With the cost of living crisis continuing to affect many Australians’ budgets, it’s no surprise that new vehicle sales are down by 5.1 per cent – or almost 21,000 units – compared with this time last year.

Many of us are tightening our belts, and although many of us may want one, a new car simply isn’t on the horizon for a lot of us.

Car manufacturers are aware of declining sales across many segments and in the lead up to the end of financial year (June 30th), many have launched pre-EOFY sales in the hope of boosting sales numbers.

Hyundai, for example, is offering special drive away pricing across most of its range, while newcomer Geely has a free charging cable and further discounts available. Buyers can save more than $20,000 on some run out Jeep models, while Volkswagen is offering special finance rates and big discounts on some products.

It’s not just mainstream brands either, with Audi, Genesis and BMW offering potentially big savings for buyers through special finance offers.

May 2025 pre-EOFY deals:

Audi

Q3 35 TFSI S line Edition: $60,900 drive away, 7.49 per cent finance rate
Q5 45 TFSI Sport: $85,990 drive away (usually $88,315 +ORC), 7.79 per cent finance rate
Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI S Line: $92,990 drive away (usually $96,515 +ORC), 7.79 per cent finance rate
Q7: five-year service pack (worth $3820), 3.99 per cent finance rate
SQ7: five-year service pack (worth $4600), 3.99 per cent finance rate

BMW

• $5000 deposit, four-year service plan and 2.99 per cent finance across new and demonstrator i4 eDrive35, iX1 and iX2 models.
• 6.99 per cent finance rate for X3 and 118

Ford

Ranger XLT bi-turbo 4×4 dual cab: $60,000 drive away (usually $63,640 +ORC)
Ranger Wildtrak bi-turbo 4×4 dual cab: $70,000 drive away (usually $69,640 +ORC)
MY23 F-150 Lariat LWB: $133,000 drive away (usually $140,945 +ORC)
MY23 F-150 Lariat SWB: $137,000 drive away (usually $139,950 +ORC)
Transit Custom Trend SWB: $55,000 drive away (usually $56,590 +ORC)
Transit Custom Trend LWB: $56,000 drive away (usually $57,590 +ORC)
Transit 350L RWD mid-roof: $62,000 drive away (usually $62,990 +ORC)
E-Transit mid-roof: $64,000 drive away (usually $89,990 +ORC)
Mustang Mach-E Select: $63,000 drive away (usually $64,990 +ORC)
Mustang Mach-E Premium: $77,000 drive away (usually $79,990 +ORC)
Mustang Mach-E GT: $94,000 drive away (usually $97,990 +ORC)
Tourneo Titanium X: $74,000 drive awayaway (usually $70,990 +ORC)

Geely

EX5: $2000 trade in bonus, complimentary mode 2 charging cable and either five years of servicing or a $2000 discount. For those financing, Geely is also offering a special 3.88% finance comparison rate.

Genesis

GV70 2.5T: 6.99 per cent finance rate for in-stock vehicles
MY25 GV80: $7000 deposit contribution and $2000 delivery fee reduction ($9000 in total)

Hyundai

Venue manual: $25,990 drive away (usually $22,750 +ORC)
Venue auto: $27,990 drive away (usually $24,750 +ORC)
Venue Active: $29,990 drive away (usually $27,000 +ORC)
Venue Elite: $32,990 drive away (usually $29,500 +ORC)
Kona: $35,490 drive away (usually $32,500 +ORC)
Kona Electric: $5000 bonus
Tucson: $39,990 drive away (usually $39,100 +ORC)
Tucson N Line 1.6T AWD: $45,990 drive away (usually $45,100 +ORC)
Tucson Hybrid: $46,990 drive away (usually $45,100 +ORC)
Tucson N Line Hybrid: $50,990 drive away (usually $49,100 +ORC)
Tucson Elite: $44,990 drive away (usually $46,100 +ORC)
Tucson Elite 1.6T AWD: $46,990 drive away (usually $48,600 +ORC)
Tucson Elite N Line 1.6T AWD: $49,490 drive away (usually $51,100 +ORC)
Tucson Elite Hybrid: $51,990 drive away (usually $50,100 +ORC)
Tucson Elite Hybrid AWD: $54,490 drive away (usually $52,600 +ORC)
Tucson Elite Hybrid N Line: $54,490 drive away (usually $49,100 +ORC)
Tucson Elite Hybrid N Line AWD: $56,990 drive away (usually $51,100 +ORC)
Tucson Premium Hybrid: $62,490 drive away (usually $59,600 +ORC)
Tucson Premium Hybrid N Line: $63,990 drive away (usually $61,100 +ORC)
Tucson Premium 1.6T AWD: $58,490 drive away (usually $55,600 +ORC)
Tucson Premium N Line 1.6T AWD: $59,990 drive away (usually $57,100 +ORC)
Ioniq 6: $20,000 bonus
Palisade: $5000 finance contribution or $3000 factory bonus
I30 Sedan: $30,990 drive away (usually $29,000 +ORC)
I30 Elite Sedan: $35,490 drive away (usually $33,500 +ORC)
I30 Premium Sedan: $38,990 drive away (usually $38,500 +ORC)
I30 N Line Sedan: $38,990 drive away (usually $36,000 +ORC)
I30 N Premium Sedan: $43,490 drive away (usually $41,500 +ORC)
I30 Hybrid Sedan: $34,990 drive away (usually $33,000 +ORC)
I30 Hybrid Elite Sedan: $39,490 drive away (usually $37,500 +ORC)
I30 N Line MHEV Hatchback: $38,990 drive away
I30 N Line Premium MHEV Hatchback: $43,990 drive away (usually $37,500 +ORC)
Staria 3.5L V6: $53,790 drive away (usually $49,500 +ORC)
Staria 2.2L Diesel: $56,790 drive away (usually $52,500 +ORC)
Staria Load: $5000 finance contribution

