Car news today: Toyota electric car blitz, new ‘manual’ transmission Lexus RZ, Geely hints at Mitsubishi Outlander rival and more – 12 March 2025
John Law
Road Test Editor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday March 12th 2025. Toyota flips the EV narrative in Europe, Geely confirms new models and after-sales support plans, Nissan marches out CEO, new entry grade to popular Mercedes-Benz model priced, and more.
Toyota’s new 600km driving range electric car bZ4x update
The new C-HR+ is Toyota’s latest electric car with an eye on European expansion. Though it borrows a familiar name rather than ‘bZ4X’ variation, the C-HR+ has nothing to do with the hybrid C-HR, running on different underpinnings and a longer 2750mm wheelbase.
Toyota promises up to 600km of driving range with the larger 77kWh battery pack and 165kW motor optioned. Smaller than the bZ4X, the C-HR+ is a rival for the BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Kona electric, Renault Megane E-tech and new Kia EV3. An Australian arrival is possible, but not confirmed — nor is pricing.
Starting with new styling and fender designs, the Toyota bZ4X gets the overhaul it needed. Gross battery size swells to 74.7kWh while power jumps from 150kW to 165kW in the front-drive model, yet the new motors also make the bZ4X more efficient.
Toyota Australia hasn’t confirmed range improvements for our market but in the UK the front-drive model can travel 572km on the WLTP cycle — a huge improvement from the current 411km. AWD versions also get an extra 92kW, boosting outputs to 252kW and chopping the 0-100km/h sprint to 5.1 seconds. It’ll arrive here in Q4.
New ‘manual’ transmission for Lexus RZ electric car
Lexus has borrowed a few tricks and tips from Hyundai’s N division, implementing eight simulated gear ratios controlled by paddles behind the steering wheel on its new 300kW RZ 550e flagship trim. A steer-by-wire system with a ‘yoke’-style steering wheel is also available.
RZ’s transmission works in combination with newly developed simulated engine noises and promises “a deeper interaction with the car”. It works brilliantly in the 5 N, so we can’t wait to sample Toyota’s efforts.
In addition, the RZ gets a new, bigger battery for up to 500km driving range in slightly lower powered 500e (280kW). The new Lexus RZ will land in Australia later this year.
Geely all-but confirms BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander rival
At a media and dealer event last night, Geely announced it is bringing six new models to Australia over the next three years following its first, the EX5.
Geely stopped short of naming models but did show a sizzle reel of what appeared to be the Starship 7, a plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV that would strike the Australian new-car market’s most popular segment — think household names such as the Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander.
Part of a new generation of Chinese plug-in hybrids like BYD Sealion 6, the Starship 7’s details are impressive: PHEV ‘EM-i’ powertrain with 1.5-litre petrol engine, 19kWh battery pack and 1400km combined driving range; AI-assisted driving technology; and veritable luxury features. Expect Starship 7 pricing to be under $50K, if the $40,990 EX5 is any indication.
Geely is talking a big game in Australia, promising over 100 bricks and mortar dealerships in the country and backing its first car with a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. The Geely group also fully or partially owns Volvo, Lotus, Polestar, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co.
Nissan marches out CEO after merger stalls
Following a failed merger with Honda, embattled Nissan has marched global CEO Makoto Uchida out of the doors to be replaced with the charismatic Ivan Espinosa from 1 April. Espinosa was formerly Nissan’s Vice president, Product Strategy & Planning.
Nissan’s Flagship ‘Crossing’ Dealership in Tokyo, Japan
Talks between Nissan and Honda ended in January 2025 after Nissan was unhappy with the deal, with Honda taking the lead as the more profitable of the two. It’s understood Honda may reconsider the tie-up with a new CEO at Nissan.
Ivan Espinosa will become the fourth different Nissan since Carlos Ghosn — Le Cost Killer — was arrested in 2018 and later escaped to Lebanon. Ghosn has continued to comment on Nissan’s position.
Popular Mercedes-Benz model range expands with new entry grade
Mercedes-Benz has added a new entry grade to its popular GLC range.
The EQC 200 is powered by a 150kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder mild-hybrid and gives a new $95,500 drive-away entry point to the five-seat family SUV range to fight the BMW X3 20 ($86,100, before on-road costs).
The GLC 200 is equipped with adaptive LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, comfort seats with four-way lumbar support and Artico synthetic leather upholstery. A full suite of safety equipment is standard.
Various packs and options are available including the Plus Package ($7600) with Burmester Sound, upgraded Driving Assistance, and augmented reality head-up display; the Sport Package ($6000) with 20-inch alloy wheels, colour-coded wheelarches, and AMG Line exterior design; and the $1300 Night Package that blacks out the exterior trims and wheels.
2025 Jaecoo J7 Track review
No, Chasing Cars contributor Nathan Ponchard didn’t test a family SUV on a racetrack, that’s the trim name of the mid-spec Jaecoo J7 plug-in hybrid SUV, a rival for the BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Impressed by the unique exterior styling, comfy seats, build quality, value for money and decent performance, Ponchard wasn’t ready to hand out a final verdict after the short preview drive.
Questions remain about the inconsistent steering feel, intrusive safety aids, suspension tuning, and why Jaecoo — Chery’s luxury brand — skipped a height-adjustable passenger seat.
