Future cars

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.

The enviornment’s first mass-volume electrical automobile is transferring from hatchback to a crossover body fashion for its third generation, with the next Nissan Leaf reportedly position to provide about 600km of vary.

Nissan has revealed its first photos of the unusual Leaf as piece of a worldwide product annoucement that also references the next-generation Navara ute that will be primarily based mostly on the Mitsubishi Triton, to boot to the next Juke that can even be electrical.

Well-known aspects are extremely puny at this stage for a automobile that won’t open in Australia till 2026, though Nissan confirms the Leaf will portion its architecture with the Ariya midsize electrical crossover at final arriving here later this year.

The UK’s Autocar experiences from discussions with Nissan executives that the Leaf will provide bigger than 372 miles (598km) of vary and has a co-environment pleasant of recede of 0.25 attributable to its sleek unusual shape.

It’s likely this would be achieved from the supreme battery to be supplied from two or three picks supplied.

The Ariya out of the country is available with a 63kWh or 87kWh battery, with the latter offering a WLTP vary of up to 530km. The fresh Leaf presents easiest up to 385km of WLTP vary with the supreme battery available, with a ideally suited decrease 270km WLTP for the atrocious model.

Leaf Mk3 is reported to be barely shorter than the hot, 4.5-metre-prolonged model.

The Nissan Leaf became first released in 2010 and modified into the enviornment’s first mass-manufacturing EV, with bigger than 650,000 purchased as of mid 2023.

The 2nd-technology Skoda Kodiaq will bag contemporary bound-in hybrid variants to lend a hand it battle the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BYD Sealion 6.

Talking to Chasing Vehicles at Kodiaq’s national media start, Skoda Australia Director Lucie Kuhn published that gentle and bound-in hybrids are the missing hyperlink within the Czech brands’ product offensive.

Kuhn said that bound-in hybrids “[would come] to the Australian market for Kodiaq and Very perfect in late 2025, early 2026.”

Chasing Vehicles understands that the bound-in hybrid powertrains for Kodiaq and Very perfect are under technical evaluate for Australia at this 2nd. There’s also a gentle-hybrid powertrain likely for the Octavia family automobile this 300 and sixty five days.

Skoda is a dominant force in Europe. It used to be the fourth most racy-wonderful designate within the express final 300 and sixty five days within the encourage of Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW. The story’s diversified Down Underneath, the build Skoda shifted 5015 models final 300 and sixty five days, down on 2023’s 7999 outcomes.

“There are rather a number of components that led to this end result,” Kuhn said, “On the initiating, I feel we were historically in fact fascinated relating to the European market due to this of we are a European designate…. We desired to defend home market share,” she outlined.

“We were bringing merchandise to markets like Australia with a convey delay — which used to be generally up to one 300 and sixty five days — and likewise missing technologies. Legal now, we face, for occasion, missing hybrids; it’s also now not serving to gross sales,” said Kuhn.

The Kodiaq bound-in hybrid also can simply be the ideal solution. The 5-seat (in preference to the petrol’s seven) SUV develops 150kW and 350Nm for a 0-100km/h speed in 8.4 seconds.

More impressive, although, is the Kodiaq iV’s circa-110km (WLTP) electrical-most racy differ from a 25.7kWh battery. That eclipses even the contemporary Mitsubishi Outlander (86km, WLTP) and BYD Sealion 6 (92km, NEDC). The Kodiaq iV helps up to 50kW DC swiftly-charging, too.

Of the mainstream VW Crew brands, Cupra used to be the wonderful to bring bound-in hybrids to Australia within the outdated iteration. The Cupra Leon and Formentor will fetch the contemporary-gen PHEV engines later this 300 and sixty five days, potentially paving the model for Skoda’s Kodiaq and Very perfect.

Whereas Australia has now rolled encourage FBT exemptions for PHEVs, in Europe, the powertrain model has confronted renewed scrutiny and lots countries have eradicated incentives. The decrease demand in Europe generally formula it is more uncomplicated to fetch production for markets like Australia.

Skoda will must nail the pricing for its bound-in hybrid Kodiaq and Very perfect if it’s to compete within the most contemporary aggressive market. The Outlander PHEV prices $63,790 in mid-spec Aspire guise and the BYD Sealion 6 $52,990 in Top class dapper.

