The mid-size SUV segment is the most popular in Australia and with good reason: they’re well sized, very practical and for an SUV, good to drive and relatively fuel efficient. They make excellent family cars and with more than 25 options on the market, how does one choose?

Here are five value-packed mid-size SUVs priced at under $40,000 drive away.

Mahindra XUV700

• Price: from $39,990
• Engine: 2.0L turbo petrol, 149kW/380Nm, 6-speed automatic, 2WD
• Combined fuel consumption: 8.3L/100km

The Mahindra XUV700 is a top value mid-size SUV priced from just $39,990 drive away for the
entry-level AX7 and offering seven seats, making it ideal for larger families. There is also a top-spec Black Edition for only $43,990.

A gutsy turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine sits under the bonnet mated to a smooth six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment is generous with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, six-
way electric driver’s seat adjustment with memory, a panoramic sunroof, dual 10.25-inch screens,
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a suite of active safety features such as autonomous
emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera.

The XUV700’s interior is modern, good quality and practical. While Mahindra doesn’t provide
space figures, it’s estimated to hold around 150 litres behind the third row, with folding those seats
adding another 500L to the total – or more than enough for your family. Add in the seven-
year/150,000km warranty and the XUV700’s overall value is strong.

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro

• Price: from $29,990 drive away
• Engine: 1.6L turbo petrol, 137kW/275Nm, 7-speed dual-clutch auto, 2WD
• Combined fuel consumption: 7.0L/100km

Chery’s mid-size SUV sits above the popular Omoda 5 and Tiggo 4 models in the line-up. The
range was recently simplified to just two models with pricing now starting from $29,990 drive away
for the entry-level SE, but even the higher-spec SE+ is still only $33,990 drive away.

Standard equipment highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual 12.3-inch touchscreens, wireless
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker Sony
sound system and a lot of active safety kit including a front centre airbag, autonomous emergency
braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and a reversing camera.

The Tiggo 7 Pro’s cabin is nicely finished and practical, while the 549-litre boot is also large for its
size. Chery’s seven-year/unlimited km warranty is standard, as is seven years of capped price
servicing. Overall, it’s a value-packed mid-size SUV.

Jaecoo J7

• Price: from $34,990 drive away
• Engine: 1.6L turbo petrol, 137kW/275Nm, 7-speed dual-clutch auto, 2WD or AWD
• Combined fuel consumption: 7.0L-7.8L/100km

Jaecoo is Chery’s premium brand, and it uses the mechanicals of the Tiggo 7 Pro with the same
engine and platform but with a more distinctive and premium-looking design. While the J7 starts $5000 more than the Tiggo 7 Pro, its interior is higher-quality and more tech-filled, including a large 13.2-inch portrait touchscreen.

The standard equipment on the entry-level J7 is healthy, with even the entry-level Core featuring electric front seats, synthetic leather trim, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sat-nav and safety features such as AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and a reversing camera.

Despite being a similar size to the Tiggo 7 Pro, the J7’s 584-litre boot is larger, and its eight-
year/unlimited km warranty is a year longer as well. The J7 is a worthy new entrant in the mid-size SUV segment.

GWM Haval H6

• Price: from $33,990 drive away
• Engine: 2.0L turbo petrol, 150kW/320Nm, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, 2WD
• Combined fuel consumption: 7.4L/100km

The GWM Haval H6 is one of the most practical mid-size SUVs you can buy. With a huge 600-litre boot and a spacious rear seat, it can easily take what your family has to throw at it – but priced from just $33,990 drive away, it also undercuts the majority of its rivals.

While the entry-level H6 is not quite as well equipped as rivals, it still features equipment such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital driver’s display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry with push button start, a central airbag and a suite of active safety features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and a reversing camera – though we’d spend the extra $3000 to get to the mid-spec Lux for features like a leather steering wheel, auto-folding mirrors, roof rails, an electric driver’s seat and a 360-degree camera.

The H6 is covered by GWM’s solid seven-year/unlimited km warranty and though its service intervals are strange, service pricing is cheap.

