Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Friday, January 17th 2025. Notably in car news today: Current model Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, ASX and Eclipse Cross to end production, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid released internationally, and more.
This step has been taken to align with updated Australian Design Rules coming into play from March 1, 2025. Car-to-car autonomous braking will be mandatory for any vehicle sold in Australia from that date.
“Given the position of ASX, Eclipse Cross and Pajero Sport in their current life cycles, investment towards the re-engineering of these vehicles to incorporate the new ADRs was not commercially feasible,” said CEO Shaun Westcott.
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid released internationally
Subaru confirmed overnight the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid will be released in the U.S. market from September 2025.
The updated Crosstrek Hybrid is expected to make its way to Australia in the coming years, with the updated system also expected to join the Forester and Outback lineups long term
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid due in 2025
Pricing is yet to be announced, however in non-hybrid guise, for reference, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek retails from $27,230 USD. This translates to $43, 852 Australian dollaridoos, and it will naturally be more expensive again for the hybrid.
For 2026 models, Subaru has ditched their CVT, opting instead for a Toyota derived planetary gear hybrid system instead.
A 2.5L flat four-cylinder engine has been utilised, producing 162hp. There will be no charge port to charge the floor mounted 1.1kwh battery pack, with this motor acting as a generator also.
Renault Captur set to return to Australian market
Renault has today confirmed the Captur is returning to the Australian market. This is after a gap in sales due to a transition into the next generation.
The vehicle is expected to arrive here towards the second half of the year.
Renault Captur is coming back to Australia.
Pricing is not yet known, however it will be announced before the vehicle arrives in local showrooms.
“The MY25 Renault Captur is just one of a number of new and updated Renault models around the corner for Renault Australia and we will have more to share on those soon,” said Renault General Manager, Glen Sealey.
Polestar 7 affordable small SUV confirmed 2025
Polestar announced its business strategy for 2025, with targets set firmly towards profitability.
The company saw a 5.3% increase in global retail sales in Q4 2024, as well as a 37.2% increase in orders compared to Q4 2023.
Polestar 7 announced as a premium compact SUV that will be produced in Europe. This will be aimed towards the Chinese, South Korean and American markets.
The smallest Polestar model has been confirmed.
No images have yet been released of the new model though it’s likely to be smaller than the Polestar 2 liftback.
Expansion into retail dealerships is also part of this plan, with a claimed 75% increase of locations scheduled over the next two years.
Hyundai offers deposit contribution on Kona and Ioniq 6
Hyundai has just announced pricing structures for Ioniq 6 and Kona models, following relatively slow sales in 2024.
Huge discounts are being offered in the form of deposit contributions. The offer is valid till the 31st of March 2025, with 371 units up for grabs.
Bargains could be had, with Hyundai offering big deposit contributions on select models.
There’s a $15,000 deposit contribution on Ioniq 6 Dynamiq and Techniq, and a $20,000 deposit contribution on Ioniq 6 Epiq. All Kona electric models receive a $5000 deposit contribution.
Hyundai is also offering the choice of a home charger (Autel Maxicharger Type 2, 22kW) or an Evie charging voucher – both have a stated value of $1500 to further sweeten the deal.
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Monday 20th January at 4.30pm Sydney time.