Isuzu Ute

D-Max SX single cab high-ride 4×2 1.9L manual: $32,990 drive away (usually $32,700 +ORC)
D-Max X-Rider dual cab 4×4 3.0L: $57,990 drive away (usually $59,500 +ORC)
D-Max X-Terrain dual cab 4×4 3.0L: $68,990 drive away (usually $70,500 +ORC)
MU-X LS-M 1.9L 4×2: $46,990 drive away (usually $48,400 +ORC)
MU-X LS-T: $69,990 drive away (usually $71,400 +ORC)
MU-X X-Terrain: $73,990 drive away (usually $75,100 +ORC)

Jeep

Avenger Longitude: $40,000 drive away (usually $49,990 +ORC)
Grand Cherokee Limited: $62,000 drive away (usually $72,950 +ORC)
Gladiator Night Eagle: $66,000 drive away (usually $78,250 +ORC)
Wrangler Night Eagle: $75,000 drive away (usually $87,250 +ORC)
Gladiator Rubicon: $76,000 drive away (usually $81,450 +ORC)

Kia

K4: $3000 deposit contribution
K4 Sport: $37,990 drive away (usually $35,190 +ORC)
EV6 and Niro EV: free 22kW EVSE home charger
Stonic GT-Line: $33,790 drive away (usually $31,980 +ORC)
Picanto Sport automatic: $22,340 drive away (usually $19,990 +ORC)

Mahindra

Scorpio Z8: $38,990 drive away (usually $31,990 drive away)
Scorpio Z8L: $41,990 drive away (usually $46,990 drive away)
XUV700 AX7L: $38,990 drive away (usually $42,990 drive away)

Mazda

Mazda2 Evolve: $29,990 (usually $26,990 +ORC)
CX-3 Pure: $32,990 (usually $30,370 +ORC)
Mazda3 Pure: $33,990 (usually $31,310 +ORC)
CX-30 Pure: $35,990 (usually $34,060 +ORC)
Mazda6 Sport sedan: $37,990 (usually $36,290 +ORC)
CX-5 Maxx: $37,990 (usually $36,740 +ORC)
BT-50 XS Cab Chassis 4×2: $38,990 (usually $36,400 +ORC)
Mazda6 Sport wagon: $39,290 (usually $37,590 +ORC)
CX-60 Pure: $53,990 (usually $50,240 +ORC)
BT-50 XT Pickup 4×4: $54,990 (usually $51,000 +ORC)
CX-80 Pure: $59,990 (usually $55,200 +ORC)
BT-50 XTR Pickup 4×4: $62,490 (usually $62,750 +ORC)
BT-50 GT Pickup 4×4: $65,990 (usually $63,070 +ORC)
BT-50 SP Pickup 4×4: $67,990 (usually $66,170 +ORC)

Mercedes-Benz

• Complimentary three-year service plan on most models
• $5000 deposit contribution on AMG A 35, GLB 35 and C 43 models

MG

ZST Vibe: $23,888 drive away (usually $26,490 +ORC)
ZS EV Long Range: $36,888 drive away (usually $47,990 +ORC)
QS: $46,990 drive away for Excite, $50,990 drive away for Essence

• $1000 bonus on MY24 MG3, MG4, MG5 and HS models

Nissan

• 1.9 per cent finance rate for Navara, X-Trail, Pathfinder and MY25 Qashqai e-Power ranges
• 2.9 per cent finance rate for petrol Qashqai models
• 4.9 per cent finance rate for Juke and Z ranges
• $1000 loyalty bonus on X-Trail