The Skoda Kodiaq Decide starts at $56,990 driveaway, and if Skoda also can provide a bound-in hybrid model for spherical $60,000 it is going to also salvage success sitting between the most contemporary 140TSI and performance-oriented Kodiaq RS.

BYD ATTO 2

Automobile form: Compact SUV, electrical
Launch ETA: Mannequin no longer but confirmed

BYD appears to be leading as much as the start of its smallest, perhaps cheapest electrical SUV in Australia.

The Atto 2 small electrical SUV has these days launched within the UK, and an Australian start would perhaps practice. The UK notorious model Atto 2 is powered by a single 130kW/280Nm electrical motor and 45kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery. Anticipated WLTP differ for the notorious is 312km, with a lengthy-differ variant furthering to 420km.

Count on the Atto 2 to cost around $35,000 (sooner than on-freeway costs), being priced barely increased than the Dolphin, and undercutting the higher Atto 3. In this bracket, the Atto 2 is poised to rob on rivals such because the MG4, Hyundai Kona EV, and Volvo EX30.

Chasing Vehicles irregular interview with EV Inform CEO David Smitherman

DENZA U8

Automobile form: Dazzling plug-in hybrid four wheel power
Launch ETA: Anticipated 2d half of 2025

BYD’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Land Rover Defender, and 300 sequence Toyota Landcruiser – the Yangwang U8 – has been rumoured for Australia for a whereas and is getting closer to affirmation.

Already attempting out on Australian roads – and caught by our spies! – besides to being showcased in a pair of BYD showrooms, the U8 will seemingly be imported from China by BYD itself in arrangement of standard importer EV Inform – and take a seat below the Denza luxurious sub-imprint owing to a value tag which might perhaps be tremendously increased than any BYD.

U8 capabilities a sturdy ladderframe chassis, packed with life suspension, and a posh electronically managed all-wheel-power system. The AWD system has the good thing about transferring energy to any one among the U8’s four hub-mounted electrical motors, providing amazing traction and a tank-turn celebration trick.

The U8 uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as a generator, which, alongside the 49.08kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery, produces 880kW and 1280Nm with a claimed total differ of 780km. Electrical-most attention-grabbing differ tops out at 124km (WLTP).

BYD U8 spied attempting out in Australia: Toyota LandCruiser hybrid rival gives strongest hint this would perhaps bound on sale within the community

BYD Tang

Automobile form: 7-seater bound-in hybrid SUV
Launch ETA: Mannequin no longer but confirmed

BYD importer EV Inform has confirmed a seven-seater SUV is a top priority, and it is seemingly to be the Tang bound-in hybrid SUV.

The 2d-know-how BYD Tang has been on hand to the Chinese market since 2018, and is supplied as a bound-in hybrid or fully electrical seven-seater SUV. It is anticipated the Australian market will accept the 2024 facelift of the Tang, with the same powertrain offerings. This mirrors the sales strategy of the Sealion 6 / 7.

The EV-most attention-grabbing Tang capabilities a 109kWh battery, all-wheel power, 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds, and a WLTP differ of 530km. There are loads of PHEV offerings for the Tang in China, however if sold in Australia, quiz BYD’s bread-and-butter 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder and 18.3kWh battery combination.

BYD charger promises 400km of differ in 5 minutes

BYD Seal 06 GT

Automobile form: Midsize sizzling-hatch
Launch ETA: Mannequin no longer but confirmed

The Seal 06 GT is the imprint’s first sizzling hatch, launched in China in later 2024. It is doable this affordable sizzling hatch will enter the Australian market to rival gadgets such because the Cupra Born VZ and MG4 X Energy, though it’s believed to be a lower priority to other gadgets featured on this article.

The Seal 06 GT utilises Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) know-how, with two battery configurations supplied: a 59.52kWh battery providing 505km of differ, and a 72.96kWh battery, providing 605km of differ. Masses of drivetrains are supplied, with the notorious variant producing 160kW and 310Nm.

BYD like alluded that the Seal 06 GT is now not any longer their top priority for 2025, as they watch to elongate their SUV and four wheel power offerings. Repeat the BYD Dolphin, though underwhelming in performance, does own the EV hatchback hole within the Australian BYD lineup.

