Why the Nissan X-Trail is a CarExpert choice winner
The mid-size SUV segment is teeming with compelling options, so why did we choose the Nissan X-Trail as the best in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards?
Simple: it's an extremely capable all-rounder with all of the latest safety and tech features, and offers not only benchmark refinement and ride/handling but a wide range of configurations. You can get it with front- or all-wheel drive, five- or seven-seat configurations, petrol or hybrid power, and in multiple model grades.
In short, there's something for everyone.
'The Nissan X-Trail stands out from the plethora of mid-size SUVs on the market with top-class refinement, safety and multimedia, plus great packaging, competitive pricing, a very long warranty and a unique range-extender hybrid powertrain that none of its many rivals can match,' explained managing editor Marton Pettendy.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Here's what other members of the CarExpert team had to say about our pick for Best Affordable Mid-Size SUV:
'The latest Nissan X-Trail is a world away from its predecessor, and the new e-Power hybrid is my personal pick of the bunch,' said marketplace editor James Wong.
'Punchy yet refined performance from its electric motors, and improved fuel-efficiency bolster the X-Trail's strong suits which include a premium and practical cabin.
'In what is the most competitive new vehicle segment in Australia, the X-Trail e-Power stands out as a front-runner, and an easy recommendation to buyers.'
'The X-Trail is kind of at 'ol' faithful' status – it's been around a long time, it does the job well and you know what to expect with it,' said video producer Sean Lander.
'With this latest iteration, Nissan injected a lot of 'premium' into its trusty SUV, with even the lower-spec models getting nice exterior styling and a much-needed interior upgrade.
'Then there's the introduction of e-Power, Nissan's answer to Toyota's ever popular hybrids. e-Power is closer to an EV than a traditional hybrid, but it's a technology with a lot of promise – the smooth driveability of an EV with the range and ease of use of an internal combustion car.
'I spent six months behind the wheel of a Ti-L e-Power and I thoroughly enjoyed it (full story and video coming to CarExpert soon). Whilst there is some room for improvement with the system that will come with time and development, it's a good middle ground between what you're used to, and where cars are going.
'There may be vehicles in the segment with nicer interiors or more powerful drivetrains or more fuel-efficient engines, but the X-Trail does the best good job combining all three and, in doing so, deserves the award bestowed upon it.'
'In a segment full of unproven challengers, the X-Trail is a trustworthy mainstay that remains highly relevant thanks to recent upgrades,' said deputy marketplace editor Josh Nevett.
'The cabin is user-friendly and well-appointed, there's plenty of room for a growing family, and the e-Power hybrid system combines the quiet refinement of electric mobility with the flexibility of internal combustion power.
'Unlike many rivals, the X-Trail is a proper all-rounder that doesn't force buyers to compromise, and that counts for a lot when you're shopping for a vehicle that'll likely be exposed to the daily commute, school run, and weekend road trips.'
'The X-Trail formula is hard to argue against. It's one of the Japanese brand's best-known nameplates, and is still high on buyers' wish lists despite a flood of new competition and stubborn stalwarts,' said marketplace journalist Max Davies.
'It may not be as modern as some of the others, but that means you get simpler tech that's easier to live with. There's a certain rugged dependability to the X-Trail too, a characteristic Nissan played into with the reintroduction of the rugged-looking N-Trek in recent years.
'The SUV received some minor updates heading into 2025, namely a larger touchscreen infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These elevated the cabin, which was already a nice place to spend time thanks to strong build quality and top-notch materials.
'Better yet, there's Nissan's clever e-Power powertrain available at the top of the range, which is a thoroughly competent system bringing fuel economy and driveability benefits. If that's too much to spend, there's plenty of value to be found across the range, which has a whopping 10 variants to choose from.
'There's a lot to like about the X-Trail, and it's undoubtedly capable of standing the test of time well into the later years of ownership.'