MG HS

• Price: from $35,990 drive away
• Engine: 1.5L turbo petrol, 125kW/275Nm, 7-speed dual-clutch auto, 2WD
• Combined fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

The second-generation MG HS is a big departure from the model it replaced: it’s more stylish, more practical, higher quality and yet still delivers the excellent value that the MG brand is known for. Priced from $35,990 drive away, the new HS is available in three models with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid models due later in 2025.

The entry-level HS Vibe is priced from $35,990 drive away and is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, dual 12.3-inch screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an electric driver’s seat and auto lights and wipers, with a full level of active safety kit like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert while for under $40,000 will get you the top-spec Essence with larger wheels, synthetic leather trim, a panoramic sunroof and a power tailgate.

The new HS is covered by MG’s industry-leading 10-year/250,000km warranty and cheap capped price servicing, and overall is a great mid-size SUV.

• Price: From $32,990 drive away (Excite)
• Drivetrain: 1.5L 4-cylinder hybrid, 158kW/465Nm, 3-speed CVT auto
• Combined fuel economy, CO2 emissions, fuel type: 4.7L/100km, 110g/km, 95RON
• Warranty: 10-year/250,000km, one year of roadside assistance
• Five-year service cost: $1,995 ($399 per year)

Australia’s favourite small SUV for the past few years has been given a glow up and takes the crown as overall winner of Wheels Best Small SUV 2025.

Check back at WhichCar next week when we unveil the rest of our category winners – Best Small SUV 2025 Under $30K, Under $40K, Under $50K, Over $50K, Electric, Hybrid and Best Value.

Launched in late 2024, the MG ZS Hybrid+ was an immediate winner in our books because of its hugely appealing combination of efficient but powerful hybrid drivetrain, spacious cabin, long list of standard equipment and accessibly low pricing. On those scores it’s really the complete package among compact SUVs on sale in Australia.

Priced from $32,990 drive away, the ZS Hybrid+ is not the cheapest hybrid small SUV on the market but it is the best value for money thanks to its long standard equipment list, including a large 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control with rear air vents, a 360-degree camera and a full active safety suite including AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

For only $3,000 extra, jumping up to the top-spec Essence adds luxury features such as larger 18-inch wheels, synthetic leather upholstery with heated front seats, an electric driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment and a panoramic sunroof.

But there’s more to a car’s value than just loading it with features: the ZS also drives like a much more expensive car. Its ride quality, for example, is compliant and well judged, while it’s a reasonable handler too. Its refinement is impressive, and overall, it’s never less than enjoyable to drive.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain making an impressive 158kW of power, yet its claimed combined fuel consumption is just 4.7L/100km.

The interior’s practicality and quality is also impressive for the price with a mature and functional cabin design. The materials feel good for the price with either cloth (Excite) or leather-like trim (Essence) on the dashboard and door panels, and the switchgear is satisfying to touch.

The cabin is also practical with plenty of storage spots like big door bins, some open trays on the centre console and a bin underneath the central armrest. It’s also spacious with plenty of room and a large 443-litre boot that opens up to a huge 1457L with the rear seats folded.

Add in MG’s impressive 10-year/250,000km warranty and low $1232 five year/75,000km service cost, and the ZS Hybrid+ makes a strong argument as to why it should be awarded Wheels Best Small SUV 2025.

It’s a big improvement on the car it replaced and is more broadly talented thanks to its new hybrid drivetrain, more luxurious interior and larger dimensions that make it more practical and better to drive. If you’re looking for a small SUV, the MG ZS Hybrid+ is the current cream of the crop.

Revealed at Auto Shanghai 2025 , the new Mazda EZ-60 is the brand’s second electric SUV after the ill-fated MX-30 that was cut from Australia in 2023. Like the recently revealed EZ-6 sedan , the EZ-60 will also be available as a plug-in hybrid range extender hybrid with over 1300km of driving range.

Rivalling the Tesla Model Y as an EV and BYD Sealion 6 as a PHEV, the Mazda EZ-60 sits on
Changan’s ‘EPA’ rear-wheel drive platform and is related to the Deepal S07 that’s already sold in
Australia. The EZ-60 is yet to be confirmed for any markets outside of China, though like the 6e
sedan, it’s expected to be sold in at least Europe.

According to Chinese media, the electric EZ-60 has either 56.1kWh or 68.8kWh LFP batteries with
up to 600km of range (CLTC), while a long-range version with a larger 80kWh battery will also be
available eventually.

