some of those manufacturers which bask in executed extensions,” Romano told Chasing Autos.

“If you lengthen a guarantee for 2 years, it requires authorities approval on account of it’s now no longer segment of the conventional faulty guarantee. That (approval task) can take dangle of up to a year.

“My preference would be to bask in a faulty guarantee that used to be longer and more competitive with some of those manufacturers which bask in executed extensions.”

The cause late backdating the guarantee is legendary by Chasing Autos to be in elaborate to prevent Australian potentialities delaying their rep of a Hyundai in elaborate to serve for the seven year guarantee to kick in – as an different, it will notify to vehicles bought now.

When Hyundai introduced a 5 year guarantee in 1999, two or three year guarantees remained the norm in Australia. Now, 5 years of protection is the industry same old.

For contemporary HMCA boss Romano, offering a protracted guarantee is segment and parcel with “future-proofing” Hyundai against glitzy presents from contemporary manufacturers.

“I will function whatever I even bask in to withhold out to receive us transferring in that direction, as the largest thing I will function in my three years is to switch the tag ahead and to future-proof the tag as mighty as seemingly against all these contemporary entries coming in,” Romano told Chasing Autos.

BYD Australia has assumed its beefy legit build of abode-up in Australia, with normal importer EV Say confirming expectations that it could truly likely well well hand over nationwide distribution of popular items akin to the Shark 6 go-in ute and Atto 3 compact electric SUV.

EV Say announced on the present time that the distributorship transfer used to be build of abode for July, claiming the transfer used to be “a year sooner than agenda”.

The local importer introduced the Invent Your Targets (BYD) assign to Australia in 2022, and has overseen greater than 50,000 BYD unusual-car registrations since.

BYD registrations fill had a solid delivery to 2025 – up 103 percent year on year and boosted by greater than 6000 gross sales of Australia’s first go-in hybrid ute, the Shark 6.

EV Say says this is in a position to likely well now focal level on changing into BYD’s main distributor in Australia in a partnership with Eagers Automobile known as EV Dealer Neighborhood.

“As the inaugural importer, EVDirect is amazingly delighted with the method it has accomplished within the delivery of BYD into the Australian market, overseeing what has been one of doubtlessly the most a hit unusual car assign launches in Australian historical previous,” mentioned Luke Todd, founding father of EV Say and approaching near govt chairman of the EV Dealer Neighborhood (EVDG).

“As a crew we are extraordinarily delighted with what’s been executed and plenty extra livid by the lengthy flee as our crew repositions into a brand unusual method that will abet catapult the BYD assign additional, honest across Australia.”

EVDG mentioned it intends to rework BYD’s greatest gross sales and provider channel, expanding with “unusual and innovative retail formats”, shortening wait cases for assign unusual autos, and bettering after-gross sales make stronger.

Todd has previously made bold statements about BYD’s gross sales ambitions in Australia, asserting it believed it could truly likely well well displace Toyota as the country’s preferred assign as early as 2027.

BYD had been anticipated to substantiate its legit abet watch over of the assign in Australia after no longer too lengthy within the past confirming it could truly likely well well rob beefy duty for bringing the company’s Denza luxurious sub-assign here.

Chasing Vehicles is currently in China on a BYD media tour, and must amassed rapidly be bringing extra news and experiences relating to to the assign’s future in Australia.

Thanks for joining us this Friday, Might perchance perhaps perhaps Twenty third 2025. Notably in car news recently: Toyota is overtly investigating a unibody standard of living ute that would perchance perhaps sit under the Hilux and Tesla has quiet yet one other safety gong with its as much as the moment Model 3.

Browse this scenario:

• Toyota investigating budget Hilux to rival Ford Maverick
• Tesla Model 3 receives five-indispensable particular person safety rating from ANCAP
• Porsche 718 scheduled to fade into the company’s history
• A sneak research on the Xpeng G7 forward of its June start

• 2025 Zeekr 7X reviewed

Toyota investigating budget Hilux to rival Ford Maverick

• Toyota USA chief working officer Note Templin has instructed Bloomberg it became investigating a unibody ‘car-based mostly-ute’ that would perchance perhaps slot under.
• Echoing feedback made previously, Cooper Ericksen, vp responsible of planning and intention at Toyota USA added that “lets the truth is attain properly in that section, so we’re making an strive to understand it,” but it with out a doubt became “a subject of timing”.

