
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander price and specs
The updated petrol-powered Mitsubishi Outlander has received retuned steering and suspension, plus new equipment, but all members of the range are now at least $2000 pricier than before.
The refreshed mid-size SUV goes on sale locally from June.
Mitsubishi has yet to release local pricing and specifications for the updated Outlander PHEV lineup.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
The Black Edition that slotted between the LS and Aspire is dead, while the Exceed and Exceed Tourer lose their third row of seating.
All petrol variants have subtly revised front fascia designs, new wheel designs, and smoked tail-light lenses with full LED lighting.
Inside, there's a larger centre bin, cupholders that are now positioned along the length of the centre tunnel, and 'higher quality materials' and 'ornate interior stitching'. All interior lighting is now touch-capacitive LED, as well.
Gone are the 8.0 and 9.0-inch infotainment screens, as all variants are now equipped with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus three USB-C ports up front.
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is now standard across the lineup, as are Yamaha-branded sound systems.
As we've previously reported, all 2025 petrol Outlanders are fitted with an Australian-developed steering and suspension package which has also been adopted for global markets.
There are recalibrated front and rear shock absorbers and a smaller-diameter front anti-roll bar, while the electric power steering mapping has been adjusted to improve on-centre feel and provide 'a more linear response when turning'.
There are also new Bridgestone summer tyres, and there have also been updates to the chassis and body to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.
The petrol-powered Outlander range continues to come exclusively with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and either front- or all-wheel drive.
There's also a choice of five- or seven-seat configurations. Mitsubishi refers to the latter as a '5+2′ seating arrangement, evidently managing buyers' expectations about the amount of space back there.
Pricing
Drivetrains and Efficiency
Fuel consumption is 7.5L/100km for the base ES, rising to 7.7L/100km for the LS and Aspire, 7.8L/100km for the all-wheel drive ES, and 8.1L/100km in all other variants.
Dimensions
Mitsubishi hasn't yet published dimensions for the refreshed Outlander. The pre-facelift model's dimensions are listed below, and are unlikely to change much.
All five-seat Outlanders have a full-size alloy spare, while seven-seat variants have a space-saver.
Servicing and Warranty
The revised Outlander range comes with a five-year, 100,000km warranty as standard. This can be extended to 10 years and 200,000km if you service within Mitsubishi's dealer network using its capped-price service program.
Mitsubishi hasn't yet provided service pricing for the updated Outlander lineup.
All vehicles are sold with 12 months of roadside assistance, which can be extended for up to four years when the vehicle is serviced at an authorised Mitsubishi dealer.
Safety
The Mitsubishi Outlander has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2022.
Standard safety equipment includes:
Autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse)
Adaptive cruise control
Blind-spot monitoring
Lane-keep assist
Surround-view camera
Traffic sign recognition
Aspire grades and above get Mi-Pilot, which combines lane centring and Traffic Jam Assist functions.
Standard Equipment
There are five trim levels in the petrol-powered Mitsubishi Outlander lineup. Mitsubishi has published only limited specification information thus far.
The base ES comes standard with the following equipment:
Five-seat layout
18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Full LED tail lights (NEW)
Black cloth upholstery
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (NEW)
12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (NEW)
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Android Auto (NEW)
Satellite navigation
8-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio
3 x front USB-C outlets
The LS adds:
Seven-seat layout
2 x rear USB-C outlets
Mitsubishi Connect
The Aspire adds:
20-inch alloy wheels
Black leatherette upholstery
Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
The Exceed adds:
Five-seat layout
Black or grey quilted leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats (NEW)
Heated front seats
Aluminium pedals
Digital rear-view mirror
Exterior mirrors with memory, reverse auto-tilt
Front door foot lamps
Rear cargo floor box with lid
The Exceed Tourer adds:
Brick Brown semi-aniline leather upholstery
12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate 1650W sound system (NEW)
Heated outboard rear seats
Massaging front seats
Colours
The following exterior finishes are offered on the Outlander:
White solid
Cosmic Blue pearlescent
Sterling Silver metallic
Graphite Grey metallic
White Diamond prestige
Red Diamond prestige
Black Diamond prestige
Moonstone Grey prestige (Aspire and Exceed only)
The Exceed Tourer is offered in a range of two-tone exterior finishes. These are:
White Diamond with Black Mica roof
Moonstone Grey with Black Mica roof
Graphite Grey with Black Mica roof
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Perth Now
22 minutes ago
- Perth Now
2025 Omoda C9 review: Quick drive
