logo
Chery taking on Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80 with new plug-in hybrid large SUV

Chery taking on Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80 with new plug-in hybrid large SUV

The Advertiser2 days ago
The Chery Tiggo 9 will be the next model from the Chinese brand to offer its Super Hybrid technology.
Chery has confirmed the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will complete its quartet of electrified SUVs in Australia as part of a promotional tie-in with, what else, Marvel's upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
It joins two other plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid, which are launching now, plus the Tiggo 4 Hybrid – a conventional hybrid small SUV that can't be plugged in.
Featuring seven seats, the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will become the Chery brand's flagship model.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
Chery has previously confirmed the Tiggo 9 is due on sale here during the third quarter (July to September) of 2025, but hadn't confirmed what powertrains it would offer.
It's unclear if the Tiggo 9 will also be available locally with its petrol powertrain: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 183kW of power and 385Nm of torque.
The Tiggo 9 is a close relation to the Jaecoo J8 which, confusingly, is sold as the Chery Tiggo 9 in China. That means we'll therefore get both the 'global' Tiggo 9 and the Chinese-market one already on sale.
The Chinese-market Tiggo 9 is offered with a PHEV powertrain comprising a 115kW/220Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine mated with a three-speed transmission and a 165kW/390Nm electric motor, for total system outputs of 280kW and 610Nm.
Chery Australia hasn't confirmed performance, range or economy figures, but has confirmed the local Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will continue to use a turbo 1.5-litre engine mated with a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.
Pricing remains a question mark, though the smaller Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is priced from $45,990 to $49,990 drive-away.
The Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is therefore expected to be pricier, though it may still significantly undercut rivals such as the Mazda CX-80 P50e (priced from $76,245 before on-roads) and Kia Sorento PHEV (from $84,660 before on-roads).
The Chinese-market Tiggo 9 launched here earlier this year with Jaecoo J8 badging, exclusively in a five-seat configuration with a turbocharged petrol engine.
Chery's spinoff brand Omoda Jaecoo said it'll provide feedback from customers to its head office about a potential lineup expansion, including the introduction of a PHEV powertrain.
At 4810mm long and 1925mm wide on a 2800mm wheelbase, the Tiggo 9 is almost identical in size to the Kia Sorento.
In addition to slightly different exterior styling, including a unique grille and C/D-pillar treatment, the Chery Tiggo 9 and Jaecoo J8 differ in interior layout.
The 'global' Tiggo 9 features a different dashboard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Given Chery's focus on the "family, urban buyer", the Tiggo 9 is set to miss out on some of the more decadent features in the Jaecoo J8, such as its fragrance dispenser.
However, given how widely available luxury features like ventilated front seats and panoramic sunroofs are in the Chery Australia lineup, we don't expect the Tiggo 9 to be barebones at all.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for more coverage on the Chery Tiggo 9.
MORE: Everything Chery
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Chery Tiggo 9 will be the next model from the Chinese brand to offer its Super Hybrid technology.
Chery has confirmed the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will complete its quartet of electrified SUVs in Australia as part of a promotional tie-in with, what else, Marvel's upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
It joins two other plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid, which are launching now, plus the Tiggo 4 Hybrid – a conventional hybrid small SUV that can't be plugged in.
Featuring seven seats, the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will become the Chery brand's flagship model.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
Chery has previously confirmed the Tiggo 9 is due on sale here during the third quarter (July to September) of 2025, but hadn't confirmed what powertrains it would offer.
It's unclear if the Tiggo 9 will also be available locally with its petrol powertrain: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 183kW of power and 385Nm of torque.
The Tiggo 9 is a close relation to the Jaecoo J8 which, confusingly, is sold as the Chery Tiggo 9 in China. That means we'll therefore get both the 'global' Tiggo 9 and the Chinese-market one already on sale.
The Chinese-market Tiggo 9 is offered with a PHEV powertrain comprising a 115kW/220Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine mated with a three-speed transmission and a 165kW/390Nm electric motor, for total system outputs of 280kW and 610Nm.
Chery Australia hasn't confirmed performance, range or economy figures, but has confirmed the local Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will continue to use a turbo 1.5-litre engine mated with a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.
Pricing remains a question mark, though the smaller Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is priced from $45,990 to $49,990 drive-away.
The Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is therefore expected to be pricier, though it may still significantly undercut rivals such as the Mazda CX-80 P50e (priced from $76,245 before on-roads) and Kia Sorento PHEV (from $84,660 before on-roads).
The Chinese-market Tiggo 9 launched here earlier this year with Jaecoo J8 badging, exclusively in a five-seat configuration with a turbocharged petrol engine.
Chery's spinoff brand Omoda Jaecoo said it'll provide feedback from customers to its head office about a potential lineup expansion, including the introduction of a PHEV powertrain.
At 4810mm long and 1925mm wide on a 2800mm wheelbase, the Tiggo 9 is almost identical in size to the Kia Sorento.
In addition to slightly different exterior styling, including a unique grille and C/D-pillar treatment, the Chery Tiggo 9 and Jaecoo J8 differ in interior layout.
The 'global' Tiggo 9 features a different dashboard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Given Chery's focus on the "family, urban buyer", the Tiggo 9 is set to miss out on some of the more decadent features in the Jaecoo J8, such as its fragrance dispenser.
However, given how widely available luxury features like ventilated front seats and panoramic sunroofs are in the Chery Australia lineup, we don't expect the Tiggo 9 to be barebones at all.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for more coverage on the Chery Tiggo 9.
