Future cars

Chinese language carmaker Jac Motors outdated school the Melbourne Motor Train over the weekend for its world unveiling of its all-crucial bolt-in Hunter Dual-Cab 4×4 Ute. And this may perchance occasionally join a substantial influx of most traditional nameplates within the local ute/make a choice-up segment when it goes on sale in Australia in 2026.

Primarily basically basically based on the diesel T9 Dual-Cab 4×4 Ute, which has honest launched Down Below, the Hunter provides a petrol-electrical PHEV powertrain format that uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four with twin one-per-axle motors, which mix to output 385kW and a whopping 1000Nm.

Its maker claims that a single price of the Hunter’s lithium ion phosphate battery is true for “after all 100kms” of electrical most productive force, whereas promising that its challenger will “[outstrip] its bolt-in hybrid competitors” such because the Ford Ranger PHEV and BYD Shark 6 “for right-world performance and efficiency”.

Whereas its importer has yet to expose payload and towing capacities, communications point out that the Hunter will undertake T9’s suspension bundle that affords the latter diesel mannequin 1045kg of payload.

It’s moreover likely that the bolt-in ute will offer a better braked-towing ranking than the diesel T9’s most traditional 3200kg capability. The electrified ute will moreover arrangement with a automobile-to-load (V2L) gadget to “allow householders to vitality tools, appliances and even present emergency relief-up vitality” from the high-voltage battery gadget.

Whereas yet to be confirmed, it’s likely that the Hunter will debut in Australia in a sole twin-cab make a choice-up physique vogue. The instance on display in Melbourne this past week looks of a high specification that’s in overall successfully liked by Australian ute patrons.

Inside, the Hunter brings a same fit-out and performance save to the T9 diesel stablemate. The Melbourne display automobile, for its portion, showcased a 10.4-hurry portrait-vogue media gadget, 10.25-hurry digital driver’s display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Assistance programs promised for the newcomer encompass adaptive cruise control with end-and-run performance and a 360-diploma camera gadget.

Pricing and detailed specifications on the Jac Hunter PHEV Ute will be printed closer to the ute mannequin’s local delivery, which is slated for the first quarter of 2026.

Jac Motors moreover has a completely electrical T9 EV that fair currently debuted at an occasion in Singapore, but there’s as yet no intel as as to if the BEV iteration of the T9 system will join the diesel and Hunter PHEV in showrooms next yr.

We’e recognized it’s coming for some time, nonetheless MG has at final confirmed it’s bringing a ute to market to rival the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max, called the MG U9.

Thing is, the U9 became already coming right here badged as the LDV Terron 9. MG Australia has promised its ute could be right to the logo, nonetheless exactly what this means correct now could perhaps presumably be unclear.

The ute demonstrates MG’s choice to be a top-three model in Australia, which would peek the Chinese language-owned nameplate bounce Kia and Mazda for yearly sales. That can completely be an upset.

“If we’re attempting to be a top-three model on this nation, we need a ute that punches above its weight—and the U9 does exactly that. It’s tricky, succesful, and built for the manner Australians power,” said MG Motor Australia’s CEO Peter Ciao.

“Every person knows the seek files from is there, and we’re racy for it,” Ciao added.

The MG U9 — recognized as the Maxus Interstellar in its residence market — has doable on paper, with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder punching out 164kW and 520Nm.

The diesel is zigzag up to a ZF-sourced eight-velocity automatic transmission, which sends vitality to all four wheels. It’s no longer yet determined whether locking differentials could be equipped as viewed in the GWM Cannon Alpha range.

Also no longer determined is whether or no longer the MG ute could be diesel entirely. It is for now, nonetheless LDV is bringing the electrical model — badged e-Terron 9 — Down Below with up to 325kW and 430km WLTP riding range.

The U9 could be elevated than many key opponents; its Maxus Interstellar relation is 5500mm long, 2005mm wide and rides on a 3300mm wheelbase. A Ford Ranger, as an illustration, is 130mm shorter with 70mm less distance between its axles.

Though no longer confirmed, the MG U9 will almost undoubtedly boast a 3.5-tonne braked towing ability.

As the MG model is more on-avenue focused, query to peek the U9 chasing the likes of the Volkswagen Amarok Aventura and Ranger Platinum customers, in preference to Nissan Navara Warrior shoppers.

That can indicate a plush internal fit-out with two 12.3-shuffle screens, a sunroof, rear step, 360-stage digicam, adaptive suspension, and heated front and rear seats. Request MG to present the U9 entirely in elevated tidy variants.

Pricing for the 2025 MG U9 is yet to be introduced. With mark on the core of MG’s choices, we’d be shocked to peek an entry-stage U9 priced above $55,000 when it arrives in Australia in leisurely 2025.

For now, racy parties could be in a local to peek the U9 on MG’s stand at this weekend’s Melbourne Motor Show.

Sizable Accountability: it’s Ford Australia’s shock new lacking hyperlink between the hugely well-liked Ranger and its mountainous-towing and arduous-lugging F-150, from which the new gets its namesake.

This is an difficult release that has been months within the making. And now, we can finally notify that Chasing Vehicles became once at Ford’s head build apart of job before the global boom of the all-new Ford Ranger Sizable Accountability 4×4.

It’s a mountainous vehicle, with a mountainous job to accommodate. Only of all, this isn’t honest a sticker pack, but a thorough reengineering challenge for a variant aimed at plugging a predominant gap in its business line-up.

There’s hundreds to chat about, so let’s fetch caught honest into what I’d believe in mind the biggest (pun completely intended) four-wheel-force release of the yr so some distance.

The Sizable Accountability nameplate has previoulsy been reserved completely for F- sequence choose-ups, here’s the predominant time the identify has been applied to 1 other vehicle. So here’s a mountainous deal. Ford Australia had to boom they’ll also just make a vehicle noteworthy of the title before this belief could well even be sketched into actuality.