Chery, the massive Chinese automotive manufacturing conglomerate, has already made inroads into our market by launching a variety of vehicles under its own banner. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Now, it's rolling out its Omoda Jaecoo brand, which it's calling a step above its namesake brand. And while Omoda Jaecoo showrooms only have Jaecoo-badged SUVs for now, they'll be joined in August by the Omoda C9. This plug-in hybrid (PHEV) large SUV aims to offer Volvo XC60– or BMW X3-like levels of luxury, interior space, equipment and performance, but at the sort of prices you might expect to pay for a mid-spec Volkswagen Tiguan. We got our first taste of the car on the south coast of the UK (badged as simply the 'Omoda 9 SHS' for that market), to see how impressive – or otherwise – this incoming Omoda truly is. We don't know yet, but there's every likelihood the Omoda C9 could start somewhere close to the ballpark of the top-spec Jaecoo J7 SHS, which is priced at $47,990 drive-away. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert However, there are a few things to temper the hope that the C9 will land around $50,000: one, the C9 is a physically bigger and longer car than the J7; and two, the PHEV powertrain in the C9 is considerably more powerful and long-legged than the one in the J7. So the C9 PHEV will cost more but, nevertheless, we'd be mighty surprised if the Omoda C9 SHS wasn't considerably cheaper than the $102,500 (plus on-road costs) you need to park your backside in a BMW X3 30e xDrive PHEV, for instance. Therefore we'll reserve final judgement on the new Chinese SUV's value equation until we know for sure how much it's going to cost, and precisely what kit we'll get for our money. There are two types of Chinese car interiors these days, starting with the ones built down to a cheaper price, which normally rely on some kind of gimmick – like a rotating centre screen, for example – to make them interesting. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert The second type is a well-appointed, luxurious cabin that clearly takes inspiration from established and premium European marques. Happily, the C9's passenger compartment falls into this category. You climb aboard to be greeted by a swish-looking, solidly put-together main fascia, complemented by some large, deep-bolstered chairs finished in what looks like leather (it's synthetic, rather than real hide, but it's convincing enough as these things go) and then topped off with fancy stitching patterns – echoed in the door cards – that are designed to bring an element of grandiosity to proceedings. In the main, this works, especially when you finally sit behind the (properly) leather-trimmed steering wheel and start experiencing all of the main touchpoints and all of the surface finishes, none of which seem obviously subpar. Technology is handled by a whopping great 24.6-inch curved display which features both the main touchscreen infotainment and the TFT driver's cluster, but Omoda Jaecoo is also proud to say there are no fewer than 53 physical buttons and controls in the C9's cabin – great news for anyone experiencing digital fatigue in modern-era car interiors. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert There's also a potent 50-Watt, cooled wireless smartphone charging pad, which you're going to want to employ because you'll inevitably be using the wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity as the proprietary infotainment system is not great. It's one of those typically confusing systems with too many menus, not enough logical order to where various settings and controls ought to be, and a fiddly, somewhat laggy response rate to prods of the screen. Furthermore, there's a weird trip computer in the C9 which will only ever show you your last 50km of fuel and electricity consumption, and you can't reset it no matter what you do. Bizarre. Generally, though, the cabin and the main displays are largely very good, even if the high central construct ramping down from beneath the central screen and running towards the back of the car feels somewhat constrictive to front-passenger space. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Practicality isn't an issue, though, as there is plenty of legroom and a completely flat floor in the rear of the passenger compartment, which means three adults might just be able to travel side-by-side in the second row if needs be. However, headroom in the outer two seats can be limited if the occupants sit slightly outboard, because the roof curves in quite noticeably above the doors towards the panoramic roof up top. At the back is a sizeable 660-litre boot, rising to 1783L with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped down. The Chinese firm also offers three full ISOFIX child seat anchors on the back bench, recognising thatfamilies will be the end users of this vehicle. But despite its sheer physical size – it's nearly 4.8 metres long – there isn't a seven-seat option for the C9. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Depending on the market, the Omoda C9 – also sold as the RX or Yaoguang by Chery's premium Exeed brand – is offered with turbocharged petrol power or a choice of two plug-in hybrid powertrains with two or three electric motors respectively. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Our UK-spec tester uses the familiar Chery-sourced turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, alongside its unusual '3DHT' (dedicated hybrid transmission) three-speed automatic gearbox and dual electric motors. The difference here is that this system is much more powerful than it is in the related Jaecoo J7, summoning up peak outputs of 300kW and 700Nm. That's enough for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds, despite the bulky kerb weight of 2195kg. There's also a bigger battery pack here, rated at 34.46kWh. This allows the Omoda to travel up to 150km on electric power alone, which is claimed to be among the longest EV ranges for any PHEV available globally right now, and when combined with the big 70L fuel tank the C9 should be capable of more than 1200km of total range with careful driving. Due to the big battery pack and the oddities of WLTP testing, the official fuel consumption figure is somewhere south of a deeply impressive 2.0L/100km, but bear in mind Omoda Jaecoo would like you to work on the premise of 7.0L/100km, which is what the car will do when its battery is depleted as far as it will go. On that basis, our recorded figure of 5.9L/100km across 80km of mixed-roads driving doesn't look too bad, although we obviously had lots of battery charge to play with from the off, while the traffic conditions on the test route were conducive to better fuel economy (ie: we weren't often going that quickly). Recently sighted government approval documents in Australia show this market is set to get the even gruntier tri-motor PHEV powertrain, which offers total system outputs of 440kW and 915Nm. Rather well, all told, and it's certainly one of the more assured, likeable efforts from China that we've tried so far. Of course, it's not perfect either, but it's a mainly positive dynamic report card. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert First of all, there's no doubting those 300kW and 700Nm output claims, because the Omoda C9 SHS does feel suitably rapid. The three-speed transmission deserves particular praise, as the company claims it is seamless in operation and, from our brief experience of this UK-spec dual-motor car, it certainly feels it. Thus, driving the Omoda is merely a case of clicking the column-mounted shifter into D and then deciding just how much forward momentum you want with presses of the accelerator pedal. If you decide you want a lot of it, then the C9 can oblige, with excellent traction from the dual motors and a real feeling of power, particularly when it comes to roll-on acceleration. There are supposed to be three different modes for the Continuous Damper Control (CDC) adaptive suspension, the steering, the accelerator response and the brakes, but trying to find them involves going through the complex infotainment system – it's not the work of a moment to pick and choose your settings. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert We eventually found a system that allowed us to switch all of the above settings according to which drive mode we chose from the main central dial on the fascia, but there wasn't an awfully great degree of light and shade to any of the major inputs when going from Eco to Normal to Sport and then back again. We reckon most people will just leave the C9 in the middle of these, as it drives quite sweetly thus configured. Certainly, the secondary ride and the impressive level of rolling refinement both serve to make this a comfortable car to travel long distances in. It's supple and it's quiet, and there's not a great deal of movement in the shell of the SUV either, so you never feel like you're rolling around in an automotive waterbed. Granted, there are times the 20-inch wheels do thud through larger imperfections in the road, so the primary ride isn't quite as polished, yet the Omoda is perfectly fine for just ambling about the place at a leisurely speed. The handling isn't quite so memorable, but it's not bad at all. The decent body control couples to lots of grip, ample traction and nicely weighted, reasonably accurate steering, so while you might not exactly enjoyhustling the C9 through the corners, it's more than capable of putting on a respectable show if you decide to get a move on. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Our complaints, then, basically amount to some idiosyncrasies of the Omoda, such as hesitance when you're moving off from a standstill. Or brakes which felt wooden underfoot and too aggressive in their initial bite at lower speeds. Or a driver's seat which is too high-mounted and not quite comfortable enough in the coccyx region to worry Volvo's engineers any time soon. All things considered, the Omoda felt nicely composed for most of the time we were behind its wheel, and it's definitely in the same sort of dynamic range as something like a Volkswagen Tiguan – itself a fairly safe and uninspiring thing to drive most of the time, but perfectly comfortable and amenable. We'd expect a lengthy standard kit list for the Omoda C9 when it lands here, as that's a typical trait of 'new' Chinese manufacturers trying to break into fresh markets. Going on the car we tested overseas, we'd be hoping for some of the highlights below to make it into the Australian cars as standard. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Omoda C9 SHS equipment highlights: 24.6-inch curved display 50W wireless smartphone charging pad 20-inch alloy wheels Adaptive electromagnetic suspension LED exterior lighting Leather-effect upholstery Heated and ventilated seats, front and rear Adaptive cruise control Dual-zone climate control 14-speaker Sony surround sound system Panoramic sunroof Panoramic camera system Keyless Go Cruise control With the car not tested by Euro NCAP or ANCAP and considering Omoda Jaecoo is not yet established as a manufacturer in its own right, we can't say exactly what safety spec the C9 will offer when it lands in this market. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert That said, the company confidently cites the fact that 20 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are fitted as standard to the SUV, and that products under the Chery and Jaecoo banners have picked up good safety ratings – most pertinently the related J7 SHS, which has a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Again, we don't have exact details on aftersales provisions as Omoda does not exist here yet, but going on what Jaecoo offers we'd be disappointed if the C9 didn't come with the eight-year, unlimited-distance warranty that covers the J7 SHS, along with other impressive levels of customer back-up. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert It should obviously prove cheap to run compared to a straightforward petrol SUV, thanks to its PHEV drivetrain and big battery pack. Speaking of which, Omoda offers DC fast-charging for its power packs at up to 70kW. This should see the battery go from 30-80 per cent of charge in as little as 25 minutes on the right connection. And furthermore the clever hybrid system in the C9 ensures that the battery is never fully depleted – it always reserves some charge in the unit, and manages its self-charging functions carefully, so that the SUV can operate like a regular hybrid when the battery is low, rather than exhausting all of its useable capacity and then making its driver rely solely on the combustion engine for forward progress. Despite being an unknown quantity – of sorts – here in Australia as a standalone auto brand, our first sample of the Omoda C9 SHS uses technology we're already familiar with from cars in the Chery and Jaecoo stables – even if we're likely to get an even more powerful tri-motor version. 2025 Omoda C9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert As tested, the Omoda C9 SHS is a convincing luxury SUV that, if the pricing and specifications are right once they're confirmed for our market, ought to be worth serious consideration. Sure, it could do with some added engineering polish in certain areas, most specifically the brakes, and the driving experience is okay without being exceptional. But there's plenty to recommend and much to like here – so much so that we're eager to try the Omoda C9 on home roads to really get the lay of the land. MORE: 2025 Omoda C9: Flagship PHEV mid-size SUV locked in for Australia Powerful drivetrain Spacious and well-equipped interior Over 1200km of combined range Wooden-feeling brakes Infotainment issues Imperfect driving position


The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2026 MG U9 ute: Payload, GVM and other key details revealed for Ford Ranger rival
The upcoming MG U9 ute has received Australian Design Rule certification that approves it for local roads, and documents seen by CarExpert have revealed some key figures for the first time. The first ute to wear the MG nameplate in Australia is due for release here during the fourth quarter of 2025. Two variants appear in the approval documents, both of which are dual-cab pickups powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 160kW of power and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and what's referred to as an automatic all-wheel drive system. A torque figure isn't listed, though Chinese data suggests it will be 520Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While both unnamed variants have a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, matching the class leaders, they differ in both tare mass and gross vehicle mass. The former has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3500kg and a tare mass of 2398kg, from which we can calculate a payload figure of 1102kg. The other variant has a GVM of 3320kg and a tare mass of 2498kg, resulting in a payload figure of 822kg. The MG U9 measures a sizeable 5500mm long, 1997mm wide and 1860mm tall on a 3300mm wheelbase. An optional luggage rack bumps height up to 1874mm. For context, the Ford Ranger 4×4 dual-cab measures 5403mm long, 1918mm wide and 1886mm tall on a 3270mm wheelbase, making the new MG ute notably larger. Dual-cab Rangers also offer a payload figure of between 929kg and 1018kg depending on the variant. Ground clearance for the MG is 220mm, and the U9 will ride on either 18- or optional 20-inch wheels. Other previously confirmed available features include a massaging driver's seat, "flexible seat functionality to maximise storage and comfort", a JBL sound system, and even walkthrough cab/tub capability. While the U9 is a rebadged version of the upcoming LDV Terron 9, there won't be an EV counterpart for the upcoming eTerron 9 electric ute from MG's SAIC sister brand LDV, at least initially. "We're considering other drivetrains [for the U9] at the moment, but probably not the EV in the first instance. We're considering something else [like] plug in hybrid," said chief commercial officer Giles Belcher earlier this year. Local testing of the U9 is underway, and MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of genuine accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks to be made available as dealer options. The U9 is a key part of MG's plan to become a top-three auto brand in Australia by the end of this decade, and will be one of a raft of new models it releases in new segments for the brand. This also includes the seven-seat QS large SUV and the more premium IM5 and IM6 electric vehicles (EVs), all of which will reach local showrooms in the coming months. MORE: MG's new ute to be available with tough Australian-made accessories