BYD situation to originate MG4 XPower rival, the Seal 06 GT

Denza B5 and B8

Automobile form: Dazzling four wheel power and Upper-expansive four wheel power
Launch ETA: Mannequin(s) no longer but confirmed – however B5 extremely seemingly

BYD has admitted it has a four wheel power-sized hole in its lineup and the Fangchengbao Bao 5 or Bao 8 – which is ready to be badged Denza B5 and Denza B8 in in another country markets – every glance like correct alternate choices to patch it.

After the preliminary success of the BYD Shark 6, the expansive four wheel power B5 is seemingly to be the subsequent expansive PHEV shake-up in Australia, and a rival to the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado.

The B5 is carefully linked to the Shark 6 ute. It’s constructed on the same physique-on-physique platform, with the same 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, dual electrical motors and 32kWh battery.

The Bao 5 is indubitably going to be a severe off-freeway contender with three diff locks and optionally accessible top-adjustable suspension.

The higher Bao 8 is seemingly to be correct as promising, with a more powerful drivetrain, top-adjustable air suspension, a ground clearance of as much as 310mm, and three automatic diff locks.

BYD 2025: Seven-seat SUV a top priority for BYD because it prepares to elongate its model differ, and double its sales in Australia

A3 and S3 (up so a long way devices)

Automotive variety: Top rate miniature vehicle
Launch: April

Audi’s luxury and sporty miniature vehicle combo are up so a long way for 2025.

Traditional equipment is bolstered with an S-line interior equipment that functions sports activities seats (with electric adjustment for the driver) and perforated leather-essentially based steering wheel (with ‘S’ logo) that modified into beforehand an possibility. The 35TFSI also positive aspects a elevated, 12.3-rush digital driver cluster.

Plot changes are in every other case delicate, with the A3 adopting sportier entrance and rear bumpers, and modern-explore four-rings logo. Both the A3 and S3 aim a re-profiled grille.

The S3 positive aspects extra power and torque for the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder – up 17kW and 20Nm to 245kW/420Nm. The S3 also positive aspects the torque splitter aim from the RS3 which can divert engine torque to whichever wheel has the final observe traction, plus elevated entrance brakes.

Pricing will enhance with fat miniature print in our Audi A3/S3 pricing and specs yarn below:
2025 Audi A3 and S3: pricing and specs

A5 and S5

Automotive variety: Midsize sedan and wagon
Launch ETA: First half of of 2025

In accordance with Audi’s modern “even numbers for EVs” naming conference, the combustion-powered A4 will now be identified as the A5.

The modern A5 and S5 are built on Audi’s PPC (Top rate Platform Combustion) platform, with gentle-hybrid powerplants on hand across the model vary. Improvements to steering, handling, braking and suspension are integral sides of the modern platform, says Audi.

The A5 presents the next powerplants: A 110kW or 150kW variant of the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine, a 150kW 2.0-litre TDI diesel, and, for the vary-topping S5, a 270kW 3.0-litre TFSI Petrol engine. Prices are no longer yet confirmed, but query to pay about $80,000 for the defective model.

A serious step-up on interior tech is the 11.9-rush driver stamp, 14.5-rush essential display, and optional 10.9-rush passenger stamp.

2025 A5 / S5 international first drive

RSQ8 Efficiency

Automotive variety: Gigantic performance SUV-Coupe
Launch ETA: Second quarter 2025

Audi enters Formulation 1 in 2026 and it feeble this twelve months’s Australian Giant Prix to debut its strongest combustion model yet – the 471kW RSQ8 Efficiency.

Over the outgoing fashioned RSQ8, the twin-turbo petrol V8 positive aspects 30kW, with torque increasing from 800 to 850Nm. That in turn lowers the sporty SUV’s 0-100km/h speed means by two-tenths to about a.6 seconds.

The price tag is also beefed up, nonetheless, with the Audi RSQ8 Efficiency priced from $255,800 sooner than on-avenue prices – a $27,500 jump over the non-Efficiency model.