MORE: Everything Chery
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Chery Tiggo 9 will be the next model from the Chinese brand to offer its Super Hybrid technology.
Chery has confirmed the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will complete its quartet of electrified SUVs in Australia as part of a promotional tie-in with, what else, Marvel's upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
It joins two other plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid, which are launching now, plus the Tiggo 4 Hybrid – a conventional hybrid small SUV that can't be plugged in.
Featuring seven seats, the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will become the Chery brand's flagship model.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
Chery has previously confirmed the Tiggo 9 is due on sale here during the third quarter (July to September) of 2025, but hadn't confirmed what powertrains it would offer.
It's unclear if the Tiggo 9 will also be available locally with its petrol powertrain: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 183kW of power and 385Nm of torque.
The Tiggo 9 is a close relation to the Jaecoo J8 which, confusingly, is sold as the Chery Tiggo 9 in China. That means we'll therefore get both the 'global' Tiggo 9 and the Chinese-market one already on sale.
The Chinese-market Tiggo 9 is offered with a PHEV powertrain comprising a 115kW/220Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine mated with a three-speed transmission and a 165kW/390Nm electric motor, for total system outputs of 280kW and 610Nm.
Chery Australia hasn't confirmed performance, range or economy figures, but has confirmed the local Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will continue to use a turbo 1.5-litre engine mated with a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.
Pricing remains a question mark, though the smaller Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is priced from $45,990 to $49,990 drive-away.
The Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is therefore expected to be pricier, though it may still significantly undercut rivals such as the Mazda CX-80 P50e (priced from $76,245 before on-roads) and Kia Sorento PHEV (from $84,660 before on-roads).
The Chinese-market Tiggo 9 launched here earlier this year with Jaecoo J8 badging, exclusively in a five-seat configuration with a turbocharged petrol engine.
Chery's spinoff brand Omoda Jaecoo said it'll provide feedback from customers to its head office about a potential lineup expansion, including the introduction of a PHEV powertrain.
At 4810mm long and 1925mm wide on a 2800mm wheelbase, the Tiggo 9 is almost identical in size to the Kia Sorento.
In addition to slightly different exterior styling, including a unique grille and C/D-pillar treatment, the Chery Tiggo 9 and Jaecoo J8 differ in interior layout.
The 'global' Tiggo 9 features a different dashboard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Given Chery's focus on the "family, urban buyer", the Tiggo 9 is set to miss out on some of the more decadent features in the Jaecoo J8, such as its fragrance dispenser.
However, given how widely available luxury features like ventilated front seats and panoramic sunroofs are in the Chery Australia lineup, we don't expect the Tiggo 9 to be barebones at all.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for more coverage on the Chery Tiggo 9.
MORE: Everything Chery
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Chery Tiggo 9 will be the next model from the Chinese brand to offer its Super Hybrid technology.
Chery has confirmed the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will complete its quartet of electrified SUVs in Australia as part of a promotional tie-in with, what else, Marvel's upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
It joins two other plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid and Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid, which are launching now, plus the Tiggo 4 Hybrid – a conventional hybrid small SUV that can't be plugged in.
Featuring seven seats, the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will become the Chery brand's flagship model.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
Chery has previously confirmed the Tiggo 9 is due on sale here during the third quarter (July to September) of 2025, but hadn't confirmed what powertrains it would offer.
It's unclear if the Tiggo 9 will also be available locally with its petrol powertrain: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 183kW of power and 385Nm of torque.
The Tiggo 9 is a close relation to the Jaecoo J8 which, confusingly, is sold as the Chery Tiggo 9 in China. That means we'll therefore get both the 'global' Tiggo 9 and the Chinese-market one already on sale.
The Chinese-market Tiggo 9 is offered with a PHEV powertrain comprising a 115kW/220Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine mated with a three-speed transmission and a 165kW/390Nm electric motor, for total system outputs of 280kW and 610Nm.
Chery Australia hasn't confirmed performance, range or economy figures, but has confirmed the local Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will continue to use a turbo 1.5-litre engine mated with a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.
Pricing remains a question mark, though the smaller Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is priced from $45,990 to $49,990 drive-away.
The Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is therefore expected to be pricier, though it may still significantly undercut rivals such as the Mazda CX-80 P50e (priced from $76,245 before on-roads) and Kia Sorento PHEV (from $84,660 before on-roads).
The Chinese-market Tiggo 9 launched here earlier this year with Jaecoo J8 badging, exclusively in a five-seat configuration with a turbocharged petrol engine.
Chery's spinoff brand Omoda Jaecoo said it'll provide feedback from customers to its head office about a potential lineup expansion, including the introduction of a PHEV powertrain.
At 4810mm long and 1925mm wide on a 2800mm wheelbase, the Tiggo 9 is almost identical in size to the Kia Sorento.
In addition to slightly different exterior styling, including a unique grille and C/D-pillar treatment, the Chery Tiggo 9 and Jaecoo J8 differ in interior layout.
The 'global' Tiggo 9 features a different dashboard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Given Chery's focus on the "family, urban buyer", the Tiggo 9 is set to miss out on some of the more decadent features in the Jaecoo J8, such as its fragrance dispenser.
However, given how widely available luxury features like ventilated front seats and panoramic sunroofs are in the Chery Australia lineup, we don't expect the Tiggo 9 to be barebones at all.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for more coverage on the Chery Tiggo 9.
MORE: Everything Chery
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

High-level Chinese diplomat probes Newcastle City Lord Mayor for AUKUS submarine location in private meeting
High-level Chinese diplomat probes Newcastle City Lord Mayor for AUKUS submarine location in private meeting

Sky News AU

time5 hours ago

  • Sky News AU

High-level Chinese diplomat probes Newcastle City Lord Mayor for AUKUS submarine location in private meeting

A high-level Chinese diplomat based in Australia has pressed Newcastle City Mayor Ross Kerridge for information on AUKUS nuclear submarines during a private meeting between the pair. Australia's ability to secure nuclear submarines is a main pillar of the trilateral AUKUS security agreement and the country has already committed $3 billion to assist United States defence manufacturing in exchange for being able to purchase Virginia class vessels. However, questions have been raised over the availability of US-built of submarines following the Trump administration's announcement it was reviewing the deal, which Australia sees as a critical defence investment of deterrence in the region. The Daily Telegraph has now revealed an encounter on July 17 where the future docking location of AUKUS submarines was discussed, prompted by the Consul General of China in Syndey, Wang Yu. According to minutes of the meeting obtained by masthead, notes taken show that the diplomat asked if submarines secured under AUKUS would be based at Newcastle. '(Consul General) explained that China is concerned that Chinese interests in Australia will be affected by strategic defence decisions,' the meeting document read, according to the masthead. 'For example, is Newcastle Port a potential base for AUKUS submarines? '(The Lord Mayor) explained that we are a nuclear free city, but we will not have the means to stop a decision of this nature taken by the state and/or federal governments. 'China expects that Australia and Newcastle will have good relations with other countries and is also looking to build good relations, but would not like us… to use our good relations with other countries to adversely affect China.' The Daily Telegraph also reported the New South Wales city's Taiwanese and Tibetan communities were talked about during the meeting. It comes just days after The Australian revealed Shanghai Xinyang Chamber of Commerce president Wang Yongxin's family ties to the purchase of commercial port properties at Newcastle and Kembla. Wang family members have reportedly denied they have links to the Chinese Communist Party's United Front. Meanwhile, there have been suggestions Australia may need to increase its financial commitments to ensure Virginia class submarines are provided in line with the terms of the original AUKUS agreement. Last month, Defence Minister Richard Marles said he was not prepared to "speculate" on the Trump administration's review of the pact and insisted the government's focus was directed at "pursuing the optimal pathway" that would see Virginia class submarines being available to Australia from 2032.

