WhichCar By Wheels

Ford Australia has added a new all-wheel drive Trail variant to its Transit Custom line-up, with the Ford Transit Custom Trail now available to order. Priced from $61,990 plus on-road costs, the Trail is due in local Ford showrooms by the end of 2025 and is based on the most popular Trend LWB variant.

The Trail uses the same 125kW/390Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and eight-speed automatic transmission already offered across the Transit Custom range. Crucially, the Trail adds electronically-controlled all-wheel drive – the first time AWD has been offered on an Australian Transit Custom. The brand is expanding the Transit Custom range to enhance its appeal – the eight-seat Tourneo was also recently launched locally by the company.

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Its $61,990 +ORC price is $4,000 more than the Trend LWB on which it’s based, however it adds more than just all-wheel drive: 16-inch alloy wheels, a unique grille design, black wheel arch surrounds and a ‘Trail’ graphics pack are added.

On the inside, the Ford Transit Custom Trail also adds synthetic leather upholstery with embossed Trail logos on all three seats – a two-seat layout is also available for an extra $150.

That’s on top of the Trend’s equipment, including automatic LED headlights, heated outboard seats, an eight-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry and start, a 13-inch touchscreen and front and rear parking sensors.

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Options for the Ford Transit Custom Trail include dual side load doors are a $1,000 option, a rear liftgate is $700 extra and any paint colour other than white is also an extra $700 – plus, it can be painted in any colour through Ford’s ‘SVO’ (Special Vehicle Operations) factory paint for an extra $1,400 and offering over 100 colour choices.

The Ford Transit Custom Trail is now available to order from Ford dealerships ahead of local deliveries commencing late this year.

Great Wall Motors (GWM) has significantly bolstered its Cannon range with the addition of new cab chassis and dual cab models, providing Aussie customers with a wider selection in the ever expanding segement.

Building on the recent unveiling of the Cannon 2.4-litre, the lineup now includes a Premium grade that serves as the entry-level specification for both the Single Cab Chassis (4×2), priced at $35,490, and Dual Cab Utility (4×4), priced at $39,490 with the 2.0-litre powertrain. The Dual Cab Chassis with tray (4×4) is also available in the top-tier Lux variant, priced at $42,490, boasting the larger 2.4-litre engine.

The new 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, is a carryover from the previous model, but it now delivers a more impressive performance profile and a solid 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

The vehicle’s fuel efficiency has been recertified and improved, says GWM, with the Single Cab Chassis now consuming a claimed 7.6L/100km and the Dual Cab coming in at a claimed 8.1L/100km.

The Single Cab Chassis variant of the GWM Cannon has been engineered with an extended wheelbase of 240mm, which not only improves the vehicle’s load distribution and handling but also allows for a more substantial payload capacity of 1150kg. This upgrade is designed to make the Cannon a more attractive option for commercial and fleet operators.

To sweeten the deal, all the new Cannon variants come with GWM Care, which includes a 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of capped price servicing.

Cannon PREMIUM Single Cab Chassis 4×2

Cannon PREMIUM Dual Cab 4×4

Cannon LUX Dual Cab Chassis 4×4

Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced three new special editions of its SUV model range with new standard equipment. Based on both the GLE and GLS large SUVs, the new GLE AMG Line Plus Edition, GLE Edition 7 and GLS Edition 7 are now available to order with deliveries commencing soon. 

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The Australian branch of the arm has launched a number of special editions recently, including the AMG GLC 43 Edition R and C 200 Sport Edition, and has now turned its attention to the GLE and GLS. 

GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line Plus Edition

The first cab off the rank is GLE 450 4Matic Coupe AMG Line Plus Edition, which is priced from $163,300 plus on-road costs – $300 less than the regular GLE 450 Coupe. 

Over the regular GLE 450 Coupe, the AMG Line Plus Edition adds new black 22-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels and an AMG lip spoiler. Inside, the brand’s ‘Artico’ synthetic leather trim is fitted with suede inserts and for extra comfort, the air suspension package is also fitted.