Peugeot

3008: complimentary three-year service plan
Partner: $1500 cash back
MY23 Expert SWB auto: $46,990 drive away (usually $48,990 +ORC)
MY23 Expert LWB manual: $40,990 drive away (usually $46,736 +ORC)
MY24 E-Expert: $79,990 drive away (usually $79,990 +ORC)
MY23 Boxer: $49,990 drive away (usually $54,527 +ORC)

Skoda

MY24 Fabia Select: $29,990 drive away (usually $32,490 drive away)
Karoq and Kamiq: 6.99% finance rate

Smart

• Free on-road costs and three-year/60,000km service plan for all models already in stock

Subaru

• Five-year roadside assistance and a factory bonus on all models, aside from the Solterra and MY26 Forester

Toyota

bZ4X: 1.9 per cent finance rate and a free 7.4kW ABB Terra AC wallbox charger

Volkswagen

MY24 T-Cross Life: $36,990 drive away (usually $33,990 +ORC), 7.99% finance rate
MY24 T-Cross Style: $39,990 drive away (usually $37,490 +ORC), 7.99% finance rate
MY24 T-Cross R-Line: $43,990 drive away (usually $40,990 +ORC), 7.99% finance rate
MY24 T-Roc CityLife: $37,990 drive away (MY25: $39,990 drive away – usually $38,990 +ORC)
MY24 T-Roc Style: $42,990 drive away (MY25: $44,990 drive away – usually $41,990 +ORC)
MY24 T-Roc R-Line: $51,990 drive away (MY25: $53,990 drive away – usually $49,990 +ORC)
MY24 T-Roc R: $65,990 drive away (MY25: $67,990 drive away – usually $64,990 +ORC)
MY24 Touareg 170TDI: $95,538 drive away (MY25: $98,373 drive away – usually $89,490 +ORC), free five-year service plan
MY24 Touareg Elegance: $109,938 drive away (MY25: $113,073 drive away – usually $103,490 +ORC), free five-year service plan
MY24 Touareg R-Line: $119,898 drive away (MY25: $123,573 drive away – usually $113,490 +ORC), free five-year service
plan
MY24 Tiguan 110TSI Life: $47,990 drive away (usually $43,990 +ORC), 5.99% finance rate
MY24 Tiguan 132TSI Life: $50,990 drive away (usually $47,990 +ORC), 5.99% finance rate
MY24 Tiguan 162TSI Elegance: $59,990 drive away (usually $57,090 +ORC), 5.99% finance rate
MY24 Tiguan 162TSI R-Line: $61,990 drive away (usually $60,590 +ORC), 5.99% finance rate
MY24 Tiguan Allspace 110TSI Life: $39,990 drive away (usually $43,990 +ORC), 10.42% finance rate
MY24 Tiguan Allspace 132TSI Life: $44,990 drive away (usually $47,990 +ORC), 10.42% finance rate
MY24 Tiguan Allspace 162TSI Elegance: $59,990 drive away (usually $57,090 +ORC), 5.99% finance rate
MY24 Tiguan Allspace 162TSI R-Line: $61,990 drive away (usually $60,590 +ORC), 5.99% finance rate
MY24 Tiguan Allspace 162TSI Wolfsburg Edition: $64,990 drive away (usually $63,990 +ORC), 5.99% finance rate
MY24 Golf Life: $39,990 drive away (usually $38,690 +ORC)
MY24 Golf R-Line: $44,990 drive away (usually $47,990 +ORC)
MY24 Golf GTI: $59,990 drive away (usually $56,090 +ORC)
MY24 Golf R: $69,990 drive away (usually $70,590 +ORC)
MY24 Polo Life: $31,990 drive away (MY25: $32,990 drive away) (usually $34,790 +ORC)
MY25 Polo Style: $37,990 drive away (usually $34,790 +ORC)

MY24 Polo GTI: $42,990 drive away (MY25: $44,990 drive away – usually $41,790 +ORC)
MY23 Amarok Core: $51,990 drive away (MY24: $53,990 drive away – usually $55,490 +ORC)
MY23 Amarok Life: $56,990 drive away (MY24: $59,490 drive away – usually $59,490 +ORC)
MY23 Amarok Style TDI500: $66,990 drive away (MY24: $69,740 drive away – usually $69,740 +ORC)
MY23 Amarok Style TDI600: $70,990 drive away (MY25: $73,740 drive away – usually $73,740 +ORC)
MY24 Amarok PanAmericana: $76,990 drive away (usually $78,990 +ORC)
MY23 Amarok Aventura TSI452: $76,990 drive away (MY24: $79,990 drive away – usually $82,990 +ORC)
MY24 Amarok Aventura TDI600: $79,990 drive away (usually $82,990 +ORC)

Do trailers, caravans and boats belong on suburban streets? It’s an increasingly controversial question in our crowded city streets, where space is at a premium, and a commonly asked one for one council in Sydney.