The range extender uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 160kW rear electric motor and an electric
range of up to 200km on the Chinese cycle.

Measuring 4850mm long, 1935mm wide and 1,620mm tall, the EZ-60 fits in dimensionally
between the current CX-60 and CX-80 in the Mazda global SUV line-up, and is slightly larger but
narrower and lower than a Model Y. 

According to Mazda, the EZ-60 features a 50:50 front/rear weight distribution, strut suspension at
the front and multi-link suspension at the rear, and electronically controlled dampers.

The EZ-60 sports sharp styling with angular lines and a luxurious and futuristic interior dominated
by central and mirror screens. Inside, the EZ-60 features a 26.45-inch 5K display for its
infotainment system and passenger screen, and a head-up display.

It’s available with a 23-speaker sound system with speakers in the front headrests that allow the
driver and front passenger to listen to different music, and digital side mirrors that show a live
camera feed to interior screens to enhance efficiency.

Mazda Australia is yet to announce any local plans for the EZ-60, but it’s likely to be at least under
consideration for our market.

AUDI E5 Sportback

AUDI is Audi’s new Chinese sub-brand in China and revealed its first production vehicle at the Shanghai Motor Show. Called the E5 Sportback, it was developed with SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, or MG and LDV’s parent company) and uses the same platform as the IM L6 that’s due to go on sale in Australia later this year.

Measuring almost five metres long, the E5 is a similarly sized wagon to the A6 and will compete against cars like the BMW i5 Touring. All versions will feature a 100kWh battery for up to a claimed 770km of range, with the E5 using an 800-volt architecture that’s reportedly able to add 370km of range within 10 minutes of charging.

Four power outputs have been confirmed so far: 220kW, 300kW, 420kW and 580kW, and the most powerful can sprint to 100km/h in a claimed 3.4 seconds. Inside the E5 Sportback appears to be a high-quality cabin with exotic materials like suede and a huge 4K 27-inch curved joined display that incorporates both the infotainment and driver’s displays.

The AUDI E5 Sportback will launch in China later this year and more models from Audi’s new sub-brand will arrive afterwards. It’s unlikely that the AUDI brand will be sold outside China for now.

Nissan Frontier Pro

To only be offered as a plug-in hybrid, the Frontier Pro uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor integrated into the gearbox for outputs of “over” 302kW/800Nm.

Featuring a 33kWh battery, the Frontier Pro is reportedly capable of travelling 135km on electric power, 1046km on hybrid power and offering the crucial 3500kg capacity.

But while the Frontier Pro was revealed in China, Nissan executives have confirmed that it will be eventually sold in more global markets – possibly including Australia, where it will be differentiated from the more heavy duty next-generation Navara.

The Frontier Pro’s interior looks luxurious in comparison to the current Navara with a lemon-coloured leather-covered interior with a 14.6-inch touchscreen.

Nissan N7

Another joint venture with Dongfeng based on one of its models, the Nissan N7 is the brand’s first electric sedan and will rival cars such as the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 in the critical Chinese new car market. Unlike the Frontier Pro, global sales plans for the N7 are yet to be announced. 

Measuring almost five metres long, the N7 is a large sedan that offers up to 635km of electric driving range on the Chinese cycle and features a coefficient of just 0.208.

Two lithium ion phosphate (LFP) batteries will be available: 58kWh and 73kWh, both with a 400-volt architecture for a claimed 10 to 80 per cent charge in as little as 19 minutes. All N7s are front-wheel drive and 160kW and 200kW power outputs will be available.

Lexus ES

Lexus debuted the new eighth-generation ES sedan, which will be offered in hybrid and – for the first time – all-electric forms globally, including Australia. Using the same ‘TNGA-K’ platform as the current ES, Lexus added an additional 165mm of length to the ES, making it the same length as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Inside, the new ES employs a futuristic layout with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with the brand’s new ‘Arene’ software, while an optional passenger display will also be offered. The panoramic sunroof includes adjustable dimmable ‘Low-E’ glass and the rear seats will feature a relaxation function for the first time. 