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Skoda's fourth-generation Superb has arrived in Australia, bringing revised styling, a more advanced chassis, a different engine, fresh tech and increased prices over its predecessor. Available in a sole Sportline equipment grade in either sedan (liftback) or wagon body styles, the new Czech large car now starts at $73,990 drive-away for the former – up by $4000 on the previous model's list price of $69,990 before on-roads. The wagon, meanwhile, is priced at $74,990 drive-away, marking a $3000 increase over the outgoing wagon that was listed at $71,990 drive-away. Prices before on-roads are $67,990 and $69,690 for the sedan and wagon respectively. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Per industry classification, the Superb is Australia's only remaining mainstream (sub-$70,000) large car. 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It also has the same engine, which is shared with the Golf GTI and Tiguan R-Line. Drive-away prices for the Superb have increased by $4000 and $3000 for the sedan and wagon respectively. Skoda Australia backs all of its models with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Superb servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Skoda offers capped-price service costs for the first seven scheduled services, as detailed below: Alternatively, customers can purchase a $3000 five-year service pack, which can be extended by two years for an additional $700. While the outgoing Superb boasted a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the new model has yet to be tested and is therefore unrated. It does, however, have a five-star Euro NCAP rating based on testing conducted on its Passat paternal twin in 2024. ABOVE: 2024 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Euro NCAP crash test. Standard safety equipment includes: The new Superb is once again available in only one premium Sportline equipment grade, which is offered in both sedan (liftback) and wagon body styles. 2025 Skoda Superb Sportline equipment highlights: A panoramic sunroof was standard on the previous-generation Superb, but is now a $1900 option for the wagon only. Seven exterior paint colours are available for the Superb. All are no-cost options bar the sole premium metallic option, which commands a $770 premium. 2025 Skoda Superb colours: MORE: Explore the Skoda Superb showroom Content originally sourced from: Skoda's fourth-generation Superb has arrived in Australia, bringing revised styling, a more advanced chassis, a different engine, fresh tech and increased prices over its predecessor. Available in a sole Sportline equipment grade in either sedan (liftback) or wagon body styles, the new Czech large car now starts at $73,990 drive-away for the former – up by $4000 on the previous model's list price of $69,990 before on-roads. The wagon, meanwhile, is priced at $74,990 drive-away, marking a $3000 increase over the outgoing wagon that was listed at $71,990 drive-away. Prices before on-roads are $67,990 and $69,690 for the sedan and wagon respectively. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Per industry classification, the Superb is Australia's only remaining mainstream (sub-$70,000) large car. However, it's actually shorter than sedans officially classified as medium passenger cars, and there aren't many of those to choose from anymore either. The only remaining mainstream (sub-$60k) mid-size sedans are Skoda's own Octavia and the soon-to-depart Mazda6 (both also available in wagon guise), the Hyundai Sonata, the hybrid Honda Accord, Lexus ES and Toyota Camry, and the electric BYD Seal. Changes for the new-generation Superb include a revised tune for its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which now makes 195kW of power (down from 206kW) and 400Nm of torque – up from 350Nm for the previous generation. The six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has been swapped out for a seven-speed unit, resulting in a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time that's 0.3 seconds faster – as little as 5.6 seconds for the liftback. Outside, the Superb now sports 19-inch 'Torcular' alloy wheels and "second-generation" matrix LED headlights. Sports seats upholstered in perforated leather are standard inside, where there's a new 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster. There's also a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel, and the gear selector has been moved to the steering column. Several safety functions have been added too, including traffic sign recognition, a surround-view camera and intelligent park assist, while the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and adaptive cruise control systems have been updated. The Volkswagen Group's Dynamic Chassis Control Plus (DCC) system is now also standard, offering up to 15 levels of suspension damping. All up, Skoda Australia says the additions equate to more than $10,900 worth of extra equipment, despite the relatively low list price increase of $2400. While the Volkswagen Passat is dead in Australia, the fourth-generation Superb shares the same body panels as the Passat sold overseas, and wears only redesigned front and rear bumpers. It also has the same engine, which is shared with the Golf GTI and Tiguan R-Line. Drive-away prices for the Superb have increased by $4000 and $3000 for the sedan and wagon respectively. Skoda Australia backs all of its models with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Superb servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Skoda offers capped-price service costs for the first seven scheduled services, as detailed below: Alternatively, customers can purchase a $3000 five-year service pack, which can be extended by two years for an additional $700. While the outgoing Superb boasted a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the new model has yet to be tested and is therefore unrated. It does, however, have a five-star Euro NCAP rating based on testing conducted on its Passat paternal twin in 2024. ABOVE: 2024 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Euro NCAP crash test. Standard safety equipment includes: The new Superb is once again available in only one premium Sportline equipment grade, which is offered in both sedan (liftback) and wagon body styles. 2025 Skoda Superb Sportline equipment highlights: A panoramic sunroof was standard on the previous-generation Superb, but is now a $1900 option for the wagon only. Seven exterior paint colours are available for the Superb. All are no-cost options bar the sole premium metallic option, which commands a $770 premium. 