Randwick City Council revealed it has been swamped with complaints about boats and trailers parked in suburban streets, and has issued $28,000 in fines and impounding more than 400 vehicles in recent times as a result.

Parking in major cities is increasingly scarce and increasingly expensive, and many residents argue that trailers, boats and caravans take up critical space. According to Randwick City Council, many reported cases allege that some vehicles are parked for weeks at a time, making parking difficult for locals.

What does the law say? Boat owners can legally park their craft – including outside the owner’s residence – for up to 28 days at a time.

This week, Randwick City Council told Yahoo News Australia rangers had been kept quite busy tending to reports of what residents claimed were unattended vehicles and trailers.

The council told the news outlet it is actively monitoring and removing trailers that have overstayed their welcome in its streets. “State government rules allow owners of registered trailers to park their trailer legally on the street outside their home, and to park the trailer elsewhere for up to 28 days before moving it,” a Randwick City spokesman told Yahoo.

“Rangers have investigated 932 suspected unattended vehicles in 2025, impounding 440 and
issuing over $28,000 in fines.”

It’s not a new controversy in congested Sydney. Two years ago a boat parked in the street at Freshwater on Sydney’s Northern Beaches had “f**k it off” spray painted in red on its side. The owner then responded to the vandals by taping a note to the boat which read: “The boat and trailer are registered, and we can thus park it legally in the street.”

Understandably tired of the drama, the boat’s owner then posted another – and presumably the last –letter to the community. It read: “The boat will be moved in the next few days, please do not damage it or graffiti it”.

Aston Martin has become the first manufacturer to offer the second generation of Apple’s smartphone mirroring system, which is called Ultra. Expanding the in-car real estate massively for the system, CarPlay Ultra can now be displayed on a car’s digital driver’s display as well as the infotainment system.

This means that users can display maps or media from their phone alongside the rev counter and speedometer, while they will also be able to to select various designs for the instruments and it will offer more personalisation than a lot of manufacturers’ in-car displays.

Users will also be able to control the climate and audio controls through the CarPlay interface.

Debuting on the brand’s current range including the DBX SUV, Vanquish, DB12 and Vantage, CarPlay Ultra will be available as an update in the coming weeks for existing core models featuring Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system.

Apple CarPlay Ultra will be on all new Aston Martin vehicle orders from today in the US and Canada as standard and made available as an update for existing models in the coming weeks through Aston Martin’s dealer network.

It’s not yet known when Apple CarPlay Ultra will reach Australia, or which manufacturers will offer it
next.

Toyota has revealed the new bZ4X Touring, which is a Toyota-badged version of the Subaru Trailseeker first shown in April. Like that car, the bZ4X Touring is an electric high-riding wagon with up to 280kW of power and it’s confirmed for Australia in the first half of 2026.

Like the bZ4X and Solterra twins, the bZ4X Touring shares a lot with the Trailseeker, aside from unique front end styling and a revised rear bumper. According to Toyota, the bZ4X Touring’s roof rails are capable of carrying 70kg.

Measuring 4830mm long, 1860mm wide, 1620mm tall and riding on a 2850mm long wheelbase, the bZ4X Touring is 140mm longer than the regular bZ4X. According to Toyota, the bZ4X Touring’s extra length is behind the rear axle and that contributes to a 30 per cent increase in bootspace to approximately 588-litres with the rear seats up.

For the Australian market, the bZ4X will use the same 74.4kWh battery used in the bZ4X and only the flagship 280kW all-wheel drive drivetrain will be available locally, with the 165kW single motor variant in Europe not to be offered at launch. According to Toyota, the company is targeting a 30 minute rapid charging time, with DC fast charging of up to “around 150kW”.

On the inside of the bZ4X Touring is an identical dashboard to the regular bZ4X and their Subaru twins, including a redesigned centre console and a new 14.0-inch touchscreen with live navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 360-degree camera.

Other available interior features includes a dual wireless phone charger, a nine-speaker JBL sound system, ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof.

Safety features include AEB with pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist assistance, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assistance, lane trace assist and auto high beam. The Toyota bZ4X

Touring is due on sale in Australia in the first half of 2026, with local pricing and specifications due to be confirmed before then.