2026 Hyundai Kona price and specs: Turbo AWD axed, new Elite trim added
2026 Hyundai Kona price and specs: Turbo AWD axed, new Elite trim added

The Advertiser

time5 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

2026 Hyundai Kona price and specs: Turbo AWD axed, new Elite trim added

Hyundai has reshuffled its popular Kona lineup, axing a powertrain and adding a new mid-range trim level, among other changes for the small SUV. The revised 2026 Hyundai Kona petrol and hybrid range is on sale now, ahead of first customer deliveries from early August. Hyundai hasn't released details for the 2026 Kona Electric lineup. The 146kW/265Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – previously the only way to get all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic in the Kona – has been axed. Hyundai says it has been axed as part of a strategy to simplify the Kona lineup. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Hyundai Kona. Click here to get a great deal. The company says it only accounted for 10 per cent of Kona sales across 2024 and 2025, against a 34 per cent take rate for the 1.6-litre four-cylinder hybrid, six per cent for the Kona Electric, and 51 per cent for the base naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder. You can no longer get the N Line option package on the entry-level Kona grade, which also drops from 18-inch alloy wheels to 17-inch wheels (pictured above). However, there's a new Elite trim level, available with the carryover naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and 1.6-litre hybrid powertrains. It can be had with the optional N Line package. Over the base Kona, it adds features like power-adjustable, heated front seats and leather upholstery. The flagship Premium (pictured above) now has a sunroof with a power sunshade, resulting in price rises of $2200 for the petrol version and $2500 for the hybrid. The N Line package now costs $3000 on Premium variants, up from $2200 before. Otherwise, the Kona is unchanged for 2026. The Kona's turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is now gone, leaving only the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and hybrid 1.6-litre fours. The Kona Electric is covered separately. The Hyundai Kona is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km. The first five services are capped at $402-407 each for the 2.0-litre petrol, while in the hybrid they're capped at $403, $593, $403, $613 and $627. The Hyundai Kona has a four-star safety rating from safety authority ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2023. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: The Premium adds: There are three trim levels in the 2026 Kona lineup. The base trim level – simply called Kona – comes standard with the following equipment: The Elite adds: The Premium adds: The N Line option package costs $3500 on the Elite and $3000 on the Premium. This package adds: Premium paint is a $595 option, while a Light Shale Grey/Sage Green interior is a $295 option exclusive to the Premium. MORE: Explore the Hyundai Kona showroom Content originally sourced from: Hyundai has reshuffled its popular Kona lineup, axing a powertrain and adding a new mid-range trim level, among other changes for the small SUV. The revised 2026 Hyundai Kona petrol and hybrid range is on sale now, ahead of first customer deliveries from early August. Hyundai hasn't released details for the 2026 Kona Electric lineup. The 146kW/265Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – previously the only way to get all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic in the Kona – has been axed. Hyundai says it has been axed as part of a strategy to simplify the Kona lineup. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Hyundai Kona. Click here to get a great deal. The company says it only accounted for 10 per cent of Kona sales across 2024 and 2025, against a 34 per cent take rate for the 1.6-litre four-cylinder hybrid, six per cent for the Kona Electric, and 51 per cent for the base naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder. You can no longer get the N Line option package on the entry-level Kona grade, which also drops from 18-inch alloy wheels to 17-inch wheels (pictured above). However, there's a new Elite trim level, available with the carryover naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and 1.6-litre hybrid powertrains. It can be had with the optional N Line package. Over the base Kona, it adds features like power-adjustable, heated front seats and leather upholstery. The flagship Premium (pictured above) now has a sunroof with a power sunshade, resulting in price rises of $2200 for the petrol version and $2500 for the hybrid. The N Line package now costs $3000 on Premium variants, up from $2200 before. Otherwise, the Kona is unchanged for 2026. The Kona's turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is now gone, leaving only the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and hybrid 1.6-litre fours. The Kona Electric is covered separately. The Hyundai Kona is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km. The first five services are capped at $402-407 each for the 2.0-litre petrol, while in the hybrid they're capped at $403, $593, $403, $613 and $627. The Hyundai Kona has a four-star safety rating from safety authority ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2023. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: The Premium adds: There are three trim levels in the 2026 Kona lineup. The base trim level – simply called Kona – comes standard with the following equipment: The Elite adds: The Premium adds: The N Line option package costs $3500 on the Elite and $3000 on the Premium. This package adds: Premium paint is a $595 option, while a Light Shale Grey/Sage Green interior is a $295 option exclusive to the Premium. MORE: Explore the Hyundai Kona showroom Content originally sourced from: Hyundai has reshuffled its popular Kona lineup, axing a powertrain and adding a new mid-range trim level, among other changes for the small SUV. The revised 2026 Hyundai Kona petrol and hybrid range is on sale now, ahead of first customer deliveries from early August. Hyundai hasn't released details for the 2026 Kona Electric lineup. The 146kW/265Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – previously the only way to get all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic in the Kona – has been axed. Hyundai says it has been axed as part of a strategy to simplify the Kona lineup. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Hyundai Kona. Click here to get a great deal. The company says it only accounted for 10 per cent of Kona sales across 2024 and 2025, against a 34 per cent take rate for the 1.6-litre four-cylinder hybrid, six per cent for the Kona Electric, and 51 per cent for the base naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder. You can no longer get the N Line option package on the entry-level Kona grade, which also drops from 18-inch alloy wheels to 17-inch wheels (pictured above). However, there's a new Elite trim level, available with the carryover naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and 1.6-litre hybrid powertrains. It can be had with the optional N Line package. Over the base Kona, it adds features like power-adjustable, heated front seats and leather upholstery. The flagship Premium (pictured above) now has a sunroof with a power sunshade, resulting in price rises of $2200 for the petrol version and $2500 for the hybrid. The N Line package now costs $3000 on Premium variants, up from $2200 before. Otherwise, the Kona is unchanged for 2026. The Kona's turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is now gone, leaving only the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and hybrid 1.6-litre fours. The Kona Electric is covered separately. The Hyundai Kona is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km. The first five services are capped at $402-407 each for the 2.0-litre petrol, while in the hybrid they're capped at $403, $593, $403, $613 and $627. The Hyundai Kona has a four-star safety rating from safety authority ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2023. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: The Premium adds: There are three trim levels in the 2026 Kona lineup. The base trim level – simply called Kona – comes standard with the following equipment: The Elite adds: The Premium adds: The N Line option package costs $3500 on the Elite and $3000 on the Premium. This package adds: Premium paint is a $595 option, while a Light Shale Grey/Sage Green interior is a $295 option exclusive to the Premium. MORE: Explore the Hyundai Kona showroom Content originally sourced from: Hyundai has reshuffled its popular Kona lineup, axing a powertrain and adding a new mid-range trim level, among other changes for the small SUV. The revised 2026 Hyundai Kona petrol and hybrid range is on sale now, ahead of first customer deliveries from early August. Hyundai hasn't released details for the 2026 Kona Electric lineup. The 146kW/265Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – previously the only way to get all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic in the Kona – has been axed. Hyundai says it has been axed as part of a strategy to simplify the Kona lineup. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Hyundai Kona. Click here to get a great deal. The company says it only accounted for 10 per cent of Kona sales across 2024 and 2025, against a 34 per cent take rate for the 1.6-litre four-cylinder hybrid, six per cent for the Kona Electric, and 51 per cent for the base naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder. You can no longer get the N Line option package on the entry-level Kona grade, which also drops from 18-inch alloy wheels to 17-inch wheels (pictured above). However, there's a new Elite trim level, available with the carryover naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and 1.6-litre hybrid powertrains. It can be had with the optional N Line package. Over the base Kona, it adds features like power-adjustable, heated front seats and leather upholstery. The flagship Premium (pictured above) now has a sunroof with a power sunshade, resulting in price rises of $2200 for the petrol version and $2500 for the hybrid. The N Line package now costs $3000 on Premium variants, up from $2200 before. Otherwise, the Kona is unchanged for 2026. The Kona's turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is now gone, leaving only the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and hybrid 1.6-litre fours. The Kona Electric is covered separately. The Hyundai Kona is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km. The first five services are capped at $402-407 each for the 2.0-litre petrol, while in the hybrid they're capped at $403, $593, $403, $613 and $627. The Hyundai Kona has a four-star safety rating from safety authority ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2023. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: The Premium adds: There are three trim levels in the 2026 Kona lineup. The base trim level – simply called Kona – comes standard with the following equipment: The Elite adds: The Premium adds: The N Line option package costs $3500 on the Elite and $3000 on the Premium. This package adds: Premium paint is a $595 option, while a Light Shale Grey/Sage Green interior is a $295 option exclusive to the Premium. MORE: Explore the Hyundai Kona showroom Content originally sourced from:

Ram 1500 TRX supercharged V8 muscle truck coming back
Ram 1500 TRX supercharged V8 muscle truck coming back

Perth Now

time7 hours ago

  • Perth Now

Ram 1500 TRX supercharged V8 muscle truck coming back

The V8 is enjoying a renaissance at Stellantis. The SRT go-fast division is coming back, and now the wild supercharged V8-powered Ram 1500 TRX mega-pickup is reportedly returning, too. Mopar Insiders reports word from 'well-placed sources within the company' that the 1500 TRX will enter production in late January 2026, making it the first vehicle to be launched under the resurrected Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division. It'll also reportedly feature the same design and technology updates rolled out to the facelifted MY25 Ram 1500 lineup, including a new-generation infotainment system. The TRX exited production in 2023, and it closed out its run with a Final Edition that was also offered in Australia, where it was priced above $250,000 and where the locally remanufactured TRX range found almost 1000 customers. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Ram 1500. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Calling it the Final Edition has evidently proved premature. While Ram was at the time in the midst of transitioning the 1500 from naturally aspirated 5.7-litre and supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engines in favour of a pair of twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline sixes, it has reversed course. Former Ram boss Tim Kuniskis came out of retirement late last year to take the helm at the light commercial brand once again, and has subsequently been appointed to head up Stellantis' American brands: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, plus the SRT division. Last month, he announced the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 was returning to the Ram 1500, calling its axing a 'mistake'. 'Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi – we own it and we fixed it,' he said at the time. 'We're not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we're igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Hemi V8 will now be offered alongside the Hurricane six. It's worth noting V8s hadn't been entirely excised from the Ram lineup, as a 6.4-litre V8 had continued to be offered in the brand's heavy-duty pickups in markets like the US. Mr Kuniskis was arguably the biggest supporter of the Hellcat supercharged 6.2-litre petrol V8, which in the 1500 TRX produced 523kW of power and 822Nm of torque, making it the world's most powerful pickup when it was launched. While that's a healthy 120kW and 115Nm above even the High Output tune of the facelifted 1500's Hurricane six, even if it comes back unchanged the powerful TRX will fall short of the Ford F-150 Raptor R. The Blue Oval's hottest pickup uses a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 producing 537kW and 868Nm. The TRX was more than just a 1500 with a bigger engine wedged in, as it also received unique suspension tuning, adaptive Bilstein dampers, and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in chunky 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory tyres. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Ram confirmed earlier this year it plans to make 25 product announcements in 18 months, and the revived TRX will reportedly be one of them. However, there's no guarantee V8 engines will return to the local Ram lineup, according to Ram Trucks Australia, which said in June that it would continue to review and evaluate what options were made available. The company also noted customers had embraced the new Hurricane sixes, and that they remain an 'integral part of Ram's future' because they offer more power and torque along with lower fuel consumption than the 5.7-litre Hemi V8. Ram Trucks Australia has previously indicated it takes 12-18 months to complete a local engineering program for a new model variant that will be remanufactured locally in right-hand drive. The 1500's facelift not only brought Hurricane six-cylinder power and aesthetic tweaks, it also saw other changes including upgraded infotainment and a new electrical architecture, which would necessitate a fresh local development program. Mr Kuniskis confirmed earlier this year the Hemi was never designed to be offered with the updated 1500's revised electrical system. In addition to returning V8s to the 1500, the Ram brand is going racing. It'll return after a 13-year break to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026. In case you didn't realise Ram was an American brand, it's wrapping itself in the stars and stripes. It kicked off a 'Never Stop Being American' marketing campaign with an ad featuring a version of The Star-Spangled Banner and a voiceover from UFC's Dana White. MORE: Explore the Ram 1500 showroom

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store