Car news, 17 February ’25: Renault confirms rugged Duster for Australia, Nissan Qashqai facelifted, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Monday, February 17th 2025. Notably in car news today: Renault bringing Dacia-branded Duster SUV Down Under, Nissan reveals a new trim level of Qashqai, and more. 

Browse this issue:

• Renault confirm Duster for the Australian market
• Nissan Qashqai facelift arrives with N-Design flagship
• Kia’s new EV4 electric sedan and hatchback revealed
• Reviewed: 2025 BYD Sealion 7 

Renault Duster confirmed for Australia 

• Renault Australia has announced its plan to bring the long-awaited compact budget SUV, the Duster, to the Australian market in the second half of 2025.

• The Duster will provide Australian buyers a new choice in the competitive small SUV market, an option claimed to offer strong off-road capability for a soft roader.

• The Duster will rival similar vehicles including the Subaru Crosstrek, MG ZS, and Toyota Corolla Cross.

• The Duster will be offered in both 4×2 and 4×4 variants, with a 1.3-litre petrol powerplant or 1.2-litre/48-volt mild-hybrid powerplant respectively. 

READ: Link to extended coverage 

Nissan Qashqai facelift arrives with N-Design flagship

• The facelifted Nissan Qashqai has finally arrived in Australia, wearing a new design across the range and with the new N-Design flagship at the top of the range.
  
• Nissan has focused on increasing the use of premium materials inside the cabin, including on the entry-level ST grade.

• Pricing starts at $34,665 before on-road costs, though there’s an introductory price of $32,665 that will apply until April 30th.
  
• The range topping N-Design grade is available only with the brand’s E-Power system and features upgrades like rear LED lights, 20-inch wheels and other unique exterior touches.
  

Kia’s new EV4 sedan and hatchback revealed

• Kia has unveiled the electric EV4 in both hatchback and sedan forms, showcasing what will become the brand’s Tesla Model 3 rival when it goes on sale.
  
• The brand is keen to emphasise the model’s design with the striking exterior shared with the likes of the EV9 large SUV, while the GT-Line features unique 19-inch wheels.

• The EV4 is expected to make its world premiere later this month and will likely go on sale in Australia next year.
  
• Kia will likely hope to offer the EV4 as a fully electric alternative to the K4, which itself recently replaced the Cerato that sold in strong numbers here in Australia. 

BYD Sealion 7 Performance reviewed

• Chasing Cars contributor Nathan Ponchard published our first Australian drive of the BYD Sealion 7, the brand’s first fully electric midsize SUV.
  
• Ponch came away impressed with the raw driving performance of the Sealion 7 which matched well its spacious rear legroom for family duties.

• However, the ride quality left much to be desired and clumsy safety assistance tuning wasn’t well suited for Australian buyers.

• While our first test was limited, Ponch was impressed with the Sealion 7, which will likely be a strong seller for BYD in Australia.
  

READ: Link to written review

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Tuesday 18th February at 4.30pm Sydney time.