2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class flagship gets thousands in extra kit for $100 more
Available to order now, the C300 is now priced at $98,200 before on-road costs, up $100 from before.
That makes it the same price as the plug-in hybrid C350e launched earlier this year, which features a similar level of specification.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Despite the tiny price increase, the C300 now includes the following equipment as standard:
That's in addition to standard equipment that includes:
The C300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque, mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48V mild-hybrid system.
Mercedes-Benz has been busily tweaking the C-Class lineup in Australia.
This year alone, it slashed the price of the entry-level C200 by $4800 to $87,800 before on-road costs and added the plug-in hybrid C350e for $98,200 before on-road costs.
It also launched another C200 special edition, the Sport Edition, which followed last year's Night Edition.
In the first half of 2025, C-Class sales were down 26.8 per cent to 816 units.
The rival BMW 3 Series had a steeper 44.3 per cent drop but remains ahead in overall deliveries, with 841 recorded.
MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Mercedes-Benz C300, which sits atop the non-AMG C-Class lineup, has gotten a glut of extra equipment for an essentially unchanged price.
Available to order now, the C300 is now priced at $98,200 before on-road costs, up $100 from before.
That makes it the same price as the plug-in hybrid C350e launched earlier this year, which features a similar level of specification.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Despite the tiny price increase, the C300 now includes the following equipment as standard:
That's in addition to standard equipment that includes:
The C300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque, mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48V mild-hybrid system.
Mercedes-Benz has been busily tweaking the C-Class lineup in Australia.
This year alone, it slashed the price of the entry-level C200 by $4800 to $87,800 before on-road costs and added the plug-in hybrid C350e for $98,200 before on-road costs.
It also launched another C200 special edition, the Sport Edition, which followed last year's Night Edition.
In the first half of 2025, C-Class sales were down 26.8 per cent to 816 units.
The rival BMW 3 Series had a steeper 44.3 per cent drop but remains ahead in overall deliveries, with 841 recorded.
MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Mercedes-Benz C300, which sits atop the non-AMG C-Class lineup, has gotten a glut of extra equipment for an essentially unchanged price.
Available to order now, the C300 is now priced at $98,200 before on-road costs, up $100 from before.
That makes it the same price as the plug-in hybrid C350e launched earlier this year, which features a similar level of specification.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Despite the tiny price increase, the C300 now includes the following equipment as standard:
That's in addition to standard equipment that includes:
The C300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque, mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48V mild-hybrid system.
Mercedes-Benz has been busily tweaking the C-Class lineup in Australia.
This year alone, it slashed the price of the entry-level C200 by $4800 to $87,800 before on-road costs and added the plug-in hybrid C350e for $98,200 before on-road costs.
It also launched another C200 special edition, the Sport Edition, which followed last year's Night Edition.
In the first half of 2025, C-Class sales were down 26.8 per cent to 816 units.
The rival BMW 3 Series had a steeper 44.3 per cent drop but remains ahead in overall deliveries, with 841 recorded.
MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Mercedes-Benz C300, which sits atop the non-AMG C-Class lineup, has gotten a glut of extra equipment for an essentially unchanged price.
Available to order now, the C300 is now priced at $98,200 before on-road costs, up $100 from before.
That makes it the same price as the plug-in hybrid C350e launched earlier this year, which features a similar level of specification.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Despite the tiny price increase, the C300 now includes the following equipment as standard:
That's in addition to standard equipment that includes:
The C300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque, mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48V mild-hybrid system.
Mercedes-Benz has been busily tweaking the C-Class lineup in Australia.
This year alone, it slashed the price of the entry-level C200 by $4800 to $87,800 before on-road costs and added the plug-in hybrid C350e for $98,200 before on-road costs.
It also launched another C200 special edition, the Sport Edition, which followed last year's Night Edition.
In the first half of 2025, C-Class sales were down 26.8 per cent to 816 units.