Chery Australia has announced that new plug-in hybrid versions of the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 SUVs will land locally in July, marking the first hybrids that the company has sold here.

The new Super Hybrid system uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a single electric motor, a dedicated hybrid transmission and an 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate blade battery.

Outputs are yet to be detailed, but the related Jaecoo J7 SHS with the same drivetrain makes a combined 255kW/525Nm. Chery claims that its petrol engine offers industry-leading thermal efficiency of 44.5 per cent and its transmission has 98.5 per cent thermal efficiency.

According to Chery, the hybrid system will enable the Tiggo SUVs to travel over 90km on electric power alone and give a total range of over 1200km. While exactly charging ability is yet to be confirmed, Chery says that it will be able to be DC fast charged for a 30 to 80 per cent charge in as little as 19 minutes.

Aside from the new drivetrain, the company debuted a revised look for the Tiggo 8 with new bumper and headlights and both the ‘Pro’ and ‘Pro Max’ part of the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro Max names have been shelved, like the recently updated Tiggo 4.

Further Australian pricing and specification details for the Chery Super Hybrid range will be announced closer to its local arrival in July.

The first electric Mini with a full-fat John Cooper Works performance package has arrived.

It’s part of a five-model JCW line-up for 2025 which covers the whole Mini range for the first time. That means the electric Cooper hatchback and Aceman wagon, the combustion-engined Mini Cooper as both a three-door hatch and convertible, as well as the family-focussed SUV-style Countryman. They have all been tweaked with a little more power and new suspension tuning.

The new JCW crew is not as extreme as earlier cars, cutting back on the pop-bang exhaust and some of the over-tight suspension, but signals a major milestone.

“This marks the completion of our new Mini family. This is the biggest investment we’ve ever done into the Mini brand,” says Alex Brockhoff, general manager of Mini in Australia.

Brockhoff talks a lot about the ‘go-kart feel’ of Mini in general and the ‘pinnacle go-karting’ of
the JCW models.

“Australians really like a fast car,” says Brockhoff, as he highlights a JCW showroom share which rivals Switzerland – and New Zealand – for global JCW leadership.

On the sales front, Mini deliveries through the first five months of 2025 have leapt ahead by 72 per cent, with just over one-third running on battery power.

It helps, naturally, that the cars are the completely new fourth-generation Mini models. The only shared BMW background is for Countryman, which sits on the platform of the BMW X1, while the electric models have a completely bespoke mechanical package and are made at a Chinese factory in a joint venture with GWM.

Pricing starts at $57,990 for the three-door petrol hatch and $63,990 for the all-electric JCW hero. There is conditioned-based servicing for all cars, with capped-price servicing available up to five years, and the electric models have an eight-year battery warranty in addition to the five-year coverage for the car.

It’s hard to get a serious feel for the 2025 models during a short day at the Mount Cotton driving centre in Queensland, with track laps behind a ‘pace car’ in the combustion cars and skidpad work including a motorkhana for the electric models. There was no chance for real-world driving.

The mechanical package for the combustion cars is familiar, with a JCW engine tweak up to 170kW and 380Nm good for a 6.1 second claim for 0-100km/h in the three-door hatch. All petrol cars have a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox with front-wheel drive.

There is better yaw control after tweaking to the dynamic stability control and the Sport+ mode gives more freedom in controlled conditions.

Aesthetically, there are – of course – special 17 and 18-inch alloys, a JCW exterior ‘styling’ pack with sports stripes, with JCW seats, steering wheel, and anthracite roof liner in the cabin.

It’s all predictable stuff but the cars feel more ‘special’, not just in the Mini family but compared with so many other copycat cars in showrooms today. The fabric covering the dashboard and doors, combined with a JCW stripe on the fabric ‘third spoke’ for the steering wheel, is enough to help it stand out.

Then there are the electric cars.

They average a $5000 hit on the bottom line for the combustion cars, which Brockhoff describes as a “manageable surcharge” before getting into the background.

“It’s the first time with Aceman. And the first time with electric JCWs,” Brockhoff tells Wheels.
“We are a more urban brand, where electrification makes perfect sense.”

Battery-powered Mini sales topped 30 per cent in the second half of 2024 and are now at 36 per cent.

Mechanically, the JWC electrics take a hit of around 300 kilograms for the 54.2kWh battery, with range claimed at 371 kilometres for the Cooper and 355 for the larger and heavier five-door Aceman in WLTP conditions. The electric motor provides 190kW and 350 Nm and, with front-wheel drive, the hatch has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.9-seconds with 6.4 for the Aceman.