• Ford has loved giant success with its Maverick ute, which sits on the same platform as the Stride midsize SUV, providing a flexible tray and a rather inexpensive aquire label – albeit with out the heavy-responsibility off-avenue prowess, payload and towing capabilities that more tradition pickups admire the Ranger and F-150 provide.

• If the mannequin came to Australia it would likely sit under the Hilux in the variety is phrases of both dimension and cost, for these that want most of what a ute affords but no longer the total draw backs that embrace it.

Tesla Model 3 receives five-indispensable particular person safety rating from ANCAP

• Fair automobile safety physique the Australasian Unique Automobile Evaluate Program (ANCAP) has handed out its most modern bout of rankings.
• Tesla will absolute self belief maintain an even time, as its fresh Model 3 has in the fracture received a five-indispensable particular person rating. Recordsdata follows 18 months after Tesla’s old Model 3 rating became disallowed from being utilized to the fresh facelift mannequin.

• Thoroughly different Electric automobiles to construct up a five-indispensable particular person ANCAP medal embrace the fresh MG S5 and the Kia EV3. Every automobiles scored 86 p.c small one occupant safety. The MG S5 proved superior in adult occupant safety, scoring 90 p.c over Kia’s 83.

• The celebrated five-indispensable particular person rating for all three electrical automobiles will expire in December 2031.

Porsche 718 scheduled to fade into the company’s history

• Every the Boxster and Cayman variant of Porsche’s prestigious 982-generation 718 sports-car will formally pause manufacturing in October of this year.

• The fate of the combustion mannequin 718 has been sealed for some time now, with imagery of a brand fresh electrical 718s circulating as early as 2022 – no longer that Porsche’s worst kept secret has formally let trail by the German brand.

• Aussies would perchance properly be at a loss for words to know that the outgoing mannequin 718 became collected in manufacturing in any appreciate – we haven’t been in a spot to present one since Might perchance perhaps perhaps final year.
• There is currently no reliable liberate date (or reliable specification) for a brand fresh generation Porsche 718. Porsche Australia’s revised line-up will embrace the 911, Taycan, Panamera, Macan and Cayenne.

WATCH: Gentle the final doable driver’s car? (Porsche 718 Cayman 2024 Evaluate)

A sneak research on the Xpeng G7 forward of its June start

• A Chinese authorities company has let trail preliminary miniature print on an upcoming mid-to-gigantic dimension SUV – the Xpeng G7, which is scheduled to liberate in June.
• Most modern records on the G7, which has been sourced by design of the Chinese Ministry of Exchange and Recordsdata Technology (focal level on Chinese ADR), has published 4892/1925/1655mm LWH measurements, a 2890mm wheelbase, and single, rear-mounted 218kW electrical motor for design of propulsion.

• The G7 (no longer to be at a loss for words with the G6, P7, 7X, or MG7) became confirmed for the Australian market in February this year, and is anticipated to start locally in 2026. The upcoming June liberate will fully affect the Chinese market.

• A different between two lithium-iron phosphate batteries is anticipated: A 80.8kWh unit with a claimed range of 702km (CLTC) and 68.5kWh unit with a 602km range.

2025 Zeekr 7X reviewed

• Chasing Vehicles founder Tom Baker’s avenue test of the 2025 Zeekr 7X became published, giving a first look on the third mannequin to affix Zeekr’s Australian offerings.
• Baker became impressed by the digital seat adjustment for rear seat passengers, in particular the adjustable thigh strengthen. He furthermore gave aspects for the air-suspension controls mounted in the boot of the car.

• The Zeekr 7X looks to contend with stop on the fully-selling Tesla Model Y as an different midsize SUV. Baker notes that the WLTP range of the 7X falls in want of the mannequin Y, and emphasises that pricing and fling quality would possibly perchance be the automobiles two preferrred comparators.
• At an estimated AUD label of $70,000, the Zeekr 7X is most frequently a stable rival against the Tesla Model Y. How the 7X handles Australian roads will almost definitely be pivotal in gauging its success.

WATCH: Model Y’s fully rival yet? (Zeekr 7X 2025 Evaluate)

The next scenario of Automobile Recordsdata Nowadays will almost definitely be published on Monday, twenty sixth Might perchance perhaps perhaps at 4.30pm Sydney time.