The rival BMW 3 Series had a steeper 44.3 per cent drop but remains ahead in overall deliveries, with 841 recorded.
MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2026 Hyundai Palisade: V6 and diesel to be axed in favour of four-cylinder and hybrid
Details of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade have been uncovered ahead of second-generation large flagship SUV's scheduled Australian arrival in late 2025. The new Palisade had already been confirmed to bring a hybrid powertrain for the first time – replacing the existing 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder – in order to rival the Toyota Kluger, and Hyundai had previously also said a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine was "under study" for Australia. Now Australian government certification documents confirm the next Palisade will offer a full range of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, powered by both hybrid and non-hybrid 2.5-litre turbo-petrol powertrains. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. No other engines are included in the filing, signalling the end of not only diesel power but also the 3.8-litre petrol V6 from the new Palisade lineup. The Australian Design Rule documents also show the next-generation Palisade, codenamed 'LX3', has again been approved in both seven- and eight-seat interior configurations. Hyundai Australia could not share any details on the new Santa Fe's powertrain options or otherwise when contacted by CarExpert. The Palisade HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) has been granted approval in four model grades – seven-seat front-drive and AWD, and eight-seat FWD and AWD. The Palisade HEV is already on sale in the US, where it's offered in both FWD and AWD layouts, both priced $US1000 ($1537) higher than equivalent petrol-powered versions. In Australia, the HEV is expected to be priced similarly to the existing diesel Palisade, which is currently priced from $70,800 before on-road costs, although Hyundai is currently offering drive-away deals on certain variants. The hybrid system comprises the Hyundai group's 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (T-GDI) and six-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission, but adds a single electric motor powered by a 1.65kWh lithium-ion battery. US-market Palisade hybrids are rated at 258hp (245kW) and 339lb-ft (460Nm) of torque, and while these figures cannot be directly carried over to Australian vehicles, our Palisade hybrid should still out-muscle the turbo-diesel's 147kW/440Nm outputs. That will also make it more powerful than the 3.8-litre V6 in the current model, which makes 217kW/355Nm and has official combined fuel consumption figures of between 10.8-11.1L/100km. Based on overseas specs, the Palisade HEV will be marginally thirstier than the diesel, with average consumption of 8.8L/100km against the diesel's 8.6-8.8L/100km. The Palisade's non-hybrid 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four – already seen under the bonnet of the Hyundai Sonata N Line in Australia, where it makes 213kW/422Nm – has also been approved in seven and eight-seat Palisade, in both FWD and AWD forms. ADR documents also confirm the second-generation Palisade will be larger than its predecessor in almost every dimension, growing an additional 65mm to 5060mm in length on a 70mm longer (2970mm) wheelbase. Overseas specs show no change in cargo volume or cabin space between petrol and hybrid versions. The cabin is expected to feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, plus a more premium look including 'pixel' lighting elements. Further details are expected to be confirmed by Hyundai Australia as the MkII Palisade's Australian arrival – scheduled between October and December this year – draws near. MORE: Everything Hyundai Content originally sourced from: Details of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade have been uncovered ahead of second-generation large flagship SUV's scheduled Australian arrival in late 2025. The new Palisade had already been confirmed to bring a hybrid powertrain for the first time – replacing the existing 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder – in order to rival the Toyota Kluger, and Hyundai had previously also said a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine was "under study" for Australia. Now Australian government certification documents confirm the next Palisade will offer a full range of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, powered by both hybrid and non-hybrid 2.5-litre turbo-petrol powertrains. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. No other engines are included in the filing, signalling the end of not only diesel power but also the 3.8-litre petrol V6 from the new Palisade lineup. The Australian Design Rule documents also show the next-generation Palisade, codenamed 'LX3', has again been approved in both seven- and eight-seat interior configurations. Hyundai Australia could not share any details on the new Santa Fe's powertrain options or otherwise when contacted by CarExpert. The Palisade HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) has been granted approval in four model grades – seven-seat front-drive and AWD, and eight-seat FWD and AWD. The Palisade HEV is already on sale in the US, where it's offered in both FWD and AWD layouts, both priced $US1000 ($1537) higher than equivalent petrol-powered versions. In Australia, the HEV is expected to be priced similarly to the existing diesel Palisade, which is currently priced from $70,800 before on-road costs, although Hyundai is currently offering drive-away deals on certain variants. The hybrid system comprises the Hyundai group's 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (T-GDI) and six-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission, but adds a single electric motor powered by a 1.65kWh lithium-ion battery. US-market Palisade hybrids are rated at 258hp (245kW) and 339lb-ft (460Nm) of torque, and while these figures cannot be directly carried over to Australian vehicles, our Palisade hybrid should still out-muscle the turbo-diesel's 147kW/440Nm outputs. That will also make it more powerful than the 3.8-litre V6 in the current model, which makes 217kW/355Nm and has official combined fuel consumption figures of between 10.8-11.1L/100km. Based on overseas specs, the Palisade HEV will be marginally thirstier than the diesel, with average consumption of 8.8L/100km against the diesel's 8.6-8.8L/100km. The Palisade's non-hybrid 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four – already seen under the bonnet of the Hyundai Sonata N Line in Australia, where it makes 213kW/422Nm – has also been approved in seven and eight-seat Palisade, in both FWD and AWD forms. ADR documents also confirm the second-generation Palisade will be larger than its predecessor in almost every dimension, growing an additional 65mm to 5060mm in length on a 70mm longer (2970mm) wheelbase. Overseas specs show no change in cargo volume or cabin space between petrol and hybrid versions. The cabin is expected to feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, plus a more premium look including 'pixel' lighting elements. Further details are expected to be confirmed by Hyundai Australia as the MkII Palisade's Australian arrival – scheduled between October and December this year – draws near. MORE: Everything Hyundai Content originally sourced from: Details of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade have been uncovered ahead of second-generation large flagship SUV's scheduled Australian arrival in late 2025. The new Palisade had already been confirmed to bring a hybrid powertrain for the first time – replacing the existing 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder – in order to rival the Toyota Kluger, and Hyundai had previously also said a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine was "under study" for Australia. Now Australian government certification documents confirm the next Palisade will offer a full range of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, powered by both hybrid and non-hybrid 2.5-litre turbo-petrol powertrains. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. No other engines are included in the filing, signalling the end of not only diesel power but also the 3.8-litre petrol V6 from the new Palisade lineup. The Australian Design Rule documents also show the next-generation Palisade, codenamed 'LX3', has again been approved in both seven- and eight-seat interior configurations. Hyundai Australia could not share any details on the new Santa Fe's powertrain options or otherwise when contacted by CarExpert. The Palisade HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) has been granted approval in four model grades – seven-seat front-drive and AWD, and eight-seat FWD and AWD. The Palisade HEV is already on sale in the US, where it's offered in both FWD and AWD layouts, both priced $US1000 ($1537) higher than equivalent petrol-powered versions. In Australia, the HEV is expected to be priced similarly to the existing diesel Palisade, which is currently priced from $70,800 before on-road costs, although Hyundai is currently offering drive-away deals on certain variants. The hybrid system comprises the Hyundai group's 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (T-GDI) and six-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission, but adds a single electric motor powered by a 1.65kWh lithium-ion battery. US-market Palisade hybrids are rated at 258hp (245kW) and 339lb-ft (460Nm) of torque, and while these figures cannot be directly carried over to Australian vehicles, our Palisade hybrid should still out-muscle