Future cars

Recordsdata continues to trickle out slowly on Hyundai’s now-confirmed first-ever body-on-frame ute, though currently appointed Hyundai Motor Firm Australia chief executive officer, Dom Romano, continues to quash hopes that current diesel energy will seemingly be an option at desirous about Aussie investors.

“[The future ute model] can’t be yet any other diesel,” Romano if truth be told useful Chasing Autos at a most up-to-date media event. “I don’t take into accout Australia wants yet any other diesel [ute]. Within the event you detect at utes [in terms of sales] total, you’re going to undercover agent a decline in quantity this three hundred and sixty five days.”

“And I don’t take into accout the sector wants yet any other diesel ute.”

What’s changing into clear is that Hyundai’s ute is a world fashion.

And whatever form it takes, Hyundai Australia will tranquil wish to marketing campaign head office in Korea for its inclusion into the local market, the utilization of a powertrain that easiest suits both buyer trends and the affect of the rollout of the Australian federal executive’s Recent Autos Effectivity Standards.

“Australia is a large section of this, nonetheless [Hyundai Motor Company] also has loads of other markets. And in inequity to Kia Tasman…we would portion this truck with the US because Tasman doesn’t journey to the States,” Romano outlined.

“I will’t acknowledge [about diesel viability] from an R&D perspective on a world foundation nonetheless…our space right here in Australia is that we don’t need yet any other diesel.”

“Pondering about what [Hyundai globally does] and what we attain completely, now we want to search out at [the] options. And I will’t reveal you whether that’s a PHEV (dawdle-in hybrid), an HEV (hybrid) or BEV [fully electric], nonetheless these are the selections that wish to be practical as…these are the areas that give us opportunity.”

Moreover, adopting ICE or hybrid powertrain solution(s) easiest fit for world consumption, in particular for key North American and Asia Pacific markets the set up the ute would possibly presumably be equipped, would completely fabricate Hyundai Australia’s swap case to Korea more streamlined and ease rigidity on the set up’s suggestions around future NVES targets.

Unique gross sales success for BYD’s petrol-electrical Shark 6 ute can be very grand on Hyundai Australia’s radar.

“We’re observing very intently – you can additionally undercover agent what the Shark has performed,” Romano said.

“Search for at what [BYD] has equipped within the closing three months, after which detect at how Hilux and Ranger personal near down within the closing three months – it’s virtually unit for unit. It does exclaim that there’s a market for a optimistic expertise [to diesel] obtainable.”

Hyundai is cheering on Kia Tasman to success

Asked as to whether the rising gross sales fortunes of the newly launched Kia Tasman would possibly presumably additionally have an effect on any push for diesel energy in Hyundai’s ute, Romano spoke back “no, I don’t take into accout so”.

On the alternative hand, Hyundai Australia admitted that this can additionally be keenly observing the fortunes of the Tasman ute on the alternative hand, and hoping for success for its company cousin from the sidelines.

“We attain desire [rival] Kia to reach success [with Tasman] because shapely now we undercover agent a decline in total gross sales [utes],” Romano printed. “It’s a segment we desire to be in [and] we desire so as to disguise our sister firm [to Hyundai Motor Company in Korea] to claim ‘detect on the success they had’.”

Would possibly perchance well well tariffs railroad Hyundai’s new ute timing?

As reported by Chasing Autos months lend a hand, Romano had confirmed that the resolution to refit Tasman or journey alongside with GM product would possibly presumably be made by the cease of this three hundred and sixty five days. Either manner, Romano confirms this can additionally be “mid-measurement” – aka, Ranger, Tasman, Shark 6 measurement – and “one tonne”.

On the alternative hand, timing for a release, Romano outlined, is a provocative target.

“The ideal lengthen shapely now that now we personal is no longer snappily-witted what’s going on with the [shifting global trade] tariffs,” Romano said, including weight to the yarn that Hyundai’s ute fortunes locally are intrinsically tied to those globally.

Romano explains that whereas tariff outcomes between the US and Japan, and the US and Europe, seem to be resolved, “we attain no longer personal an agreement [between] South Korea and the US [yet].” (It’s reported that the US and South Korea arrived at a 15 p.c tariff ‘swap deal’ days after this interview.)

“That’s going to personal ripple effects across the globe for [Hyundai Motor Company]…so there are loads of complications at play shapely now with our firm on a world foundation… Let’s hope [global tariffs resolution] all gets resolved soon and I will rep lend a hand to you and exclaim, k, right here’s the set up we’re at [with timing].”

“We’re working [on the ute] at corpulent hotfoot…[but]…if it takes a further three hundred and sixty five days, it’s charge the time.”

Kia is planning a Tasman SUV mannequin to purpose Toyota Prado and Ford Everest investors in Australia, with negotiations going on all the draw by the Kia industry to invent definite sufficient world demand to inexperienced-light the 4wd wagon.

Early development work is identified to relish already been completed on the Tasman SUV. The resolution to identify such automobile modified into once made in expose to maximise the commercial success of the logo-recent ladder physique designed exclusively for the Tasman ute at extensive expense.

For Kia Australia, the Tasman SUV will be a fabricated from necessity. A years-prolonged effort to lobby impress headquarters in Seoul to import the US-built Telluride three-row SUV to Australia has failed, with local Kia chiefs now writing off the chance the Telluride will ever attain to Australia.

Australia has voted “yes” to the Tasman SUV, and a diplomatic effort is now underway to acquire the back of Kia distributors in South Africa, the Middle East and South The United States to conform to promote a sufficient volume of the Isuzu MU-X rival to justify ending development of the wagon.

