Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday 30 October 2024. Notably in car news today: the Kia Tasman Pickup has been revealed globally, and Hyundai has released teaser images of the all-electric Ioniq 9.
Kia Tasman Pickup revealed – official details announced for 2025
Kia says its new Tasman ute has been designed to push the boundaries of what’s possible from a pickup – and is inviting customers to ‘Dive into a New Dimension’.
The Kia Tasman was officially unveiled for the first time globally at a launch held in Tasmania yesterday. The vehicle is expected to land in Korean dealerships early 2025, with the Australian market to follow shortly thereafter.
Australian audiences have shared mixed views on the polarising aesthetics of the all-new design, being a completely new vehicle (and segment) for Kia. Will this new look pass the pub test?
The ute is available in double-cab form in Baseline entry spec, mid-grade X-Line trim on 18-inch wheels, or flagship off-road-ready X-Pro trim that sits 28mm higher. The Australian market misses out on a 2.5L petrol engine, the only local offering at this stage being a 154kW and 441Nm2.2L turbo-diesel engine.
Hyundai has previewed the Ioniq 9 electric, three-row large SUV ahead of its world premier in November.
Sitting on the brand’s E-GMP platform, the newest ‘number’ in the electric Ioniq lineup is expected to pack a vast amount of interior space, similar to that of the EV9 from sister brand Kia currently on sale locally.
The teaser images hint at a continuation of the Ioniq 5’s retro pixel style headlights, with flush door handles and big wheels to increase driving range
Chasing Cars will be among some of the first reviewers to drive the Ioniq 9 globally, so stay tuned for more information and our official review.
Ford CEO says Ranger-style midsize EV ute will be gaming-changing
Ford’s CEO Jim Farley has talked up its new midsize fully-electric pickup which is due to arrive in North America in 2027.
While it’s dubbed the Ranger EV by pundits, it’s not yet clear what relationship it has to the diesel/petrol/phev ute model in Australia, with the newcomer said to be built on an all-new dedicated electric platform.
Farley said the new model will be built in Mexico with a cost structure that will match the influx of competing Chinese rivals.
It’s unclear if this new model will come to Australia, with Ford Australia taking its first step towards electrification when the Ranger PHEV goes on sale in 2025.
Cadillac Lyriq-V confirmed, coming to Australia
Cadillac has announced its Lyriq SUV will be its first electric vehicle to be adorned with the high-performance V badge.
Few details are confirmed as of yet but the Lyriq-V will be coming to Australia in 2026 to complement the rest of the Lyriq range.
Outputs are unconfirmed but all-wheel-drive is locked in. GM Authority reports it could feature up to 410kW of power and 880Nm of torque
In a teaser video released online, other upgrades such as Brembo brakes and more aggressive styling hint at its performance potential
2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid long termer reviewed
Part one of Chasing Cars journalist Zak Adkin’s two-part verdict of the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid was published.
Adkins delved into the interior where he praised the cabin space and luxury fit and finish of the tech-heavy cabin.
However, he took issue with the excessive gloss black plastic used in the cabin and the high price attached to the hybrid models.
More findings are set to come soon in the second and final video episode, but Zak was impressed overall with what the Sportage Hybrid has had to offer over 8000kms of testing.