Content originally sourced from: The upcoming MG U9 ute has received Australian Design Rule certification that approves it for local roads, and documents seen by CarExpert have revealed some key figures for the first time. The first ute to wear the MG nameplate in Australia is due for release here during the fourth quarter of 2025. Two variants appear in the approval documents, both of which are dual-cab pickups powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 160kW of power and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and what's referred to as an automatic all-wheel drive system. A torque figure isn't listed, though Chinese data suggests it will be 520Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While both unnamed variants have a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, matching the class leaders, they differ in both tare mass and gross vehicle mass. The former has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3500kg and a tare mass of 2398kg, from which we can calculate a payload figure of 1102kg. The other variant has a GVM of 3320kg and a tare mass of 2498kg, resulting in a payload figure of 822kg. The MG U9 measures a sizeable 5500mm long, 1997mm wide and 1860mm tall on a 3300mm wheelbase. An optional luggage rack bumps height up to 1874mm. For context, the Ford Ranger 4×4 dual-cab measures 5403mm long, 1918mm wide and 1886mm tall on a 3270mm wheelbase, making the new MG ute notably larger. Dual-cab Rangers also offer a payload figure of between 929kg and 1018kg depending on the variant. Ground clearance for the MG is 220mm, and the U9 will ride on either 18- or optional 20-inch wheels. Other previously confirmed available features include a massaging driver's seat, "flexible seat functionality to maximise storage and comfort", a JBL sound system, and even walkthrough cab/tub capability. While the U9 is a rebadged version of the upcoming LDV Terron 9, there won't be an EV counterpart for the upcoming eTerron 9 electric ute from MG's SAIC sister brand LDV, at least initially. "We're considering other drivetrains [for the U9] at the moment, but probably not the EV in the first instance. We're considering something else [like] plug in hybrid," said chief commercial officer Giles Belcher earlier this year. Local testing of the U9 is underway, and MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of genuine accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks to be made available as dealer options. The U9 is a key part of MG's plan to become a top-three auto brand in Australia by the end of this decade, and will be one of a raft of new models it releases in new segments for the brand. This also includes the seven-seat QS large SUV and the more premium IM5 and IM6 electric vehicles (EVs), all of which will reach local showrooms in the coming months. MORE: MG's new ute to be available with tough Australian-made accessories Content originally sourced from: The upcoming MG U9 ute has received Australian Design Rule certification that approves it for local roads, and documents seen by CarExpert have revealed some key figures for the first time. The first ute to wear the MG nameplate in Australia is due for release here during the fourth quarter of 2025. Two variants appear in the approval documents, both of which are dual-cab pickups powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 160kW of power and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and what's referred to as an automatic all-wheel drive system. A torque figure isn't listed, though Chinese data suggests it will be 520Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While both unnamed variants have a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, matching the class leaders, they differ in both tare mass and gross vehicle mass. The former has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3500kg and a tare mass of 2398kg, from which we can calculate a payload figure of 1102kg. The other variant has a GVM of 3320kg and a tare mass of 2498kg, resulting in a payload figure of 822kg. The MG U9 measures a sizeable 5500mm long, 1997mm wide and 1860mm tall on a 3300mm wheelbase. An optional luggage rack bumps height up to 1874mm. For context, the Ford Ranger 4×4 dual-cab measures 5403mm long, 1918mm wide and 1886mm tall on a 3270mm wheelbase, making the new MG ute notably larger. Dual-cab Rangers also offer a payload figure of between 929kg and 1018kg depending on the variant. Ground clearance for the MG is 220mm, and the U9 will ride on either 18- or optional 20-inch wheels. Other previously confirmed available features include a massaging driver's seat, "flexible seat functionality to maximise storage and comfort", a JBL sound system, and even walkthrough cab/tub capability. While the U9 is a rebadged version of the upcoming LDV Terron 9, there won't be an EV counterpart for the upcoming eTerron 9 electric ute from MG's SAIC sister brand LDV, at least initially. "We're considering other drivetrains [for the U9] at the moment, but probably not the EV in the first instance. We're considering something else [like] plug in hybrid," said chief commercial officer Giles Belcher earlier this year. Local testing of the U9 is underway, and MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of genuine accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks to be made available as dealer options. The U9 is a key part of MG's plan to become a top-three auto brand in Australia by the end of this decade, and will be one of a raft of new models it releases in new segments for the