Thanks for joining us this Wednesday, Might well Twenty first 2025. Notably in automobile news this day: Volkswagen Australia is “corpulent throttle” chasing PHEV for designate spanking contemporary Tiguan, and all-contemporary Toyota RAV4 will get a global debut

Browse this scenario:

• Tiguan PHEV a possibility for Australia
• All-contemporary Toyota RAV4 surfaces and now offers PHEV
• Nissan situation to unveil its electrical Micra this day
• Geely flagship clear SUV caught in sorting out

Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV on the cards for Oz

• Volkswagen Australia is working hard to add a mosey-in hybrid model of the all-contemporary third-generation Tiguan that has arrived in native showrooms this month. Until now, it’s been reported that the PHEV powertrain possibility, known as eHybrid in some markets, became once now not being idea to be for the mid-size SUV’s native release.

• Chatting with Chasing Cars at the contemporary mannequin’s native birth in Adelaide, Volkswagen Australia Ticket Director Piergiorgio Minto talked about that “we are engaged on [PHEV for Oz]…it’s one thing that we judge would match perfectly within the [Australian] market. We’re, let’s hiss, ‘corpulent throttle’ with Germany in repeat to test it and to sight whether or now not it is a ways excellent as a industry case.”

• The contemporary eHybrid PHEV systems combine an 85kW electrical motor and the (Euro-spec) 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four, the latter accessible in both 152kW or R-Line-particular 202kW guises. Its 25.7kWh (tainted) battery enables up to roughly 100 kilometres of pure EV riding range.

• With PHEV off the native menu, the gen-three Tiguan launches in a 5-variant, all-turbo-petrol line-up, with 110kW, 150kW and 195kW alternatives paired variously with Lifestyles, Magnificence and sporty R-Line natty phases, priced from round $45K and honest over $70K. Cease tuned for our corpulent range review next week!

Toyota unveils contemporary RAV4 – with PHEV! – scheduled for June release

• Toyota has launched a comprehensive first secret agent at its upcoming contemporary-generation RAV4, which capabilities a brand contemporary, cutting-edge originate language and unusual suite of powertrain alternatives.

• For the first time within the Australian market, Toyota will offer a mosey-in hybrid possibility, which mixes a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery with a 150kW entrance electrical motor and a 2.5-litre petrol engine.

• The RAV4 will proceed to present a more life like 143kW assortment-parallel hybrid machine, which is effectively matched with both 2WD and AWD configurations. Toyota claims the machine could per chance salvage improved battery and electrical motor efficiency over the outgoing RAV4.

• Last year, in 2024, Toyota’s RAV4 became once Australia’s handiest selling midsize SUV, and second-handiest selling automobile overall, transferring over 58,000 models. A brand contemporary-generation RAV4 could per chance glance the Jap designate all over but again rob the title of Australia’s handiest-selling automobile.

READ: 2026 Toyota RAV4 to scenario BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander with mosey-in hybrid model

Nissan builds hype for designate spanking contemporary-generation Micra

• Nissan Australia has posted global invitations to an unprecedented online press release, the save this may occasionally likely per chance honest unveil an all-contemporary compact electrical Micra.

• The digital unveiling, streaming on YouTube, is scheduled to birth up at 5pm AEST this day on Nissan’s reliable global channel. The livestream is public, welcoming all viewers to head looking for to salvage a brand contemporary generation of Micra.

• Nissan’s contemporary Micra can be constructed on Renault‘s CMF-BEV EV platform, viewed within the contemporary Renault 5. The Micra will likely offer the identical 40kWh and 52kWh battery alternatives, which yield a unfold of 305 or 399 kilometres (WLTP).

• We look ahead to pricing for the Micra to be between $30,000 and $40,000, which would perhaps per chance per chance enviornment the Micra in competition with the GWM Ora, upcoming Volkswagen ID1, and BYD Dolphin.

Contemporary Geely clear SUV spied on Chinese roads before native birth

• Geely is anticipated to birth a contemporary flagship clear SUV to the Chinese market, likely to be named both the M9 or Starship 9. Contemporary explore shots from Chinese publication Auto House salvage printed the auto being tested on public roads sooner than its reliable birth.

• The Geely M9 can be constructed on a contemporary ‘GEA Evo’ modular structure platform, which became once currently printed at the Shanghai Auto Grunt. The GEA Evo platform introduces a unfold of contemporary capabilities to the designate, including rear-axle steering and entrance double-wishbone suspension.

• Primarily based totally on the explore shots, the M9 is likely to be a mosey-in hybrid, as it capabilities a gasoline filler door on both aspect of the body along with rear exclaim pipes. Assign a query to of a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and lithium iron phosphate brief blade battery.

• In the period in-between, Geely has no public plans to release the M9 within the Australian market, the save it would compete with fellow Geely owned flagship the Volvo XC90 PHEV, and lengthy-time Aussie current, the Kia Carnival.

The next scenario of Car News At the moment time can be printed on Thursday, 22nd Might well at 4.30pm Sydney time.

Thanks for becoming a member of us this Tuesday, Might perchance well perchance merely Twentieth 2025. Severely in automobile files this day: pricing revealed for updated Mitsubishi Outlander, and the Y63 Nissan Patrol is decided to be constructed with Australian parts.

Browse this area:

• Mitsubishi mark and specs for mid-existence updated Outlander
• Nissan’s new Y63 Patrol constructed in piece by Aussies
• Land Rover Discovery beneficial properties two heritage impressed variants
• Lexus pulls UX300e electrical crossover from Oz.market

• Reviewed: 2025 Haval Raptor PHEV

Mitsubishi mark and specs for mid-existence updated Outlander

• Mitsubishi’s ever-neatly-liked Outlander mid-size SUV has got a entire Australian facelift alongside revised pricing to compete with done Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson rivals.

• Mitsubishi has confirmed the revised Outlander will start in June 2025. Key updates consist of a new Yamaha stereo system and an Australian-developed guidance and suspension tune.

• The rotten mannequin Mitsubishi Outlander ES 2WD will now start at $39,990, in the starting place priced at $37,740 (RRP). The differ topping Outlander Exceed Tourer also receives a mark hike, now $57,990 RRP (became $55,190).

• Pricing has increased all the way in which through the Outlander differ, with rises between $2050 and $2950 (RRP) utilized searching on variant. Chasing Cars anticipates pricing and mannequin updates to the Outlander PHEV to be revealed imminently.

Nissan’s new Y63 Patrol constructed in piece by Aussies

• Every production mannequin of Nissan’s subsequent expertise Y63 Patrol will now proudly feature an Australian made rear differential housing constructed in the neighborhood in Dandenong South, Victoria.

• The Nissan Casting Australia Plant will now discover the rear diff housing for all future Y63 fashions, with 200 workers also working to discover a claimed 1.2 million examples of 25 different trusty Nissan parts.

• The Nissan Australia Casting Plant is also liable for the production of an estimated 16,000 Nissan tow bars for Australian and Recent Zealand markets. The tow bars include formally handed ‘Australian Made’ accreditation, allowing them to sport the enduring tag of a yellow kangaroo on a green background.

• Nissan’s Y63 Patrol, which became in the starting place unveiled in September 2024, isn’t anticipated to reach attend on sale in the Oz.market unless 2026. It is currently on sale in the United States, Canada, Egypt, Cambodia, Africa, and the Center East.

READ: 2025 Nissan Patrol Y63 unveiled: greater, V6-powered four wheel power coming to Australia

Land Rover Discovery beneficial properties two heritage impressed variants

• Land Rover has launched a new luxury-centered Tempest clear and ‘family roam’ impressed Gemini clear for the 2025 Land Rover Discovery. The Discovery differ will also receive a bunch of youth updates.

• The Land Rover Discovery Tempest headlines as a new flagship for the mannequin, that encompasses a Petra Copper Gloss roof, 22‑journey alloy wheels, and varied weird visible enhancements. It is priced at $146,048 (RRP).

• In the period in-between, Land Rover claims the $134,763 (RRP) Discovery Gemini is aimed in direction of ‘family adventures’ and impressed by the major expertise Discovery from 1989. It functions a chilled center console, rear seat cell phone/tablet holders, and three-zone native weather sustain a watch on.

• All variations of the 2025 Discovery will additionally execute the probability of 5-spoke 22-journey ‘Vogue 5124’ wheels at the side of the Gemini and Tempest start. The Discovery SE beneficial properties the probability of spoil up-5-spoke 21-journey Vogue 5123 wheels in a gloss murky construct.

Lexus pulls UX300e electrical crossover from Oz.market

• A Lexus spokesperson has revealed its most price-effective electrical automobile, the UX300e, will now not be on hand in Australia attributable to “production restrictions on chosen parts”. The commentary became launched following speculation as to why Lexus had pulled the UX300e from its web residence.

• News of the Lexus UX300e has reach moderately impulsively, with the mannequin receiving main mid-existence updates lower than two years ago, which integrated a greater 72.8kWh battery, improved 450km differ (WLTP), and 12.3-journey infotainment mask.

• With the UX300e pulled from the showroom ground, Lexus now gives most effective one dedicated electrical automobile, the RZ450e. Whereas the RZ became discontinued in December 2024, a 2025 facelift is predicted to reach attend to Australia imminently.

• Lexus first launched the UX300e in 2019. It became on hand in the Australian market from 2021, and in the starting place featured a 54.4kWh battery, 150kW/300Nm entrance mounted electrical motor, and a starting mark of $80,720 sooner than on-road charges.

2025 Haval Raptor PHEV reviewed

• Chasing Cars senior contributor Iain Curry’s world first power of the 2025 Haval Raptor PHEV became published, at the side of speculation on the Raptor’s off-road capability, and the place the Raptor PHEV would slot into GWM’s present Australian differ.

• Curry became impressed by the off-road centered garnishings of the Raptor, at the side of its 221mm lag top, locking rear differential and claimed combined differ of over 1000km.

• But he wondered whether or now not the Raptor’s monocoque chassis may perchance seemingly match its off-road centric boxy styling. There’s also a trusty search files from as to whether or now not the Raptor may perchance seemingly also merely position in GWM’s already crowded Australian mannequin differ.

• The Haval Raptor PHEV has serious possible to shake up the Australian market if it reaches our shores. Its present mark in Chinese language Yuan translates to roughly AUD$40,000, which can perchance well seemingly nick the grass of key Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BYD Sealion 6 rivals.

READ: Haval Raptor PHEV 2025 evaluation: world first power

The following area of Car News This day will be published on Wednesday, twenty first Might perchance well perchance merely at 4.30pm Sydney time.

Chasing Vehicles has crowned the Hyundai Santa Fe as its 2025 Car of the three hundred and sixty five days.

Hyundai’s most up-to-date family SUV emerged because the outright winner from an endless, eclectic area of autos comprising 35 various make-objects – and a total of 50 variants – from 20 brands.

The Santa Fe modified into amongst the bulk of contenders chosen on merit because the most spectacular autos to were reviewed by Chasing Vehicles within the previous 12-18 months.

There were additionally several ‘wildcards’ – autos so contemporary that they had yet to be tested and even formally launched in Australia on the time.

Chasing Vehicles performed its intensive Car of the three hundred and sixty five days test program over six days at a devoted private facility, with the judging incorporating the next processes for every make-mannequin:

• Interrogating label lists and aspects for label
• Inspecting interiors for quality, practicality and flexibility
• Assessing streak comfort and driver-assist technology on public roads around regional NSW and Canberra
• Testing automotive dynamics and automotive performance on the Sutton Twin carriageway Coaching Centre within the ACT

Moreover the overall winner, the Chasing Vehicles crew additionally awarded six separate Simplest Unusual Vehicles 2025 sub-awards.

• Hyundai Santa Fe – Overall Car of the three hundred and sixty five days
• MG3 (petrol) – Rate range Car of the three hundred and sixty five days
• Mini Aceman – Top payment Shrimp Car of the three hundred and sixty five days
• Skoda Enyaq – 5-Seater Family Car of the three hundred and sixty five days
• Hyundai Santa Fe – 7-Seater Family Car of the three hundred and sixty five days
• Polestar 3 – Luxurious Car of the three hundred and sixty five days
• BMW M5 – Performance Car of the three hundred and sixty five days

Thanks for joining us this Friday Could perhaps well 16th 2025. Particularly in car news this day: affirmation that Volkswagen Golf GTI and R will most likely be going electrical by decade’s quit, and Toyota unveils its most highly efficient (and electrical) SUV yet.

Browse this venture:

• Electric Golf GTI will most likely be “a monster car” says Volkswagen boss
• BZ4X Touring will most likely be the most-highly efficient SUV ever from Toyota
• GWM rolling adjustments to Tank 300 recount three-tonne braked towing
• Maserati to return manufacturing to Modena
• …
• Reviewed: 2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR

Electric Golf GTI and R confirmed says Volkswagen boss

• Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer has confirmed that vogue is smartly underway for the powerful rumoured absolutely-electrical front-pressure Golf GTI and all-wheel-pressure R items, according to a record by the UK outlet Autoexpress.

• “At the quit of the decade we are able to recount an electrical Golf [GTI] and this could be a monster of a car,” Autoexpress quotes Schafer as explaining. “It must be thrilling. It must be legitimate. If we recount a GTI, it must be a [true] GTI”.

