Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Friday April 4th 2025. Notably in car news today: Ford Ranger Super Duty 4×4 unveiled, Audi promises ICE, EV and hybrid power in “all segments.”
Ford Australia has just revealed its latest ute offering with the unveiling of the Ranger Super Duty 4×4 ute.
This is the first time a vehicle outside of the F-Series range has worn the Super Duty badge, so it is a big story for Ford. And it’s a big vehicle, too.
Key facts, Ranger Super Duty has front-and-rear diff locks, 33-inch tyres, raised suspension and can tow 4,500kg. An 130L fuel tank comes standard, as does rated recovery points and GVM rated bashplates.
Chasing Cars staffer, Evan Spence, has been following this story for months now, and is excited to show you around this unique four-wheel drive. You can check out his walkaround video and specs based article below, which cover in greater detail what Ford Australia has created for fleet buyers and hardcore off-roaders. .
Sixth-gen Subaru Forester Hybrid unveiled with over 1000kms of range
Subaru Australia has lifted the sheets of the new sixth-generation Forester mid-size SUV that features a new hybrid powertrain, making its public debut at this week’s Melbourne Motor Show.
Replacing the old critically unloved hybrid powertrain, the new Forester’s so-called “strong hybrid” ‘e-Boxer’ adopts a 2.5-litre petrol four with an 88kW electric motor. The self-charging hybrid system is claimed to offer over 1000 kilometres of range on a single tank of fuel.
The new Forester will be available in seven different variants split between the new e-Boxer hybrid and a more conventional ICE 2.5-litre powertrain. All versions are al-wheel drive.
Both powertrains will be offered in regular, Sport and Touring trim levels, with the petrol line-up adding a Premium grade one-rung above the base variant. The new Forester will be available in showrooms mid-year.
Audi Australia promising ICE, EV and hybrid options “in all segments”
Audi Australia has doubled-down on assertions that it will broaden the powertrain choice across its local model releases in future to cater for changing consumer tastes, on the heels of recent news that Audi AG is revising its global BEV targets and not giving up on newly developed internal combustion (ICE) models.
Director Jeff Mannering reiterated to Chasing Cars at the recent A3/S3 launch that Audi Australia will offer ICE, PHEV and BEV powertrains “in all segments” in future, adopting a more diverse choice more in line with the likes of rivals BMW. However, Mannering did not confirm what powertrains for what future models.
Despite its early EV push against its competitors, Audi’s EV sales have faltered in recent times. In 2024, Audi sold 631 EVs, around four percent of its sales volume for the year, while BMW sold in excess of 7780 units.
Audi is hoping the recent launch of its ‘most attainable’ Q4 SUV, which sits under the LCT threshold, will bolster its EV fortunes, and it’s likely Australia will see PHEV versions of models such as A3, Q3 and Q7 in local showrooms in the near future.
Diesel is dead for the Hyundai Palisade – hybrid only for 2026 model
For the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, there will be no longer a diesel engine option available, despite being a popular seller for the brand.
Hyundai will instead focus on a hybrid-only powertrain for the upcoming Palisade.
The 2026 update will be powered by a 2.5L turbocharged petrol engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic gear box. Two electric motors also propel the front wheels.
Initial specs indicate this 2026 Palisade will sport larger dimensions than the outgoing 2025 vehicle. Starting with a 70mm longer wheel base, 55mm higher, and a length increase of 65mm.
2025 sees some crucial mid-life updates to the Model Y, improving upon the previous generation’s shortcomings.
Tom rated the improved ride quality, efficiency in the real-world and a quieter more premium cabin while still remaining good value for money.
Where he would like to see improvements is the unnecessarily frenetic steering, average grip from the supplied tyres, a lack of a truly affordable entry level model, and average DC charging speeds.