the turbo-diesel's 147kW/440Nm outputs. That will also make it more powerful than the 3.8-litre V6 in the current model, which makes 217kW/355Nm and has official combined fuel consumption figures of between 10.8-11.1L/100km. Based on overseas specs, the Palisade HEV will be marginally thirstier than the diesel, with average consumption of 8.8L/100km against the diesel's 8.6-8.8L/100km. The Palisade's non-hybrid 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four – already seen under the bonnet of the Hyundai Sonata N Line in Australia, where it makes 213kW/422Nm – has also been approved in seven and eight-seat Palisade, in both FWD and AWD forms. ADR documents also confirm the second-generation Palisade will be larger than its predecessor in almost every dimension, growing an additional 65mm to 5060mm in length on a 70mm longer (2970mm) wheelbase. Overseas specs show no change in cargo volume or cabin space between petrol and hybrid versions. The cabin is expected to feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, plus a more premium look including 'pixel' lighting elements. Further details are expected to be confirmed by Hyundai Australia as the MkII Palisade's Australian arrival – scheduled between October and December this year – draws near. MORE: Everything Hyundai Content originally sourced from: Details of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade have been uncovered ahead of second-generation large flagship SUV's scheduled Australian arrival in late 2025. The new Palisade had already been confirmed to bring a hybrid powertrain for the first time – replacing the existing 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder – in order to rival the Toyota Kluger, and Hyundai had previously also said a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine was "under study" for Australia. Now Australian government certification documents confirm the next Palisade will offer a full range of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, powered by both hybrid and non-hybrid 2.5-litre turbo-petrol powertrains. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. No other engines are included in the filing, signalling the end of not only diesel power but also the 3.8-litre petrol V6 from the new Palisade lineup. The Australian Design Rule documents also show the next-generation Palisade, codenamed 'LX3', has again been approved in both seven- and eight-seat interior configurations. Hyundai Australia could not share any details on the new Santa Fe's powertrain options or otherwise when contacted by CarExpert. The Palisade HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) has been granted approval in four model grades – seven-seat front-drive and AWD, and eight-seat FWD and AWD. The Palisade HEV is already on sale in the US, where it's offered in both FWD and AWD layouts, both priced $US1000 ($1537) higher than equivalent petrol-powered versions. In Australia, the HEV is expected to be priced similarly to the existing diesel Palisade, which is currently priced from $70,800 before on-road costs, although Hyundai is currently offering drive-away deals on certain variants. The hybrid system comprises the Hyundai group's 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (T-GDI) and six-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission, but adds a single electric motor powered by a 1.65kWh lithium-ion battery. US-market Palisade hybrids are rated at 258hp (245kW) and 339lb-ft (460Nm) of torque, and while these figures cannot be directly carried over to Australian vehicles, our Palisade hybrid should still out-muscle the turbo-diesel's 147kW/440Nm outputs. That will also make it more powerful than the 3.8-litre V6 in the current model, which makes 217kW/355Nm and has official combined fuel consumption figures of between 10.8-11.1L/100km. Based on overseas specs, the Palisade HEV will be marginally thirstier than the diesel, with average consumption of 8.8L/100km against the diesel's 8.6-8.8L/100km. The Palisade's non-hybrid 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four – already seen under the bonnet of the Hyundai Sonata N Line in Australia, where it makes 213kW/422Nm – has also been approved in seven and eight-seat Palisade, in both FWD and AWD forms. ADR documents also confirm the second-generation Palisade will be larger than its predecessor in almost every dimension, growing an additional 65mm to 5060mm in length on a 70mm longer (2970mm) wheelbase. Overseas specs show no change in cargo volume or cabin space between petrol and hybrid versions. The cabin is expected to feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, plus a more premium look including 'pixel' lighting elements. Further details are expected to be confirmed by Hyundai Australia as the MkII Palisade's Australian arrival – scheduled between October and December this year – draws near. MORE: Everything Hyundai Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe drops troublesome transmission
