Car news, 03 April ’25: Ranger Raptor-rivalling Kia Tasman concept, new Chinese PHEV

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Thanks for joining us this Monday March 31st 2025. South Korean carmakers go big in Seoul, new Chinese PHEV edges closer, Audi’s RSQ8 priced, and more. 

Browse this issue:

• Raptor-rivalling Tasman, new Nexo and Ioniq 6: Seoul Motorshow highlights
• New Chinese flagship SUV closer to Oz: Meet the Omoda 9
• Audi hangs onto the V8 with new RS Q8 priced for Oz
• Australia’s favourite cars revealed
• Reviewed: Kia EV3

Raptor-rivalling Tasman, new Nexo and Ioniq 6: Seoul Motorshow highlights

• Found Tom Baker is in Seoul, South Korea, where domestic carmakers Hyundai and Kia are beating their chests by showing off eye catching new models. 

• Most important for Australia is the new Tasman Weekender concept; a peek into both how Kia might develop a Ford Ranger Raptor (or at least Tremor and Navara Warrior rival) and potential mid-life facelift for its new ute.

• The other big news is Hyundai’s commitment to hydrogen-powered vehicles. A gen-two Nexo SUV was revealed in full at Seoul channeling Pontiac Aztec vibes.

• Finally, Hyundai revealed a facelift for the Ioniq 6 electric sedan — a firm Chasing Cars favourite — that fixes its awkward double spoiler. A sportier N Line trim was revealed, too. When do we see the full-fat N?

@chasingcarsaustralia

Kia Tasman fixed!? Design changes are previewed by the new Tasman Weekender concept revealed today. What do you think of the wider track, body coloured fenders, and headlight protection? #kia #kiatasman #ute #pickup #cars

♬ original sound – Chasing Cars | Car Reviews

New Chinese flagship SUV closer to Oz: Meet the Omoda 9

• Chinese carmaker Chery’s new flagship SUV for its Omoda brand will go on-sale in the UK next month with an Australian arrival likely — although unconfirmed — after it appeared in local approval documents in May 2024. 

• The UK version is earmarked as a cheaper alternative to the BMW X3 and Lexus NX with PHEV version offering 150km of electric-only range (WLTP) from a 34.4kWh battery.

• At 4772mm long, the Omoda 9 is plenty larger than the Chery Omoda 5 yet its premium intentions would seem confused with Jaecoo, Chery’s other ‘premium’ sub-brand. 

• Chery, the parent company, is remaining tight-lipped on Omoda 9 arrival for Australia, noting that the range is undergoing a restructure as each sub-brand looks to become more defined. 

Audi hangs onto the V8 with new RS Q8 priced for Oz

• Audi’s biggest and baddest model keeps V8 power as RS Q8 coupe SUV is priced for Australia.
  
• With a redesigned exterior and more technology inside, the RS Q8 has also had a heart upgrade, gaining an extra 30kW from its 4.0L twin-turbo V8 petrol. That brings the RS Q8’s total power and torque outputs to 471kW and 850Nm.

• As Audi’s SUV flagship the RSQ8 rivals the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63, along with VW-Group relations such as the Lamborghini Urus. 

• When the RSQ8 was last on sale it cost $228,300, before on-road costs. The upgraded 2025 model takes a few strides upmarket with a new scary-high sticker price of $255,800. And that’s before you go mad with options. 

Australia’s favourite cars revealed

• New vehicle sales figures reveal last month was the biggest March on record when combining data from the FCAI and EV Council. Total sales were 11
  
• The stats gesture towards a resilient market, however changes in government incentives muddy the waters somewhat. 

• March was the last full month of FBT exemptions on plug-in hybrids, seeing PHEV versions of the Mitsubishi Outlander and BYD Shark 6 ute have bumper sales — expect that to calm come April.

• At the top of the list was the Ford Ranger ute, followed by the Toyota RAV4 SUV and then Toyota Hilux ute. Electric vehicle sales were down but not catastrophically.
  

READ: Ford Ranger topples Toyota RAV4 in record-setting March: Australia’s new-car sales results revealed

Reviewed: 2025 Kia EV3

• Deputy Editor Curt Dupriez headed to Northern NSW to sample Kia’s new electric tiddler, the EV3.

• Dupriez praised the EV3’s striking design, impressive entry price, refinement, build quality and a malleable, approachable chassis set-up.

@chasingcarsaustralia

Do you care where you car is made? #kia #kiaev3 #korea @Kia Australia

♬ original sound – Chasing Cars | Car Reviews

• Not so good was only being available with a single-motor powertrain, stiff seats in the Air, and the sizeable price jump to get the range-topping GT-Line. 

• Sweet spot is the EV3 Air Standard Range with its impressive $48,990 driveaway price, and small wheels that equate to a good ride. 

READ: Kia EV3 2025 review

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Friday 4th of April at 4.30pm Sydney time.