Audi RSQ8 news and experiences

E-Tron GT (up so a long way model)

Automotive variety: Luxury sports activities sedan (electric)
Launch ETA: 2nd quarter 2025

Audi will originate a revised e-Tron GT in mid-2025, with S, RS and RS Efficiency variants to be supplied.

The E-Tron GT lineup will likely be sooner than ever, with the S, RS, and RS Efficiency boasting power figures of 500kW/740Nm, 630kW/865Nm, and 680kW/1027Nm respectively. In its strongest configuration, the E-Tron GT can shift from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds.

Prestige within the Audi E-Tron strikes beyond the Audi mark, with Porsche aiding in suspension create: Adaptive dual-chamber air suspension with dual-valve dampers will lean and pitch the vehicle by an inner computer to give the driver optimum suspension geometry in any prerequisites.

Audi E-Tron GT news and experiences

Q5 and SQ5

Automotive variety: Midsize luxury SUV
Launch ETA: Third quarter (slack 2025 for Sportback and SQ5)

The Q5 is Audi’s simplest-promoting model is Audi Australia’s biggest originate of the twelve months. Why? Audi Australia has confirmed that the modern 2025 Q5, Q5 Sportback and SQ5 will draw on sale in slack 2025. Built on the PPC (Top rate Platform Combustion) platform, the modern Q5 vary will aim all-modern interior and exterior appointments, as smartly as hybrid functionality.

The modern Q5 vary is already on sale in international markets, with L4 and V6 petrol or diesel powerplants with gentle-hybrid fortify. Even if the defective-model tag for Australia is currently unknown, we glance forward to it to be around $70,000 sooner than on-avenue prices.

Across the vary, the third-period Q5 positive aspects more head and legroom for occupants, angular stylish styled entrance and rear bumpers, and a “human centric” interior with 11.9-rush Audi digital cockpit,14.5-rush MMI contact stamp, and optional 10.9-rush MMI Passenger Expose.

Audi Q5 news and experiences

A6 and S6 E-Tron

Automotive variety: Gigantic vehicle, electric
Launch ETA: Mid 2025

Changing the outgoing petrol and diesel A6 vary, Audi’s A6 e-tron vary will rapidly be on hand in Australia. The A6 e-tron will likely be supplied as either a ‘Sportback’ body vogue or wagon.

The modern period EV A6 will likely be on hand in four variants with diversified battery sizes, performance, and vary figures.

A rear-drive A6 Efficiency will provide the longest WLTP vary of 750km, whereas the sporty, all-wheel-drive S6 naturally delivers the most power with 405kW.

Built on Audi’s modern Top rate Platform Electrical (PPE) Platform, all variants will fortify fleet DC charging, 800V architecture, lower complete weights and better effectivity when put next to earlier Audi EV’s.

Audi A6 & S6 news and experiences

2026 Audi Q3

Automotive variety: Top rate miniature SUV
Launch: TBC

Audi’s third-period Q3 compact luxury SUV will likely be published later in 2025, sooner than an expected originate in Australia in 2026.

The eighth-generation Toyota HiLux was launched to Australia 10 years ago and has passed by procedure of a few predominant updates, facelifts and engine adjustments since 2015.

A brand novel HiLux is anticipated to launch next year, even though fairly than a ground-up ute, Toyota’s likely to introduce a deep facelift for the ninth-generation model.

Will a facelift be ample for HiLux which has been at the back of the Ford Ranger for outright reputation since 2023? Contemporary rivals from China such as the GWM Cannon Alpha and BYD Shark 6 receive crushed Toyota to the electrified ute punch, too, softening the paunchy T’s allure.

Toyota Australia vice president gross sales and advertising and marketing Sean Hanley has already predicted 2025 will likely be the year of the SUV, and that appears likely following RAV4’s early YTD gross sales success — but absolutely Toyota is alive to to fetch back on high with a brand novel HiLux?

We’ve commissioned a residing of renders from digital artist Theottle to display the novel HiLux’s future in off-street focused GR Sport guise with beefed up suspension and safety.

When will the novel Toyota HiLux be launched?

Toyota is remaining tight-lipped about the novel HiLux but judge shots of a test vehicle — courtesy of Thai outlet Headlight Mag — made the rounds in January, suggesting a launch is terminate to.