The brand is yet to specify the battery size of the electric versions of the ES, but says that it can travel up to 685km on a charge (CLTC). Up to 252kW outputs will be on offer in the ES500h, with the most potent version capable of a 5.9-second 0-100km/h sprint time. For hybrids, both 148kW 2.0-litre ES300h and 182kW 2.5-litre ES350h variants will be offered

Zeekr 9X

Geely offshoot Zeekr revealed its new 9X ultra luxury SUV, which more than resembles luxury SUVs like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga. Using both electric and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, the 9X is not yet confirmed for Australian showrooms.

Measuring 5290mm long, the 9X will offer six or seven seats as standard, with a four-seat executive model also on offer. It sits on a 900V architecture with 480kW ultra-fast charging and while the electric version’s range is yet to be disclosed, it hits 100km/h in just 3.0 seconds. The plug-in hybrid uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and a pair of electric motors for up to 1500km of driving range.

Expected to be priced from between 500,000 yuan (around AU$107,000 at current exchange rates) to almost 1 million yuan ($A215,000) for the top of the range Grand Edition with the four-seat layout, giving a cool $700,000 discount on the Cullinan.

The Auto Shanghai 2025 show commenced today with more reveals to come in coming days.

Ford Australia has launched the first plug-in hybrid van in Australia, as well as its E-Transit sibling,
with both due in local Ford showrooms in the third quarter of 2025. Orders for both are now open,
with pricing starting at $67,590 plus on-road costs for the PHEV and $77,590 +ORC for the EV.

Using a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor driving the front wheels, the
Ford Transit Custom PHEV makes a system power of 171kW. Using an 11.8kWh battery that can
be charged at up to 3.5kW for a four-hour charge time, the Transit Custom PHEV can travel up to a
claimed 54km of electric range.

The E-Transit Custom uses a 160kW/415Nm rear-mounted motor that draws power from a 64kWh
battery for a claimed driving range of up to 307km. The maximum DC fast charging rate is 125kW
for a 15 to 80 per cent charge in 32 minutes, while it can be AC charged at up to 11kW for a full
charge in just under seven hours.

Weighing between 1928kg and 1977kg for the PHEV (tare) and between 2114kg and 2163kg for
the EV, the new Transit Custom variants can tow a 2300kg braked trailer, while the GVM (gross
vehicle mass) ranges from 3225kg (PHEVs and E-Transit Sport) to 3350kg (E-Transit Trend), and
the GCM (gross combined mass) from 5225kg to 5350kg. Maximum payload capacity, based on kerb
weight, ranges between 1111kg to 1206kg depending on the variant.

The Transit Custom PHEV features three EV drive modes: auto EV, EV now and EV later, to let drivers
choose how they want hybrid and electric power to operate. Auto EV lets the vehicle do the work itself, while EV now operates solely on electric power and EV later utilises the petrol engine to use the battery later.

Standard equipment for the Transit Custom PHEV Trend includes 16-inch steel wheels with wheel
covers, keyless start, automatic lights and wipers, a 13-inch touchscreen with an embedded
modem for live services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sat-nav, wireless charging,
single-zone climate control, power-folding mirrors, tear twin barn doors and safety features such as
adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, AEB, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-
traffic alert, exit warning, lane keeping assistance and a reversing camera.

The Sport then adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10-way electric driver’s seat, dual-zone climate
control, keyless entry, LED headlights, a bodykit, rear spoiler and exterior stripes.

Ford is yet to announce specifications for the E-Transit Custom, but they’re unlikely to differ
significantly from the PHEV variants.

Ford Transit Custom PHEV/EV pricing (plus on-road costs):

Orders are now open for the Ford Transit Custom ahead of the first deliveries commencing in the
third quarter of 2025.

Selling almost 60,000 units in Australia in 2024 and with its 2025 numbers already up 13.8 per cent over this time last year, the current-generation Toyota RAV4 has been a big success for its maker. Despite its potential wait list and the fact many rivals offer newer models, the RAV4 still does big sales numbers and it’s clear to see why: it’s an excellent all-rounder that’s also very fuel efficient.

What will the new Toyota RAV4 look like?

