Car news today: Tradies rejoice! More Tritons are coming, Ford’s 100 years in Australia, and more – 02 April 2025
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday, second of April 2025. Notably in car news today: Tradies rejoice! More Tritons are coming, Ford’s 100 years in Australia.
A Triton for every occasion: Cheaper Triton variants coming
Mitsubishi Australia has unveiled two new trade-oriented variants of the Triton, with an expected release in Q3 2025. A new single cab Triton will be sold exclusively as a cab-chassis, whereas the club cab and current dual cab will be offered with either a tub-tray or cab-chassis.
Targeting the fleet and trade market, the $34,490(RRP) 2WD GLX single cab chassis Triton will look to take on rivals such as the $36,880(RRP) 2WD XL Ford Ranger and $32,990 (drive-away) 2WD SX Isuzu D-max.
Mitsubishi will continue to offer one engine option: a 2.4-litre four cylinder twin-turbo diesel producing 150kW / 470Nm and coupled to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Currently, Mitsubishi will only sell the dual cab ‘pick-up’ or single cab-chassis Triton in a more affordable 2WD package. The club cab, which promises extra cabin room in a two-seat layout, is only available as a 4WD.
Ford Australia is commemorating 100 years in Australia. First launching in 1925 with an Australian-built Model T, Ford Australia has grown to be one of the nation’s top selling brands, spearheaded by the popularity of the Ranger ute in more recent times.
Official celebrations for Ford Australia’s 100 year anniversary will begin on the 4th of April, with an exclusive “History in the Making” event in Melbourne. Ford will proceed to get involved with the annual ‘All Ford Day’ held in Geelong on April 6th.
Ford Australia was founded in Geelong, Victoria, and a strong connection to the area has remained since. It is home to Ford’s research and development centre and You Yangs vehicle proving grounds.
Ford Australia has also announced a celebration of history to be explored digitally. The Ford Heritage Vault website is available for public viewing and contains over 19,000 articles, including brochures, images, press releases and concept art.
Alfa Romeo has confirmed it will bring the Junior to Australia in Q3 2025. The Junior will be offered with only one trim level and two different powertrains: the “Ibrida” (48V hybrid) and “Elettrica” (full-electric).
Whilst the price of the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida has not yet been confirmed, expect it to be in the realm of $50,000. This rivals similar budget-luxury compact hybrids, including the $47,550(List) Lexus LBX Luxury and $42,490 Peugeot 2008 Allure.
The Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica will likely cost around $60,000, and once again finds rivals in the budget-luxury compact EV space, including the $54,990(MSRP) Renault Megane E-tech and $59,990 Cupra Born.
A 1.2-litre three cylinder turbo petrol engine and gearbox-mounted electric motor propel the 48V hybrid Alfa Romeo Ibrida, producing 100kW / 230Nm. The full EV Elettrica features a 54kWh battery and single electric motor, producing 115kW/260Nm and capable of travelling a claimed 407km (WLTP).
Mazda’s new Chinese-manufactured SUV
Mazda has teased a new all-electric SUV shortly after releasing the EZ-6. The teaser went live on Chinese social media platform Weibo, and features a distinct SUV silhouette appearing in a faux digital wind tunnel.
Much like the Chinese manufactured Mazda EZ-6, Mazda’s new EV SUV will share many common features with a Deepal sister car – likely the Deepal S07, which went on sale in Australia last year for $53,900(MSRP).
The new electric SUV has not yet been officially named, but heavily resembles the Mazda Arata concept car. Based on a 2024 Chinese trademark, it’s likely the new model will be dubbed ‘EZ-60’.
A global release date, pricing, specification or even model name has not yet been confirmed by Mazda for the upcoming full-electric SUV. If the vehicle were to come to Australia, it would likely launch in 2026 or 2027.
2025 Skoda Octavia RS Facelift Review
Chasing Cars road test editor John Law’s first Australian drive of the 2025 Skoda Octavia RS was published, and praises Skoda for improving an already good vehicle, but questions where the Octavia RS might place in an already bloated VAG lineup.
Law applauded the handling capability of the Octavia RS as well as the performance of the 2.0-Litre four cylinder turbo petrol engine, which now produces 195kW/370Nm.
The Octavia RS had few flaws, but Law drew primarily from the bumpy ride over repeated bumps, and somewhat intrusive road noise present in the cabin.
Priced at $62,990 drive-away for the sedan and $64,490 for the wagon, the Skoda Octavia RS is a well priced, do-all sporty car. Optioned as a wagon, it’s hard to look past for luxurious, yet value-for-money seeking families or those who crave a large boot and an enjoyable driving experience.