So it’s quicker in the sprint than the ICE cars and also gets something not available with petrol power – launch control.

The cabin of the electric cars is shared with the other JCW models, although the driving feel is different. The acceleration is more linear, as you would expect, but the electric Mini feels both more and less like a go-kart. Having the battery slung low means it changes direction very swiftly, and the extra heft helps to keep it planted, but you cannot fight against the weight of the battery.

Away from the skidpad onto a road with proper corners, the JCW electric turns well but is prone to pushing straight ahead if you go a bit too quickly. The ride is not as compliant as the petrol models. The larger Aceman is practical but, for sporty driving, lacks the driving finesse in the three-door hatch.

Specifications

Skoda Australia has announced local pricing and specifications for the Elroq small electric SUV ahead of its local arrival in September. Priced from $54,990 plus on-road costs, the Elroq will be initially offered in two models with up to 529km of range (WLTP).

Initially, the Elroq will only be available with a 82kWh (net) NMC battery for a claimed 529km range (WLTP) and it can be DC fast charged at up to 175kW for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in a claimed 28 minutes.

The Elroq is powered by a 210kW/545Nm electric motor on the rear axle, giving it a claimed 6.6- second 0-100km/h sprint time. Variants with smaller batteries and less power and also a dual-motor RS with 250kW exist in Europe, and could potentially be sold in Australia later on.

The Elroq measures 4488mm long, 1884mm long, 1625mm tall and rides on a 2765mm long wheelbase = the latter of which it shares with the larger Enyaq – and its boot measures between 470-litres with the rear seats up and 1580L with them folded.

The Elroq will compete with cars such as the Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Skoda Elroq pricing (plus on-road costs):

Skoda Elroq Select standard equipment:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic LED exterior lighting
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Heated/auto-folding/dimming mirrors
• Keyless entry and start
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Fabric/leather-look upholstery
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• 5.0-inch driver’s display
• 13-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charger with ventilation
• 4x USB-C charge ports
• Mode 3 (Type 2) charging cable

Safety

• Seven airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking with intersection assistance
• Lane keep assist
• Emergency assist
• Adaptive lane guidance
• Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Door exit warning
• Reversing camera

Elroq 130 Years model adds:

• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high beam
• Augmented-reality head-up display
• Electric front seats with memory and massaging
• White synthetic leather cabin trim inserts
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• 12-speaker Canton sound system
• Electric tailgate
• Automatic parking
• Rear door sunshades
• 360-degree camera
• Orange seatbelts and contrast stitching

The Skoda Elroq is due to go on sale in the third quarter of 2025.

MG Motor Australia has announced local pricing and specifications for its new QS seven-seat large SUV, which is now available to order. Priced from $46,990 drive away, the QS will be available in two grades, with both using a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine.

Competing against cars such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80, Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan X-Trail, the MG QS features seven seats as standard equipment across the range. It’s launch price will undercut those rivals.

Measuring 4983mm long, 1967mm wide, 1778mm tall and riding on a 2915mm long wheelbase, the MG QS’ boot measures 203-litres with the third row up, 517L with just the third row folded and 1052L with both rows folded – those figures are likely to the window line.

Both QS models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 153kW of power and 360Nm of torque. That’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and while the Excite is front-wheel drive, the Essence is all-wheel drive.

The QS Excite is rated at 8.4L/100km for combine fuel consumption and the Essence 8.8L/100km.

Both use minimum 95RON premium unleaded fuel. Both models can tow a 2000kg braked trailer.

MG QS pricing (drive away):

MG QS Excite standard equipment:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Dusk-sensing automatic LED headlights
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Roof rails
• Heated/auto-folding mirrors
• Keyless entry with push button start
• Electric tailgate
• Panoramic sunroof
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Normal, sport and eco driving modes
• Cloth upholstery
• 8-way electric front seats
• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• 12.3-inch touchscreen with live services
• Access to the MG iSmart app (12-months’ complimentary access)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
• 8-speaker sound system
• Seven airbags (including a front centre unit)
• Autonomous emergency braking

Safety

• Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
• Lane keeping assistance
• Adaptive lane guidance
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert with braking
• Driver attention monitoring
• Traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed assist
• Rear parking sensors
• 360-degree camera
• Rear automatic braking
• Door open warning

MG QS Essence model adds:

• All-wheel drive
• 21-inch wheels
• Front parking sensors
• 12-speaker Bose sound system
• LED front fog lights
• Auto high beam
• Wireless phone charger
• Leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats with driver’s memory
• Auto-dimming rear mirror

The MG QS is now available to order ahead of imminent local deliveries.