brand. This also includes the seven-seat QS large SUV and the more premium IM5 and IM6 electric vehicles (EVs), all of which will reach local showrooms in the coming months. MORE: MG's new ute to be available with tough Australian-made accessories Content originally sourced from: The upcoming MG U9 ute has received Australian Design Rule certification that approves it for local roads, and documents seen by CarExpert have revealed some key figures for the first time. The first ute to wear the MG nameplate in Australia is due for release here during the fourth quarter of 2025. Two variants appear in the approval documents, both of which are dual-cab pickups powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 160kW of power and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and what's referred to as an automatic all-wheel drive system. A torque figure isn't listed, though Chinese data suggests it will be 520Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While both unnamed variants have a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, matching the class leaders, they differ in both tare mass and gross vehicle mass. The former has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3500kg and a tare mass of 2398kg, from which we can calculate a payload figure of 1102kg. The other variant has a GVM of 3320kg and a tare mass of 2498kg, resulting in a payload figure of 822kg. The MG U9 measures a sizeable 5500mm long, 1997mm wide and 1860mm tall on a 3300mm wheelbase. An optional luggage rack bumps height up to 1874mm. For context, the Ford Ranger 4×4 dual-cab measures 5403mm long, 1918mm wide and 1886mm tall on a 3270mm wheelbase, making the new MG ute notably larger. Dual-cab Rangers also offer a payload figure of between 929kg and 1018kg depending on the variant. Ground clearance for the MG is 220mm, and the U9 will ride on either 18- or optional 20-inch wheels. Other previously confirmed available features include a massaging driver's seat, "flexible seat functionality to maximise storage and comfort", a JBL sound system, and even walkthrough cab/tub capability. While the U9 is a rebadged version of the upcoming LDV Terron 9, there won't be an EV counterpart for the upcoming eTerron 9 electric ute from MG's SAIC sister brand LDV, at least initially. "We're considering other drivetrains [for the U9] at the moment, but probably not the EV in the first instance. We're considering something else [like] plug in hybrid," said chief commercial officer Giles Belcher earlier this year. Local testing of the U9 is underway, and MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of genuine accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks to be made available as dealer options. The U9 is a key part of MG's plan to become a top-three auto brand in Australia by the end of this decade, and will be one of a raft of new models it releases in new segments for the brand. This also includes the seven-seat QS large SUV and the more premium IM5 and IM6 electric vehicles (EVs), all of which will reach local showrooms in the coming months. MORE: MG's new ute to be available with tough Australian-made accessories Content originally sourced from:


The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Kia wants an even cheaper Sportage Hybrid to take on the Toyota RAV4 in Australia
Kia Australia's product boss wants a more affordable, entry-level Sportage Hybrid (HEV) variant to better compete with the top-selling Toyota RAV4, but he can't confirm exactly when such an option will become available. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the facelifted Sportage, Kia Australia's general manager for product Roland Rivero said his team's next priority for the upgraded mid-size SUV range is adding a cheaper hybrid grade, but getting it here could be an uphill battle. "What we need to monitor first is this trim and powertrain strategy [the new all-wheel drive HEV variants in SX and GT-Line trims]. We want to see how this goes in the marketplace," Mr Rivero told CarExpert. "On top of that, we have to marry it up to how much supply we can get. Hybrid production [for Australia] is shared with the United States, so we sometimes don't get the lion's share of hybrids." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We're quite happy that… we've got enough supply to do SX and GT-Line across [Hybrid] all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, and to ask for another variant means we're going to need more supply. "If the stars do align, we can bring [entry-level Sportage S HEV variants] in. It's easy to create the variant, but not necessarily easy to get the supply of it. So we've got to juggle that right now and see how we go – timing wise… I don't know," Mr Rivero added. Notwithstanding his desire for a cheaper S-spec version of the Sportage hybrid, Mr Rivero said supply of petrol-electric Sportage vehicles has improved slightly for the model's mid-life facelift, and currently sits somewhere between 400 and 500 units per month compared to the 300/month total for the pre-facelift model. During the Sportage media conference, Mr Rivero also indicated that initial orders are showing a 60:40 split between AWD and front-wheel drive Sportage Hybrid variants, which is unsurprising given AWD hybrids have previously been unavailable in Australia. The most affordable Sportage HEV in Australia is the SX FWD, which starts from $46,450 plus on-road costs. A cheaper front-drive Sportage S hybrid would likely drop that figure to around $42,000. Australia's favourite SUV, the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4, is