Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday, April 16th 2025. Notably in car news today: Ford announces new all-wheel drive Transit Custom Trail van, Hyundai Inster electric light SUV confirmed
Ford announces new all-wheel-drive Transit Custom Trail van
Ford Australia has today revealed they will be expanding their van range with the introduction of the new all-wheel-drive Transit Custom Trail van.
Pricing for the Ford Transit Custom Trail van kicks off from $61,990 (MRLP) in a single Long Wheelbase configuration, with vehicles landing in local Ford dealerships circa Q4 2025.
Powering the Transit Custom Trail is a 2.0L turbo-diesel engine, producing 125kW and 390Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined with what Ford has dubbed its all-wheel drive system ‘all-paw traction’ the Transit Custom Trail ticks boxes for both private and commercial #vanlifers.
As well as being all-wheel drive, making it suitable for loose road surfaces, Ford has also included a clever rear differential, featuring electronically engageable clutch packs that act similarly to a diff lock, without the harsh engagement.
Hyundai Inster electric light SUV confirmed
New for 2025 is theHyundai Insterelectric city, which we have been told is going to cost from $39,000 before on-road costs when it goes on Australian sale this month.
The Inster has a claimed range of up to 360km from the 49kWh battery in Extended Range guise, with Hyundai telling us it can recharge from 10-80 per cent in 30 minutes.
There are three separate trim specs available: Standard and ExtendedRange along with the toughened up Inster Cross with optional roof basket. All Insters are four-seaters, with front-wheel drive only.
This is a very small car, measuring 3825mm long, 1610mm wide, 1575mm tall, the Hyundai Inster is about the same as a Mini Cooper E ($53,990, MRLP) and a little bigger than a Suzuki Ignis.
Subaru WRX AWD tS Spec B pricing and spec confirmed
Subaru Australia is saying the freshly updated MY25 WRX is the most featured packed WRX of this generation, with more safety tech and styling updates being the key focus for 2025.
Top-of-the-line tS variants are available in both sedan and wagon configurations, with both to score some significant updates as well as lower-spec variants, which start from $48,190 and tip the scales at $63,290 for the AWD tS Sportswagon.
“The 2025 WRX range, including the new hero WRX AWD tS Spec B model, delivers the perfect balance of raw performance and outstanding value – and the MY25 range takes that further with a suite of incredible new features,” said Subaru Australia General Manager Scott Lawrence.
Notable updates for 2025 across the board include Driver Monitoring, Distraction Warning, Drowsiness Warning and Facial Recognition. The tS models are to receive Recaro front seats, and a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster as well as bespoke grey alloy wheels.
Chery Tiggo 4 updates for MY26
Chery Australiaconfirmed its Tiggo 4 will receive an MY26 update this month, after selling over 5000 units in the last six months.
There are two variants in the Tiggo 4 stable, the lower-spec Urban priced from $23,990 drive-away, and the higher-spec Ultimate, which is going for $26,990 drive-away.
Key features for the updated Tiggo 4 include new 17- and 18-inch wheels, exterior styling updates, LED taillights, and a lightbar which runs across the tailgate.
All Chery Tiggo 4 vehicles are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine, which Chery claims uses 7.4L/100km in combined settings. Chery’s warranty on MY26 Chery Tiggo vehicles remains at seven-year/unlimited-kilometres, with seven years capped price servicing and roadside assistance also covered.
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Thursday 17th April at 4.30pm Sydney time.