The MG ZS EV was one of the first electric small SUVs sold in Australia when it arrived back in 2020. Priced from $44,990 plus on-road costs upon its release, the ZS EV cost significantly less than its Hyundai Kona Electric main rival and sold well. The ZS EV entered run out last year and now, its replacement has arrived with a new name and a broader range of talents. Enter the MGS5 EV.

Larger, better equipped and – predictably – more expensive than the ZS EV it replaces, the MGS5 EV is based on the same platform as the popular MG4 small car and offers range of up to 430km. It’s keenly priced from $40,490 drive away and is well equipped, even at the entry level Excite. Is it the electric small SUV to buy? We were given a preview first drive to find out.

Price and equipment

Pricing for the MGS5 EV starts at $40,490 drive away with two available battery sizes – 49kWh and 62kWh – and two models: entry-level Excite and the top-spec Essence that we tested, equipped with the larger battery.

MGS5 EV Excite standard equipment:

• 17-inch alloy wheels with a tyre repair kit
• Keyless entry and start
• Dusk-sensing automatic LED headlights
• Front and rear daytime running lights
• Roof rails
• Single-zone automatic climate control
• Cloth upholstery
• 10.25-inch digital driver’s display
• 12.8-inch touchscreen with live services
• Satellite navigation
• Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 3x USB ports
• DAB+ digital radio
• Four-speaker sound system
• Vehicle-to-load functionality
• Seven airbags (including a front centre unit)
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning
• Adaptive lane guidance
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert with braking
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Alarm
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Driver attention alert
• Auto high beam

MGS5 EV Essence model adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Heated leather steering wheel
• Synthetic leather trim
• Electric driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• Power tailgate with kick-to-open functionality
• Two extra speakers (six in total)
• Auto-folding mirrors
• Rear privacy glass
• 360-degree camera
• Wireless phone charger
• Online entertainment services

Performance, range and charging

The MGS5 EV is available with either a 49kWh LFP battery or a larger 62kWh one for up to 430km of driving range (WLTP). That claim is for the Excite 62kWh with its larger battery and smaller wheels, with the Essence 49kWh and its smaller battery and larger wheels sporting a lower claimed range of 335km.

The smaller battery can charge at up to 120kW and the larger one 150kW for a 30 to 80 per cent charge time in as little as 19 minutes. Both models use a 125kW/250Nm rear-mounted electric motor and hit 100km/h in as little as 8.0 seconds, and a top speed of 170km/h.

On the road

Using the same ‘Modular Scalable Platform’ that underpins the MG4 and Cyberster, the MGS5 EV impresses from behind the wheel with a comfortable and refined driving experience that will suit its target market perfectly. Like the MG4, the MGS5 EV is rear-wheel drive and that gives it a dynamic edge over the BYD Atto 3. Thanks to its extra size and taller body, it’s not quite as dynamic as the fun MG4, but it’s still capable of putting a smile on your face. The ride quality is a touch firm over low speed bumps, but softens up nicely at higher speeds.

As with the MG4, there are multiple brake regenerative modes and driving modes to best suit a driver’s taste with low, medium, high, one-pedal and adaptive modes for the regen, and brake feel is stronger than the MG4. Put the drive mode into sport and the full 125kW is unleashed, but even in eco mode with its dulled performance for extra range, the S5 feels more than quick enough.

One area where MG has listened to customers is with the active safety features on the MGS5 EV. It’s fully featured across the range, with kit like AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition standard on all models – and they all work better than before.

In particular, the lane keeping assistance is less sensitive and the adaptive cruise control more accurate. The traffic sign recognition is still incorrect at times and can be annoying, but a screen shortcut to ‘MG Pilot Custom’ to pre-set safety settings – which must occur every time you turn the car on, thanks to ANCAP – has made it far easier to switch it off.

Interior comfort, practicality and boot space

The interior of the MGS5 EV is warm, good quality and inviting, more so than the MG4 with its dark and sporty interior. The materials used are higher quality, with plenty of soft touch materials around – even on the centre console where you rest your knee – while it’s also more practical with a big centre tunnel with ample storage underneath, a big box underneath the central armrest and big door bins.

Centre of the interior is a 12.8-inch touchscreen with plenty of features, including wireless smartphone mirroring – in a first for the brand – and satellite navigation with live traffic updates. Buyers can also access the company’s ‘iSmart’ smartphone app to check its location, charging status and pre-heat/cool the cabin. In the upper-spec Essence, apps such as Spotify, YouTube and TikTok can also be downloaded for more entertainment options and you can even access features like weather.