“The industry case would [then] solidify, and I deem [Tasman SUV] would possibly perhaps presumably perhaps presumably be the subsequent thing you’d glimpse coming our manner,” Kia approved manager of product planning Roland Rivero told Chasing Cars.

Tasman SUV seen as extensive opportunity in Australia

Whereas the Telluride is a unibody, automobile-essentially essentially essentially based SUV and would possibly perhaps presumably perhaps additionally be described as a cousin of the Hyundai Palisade (which is provided in Australia), the Tasman SUV would possibly perhaps presumably perhaps presumably be a with out a doubt rugged four-wheel drive with the an analogous physique-on-physique gather as a Tasman. It can presumably perhaps presumably be a Prado rival right here.

“[Tasman SUV] would relish an enormous goal to play,” acknowledged Rivero.

“The extensive SUV class would possibly perhaps presumably perhaps be divided into monocoque versus ladder physique, and there’s a chunk of overlap in between, nonetheless to a extensive extent potentialities buying ladder physique SUVs relish a definitive need. They need in explain to tow, traipse off-highway, a chunk extra than the college high-tail.”

Kia planners are no longer interested by cannibalisation of sales of the smaller Sorento seven-seat SUV in Australia which would possibly perhaps presumably perhaps presumably be anticipated to continue available in the market even supposing the Tasman SUV eventuates, specifically as a result of Sorento will increasingly be provided with hybrid powertrains.

Additional, the recent Kia Tasman ute, which launches in Australia this week, is attracting potentialities intending to use that automobile for both work and play whereas a Tasman SUV would essentially be a family wagon capable of off-roading.

“We would glimpse it as largely incremental industry [on top of Sorento and Tasman],” acknowledged Rivero.

Kia rejected Australia’s demand for Telluride SUV

Meanwhile, Kia is inserting the ending touches on the 2d-expertise Telluride, that can traipse into production in Georgia, USA later this yr. The inaugural Telluride, which measured 5000mm prolonged, met with wild reputation in the US market.

“If I modified into once going to identify my cash on which one would glimpse the sunshine of day for Australia, I’d be leaning towards a Tasman SUV,” acknowledged Rivero.

While Rivero and rather a few senior Kia Australia workers entreated head place of job in Seoul to either allocate some US production of the Telluride to Australia—or to assemble the Telluride in Korea, because the Hyundai Palisade is—Kia has made a last resolution to back Telluride for The United States.

“I’ll be excellent, I love the Telluride,” acknowledged Rivero. “The recent expertise, which I’ve seen in the flesh and in clay mannequin, appears fabulous. I deem it would possibly perhaps perhaps perhaps presumably perhaps presumably promote very correctly, worthy relish the Palisade is doing for Hyundai.

“But as worthy as we relish asked for it, the Georgia factory can no longer back up with North American demand and it would possibly perhaps perhaps perhaps presumably perhaps presumably invent no industry sense for them in an effort to add complexity to the production line for actual-hand drive after they’re struggling to meet demand of their relish.

“Sadly, I don’t glimpse Telluride ever making its manner to Australia,” Rivero acknowledged.

Hyundai and Kia are sister brands all the draw by the Hyundai Motor Company, and the head marque is at the 2d playing a transparent high-tail in the gigantic three-row SUV set in the neighborhood. The Palisade, that can imminently get replaced with a 2d-gen version, amassed 3062 local sales in 2024.

Quiet, the smaller Kia Sorento managed 9791 deliveries in the an analogous duration.

The chance is even greater for a Tasman SUV-style rugged four-wheel drive, alternatively. Within the first six months of 2025, Toyota has provided 15,583 Prados in Australia, trailed by the Ford Everest’s 12,294 deliveries.

Honda has confirmed the Prelude will approach in Australia in mid-2026, returning the coupe body style to the native lineup for the first time because the NSX left in 2020.

Unveiled in principle maintain final 365 days, the sixth-period Prelude sits on the identical platform as the Civic and is expected to be equipped with a identical ‘e:HEV’ hybrid system as the in the neighborhood equipped hatch.

That contains a 2+2 setup, the Prelude is expected to be a more cheap replacement to sports activities vehicles similar to the Ford Mustang (from $71,990 earlier than on-roads) and BMW 2 Assortment coupe (from $seventy nine,100), though it is going to probably attract a elevated trace than the likes of the Mazda MX-5 (from$42,140) or Subaru BRZ (from $44,290).

Historically, the Prelude change into seen as an approachable sports activities car in Honda’s lineup that appealed to better than correct gear heads; one thing native Honda executives had been desirous to stress with the most up-to-date period, per chance unsurprisingly, on condition that gross sales of two-door coupes continue to dawdle globally.

With a sturdy point of interest on softer ranking and a frugal hybrid system, the Prelude looks to be a undeniable solution to efficiency vehicles than what we’ve seen from the Civic Kind R, or its more luxurious sibling in the Acura Integra Kind S equipped in North The US.

Prelude to feature proper Kind R DNA

While a Kind R variant has no longer been confirmed, Honda published final week that the Prelude will probably be geared up with the identical dual-axis suspension, wider front and rear song and Brembo brake bundle as the Civic hot hatch.

The intent is to supply sharper facing and driver engagement befitting of a coupe-style car – one thing Honda showed off when the Prelude made an look on the Goodwood Competition of Bustle earlier this 365 days.

Rumours be pleased swirled spherical a Kind S or even Kind R-badged version, though early whispers imply this is in a position to probably feature a modified hybrid drivetrain with ‘simulated’ gears, fairly than the 235kW/420Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder linked to a six-velocity handbook transmission, as conceal in the flagship Civic.

What’s under the bonnet?

