Car news, 21 March ’25: Toyota RAV4-rivalling Haval H6 hybrid launch approaches, cheaper Tesla Model Y pricing
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Friday March 21st, 2025. Notably in car news today: Facelifted Haval H6 launching imminently, Tesla confirms pricing for new Model Y, and more.
GWM has confirmed the launch date of the facelifted Haval H6 at a recent press event. The Haval H6 is scheduled to launch in Q2, between April and June 2025.
The current Haval H6 hit the market at $32,790 before on-road costs in April, 2021. Now, the new facelifted H6 offers revised front and rear bumpers, a bump in power, and an overhauled interior.
GWM sold over 42,000 vehicles last year, with the H6 placing as the company’s second most-popular model with 8973 sales plus a further 3443 H6 GT ‘coupe’ variants.
With an updated hybrid powertrain and new plug-in hybrid offering, the facelifted Haval H6 will shake up the mid-size SUV segment including the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5,and MG HS.
Tesla Australia has released pricing for the new 2025 Model Y, with fresh variants joining the range. The new Model Y will be on the showroom floor by mid-May in Launch Series guise from $63,400 before on-road costs.
Two core variants of the Model Y, the Model Y RWD ($58,900) and Model Y Long Range AWD ($68,900) will arrive in June, priced $4500 less than limited Launch Series counterparts.
While the base Model Y RWD has increased in price by $3000 over its predecessor, the range topping Model Y Long Range AWD has received a $1000 reduction.
In an exclusive interview with Chasing Cars, Tesla confirmed all model pricing will be more consistent as the company shifts focus away from ‘The Price Wars’. Key rivals for the Tesla Model Y include the XPeng G6, Kia EV5 Air, and BYD Sealion 7.
Zeekr has officially opened its doors to the Australian public with a new dealership in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Inside the facility is the first public appearance of the 7X mid-size SUVand Mix people mover.
Both the Zeekr 7X and Mix are built with Zeekr’s premium 800-volt electrical architecture. The 7X is coming to Australia this year though the Mix is unconfirmed, though presence at a new dealership launch has led to speculation.
In overseas markets, the 7X is offered in three variants: Core RWD, Long Range RWD, and Privilege AWD, with offerings of 75kWh and 100kWh batteries. The Zeekr MIX is only offered in RWD configuration, with a choice between a 76kWh or 102kWh battery.
BYD has unveiled plans for a new 580kW electric motor capable of spinning up to 30,511rpm. This will become one of the highest output mass-produced units on the market to date, triumphing over rival Xiaomi’s 27,200rpm misleadingly-named HyperEngine V8s.
The Chinese carmaker has revealed the Han L and Tang L sedan and SUV will be the first models to use the new motor, a seemingly unusual choice for mid-range family cars.
At this stage, it is unlikely the Australian market will see BYD’s groundbreaking 30,511rpm motor in the near future.
Hyundai Tucson Elite N Line Hybrid Review
Chasing Cars deputy editor Curt Dupriez’s long-term loan of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Elite N Line Hybrid came to an end after six months and 10,000km.
Dupriez was enamoured with the wide variety of well-rounded powerplant options available for the Tucson, and spoke highly of the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDiHybrid system under his long-termer’s bonnet.
There’s no doubt the Hyundai Tucson’s biggest rival is the ever-popular Toyota RAV4. Dupriez was quick to surmise which car should win the hearts (and wallets) of the Australian public.
A well-rounded, efficient, and competitively priced mid-size SUV, the Hyundai Tucson Elite N Line Hybrid should surely be a shortlisted contender for any buyer seeking value-for-money — particularly if they have a young family.