An upgraded 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has been revealed in the US with a conventional torque-converter automatic transmission in place of the large seven-seat SUV's problematic dual-clutch auto. The US market's petrol-powered Santa Fe previously employed an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) made by the Korean automaker's affiliate, Hyundai Transys, which has been the subject of multiple recalls in North America. The most recent US recall impacted more than 12,000 vehicles with an estimated defect rate of 100 per cent. Affected Santa Fe vehicles could unexpectedly shift themselves from Park to Neutral and roll away. This followed a previous October 2022 recall and stop-sale in the US, impacting 61,861 vehicles including the 2021-2022 Santa Fe. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. For the 2026 model year, Hyundai Motor America has replaced the DCT in 2.5-litre petrol Santa Fe with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic. There's no change for the Santa Fe Hybrid also offered in US showrooms, which continues to use a six-speed torque-converter automatic. The news doesn't impact the Santa Fe sold in Australia, which is manufactured in South Korea. The US-market version is produced in the US state of Alabama. The Santa Fe has had only one transmission-related recall in Australia, where owners were warned of a potential loss of power while driving. An Australian recall issued in January 2023 impacted 4469 Hyundai vehicles fitted with the eight-speed DCT, including the previous-generation Santa Fe as well as the Kona small SUV, Sonata N Line sedan, and the hot i30 N hatch and sedan. Hyundai Australia confirmed to CarExpert it has no plans to replace the eight-speed DCT that has been in the current-generation Santa Fe since it was released here in 2024. Transmissions for Hyundai and Kia, which is also part of the broader Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), are made in the US as well as South Korea, China, and the Czech Republic. The Kia Sorento sold in the US also uses the same eight-speed DCT, which is codenamed D8LF1, and was included in the latest US recall due to the same issues. Despite this, the US arm of the automaker told Car and Driver it won't follow Hyundai in switching to a conventional automatic for the Sorento. Dual-clutch transmissions are designed to reduce fuel consumption and improve responsiveness by pre-selecting the next ratio and producing faster, smoother gear shifts when operating correctly. Several manufacturers have faced challenges after faulty DCTs in their vehicles resulted in jerkiness and even total transmission failure. The most prominent were from the Volkswagen Group, including its Audi brand, and Ford Australia – which is facing an ongoing class-action law suit following a record $10 million fine from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in 2018 for its mishandling of the customer complaints about its 'Powershift' DCTs. Hyundai first offered a dual-clutch transmission in its Veloster sports hatch in Australia in 2012. MORE: Everything Hyundai Content originally sourced from: An upgraded 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has been revealed in the US with a conventional torque-converter automatic transmission in place of the large seven-seat SUV's problematic dual-clutch auto. The US market's petrol-powered Santa Fe previously employed an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) made by the Korean automaker's affiliate, Hyundai Transys, which has been the subject of multiple recalls in North America. The most recent US recall impacted more than 12,000 vehicles with an estimated defect rate of 100 per cent. Affected Santa Fe vehicles could unexpectedly shift themselves from Park to Neutral and roll away. This followed a previous October 2022 recall and stop-sale in the US, impacting 61,861 vehicles including the 2021-2022 Santa Fe. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. For the 2026 model year, Hyundai Motor America has replaced the DCT in 2.5-litre petrol Santa Fe with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic. There's no change for the Santa Fe Hybrid also offered in US showrooms, which continues to use a six-speed torque-converter automatic. The news doesn't impact the Santa Fe sold in Australia, which is manufactured in South Korea. The US-market version is produced in the US state of Alabama. The Santa Fe has had only one transmission-related recall in Australia, where owners were warned of a potential loss of power while driving. An Australian recall issued in January 2023 impacted 4469 Hyundai vehicles fitted with the eight-speed DCT, including the previous-generation Santa Fe as well as the Kona small