
Volkswagen Golf: PHEV power no closer to Australia
Volkswagen Australia is yet to commit to electrifying its popular Golf hatchback, despite mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options being available in overseas markets.
Speaking with CarExpert at the launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range, head of product for Volkswagen Australia – Arjun Nidigallu – said arguing the business case with the company's global parent remains the biggest hurdle.
'We continually investigate alternative powertrains as a general thing, not just for [the] Golf but for every model wherever there's an opportunity,' Mr Nidigallu said.
'The challenges tend to be around creating a business case for it, particularly in segments that are smaller in volume.'
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Golf GTE Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert
'We continue to investigate these things, but for the current Golf if we look at what the customers are after, it's very, very clear that they want the quality and practicality aspects of it in the lower end, and of course they want the performance and acceleration in the GTI and R,' Mr Nidigallu continued.
'We haven't seen a clear marker in our data sets for hybridisation as a priority for [Golf] customers. Yes it is on the list, but it's not top of the list at the moment for this segment.
'There are other segments – [like] medium SUV – where electrification is very much desired, and that's why the ID.4 and ID.5 were such a big priority for us, and it's the first step we're taking in that direction.
'But in the small segment, while it is a general interest for customers, it's not on top of the list for Golf buyers at the moment.'
Despite VW Australia being unable to get the business case over the line with its global parent, other brands in the VW Group stable Down Under have managed to make it work – the related Audi A3 runs the Group's latest 1.5 eTSI engine with 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology, soon to be joined by the also-related Cupra Leon and Skoda Octavia. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Further, the non-MHEV 1.5 TSI – which is already newer and more efficient than the 1.4 TSI – is offered in a raft of products in Australia and around the world. The Skoda Scala and Kamiq, as well as the Audi A1 and Q2 also feature this powertrain.
Then there are plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which VW brands as eHybrids. In the Golf alone there are two different variations offered abroad: a 150kW in the standard Golf and a 200kW tune in the GTE, with both quoting over 130km of WLTP-certified electric driving range in their latest forms.
PHEVs have been a struggle for all of the VW Group in Australia, particularly in the smaller segments, though Cupra offers the Leon and Formentor with plug-in tech. These use the older 1.4-litre PHEV powertrain with less range – in the 50-60km realm.
Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles in Australia has made a number of attempts to bring the Golf PHEV Down Under, starting with the Mk7 GTE last decade before backflipping due to high global demand, and more recently the Mk8.5 GTE which was likewise abandoned.
Skoda Australia recently confirmed it's planning to bring the mild-hybrid 1.5 eTSI powertrain to the Octavia before the end of this year as a running change to the lineup. Currently, the Skoda runs the same 1.4 TSI and eight-speed auto transmission as the Golf.
Likewise the Cupra Leon and Formentor will add the 1.5 eTSI with their incoming facelifts, joined by the larger Terramar SUV – which will get MHEV and PHEV options unlike the related VW Tiguan. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Despite VW's stance on demand for electrified small vehicles, the Golf is being outpaced by rivals with varying degrees of electrification on the Australian sales charts.
The Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla currently outsell the Golf by quite some margin, with the Hyundai offering 48V mild-hybrid and full-hybrid options across its i30 Hatch and Sedan respectively, while the entire Corolla range is hybrid-only as of mid-2024.
Further, the all-electric MG 4 hatchback is likewise beating out the Golf in year-to-date volume (1335 v 853) as of March 31.
Elsewhere in the small passenger segment, the Mazda 3 has previously offered 24V mild-hybrid tech, though has reverted to ICE-only; and the Honda Civic has gone hybrid-only Down Under.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for our Australian launch drive review of the new Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf and Golf GTI on May 8. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Are you holding out for an electrified VW Golf? Tell us in the comments below!