2025 Skoda Superb colours: MORE: Explore the Skoda Superb showroom Content originally sourced from: Skoda's fourth-generation Superb has arrived in Australia, bringing revised styling, a more advanced chassis, a different engine, fresh tech and increased prices over its predecessor. Available in a sole Sportline equipment grade in either sedan (liftback) or wagon body styles, the new Czech large car now starts at $73,990 drive-away for the former – up by $4000 on the previous model's list price of $69,990 before on-roads. The wagon, meanwhile, is priced at $74,990 drive-away, marking a $3000 increase over the outgoing wagon that was listed at $71,990 drive-away. Prices before on-roads are $67,990 and $69,690 for the sedan and wagon respectively. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Per industry classification, the Superb is Australia's only remaining mainstream (sub-$70,000) large car. However, it's actually shorter than sedans officially classified as medium passenger cars, and there aren't many of those to choose from anymore either. The only remaining mainstream (sub-$60k) mid-size sedans are Skoda's own Octavia and the soon-to-depart Mazda6 (both also available in wagon guise), the Hyundai Sonata, the hybrid Honda Accord, Lexus ES and Toyota Camry, and the electric BYD Seal. Changes for the new-generation Superb include a revised tune for its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which now makes 195kW of power (down from 206kW) and 400Nm of torque – up from 350Nm for the previous generation. The six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has been swapped out for a seven-speed unit, resulting in a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time that's 0.3 seconds faster – as little as 5.6 seconds for the liftback. Outside, the Superb now sports 19-inch 'Torcular' alloy wheels and "second-generation" matrix LED headlights. Sports seats upholstered in perforated leather are standard inside, where there's a new 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster. There's also a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel, and the gear selector has been moved to the steering column. Several safety functions have been added too, including traffic sign recognition, a surround-view camera and intelligent park assist, while the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and adaptive cruise control systems have been updated. The Volkswagen Group's Dynamic Chassis Control Plus (DCC) system is now also standard, offering up to 15 levels of suspension damping. All up, Skoda Australia says the additions equate to more than $10,900 worth of extra equipment, despite the relatively low list price increase of $2400. While the Volkswagen Passat is dead in Australia, the fourth-generation Superb shares the same body panels as the Passat sold overseas, and wears only redesigned front and rear bumpers. It also has the same engine, which is shared with the Golf GTI and Tiguan R-Line. Drive-away prices for the Superb have increased by $4000 and $3000 for the sedan and wagon respectively. Skoda Australia backs all of its models with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Superb servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Skoda offers capped-price service costs for the first seven scheduled services, as detailed below: Alternatively, customers can purchase a $3000 five-year service pack, which can be extended by two years for an additional $700. While the outgoing Superb boasted a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the new model has yet to be tested and is therefore unrated. It does, however, have a five-star Euro NCAP rating based on testing conducted on its Passat paternal twin in 2024. ABOVE: 2024 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Euro NCAP crash test. Standard safety equipment includes: The new Superb is once again available in only one premium Sportline equipment grade, which is offered in both sedan (liftback) and wagon body styles. 2025 Skoda Superb Sportline equipment highlights: A panoramic sunroof was standard on the previous-generation Superb, but is now a $1900 option for the wagon only. Seven exterior paint colours are available for the Superb. All are no-cost options bar the sole premium metallic option, which commands a $770 premium. 2025 Skoda Superb colours: MORE: Explore the Skoda Superb showroom Content originally sourced from: Skoda's fourth-generation Superb has arrived in Australia, bringing revised styling, a more advanced chassis, a different engine, fresh tech and increased prices over its predecessor. Available in a sole Sportline equipment grade in either sedan (liftback) or wagon body styles, the new Czech large car now starts at $73,990 drive-away for the former – up by $4000 on the previous model's list price of $69,990 before on-roads. The wagon, meanwhile, is priced at $74,990 drive-away, marking a $3000 increase over the outgoing wagon that was listed at $71,990 drive-away. Prices before on-roads are $67,990 and $69,690 for the sedan and wagon respectively. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Per industry classification, the Superb is Australia's only remaining mainstream (sub-$70,000) large car. However, it's actually shorter than sedans officially classified as medium passenger cars, and there aren't many of those to choose from anymore either. The only remaining mainstream (sub-$60k) mid-size sedans are Skoda's own Octavia and the soon-to-depart Mazda6 (both also available in wagon guise), the Hyundai Sonata, the hybrid Honda Accord, Lexus ES and Toyota Camry, and the electric BYD Seal. Changes for the new-generation Superb include a revised tune for its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which now makes 195kW of power (down from 206kW) and 400Nm of torque – up from 350Nm for the previous generation. The six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has been swapped out for a seven-speed unit, resulting in a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time that's 0.3 seconds faster – as little as 5.6 seconds for the liftback. Outside, the Superb now sports 19-inch 'Torcular' alloy wheels and "second-generation" matrix LED headlights. Sports seats upholstered in perforated leather are standard inside, where there's a new 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster. There's also a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel, and the gear selector has been moved to the steering column. Several safety functions