currently priced from $42,260 plus on-road costs for the cheapest GX 2WD variant. The Kia Sportage lineup is currently the fourth best-selling mid-size SUV in Australia based on VFACTS new-vehicle sales data, with 8723 units registered between January 1 and May 31 this year. Its 9.4 per cent share of the nation's largest auto market segment is bested by the aforementioned RAV4 (with 21,613 sales in the same period), as well as the Mitsubishi Outlander (10,203) and Mazda CX-5 (9409). For the 2024 calendar year, the Sportage line notched up 22,210 registrations (up 41.0 per cent year-on-year), again placing it fourth behind the same rivals in the same order. Interestingly, the related Hyundai Tucson lineup (7940 sales YTD) trails the Sportage in terms of popularity, despite offering double the number of hybrid variants – eight versus just four for the updated Sportage. Stay tuned to CarExpert for our first Australian drive of the facelifted Sportage on July 13. MORE: 2025 Kia Sportage price and specsMORE: Everything Kia Sportage Content originally sourced from: Kia Australia's product boss wants a more affordable, entry-level Sportage Hybrid (HEV) variant to better compete with the top-selling Toyota RAV4, but he can't confirm exactly when such an option will become available. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the facelifted Sportage, Kia Australia's general manager for product Roland Rivero said his team's next priority for the upgraded mid-size SUV range is adding a cheaper hybrid grade, but getting it here could be an uphill battle. "What we need to monitor first is this trim and powertrain strategy [the new all-wheel drive HEV variants in SX and GT-Line trims]. We want to see how this goes in the marketplace," Mr Rivero told CarExpert. "On top of that, we have to marry it up to how much supply we can get. Hybrid production [for Australia] is shared with the United States, so we sometimes don't get the lion's share of hybrids." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We're quite happy that… we've got enough supply to do SX and GT-Line across [Hybrid] all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, and to ask for another variant means we're going to need more supply. "If the stars do align, we can bring [entry-level Sportage S HEV variants] in. It's easy to create the variant, but not necessarily easy to get the supply of it. So we've got to juggle that right now and see how we go – timing wise… I don't know," Mr Rivero added. Notwithstanding his desire for a cheaper S-spec version of the Sportage hybrid, Mr Rivero said supply of petrol-electric Sportage vehicles has improved slightly for the model's mid-life facelift, and currently sits somewhere between 400 and 500 units per month compared to the 300/month total for the pre-facelift model. During the Sportage media conference, Mr Rivero also indicated that initial orders are showing a 60:40 split between AWD and front-wheel drive Sportage Hybrid variants, which is unsurprising given AWD hybrids have previously been unavailable in Australia. The most affordable Sportage HEV in Australia is the SX FWD, which starts from $46,450 plus on-road costs. A cheaper front-drive Sportage S hybrid would likely drop that figure to around $42,000. Australia's favourite SUV, the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4, is currently priced from $42,260 plus on-road costs for the cheapest GX 2WD variant. The Kia Sportage lineup is currently the fourth best-selling mid-size SUV in Australia based on VFACTS new-vehicle sales data, with 8723 units registered between January 1 and May 31 this year. Its 9.4 per cent share of the nation's largest auto market segment is bested by the aforementioned RAV4 (with 21,613 sales in the same period), as well as the Mitsubishi Outlander (10,203) and Mazda CX-5 (9409). For the 2024 calendar year, the Sportage line notched up 22,210 registrations (up 41.0 per cent year-on-year), again placing it fourth behind the same rivals in the same order. Interestingly, the related Hyundai Tucson lineup (7940 sales YTD) trails the Sportage in terms of popularity, despite offering double the number of hybrid variants – eight versus just four for the updated Sportage. Stay tuned to CarExpert for our first Australian drive of the facelifted Sportage on July 13. MORE: 2025 Kia Sportage price and specsMORE: Everything Kia Sportage Content originally sourced from: Kia Australia's product boss wants a more affordable, entry-level Sportage Hybrid (HEV) variant to better compete with the top-selling Toyota RAV4, but he can't confirm exactly when such an option will become available. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the facelifted Sportage, Kia Australia's general manager for product Roland Rivero said his team's next priority for the upgraded mid-size SUV range is adding a cheaper hybrid grade, but getting it here could be an uphill battle. "What we need to monitor first is this trim and powertrain strategy [the new all-wheel drive HEV variants in SX and GT-Line trims]. We want to see how this goes in the marketplace," Mr Rivero told CarExpert. "On top of that, we have to marry it up to how much supply we can get. Hybrid production [for Australia] is shared with the United States, so we sometimes don't get the lion's share of hybrids." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We're quite happy that… we've got enough supply to do SX and GT-Line across [Hybrid] all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, and to ask for another variant means we're going to need more supply. "If the stars do align, we can bring [entry-level Sportage S HEV variants] in. It's easy to create the variant, but not necessarily easy to get the supply of it. So we've got to juggle that right now and see how we go – timing wise… I don't know," Mr Rivero added. Notwithstanding his desire for a cheaper S-spec version of the Sportage hybrid, Mr Rivero said supply of petrol-electric Sportage vehicles has improved slightly for the model's mid-life facelift, and currently sits somewhere between 400 and 500 units per month compared to the 300/month total for the pre-facelift model. During the Sportage media conference, Mr Rivero also indicated that initial orders are showing a 60:40 split between AWD and front-wheel drive Sportage Hybrid variants, which is unsurprising given AWD hybrids have previously been unavailable in Australia. The most affordable Sportage HEV in Australia is the SX FWD, which starts from $46,450 plus on-road costs. A cheaper front-drive Sportage S hybrid would likely drop that figure to around $42,000. Australia's favourite SUV, the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4, is currently priced from $42,260 plus on-road costs for the cheapest GX 2WD variant. The Kia Sportage lineup is currently the fourth best-selling mid-size SUV in Australia based on VFACTS new-vehicle sales data, with 8723 units registered between January 1 and May 31 this year. Its 9.4 per cent share of the nation's largest auto market segment is bested by the aforementioned RAV4 (with 21,613 sales in the same period), as well as the Mitsubishi Outlander (10,203) and Mazda CX-5 (9409). For the 2024 calendar year, the Sportage line notched up 22,210 registrations (up 41.0 per cent year-on-year), again placing it fourth behind the same rivals in the same order. Interestingly, the related Hyundai Tucson lineup (7940 sales YTD) trails the Sportage in terms of popularity, despite offering double the number of hybrid variants – eight versus just four for the updated Sportage. Stay tuned to CarExpert for our first Australian drive of the facelifted Sportage on July 13. MORE: 2025 Kia Sportage price and specsMORE: Everything Kia Sportage Content originally sourced from: Kia Australia's product boss wants a more affordable, entry-level Sportage Hybrid (HEV) variant to better compete with the top-selling Toyota RAV4, but he can't confirm exactly when such an option will become available. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the facelifted Sportage, Kia Australia's general manager for product Roland Rivero said his team's next priority for the upgraded mid-size SUV range is adding a cheaper hybrid grade, but getting it here could be an uphill battle. "What we need to monitor first is this trim and powertrain strategy [the new all-wheel drive HEV variants in SX and GT-Line trims]. We want to see how this goes in the marketplace," Mr Rivero told CarExpert. "On top of that, we have to marry it up to how much supply we can get. Hybrid production [for Australia] is shared with the United States, so we sometimes don't get the lion's share of hybrids." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We're quite happy that… we've got enough supply to do SX and GT-Line across [Hybrid] all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, and to ask for another variant means we're going to need more supply. "If the stars do align, we can bring [entry-level Sportage S HEV variants] in. It's easy to create the variant, but not necessarily easy to get the supply of it. So we've got to juggle that right now and see how we go – timing wise… I don't know," Mr Rivero added. Notwithstanding his desire for a cheaper S-spec version of the Sportage hybrid, Mr Rivero said supply of petrol-electric Sportage vehicles has improved slightly for the model's mid-life facelift, and currently sits somewhere between 400 and 500 units per month compared to the 300/month total for the pre-facelift model. During the Sportage media conference, Mr Rivero also indicated that initial orders are showing a 60:40 split between AWD and front-wheel drive Sportage Hybrid variants, which is unsurprising given AWD hybrids have previously been unavailable in Australia. The most affordable Sportage HEV in Australia is the SX FWD, which starts from $46,450 plus on-road costs. A cheaper front-drive Sportage S hybrid would likely drop that figure to around $42,000. Australia's favourite SUV, the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4, is currently priced from $42,260 plus on-road costs for the cheapest GX 2WD variant. The Kia Sportage lineup is currently the fourth best-selling mid-size SUV in Australia based on VFACTS new-vehicle sales data, with 8723 units registered between January 1 and May 31 this year. Its 9.4 per cent share of the nation's largest auto market segment is bested by the aforementioned RAV4 (with 21,613 sales in the same period), as well as the Mitsubishi Outlander (10,203) and Mazda CX-5 (9409). For the 2024 calendar year, the Sportage line notched up 22,210 registrations (up 41.0 per cent year-on-year), again placing it fourth behind the same rivals in the same order. Interestingly, the related Hyundai Tucson lineup (7940 sales YTD) trails the Sportage in terms of popularity, despite offering double the number of hybrid variants – eight versus just four for the updated Sportage. Stay tuned to CarExpert for our first Australian drive of the facelifted Sportage on July 13. MORE: 2025 Kia Sportage price and specsMORE: Everything Kia Sportage Content originally sourced from: