WhichCar By Wheels

MG Motor Australia has announced local pricing for the upcoming MG HS Hybrid+ mid-size SUV, which goes on sale in September. Priced from $42,990 drive away, the HS Hybrid+ will undercut the big-selling Toyota RAV4 and feature significantly more standard equipment at the entry point of the range.

Undercutting the most affordable RAV4 in GX trim by between $1800 to $4500 – depending on location – the HS Hybrid+ in entry-level Excite form is about $2400 to $3700 more expensive than an equivalent petrol HS Excite. Above the Excite sits the top-spec Essence, which is priced at $46,990 drive away.

Both HS Hybrid+ models undercut the plug-in hybrid HS Super Hybrid, which is priced from $50,990 drive away for the Excite and $54,990 drive away for the Essence. 

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The HS Hybrid+ uses a 105kW/230Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and 146kW/340Nm electric motor for combined 165kW/340Nm outputs. Featuring a 1.83kWh battery, the HS Hybrid+ uses a claimed 5.2L/100km on the combined cycle, with claimed CO2 emissions of 119g/km. 

Similar to the hybrid system in the smaller ZS Hybrid+ and MG3 Hybrid+, the HS Hybrid+’s system differs by featuring a turbocharger for the engine and a more powerful electric motor. 

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MG HS Hybrid+ pricing (drive away): 

Excite$42,990
Essence$46,990

MG HS Hybrid+ standard equipment: 

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HS Excite Hybrid+ safety equipment: 

HS Hybrid+ Essence model adds:

The MG HS Hybrid+ will go on sale in September, with local deliveries to commence around then.

BYD has become the first top five-selling Chinese brand in Australia, with 8156 new vehicles registered in June 2025, a hefty 367.9 per cent increase over June 2024.

BYD beat its existing monthly sales record of 4811 in March 2025 and last month, achieved a 6.4 per cent market share. 

With 20,458 registrations for six months of 2025, BYD has already beaten its total from 2024. Accounting for 51 per cent of those sales – or 10,424 units – was the Shark 6 ute, which is exclusively available with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. 

With 2993 Shark 6s registered in June 2025, enough for its top five result, it almost outsold the Isuzu D-Max, missing by just 126 units. 

Ahead of the D-Max in the latest sales tallies were only the Tesla Model Y (3457 units), the Toyota HiLux (6195) and Ford Ranger (6293).

BYD’s Sealion 6 and Sealion 7 SUVs also saw healthy sales in June 2025, with the 6 selling 1608 units (a 232.8 per cent improvement) and 1795 units recorded for the Sealion 7. Combined, the two placed the brand as selling the most mid-size SUVs, outselling the Mazda CX-5 (2582), Toyota RAV4 (2421) and Hyundai Tucson (2332).

BYD’s other models didn’t sell quite as well, but still contributed to the record result with 627 Seal electric mid-size sedans (-11.2 per cent) registered, 561 Dolphin electric hatchbacks (+175 per cent) and 576 Atto 3 small electric SUVs (+64.1 per cent).

BYD Australian sales June 2025:

While BYD is celebrating its top five sales results, the sales momentum will likely continue as the brand has confirmed the launch of two new SUVs for Australia by early 2026: the Atto 2 small electric SUV and the Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid seven-seater. 

Other potential future BYD products for Australia include the Seagull electric city car and plug-in hybrid Seal 06 mid-size sedan/wagon.

BMW Australia has announced a new special edition 1 Series called the 118 Sport Collection. Available to order now ahead of deliveries commencing late in the third quarter, the BMW 118 Sport Collection adds extra features and special drive away pricing compared to the 118 hatchback on which it’s based.

Priced from $64,900 drive away, the BMW 118 Sport Collection adds a choice of one of five metallic paint options, as well as a panoramic sunroof. 

The 118 Sport Collection is available in ‘Thundernight’ (purple), ‘Black Sapphire’, ‘M Portimao Blue’, ‘Skyscraper Grey’ and ‘Fire Red’ hues, normally adding $1300 to the price.

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Compared to a 118 optioned with metallic paint and a panoramic roof (which is unavailable to option separately from the $5000 Enhancement Package), buyers are saving a minimum of around $2500.

That’s in addition to the 118’s regular standard equipment, which includes the M Sport package, 18-inch alloy wheels with adaptive M suspension, black ‘Veganza’ synthetic leather trim, illuminated aluminium interior trims and heated electrically adjustable front seats with memory. 

Under the bonnet of the BMW 118 Sport Collection is the same 115kW/230Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as the regular 118. It hits 100km/h in 8.5 seconds, and uses a claimed 6.4L/100km of fuel on the combined cycle.

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The BMW 118 Sport Collection is not the first Sport Collection model in the BMW Australia lineup, with the X1 sDrive18i Sport Collection available from $72,900 drive away with extra standard equipment, including the M Sport package, metallic paint, a panoramic sunroof and heated/electric front seats.

2025 BMW 1 Series pricing (plus on-road costs): 

The BMW 118 Sport Collection is now available to order ahead of the first deliveries late in the third quarter of the year. 

Australian new vehicle registrations in June 2025 have surged compared to last year’s results thanks to an increase in ute and SUV sales. While the total yearly result is 1.4 per cent down over the first half of 2024, June’s result was up 6.8 per cent on June 2024 and the highest June result since 2018.

Data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) reports that 127,437 new vehicles were registered in June 2025 and the total number of vehicles registered so far in 2025 sits at 624,130. 

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June is historically the biggest month of the year for new vehicle registrations as buyers rush to purchase before the end of the financial year.

As expected, ute and SUV sales dominated the June 2025 results, with every single model in the top 10 fitting into one of those categories. The Ford Ranger returned to the top of the charts with 6293 registrations, less than 100 units ahead of the Toyota HiLux (6195). 

Four out the top five were utes, with the Isuzu D-Max (3119) and BYD Shark 6 (2993) in fourth and fifth place. 

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In third place was the Tesla Model Y with 3457 registrations, which was its highest result since March 2024 thanks to increased deliveries of the updated model.

Rounding out the top 10 were the Ford Everest (2705), Mazda CX-5 (2582), Hyundai Kona (2484), Toyota RAV4 (2421) and Hyundai Tucson (2332). 

Top 10 vehicle registrations in June 2025: 

  1. Ford Ranger: 6293
  2. Toyota HiLux: 6195
  3. Tesla Model Y: 3457
  4. Isuzu D-Max: 3119
  5. BYD Shark 6: 2993
  6. Ford Everest: 2705
  7. Mazda CX-5: 2582
  8. Hyundai Kona: 2484
  9. Toyota RAV4: 2421
  10. Hyundai Tucson 2332
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Top 10 manufacturers (year to date):

  1. Toyota: 120,978
  2. Mazda: 48,942
  3. Ford: 47,300
  4. Kia: 40,750
  5. Hyundai: 38,948
  6. Mitsubishi: 33,379
  7. GWM: 25,189
  8. BYD: 23,355
  9. Isuzu Ute: 21,883
  10. MG: 21,674

Honda Australia has extended its eight-year/unlimited km warranty offer for CR-V, HR-V and ZR-V SUV buyers until September 30, an increase of three years on its regular five-year/unlimited km warranty. Originally only offered for vehicles built in 2024, Honda has now included 2025 built cars in the deal as well.

The eight-year warranty offer also includes eight years of roadside assistance, and does not require the vehicles to be serviced at Honda dealerships, unlike some manufacturers such as Mitsubishi and Nissan. However, for vehicles deemed as commercial – such as ride-sharing vehicles – the distance is limited to 225,000km.

2023 Honda CR-V
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The special offer only covers the CR-V, HR-V and ZR-V SUVs, and not the brand’s Civic and Accord passenger cars, but buyers of those vehicles can purchase an extended eight-year warranty, though it must be serviced at a Honda dealership to qualify.

Honda is also offering discounts on selected products, such as a $3000 price cut on 2024-build CR-V and ZR-V hybrids, as well as a $2400 discount on 2024-built CR-V VTi L to $46,900 drive away.

2024 build petrol CR-V and ZR-Vs also receive a $500 gift card, and Honda Australia is giving existing customers who service at a Honda dealership the chance to win an HR-V Vi X or one of 30 $1000 gift cards. 

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2025 Honda Australia SUV pricing (drive away): 

The eight-year warranty offer for Honda SUVs is available now until September 30. 

Porsche has added new all-wheel drive variants of the 992.2 911, with the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S models now available to order in coupe, convertible and Targa bodystyles.

Sitting above the Carrera T and Carrera S but below the GTS, the new all-wheel drive variants of the 911 use the same 353kW twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine as the Carrera S, allowing the coupe to sprint to 100km/h in just 3.3 seconds (with the Sport Chrono Package) and a top speed of 308km/h. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) is standard equipment. 

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According to Porsche, the take-up rate for the all-wheel drive drivetrain in the Carrera S is around 50 per cent, particularly in regions with changeable climates or demanding road conditions. The Carrera 4S’ all-wheel drive system is rear-biased, but if required, more torque is sent to the front axle.

Standard equipment for the 4S models has been significantly upgraded, with features such as 20-inch front/21-inch rear alloy wheels, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and a sports exhaust system now standard. The 911 GTS’ braking system with red callipers and 408mm front/380mm rear discs is also featured on 4S models, as is rear-wheel steering. 

On the technology front, Matrix LED headlights, a wireless phone charger, auto-folding mirrors with puddle lamps, auto-dimming mirrors with an integrated rain sensor and lane departure warning are also standard kit. 

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Australian models also see DAB+ digital radio, a Bose sound system, 14-way electric sports seats with memory, keyless entry and push button start, lane change assist with rear assist, adaptive cruise control, parking entry package (with a 360-degree camera and automatic parking), tyre fit set, ‘Up to the Dreams’ exterior colour range and a windscreen with a grey top tint as standard. Power Steering Plus is also a no-cost option. 

A wide range of other options for individualisation are available on request, including a wide variety of colour and material combinations as well as sound, assistance and roof systems.

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Porsche 911 Carrera 4S pricing (plus on-road costs):

Coupe$362,300
Cabriolet$385,200
Targa$389,400

The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is now available to order ahead of the first deliveries due to commence later this year.

Western Australian police have blasted the “mind-boggling” behaviour of local motorists, six months after rolling out a raft of new high-tech cameras across several known hotspots in an effort to crack down on unsafe driving and reduce the state’s death toll.

During a budget hearing in the WA State Parliament on Tuesday, it was revealed that the cameras had captured 130,000 offences since January 26, along with 50,000 caution letters issued to those in breach of road rules. 

That – according to Yahoo! News – equates to more than 800 offences per day, with more than 25 million vehicles passing through the cameras. 

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Police said that cameras detected 50,000 people incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or not wearing one at all, while a further 75,000 drivers were caught using their phone illegally from behind the wheel. 

Astonishingly, one motorist was caught 81 times in breach of an offence, while another (pictured, above) was caught with what appeared to be a beer in one hand, a mobile phone in the other and not wearing a seatbelt. 

A P-plater was even caught letting a passenger hold the steering wheel while they used their phone.

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WA Police Minister Reece Whitby branded the evidence as “quite astonishing” when addressing the parliament yesterday. “These cameras are the most advanced in the country. They capture multiple offending within the cabin of the vehicle,” he said during the budget estimates proceedings.

Fixed cameras were deployed at two locations on the Kwinana Freeway, with another six mobile cameras placed on mobile trailers towards Albany and another 55 around Perth. The cameras will continue to operate in trial phase until October, with caution notices issued for the next three months until the WA government starts issuing fines. 

Century Batteries has named charity ARSF as the offical charity partner for the 2025 Ipswich Super 440 in August. As naming rights sponsor, Century Batteries will use the event to highlight the ARSF’s work in reducing road trauma through education, advocacy and national initiatives like Fatality Free Friday and Rural Road Safety Month. 

According to Century Batteries, the partnership reflects its long-standing focus on road safety and community impact, and offers a timely platform to raise awareness among drivers, fans and the broader automotive trade.

“With road safety a shared responsibility across every part of the automotive ecosystem, the charity partnership is a small but powerful step in highlighting the role we all play – from the workshop floor to the driver’s seat.” Said the company in a statement. 

Andrew Bottoms, Marketing Manager Australia and New Zealand at Century Batteries, said the Supercars event presented an important opportunity to bring attention to the Foundation’s work. 

“The Foundation’s work in fighting to reduce road trauma and driving awareness around safer driving behaviours is vital – especially at a time when regional communities and road users continue to be overrepresented in national statistics” he said.

