Car news, 26 March ’25: Toyota vs Lexus in-house 4WD battle, Peugeot revives sacred GTi nameplate, and more
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday 26th 2025. Notably in car news today: Toyota takes on Lexus in battle for 4WD supremacy, Peugeot’s new GTi gets electric.
Toyota Prado Kakadu takes on Lexus GX550 in 4WD battle
Chasing Cars has published a comprehensive, in depth answer to the question on every 4WD driver’s lips, ‘Which is better: Prado or Lexus GX?’
Contributor Iain Curry expertly outlined each vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses. One of the biggest points of contention is price: Prado Kakadu starts at $99,990(MSRP), whilst Lexus GX sibling starts at $116,000.
Left: 2025 Lexus GX550 Overtrail Right: 2025 Toyota Prado Kakadu
Both are built on the same Toyota ladder-frame platform, but use vastly different powerplants. The Kakadu a 150kW 2.8L turbo-diesel and eight-speed automatic, whereas the GX uses a 260kW / 650Nm 3.5L turbo-petrol V6 and 10 speed automatic.
The Toyota Prado and its variants have long been established as Australia’s top choice for large 4WD off-roading. Curry stipulates that despite a premium feel and bump in power over the Prado, the Lexus GX can’t quite topple the longstanding king.
Peugeot to bring back iconic GTi nameplate… on an EV
Peugeot has confirmed the sacred GTi badge will return. And, quite unexpectedly, its first appearance will be on an EV hot-hatch.
The Peugeot e-208 has been put forward to don the GTi badge, presumably with more power, vibrant colours, and most importantly for any GTi, uncompromised, direct handling.
Current model Peugeot e-208
It is likely the e-208 GTi driveline will be taken directly from Abarth 600e, built on the same e-CMP platform as the e-208 and boasting a 177kW front mounted electric motor, Torsen limited-slip differential, and a 0-100km/h around 6.0 seconds.
It is not yet confirmed when the Peugeot e-208 GTi will be released globally, let alone for the Australian market. An Autocar interview with new Peugeot CEO Alain Favey revealed that Peugeot will “reintroduce the GTi (badge) on the e-208 as soon as possible”.
Volkswagen release T-Roc R Wolfsburg edition
Volkswagen has released a new Wolfsburg variant of the current generation T-Roc R, marking the first time in the company’s history that a T-Roc will receive the Wolfsburg treatment.
The Volkswagen T-Roc R Wolfsburg is priced from $69,290 (before on-road costs). Maximum output will remain at 221kW / 400Nm — the same offering from the standard T-Roc R.
The main changes to the Wolfsburg T-Roc include an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, 19-inch Pretoria alloy wheels, and carbonfibre-look C-pillars, as well as a $4300 price increase over the standard T-Roc R. Only 200 T-Roc R Wolfsburgs will come to Australia.
The Wolfsburg trim of the current T-Roc is the beginnings of the car’s run-out, as a new generation T-Roc is expected to be unveiled in the coming months.
Hyundai teases new gaming-inspired vehicle dubbed ‘Insteroid’
Hyundai has teased a new concept car, known as the ‘Insteroid’. The one-of-a-kind build is based on the Hyundai Inster, an electric compact SUV which was expected in Australia in February of this year.
Hyundai claims the ‘Insteroid’ nameplate is a combination of Inster and steroid to “reflect the funky, youthful and muscular nature of the show car”. It is unlikely the Insteroid will ever be put into production — at least in this form.
The Insteroid concept vehicle features additional air intakes in the wheel-arches, 21-inch wheels, video-game inspired LED headlights, and a pronounced rear spoiler over the standard model Inster.
The Insteroid will be the star of Hyundai’s stand at the Seol Mobility Show in April, which is occurring at the same time as the Melbourne Motor Show.
2025 Skoda Enyaq RS reviewed
Chasing Cars journalist Tom Baker’s review of the 2025 Skoda Enyaq RS was published to YouTube, and includes praise for the Enyaq’s sporty vibes.
Baker was impressed by the Enyaq RS’s ability to deliver excellent handling without compromising ride quality. He noted that with 250kW and all-wheel drive, the RS is sporty but approachable.
Two points of contention with the Enyaq RS include the lack of internet connectivity offered by the infotainment system (a feature prevalent in many rivals), and the lack of an EV-defining frunk.
The RS is nice, but the entry level Enyaq RWD’s price is more family friendly. A heavy facelift of Skoda’s first EV is due in Australia later this year.