That belief? You’re getting extra payload, bigger towing ability, and extra rugged off-boulevard skill. Talking of which, the Ranger Sizable Accountability comes from the manufacturing facility with a 4500kg GVM, 4500kg towing ability, with an overall GCM of 8000kg, an excellent deal out-punching any other fresh Ranger variant.

Attempting out the new variant within the flesh at Ford Australia HQ in Broadmeadows, Melbourne, we can in point of reality feel the enthusiasm pouring out of Ford engineers and designate workers, who demonstrate that the motive of increasing this vehicle became once predominately driven by fast prospects that query one thing more challenging and extra succesful than what became once beforehand on hand in Ranger.

A good deal of these fast merchants also wished to withhold away from aftermarket upgrades and tools, preferring a turnkey manufacturing facility choice such because the Sizable Accountability.

In asserting all that, Ford is also offering manufacturing facility tools for folk that must personalise them extra. Alternatives and tools such as chassis-mounted rock sliders can replace the inventory composite aspect steps and a winch-smartly suited ARB bull bar can be equipped, as smartly as a choice of heavy-obligation tray alternatives.

Moderately than honest a single variant, the Sizable Accountability therapy can be equipped in four various body kinds: a single cab chassis, elegant cab chassis, double cab chassis and lastly double cab choose-up.

Alternatively must it’s good to own a extra luxuriously appointed Sizable Accountability, you’re out of just correct fortune as at boom this would possibly well be equipped in a single specification.

It’s miles a excessive vehicle, and a extensive one too, with the same song width as a Ranger Raptor. Alternatively, its maker is assured that this would possibly well be ready to slot in most closed-ceiling carparks.

Easy, Ford’s engineers defined that the Sizable Accountability is so expansive that, when completely encumbered, it sits at the same experience high as an unladen Ranger Raptor, honest to offer you some standpoint.

Sizable Accountability also parts raised suspension in comparison with a Ranger, with heavy-obligation leaf pack within the lend a hand reside. Nonetheless now not just like the Tremor edition, you don’t fetch faraway-res shock absorbers.

Shut inspection does boom a laid-lend a hand shackle perspective on the rear leaf springs, even supposing, which sits on a 40-diploma perspective, which implies it would mute experience and flex smartly for what it is.

One thing else we noticed became once the rear differential, which is merely extensive! Look luminous, it appears to be like much like a Dana 60, alternatively we had been knowledgeable it’s now not the same unit.

Now, while a extensive differential is enormous for energy and cargo carrying, it is some distance continuously a double-edged sword – a mountainous diff is sublime stable, however the measurement is known as a limitation off-boulevard by methodology of clearance on deeper ruts.

Having a gawk beneath the front reside, we could well survey that the upper and decrease control palms are significantly beefy – these are bespoke to this vehicle. They also amplify the wheel song, so it’s now not honest a wheel with detrimental offset to pump the song width out.

Eight-stud wheel hubs own already been spoken about in outdated teaser articles, and it is beautiful to survey them in person. Eight studs are stronger than six, honest?

There can be two wheel alternatives on hand – a steel wheel and an alloy wheel, which appears to be like very Technique Speed Wheels inspired in my note.

Tyre luminous, the Ford Ranger Sizable Accountability rides on 33-lunge Traditional Grabber all-terrain tyres which are a lightweight truck building. This is a clear choice as passenger tyres are with out dispute destroyed on a 4×4, and LT provides bigger load-carrying functionality.

A elegant wintry contrivance, is the Ranger Sizable Accountability has front and rear electronically activated diff locks for the last traction off-boulevard.

Ford has also incorporated rated recovery components, front and rear, which are soft shackle smartly suited as a result of a chamfered edge, now not a fascinating edge, stopping a soft shackle from being reduce. These recovery components mount to a in point of reality thick space of bash plates which runs your complete methodology to the gasoline tank.

There’s also raised breathers for transmission, switch case, differentials, gasoline tank and AdBlue tank – a must-own equipment on a arduous working off-roader. Higher aspect mirrors are one other suave feature of the Ford Ranger Sizable Accountability, finest for those making an strive to take income of the 4500kg braked towing ability.

One among our well-liked party programs with the Sizable Accountability is an in-constructed weight scale which measures and shows what hundreds that that you just would possibly well well per chance presumably also very smartly be carrying. This is beautiful skills to own incorporated, where that that you just would possibly well well per chance presumably in point of reality survey how powerful weight has been loaded into the vehicle, eradicating any wager work by methodology of load carrying functionality. This is honest security skills that can presumably establish lives.

Powering the new mountainous rig of the Ranger line-up is Ford’s 3.0L V6 turbo diesel, which has an upgraded cooling system. Brooding about these items can be idling for prolonged classes of time within the area, and towing better hundreds, cooling system enhancements sound like a luminous call, too.

Sizable Accountability isn’t honest slapped collectively the usage of Ranger parts both, as you’re getting a stronger chassis. Even the engine mounts were redesigned for extra energy.

The engine and transmission own also been retuned, alternatively final figures have not been equipped yet. Nor has the stamp been revealed.

A manual DPF regen button has been incorporated so that that that you just would possibly well well per chance presumably choose out when it does a burn, or extra importantly when you don’t desire it doing a burn, like when off-roading in prolonged grass.

Rounding out the off-boulevard heavy inclusions, Ford own confirmed the Ranger Sizable Accountability could well own accurate Australian made Safari Snorkel, a 130-litre gasoline tank for extended fluctuate, and a 400-watt inverter, which is usable for tradies and campers.

Underbody protection plates were created from extensive 5.0mm-thick steel. Ford is asserting these plates need to now not honest stable, but in point of reality GVM rated – they are saying that that you just would possibly well well per chance presumably steadiness the vehicle off the gasoline tank which is wild, and I’m able to’t wait to ascertain this claim.