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Inside, there's a new centre console design and steering wheel, while the carryover 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster now sits next to a larger 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The current, third-generation Haval H6 debuted in 2020, and arrived in Australia in 2021 to replace the 2015-vintage model known in China as the H6 Coupe. A sleeker, coupe-style version of the current Haval H6, called the H6 GT, arrived here in 2022, followed by the PHEV version earlier this year. GWM Australia is adding another mid-size crossover SUV to its ranks in the third quarter of this year with the Haval H7. This shares its platform with the H6 and H6 GT but features a locking rear differential, a "light off-road cruising mode", and unique styling. MORE: Everything GWM Haval H6 Content originally sourced from: A refreshed GWM Haval H6 is set to launch later this month, and it will bring a more powerful petrol engine. Government approval documents seen by CarExpert show the updated mid-size SUV will continue to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but its power output has been boosted from 150kW to 170kW. Additionally, it ditches its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for a nine-speed dual-clutch auto. A torque figure isn't listed, but in China this powertrain produces 175kW and 385Nm. The latter represents a significant increase of 65Nm. Meantime, the Haval H6 Hybrid's 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain appears unchanged. While total system outputs don't appear in the approval documents, the outgoing Haval H6 Hybrid produces 179kW and 530Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Only front-wheel drive petrol and hybrid powertrains are listed in the certification documents, though GWM has previously indicated all-wheel drive hybrid versions and a plug-in hybrid powertrain will follow later in the year. Previously reported to be coming here in 2024, the facelifted Haval H6 rollout is set to start later this month. While GWM previously offered a PHEV version of the pre-facelift Haval H6 in its home market, a facelifted PHEV vehicle doesn't appear on its Chinese website. It's unclear, then, which powertrain the Haval H6 PHEV will use in our market – whether it's the heady 342kW/762Nm 1.5-litre turbo PHEV of the Haval H6 GT PHEV with its sub-5.0-second 0-100km/h time, or something more tame. In Thailand, for example, the Haval H6 PHEV features a 27.54kWh battery and total system outputs of 240kW and 530Nm. It has claimed electric-only range of 150km on the NEDC cycle, down from 180km on the more powerful H6 GT PHEV which uses a 35.4kWh battery. The updated Haval H6 adopts a new face with vertical LED daytime running lights – but largely unchanged headlights – and a grille consisting of dozens of metal-look rectangle trim pieces, rather reminiscent of the grille on the outgoing Hyundai Palisade or the upcoming MG U9. The full-width LED light bar at the rear has been replaced with separate tail-light clusters, with badging placed in between. The light bar lives on in facelifted Haval H6 models sold in Thailand. Inside, there's a new centre console design and steering wheel, while the carryover 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster now sits next to a larger 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The current, third-generation Haval H6 debuted in 2020, and arrived in Australia in 2021 to replace the 2015-vintage model known in China as the H6 Coupe. A sleeker, coupe-style version of the current Haval H6, called the H6 GT, arrived here in 2022, followed by the PHEV version earlier this year. GWM Australia is adding another mid-size crossover SUV to its ranks in the third quarter of this year with the Haval H7. This shares its platform with the H6 and H6 GT but features a locking rear differential, a "light off-road cruising mode", and unique styling. MORE: Everything GWM Haval H6 Content originally sourced from: A refreshed GWM Haval H6 is set to launch later this month, and it will bring a more powerful petrol engine. Government approval documents seen by CarExpert show the updated mid-size SUV will continue to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but its power output has been boosted from 150kW to 170kW. Additionally, it ditches its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for a nine-speed dual-clutch auto. A torque figure isn't listed, but in China this powertrain produces 175kW and 385Nm. The latter represents a significant increase of 65Nm. Meantime, the Haval H6 Hybrid's 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain appears unchanged. While total system outputs don't appear in the approval documents, the outgoing Haval H6 Hybrid produces 179kW and 530Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Only front-wheel drive petrol and hybrid powertrains are listed in the certification documents, though GWM has previously indicated all-wheel drive hybrid versions and a plug-in hybrid powertrain will follow later in the year. Previously reported to be coming here in 2024, the facelifted Haval H6 rollout is set to start later this month. While GWM previously offered a PHEV version of the pre-facelift Haval H6 in its home market, a facelifted PHEV vehicle doesn't appear on its Chinese website. It's unclear, then, which powertrain the Haval H6 PHEV will use in our market – whether it's the heady 342kW/762Nm 1.5-litre turbo PHEV of the Haval H6 GT PHEV with its sub-5.0-second 0-100km/h time, or something more tame. In Thailand, for example, the Haval H6 PHEV features a 27.54kWh battery and total system outputs of 240kW and 530Nm. It has claimed electric-only range of 150km on the NEDC cycle, down from 180km on the more powerful H6 GT PHEV which uses a 