Like the current Camry, which is a heavily revised version of the old model, we expect the body of the new RAV4 to largely stay the same as the current shape car and use the same ‘TNGA-K’ platform as well. While the front and rear ends will likely be different and use the brand’s latest design language, the general shape will be largely identical with unchanged window shapes to avoid spending big money.

As with the new Camry, the new RAV4’s interior will be given a thorough work-over with new tech,
higher quality materials and more equipment. We could see a larger touchscreen fitted, as well as
more leather trim around the cabin. Given that its size won’t increase, there likely won’t be more
space on offer but given that the current model is one of the most practical in the mid-size SUV
segment, that’s unlikely to be an issue.

Given the need for the new RAV4 to be a five-star safety-rated car, we also expect the brand’s
latest ‘Safety Sense 3.0’ or newer to be fitted across the range with new features like active driver
monitoring, as well as a front central airbag.

What will power the new Toyota RAV4?

As with the current model, which became a hybrid-only line-up locally in 2024, it’s expected that the
new RAV4 will follow suit – in Australia, at least. The new Camry upgraded to the brand’s latest fifth-generation hybrid when it launched with newer battery tech, a move that we expect the RAV4 to follow. Both front- and all-wheel drive variants will be offered again.

But judging from public comments made by the brand’s local arm, we could also see the plug-in
hybrid RAV4 offered locally for the first time as well. Toyota has offered a powerful 224kW RAV4
PHEV overseas for this generation, but Australia’s slow-until-now PHEV uptake meant that it missed
the boat. Thanks to new emissions regulations and advancements in battery tech for more than
100km of electric driving range, the RAV4 PHEV could be sold locally for the first time.

How much will the new Toyota RAV4 cost?

Of course, pricing and specifications for the new RAV4 are yet to be revealed but given the price
increases with the latest Camry when it launched, we can expect a reasonable increase to the current model’s $42,260 plus on-road costs price, marking a dramatic increase to when the current shape launched here in 2019 priced from just $30,990 +ORC.

Given the likely inclusion of a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, the current model’s top-spec Edge’s $58,360 +ORC asking price is also likely to increase. Could we see the first $70,000+ RAV4 in Australia? Potentially.

When will the new Toyota RAV4 debut?

While Toyota is yet to confirm a debut for the new RAV4, we’re likely to see it for the first time in the
second half of 2025, pointing to an Australian release date sometime in 2026.

Given the continued popularity of the current model and incoming emissions regulations, Toyota
Australia will want to get it here as soon as possible to continue sales momentum and help.

Meanwhile, plenty of excited online car sites are using AI programs to take a stab at what the new RAV4 will look like, including this effort from Youtube site MVP Auto below.

In a bid to reduce emissions and comply with new government-mandated standards, automakers are continuing to embrace a mix of electrification and hybrid technology in their new vehicles.

While electric vehicles (EVs) went through an initial boom period, the lack of charging infrastructure and, in a lot of cases, high purchase price mean sales have softened. They’re also not suited to everybody.

EVs represented just 4.9 per cent of total sales reported to FCAI in March 2025, compared with 9.5 per cent in March 2024. Ahead of the removal of the government’s FBT tax exemption for Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) on April 1, sales rose 380 per cent versus the same period last year as consumers rushed to secure their vehicle.

For many people, hybrids are their way into new car technology: they’re often less expensive to buy and eradicate range anxiety because they aren’t relying on charging.

But what is a hybrid, automotively speaking. In simplest terms it’s combination of both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor to provide propulsion. Both Toyota and Honda were the pioneers of hybrid tech in the 1990s with the original Prius and Insight shocking new car buyers with low fuel use. Now there are more different types of hybrids than ever before and it can be tricky to work our which is best for you. Here’s WhichCar‘s guide to the different types of hybrid cars.

Hybrid

By far the most popular type of hybrid is a regular hybrid, sometimes referred to as a ‘series
parallel’ or ‘self-charging’ hybrid. Of the 108,606 vehicles registered in Australia until the end of
March 2025, almost 17,000 of them were hybrids. That number is a 34.8 per cent increase on
this time in 2024.

While they can never be truly zero emissions vehicles – unlike an EV or PHEV – they can cut your fuel bill significantly and only add up to $5000 to the purchase price of the car.