SUV, Sonata N Line sedan, and the hot i30 N hatch and sedan. Hyundai Australia confirmed to CarExpert it has no plans to replace the eight-speed DCT that has been in the current-generation Santa Fe since it was released here in 2024. Transmissions for Hyundai and Kia, which is also part of the broader Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), are made in the US as well as South Korea, China, and the Czech Republic. The Kia Sorento sold in the US also uses the same eight-speed DCT, which is codenamed D8LF1, and was included in the latest US recall due to the same issues. Despite this, the US arm of the automaker told Car and Driver it won't follow Hyundai in switching to a conventional automatic for the Sorento. Dual-clutch transmissions are designed to reduce fuel consumption and improve responsiveness by pre-selecting the next ratio and producing faster, smoother gear shifts when operating correctly. Several manufacturers have faced challenges after faulty DCTs in their vehicles resulted in jerkiness and even total transmission failure. The most prominent were from the Volkswagen Group, including its Audi brand, and Ford Australia – which is facing an ongoing class-action law suit following a record $10 million fine from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in 2018 for its mishandling of the customer complaints about its 'Powershift' DCTs. Hyundai first offered a dual-clutch transmission in its Veloster sports hatch in Australia in 2012. MORE: Everything Hyundai Content originally sourced from: An upgraded 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has been revealed in the US with a conventional torque-converter automatic transmission in place of the large seven-seat SUV's problematic dual-clutch auto. The US market's petrol-powered Santa Fe previously employed an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) made by the Korean automaker's affiliate, Hyundai Transys, which has been the subject of multiple recalls in North America. The most recent US recall impacted more than 12,000 vehicles with an estimated defect rate of 100 per cent. Affected Santa Fe vehicles could unexpectedly shift themselves from Park to Neutral and roll away. This followed a previous October 2022 recall and stop-sale in the US, impacting 61,861 vehicles including the 2021-2022 Santa Fe. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. For the 2026 model year, Hyundai Motor America has replaced the DCT in 2.5-litre petrol Santa Fe with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic. There's no change for the Santa Fe Hybrid also offered in US showrooms, which continues to use a six-speed torque-converter automatic. The news doesn't impact the Santa Fe sold in Australia, which is manufactured in South Korea. The US-market version is produced in the US state of Alabama. The Santa Fe has had only one transmission-related recall in Australia, where owners were warned of a potential loss of power while driving. An Australian recall issued in January 2023 impacted 4469 Hyundai vehicles fitted with the eight-speed DCT, including the previous-generation Santa Fe as well as the Kona small SUV, Sonata N Line sedan, and the hot i30 N hatch and sedan. Hyundai Australia confirmed to CarExpert it has no plans to replace the eight-speed DCT that has been in the current-generation Santa Fe since it was released here in 2024. Transmissions for Hyundai and Kia, which is also part of the broader Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), are made in the US as well as South Korea, China, and the Czech Republic. The Kia Sorento sold in the US also uses the same eight-speed DCT, which is codenamed D8LF1, and was included in the latest US recall due to the same issues. Despite this, the US arm of the automaker told Car and Driver it won't follow Hyundai in switching to a conventional automatic for the Sorento. Dual-clutch transmissions are designed to reduce fuel consumption and improve responsiveness by pre-selecting the next ratio and producing faster, smoother gear shifts when operating correctly. Several manufacturers have faced challenges after faulty DCTs in their vehicles resulted in jerkiness and even total transmission failure. The most prominent were from the Volkswagen Group, including its Audi brand, and Ford Australia – which is facing an ongoing class-action law suit following a record $10 million fine from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in 2018 for its mishandling of the customer complaints about its 'Powershift' DCTs. Hyundai first offered a dual-clutch transmission in its Veloster sports hatch in Australia in 2012. MORE: Everything Hyundai Content originally sourced from: An upgraded 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has been revealed in the US with a conventional torque-converter automatic transmission in place of the large seven-seat SUV's problematic dual-clutch auto. The US market's petrol-powered Santa Fe previously employed an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) made by the Korean automaker's affiliate, Hyundai Transys, which has been the subject of multiple recalls in North America. The most recent US recall impacted more than 12,000 vehicles with an estimated defect rate of 100 per cent. Affected Santa Fe vehicles could unexpectedly shift themselves from Park to Neutral and roll away. This followed a previous October 2022 recall and stop-sale in the US, impacting 61,861 vehicles including the 2021-2022 Santa Fe. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. For the 2026 model year, Hyundai Motor America has replaced the DCT in 2.5-litre petrol Santa Fe with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic. There's no change for the Santa Fe Hybrid also offered in US showrooms, which continues to use a six-speed torque-converter automatic. The news doesn't impact the Santa Fe sold in Australia, which is manufactured in South Korea. The US-market version is produced in the US state of Alabama. The Santa Fe has had only one transmission-related recall in Australia, where owners were warned of a potential loss of power while driving. An Australian recall issued in January 2023 impacted 4469 Hyundai vehicles fitted with the eight-speed DCT, including the previous-generation Santa Fe as well as the Kona small SUV, Sonata N Line sedan, and the hot i30 N hatch and sedan. Hyundai Australia confirmed to CarExpert it has no plans to replace the eight-speed DCT that has been in the current-generation Santa Fe since it was released here in 2024. Transmissions for Hyundai and Kia, which is also part of the broader Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), are made in the US as well as South Korea, China, and the Czech Republic. The Kia Sorento sold in the US also uses the same eight-speed DCT, which is codenamed D8LF1, and was included in the latest US recall due to the same issues. Despite this, the US arm of the automaker told Car and Driver it won't follow Hyundai in switching to a conventional automatic for the Sorento. Dual-clutch transmissions are designed to reduce fuel consumption and improve responsiveness by pre-selecting the next ratio and producing faster, smoother gear shifts when operating correctly. Several manufacturers have faced challenges after faulty DCTs in their vehicles resulted in jerkiness and even total transmission failure. The most prominent were from the Volkswagen Group, including its Audi brand, and Ford Australia – which is facing an ongoing class-action law suit following a record $10 million fine from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in 2018 for its mishandling of the customer complaints about its 'Powershift' DCTs. Hyundai first offered a dual-clutch transmission in its Veloster sports hatch in Australia in 2012. MORE: Everything Hyundai Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2025 GWM Haval H7 price and specs
The GWM Haval H7 arrives in Australia in August, filling a very specific niche for the Chinese auto brand. Effectively, if you want a mid-size SUV that has a more rugged look than GWM's Haval H6 and H6 GT, but one not quite as rugged as the body-on-frame Tank 300, the Haval H7 is for you. Like the Haval H6 and H6 GT, but unlike the ladder-frame Tank 300, the Haval H7 is based on GWM's unibody LEMON underpinnings. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Despite its quasi-rugged posturing, it will be offered with only front-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, and there's no spare wheel – just a tyre repair kit. It's being offered here in a single Vanta trim, priced at $46,990 drive-away. Given the Haval H6 GT isn't available as a regular hybrid (only as a plug-in hybrid), this is the only way to get a more 'individual' mid-size crossover SUV from GWM with hybrid power. You pay $3000 over a top-spec Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid for this privilege. The Haval H7 is available to order now. There's just one powertrain available in the GWM Haval H7. The GWM Haval H7 is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre battery warranty. GWM also includes five years of roadside assistance and five years of capped-price servicing. Service pricing will be announced closer to launch. Safety authority ANCAP has yet to release a result for the GWM Haval H7. Standard safety equipment includes: The GWM Haval H7 comes standard with the following equipment: Hamilton White paint is the standard exterior paint colour, with the following finishes costing an additional $495: MORE: Everything Haval Content originally sourced from: The GWM Haval H7 arrives in Australia in August, filling a very specific niche for the Chinese auto brand. Effectively, if you want a mid-size SUV that has a more rugged look than GWM's Haval H6 and H6 GT, but one not quite as rugged as the body-on-frame Tank 300, the Haval H7 is for you. Like the Haval H6 and H6 GT, but unlike the ladder-frame Tank 300, the Haval H7 is based on GWM's unibody LEMON underpinnings. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Despite its quasi-rugged posturing, it will be offered with only front-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, and there's no spare wheel – just a tyre repair kit. It's being offered here in a single Vanta trim, priced at $46,990 drive-away. Given the Haval H6 GT isn't available as a regular hybrid (only as a plug-in hybrid), this is the only way to get a more 'individual' mid-size crossover SUV from GWM with hybrid power. You pay $3000 over a top-spec Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid for this privilege. The Haval H7 is available to order now. There's just one powertrain available in the GWM Haval H7. The GWM Haval H7 is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre battery warranty. GWM also includes five years of roadside assistance and five years of capped-price servicing. Service pricing will be announced closer to launch. Safety authority ANCAP has yet to release a result for the GWM Haval H7. Standard safety equipment includes: The GWM Haval H7 comes standard with the following equipment: Hamilton White paint is the standard exterior paint colour, with the following finishes costing an additional $495: MORE: Everything Haval Content originally sourced from: The GWM Haval H7 arrives in Australia in August, filling a very specific niche for the Chinese auto brand. Effectively, if you want a mid-size SUV that has a more rugged look than GWM's Haval H6 and H6 GT, but one not quite as rugged as the body-on-frame Tank 300, the Haval H7 is for you. Like the Haval H6 and H6 GT, but unlike the ladder-frame Tank 300, the Haval H7 is based on GWM's unibody LEMON underpinnings. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Despite its quasi-rugged posturing, it will be offered with only front-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, and there's no spare wheel – just a tyre repair kit. It's being offered here in a single Vanta trim, priced at $46,990 drive-away. Given the Haval H6 GT isn't available as a regular hybrid (only as a plug-in hybrid), this is the only way to get a more 'individual' mid-size crossover SUV from GWM with hybrid power. You pay $3000 over a top-spec Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid for this privilege. The Haval H7 is available to order now. There's just one powertrain available in the GWM Haval H7. The GWM Haval H7 is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre battery warranty. GWM also includes five years of roadside assistance and five years of capped-price servicing. Service pricing will be announced closer to launch. Safety authority ANCAP has yet to release a result for the GWM Haval H7. Standard safety equipment includes: The GWM Haval H7 comes standard with the following equipment: Hamilton White paint is the standard exterior paint colour, with the following finishes costing an additional $495: MORE: Everything Haval Content originally sourced from: The GWM Haval H7 arrives in Australia in August, filling a very specific niche for the Chinese auto brand. Effectively, if you want a mid-size SUV that has a more rugged look than GWM's Haval H6 and H6 GT, but one not quite as rugged as the body-on-frame Tank 300, the Haval H7 is for you. Like the Haval H6 and H6 GT, but unlike the ladder-frame Tank 300, the Haval H7 is based on GWM's unibody LEMON underpinnings. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Despite its quasi-rugged posturing, it will be offered with only front-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, and there's no spare wheel – just a tyre repair kit. It's being offered here in a single Vanta trim, priced at $46,990 drive-away. Given the Haval H6 GT isn't available as a regular hybrid (only as a plug-in hybrid), this is the only way to get a more 'individual' mid-size crossover SUV from GWM with hybrid power. You pay $3000 over a top-spec Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid for this privilege. The Haval H7 is available to order now. There's just one powertrain available in the GWM Haval H7. The GWM Haval H7 is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre battery warranty. GWM also includes five years of roadside assistance and five years of capped-price servicing. Service pricing will be announced closer to launch. Safety authority ANCAP has yet to release a result for the GWM Haval H7. Standard safety equipment includes: The GWM Haval H7 comes standard with the following equipment: Hamilton White paint is the standard exterior paint colour, with the following finishes costing an additional $495: MORE: Everything Haval Content originally sourced from:
