MG's cheapest model now even cheaper
MG Australia has introduced a new entry-level variant to its second-generation MG 3 range, bringing the light hatch tantalisingly close to the title of Australia's cheapest new car.
The MG 3 Vibe joins the lineup priced at $21,888 drive-away. That makes it $1000 cheaper than the current range-opening MG 3 Excite petrol, which is currently priced at $22,888 drive-away as part of a promotional offer available until the end of this month (May 31).
Unlike the Excite and Essence versions of the latest MG 3 released last year, there is no Hybrid+ powertrain available for the Vibe. It also misses out on a handful of goodies like alloy wheels, push-button start, and electric folding mirrors.
MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao said the more affordable new MG 3 variant's introduction was intended to provide 'great value for Australians as they look to purchase a new car', as the brand recognises 'many Australians are doing it tough with the cost of living'.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. MG 3 Excite petrol Credit: CarExpert
Powering the MG 3 Vibe is the same petrol engine available with both the petrol Excite and Essence grades: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 81kW of power and 142Nm of torque.
This is mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission, with drive sent to the front wheels only. The Vibe rides on 15-inch steel wheels instead of the 16-inch alloys found across the rest of the range.
Inside, owners still get the same 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster seen in the Excite, the former accompanied by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
It retains many elements from the Excite including halogen headlights, a reversing camera, fabric upholstery, and a six-speaker sound system. MG 3 Excite petrol Credit: CarExpert
The Vibe also features part of the MG Pilot safety suite, though it misses out on blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist. All MG 3s are still covered by MG's 10-year, 250,000km warranty.
With the addition of the Vibe, the MG 3 undercuts rivals like the Suzuki Swift Hybrid manual ($24,490 drive-away), and is comfortably cheaper than the base Mazda 2 Evolve ($30,402 drive-away) after Mazda axed the base Pure and Pure SP grades for 2025.
However, MG hasn't outdone Kia, which is no longer represented in the light car segment after the axing of the Rio, but whose entry-level version of the smaller Picanto Sport manual remains Australia's cheapest new model at $21,340 drive-away. The Picanto became Australia's lowest-price new car when the previous-generation MG 3 was replaced in mid-2024.
So far in 2025, the MG 3 is Australia's best-selling light car. To the end of March, MG has shifted 3081 examples, significantly more than the 1468 sales recorded for the Mazda 2 and the 1044 new homes found by the Suzuki Swift Hybrid.
Full 2025 MG 3 pricing is detailed below:
MORE: Everything MG 3
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The sole BYD Shark 6 Premium variant, costs $57,900 before on-roads; while the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux is priced from $59,990 before on-roads, and the flagship Ultra costs $66,990 plus on-roads. Cannon Alpha PHEV drive-away pricing varies between each state and territory, as well as between private buyers and ABN holders. To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Practically identical to any other Ranger, which is to say it's well-presented and comfortable. 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert A key difference across the PHEV range compared to the diesels is that all four variants share a lot of the same tech. For example, you'll still find a monolithic vertical touchscreen up front, except all PHEVs get the larger 12-inch unit instead of the cheaper 10.1-inch alternative. Similarly, all PHEVs get the same 8.0-inch digital instrument display as seen across the majority of the Ranger lineup – though the combustion-powered Platinum and Raptor get a more sophisticated 12.3-inch unit. The main items separating each PHEV grade boil down to upholstery and convenience solutions, which feel more thought out as you climb through the ranks. The XLT gets cloth upholstery, while the Sport and Wildtrak get leather. The Stormtrak gets leather that's accented with light grey elements – also seen on the steering wheel and air vents – matching the unique new Chill Grey paint option outside. 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert Granted, the Shark and Cannon Alpha are tough competition in terms of interior presentation, and truthfully the Shark feels the most premium of the three. The Ranger is still a cut above the Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max though, while still retaining the impression of durability. 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In the padded outboard armrests are the Ranger's discreet internal door handles, which are a neat solution if not a little confusing for new passengers. They at least make for a moment of entertainment to watch them try to figure it out. 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert Side steps and the inclusion of handles on the A- and B-pillars make it easier to pull yourself in. This is also the case for the second row, which offers a decent amount of space. The high roof offers strong head room, and leg room is acceptable regardless of where the front seats are positioned. With the driver's seat in my average-height position, I had plenty of space from behind. The seats here are flat but still comfortable enough, and they're upholstered in the same leather-accented trim as found in the front – or cloth in the XLT. 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That makes it a versatile ute, and one that's not limited by certain environments or underdone tech. 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There are now eight variants of Ranger available in Australia. XLT, Sport, and Wildtrak can be had with both diesel and PHEV powertrains, while Stormtrak is PHEV-only. 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger XL standard equipment highlights: Acoustic windscreen 16-inch steel wheels All-season tyres 16-inch steel spare wheel Front disc and rear drum brakes Heavy-duty suspension Black grille Halogen headlights Halogen daytime running lights LED central high-mounted tail light LED tail lights (pickup only) Tailgate with lift assist (pickup only) Integrated tailgate step (pickup only) 10.1-inch Sync4 portrait touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Embedded modem Remote start via FordPass app 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment Ebony cloth upholstery Eight-way manual driver seat Four-way manual front passenger seat Vinyl floor covering Power rear windows (double cab only) Single-zone climate control Electronically locking rear differential (4×4 models only) Conventional gear selector Mechanical handbrake Ranger XLS: 400-watt power inverter 16-inch Dark Sparkle Silver alloy wheels Black side steps Halogen front fog lights Black grille with silver accents Carpet flooring Driver floor mat Drive mode selection Tow bar Trailer light check Integrated trailer brake controller Body-colour door handles Six-speaker sound system Proximity entry with push-button start Dual-zone climate control Rear seat air vents Satellite navigation DAB+ digital radio 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert Ranger XLT adds: 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tyres 17-inch steel spare wheel (standard on diesel, no-cost option for PHEV) Rear disc brakes Electronic handbrake Leather-wrapped 'e-Shifter' gear selector PHEV-specific drive modes: 2300W interior outlet 4×2 locking rear axle Front grille with chrome central bar LED headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights (diesel only, halogen for PHEV) Front-mounted tow hook Black sports bar (pickup only) Rear tub illumination (pickup only) Bedliner with 12V socket (diesel pickups only) Spray-in bedliner with 12V socket (super cab only) 2x 3450W bed outlets (PHEV only) 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system (PHEV only) Leather-wrapped steering wheel Electrochromatic mirror Rain-sensing wipers Note: Acoustic windscreen doesn't feature on XLT and above. Ranger Sport adds: 18-inch alloy wheels 18-inch spare wheel Dark accent grille Dark exterior accents Two front-mounted tow hooks Skid plate LED headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights (PHEV only) Front floor mats Rotary drive mode selector Wireless phone charging Off-road screen 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system (PHEV only) Ebony leather upholstery with 'SPORT' embossing Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat Six-way manual front passenger seat 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert Ranger Wildtrak adds: Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tyres Unique Wildtrak sports bar Power tub roller shutter Cargo management system Unique Wildtrak front grille with mesh pattern and Boulder Grey accents Exterior side mirrors with puddle lamps and zone lighting Roof rails Aluminium load box tie-down rails 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system Ambient lighting Pull-out dash-mounted cupholders Unique Wildtrak leather-accented upholstery Heated front seats Eight-way power-adjustable front seats Ranger Platinum adds (over Wildtrak): 20-inch alloy wheels Goodyear Territory HT tyres Silk Chrome exterior trim highlights Unique grille 'Platinum' badging on the bonnet, front doors and tailgate Matrix LED headlights Auto-levelling LED daytime running lights Full LED tail lights Damped (gas-strut) tailgate Black paint roof (no-cost option to revert to body-coloured roof) Flexible Rack System (FRS) Power roller shutter 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster B&O premium sound system Auxiliary switch bank Premium floor mats Heated steering wheel Premium quilted, perforated leather-accented upholstery Heated and ventilated front seats 10-way electrically adjustable front seats Driver memory seat 'Platinum' badging on front seats, mats and upper glovebox Accent stitching and decorative finishes 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert Ranger Stormtrak adds (over Wildtrak): Chill Grey wheel highlights Body-colour trim Thick roof racks Matrix LED headlights Stormtrak decals B&O premium sound system Flexible rack system Auxiliary switch bank Ranger Raptor adds (over Wildtrak): 17-inch alloy wheels in BF Goodrich K02 all-terrain tyres 17-inch alloy spare wheel Unique grille with 'F-O-R-D' lettering LED front fog lights Full LED tail lights 2.3mm steel front bash plate Unique Raptor dual tow hooks Spray-in bedliner Active exhaust Fox racing 2.5-inch live valve suspension Electronically locking front and rear differentials 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster 10-speaker B&O premium sound system Ambient lighting Auxiliary switch bank Heated and 10-way power-adjustable Ford Performance seats with embossed Raptor logo and Code Orange accented stitching Seven drive modes To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool A number of packages and single-item options are available across the range, depending on variant. 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert The 17-inch Steel Wheel Pack (for XL 4×4 models, $900) adds: 17-inch steel wheels 17-inch steel spare wheel All-terrain tyres (incl. spare wheel) The Towing Pack (XL, $1900) adds: Integrated trailer brake controller Tow bar The Wildtrak Premium Pack ($2000) adds: Six overhead auxiliary switches Matrix LED headlights Full LED tail lights 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system The 20-inch Wildtrak Wheel Pack ($750) adds: 20-inch machined-face alloy wheels All-season tyres The Touring Pack (XLT and Sport 4×4 pickup only, $1650) adds: Integrated trailer braking controller Pro Trailer Backup Assist Surround-view camera Exterior side mirror puddle lamps Zone lighting Cargo management system Auxiliary switch bank The Technology pack (Sport PHEV only, $950) adds: Pro Trailer Backup Assist Surround-view camera The Adventure pack (XLT, Sport and Wildtrak PHEV, $500) adds: Auxiliary switch bank Cargo management system Other options include: 20-inch machined-face alloy wheels in all-season tyres ($750; Wildtrak only) 4×4 XLT/Sport Wheel Pack ($700) Auxiliary switches ($350; XLT cab-chassis only) Flexible Rack System ($2800; Sport and Wildtrak) Factory-fit lift and slide canopy ($4500) Factory-fit Dual Lift Canopy ($4700) Factory-fit Commercial Canopy ($4700) Factory-fit manual roller shutter ($3000) Factory-fit power roller shutter ($3800, Raptor only) To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool While the diesel Ranger lineup boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating, that doesn't currently apply to PHEV variants. This is also the case with the flagship Raptor. 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Ford Ranger safety equipment highlights: 9 airbags Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot assist Rear cross-traffic alert (pickup) Lane departure warning Lane-keep assist Reversing camera (pickup) Rear parking sensors (pickup) Trailer Coverage (with optional Tow Pack) Ranger XLS adds: Front parking sensors Extended blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage Ranger XLT adds: Adaptive cruise control incl. stop/go (excl. PHEV) Blind-spot monitoring incl. Trailer Coverage Lane centring assist (excl. PHEV) Traffic sign recognition Tyre pressure monitoring Ranger Sport PHEV adds (over XLT PHEV): Intelligent adaptive cruise control incl. stop/go, traffic sign recognition Lane centring assist Ranger Wildtrak PHEV adds (over Sport PHEV): Surround-view camera Pro trailer back-up assist The optional Touring Pack adds a surround-view camera, while the Technology Pack adds a surround-view camera and pro trailer back-up assist for Sport PHEV only. To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Ford Australia backs the Ranger with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and the PHEV's high-voltage battery is additionally covered for eight years or 160,000km. 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert For context, a Ranger 4×4 V6 diesel will set you back $2700 over five years, while a 4×4 bi-turbo diesel will cost $2565. To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool For such a bold reimagining of the Ranger formula, Ford has done well to capture the best of its ute and combine it with more efficient electrified driveline tech – it won't be for everyone though. 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert Try as Ford will, but the Ranger PHEV isn't a car for tradies. The recommendations against a steel tray will be a turn-off for those using the ute in rough environments like construction sites, not to mention the fact that it costs a lot more than many will be able to afford. Further, even with the ability to charge itself, it's unreasonable to expect a tradie to always take the time to charge it, especially when time is money. Its overall range is a decent workaround, but it can't beat the mindless ease of a diesel. The lack of DC fast charging also seems a turn-off against the competition, but Ford wants owners to think of it as charging their phone every night – unlikely to be an option if you're parking it at a job site or somewhere remote. Then there's the conflict with the diesel range, which is confusing with mismatched standard equipment and pricing – likely due to differences between South African Rangers and Thai-sourced diesel models, as well as added costs like import tariffs that come with the PHEV's South African production. All told, the plug-in Ranger is the best of a small bunch when it comes to all-rounder PHEV utes. 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert It comfortably outdoes the Shark for off-road performance, even if its cabin feels arguably cheaper. The Cannon Alpha is also strong off-road, but it lacks the same on-road finesse and tech refinement that Ford has honed into the Ranger. A price premium over diesel alternatives is to be expected, and the Ranger was already fairly expensive for XLT dual-cabs and up. The standard features fitted to the $70,000+ XLT PHEV, like halogen headlights and cloth seats do sour the taste; suggesting the Sport PHEV might be the pick of the bunch. That's despite the Sport occupying a grey area between XLT and Wildtrak in the diesel range, which again points to those misaligned trim level placements. If a single-cab-chassis Ranger PHEV could be concocted, it would do wonders to open up the powertrain to budget-minded buyers wanting to branch away from diesel, and create a whole new genre of PHEV ute below larger and more lifestyle-focused Chinese rivals. As it stands, the Ranger PHEV avoids true 'lifestyle ute' status, presenting a well-considered and thoughtful effort from Ford to produce a new vehicle that should meet the expectations of efficiency-minded dual-cab buyers without undermining diesel alternatives. 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Credit: CarExpert Interested in buying a Ford Ranger? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Impressive EV functionality Uncompromised off-roading Still a Ranger after all Unavoidably expensive Strained towing Tradie configurability is limited
Perth Now
16 hours ago
- Perth Now
Lamborghini commits to combustion power 'as long as possible'
Lamborghini will use petrol engines for as long as it can as part of its unique selling point in delivering an emotive driving experience, according to its technical boss. While Ferrari is preparing to unveil its first electric vehicle (EV) in October 2025, Lamborghini won't have an EV of its own until the arrival of a four-seat showroom version of the Lanzador concept – which has been delayed to 2030. Even then, Lamborghini is not planning to ditch combustion power for an electric-only future, even if it's seemingly inevitable. Speaking to media including CarExpert, the Lamborghini's chief technical officer, Rouven Mohr, said the company's cars are not about raw numbers, but instead an emotional experience – and that's why petrol power will remain. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Pictured: Lamborghini Temerario 'If you speak about the future of combustion for sure, for us, we are aiming to continue as long as possible,' Mr Mohr said. 'This is clear not because – you know, sometimes some colleagues say, 'ah, it's not so much about the old world' – [but because] we still think that we have a lot of ideas to transport, let me say, the combustion future.' Mohr was speaking during a technical briefing on the 2026 Lamborghini Temerario, which is powered by hybrid powertrain which teams a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine with three axial-flux electric motors. The Temerario follows the Lamborghini Revuelto V12 supercar in going hybrid. The Temerario's 588kW/630Nm V8 engine spins to an emphatic 10,000rpm, significantly higher than the V10 engine in the car it replaces, the Lamborghini Huracan. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Huracan – along with its Audi R8 twin which has since been dropped – used a naturally-aspirated 470kW/565Nm 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine with a rev limit of 8800rpm in its most potent spec. The Temerario's hybrid system makes a total of 677kW between the petrol engine and its electric motors, channelled through in-house developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. Performance claims include a 2.7-second 0-100km/h dash, a 343km/h top speed and the ability to pull up from 100km/h to zero in only 32 metres (0.5m more than the Huracan) thanks to its carbon-ceramic brakes. It's faster and lighter than its predecessor despite the hybrid system, with the Temerario's 1690kg dry weight, undercutting the Huracan Tecnica's 1379kg. An electric version would likely be heavier – but faster accelerating again. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Yet, Mohr said internal combustion was part of the theatre of the Lamborghini brand, especially against a new wave of conventional electric passenger cars with supercar-like acceleration figures. 'For sure, we have to differentiate if you speak about automobiles in general,' Mohr added. 'I'm speaking [more] about the emotional perception in our segment. 'In our segment, we are even, we are the pinnacle of the emotions. The other brands that say they want to be the pinnacle in the lap time, they want to be the pinnacle in motorsport and brand heritage. 'We are the pinnacle in emotion – that's what we're aiming to be. You know, therefore for us, it's fundamental that we try to continue [internal combustion power].' MORE: Lamborghini Temerario says farewell V10, hello twin-turbo V8 PHEV