Combining a petrol engine and an electric motor to provide propulsion and increase fuel efficiency
and performance, hybrid models are expanding thanks to their efficiency. As an example, the Toyota RAV4’s claimed 4.7L/100km combined fuel consumption rating is excellent for a mid-size SUV and thanks to the clever tech, easy to achieve in the real world.

So hybrid buyers benefit from less fuel use, less emissions being pumped into the air and less pain
to their wallet, but they also benefit from not suffering from the range anxiety that EV owners can
be familiar with as they don’t need to be charged. What adds to the battery? Well, it depends on
the manufacturer but generally either regenerative braking or – depending on the environment – the
engine.

The regenerative braking process sees a hybrid vehicle convert the energy created by deceleration into electrical energy which is then used to recharge the battery. The engine can also supply the battery with power while in motion or idling as part of the vehicle’s self-charging capacity.

Once the battery gets full enough, it will then power the electric motor – and depending on the
speed and throttle load, that could be able to power the car by itself. Most hybrids let the electric
motor do the heavy lifting setting off from a start, which is where engines can be at their least
efficient. Once at speed, then the petrol engine kicks in to assist. While it seems like a complicated
process, the fuel efficiency results speak for themselves.

Popular examples: Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Kona, MG ZS Hybrid+, Toyota Camry

Mild hybrid

Mild hybrids (MHEVs), as their name suggests, offer a moderated version of the regular hybrid set-up. Most MHEV systems act like an extended start-stop system and can’t actually power the car alone, but are able to switch the engine off when coasting or braking for added fuel efficiency. This means that their fuel savings are significantly less than a regular hybrid. In addition, however, the jump in price from a regular ICE car up to a mild hybrid is significantly less than the increase to a hybrid. Expect more MHEVs to be offered locally as car makers look to comply further with incoming New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) emissions targets, when every gram of CO2 shaved will help.

Popular examples: Hyundai i30 N Line hatchback, Mazda CX-60, BMW X3

Range-extender hybrid

A range-extender hybrid is a hybrid which uses a combustion engine as a generator to power the electric motor. This set-up has no mechanical link to the wheels, and can be a plug-in hybrid like the BMW i3 REx and Leapmotor C10 REEV. However, Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system can also be considered a range-extender as it uses its engine to power only the electric motor, which then powers the wheels.  

While the Nissan e-Powers aren’t quite as efficient as their Toyota rivals – 6.1L/100km for an X-Trail
versus 4.8L/100km for an AWD RAV4 hybrid – they are smoother to drive because the wheels
aren’t powered by different sources: the electric motor always drives them.

Popular examples: Nissan X-Trail e-Power, BMW i3 REx, Leapmotor C10 REEV

Plug-in hybrid

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are often seen as the best stepping stone to electric vehicle purchasing
thanks to their potential for zero emissions motoring. Using a larger battery than a normal hybrid, a
PHEV will – depending on the battery size – give owners at least 40-50km of electric driving. Newer PHEVs like the Haval H6GT PHEV and incoming Skoda Kodiaq provide over 100km of EV
driving ability.

So while PHEVs do need to be charged from the grid, they also eliminate range anxiety because
once the battery is depleted, the ICE engine kicks in and it runs as a hybrid – albeit less efficiently
because of the battery’s extra weight. In fact, some PHEVs can be less efficient than regular ICE
cars in the real world if they aren’t charged.

Popular examples: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BYD Sealion 6, BMW 330e

Due to launch locally late this year in the new-generation Palisade large SUV, Hyundai has revealed further details about its new hybrid system that will also be incorporated into Genesis and Kia products in the future.

Using either a 1.6-litre or 2.5-litre capacity, the new hybrid system promises improved performance and fuel efficiency from multiple configurations. The new hybrid system features a new dual-clutch transmission with two integrated electric motors: one for starting, energy generation and propulsion, while the other will also handle propulsion and regenerative braking.

Hyundai says the combination of two motors is better than one because it “improves power,
performance, and fuel efficiency while achieving smooth shifting and reduced noise and vibrations
for a more refined driving experience”.

Multiple power outputs will be offered with the new drivetrains, ranging from around 100hp (75kW)
to the mid-300hp range (224kW and upwards) to cater for the whole Hyundai Kia and Genesis
range, from small hatchbacks to luxury sedans.