Stories as much as now are pointing to a degree to in late 2025, that methodology first examples will launch hitting the roads in 2026.

The latest HiLux launched similtaneously in Bangkok and Sydney, so given the significance of the ute in Australia Toyota could perchance as soon as extra tread this course.

There are extra markets than true Thailand and Australia within the latest HiLux, even though, with Latin The US — the HiLux is constructed in Argentina — and South Africa also big HiLux patrons.

Contemporary 2026 HiLux: Platform and invent

All stories existing the novel HiLux keeping its existing IMV ladder physique platform, also venerable on the HiLux Champ in South East Asian markets.

Toyota will plug additional than simply drape a brand novel skin over the existing HiLux, even though. The latest Camry — a deep facelift of the outdated vehicle — proved there was plenty left on the table of an already apt vehicle.

The novel HiLux is likely to receive additional chassis reinforcement for improved rigidity, and revised suspension. The novel GR Sport shown right here will nearly absolutely retain its rear disc brakes, while judge shots display neatly-liked slender-tune HiLux items are also likely to ditch drums at the back — as a minimal on high-spec items.

Otherwise, laborious aspects such as the wheelbase received’t swap basic from the latest 3085mm dimension, despite the very fact that size (5325mm for double cab) and width (1855mm for SR5, 2020mm GR Sport) measurements swap a small quantity.

The pinnacle result’s the HiLux is likely to continue to be one of the most less family-pleasant utes within the marketplace due to a small cabin. More moderen rivals such as the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton and Isuzu D-Max receive all made paunchy leaps in this division.

Interior skills will fetch a boost, even though, with a bigger touchscreen running Toyota’s latest tool that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside with faraway phone control for native climate and a form of functions, true fancy Camry.

The exterior shown right here in our render is in accordance to judge shots and reveals novel, slender headlights residing high on the fascia. A a form of, extra futuristic grille sits below the smaller ‘TOYOTA’ emblem and the bonnet has been reprofiled.

On the back, a tidier tailgate invent and a form of taillight clusters complete the transformation. There will now not be any wholesale adjustments to the center of the HiLux’s physique, which is anticipated to dwell basic the same.

Contemporary 2026 HiLux: Engine and powertrain

While drag-in hybrids are the general rage within the ute world, it appears Toyota will continue with its latest 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder dominated line-up, as a minimal in Australia.

Sticking to the existing IMV platform pours frigid water on a HiLux GR Sport scoring a Ranger and Amarok V6-beating engine from a GA-F vehicle such as the 300 Sequence Land Cruiser or Tundra pick-up — as a minimal with out basic re-engineering.

Eastern stories existing using a novel 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which can give a HiLux GR Sport rather extra pep but don’t retain your breath — in particular no longer at launch. It’s likely to preserve the 165kW/550Nm tune of the existing diesel.

The V-Active forty eight-volt electrical boost system arrived in March 2024. Toyota claims V-Active lowers gas consumption roughly 10 per cent, and it’s likely this can change into accessible at some stage in a broader vary of variants within the novel HiLux.

On the lower dwell, demand the 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel and a pair of.7-litre petrol four-cylinder (122kW/245Nm) to loiter spherical. The lack of hybrid and drag-in hybrid ute could perchance produce Toyota’s existence difficult below incoming novel vehicle efficiency requirements (NVES).

How basic will the 2026 Toyota HiLux cost?

No topic its evolved age, the Toyota HiLux isn’t any discount ute, unless the predominant Workmate petrol cab chassis ($27,730) is what you would prefer to receive.

Essentially the most reasonable 4×4 dual cab is $50,420, sooner than on-street costs and the neatly-liked SR5 V-Active lists at $63,260. Meanwhile, the flagship GR Sport costs $74,310, sooner than on-street costs.

The HiLux’s trace has no longer stayed static since 2015, needless to claim, and phase of this slow magnify is to preserve tempo with rival utes such as Ranger and Triton, as neatly as minimising trace shock for a brand novel model.

The novel 2026 Toyota HiLux will likely be extra costly but it would be a shock if the dual-cab Workmate was extra than $55,000. Likewise, the SR5 will dwell terminate to $65,000 and the GR Sport received’t climb beyond $80,000.

