Car news, 24 March ’25: The new Mitsubishi hybrid that snubs Australia, LandCruiser 300 update, 2025 MG ZS pricing
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Thanks for joining us this Monday 24th March 2025. Notably in car news today: Revealed Mitsubishi Xforce showcases what a new-generation ASX could have been, Toyota’s big 4WD gets another update, and more.
New Mitsubishi Xforce hybrid revealed but skips Australia
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has unveiled a hybrid version of its Xforce compact SUV, the model that could have been a petrol-electric new-genASX. Its first public appearance is scheduled to take place this week at the Bangkok International Motor Show.
The Xforce Hybrid could have breathed new life into the iconic ASX nameplate in Australia, however, complications with Australian Safety regulations has resulted in Mitsubishi Australia opting for a rebadged Renault Captur instead.
The Mitsubishi Xforce is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid system outputting 85kW combined. The system delivers power to the front wheels via a two-speed transaxle, which results in a combined consumption claim of around 4.1L/100km (NEDC).
2025 MG ZS petrol and hybrid line-up kicks off cheap
Australia’s most popular small SUV, the MG ZS, looks to remain dominant in the segment for 2025, with drive-away prices starting from $26,990.
The MG ZS range has recently expanded to include petrol-only powerplants. Upon its launch last year, the MG ZS was only available as a hybrid. Buyers can now choose between a petrol range-topping Essence Turbo, or hybrid base Essence variant, both priced at $32,990 drive-away.
The biggest variance between the petrol-only and hybrid variants of the MG ZS is fuel consumption. The base model Excite uses 6.7L/100km, whereas its hybrid counterpart uses a more sparing 4.7L/100km. Buyers will need to decide if the $6000 difference is justified in fuel savings, though the Hybrid+ does deliver extra performance as well.
Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series gets minor mid-life update
TheToyota LandCruiser 300 Series has received a minor update in Japan and an Australian arrival of the tech-bumped full-size 4WD is imminent.
There are no changes to the sheetmetal but inside is Toyota’s latest multimedia software. Screens change from an 8.0-inch touch and 4.2-inch TFT to 7.0 inches across the board for the GX and GXL, though physical shortcut buttons disappear.
All grades from VX retain the 12.3-inch screen and all variants now have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with navigation and over-the-air updates.
There are no changes to the grade structure or 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6, which still outputs 227kW and 700Nm. The updated LandCruiser 300 Series will hit Australian shores in Q2 2025.
Smart range to grow in more ways than one
Turns out the brand synonymous with tiny cars, Smart, was never meant to just be about little motors – at least that’s what CEO Smart Europe Dirk Adelmann told UK magazine CAR.
‘We’ve never defined Smart as small,’ Adelmann said, in an attempt to silence critics of the brand’s rebirth as an electric-first joint venture with Chinese auto-giant Geelyand Mercedes-Benz.
Adelmann points to the 2004 ForMore Concept as to why Smart has shown off the new #5 mid-size SUV with its off-road addenda and roof tent.
Expect even larger Smart models in the future, he says. The #1 SUV and its #3 cousin are already on sale in Australia, with the #5 due to land here in the second half of the year.
Reviewed: 2025 Lexus NX 350h AWD
Chasing Cars Production Specialist Thomas Place’s assessment of the 2025 Lexus NX 350h was published, including its success as a premium sister car to the Toyota Rav-4, and high-quality interior.
Place was quick to dub the NX 350h interior as his “favourite part about the car”, praising the overall build quality, comfort, and driver ergonomics.
Place was burdened with constant central locking issues during his tenure with the Lexus NX 350h, particularly, its’ wrongful detection of the car keys being inside the vehicle, even when they weren’t.
As a well-equipped and competitively priced premium mid-size SUV, the NX 350h is a good choice for buyers considering a BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC or Audi Q5.