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That’s in addition to the GLE 450’s regular standard equipment, including AMG Line interior and exterior with multifunction sports steering wheel, AMG floor mats, seats with four-way lumbar support, interior chrome package, AMG body styling and braking system with larger brake discs on the front axle, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay & Google Android Auto, wireless charging for mobile devices in the front and the parking package with a 360 degree camera,

GLE 300 d 4MATIC SUV Edition 7

Next up is the Edition 7 variant of the GLE 300 d SUV, which is priced at $141,800 +ORC – $5,200 more than the regular GLE 300 d. Above the regular model, the Edition 7 adds the usually-optional seven-seat package with electrically adjustable and heated middle row seating, as well as new 21-inch AMG alloy wheels for a $1,400 saving on top of if those items were added to the GLE 300 d normally. 

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The standard GLE 300 also includes equipment such as augmented reality navigation, a Burmester sound system, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, heat-insulated dark-tinted glass and USB ports in the rear with high-voltage charging.

GLS 450 d 4MATIC Edition 7

Finally, Mercedes-Benz has also added an Edition 7 of the GLS large SUV, which is priced from $171,000 +ORC or $18,100 less than the regular GLS 450 d. Despite the lower price, the Edition 7 features smaller 21-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof, ‘Thermotronic’ multi-zone climate control and heat-insulating glass. 

On the inside, it also features a Nappa leather steering wheel, velour floor mats, climatised front seats, a head-up display, power-closing doors, augmented satellite navigation, a wireless charger and a Burmester sound system. 

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All special edition models come with a suite of driver assistance systems, such as blind-spot assist, exit warning assistant, traffic sign recognition, active traffic-assist, active steering assist, active lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. 

Mercedes-Benz SUV Special Edition pricing: 

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The new special edition Mercedes-Benz SUVs are now available to order with local deliveries commencing soon. 

Chery Motor Australia has announced that an updated version of its Tiggo 4 small SUV will be launched in to local Chery dealers later this month.

Priced from the same value-packed $23,990 drive away pricepoint as the pre-updated model, the Chery Tiggo 4 carries updated styling with a new rear end design, new wheels and the former ‘Pro’ part of its name has been dropped.

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Highlighting the MY26 update, the facelifted Tiggo 4’s rear end features a new tailight design that stretches across the tailgate with an LED light bar, making it appear more modern than the pre-updated model. Accompanying the new rear are new wheel designs, once again in 17-inch sizing on the base Urban and larger 18s on the top-spec Ultimate.

The brand has also culled the former ‘Pro’ part of the name, and it’s now just called Tiggo 4 with other Chery models like the Tiggo 7 Pro likely to follow in the future.

The rest of the Tiggo 4 package remains the same as before, with the two models available still using a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 108kW of power and 210Nm of torque. That’s mated to a CVT automatic transmission, and claimed fuel consumption is 7.4L/100km.

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The entry-level Tiggo 4 Urban features dual 10.25-inch LCD screens, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ‘Hello Chery’ voice control, a six-speaker sound system, seven airbags and active safety features like AEB, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane keeping assistance.

The upper-spec Ultimate model then adds a 15W wireless phone charger, a 360-degree surround view camera, artificial leather upholstery, a six-way electric driver’s seat and colour selectable ambient lighting.

As before, the Chery Tiggo 4 is covered by a seven-year/unlimited km warranty with seven years of capped price servicing and up to seven years of roadside assistance.

Chery Tiggo 4 pricing (drive away):

Chery Tiggo 4 Update
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The updated Chery Tiggo 4 will reach Chery dealers later this month, with local deliveries to commence soon.

Pricing and specifications have been announced for the updated 2025 Subaru WRX range, which is now available to order. Coinciding with the release of the new tS spec B that was recently revealed, the whole WRX range has been updated with new features such as a digital driver’s display and new Recaro seats in the tS. 

Priced from $48,190 plus on-road costs, entry pricing for the WRX range has climbed by $700 compared with 2024 model cars, while tS models have climbed even further and are now $3,500 more expensive thanks to their new standard equipment. 

