Car news, 29 May ’25: MG HS ‘Super Hybrid’ priced, Ssanyong axed in Australia
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Thursday, May 29th 2025. Notably in car news today: MG HS ‘Super Hybrid’ pricing and specs, Ssanyong name put to pasture in Australia, and more.
Price and specs revealed for upcoming MG plug-in SUV
MG Australia has announced pricing and specs for its highly anticipated HS plug-in hybrid. The MG HS ‘super hybrid’ will officially launch later this year in September.
The MG HS Super Hybrid will launch with two trim variants: the Excite from $52,990 driveaway and the Essence from $55,990 driveaway; a $17,000 premium over the outgoing combustion-only MG HS Vibe ($35,888 drive-away until May 31 2025).
The ‘super hybrid’ powertrain combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor and 24.7kWh LFP battery. It exclusively sends power to the front wheels, with a combined output of 220kW/350Nm.
MG claims the system achieves a combined fuel economy of approximately 5.0L/100km and combined range of 1000km. EV-only driving can be accomplished at speeds of 80km/h or lower, with an EV-only range of 120km (WLTP).
Ssangyong name takes a bow in Australian rebranding
KGM Ssangyong has decided to change its name (and image) in Australia, after a mediocre stillwater attempt in local markets, which began in 1997.
From the first of June, KGM Ssangyong will become KGM Australia. The rebrand will be headlined by an all-new model, the KGM Actyon – a midsize SUV starting at $47,000 for the base K50 variant.
The Actyon is powered by a 120kW/280Nm1.5-litre turbo-petrol, mated to a six-speed conventional auto. Key features include 20-inch wheels, dual 12.3-inch driver and infotainment displays, heated, cooled, and power adjustable front seats, and a wealth of driver assistance and safety features.
A range-topping Actyon K60 is priced at $50,000 drive-away and gains a 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, and a wireless phone charger.
Face-lifted Kia Sportage price and specs revealed
Kia Australia has detailed and priced its MY26 updates for the Sportage. The update brings new AWD hybrid variants, petrol drivetrain updates, and revised exterior and interior styling.
Headlining the model update are two new AWD hybrid variants – a $49,450 (RRP) hybrid all-wheel drive SX, and range-topping $60,370 (RRP) hybrid all-wheel-drive GT-Line. Both versions utilise a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and six-speed automatic.
Additionally for powertrains, all turbo petrol and diesel powertrains will now use an eight-speed conventional automatic, which replaces the outgoing dual-clutch seven-speed previously fitted to the 1.6T versions.
The new Sportage features a refreshed front end, new headlights and grille, and a revised ear bumper. Inside, the Sportage gains a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, two-spoke steering wheel, plus various feature upgrades.
Alpine returns to Oz! Renault subdivision re-launches with crossover EV
Renault’s premium sub-division Alpine is giving the Australian market another shot. Alpine’s last attempt, which began in 2018, lasted four years before fizzling out in 2022.
Spearheading Alpine’s return to Australia is a new flagship – the Alpine A390 crossover SUV. It features three electric motors, and delivers a total output of 345kW/808Nm in the range topping GTS trim, or 295kW/650Nm in the base GT guise.
The all-electric A390 uses an 89kWh lithium-ion battery, producing a combined range between 520-555km (WLTP, subject to wheel size). Peak DC charging is 190kW, which is expected to deliver a rapid 15-80 percent change in 25 minutes.
Key rivals to the Alpine A390 include the $128,400 (list) Porsche Macan EV, $91,000 (list) BMW iX3, and $99,900 (list) Audi Q6 E-tron. Alpine has not yet revealed official pricing for either model variant.
New Hyundai Australia chief to reshape local strategy
New Hyundai Australia chief executive Don Romano has issued stark warnings about the viability of upstart brands flooding the market, calling them “a big risk” to buyers and likening the moment to the early-1900s US auto boom, when many nameplates vanished. Hyundai, Romano says, offers certainty: “we’re going to be there.”
Romano ruled out chasing low prices, instead backing Hyundai’s reputation for reliability, strong dealer support and parts availability—insisting these attributes justify Australians paying more for Hyundai’s cars than Chinese rivals.
Hyundai is currently well-positioned under Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) laws, thanks to its strong hybrid and EV range, whileToyota and Mazda are “in trouble” under the new emissions caps, Romano said, offering an opportunity for Hyundai to seize market share.
With no ute dragging up its CO2 emissions average, Hyundai may avoid NVES fines this year. But Romano confirmed a dual-cab is coming — but he wants it to be a hybrid or PHEV to preserve the brand’s low-CO2 position.
Hyundai’s sales have fallen 25 percent over the past decade. Romano has a brief from global Hyundai president Jose Munoz to reverse the slide, not by returning to heavy discounting or fleet deals, but by investing in brand strength and smart growth in a market now overwhelmed by more than 70 competing brands.
Chasing Cars four-wheel drive road tester Evan Spence’s assessment of the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV was published, including tests of its real-world EV only driving range, and a comprehensive off-roading analysis.
Spence praised the Cannon Alpha for its five-link coil-sprung rear end, and impressive off-road ability, particularly in the range topper, which adds front and rear diff locks.
On-road, Spence felt the plug-in Cannon Alpha was out of its comfort zone. Its unpredictable throttle response and light steering gave the PHEV ute an unfinished feeling.
The Cannon Alpha PHEV seriously contends with the widely acclaimedShark 6, surpassing its ability when drivers run out of tarmac. At $62,990 driveaway, the Cannon Alpha could be the crown king of PHEV 4×4 utes in Oz. We will have to wait for the Ford Ranger PHEV to release to know for sure.