In the new Palisade, the 2.5-litre drivetrain develops 245kW of power and 460Nm of torque, which
is 19 per cent more powerful and 9 per cent torquier than the non-hybrid 2.5-litre turbo engine. Yet,
according to Hyundai, the hybrid is over 45 per cent more powerful than the petrol-only engine.

The company also showed off a new e-AWD system, which – like Toyota’s equivalent – uses an
electric motor to power the rear axle for greater performance and efficiency.

Which products the new hybrids will be offered in is unknown at this stage, but it’s likely to be the
vast majority of the three companies’ ranges in order to comply with ever-tightening global
emissions standards.

Offering hybrid models will likely fix the biggest issue with current Genesis models: thirst. For
example, a 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 petrol GV70 mid-size SUV’s combined fuel consumption
rating is more than 3L/100km more than the BMW X3 M50, despite the BMW being more powerful
(11.3L/100km versus 8.2L/100km).

Not much else is known about Hyundai’s hybrid expansion, though we’re likely to have more
details soon.

If Toyota’s entry into Supercars was one of the best-kept secrets in the automotive sphere, Ford’s plans to build a plug-in hybrid Ranger was possibly one of the worst.

At the local launch event in July 2022, we asked Ford’s engineers about the possibility of a hybridised version and they were quite happy to share with us that this P703 Ranger platform was built to be electrified.

The previous PX Ranger was on sale for 11 years and with the P703 likely to be in market for almost that long, it was clear that some capacity for electrification was required.

Ford chose the 2024 IAA Transportation Show in Hanover, Germany, to debut the new Ranger PHEV, due on sale here in the middle of 2025. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is set to be offered with Wildtrak, Sport and XLT variants within the Ranger line-up – as well as an all-new Stormtrak launch edition that’s a PHEV exclusive.

The Stormtrak is painted in a new Chill Grey hue and comes equipped with a Flexible Rack System, Matrix LED headlamps, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and a 360-degree camera as standard. It also sports 18-inch alloy wheels, a honeycomb grille, front guard vents, decals, and a B&O stereo.

The PHEV powertrain pairs a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor and 11.8kWh battery which can be charged externally, by the petrol engine in EV Charge mode, or via regenerative braking. The PHEV can be fully charged overnight using a standard household plug, and it has a range of more than 45km in electric-only mode.

A modular hybrid transmission (MHT) – consisting of the e-motor and separator clutch – has been integrated into the driveline between the engine and 10-speed automatic, and it’s this separator clutch that allows the two systems – EV and ICE – to either co-operate or decouple and work individually.

“The MHT is the key ingredient in ensuring Ranger PHEV delivers the capability we know our owners expect from a truck with a Ranger badge, along with enhanced versatility, impressive low-end torque, and an overall faster responding powertrain which means improved performance compared to regular Ranger,” said Rob Sharples, chief engineer of the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid at Ford.

“In high-demand situations, like overtaking, the combined power and torque of the petrol engine and e-motor can be sent to all four wheels,” added Sharples.

The Ranger PHEV features four self-explanatory battery modes: Auto EV, EV Now (provides all-electric drive), EV Later (stores a portion of charge for later use), and EV Charge (recharges the battery while driving). When the battery is nearly depleted, the system automatically reverts to Auto EV mode to optimise fuel efficiency.

In tandem with these EV modes, the Ranger PHEV’s Terrain Management System utilises the following selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Mud/Ruts and Sand. The PHEV also gets the Sport mode from the Ranger Raptor, which enhances throttle response and holds lower gears for longer.

In addition, Ford says its newest Ranger will not lose any of the combustion-powered Ranger’s towing and off-road ability, with its towing capacity remaining at 3500kg. The implementation of Ford’s Advanced 4WD system, a dual-range transfer case, rear differential lock, and selectable drive modes means it will remain proficient off-road.

“The Ranger PHEV delivers all the versatility and capability people expect from a Ranger,” explains Sharples. “It can tackle tough terrain, tow a trailer with ease, be driven in town as an EV or, thanks to Pro Power Onboard, it can be used as a mobile power plant when you’re off grid.”

Pro Power Onboard tech enables owners to power tools, run a fridge at a campsite and keep devices charged while camping. It offers a maximum of 6.9kW, with a total of three power outlets throughout the vehicle – one in the cabin and two in the ute bed.

Unlike most Australian Rangers which are Thai-built, the Ranger PHEV is to be manufactured in Silverton, South Africa.

There’s no word on pricing or even a firm on-sale date as yet, but if Ford can nail the value proposition, the Ranger PHEV has the potential to convert many cynics to the benefits of electrification.

This article originally appeared in Wheels magazine.

Australians got their first glimpse of the IM Presented by MG Motor concept – the brand’s new foray into the luxury end of the market – at the recent Melbourne Motor Show.

One part of an ambitious roll-out of new models this year, the IM5 sedan and IM6 SUV shape as two of the most interesting both because of the tech capabilities of the cars but also the repositioning of MG as merely a ‘budget’ brand in Australia.

A joint venture between Chinese automobile manufacturer SAIC Motor and Chinese technology companies including Alibaba Group, IM stands for ‘Intelligence in Motion’, making vehicles with premium finishes, high performance and innovative technology.  The vehicles are already sold in China, the IM5 known as the IM L6 sedan and the IM6 badged as the IM LS6 SUV.

Both are expected to arrive into Australian dealerships before the end of 2025.

WhichCar recently spoke with Giles Belcher, Chief Operating Office, and Kevin Kou, Product Planning Manager, of MG Motor Australia, about the IM vehicles after their debut in Melbourne.

This is a significant step for MG in Australia – what more can you tell us about the IM cars?

Giles Belcher: They will be the most advanced cars on the Australian market when they launch. I got a chance to drive one for a day about a month ago now and I was just blown away by the technology in that car.

What are the expectations for these IM cars when they launch here – modest? Bullish?

GB: We’ll do our best to educate the dealers and the market about the cars. As always, the market decides whether they’re accepted or not. But we’re confident in coming into it. I’m super bullish because, like I said, they do things that other cars just cannot do. And they do them in a really kind of refined, prestige way as well.

You look back maybe 18 months ago now, the Model Y was doing insane numbers. Has that time gone in the EV market? There’s a lot more different products available now. It’s a lot more dispersed, the volume across different brands but I think the IM is good enough to do something extraordinary.

What sort of technical things are we talking about in terms of what the cars can do?

Kevin Kou: The vehicle may have had these certain elements that you might have seen in other cars in the past, but you need to take in the IM as a whole feature. One of the key foundations is the AI component.

We have what’s called an AI chauffeur or one-touch AID.  And it has four key components that utilizes some of the key technology from the chassis. One of them is auto park – auto parking for parallel parking and 90-degree parking. And what we call one-touch pullout, which is basically when you’re ready to come out of a parking spot, it will allow you to get into the car and it’s ready to be driven off. 

There’s also one-touch reverse. So if you’re going down a narrow alley and get stuck and you cannot get out, with one touch the car will reverse all the way back out and trace exactly the way you drove in, up to 100 metres.

From a platform point of view, there’s also some key technology around what we call the digital chassis. We have what’s called VMC – vehicle motion control, as well as CDC – continuous dampening control. These allow for the car to perform amazing in situations, high speeds, etc. 

The IM5, for example, has the on-road capability of performing a moose test at over 90km/h, a world record.

CDC and VMC is primarily to ensure that the driver and passenger are safe because these cars do have a lot of power – the IM5 does 0 to 100 in 2.74 seconds. These systems make sure that the driver can achieve the driving experience within safe conditions. 

GB: These cars are also nearly 5m long yet they’ve got the turning circle of a Mini Cooper because they do some clever things with the wheels.

KK: The SUV and the sedan have four-wheel steering. This allows it, as Giles says, not to have a turning circle of a 4.9m car.

There are really three key pillars with these cars – technology, performance and also luxury. Inside the vehicle there are beautiful trimmings, rosewood metal, 20 speakers and beautiful soft leather to give you a very luxurious, high-end premium experience.

You can talk to the car and it will respond via those 20 speakers, from activating a playlist to opening a window.

Any details on pricing as yet? Can we expect a value-for-money offering as per other MG vehicles?

GB: We haven’t finalized pricing yet but the sedan and the SUV will be launched at the same time. (Laughs) And always, always value for money.