More small print will reach to gentle as we manner the 2026 Toyota HiLux’s free up in late 2025 or early 2026.

Cupra is gearing up for a famous 2025 with fresh nameplates and original faces for present ones, nonetheless it in actual fact isn’t occurring as speedy as we expected.

Leading the payment are two fresh names which is ready to enter Australia’s most customary market section. Tavascan is the swoopy-roofed electrical medium SUV and Terramar is a extra mature family SUV that makes utilize of turbo-petrol or stride-in hybrid strength.

Following these are facelifts of Cupra’s first standalone automobile, the Formentor, alongside with Leon sizzling hatch and a original Sportstourer wagon variant.

Cupra had originally announced these fresh objects would reach earlier than the 2d half of of the one year, nonetheless Cupra head of product Jeff Shafer told Chasing Vehicles delaying the launches used to be a strategic decision.

“I judge we’ve had a stare on the 2025 launch actions and we desire to make certain that that we bear justice to every model, give it time to launch, make sure that the network is bringing them into the showroom with ample level of interest.

“Tavascan and Terramar are two of the famous pillars within the growth of the emblem — in particular in pushing to a rather bigger SUV than we’ve had within the medium SUV differ,” mentioned Shafer.

It’s also price noting that other Volkswagen Neighborhood brands alongside with Skoda and VW possess busy launch schedules this one year, with a bunch of fresh electrical and combustion-engined autos arriving imminently

The Polestar 2-love Tavascan is arriving in Cupra garages rapidly with a rear-pressure Patience variant packing 210kW and 534km using differ from $60,990, earlier than on-avenue prices.

Cupra is expecting the majority of traders to make a alternative the Inner Pack with a extra great stereo and higher 20-crawl alloys ($65,490) or circulate as much as the AWD VZ with 250kW and adaptive dampers for $74,990, earlier than on-avenue prices.

The emblem didn’t pronounce about gross sales volumes for the Tavascan, though stock is anticipated to be a limited tight at launch, in accordance with Shafer.

Following the Tavascan is one other fresh nameplate for Cupra, the Terramar. Arriving in July, the Terramar makes utilize of the same MQB Evo platform as the fresh Volkswagen Tiguan.

Limited print are but to be confirmed, nonetheless question a pair of spruce phases — likely called V, VZ and VZx — to utilize diversified tunes of the VW Neighborhood’s ubiquitous 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder.

A brand fresh tune as viewed within the Skoda Kodiaq RS outputs 195kW and 400Nm.

A performance-oriented stride-in hybrid will likely be on the desk, likely badged VZe, which punches out 200kW and enables around 100km of EV using differ (WLTP). Set a question to an entry variant from about $55,000 and for the Terramar to be Cupra’s ideal vendor in Australia.

Previously pigeon-holed for April or Could well well, the facelifted Leon sizzling hatch and Formentor sports activities SUV possess each and each been bumped again to the third quarter of 2025 with pricing and closing specification to be launched.

New stare sheet steel and revamped inner know-how will likely bring in a brand fresh entry-stage 110kW Leon, alongside with a revised 200kW stride-in hybrid variant and the VZx headline sizzling hatch retains the same 221kW output.

The fresh, all-wheel pressure Leon Sportstourer VZx wagon and Formentor procure bumps to 245kW and 420Nm in Europe, alongside with the trick torque splitting rear differential from the VW Golf R.

Rounding out 2025 will likely be the upgraded Born electrical sizzling hatch, which is ready to reach in punchier 240kW rear-pressure VZ guise, alongside with some additional level of interest to Cupra’s first battery-electrical nameplate. A bigger battery (now 79kWh) improves differ, too.

Cupra Australia director Ben Wilks mentioned the fresh nameplates and revamped Leon and Formentor will bolster the 2d share of the emblem’s enhance in Australia.

“So we’ve received a pathway now for our first possibilities to graduate towards and we’ve received something to whisper some fresh other folks to the emblem who most customary what we were doing nonetheless appropriate didn’t slot within the scale section that we had,” Wilks told Chasing Vehicles.