2025 Subaru WRX
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The WRX range has expanded with the new tS spec B sedan and remains available in both sedan and Sportswagon bodystyles. As for the lineup, the base WRX, mid-spec RS and top-spec tS are still available. 

For new equipment, the whole WRX range now features a system called ‘Emergency Driving Stop’ that – with the active lane centering activated – will automatically and slowly stop the car if it detects an unresponsive driver. 

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The top-spec tS models received the largest amount of equipment, including a new 12.3-inch digital driver’s display that’s the first of its kind in an Australian-spec Subaru model. Recaro front seats with driver’s eight-way power adjustment have also been added to tS models, as well as red ‘WRX’ embroidery on the dashboard of the tS sedans.

The interior roof and pillar trim in Sportswagon models has been updated from white to black to match the sedan, while the dark grey alloy wheels on the tS CVT now match the wheels on the mid-spec RS manual.

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Finally, the former ‘Solar Orange’ colour has also been replaced with a new ‘Galaxy Purple’ hue. 

Commenting on the MY25 WRX range, Subaru Australia’s General Manager, Scott Lawrence, said: “The 2025 WRX range, including the new hero WRX AWD tS Spec B model, delivers the perfect balance of raw performance and outstanding value – and the MY25 range takes that further with a suite of incredible new features.

2025 Subaru WRX pricing (plus on-road costs): 

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The updated Subaru WRX range is now available to order with local deliveries commencing soon. 

You’d have thought that after 101 years of practice, Citroën would have cracked the Australian market by now. With that amount of experience, it would be a reasonable assumption that the French company would know what Aussie buyers wanted and how to price a car to sell here. But no. Emphatically no.

The longest continually operating automotive brand in these countries has left Australia, ceasing sales operations at the start of November. The 35 existing service centres will fulfil servicing operations, but for how long is open to question. It’s all rather sad.

“Whilst we acknowledge and celebrate Citroën’s rich history in the Australian market, we must look to the future and consider the rapidly evolving, dynamic, and competitive nature of the industry and local market, alongside changing consumer demands,” said David Owen, Citroën Australia general manager.

“The decision for Citroën Australia to cease new vehicle sales was not made lightly; it was made after careful consideration of the current and future product available for our country, in the context of the local market and the preferences and requirements of Australian new vehicle buyers,” he explained.

The writing had been on the wall for some time. Citroën registered just 87 vehicles in the first half of 2024, fully 35 percent down on the same period the year before. As recently as 2007, the marque shifted 1741 vehicles in the first half of the year.

What’s more, the company had been making swingeing cuts to the prices of its existing stock, a fire sale that usually only points to one thing. Somewhat disconcertingly, those price cuts also applied to Peugeot models.

Where Peugeot still makes some decent numbers with its light commercials, Citroën sold just four passenger cars: the C3 hatch, the C4 crossover, the C5 Aircross SUV and the C5 X crossover wagon.
Initially pitching up in Australia a mere four years after the company was founded, Citroën even built cars here in Australia, with the stripped-out ID19 (see below) coming out of the Heidelberg factory.

Perhaps there was a sharp lesson to be learned for latter-day Citroën from that cost-conscious car. The last C4 retailed at $40K, powered by a 1.2-litre 114kW three-cylinder engine. By contrast, you could buy a Mazda 3 with a 139kW 2.5-litre four and a higher grade of trim for less. The French company had priced itself out of the market. Of course, the local importers would claim that macroeconomic factors overrode any requests they could make to head office in France, but the rot had set in a long time ago.

William Crozes

There are many brands that we wouldn’t miss were they to pack their bags and leave our shores.
Citroën isn’t one of them. Here’s hoping for a return at some point.