At launch, Honda will solely provide its e:HEV assortment-parallel or ‘plod-less’ hybrid system in the Prelude, probably the identical unit as what’s conceal in the present Civic.

That system employs a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 105kW at 6000rpm and 186Nm at 4500rpm; connected to a twin electric motor step with one largely tasked as a generator to top up the 1.05kWh battery, and the replacement sending 135kW/315Nm to the front wheels at low speeds.

The hybrid system, also learned on the CR-V midsize SUV, locks the petrol engine straight away to the front wheels at toll road speeds to make better effectivity.

Just like Toyota, Honda employs a planetary gearset, functioning equally to a CVT transmission, for the automatic transmission.

The terminate consequence’s a fairly spectacular combined fuel financial system claim of 4.2L/100km in the hybrid Civic.

Despite the real fact that the Prelude change into famously the first production car to supply all-wheel steering, it’s unclear if this feature will make a return for the new period.

Chery Australia subdivision Omoda Jaecoo has scheduled its fresh midsize toddle-in hybrid SUV, is understood as the Omoda 9, for an August debut.

Priced at $61,990 ahead of on-aspect road charges, the fresh Omoda 9 takes the title of Chery / Omoda / Jaecoo’s costliest product in Australia, with out train toppling the once-flagship Jaecoo J8 Ridge, which is priced at $54,990 drive-away.

The Omoda 9 will starting up in a single fluctuate-topping trim level, Advantage, and competitors Australia’s fresh most effective promoting PHEVs, the $52,990 BYD Sealion 6 Top price, and $69,290 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed. Prices confirmed are ahead of on-aspect road charges.

Significant just like the longstanding phase leaders, the Omoda 9 is a minute higher than most midsized SUVs. It measures 4775mm prolonged, 1920mm wide, 1671mm great with a 2800mm wheelbase.

These specs are almost identical dimensionally to the Sealion 6, however manufacture 50mm in length and width when compared to an Outlander PHEV.

Stand-out instruments on the Omoda 9 Advantage entails:

• 360-level surround are waiting for camera
• In-built dashcam
• 8-contrivance energy-alter driver’s seat
• Heated and ventilated leather front and rear seats
• Heated steerage wheel
• Dual 12.3-walk LCD screens (cluster and infotainment)
• 14-speaker Sony sound machine
• Heads-up camouflage
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired + wireless)
• Wireless phone charger
• Panoramic sunroof
• Powered bootlid
• LED brightwork inc. headlights, DRLs and rear lights
• 20-walk alloy wheels

The Omoda 9 will doubtless be on hand in four colours upon starting up: Silk White, Dove Grey, Shadow Grey (matte) and Ink Shaded. Irrespective of colour, the Omoda 9 comes with an eight-one year, unlimited kilometre warranty for both the automobile and batteries, as smartly eight-one year capped sign servicing and roadside assistance.

Omoda Enormous Hybrid System

The Omoda 9 ‘Advantage’ will doubtless be completely on hand as a ‘Enormous Hybrid System’ (SHS) toddle-in, with a claimed EV-most effective fluctuate of up to 169km (NEDC).

The Chery-derived toddle-in hybrid machine makes exercise of an increasingly more acquainted 105kW/215Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four which furthermore facets within the Jaecoo J7 SHS, Chery Tiggo 7 SHS and Chery Tiggo 8 SHS.

No longer so acquainted is a brand fresh three-hurry hybrid transmission, three electrical motors and the probability of all-wheel drive. Two electrical motors characteristic on the front of the automobile, with a closer single unit featuring on the lend a hand.

The hybrid machine claims a combined output of 395kW – a figure within the ballpark of BMW’s M3 Competitors (390kW) or Porsche’s 911 Carrera GTS (398kW). At elephantine pelt, the 2570kg (GVM) Omoda 9 will meander from 0-100km/hr in 4.9 seconds.

Omoda’s flagship powertrain furthermore introduces a closer 34kWh NMC battery, in preference to the 18.3kWh LFP unit considered within the Jaecoo and Chery SHS items.

AC charging peaks at 6.6kW, meaning a 30-100% sign time of 5.5 hours, while DC charging peaks at 70kW, replenishing sign from 30-80 p.c in 25 minutes.

Mixed gas consumption is quoted as 1.4L/100km, matching the economy figure claimed by the lighter, less extremely effective Chery Tiggo 7 SHS. Omoda Jaecoo furthermore claims the Omoda 9 can stop a total combined driving fluctuate of 1100km.

The Omoda 9 joins the ranks of a rising selection of toddle-in hybrid automobiles which market as ‘gigantic hybrids’, including the Jaecoo J7 SHS, Chery Tiggo 7, 8, and upcoming 9 SHS, the MG HS Enormous Hybrid, and the soon to starting up Geely Starray EM-i.

Chinese language carmaking conglomerate GWM is making ready for a wide uptick in count on for petrol-electric hybrid powertrains in Australia, predicting that at the least 60 p.c of Haval H6 midsized SUV will resolve either a full hybrid (HEV) and trail-in hybrid (PHEV) engine by the slay of 2026.

For the previous couple of years, GWM sub-value Haval has experimented with diversified hybrid powertrains in the H6 lineup, which comprises the outmoded H6 (which has been on hand with turbo petrol or HEV alternatives) and the coupe-style H6 GT (turbo petrol or PHEV).

A facelifted model of the favored H6 arrives in Australia this month in HEV possess. Subsequent month, the non-hybrid joins the up so a long way H6 lineup and from September, an all-recent Hi4 PHEV machine will possess the wagon-bodied H6’s range-topper.

Hybrid and recent PHEV anticipated to grab 60% part of H6 gross sales

A non-hybrid 170kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol stays the most price-effective H6 (from $35,990 driveaway), the mid-tier powertrain is a carryover 179kW/350Nm 1.5-litre turbo HEV that starts at $40,990 (da) and delivers a 30 p.c gas saving over the two.0T. Both are entrance-drivers.

The pinnacle price powertrain will now be the PHEV, which mixes a identical 1.5T to the HEV with a 19kWh battery and one or two electric motors for outputs of 240kW/520Nm (FWD) or 268kW/760Nm (AWD), both in up-spec Ultra guise easiest for $47,990 and $50,990 (da) respectively.

The recent H6 PHEV marks the debut of GWM’s vaunted Hi4 trail-in tech in its avenue-targeted SUVs. Electrical range is round 80km (WLTP estimated) whereas ‘dumb battery’ gas consumption looks to be pretty spectacular for a PHEV at between 6.3-6.7L/100km (WLTP estimated).

Seek information from to stare the staunch gas consumption of PHEVs when their traction battery is exhausted change into a staunch battleground in Australia in future years, and GWM claims its Hi4 PHEV tech is solid in this regard.

GWM executives told Chasing Automobiles first and essential of the facelifted H6 that, despite no longer utilizing relate reductions or incentives, round 50 p.c of the 6909 H6 SUVs bought in Australia this year accumulate been hybrids—and by the tip of the year, non-hybrid merchants will most definitely be firmly in the minority.

In actual fact, in 2026, GWM “conservatively” expects the recent PHEV to story for a excellent 20 p.c of gross sales, with the HEV accounting for 40 p.c and the non-hybrid petrol an additional 40 p.c. The staunch mix may well maybe possibly be even richer for hybrid.

GWM charts extra than 15,000 total gross sales for the H6 in 2025, and with the firm desiring to develop total quantity by a additional 50 p.c to hit its purpose of turning valid into a high-five carmaker in Australia, the raw desire of anticipated H6 hybrid deliveries is appreciable.

PHEV will get irregular aspects over and above the HEV

Convincing 20 p.c of H6 potentialities to segment with $50K or so for a PHEV looks no longer easy, but GWM executives are lifting the veil on a crack thought to originate PHEV extremely spirited—by technique of a aggregate of energy, ease, and correct form gas financial system (whether or no longer or no longer the battery is charged).

But that’s no longer all: the H6 PHEV also will get a unfold of irregular aspects, plus an upgraded interior, that Australian merchants simply cannot accumulate with the turbo petrol or the HEV, providing additional alternatives for GWM dealers to stroll hybrid potentialities as a lot as the low CO2-essential person PHEV.

The PHEV may be the one real H6 in Australia to accumulate linked automobile aspects appreciate over-the-air updates and a partner smartphone app allowing a long way off locking/unlocking/air-con. It also rankings newer and better infotainment, plus a PHEV-irregular steerage wheel to manipulate it.

Nonetheless, the PHEV will face an an increasing selection of congested competitive house, anticipated to launch with the drawing shut Geely Starray EM-I (from round $40,000 sooner than on-avenue charges), whereas arch-rival Toyota will enter the segment with the RAV4 PHEV subsequent year.

H6 PHEV to relief GWM’s very staunch NVES intention

Growing recognition of hybrids with H6 merchants is correct form information for GWM in gentle of Australia’s NVES emissions approved pointers that kicked in on 1 July and penalise (or reward) carmakers on whether or no longer the moderate CO2 emissions of the autos they promote are above or beneath a authorities-mandated yearly limit.

A affluent part of hybrid gross sales across varied GWM product lines—including the H6, but additionally the Jolion exiguous SUV, Tank 300 four-wheel pressure and Cannon Alpha impartial ute—has keep GWM ready the build it may possibly maybe maybe simply even accrue a credit in 2025, but NVES limits accumulate grand more challenging from 2026.

It’s all relating to the first price CO2 outputs of the powertrains on offer.  For the H6, the non-hybrid 2.0T’s 170g/km is a effort, being successfully above this year’s 140g/km limit. The HEV’s 120g/km is rosier (even though no longer prominent), but the PHEV’s 22-25g/km consequence locations GWM map ahead.

If GWM’s predicted 20 p.c PHEV / 40 p.c HEV / 40 p.c petrol mix were to come correct, that can maybe maybe originate the H6’s moderate CO2 emissions 120g/km in 2026—a cramped bit of above the 118g/km CO2 emissions limit that can apply to autos appreciate the H6 in 2026.

That is bang on GWM’s purpose in relation to NVES, which chief working officer John Kett says is to steer obvious of paying penalties—but additionally to steer obvious of generating credit. GWM intends to be correct on the line of compliance so that it may possibly maybe maybe promote as many ICE autos as most likely without being penalised.

“We desire to be at the reducing edge of (PHEV and EV) adoption charges of patrons, no longer at the modern of bringing tech in and having to good deal it, and push it (to potentialities),” Kett told Chasing Automobiles. The enterprise extinct used to be previously responsible of operations at Hyundai.

The ruggedly styled GWM Haval H7 midsize SUV will most definitely be released in Australia in August 2025 in a single excessive-specification hybrid orderly grade at initiating, even if a 2026 differ growth is all however confirmed.

With nationwide driveaway pricing of $46,990, the entrance-wheel drive Haval H7 Ultra HEV is genuinely a reskinned version of the more softly-styled Haval H6 that landed in Australia in facelifted make this month.

Whereas assorted powertrains are readily accessible in a international country, Australian original car investors will handiest be ready to aquire the H7 with the 179kW/530Nm ‘plugless’ paunchy hybrid (HEV) petrol-electric engine furthermore seen in the H6.

The updated version of the closely-linked H6 can furthermore be had with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine (from $35,990 driveaway) or a whisk-in hybrid powertrain in either entrance-wheel drive ($47,990 d/a) or Hi4 all-wheel drive ($50,990 d/a).

Selecting the squared-off H7 Ultra HEV over the same tier of H6 attracts a $3000 top rate however normal equipment is anticipated to be normal to the pair.

That will mean the H7 entails conveniences like heated/cooled entrance seats, a panoramic sunroof, eight-speaker stereo, 14-crawl touchscreen, wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a paunchy suite of adaptive safety elements.

“We made the name [to import only the H7 HEV] given the richness of the [sales] mix we are seeing in hybrid magnificent now, with one peep on NVES [emissions laws] as smartly,” said GWM head of promoting Steve Maciver.

“There is a longer-duration of time story we can’t genuinely inch into however the H7 lineup will evolve and change precise into a mainstay of the Haval lineup,” said Maciver. “There are more traits to reach with regards to a original powertrain.”

That original powertrain, anticipated to be added to the Haval H7 lineup in 2026, is GWM’s next-generation plugless HEV system that borrows tech from the manufacturer’s original Hi4 PHEV devices.

That must aloof mean more smoothness and sophistication and lower gas exhaust than the H7 that will near at the initiating in Australia.

In China, the H7 (where it is miles identified as the Haval Mammoth Dogs) is furthermore readily accessible with a PHEV powertrain, even if here is furthermore anticipated to be upgraded to a original-gen Hi4 PHEV system sooner than it could most likely well be thought of as for Australia.

“The H7 will entice possibilities wanting for more individuality with an adventurous spirit,” Maciver said “We’re confident, having spoken to our dealers—they’re very bullish that they might be able to promote it.”

For GWM, which intends to enhance entire sales by goal about 17 p.c this year to 50,000 (from 42,782 in 2024), adding the H7 is a an vital element to broadening sub-mark Haval’s SUV choices alongside the facelifted H6 and original H6 GT coupe-SUV.

“We can beget choices for purchasers at some stage in assorted brand brackets, drivetrains and sizes,” said Maciver. “Protect in mind the H7 will most definitely be on high [of H6]. We’re certain that we need six p.c segment share.”

In 2024, the H6 and H6 GT held a 5.2 p.c share of the midsize SUV market in Australia, with the pair sitting at a 5.8 p.c share for the foremost six months of 2025.

Mitsubishi’s first mainstream electric car for Australia is inching nearer to going into production in Taiwan, and native Mitsubishi engineers are being build to work to make certain the EV drives accurately on Aussie roads.

Expected to originate in Australia within the 2nd half of of 2026, the upcoming battery electric car (BEV) is being constructed in Taiwan by a subsidiary of tech giant Foxconn, with rebadging and restyling by Mitsubishi.

The as-but unnamed Mitsubishi EV is a tiny, lifted hatchback and is anticipated to take on the likes of the MG4, BYD Atto 3, and Kia EV3 within the Australian market.

Its unusual EV has a truly noteworthy feature to play in offsetting the emissions of Mitsubishi’s favorite devices, including the Triton diesel ute and petrol versions of the Outlander midsize SUV, which will be penalised below Australia’s Original Automobile Emissions Customary (NVES) criminal pointers.

MG4-rivalling specs anticipated for Mitsubishi EV

The electrical Mitsubishi is broadly anticipated to be in step with the Foxtron Mannequin B, which rides on a 2800mm wheelbase and is 4300mm long, 1865mm huge and, at 1530mm, is a little taller than an MG4 but no longer an outright SUV. Foxtron is a subsidiary of Foxconn.

If it’s in step with the Mannequin B, the Mitsubishi will trudge Foxtron’s 400-volt MIH skateboard with a single rear motor making 170kW, whereas an anticipated 60kWh LFP battery will provide 450km differ (WLTP) at consumption of spherical 13.3kWh/100km.

To stimulate question in an already-tight EV market in Australia, the Mitsubishi BEV will need no longer handiest first rate specs, but moreover a stamp near that of the favored MG4, which funds about $43,000 driveaway with its mid-tier 64kWh battery.

Position to play in offsetting NVES penalties for Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Australia chief govt Shaun Westcott instructed Chasing Automobiles at the originate of the facelifted Outlander that the Japanese ticket expects producers as a change to “cop significant penalties” below NVES, partially on story of Australian prospects are no longer having a ogle for ‘satisfactory’ EVs.

“It doesn’t topic who that you might presumably effectively be. Every ticket has to quilt the worth of the penalty to outlive. If prospects are handiest having a ogle for single-digit EV sales [under 10% of total car sales], which methodology the vast majority of oldsters within the market are having a ogle for either some create of PHEV or ICE engine,” Westcott said.

Quiet, despite that look for, Mitsubishi Australia silent needs to expand its piece of PHEV sales (basically by dating extra prospects to the Outlander PHEV) and BEV sales (currently zero) in uncover to protect far from mounting fines below NVES, which gets tougher from 2026.

Taiwan-constructed EV plot to be tuned in Australia

That’s where the Foxconn-sourced BEV comes into play for Mitsubishi.

“Now we had been engaged on the Foxconn car, the beefy EV out at the demolish of 2026,” said Bruce Hampel, MMAL’s frequent manager of product approach, confirming that Foxconn engineers had been making an try out a aggressive plot of BEVs on Australian roads and at the Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria.

That work has been led by Tony Dorrington, product approach manager at Mitsubishi Australia. At the initiative of Mitsubishi head attach of job in Japan, the ticket no longer too long within the past re-established its accelerate and handling tuning team that beforehand worked on 380s and Magnas.

As effectively as adjusting the suspension and guidance of the facelifted Outlander SUV, the team is now making ready to work on the BEV mannequin with Dorrington telling Chasing Automobiles prototypes will arrive in Australia for tuning work rapidly.

“Tony and the (Foxconn) team had been utilizing the aggressive plot at Lang Lang and spending all of this week getting a plan of Australian road prerequisites in as many locations as imaginable,” said Hampel.

At the attend of the scenes, Mitsubishi and Foxtron signed an settlement in May presumably perchance honest this year locking in upright-hand drive production of the BEV mannequin for Australia and Original Zealand. A originate in our market within the 2nd half of of 2026 used to be namely talked about within the doc.

“Now we possess a (BEV) product. We are in a position to raise it to market after we mediate the market is ready to red meat up that product,” Mitsubishi Australia chief Shaun Westcott said. “It needs to be financially viable and seemingly.”

It’s far imaginable Mitsubishi will gain skinny margins on the BEV in uncover to promote extra examples whereas banking an NVES credit score on every sale, helping Mitsubishi to continue selling extra diesel Tritons amongst assorted autos.

The Geely Starray EM-i would possibly well perchance change into the most cost-effective mosey-in hybrid (PHEV) in Australia when it launches within the neighborhood between September and December 2025, space to duke it out with the Chery Tiggo 7 Natty Hybrid for the most affordable PHEV title.

Identical in size to the Geely EX5 battery electric (BEV) midsize SUV it would part showroom space with as the emblem’s second product to initiate in Australia, the Starray EM-i will compete straight with the BYD Sealion 6, Jaecoo J7 and MG HS Natty Hybrid when it’s some distance launched in Australia.

Starray space to battle Chery Tiggo 7 for most cost-effective PHEV title

However the Starray is sensationally space to cost thousands less than its Chinese hybrid SUV compatriots. Talking with Chasing Vehicles earlier this month alongside a pre-manufacturing, factual-hand-pressure Starray, a Geely Australia product spokesperson hinted at an affordable entry tag.

“I’m death to expose you [the price],” a Geely Australia product spokesperson urged Chasing Vehicles. “We had audible gasps when EX5 pricing was as soon as announced, and I’m aiming to contain audible gasps after we notify [Starray] pricing.”

Given the entry variant of the 2-grand EX5 fluctuate starts at $40,990 plus on-toll road charges — and that the Starray PHEV is more cost effective to manufacture than the EX5 – anticipate to gape the hybrid kick off within the high $30,000 fluctuate.

The Starray PHEV’s mixture of a petroleum engine, electric motor and battery will see it offer Australian traders 83 kilometres of entirely electric fluctuate and blended fluctuate (using the battery and 51-litre gasoline tank) of 943km WLTP, with gasoline consumption of 5.9L/100km on a ‘tiresome’ hybrid battery.

That can place the Starray aggressive with its key competitors, including the Chery Tiggo 7 Natty Hybrid (74km EV fluctuate, from $39,990 driveaway), the Jaecoo J7 (90km EV fluctuate, from $47,990 driveaway), and essentially the most efficient-selling BYD Sealion 6 (circa-75km EV fluctuate, from $Forty five,500 driveaway).

“We’re going to have the selection to place it a equivalent high-tail-up to the EX5 — for the patron’s sake, it would be a straightforward offer the attach it’s seemingly you’ll perhaps perchance be no longer overwhelmed with preference,” the Geely Australia spokesperson urged Chasing Vehicles.

Geely EM-i-S mosey-in hybrid powertrain explained

Two variants of Starray had been confirmed for Australia (likely to be known as the Full and the Inspire, as per the EX5) with standard specs already locked in for the pair.

Both tidy grades part the identical powertrain, which depends mostly around a 160kW/262Nm P3 electric motor using the entrance wheels thru an ’11-in-1’ Enlighten Hybrid Transmission that contains the P3 motor, a separate P1 starter-generator motor, and diversified attend watch over devices.

Below the bonnet sits a 73kW/125Nm non-turbo petrol four-cylinder engine, which is able to flee at a fastened RPM to act as a generator for the 18.4kWh (circa-17kWh usable) LFP ‘Aegis Immediate Blade’ battery that will perhaps perchance furthermore be charged at 30kW DC speeds or up to 6.6kW AC.

This powertrain is identified interior Geely Automobile Holdings (GAH) as EM-i-S. That is for the time being the entry-stage PHEV procedure of GAH, with a minimum of five PHEV tiers sitting above EM-i-S within the Geely universe, capped by the ultra-superior EM-P/Freevoy mixture within the Zeekr 9X.

A key shortcoming of the EM-i-S procedure frail within the Starray is that it does no longer pork up the fitment of rear motors, which manner that the Starray EM-i is restricted to entrance-wheel pressure — now not just like the AWD Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

“We mediate FWD meets customer wants — [the Starray] is for daily commutes and for toll road trips on the weekend. It is match for reason,” the spokesperson urged Chasing Vehicles.

The Starray’s 4740mm length is 125mm longer than the EX5; size-vivid, the Geely PHEV slots neatly between the Outlander and Sealion 6. The Starray measures 1905mm huge and 1685mm high with weight anticipated to land around 1830kg.

Sitting atop Geely’s GEA modular skateboard platform (supporting both electric and hybrid propulsion), the Starray shares many standard laborious points with the EX5. GEA was as soon as developed between CEVT in Gothenburg, Sweden, and Geely’s Hangzhou Bay, China building facility.

Licensed points for Australia printed

Geely Australia has printed some specs for the Starray EM-i, with the entry-stage tidy grade including as standard:

• Computerized LED headlights
• Roof rails
• Rear privacy glass
• Keyless entry and birth
• 15.4-crawl central touchscreen and 10.2-crawl digital instrument cluster
• Linked car points (Geely App, over the air updates)
• Apple CarPlay from initiate
• Android Auto thru over-the-air update in Q1 2026
• Vitality-adjustable entrance seats
• Rear air vents
• 3.3kW bi-directional car-to-load functionality

The fluctuate-topping grade of Starray in Australia will add the next points:

• 19-crawl alloy wheels with Goodyear tyres
• Panoramic opening glass sunroof with sunshade
• Vitality tailgate
• 16-speaker Flyme top class stereo
• Heated and cooled entrance seats (with memory for the motive force)
• Inside of ambient lighting
• Wi-fi tool charger
• Heads-up boom

With the grade high-tail-up stated to reflect the EX5 fluctuate construction, anticipate around the Starray fluctuate-topper to appeal to a 10 percent top class over the wicked grade.

The Kia Tasman turned into once no doubt one of the most worst saved secrets and tactics within the auto world, and Kia is lastly on the cusp of officially launching its first ever ute.

First, the corporate’s first ute needs to succeed at inaugurate. Then, pattern charges ought to be justified. This in general formula extra variants to unfold the burden. Cab chassis and single cab Tasmans could be the beginning up.

However what better to amortise charges than with a Toyota LandCruiser Prado, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X rivalling Kia ‘Tasman’ SUV?

In collaboration with digital artist Theottle, we now have gotten secured unfamiliar renders exhibiting what an Australian-delivered model – with Tasman’s physique-color wheelarches – would watch worship.

‘Our’ Tasman SUV render stays devoted to the ute on the entrance, with the identical controversial headlights that float into the now-painted fenders.

It’s down the aspect where things gain animated, with the ‘Tasman’ SUV neatly integrating the rear door and take care of into that recount rear fender flare.

For the rear, the Tasman SUV no doubt steps out with a lengthy, prime-hinged tailgate and rear bumper garnish. The roof rails also lengthen the total approach to the succor, where a runt roof spoiler aids aerodynamics.

At final, the tail lights are very diverse. In preference to being runt pods on the flanks, the upper formula are joined by a strip of LED lighting fixtures broken within the centre, with the Kia label above.

Why would Kia function a Tasman SUV?

The ute is one aspect, but with excessive pattern charges and a ute panorama being posthaste disrupted by contemporary Chinese language entrants such because the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha, Kia is inclined to prefer to diversify its ladderframe offerings if it’s to succeed.

The simplest approach to realize that is rob an current choose-up, add a wagon-physique on the succor, a third row of seats, suspension that’s somewhat extra compliant, and, howdy presto, you have one thing worship the Everest, MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

It isn’t somewhat that straight forward – there’s a host of reengineering work, tuning, compliance, safety, and other hoops to jump thru. However it completely’s no longer an untrodden course — with the within the community engineered, Ranger-based completely Everest basically the most important instance.

When put next with seven-seat family SUVs worship the Kia Sorento, the ute-based completely SUV is a most neatly-liked different. Investors just like the substantial ladderframe constructing that on the total offers improved towing and off-avenue capacity, despite the truth that it could per chance attain on the expense of cabin practicality and comfort.

Kia has offered upright over 5000 Sorentos this twelve months, whereas Ford has shifted extra than 12,000 Everests, and Isuzu nearly 8000 items of MU-X.

Of the mainstream tall SUV segment, ladderframe entrants have made up the majority of sales this twelve months at 64 percent.

There could be also a most likely income below the New Vehicle Efficiency Same outdated (NVES), wherein physique-on-frame 4×4 autos worship a most likely Tasman SUV are held to a extra lenient identical outdated than monocoque items, such because the diesel Sorento.

Kia and related label Hyundai are already planning to amortise ute pattern charges, with newly appointed Hyundai Motor Firm Australia chief govt Don Romano telling Chasing Vehicles that model will attain with Tasman’s ladderframe and hybrid vitality.

Mute, rough-and-tumble SUVs are a most neatly-liked different in Australia. And there lies one bid – where else are these autos well-liked?

Now now not in emissions-mandated Europe or tariffed USA, but South East Asia. It’s the birthplace of Fortuner, MU-X and Pajero Sport.

As nicely as in Australia, Kia will ought to realize to a resolution if the industrial case is lawful globally before jumping in.

What engine would vitality a Tasman SUV?

The glaring reply is the ute’s sole single-turbo diesel four-cylinder, producing 154kW and 440Nm.

In ute-based completely SUV world, that’s no longer too far off the label for added cheap items, on the other hand the impressive Ford Everest sports actions an overtaking-friendly 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6.

Whereas it turned into once arrangement future Tasmans could per chance per chance well ranking a excessive-output V6, Chasing Vehicles understands that plugless or lunge-in hybrid vitality is extra most likely – a minimal of for the bulk of the Tasman vary.

Regardless, to retain up with the the leisure of the market a Tasman SUV would want an automatic transmission, burly-time 4×4 with a low-vary switch case, the option of a locking rear differential, and 3.5-tonne towing capacity.

When is a Tasman SUV coming?

Kia Australia turned into once no longer impending when requested whether or no longer an SUV model of the Tasman is due. The model makes a good deal of sense, even though.

Chasing Vehicles understands that a Tasman SUV is no longer within the speedy product realizing for Kia – so place a matter to a minimal of 18 months, if no longer twice that, before seeing such a automobile. That could per chance per chance well place us in 2027 or 2028.

Within the length in-between, Kia will officially inaugurate Tasman in excessive-spec twin-cab trims to media, dealers and customers later this month.

Preliminary tubbed versions will more than most likely be adopted by twin-cab chassis versions in August, then swiftly-oriented single cab chassis versions will change into accessible in slack 2025.

Kia Tasman 2025 pricing

Costs listed are national driveaway

• S 4×2 – $46,490
• S 4×4 – $Fifty three,890
• SX 4×4 – $58,490
• X-Line 4×4 – $70,990
• X-Pro – $77,990

Mazda has unveiled its third-know-how CX-5 that brings larger dimensions, a more upmarket interior, and confirmation of the midsize SUV’s first ever hybrid powertrain choice.

Essentially the latest CX-5 will reach Australian showrooms within the 2nd half of of 2026, though the petrol-electric powertrain acquired’t be on hand until 2027 at the earliest for the Japanese impress’s finest-selling mannequin.

Mazda’s designers possess again taken an evolutionary system to the CX-5’s styling, though adjustments from the outgoing mannequin are basic more essential than when the 2nd-know-how model replaced the 2012 usual after merely five years.

DESIGN & DIMENSIONS

The CX-5’s length has increased by almost 12cm to merely fearful of 4.7 metres (4690mm), making it one of the most longer vehicles in its midsize class.

That 11.5cm stretch all is accessible within the 2815mm wheelbase to tie in with Mazda’s claims for expanded rear-seat position, whereas the CX-5 is 15mm wider than earlier than.

The CX-5 seems to be visibly longer than earlier than, with particularly lengthened rear doors and a wider C-pillar.

LED headlights are complemented by double-hockey-stick DRLs, and the decrease bumper ingredients a paunchy-width consumption.

In profile, the silhouette and window shape are comparable to Mazda’s more upmarket midsize SUV, the CX-60 – though the CX-5’s bonnet is basic shorter as this also can merely proceed to accommodate four-cylinder engines rather than Mazda’s six-cylinder motors.

Gloss-shadowy sills and wheel-arch surrounds of the indicate automobile echo the unusual CX-5’s excessive-spec SP grade.

At the rear, MAZDA lettering replaces the Japanese impress’s veteran impress badge for the first time.

The tail-light compose is shut to that employed on Mazda’s larger SUVs, the CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90.

Then again, not like these items, the CX-5 has a shadowy decrease bumper as successfully as visible tailpipes.

INTERIOR

The 2026 CX-5’s cabin seems to be Tesla inspired with its combination of vast central touchscreen and intelligent and uncluttered presentation.

That 15.6-breeze infotainment repeat is the major yet to be fitted to a Mazda, and brings larger than 50 percent of further screen staunch estate over the outgoing CX-5. It ingredients the app-heavy Google Built-In connectivity system.

The fully digital driver repeat is one other enhance, changing the half of-digital, half of-analogue cluster of the outgoing mannequin.

MAZDA lettering additionally replaces a impress on the steering wheel to lend a more premium vibe to an interior that is showcased mostly with a two-tone tan leather and shadowy tidy. One other two-tone choice proven ingredients leatherette upholstery in shadowy and off-white.

CX-5 sticks with a normal gearlever rather than following the constructing for transmission stalks or toggles.

There level-headed seems to be a great deal of room on a centre console that additionally ingredients a spoil up-lid cubby, sloped smartphone charging tray, and cupholders.

One valuable disappearance: there’s no longer a rotary dial/joystick controller for the infotainment system.

REAR SEAT

Longer rear doors no longer totally wait on ingress and egress but could well lend a hand of us getting smaller young folks into youngster seats.

Mazda says rear legroom and headroom every enhance markedly, the worn helped by the very a lot longer wheelbase that’s totally 55mm shorter than the distance between the CX-60’s entrance and rear axles.

This is able to take care of one of the most key criticisms of the CX-5 since its 2012 debut.

A recline characteristic would maybe be on hand on some, or presumably all, variants, whereas a factual panoramic sunroof is additionally on hand for the first time.

BOOT SPACE

Boot position has repeatedly been somewhat average for the CX-5, but is living to enlarge for the 2026 mannequin.

Mazda is no longer yet quoting capacities, but says the CX-5’s baggage compartment gains 5.0cm in length and about 2.5cm in height – with 18mm-decrease loading height to lend a hand stow larger items comparable to bikes.

The rear seatbacks proceed within the versatile 40-20-40 spoil up configuration and also can again be flattened the utilization of convenient liberate levers.

POWERTRAIN

The vast headline alternate for the 2026 CX-5 is the basic anticipated choice of a petroleum-electric hybrid powertrain for the first time.

The novel Skyactiv Z hybrid, nonetheless, acquired’t seem until 2027 and Australia also can merely even prefer to wait until 2028.

That’s a blow for Mazda Australia, as it delays a extremely major declare rival to the market-leading Toyota RAV4 that additionally gains a toddle-in hybrid powertrain in 2026.

It’s additionally unhelpful for the logo in the case of the Current Vehicle Emissions Usual that now brings credit score or fines in response to tailpipe emissions.

Mazda is additionally ditching the 2.5-litre turbo petrol and inferior 2.0-litre from the CX-5 lineup, which is ready to depart merely the getting older Skyactiv G 2.5-litre 4-cylinder to soldier on because the sole drivetrain offering until the hybrid is sooner or later on hand.

The two.5L four has existed within the CX-5 since 2013, and can proceed to beget 140kW and 252Nm by activity of a six-tempo auto. Mazda references all-wheel force totally in its liberate, suggesting entrance-force variants were abandoned.

The CX-5 used to be Australia’s most common SUV from its first paunchy year on sale (2013) until 2019, earlier than it used to be displaced by the Toyota RAV4.

It has never dropped out of the head three sales spots within the medium SUV section in its existence to this level, with larger than 315,000 Australians buying a CX-5 since 2012.