It uses a higher-quality screen than the MG4 and further improves on that car with a set of dials and rocker switches for the temperature, volume and fan control below the screen. This makes it far easier to change the temperature on the move, while features such as the heated seats and steering wheel in the Essence are permanently located at the bottom of the touchscreen and not hidden in a menu. In this modern age of massive screens and no physical buttons to control them, it’s exactly how all new cars should be.

Visibility in the MGS5 EV is good with ample side and rear vision, while the mirrors are a good size as well. Front seat comfort gets a tick as well, though the seat bases are a bit soft. The driving position is quite adjustable, though under-thigh angle adjustment for the driver’s seat would add further. 

The rear seat of the MGS5 EV is spacious for its size and two taller adults will be comfortable as it has ample leg- and headroom. The amenities in the rear include door and map pockets, air vents, a single USB-C charging port and a central armrest with cupholders. There are also two ISOFIX points and three top-tether points for child seats, and the rear doors open wide for easier access, like when child seats need to be installed.

The boot of the MGS5 EV measures a healthy 453 litres with the seats up, and 1441L with them folded, which is much larger than the Kona Electric’s 407L/1241L boot. The boot features side storage, a dual-level boot floor, some hooks for hanging bags, the rear seats fold flat and in the Essence, a quick electric tailgate. Like most EVs, however, there’s no spare wheel, just a tyre repair kit, and no front boot either.

Service and warranty

As with other new MG products, the MGS5 EV is covered by an awesome 10-year/250,000km warranty with roadside assistance for the same length of time.

Servicing occurs once-yearly/every 25,000km (whichever comes first) and the five-year/125,000km service cost is $1,967 or $393 on average annually.

Verdict: Should I buy a 2025 MGS5 EV?

The MGS5 EV highlights MG’s continued ability to make a good car, and this is one of its best yet. Taking the platform that underpins the MG4 and adding extra practicality is a recipe for success. The MGS5 EV also builds onto the MG4 with a higher quality and more spacious interior, while it’s also clear that MG has listened to critics and made the infotainment system easier to use and more feature-packed.

While we’re yet to get proper efficiency readings for a proper range test, the MGS5 EV impresses on the road with solid dynamics and a comfortable driving experience. MG’s active safety features have also been improved and overall, it’s a strong all-rounder that we’re keen to test further. Based on this first brief drive, the MGS5 EV will sell well in Australia, and is well worth consideration.

MGS5 EV rivals

Kia EV3

BYD Atto 3

Hyundai Kona Electric

Slate, the electric vehicle startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has quickly made a splash in the EV market, announcing it has already received over 100,000 reservations for its new, affordable electric pickup truck.

At $50 per refundable reservation, Slate has generated more than $5 million in reservation fees within just two weeks of the truck’s debut, reported TechCrunch.

The strong early response signals a significant appetite in the U.S. market for a no-frills, budget-friendly electric truck – an under-served segment in the current EV landscape. Priced at under $25,000 after federal government incentives, Slate’s pickup undercuts nearly every electric truck currently on offer, positioning itself as a utilitarian solution rather than a luxury showpiece.

“We are truly humbled by America’s response to Slate’s brand launch and the launch of our truck,” said Jeremy Snyder, Slate’s Chief Commercial Officer, in a statement to TechCrunch. “We are excited for what the future holds.”

While over 100,000 reservations is an eye-catching milestone, industry watchers remain cautious. Reservation numbers don’t always equate to real-world sales. As Motor1 noted, examples abound: Cadillac’s ultra-luxury Celestiq drew enough reservations to cover a year and a half of production but ultimately sold fewer than 25 units. Similarly, Fisker hyped more than 60,000 reservations for its Ocean SUV before filing for bankruptcy. Even Tesla’s highly publicized Cybertruck, once rumored to have two million reservations, has reportedly seen tepid delivery numbers and growing inventory piles.

Still, Slate’s pickup could prove to be a more realistic offering. Its utilitarian design, affordable price, and straightforward value proposition appeal to a broader base of drivers, especially those who need a functional vehicle rather than a tech-laden luxury ride.

Production is expected to begin next year, with Slate’s Indiana factory aiming for an annual output of 150,000 units by 2027. That puts the company on a promising trajectory – provided it can overcome the many manufacturing, supply chain, and regulatory hurdles that have tripped up many EV startups before it.

In the meantime, prospective US buyers can explore the truck through Slate’s detailed online configurator, which includes options for three body styles and a wide range of accessories. “Great cars got too pricey. We fixed that,” proclaims Slate’s website, and “Designed for real life”.

Slate’s launch may mark the beginning of a new era for affordable electric utility vehicles – and so far, the American public seems more than ready to get on board. Could Australia – still in love with large, tech-heavy vehicles – follow suit?