Having a stare additional forward, Cupra can help proper in 2026 with the differ as above. Then it’s about fresh product again, the Polo-sized Raval electrical automobile having a stare likely for unhurried subsequent one year or early 2027 release, adopted by one other fresh nameplate — a mammoth SUV, due in 2027.

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-original CLA with the sedan making loads of radical changes in conjunction with transferring to a alternative of all-electric and hybrid alternate choices, as well to switching the drivetrain from entrance- to rear- or all-wheel-drive.

The electrical version boasts nearly 800km of vary (792km) on the in total more lovely WLTP cycle for the CLA 250+; a CLA 350 4Matic also offers all-wheel-drive with pretty of much less vary at as a lot as 771km.

Whereas the price and positioning of the as a lot as this point CLA are currently unclear, such vary claims appear to be original BEV benchmarks that without peril assign aside opponents such because the Tesla Mannequin 3 Lengthy Fluctuate on search, no matter recent updates that boosted vary to an grand 629km.

The as a lot as this point model is attributable to advance in Australia early subsequent year.

Longer vary attributable to effectivity, no longer battery dimension

The usable battery dimension of the CLA is, at 85kWh, by no system minute, but it absolutely is smaller than various Benz EQ gadgets offered beforehand with vastly decrease driving ranges.

Benz says it has made the battery 20 p.c more compact than its old designs with a volumetric vitality density is 680 Wh/l, while also eliminating more unhealthy and/or uncommon earth minerals at some stage in.

A 58kWh version is also acknowledged to alter to by the tip of the year with vary no longer yet acknowledged.

Similar to the Porsche Taycan, the CLA also functions a two-speed transmission on the rear axle motor to spice up effectivity in 2d equipment, which the significant is kept to lift the “explosive” off-the-line performance that traders have reach to demand from an EV.

The AWD version is also capable of decoupling its entrance motor to assign energy at toll road speeds and the CLA is the significant Mercedes-Benz to impartial an air-to-air heat pump, which it says enhances effectivity over water-based fully gadgets.

The CLA 250+ has a WLTP vitality effectivity ranking of between 14.1-12.2kWh/100km, and the 350 4Matic in all fairness of ‘thirstier’ at 14.7-12.5kWh/100km.

Additionally, with the CLA being placed on an 800-volt structure, charging cases have closed in on commerce leaders fancy Genesis, with speeds of as a lot as 320kW – ample so that you can add as a lot as 325 kilometres in ten minutes, constant with Mercedes-Benz.

AC charging speeds are capped at 11kW.

The single motor CLA 250+ is fitted with a 200kW/335Nm electric motor appropriate for a 0-100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds, while the 350 4Matic cuts this feat appropriate down to 4.9 seconds.

A penalty for CLA’s boundary-pushing EV tech is weight: even in its lightest single-motor configuration the sedan weigh in at over two tonnes kerb.

And the hybrid?

Also likely to reach to Australia, is the hybrid version.

Utilising a 1.5L turbo-charged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed transmission and 48-volt device that feeds from, and recharges, a 1.3kWh battery.

Whereas a 48-volt device is in total handiest capable of assisting the motivation of a combustion vehicle to a extraordinarily restricted diploma, Benz says it’ll mainly be inclined float at low metropolis speeds as prolonged as no longer as a lot as 20kW is wished.

Up so a ways MBUX Superscreen, now with AI

Within the future of the cabin, a sweeping network of screens takes up the cabin with a 10.25-drag digital gauge cluster in entrance of the driver, a 14.0-drag unit for multimedia and an non-obligatory 14.0-drag unit in entrance of the passenger.

A litany of synthetic intelligence systems from Microsoft and Google are utilised as fragment of the fourth-gen MBUX technology tool, to electrify capabilities such because the virtual assistant more lovely when conducting searches, navigating the usage of Google Maps and mighty more.

The as a lot as this point tool also comes with over-the-air updates, bearing in thoughts better personalisation and performance.

Other considerable upgrades include more superior adaptive cruise administration as fragment of its SAE Stage 2 driving support device that enables the CLA to substitute lanes by itself with a single click of the indicator stalk once a target vehicle has been identified for overtaking.

It’s major to notify though, that it’s unclear how or if this technology will be accessible in Australia attributable to latest regulations on self-driving autos.