35.4kWh battery. The updated Haval H6 adopts a new face with vertical LED daytime running lights – but largely unchanged headlights – and a grille consisting of dozens of metal-look rectangle trim pieces, rather reminiscent of the grille on the outgoing Hyundai Palisade or the upcoming MG U9. The full-width LED light bar at the rear has been replaced with separate tail-light clusters, with badging placed in between. The light bar lives on in facelifted Haval H6 models sold in Thailand. Inside, there's a new centre console design and steering wheel, while the carryover 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster now sits next to a larger 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The current, third-generation Haval H6 debuted in 2020, and arrived in Australia in 2021 to replace the 2015-vintage model known in China as the H6 Coupe. A sleeker, coupe-style version of the current Haval H6, called the H6 GT, arrived here in 2022, followed by the PHEV version earlier this year. GWM Australia is adding another mid-size crossover SUV to its ranks in the third quarter of this year with the Haval H7. This shares its platform with the H6 and H6 GT but features a locking rear differential, a "light off-road cruising mode", and unique styling. MORE: Everything GWM Haval H6 Content originally sourced from:


7NEWS
19 hours ago
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2025 Renault Trafic price and specs
Renault has updated its mid-size Trafic commercial van, and the headline acts are additional safety gear and lightly tweaked styling. Prices are up by $490 range-wide, which means the French delivery van now starts at $49,490 before on-roads for the base Trafic SWB Pro manual and extends to $63,490 before on-roads for the full-fat Trafic LWB Crew Lifestyle. Tweaks include new Renault logos and a bulkhead with a glazed window, as well as a middle-seat work station and document holder with hidden laptop storage. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. New safety gear includes a driver attention monitor, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), a 'QR rescue code', an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) shortcut button, and automatic bi-LED reflector-style headlights. Renault says the ADAS shortcut button provides 'direct access to an on/off switch for ADAS features'. It also unlocks a 'perso' mode, which allows drivers to set up personal favourites to activate or deactivate certain features 'at the press of a button'. Similarly, the QR rescue code is a digitised barcode on the windscreen that allows first responders 'quick access to the vehicle's structural and technical information in the event of a crash'. Other changes include making a factory-fitted steel bulkhead standard, which features a glazed window to reduce road noise. This was previously an option on Trafic Pro van models. Pricing Drivetrains and Efficiency Weights and capacities vary by body type and are detailed below. Dimensions There are two body lengths for the 2025 Trafic, with Crew variants sharing the same wheelbase and dimensions as LWB models. Crew variants offer six-seat passenger capacity, while the vans are fitted with a three-seat front bench. Servicing and Warranty Safety The 2025 Renault Trafic is currently unrated by ANCAP, though it was awarded a 'Gold' 69 per cent collision avoidance score in 2024. Standard safety equipment includes: 6 airbags Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) (NEW) Lane departure warning Cruise control Driver attention monitor (NEW) Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) shortcut button (NEW) QR rescue code (NEW) Rear parking sensors Reversing camera Premium models add blind spot monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, front and side parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control, while the Crew Lifestyle adds traffic sign recognition. Standard Equipment Renault offers a handful of Trafic grades in Australia. 2025 Renault Trafic Pro equipment highlights: 16-inch steel wheels Full-size steel spare wheel Updated Renault badging (NEW) Automatic LED headlights Heated side mirrors 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display 4.2-inch display in instrument cluster DAB+ digital radio Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto 2-speaker sound system Cloth upholstery Leather-look steering wheel 8-way manual-adjustable driver's seat Fixed passenger seat bench Bulkhead with glazed window (NEW) Passenger work station bench (NEW) Keyless entry Trafic Premium adds: Front LED fog lights Rain-sensing wipers 7-inch display in instrument cluster (NEW) Wireless phone charger Trafic Crew Pro adds (over Pro): Automatic high-beam 3 rear seats Trafic Crew Lifestyle adds: 17-inch alloy wheels Satellite navigation 4-speaker sound system Heated driver's seat Under-seat storage (rear seats) Options There are several options available across the Trafic range. Trafic Pro options include: Unglazed window on right-hand sliding door ($800) Glazed windows on rear barn doors ($400) 17-inch alloy wheels ($1000) Trade Pack ($2000) Peace Of Mind Pack ($1200) Comfort Pack – van ($1200) Comfort Pack – Crew ($1000) Trafic Premium options include: Glazed tailgate window ($0) No right sliding door ($0) Left and right sliding doors – with glazed windows (N/A with Trade Pack) ($400) 17-inch alloy wheels (N/A with Business Pack) ($1000) Trade Pack ($2000) Business Pack ($2200) Trafic Lifestyle options include: Tailgate with glazed window ($0) Colours Renault currently offers five exterior paint finishes for the Trafic, with metallic paints commanding an $800 premium. Cumulus Blue is currently unavailable. 2025 Renault Trafic colours: Glacier White Urban Grey Highland Grey Metallic ($800) Comet Grey Metallic ($800) Jet Black Metallic ($800)