Aussie sales

2000 – 652
2001 – 1005
2002 – 1705
2003 – 2309
2004 – 2400
2005 – 3005
2006 – 3507
2007 – 3803
2008 – 2703
2009 – 1602
2010 – 1603
2011 – 1415
2012 – 1702
2013 – 1180
2014 – 1307
2015 – 1106
2016 – 965
2017 – 735
2018 – 494
2019 – 400
2020 – 203
2021 – 175
2022 – 296
2023 – 228
2024 (to July) – 87* (down 35.6%)

Straight Outta Heidelberg

The Heidelberg plant in Melbourne was responsible for assembling the ID19 – a more proletarian version of the iconic DS – between 1960 and 1966. In order to make it price competitive, Citroën simplified the DS by deleting the power steering, replacing the ‘button’ brake pedal with a pendant pedal and stripping all brightwork. As a result, the still-hydropneumatic ID19, dubbed Parisienne here, had the shape but not the luxury of the Diesse, and the 1250 units that were built here, at a list price of £1698, were a comparative bargain.

Things we like

  • Better quality, more functional interior; more useable spread of both power and torque; ride quality improved over Mk8

Not so much

  • Media interface better but still not great; no manual gearbox option

The burden of expectation weighed heavily on the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI, as the slightly unusual circumstances of this review demonstrate. Our first chance to try this updated ‘8.5’ model comes on a road trip to Wolfsburg for the inaugural GTI Fest. As well as the newest model, Volkswagen wheeled out examples of its seven predecessors. And, well, would you take a pre-facelift eighth-gen GTI over its incredible 7.5 predecessor?

Me neither. Consider the Mk8 GTI in isolation and it’s still a really, really good car, but it wasn’t that perfect, intoxicating mix of performance, practicality and everyday useability. The infotainment system suffered from glitches and had that stupid unilluminated slider, while VW’s decision to firm up the suspension to focus more on performance resulted in a slightly harder and less balanced machine. It was really good, but a Golf GTI badge is supposed to mean ‘great’.

Still, it’s often with the mid-life facelift that a Golf GTI really comes alive. Perhaps it’s because GTIs are all about balance, so it takes the finessing that comes with the half-generation update to really hone an everyday performance classic.

You wouldn’t know much has changed from the outside: there are new LED lights front and rear, new optional 19-inch wheels with a design inspired by the Mk5 GTI (which we like) and an illuminated front VW roundel (which… well, if you must).

Inside, the changes are more meaningful and will be familiar if you have read our reviews of other facelifted versions of the Golf that use the updated MEB Evo platform.

There’s a new 12.9-inch touchscreen running the latest version of VW’s infotainment. The OS is better designed, with key controls fixed at the top and bottom of the screen (which, again, we like). Meanwhile, the touch slider beneath the screen is illuminated, although we would still prefer a physical volume knob.

There are actual buttons on the perforated leather steering wheel – thank you, VW – although the angle of them didn’t quite gel with the way I gripped the wheel.

Improving the useability and quality of the infotainment is a significant step, but since this is a Golf GTI, you will want, and expect, more. So Volkswagen has given the venerable EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged unit a tune and drawn out an extra 15kW, raising total output to a healthy 195kW.

The GTI has never been about outright power, though – its output remains positively demure compared with some rivals – but it’s a welcome boost. What isn’t so welcome is the absence of a manual gearbox: the GTI is now offered only with a seven-speed dual-clutch. Don’t worry, there are still tartan seats if you want them.

The suspension set-up is mechanically the same as the previous model’s (struts up front and a multi-link rear axle), but there has been significant work on the electronic front-axle differential lock, progressive steering and, in particular, the optional Dynamic Chassis Control. The latter works in conjunction with the various drive modes to adjust the suspension and alter the car’s performance, and it provides a notable difference from the pre-facelift model.

Broadly, the DCC-equipped Golf GTI is now more pliant and useable than the 8 (if not the 7.5) in Normal mode, making it a little softer on uneven surfaces and bumps. Stick it in Sport and things stiffen up considerably, which is welcome when you find smoother, more enjoyable roads. The broader performance window means there’s less compromise between hot hatch and daily driver: the whole GTI ethos is about having a performance car you can use every day.

The extra power is notable, and while peak torque remains at 370Nm, it’s now accessible all the way between 1600 and 4590rpm. It makes things more responsive and enjoyable but without getting into the rarefied air of superhatches such as the all-wheel-drive Golf R. And VW’s DSG ’box is still brilliantly smooth, at least.

The interior remains comfortable and well laid out, and while the revised infotainment still isn’t entirely glitch-free, it’s a step forward. It’s a lot of small changes that add up to a discernible and welcome improvement, returning the Golf GTI to the ‘everyday performance’ window in which it has thrived for so long – although, with prices said to be close to the outgoing car’s $59,990 drive-away mark, it’s not exactly an affordable everyday hero.

Progress, then, with more of the balance the Golf GTI is known for, even if some of the interior tech, the ride and the lack of a manual ’box mean the blend perhaps isn’t perfect given the lofty expectations.

So would you still take a 7.5 GTI on a long road trip over this one? It’s at least a tougher call now.

Specifications

ModelVolkswagen Golf GTI
Engine1984cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo
Max power195kW @ 6500rpm
Max torque370Nm @ 1600-4590rpm
Transmission7-speed dual-clutch
Weight1454kg
0-100km/h5.9sec (claimed)
Price$59,990 drive away
On saleNow


Ahead of its final 18 months of production for Australia before the new model launches in late 2026, Nissan has updated the popular Y62 Patrol large SUV with a new dashboard and more technology across the range – including the off-road Warrior by Premcar version. 

Priced from $90,600 plus on-road costs, the entry price of the Patrol has climbed by $1,340 though the Ti L and Warrior pricing has only risen by $140 to $102,100 and $105,520 respectively.

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Central to the update is a new dashboard layout that debuted on left-hand drive Patrol models more than five years ago, which adds a new 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 7.0-inch colour screen in the driver’s display. 

The new touchscreen is also fitted to other Nissan products like the Qashqai and X-Trail, and features wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation and DAB+ digital radio – plus a new 360-degree camera with a new off-road mode for off-road driving. 

The new touchscreen also replaces the current 10.1-inch aftermarket screen, which was introduced last year and removed features such as the satellite navigation, 360-degree camera and Bose sound system – the former is now standard across the range and the latter has been re-introduced to the top-spec Ti L.

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The Ti L has also gained a central cool box and an ‘enhanced’ digital rear view mirror, while the Warrior now includes side steps. A new ‘Desert Red Metallic’ colour has joined the range with ‘Gun Metallic’, ‘Moonstone White’, ‘Brilliant Silver’ and ‘Black Obsidian’ also available.

There have been no mechanical changes to the 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre petrol V8 engine, which is still mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system.

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MY25 Nissan Patrol pricing (plus on-road costs):

MY25 Nissan Patrol Ti standard features:

Patrol Ti L adds to Ti:

Patrol Warrior adds (to Ti):

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The updated Nissan Patrol will reach Nissan dealerships soon. For more on the homegrown success story of Premcar, check the profile on CEO Bernie Quinn in the April 2025 issue of Wheels. 

After a long and drawn-out teaser campaign, the Kia Tasman has been revealed and has the potential to be one of the most important new entries into the intensely competitive dual-cab ute market in many years.

Kia is planning to deliver 10,000 to 11,000 Tasmans in Australia this year, ramping up to 20,000 next year, with first deliveries expected to commence in July.

It has a steep climb ahead if it is to realise Kia’s lofty ambitions, so here’s everything we currently know about the Tasman.

Jump Ahead

March 2025: Second Kia Tasman ad released

Kia Australia has launched a new ad campaign for its upcoming Tasman ute, which debuted at yesterday’s season debut NRL match.

Created as a follow up to the high-rotation ‘Kia’s Getting A Ute’ ad that aired in March 2024, the new commercial once again features some of Australia’s biggest sporting legends, as well as Buck the Brisbane Broncos mascot. Buddy Franklin, Darren Lockyer, Alfie Langer, Steve Waugh and Dylan Alcott all make appearances.

Unlike the first one, it features full exterior and interior footage of the now-revealed Tasman.

The latest ad is, like the Tasman, homegrown. Much of the new ute’s development was done in Australia. According to the company, from concept design, naming decisions, focus group studies and benchmarking tests, Kia Australia played a pivotal role in shaping the Tasman, ensuring it meets the demands of our market.

As we’ve come to expect from Kia, the Tasman will feature a local ride and handling tune to further adapt it to our conditions.

The Tasman range will be powered by the same 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine seen in the Sorento SUV, 154kW/440Nm outputs and mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

It will also be capable of towing a 3,500kg braked trailer, a one-tonne payload and even feature an integrated brake trailer controller – all features that Kia describes as “non-negotiable”.

Its four-wheel drive system will include a low-range transfer case, rear differential lock, and an intelligent traction control system to deliver “exceptional capability for serious off-road adventures”.

It will be available in dual pick up, double cab chassis and single cab chassis body styles with combinations of various trims across two- and four-wheel drive drivetrains.

February 2025: International pricing hints at Kia Tasman’s local cost

Korean pricing has been revealed for the Kia Tasman, providing the first indication of how much the brand’s first dual-cab will cost. While shipping and local homologation costs mean the figures aren’t directly comparable, it at least provides a ballpark.

In its native market, the four-tier range starts at 37.5 million won (~AU$42,000), followed by the Adventure at 41,1 million won (~AU$46,000), increasing to 44.9 million won (~AU$50,000) for the Extreme and topping out at 52.4 million (~AU$59,000) for the X-Pro.

Of those four, only the X-Pro nameplate will make it to Australia and given local buyers’ propensity for higher-spec models it is likely to be a popular choice.

That AU$59,000 figure does give Kia Australia some wiggle room when compared to rivals like the Ford Ranger Wildtrak ($69,690 +ORCs), Toyota Hilux Rogue ($71,530 +ORCs) and Mazda BT-50 SP ($71,500 +ORCs) and puts it in a very similar ballpark to the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain ($67,990 driveaway) and Mitsubishi Triton GSR ($63,840 +ORCs).

Official pricing will be confirmed closer to the Kia Tasman’s local launch.

October 2024: 2025 Kia Tasman ute makes global debut

The hotly anticipated Kia Tasman ute has finally made its official debut at the Jeddah Motor Show in the Middle East. It will launch in its native Korea in the first half of 2025 and then make its way to Australia, likely by year’s end.

There’s little that’s controversial about the Tasman’s mechanical makeup. It’s powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel producing 154kW/441Nm through an eight-speed automatic.

Full-time all-wheel drive is standard on the higher X-Line and X-Pro variants but optional on the entry-level Baseline.

The independent double-wishbone front end is teamed with the live-axle, leaf-sprung rear and the dampers use Sensitive Damper Control and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology claimed to improve body control.

What is more controversial is the design, a departure from the dual-cab norm with its slim vertical headlights, accentuated grille and blacked-out over fenders. Karim Habib, the Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, described it as: “Solid and capable, its design beings with an honest form, using simple and rugged elements to capture a spirit of practicality.”

Single- and dual-cab bodies will be offered as well as cab-chassis variants along with a quartet of bed options: single decker, double decker, sports bar and ladder rack. The bed measures 1512mm long, 1572mm wide and 540mm deep with 1186mm between the wheel arches, with up to 1195kg of payload and a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

The X-Pro is intended as a more off-road focused variant, with smaller 17-inch wheels (down from the 18s of the lesser variants) and all-terrain tyres, more ground clearance, a locking rear diff and an X-Trek mode that offers low-speed off-road cruise control.

Where the Kia Tasman is attempting to differentiate itself from its many dual-cab rivals is inside, with a more passenger car-like interior including widescreen (12.3 + 5.0 + 12.3-inch screens) displays, an eight-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo, dual wireless charging pads, reclinable rear seats and multiple storage options.

A comprehensive suite of active safety aids will be standard, including remote parking assist, as well as a Ground View Monitor allowing drivers to see the road ‘through’ the bonnet when driving off road.

