Car news today: Ranger Raptor-rivalling Kia Tasman concept, new Chinese PHEV and more – 3 April 2025
John Law
Road Test Editor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
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.
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 TasmanWeekender 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.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N-Line
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?
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
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.
2025 Chery Omoda 9
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.
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.
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
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.
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.