While we can handiest speculate as to how powerful the Sizable Accountability will stamp, we’d like to know the contrivance powerful you reflect this would possibly well retail for when it does plod on sale.

What we can dispute is the Ford Sizable Accountability fills a gap within the marketplace for both fast and arduous-core off-roaders who must tow and raise extra weight, as smartly as plod extra off-boulevard.

We are going to’t wait to take one for a high-tail, which is ready to be the next half of this direction of. And we’re ready for to take it on a lawful arduous-core force overview, too. This needs to be pushed arduous to survey if it is noteworthy of the Sizable Accountability title.

Our gut feeling, even supposing, is the Ranger Sizable Accountability can be an animal off-boulevard.

2026 Ford Ranger Sizable Accountability Specs

• Electronically activated locking differentials front-and-rear
• 3.0-litre Turbo V6 Diesel engine / 10-scuttle automatic gearbox
• Stronger chassis with upgraded brakes, axles, and driveshafts
• Higher water wading depth – alternatively no figure has been quoted yet
• Cooling system upgraded
• 130L Gas Tank
• Elevated underbody armour
• Trim Hitch and Onboard Scales
• Rear Driver Support Abilities (DAT) Bar, with corpulent suite of Ranger security parts
• 4500kg Braked Towing Skill
• 4500kg GVM
• 8000kg GCM

Assemble parts

• Novel bonnet
• Novel grilledesign
• Novel front quarter panel
• Australian made Safari Snorkel
• Steel bumper bar
• Eight-stud 18-lunge steel wheels or optional alloy wheel
• 33-lunge Traditional Grabber All-Terrain tyres

In the wake of at-times intense criticism of the exterior construct of the Kia Tasman ute, the logo has on the current time revealed a drivable prototype of a widebody Tasman that seriously addresses key complaints.

Chasing Cars has been up end and non-public with the Tasman Weekender theory that runs on better wheels and a wider observe than the routine automobile but uses linked working equipment including the 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine making 154kW/441Nm.

When requested about whether the Weekender’s styling cues are destined for manufacturing as a repair to the Tasman’s styling, head of Kia global construct Karim Habib told Chasing Cars that Kia “has to be versatile, has to learn and realize (market suggestions).”

“Now we have played with the assumption of body color(ed fenders). It’s something we can impact in some unspecified time in the future in diverse systems, in diverse shapes and kinds.”

Physique-colored fenders, headlight safety and wider observe

The sand beige Tasman Weekender modified into as soon as revealed quietly on the sidelines of this week’s 2025 Seoul Mobility Recent—an tournament at which Kia modified into as soon as great extra smitten by discussing its fresh PV5 electric van, which has previously been shown in rugged Weekender trim.

Just like the PV5, the Tasman Weekender has lime green visual highlights. Its extended flares take a seat within the aid of a cutaway entrance bar whereas a winch sits within the aid of the entrance number plate. A big storage field sits within the tray whereas snow sports equipment is mounted to the roof.

We already know that Kia will supply body-colored fenders in Australia—but how in regards to the Tasman Weekender’s widebody and wider observe, most definitely in a Raptor rival?

“Perhaps that will attain,” mentioned Habib. “If (Australia) presentations obvious hobby, that is something we are able to imagine … when that it is most likely you need to those wider tracks, these bigger wheels—trucks stay from that wheel-to-body proportion. It’s if truth be told, if truth be told crucial.”

And would a Tasman Raptor rival need an even bigger engine than the 2.2-litre diesel? “I am a clothier, so I would prefer that very great!”

Kia construct boss hits aid on the haters

While Habib acknowledged buyer suggestions from Australia, which has tended to be forthright, Kia’s global construct boss mounted a clear defence of the manufacturing Tasman’s irregular styling.

“The decide-up market is a in point of fact exact market and it is obviously very extinct for obvious producers. For (Kia) to impact an entry of price we felt we had to present something diverse and that is what we tried to impact. We tried to impact something in accordance to our principles … I contemplate that’s what the Tasman is,” Habib told Chasing Cars.

How does global Kia construct boss Habib feel in regards to the ‘haters’ who’ve been scathing on-line about Kia’s fresh ute—after the construct crew achieve this great effort in?

“I am no longer an aim particular person. My perception is that the suggestions has been polarising. To me, that is diverse. That implies there might be highly a variety of negative suggestions but there might be highly a variety of obvious suggestions. The gross sales (of Tasman) in Korea have been reasonably obvious.

“Our procedure modified into as soon as to create something that isn’t any longer love what’s available. Whilst you happen to impact something love that, it is most likely you’ll well most definitely have to settle for there are issues that (shall be) properly permitted and obvious issues no longer. It’s something we’re attentive to. Yes, (Tasman) does no longer please every person. We don’t do a query to to be leaders within the (decide-up) market upright away.”

Genesis has persevered on a roll of unveiling lush scheme vehicles at motor
displays, with the luxurious marque of Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) this
afternoon whisking the covers off a pair of two-door study in step with the
G90 limousine.

Identified as the X Gran Coupe (no relation to BMW) and X Gran Convertible,
the immense and dramatic ideas celebrate the tenth anniversary of
Genesis as an honest producer within HMC and are acknowledged to
“point out the logo’s future reveal…via obvious typologies.”

Whereas the frequent dimension and scale of the immense G90 four-door sedan has been
maintained, alterations like a decrease roofline, more steeply-raked
windscreen and frameless windows clearly differentiate the two
precisely silver-accented ideas that evoke ‘personal luxurious’ tropes
of ‘80s The United States.

The ideas riff on standard Genesis make accents by widening the
designate’s signature two-line headlights whereas the crest grille good points 3D
grille mesh inspired by metal strings. The fenders are wider than on the
G90 sedan to accommodate a mighty broader track.

The Gran Coupe and Gran Convertible are understood to utilise the
turbocharged, 3.5-litre petrol V6 powertrain suited to the everyday G90
sedan, which produces as mighty as 305kW of vitality and 549Nm of torque
with a top stride of 250km/h.

The G90 saloon is no longer supplied in Australia, despite the truth that it is supplied in Genesis’
house market of South Korea as successfully as North The United States and Europe.

Previous the strikingly proportioned exteriors, which deploy separate
interpretations of 5-spoke wheel designs, the interiors are acknowledged to bear
been inspired by Mediterranean olives (in the case of the Gran Coupe)
and the cabernet sauvignon purple wine grape (Gran Convertible).

Both cabins are swathed in leather tanned the utilization of wastewater from Italian
olive oil manufacturing whereas the interiors are fully free of chrome. The
leather mask (green and tan in the mounted-roof automobile, grape blue in the ‘vert)
extends the total manner to fully-quilted roof lining.

Embossed wood tremendous good points in each scheme interiors in a deep delivery-
pore navy for the Gran Convertible—which is a cozy-top—whereas a pure
veneer is dilapidated for the Gran Coupe.

Lengthened doorways as compared with the sedan are meant to support entry and
egress to the 2nd-row seats, whereas an aluminium daylight hours opening on
each objects sees Genesis eschew standard ‘sunless pack’ aesthetics.

Both ideas glean modern steering wheels with an aluminium third spoke
and suppose rotary dials, whereas the inner rim showcases prominent
deviated stitching.

If constructed, rivals for the ideas would take in the likes of the Mercedes-
AMG GT and SL twins, the BMW 8 Series, and the Porsche 911.

Genesis is exploring modern classes of luxurious sports activities vehicles at the identical time
because it prepares launch a Magma differ of excessive-performance variants, as
successfully as open participation in motorsport, by technique of the FIA World
Patience Championship and IMA Sportscar Championship in 2026 and
2027 respectively.

At this week’s Seoul Mobility Reward, the logo is displaying a half of-scale
mockup of the GMR-001 hypercar that wil symbolize the logo in each
disciplines from subsequent year.

Three years after it launched in its dwelling market of South Korea, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 exclusively-electrical sedan has received a total facelift that slims down visible vital points while further emphasising the model’s dedication to aerodynamic effectivity.

Dubbed by its maker because the “electrified streamliner”, the revised Ioniq 6 ditches the conventional version’s sizable headlight assemblies for considerably more avantgarde ruin up models combining a skinny daytime working gentle above a neat main beam assembly.

Flatter bonnet styling items as more of a two-dimensional form while the front apron loses its old vertical canards to emphasise the width of the sedan.

Plus, a original N Line version joins the worldwide differ in a deliver in self assurance to produce consistency across Hyundai’s models and to carry out a more assertively-detailed replacement to the identical old version.

At the rear, the convoluted spoiler plot of the conventional Ioniq 6 has been replaced by an prolonged ducktail, while radical alloy wheel designs characteristic across the facelifted differ.

Nearly all of the sources expended on the facelift had been focussed on cleansing up the exterior plot, with minimal adjustments to the Ioniq 6 cabin taking in guidance wheel and door dapper arena topic alterations and the addition of a higher local weather administration panel.

The incoming N Line’s reign at the high of the Ioniq 6 lineup will most certainly be immediate-lived, on the opposite hand, because the existence of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N has been at the original time confirmed for the main time—beforehand, it changed into as soon as most effective teased (extensively) by the existence of the RN22e prototype version.

Hyundai Motor Firm Australia (HMCA) has already confirmed that this will lift the Ioniq 6 N to Australia as an “vital halo model”. The automobile will most certainly be exclusively published in mid-2025 and could perchance reach Aussie shores in early 2026. This is able to perchance spend core Ioniq 5 N mechanicals.

That will most certainly be about six months after HMCA launches the facelifted Ioniq 6 in Australia in the second half of of 2025. The N Line version has no longer been locked in at this stage but could perchance be a part of the differ at start, or later.

HMCA concedes that the Ioniq 6 is a rather behind seller for the impress and that there stays genuinely intensive stock of the sedan on the bottom in Australia. It’s seemingly that further trace cutting will most certainly be viewed to obvious that stock before the advent of recent steel.

Since start the Ioniq 6 sedan has been a arena of interest automobile for Hyundai in Australia, with its 2024 and 2023 supply numbers (374 and 623 respectively) dwarfed nearly fiftyfold by these of its chief rival, the Tesla Mannequin 3 (17,094 and 17,347).

Yet the Ioniq 6’s blend of accurate-world effectivity, supple scramble quality, sexy dynamics and a excessive-quality cabin had been ample to gaze it acquire the Chasing Vehicles Automobile of the twelve months title in 2023 in a reflection of its pattern.

Mild, the Ioniq 6’s rather excessive pricing in Australia (from $67,300 sooner than on-motorway funds, or $73,300 BOCS for a protracted-differ version) locations it nearer to top fee competition than the omnipresent Tesla sedan (from $54,900 BOCS).

Whether the advent of the facelift in Australia will coincide with a tricky—but in all chance well-known—decision to reposition the pricing of the “electrified streamliner” is no longer yet known.

A name could perchance even be made to slim down the Ioniq 6 differ in the community, which for the time being sits at six variants spanning $67,300 to $86,500 BOCS with fifty three.0kWh and 77.4kWh batteries readily accessible to Australian possibilities along with quite a lot of rear-wheel force and all-wheel force.

The sibling to the Ioniq 6, the hatchback/SUV-fashioned Ioniq 5, is faring about three instances higher in the Australian gross sales speed with that model taking part in 933 local deliveries in 2024.

To this point this twelve months, the Ioniq 5 N ($110,383 BOCS) excessive-performance model which launched in Australia ultimate twelve months—and which shares key internals with the Ioniq 6 N—has stumbled on 57 Australian shoppers in the main three months of 2025.

Hyundai is doubling-down on powertrain guess-hedging with at the moment’s expose of the unusual, second-know-how Hyundai Nexo hydrogen fuel cell electric automobile (FCEV) bringing comprehensive upgrades to powertrain and driving vary while ushering in a replacement of name-first functions.

The unusual Nexo has already been confirmed for Australia for a first half of of 2026 start date. Hyundai operates a miniature hastily of leased Nexos alongside side Australian government and company operators.

What’s going to hit bystanders first is the unusual comely for the Nexo, which ditches the previous mannequin’s earnest visage for a more charismatic shape evoking Eighties and Nineties American crossover styling tropes—including a C/D pillar therapy that will remind about a of Walter White’s Pontiac Aztek.

We mean that in a valid manner, though, since the Nexo’s comprehensively transformed styling will get many more of us drawn to the automobile—though we favor, in section, that the form had been saved for a automobile with a more in-place a matter to powertrain form.

The core energy-electronics machine and fuel cell of the outgoing Nexo have been retained, but their traits have all been upgraded.

On the energy-electronics entrance, an even bigger battery and more energy (190kW plays 135kW) has resulted in a drastic slice to the 0-100km/h acceleration time, with the unusual Nexo making the benchmark flee in 7.8 seconds.

The Nexo can now snatch on marginally more hydrogen (6.69kg, up on the aged Nexo’s 6.33kg tank) but fuel effectivity has additionally improved, which ought to aloof enable about a five percent manufacture in driving vary from 666km (WLTP) within the outgoing model to “more than 700km”.

The economy features attain attributable to aerodynamics, but additionally a brand unusual motor and a excessive-effectivity inverter.

Most importantly, the Nexo retains its signature theoretical advantage over within the same model-sized battery EVs: it finest takes five minutes to fully refuel, mighty esteem an interior combustion automobile.

We are announcing “theoretical” because hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is scarce globally and supremely rare in Australia where finest Toyota and BMW have displayed ephemeral ardour in FCEV passenger autos in most modern years.

Hyundai Motor Firm Australia (HMCA) says there are 9 operational hydrogen refuelling stations in Australia, spanning Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, and two in Melbourne, with a extra eight refuelling stations being constructed.

That infrastructure helps the 35 previous-know-how Nexos at this time deployed by HMCA in Australia on leases. Most are flee by the Australian Capital Territory government (20 units) and Queensland government (five units) with about a sprinkled between gasoline companies, HMCA, and the Korean Embassy in Australia.

HMCA no longer too long ago upgraded its maintain hydrogen refueller in Sydney, which is now able to producing 20kg of green hydrogen (electrolysed by solar vitality fairly than by manner of fossil fuels, as is frequent) on an supreme sunny day.

That might presumably be on the subject of enough green hydrogen to refuel three unusual-know-how Nexos on a supreme day.

HMCA says it has no longer yet made up our minds whether the unusual-know-how Nexo will proceed to be a rent-finest proposition or whether this would maybe promote autos outright. Chasing Vehicles understands that, if sold, the previous-know-how Nexo would have price smartly over $100,000 forward of on-street charges.

Readers might maybe wonder why Hyundai has invested carefully in upgrading the Nexo—including the unusual exterior and interior styling—and the respond is that it’s a ways a mighty more connected automobile in its dwelling market of South Korea.

In 2022, Hyundai sold more than 10,000 Nexo FCEVs in Korea; in 2023 and 2024 the numbers were about 4000 and 3000 respectively because the mannequin grew older. There is a substantial FCEV hastily on Korean roads and mighty more enormous refuelling infrastructure.

Nevertheless hydrogen refuelling in American and European markets—as soon as as soon as more frequent—has change into difficult as some refuellers are no longer replaced, and operators double down on battery electric (BEV) charging infrastructure to complement used petrol/diesel refuelling.

Externally, the unusual Nexo fits “four-dot” headlights and 18-shuffle wheels as long-established while digital aspect mirrors aid to decrease its coefficient of trudge. The Nexo ushers in a brand unusual form language for Hyundai dubbed “art work of metal”.

An accessible color, “Goyo Copper Pearl,” makes use of a three-coat list route of so that you might shifting tones underneath diversified lights.

Within, the Nexo fits Hyundai’s excessive-cease leisure electric entrance seats in artificial leather-esteem arena cloth with heating and cooling, a unethical and joined infotainment inform their personal praises, as smartly as reclining rear seats.

Forward of this week’s Seoul Mobility Explain, Hyundai revealed a wild high-efficiency belief of its Inster exiguous electric SUV known as the Insteroid at a inside of most tournament within the South Korean capital.

Below the ’80s-inspired, rally automobile-esque create of the Insteroid sits the working gear of the 478kW/740Nm Hyundai Ioniq 5 N honest-EV whole with twin electric motors and an 84kWh usable battery.

Hyundai is being coy regarding the motive of the Insteroid, but senior executives inflamed regarding the immediate three hundred and sixty five days-lengthy construction grunt the electric hot hatch is a “credible” product that unearths how Hyundai will interrogate to allure to a youthful period of efficiency automobile customers at a lower cost point than the Ioniq 5 N ($110,383, sooner than on-twin carriageway bills).

“They may be able to’t come up with the money for the Ioniq 5 N, so let’s possess a automobile for [younger buyers],” Nicola Danza, exterior create manager for Hyundai Motor Europe, told Chasing Autos at Insteroid’s Seoul point to.

“We preserve listening to that the youthful period don’t like vehicles and are no longer attracted to vehicles. I don’t have faith that is entirely animated. They’re lacking the apt automobile to plunge in worship with.”

Insteroid and RN24 prototypes provide many hints

Chasing Autos understands that Hyundai has commenced construction of a lower-cost high-efficiency EV.

With the Insteroid belief, the Korean marque’s European create studio has led the early a part of the styling effort, whereas the N efficiency automobile division was as soon as tasked with getting a working prototype of the working gear onto the note.

N Division’s part within the project was as soon as revealed in December 2024 when pick out media private been invited to drive the RN24 prototype — short for N Rolling Lab 2024.

Whereas the RN24 has smaller wheels and tyres, lacks a roof and doors, it looks to share principal with the Insteroid—including the powertrain.

Judge of the Insteroid as your next step in direction of a production mannequin; the exoskeleton lined with an extroverted widebody extension of the Inster electric automobile’s fundamental shape.

The Insteroid’s major points are a European-penned homage to ‘80s hot hatch heroes like the Renault 5 Turbo and Lancia Delta Integrale.

The matte white and orange Insteroid wears immense 21-walk alloy wheels (with aero covers at the entrance) shod in sticky 295-huge (entrance) and 345-huge (rear) Pirelli tyres.

We realize the wheelbase to be 2660mm, being between the Inster (2580mm) and Ioniq 5 N (3000mm).

Inside of, sustainable provides honest bucket seats geared up with Sabelt harnesses. A racing steering wheel has “a will have to private” bodily controls and a dwelling of essential gauges exhibiting speed, boost region and diverse readouts.

A protruding handbrake triggers waft mode.

Just like the Ioniq 5 N, the Insteroid generates animated-to-existence ‘engine’ sound. Positive concepts to the Ioniq’s noise period emboldened Hyundai to possess an exterior speaker on the Insteroid’s posterior extra visible, whereas the soundtrack is a construction of the Ioniq 5 N’s.

“We realised [sound] was as soon as a the truth is fair conception to retain on. Here’s your next step. Some years inspire [we became] disquieted to point to the use because it manner pollution but you don’t need to veil it anymore. It is fair a speaker, so let’s proudly point to it,” explained Danza.

Why is the Insteroid no longer a Hyundai N mannequin…yet?

Exterior colourway apart, the Insteroid looks to be like as if an N automobile, quacks like an N automobile and it looks goes like an N automobile—the elephant within the room is for run the question of why the Insteroid is no longer an N-branded belief.

The motive looks to be that the closing production format has no longer yet been settled. Whereas the RN24 and Insteroid are sibling prototypes, Hyundai isn’t ready to sigh an Inster N—or any more cost-effective efficiency N automobile. Nevertheless such an announcement is anticipated within the future.

“[RN24 and Insteroid] are two separate styles of merchandise. [N] produces exact issues, extreme efficiency vehicles,” stated Danza. “With this create belief, we desired to scrutinize ahead to what comes subsequent. If [N Division] can private the back of that later, even better.”

“It is a riding prototype,” Danza explained to Chasing Autos. “We venerable the Ioniq 5 N [powertrain] and e-GMP platform, shortened within the suspension effect. For safety, you don’t want to [push] it too principal. The capabilities are there, but I don’t have faith anybody would want to drive that manner in an conception automobile.”

The subject is that, as Danza made clear, the youthful period to whom the Insteroid is designed to allure can not come up with the money for the expense of the extremely-sophisticated ingredients discovered within the Ioniq 5 N—and which private been venerable to possess the Insteorid prototype drive and steer.

The Ioniq 5 N’s twin-motor setup comprises huge amounts of active cooling in expose to offer sufficient stamina for 15-minute stout-effort racetrack riding as well to extremely-immediate charging capabilities afforded by its costly and colossal 800-volt battery packs.

As a result, we question that a production version of the Insteroid would substitute in a less premium drivetrain, perhaps primarily based on a less expensive 400-volt platform. The proportions of the Insteroid belief are rear-wheel drive orientated but a roadgoing Inster N may per chance furthermore even be entrance-drive…

…other than that Chasing Autos understands that a extra cheap 400-volt EV platform imposes thermal administration and charging speed compromises that N Division aloof isn’t blissful accepting. N Division has overtly debated this subject for a chain of years.

And thus taking the Insteroid to production is at a stalemate till the subject of whether N can fall from the Ioniq 5’s sophisticated but very costly 800-volt structure to an tailored 400-volt platform that extra customers will seemingly be in a spot to come up with the money for.

Hyundai’s procedure is seemingly so that you simply can offer a high-efficiency Inster N (or diverse exiguous electric N automobile) that is succesful of attracting customers who entered the ‘N’ fold by the relate of doable combustion vehicles like the i20 N ($35,500) and i30 N (from $50,000, each and every sooner than on-twin carriageway bills).

This kind of automobile would give Hyundai the loads of to compete with emerging cheap electric efficiency vehicles like the MG4 XPower, Cupra Born VZ, and Mini Cooper JCW.

If an acceptable compromise can even be struck to enable an Inster N to enter production, it would naturally take a seat atop the twin carriageway of Inster exiguous electric SUVs that open in Australia in Might also 2025 with pricing to initiate below $40,000 for the 85kW, entrance-wheel drive traditional vary mannequin.

“Just like the off-twin carriageway inspired Inster Fallacious derivate proven at Inster’s debut in 2024, [the] Insteroid is one more step within the fresh-selling production [Inster] mannequin’s chase,” claimed Hyundai’s press open announcing the belief that.

Once the Insteroid departs the Seoul Mobility Explain, Hyundai plans to point to it at “main auto occasions in key markets”. Whether or no longer that comprises the next Hyundai Australia N note day remains to be seen.

MG QS

Automotive form: Colossal seven-seater SUV
Open: Q2

Although MG’s midsized SUV, the HS, hasn’t loved the the same success because the ZS compact SUV, the logo is heading into gigantic-SUV territory for the first time with the QS seven-seater.

As with MG’s diverse SUVs, inquire of a mode of drivetrain alternatives comprising regular petrol engines, hybrid, and even walk-in hybrid (PHEV) as it takes on key opponents that contain the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger.

Slight print for the QS PHEV drivetrain luxuriate in but to be revealed, however the petrol variant would perhaps be offered as either a FWD or AWD, and enjoy a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 9-velocity old computerized.

The identical engine featured in the Chinese language market’s Roewe RX9 sister vehicle produces 150kW and 350Nm.

Pricing would perhaps be anticipated to initiate shut to $40,000, with the smaller, midsize HS at exhibit priced from $40,990 for the most costly dapper grade.

MG ES5/S5

Automotive form: Compact electrical SUV
Open: Q2 possible

ES5 is one other fresh nameplate for MG in Australia, although the model is an oblique replacement for the ZS EV compact electrical SUV.

The ES5 will face extra opponents than its predecessor, with the upcoming Kia EV3 in the mix alongside with the likes of the Neat #1, Jeep Avenger and, later this year, the Skoda Elroq.

Promisingly, the ES5 small SUV is built on the the same Modular Scalable Platform architecture as our sleek favourite MG, the MG4 electrical hatch. It’s miles powered by a 125kW/250Nm rear-mounted electrical motor.

The ES5 is possible to be offered with either a 49.1kWh or 62.2kWh battery, providing either 425km or 525km of driving vary looking on wheel size.

MG7

Automotive form: Colossal sedan
Open: Second half 2025

After introducing Australia’s most price-effective sedan in the collect of the MG5 in 2023, MG is stepping a size up with the MG7 that will develop right into a extra thunder rival to the Toyota Camry.

Australian facts are but to be revealed, although the MG7 would perhaps be anticipated to undercut the hybrid-handiest Camry that starts from $39,990 – while beginning above the MG5 that prices between about $25,000 and $28,990 power-away.

In in a single other nation markets, the MG7 is offered in two front-wheel-power variants: a  138kW/300Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder paired to a seven-velocity twin-cling auto, or a 192kW/405Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder paired to a old 9-velocity computerized and electronic restricted-bolt differential.

A hybrid MG7 is also on the playing cards.

MG HS Hybrid+ and PHEV

Automotive form: Midsize SUV
Open: Second half 2025

The fresh 2025 MG HS is determined to fetch a hybrid and walk-in hybrid drivetrain offering by June 2025. The hybrid HS is anticipated to initiate at round $37,000 (RRP), and the PHEV at round $42,000.

As a mid-size hybrid or walk-in hybrid five-seater SUV, the predominant opponents of the MG HS would perhaps be the $forty five,100 Hyundai Tucson hybrid, $42,260 Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD, and $52,990 Peugeot 3008 hybrid.

While Australian-explicit powertrain offerings are but to be confirmed, it is a ways possible the PHEV MG HS will utilize the 220kW/350Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and electrical motor combo offered in the UK market.

In the UK, mixed gasoline consumption is quoted as 0.5L/100km for the PHEV. The 24.7kWh battery can support a most EV driving distance of 75 Miles (120km).

The hybrid MG HS will utilize a same petro-electrical region-up because the MG3 Hybrid+, although inquire of better outputs for the bigger vehicle.

ICE handiest 2025 MG HS Essence overview

MG5 (security update)

Automotive form: Midsize sedan
Open: Second half 2025

Australian reception to the MG5 has been shaky, after it scored an ANCAP rating of 0 in the the same year it launched (2023). MG has promised to revise the protection of the MG5 and re-originate the vehicle in 2025, although warns of a tag manufacture bigger for what’s at exhibit the nation’s most price-effective sedan.

The ‘security pack support’ will contain Self adequate Emergency Braking, Speed Abet methods, Lane Abet methods and Pedestrian Security security methods as viewed in diverse MG units.

MG3 (security update)

Automotive form: Hatchback
Open: Second half 2025

The MG3 fared better in self reliant shatter sorting out than the MG5, even though it level-headed scored handiest three out of five stars.

MG will later this year introduce further security instrument, extra driver help aspects, and structural improvements in the hope of boosting its ANCAP rating to as a minimum four stars.

Label increases are possible, however.

IM Offered by MG Motors imprint originate

Automotive kinds: IM6 electrical SUV and IM5 electrical sedan
Open: April

MG is gearing as a lot as originate its upmarket “IM Motors” imprint in Australia on the Melbourne Motor Show in April.

Two closely connected electrical autos will headline the originate – the IM5 sedan and IM6 SUV.

The IM6 SUV is offered in China with primarily 800V electrical architecture and a mode of battery alternatives ranging from 83kWh to 100kWh. As such, ability driving ranges differ from 625km to 802km.

The least bit mighty guise with a 400V architecture, the IM6 crude model produces 216kW and 450Nm.

The tip-spec twin-motor all-wheel-power model produces 579kW/800Nm, and aspects equipment a lot like air suspension, ‘tank flip’ ability, and a 20-speaker sound system are offered.

Search files from the IM6 to target the Tesla Mannequin Y in pricing, although the SUV’s 4.9-metre length is a closer match for a luxury electrical SUV such because the BMW iX that prices from extra than $130,000.

The IM5 sedan aspects the the same vary of drivetrain and battery alternatives. A rear-wheel-power 100kWh battery variant is offered, with a claimed driving vary as excessive as 850km.

Equally to the IM6, the IM5 would perhaps be priced closer to bigger spec variations of the same Tesla – in this case the Mannequin 3 – although is sized closer to the BMW i5 that’s priced from extra than $155,000.

Pricing for the two units is now not but confirmed, although would perhaps be revealed on the Melbourne motor repeat that begins fifth April.

Thanks for joining us this Thursday, March Twenty seventh 2025. Notably in vehicle files on the contemporary time: First explore at Nissan’s future plans for Australia, Kia getting prepared twin-motor and GT versions of EV3.

Browse this relate:

• First explore at Nissan’s future plans for Australia
• Kia getting prepared twin-motor and GT versions of EV3
• Skoda takes on Mitsubishi and BYD in ever-rising PHEV market
• Jaecoo J7 pricing published

• Reviewed: 2025 Cupra Tavascan Persistence
• Reviewed: 2025 Skoda Enyaq RS Coupe

First explore at Nissan’s future plans for Australia

• Nissan has released a total overview of several future models coming to the worldwide market, as effectively as a first explore at unusual innovations from the longstanding Jap firm.

• Excitingly within the Nissan four wheel drive section, the highly anticipated Y63 Patrol trim four wheel drive has been confirmed to free up locally by the cease of 2026, and Nissan has teased an all-unusual one-tonne ute constructed in collaboration with Mitsubishi.

• Passenger automobiles confirmed for the Australian market comprise: the Ariya EV crossover, that would furthermore invent its debut later this yr. Within the intervening time, the third-generation Leaf EV commuter, and a unusual Qashqai compact hybrid, each and each of which might perchance presumably be anticipated by the cease of 2026.

• Nissan has also confirmed the commence of a global rollout for its third-generation ‘e-Energy’. The e-Energy series-parallel hybrid system made its debut in 2016, with the technology centralising spherical little displacement petrol engine and lithium battery working in tandem to ship energy to the wheels via an electrical motor.

READ: 2026 Nissan Leaf published: crossover styling and reports of 600km fluctuate

WATCH: This is aesthetic the origin! 2025 Y63 Nissan Patrol Nismo and Warrior: the whole thing it’s a long way a must to perceive

Kia getting prepared twin-motor and GT versions of EV3

• Kia Australia published to Chasing Autos on the sizzling commence of the EV3 little SUV that all-wheel-drive and GT variants are inclined to bolster the fledgling four-variant model fluctuate’s local line-up in future.

• “All-wheel drive and GT [are] on the cards and in planning for later within the lifecycle,” outlined Kia product chief Roland Rivero, “so the answer is ‘sure’.”

• Currently the all-front-pushed EV3 line-up (from $48,990 driveaway) tops out with the GT-Line at $68,490 D/A. A greater-grade twin-motor version, no longer to mention a excessive-performance GT variant, would with out grief push into a excessive-$70K mark tier, making it a one very costly little electric SUV. Feasibility for the local market stays to be viewed.

• Kia Australia is forecasting that of the forecast 90,000 sales for 2025, spherical 11,000 models will most certainly be EV-branded electrics, with EV5 (5000-6000 models) and EV3 (spherical 400 models) projected to be the emblem’s electric volume sellers.

READ: Kia EV3 2025 pricing locked-in: BYD Atto 3 and Hyundai Kona rival undercuts EV5 and offers larger than 600km riding fluctuate

Skoda takes on Mitsubishi and BYD in ever-rising PHEV market

• Skoda has unveiled a unusual inch-in hybrid version of the Kodiaq trim SUV – the iV, which boasts a 110km EV fluctuate. The unusual Kodiaq iV is anticipated to be released early 2026.

• The unusual Kodiaq iV powertrain develops an moderately priced 150kW/350Nm, capabilities a 25.7kWh battery, and helps 50kW DC immediate-charging. Strangely, in PHEV invent, the accepted seven-seater Kodiaq will easiest be accessible in a five-seat configuration.

• Even as the Kodiaq iV beats each and each the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BYD Sealion 6 PHEV on EV fluctuate (86km and 92km WLTP fluctuate respectively), the huge Czechian’s mark will invent or spoil the model. Currently, the equal Outlander PHEV fees $63,790 and BYD Sealion 6 $52,990.

• Modern director of Skoda Australia, Lucie Kuhn, published that a lack of hybrid and inch-in hybrid offerings from Skoda has resulted in low sales figures nationally. “missing hybrids; it’s also no longer helping sales.”

READ: Headache for Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BYD Sealion 6: 2025 Skoda Kodiaq inch-in hybrid to present 110km EV fluctuate from next yr

Jaecoo J7 pricing published

• Jaecoo has priced its unusual midsize SUV, the J7, forward of its anticipated commence in Also can just 2025. The J7 will most certainly be within the origin released with four variants: the Core FWD injurious model, Track FWD mid-ranger, the excessive-spec Ridge AWD, and SHS Walk-in hybrid FWD fluctuate-topper.

• The Core is priced at $34,990 driveaway, the Track at $37,990 driveaway, the Ridge $42,990 driveaway, and topping the fluctuate, the SHS at $47,990 driveaway.

• All dedicated petrol J7’s will most certainly be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four cylinder mated to a seven-tempo twin-clutch transmission. Height performance figures are 137kW/275Nm. The SHS hybrid uses a 105kW/215Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 150kW/310Nm single electric motor alongside a single-tempo “hybrid transmission”.

• With drive-away pricing origin at $34,990, the J7 is determined to rival the MG HS, Haval H6, and Australian crowd favourite Mazda CX-5.

READ: Jaecoo J7 Track 2025 overview

WATCH: A peculiar Chinese language vehicle that isn’t an EV – Jaecoo J7

Reviewed: 2025 Cupra Tavascan Persistence

• Chasing Autos motorway test editor John Regulations’s overview of the 2025 Cupra Tavascan Persistence changed into printed, and involves praise for the vehicle’s agile chassis, crisp guidance, and valiant styling.

• Regulations described the Tavascan as a “graceful factor”, with contemporary styling to face out in an ever-rising EV market. He went on to commend the initiating mark of $60,990, sooner than on-motorway fees.

• Sadly, the Cupra Tavascan changed into timid by an inconsistent brake in actuality feel and overly stiff crawl, which Regulations stipulated “fleet grew boring”. General with all contemporary VAG automobiles, the Tavascan also falls short on phone connectivity.

• The Cupra Tavascan must be regarded as as a European-styled different to shut rival Tesla Mannequin Y, particularly the injurious RWD variant.

READ: Cupra Tavascan Persistence 2025 overview

WATCH: Corpulent test of Cupra’s Tesla Mannequin Y challenger (Cupra Tavascan 2025 overview)

The subsequent relate of Vehicle News This day will most certainly be printed on Friday Twenty eighth March at 4.30pm Sydney time.