Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday, February 12th 2025. Notably in car news today: GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV confirmed with pricing, BYD Sealion 7 pricing announced for 2025, and more.
GWM today revealed details and pricing for the second PHEV 4×4 ute to be sold in Australia, after the BYD Shark, with the announcement of the Cannon Alpha PHEV local release.
Pricing starts from $63,990 for the base-spec Lux, with a higher-grade Ultra also on-sale, priced from $68,990. These are driveaway prices.
The plug-in Cannon Alpha offers 300kW and 750Nm combined with a claimed electric-only range of 110km, in either on-road or off-road settings. A claimed combined range of 880km has also been listed.
Towing capacity is rated at 3500kg, which is also class leading for a PHEV ute. Interestingly, GWM has also decided to include front, rear and centre locking differentials, and an 800mm wading depth. This is certainly positive news for off-road enthusiasts.
BYD Sealion 7 pricing announced for 2025
Order books have officially opened for BYD’s Tesla Model Y rival in the 2025 Sealion 7 electric SUV, as of today.
Pricing for two Sealion 7 variants has also just been announced at the official Australian media launch. Chasing Cars contributor Nathan Ponchard is in attendance, and feeding information back regularly in line with embargos.
For those in the market, pricing starts from $54,990 before on-road cost for the single-motor Sealion 7 Premium. The dual-motor Performance is priced from $63,990 before on-road costs.
This sharp pricing is well under the Sealion 7’s natural competitor, the Tesla Model Y. At the time of publication, Tesla is charging $63,400 for their RWD model Y and $73,400 for the AWD Long Range.
Volvo EX30 Cross Country unveiled
Volvo has just released images and details of its smallest new SUV, which has received an off-road uplift thanks to a raft of trail ready goodies.
The EX30 is set to score a Cross Country package, resulting in a vehicle that arrives on lifted suspension and fitted with larger tyres, to provide more ability in challenging conditions.
Recalibration of the original steering, coil springs and shock absorbers was required to provide a more compliant ride. Volvo engineers also raised the stock ride height by just under 20mm, included bash plates, and all-terrain tyres in this optional Cross Country package.
Expected on sale in Australia towards the end of 2025, with Volvo hinting at a third-quarter arrival. Pricing and exact specifications are yet to be revealed, however the teaser images look promising.
MG ZS Excite lands in Australian dealerships
MG Motor Australiaannounced today that their latest vehicle, the petrolZS, will be rolling out through Australian dealerships this week.
This new petrol ZS compact SUV range joins the already released MG ZS Hybrid+ model.
Pricing starts from $26,990 for the Excite and $29,990 for the Essence, both fitting 81kW/140Nm 1.5L engines. At $31,990, the top-spec Turbo Essence fits a 125kW/275 force-induced 1.5L petrol.
The entire ZS range comes with a 10-year warranty, or 250,000km, whichever comes first.
Reviewed: 2025 Mazda BT-50
Chasing Cars contributor Daniel Gardner went bush recently with the aim of testing the updated 2025 Mazda BT-50 in its natural environment.
This 2025 model has seen updates to the interior, with a larger touch screen, as well as increases to safety technology and an exterior redesign.
Daniel commented that he liked the size of the 2025 BT-50, as well as the redesign making the Mazda ute look like it should. He also praised Mazda for offering over 100 accessories for the 2025 model.
He could see room for improvement when it comes to the choppy ride quality, dated digital screens despite being updated, and he didn’t love the (up to) $3500 price increase either.