“Whether it’s through regular maintenance, battery checks or honest conversations with customers, these everyday interactions can make a real difference, and our work with ARSF is a chance to support a vital cause while reinforcing the important role our industry plays in keeping Australians safe on the road.”

The Ipswich 440 is taking place from August 8-10 for the first time since 2019 at Queensland Raceway, and is the eighth round in the 2025 Supercars championship. 

The Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440 at Queensland Raceway in Willowbank, QLD will run from Friday August 8 to Sunday August 10.

Land Rover has revealed the Range Rover Sport SV Black Edition, which signals the return of the brand’s super SUV after its first two limited editions were sold out. Due to launch locally in early 2026, the SV Black Edition adds a whole host of black-coloured features to the SV for an extra menacing look.

As the name suggests, the Range Rover Sport SV Black Edition is covered in ‘Narvik Black’ detailing from nose to tail. That includes the paintwork and gloss black exterior package, carbon fibre bonnet, 23-inch alloy wheels, brake calipers and even its quad exhausts.

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According to Land Rover, black is exquisitely expressed in every application, including with the new black ceramic SV roundel on the tailgate.

On the inside, the SV Black Edition is finished in black ‘Windsor’ leather upholstery, while it also features illuminated tread plates. Gloss Grand Black trim finishes also feature.  

Under the bonnet of the Range Rover Sport SV Black Edition is a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 engine making 467kW of power and 750Nm of torque. It accelerates to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and hits a top speed of 290km/h. 

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The Range Rover Sport SV Black Edition features a mild-hybrid system for extra efficiency, and is rated at 11.7L/100km on the combined fuel consumption cycle.

Underneath the body is the same 6D Dynamics suspension technology as the Defender Octa, which works to improve handling and performance by effectively eliminating body roll. 

A non-Black Edition version of the Range Rover Sport SV will also become available soon, using the same powertrain but with far more colour options available. 

Range Rover Sport SV Black Edition pricing: 

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The Range Rover Sport SV Black Edition will be available to order from late 2025, with the first Australian deliveries commencing in early 2026. 

Mazda has officially teased the third-generation 2026 CX-5 mid-size SUV ahead of its July 10 debut, showing off new details of its styling and even revealing a potential new drivetrain detail. 

Set to offer hybrid power for the first time, the new Mazda CX-5 will be revealed at 6pm on July 10. While the shadowy images released by Mazda and brighter by WhichCar don’t show off its full design, we can see that it’s set to be very evolutionary on the current model, albeit with sharper details such as the dual-layered frontal LED daytime running lights. 

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The body is very similarly shaped to the current model with a swoopy and aggressive bonnet shown off, while the tailights show a similar shape to the brand’s large SUV lineup, most similar to the CX-80 seven-seater. 

From the teaser images, we can also see that the new CX-5 is definitely larger in shape to the current model, with some rumours pointing to a 110mm increase in length over the current model, which measures 4575mm in length. 

Mazda is yet to announce the new CX-5’s underpinnings or any mechanical details, but it’s likely to use the front/all-wheel drive based underpinnings of the Mazda3 and CX-30, and not the rear/all-drive platform that the CX-60 and above use. 

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The teaser image showing the rear of the new CX-5 gives a clue to its drivetrain: the ‘e-SkyActiv-G’ badging indicates that it will use a mild-hybrid drivetrain in at least some markets. The current model uses a mild-hybrid set up in European markets, though not yet in Australia. 

A full-hybrid set up, like in rivals such as the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, will also be joining the new CX-5’s lineup, likely an in-house set up using the brand’s new ‘SkyActiv-Z’ 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The new engine will offer more performance and better fuel economy than the current ‘SkyActiv-G’ motor, and will meet strict Euro 7 emissions regulations in Europe. 

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The CX-5 is a crucial vehicle for Mazda. It’s its global best-selling model, and has been the best-selling Mazda in Australia since 2019. In fact, for a long time, it was Australia’s best-selling SUV before the current RAV4 arrived with hybrid power. So far in 2025, it’s sitting in third place on the mid-size SUV sales charts with 9409 units delivered to the end of May.

The next-generation Mazda CX-5 is set to be revealed on July 10 at 6pm, with local details such as drivetrains and specifications yet to confirmed.