• It’s expected that the electrical Golf GTI will apply on from the (smaller) ID.2 GTI, which is role for 2026 launch and has already been unveiled in opinion assemble. What separates the electrical Golf GTI from its closest kinfolk, the present (Golf-sized) ID.3 GTX, is that the dilapidated will most likely be front-pressure whereas the latter is rear-pressure excellent.

• No longer just like the MEB underpinned ID.3, it’s expected that the future-generation “e-Golf”, in usual and skedaddle-quick guises, will most likely be according to Volkswagen’s all-novel SSP architecture.

READ: Hyperlink to prolonged coverage

Toyota’s most-highly efficient SUV yet, the BZ4X Touring, arriving 2026

• Toyota has unveiled an prolonged wagon model of its electrical crossover, the BZ4X Touring, and it’s slated for launch in Australian showrooms in 2026.

• With its quasi-off-street styling, the BZ4X Touring is 14cm longer – and with a 30-p.c-better 560L boot role – than the usual crossover SUV, which itself will most likely be treated to “vital updates” in Q4 this year.

• The one Touring variant to be supplied aspects a dual-motor all-wheel-pressure powertrain with 280kW of mixed output, with Toyota Australia claiming that it’s the marque’s most-highly efficient SUV to this level.
• The Touring will goal the linked 74.7kWh battery as the usual BZ4X, which itself will cop a energy hike of 92kW (to 252kW) in its impending MY26 guise.

READ: Hyperlink to prolonged coverage

GWM updates Tank 300 vary with braked towing now 3000kg

• GWM Australia has updated its petrol and hybrid versions of the Tank 300 to combine ‘more sturdy’ engineering upgrades that currently debuted on the Tank 300 diesel, as working upgrades.
• The important thing highlight is that Tank 300 petrol and hybrid are now rated to tow 3000kg braked, up from the prior 2500kg limit. Payload is now 600kg capable all over the board bar the sole Petrol variant (610kg).

• Some 20 novel engineering adjustments presented in the currently launched diesel variants now goal in diversified powertrain versions. These encompass better front brake discs and calipers, reinforced front suspension knuckles, upgraded wheel bearings and a reinforced prop shaft.
• Any other change is the consolidation from six to four Tank 300 variants, with the Lux grade petrol and hybrid now discontinued. The vary now entails Lux Diesel ($47,990), Extremely Petrol ($49,990), Extremely Diesel ($51,990) and Extremely Hybrid ($56,990), all sign driveaway. Pricing has no longer risen over that of the outgoing specs.

Maserati model production returning to ‘fatherland’ Modena

• Stellantis has announced that production of Maserati sports car items will return to the fabled marque’s historic fatherland of Modena, Italy, by the quit of this year.
• In accordance with a record in Reuters, each and each the GranTurismo and GranCabrio items will now be built in Modena, customarily is named Italy’s Motor Valley, a stone’s throw from the headquarters of diversified Italian exotics makers Ferrari and Lamborghini.

• Both the GranTurismo coupe and linked GranCabrio luxuriate in currently been assembled at Stellantis’s Mirafiori plant in Turin. The Maserati skedaddle is in portion because of the freeing up production capacity for (Stellantis-owned) Fiat’s impending hybrid model of the Fiat 500 city car.
• The Modena production skedaddle arrives beneath the cloud of Stellantis’ revision of the Maserati industry thought that, according to Reuters, has been paused since closing year, including affirmation of as a lot as the moment items outside of the Maserati’s most authorized portfolio.

2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR reviewed

• Chasing Automobiles contributor Iain Curry’s street take a look at of the 2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR used to be printed, including his options on the using expertise and the practicality of the Eastern worth’s compact crossover rocketship.
• Curry stumbled on the skedaddle-quick LBX’s engine to be “a cracker,” whereas adding unheard of handling and lush seating wrapped in traditional Lexus luxurious and core comfort.

• On the downsides, Curry laments the absence of a handbook transmission option, its firm lag, small rear seats and the in vogue expense up front and in the ownership expertise.
• It’s “compromised and dear but that on the subject of makes you devour it more,” says Curry, although the uncover bank already stretches out to over a year.

READ: Hyperlink to written evaluate

The following venture of Automobile News This day will most likely be printed on Monday 19th Could perhaps well at 4.30pm Sydney time.