Nine colours will be available and Kia will also offer a range of factory-backed accessories including sidesteps and beadlock-capable wheels.

August 2024: Kia Tasman spied undergoing local testing

As we await the official reveal in the second half of 2024, development testing continues with the new Kia Tasman ute.

Quick-thinking reader Clive Williams snapped these shots of a heavily disguised Tasman completing towing durability work in far-western New South Wales near the Mungo National Park.

If it’s to be competitive with the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max and others the Tasman will need a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

July 2024: Documentary to showcase Kia Tasman’s Australian testing

Kia has teased an upcoming documentary series entitled ‘One More Round’ that showcases the Tasman dual-cab ute testing in the Australian wilderness.

Running from July-October, the series will take a behind-the-scenes look at the grueling testing program, including interviews with the development team, with episodes focusing on off-road testing, deep-water wading, all-terrain durability, towing, on-track performance and ride and handling.

The series is intended to build anticipation ahead of the Tasman’s reveal in the second half of 2024, ahead of a 2025 launch.

March 2024: Kia Tasman officially confirmed in star-studded video

A new TV commercial has been released confirming Tasman as the name of Kia’s forthcoming dual-cab ute. The big budget ad, that stars a who’s who of Australian sporting legends, closes with the words: “Kia Tasman ute. Arrival 2025.”

This follows an earlier teaser commercial that dropped plenty of hints that Tasman would be the name chosen without ever explicitly confirming it.

Engineering and development are well advanced, with plenty of prototypes spied locally and overseas. It’s understood that around 100 prototypes are currently in action around the globe in an attempt to take on the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

Kia has bold ambitions for its new dual-cab, with an expectation of up to 20,000 sales per annum, which would see it supplant the Isuzu D-Max as Australia’s third-favourite ute.

Any official specifications have yet to be revealed, but it’s expected the Tasman will use the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel that offers 148kW/440Nm in the Sorento SUV.

June 2023: New Kia dual-cab confirmed, Tasman name likely

A senior source in Kia Australia’s dealer network told Wheels the company used a recent dealer conference to confirm a new dual-cab ute – known internally by the TK model code – will be offered in Australia from 2025.

Kia Australia confirmed the existence of the ute but offered no other details, but previously seen spy shots suggest a mid-size dual-cab to rival the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max.

While not certain, Kia’s trademark of the Tasman nameplate makes it a likely candidate in reference to Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who has Tasmania and the Tasman Sea named in his honour.

According to our source, dealers were told development on the ute started in 2020 though internal discussions at Kia have been going on even longer, Kia Australia’s MD Damien Meredith telling Wheels in 2018: “We’re hopeful that something will happen in the light commercial range in a few years’ time.”

Kia Australia’s engineering team is expected to play a significant role in the ute’s development.

Ahead of its May local launch, Volkswagen Australia has revealed local pricing and specifications for the third-generation Tiguan mid-size SUV. Priced from $44,990 plus on-road costs, the new Tiguan starts $1,000 more than the old model but is larger and better equipped than before.

The range is headlined by the new 195TSI R-Line, which Volkswagen says is a replacement for both the former 162TSI R-Line and the full-fat Tiguan R. Priced at $70,490 +ORC, it’s $9,990 more than the 162TSI R-Line but $3,300 less than the R.

Volkswagen has also added new models in the middle of the range and despite the price increase, the base 110TSI Life is now much better equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, a larger 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, an electric tailgate, a 360-degree camera, built-in satellite navigation, a wireless phone charger, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and DAB+ digital radio.

As before, three turbocharged petrol drivetrains will be available in the new Tiguan: a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre, 150kW/320Nm 2.0-litre and uprated 195kW/400Nm 2.0-litre. All three are mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and while the 110TSI is front-wheel drive, the 150TSI and 195TSI are all-wheel drive.

While the 110TSI engine is the same as the last Tiguan – but now with an extra gear at seven in total – the former 132TSI has become the 150TSI, and the 162TSI is now the 195TSI.