have been added too, including traffic sign recognition, a surround-view camera and intelligent park assist, while the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and adaptive cruise control systems have been updated. The Volkswagen Group's Dynamic Chassis Control Plus (DCC) system is now also standard, offering up to 15 levels of suspension damping. All up, Skoda Australia says the additions equate to more than $10,900 worth of extra equipment, despite the relatively low list price increase of $2400. While the Volkswagen Passat is dead in Australia, the fourth-generation Superb shares the same body panels as the Passat sold overseas, and wears only redesigned front and rear bumpers. It also has the same engine, which is shared with the Golf GTI and Tiguan R-Line. Drive-away prices for the Superb have increased by $4000 and $3000 for the sedan and wagon respectively. Skoda Australia backs all of its models with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Superb servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Skoda offers capped-price service costs for the first seven scheduled services, as detailed below: Alternatively, customers can purchase a $3000 five-year service pack, which can be extended by two years for an additional $700. While the outgoing Superb boasted a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the new model has yet to be tested and is therefore unrated. It does, however, have a five-star Euro NCAP rating based on testing conducted on its Passat paternal twin in 2024. ABOVE: 2024 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Euro NCAP crash test. Standard safety equipment includes: The new Superb is once again available in only one premium Sportline equipment grade, which is offered in both sedan (liftback) and wagon body styles. 2025 Skoda Superb Sportline equipment highlights: A panoramic sunroof was standard on the previous-generation Superb, but is now a $1900 option for the wagon only. Seven exterior paint colours are available for the Superb. All are no-cost options bar the sole premium metallic option, which commands a $770 premium. 2025 Skoda Superb colours: MORE: Explore the Skoda Superb showroom Content originally sourced from:
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an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia
The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup. Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026. The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota. Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm. There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries. All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential. The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg. It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3. The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays. Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia. The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque. Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission. Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025. Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV". Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara. Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport. The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets. Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025. Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025. We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom Content originally sourced from: The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup. Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026. The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota. Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm. There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries. All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential. The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg. It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3. The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays. Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia. The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque. Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission. Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025. Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV". Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara. Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport. The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets. Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025. Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025. We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom Content originally sourced from: The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup. Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026. The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota. Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm. There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries. All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential. The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg. It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3. The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays. Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia. The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque. Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission. Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025. Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV". Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara. Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport. The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets. Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025. Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025. We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom Content originally sourced from: The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup. Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026. The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota. Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm. There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries. All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential. The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg. It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3. The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays. Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia. The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque. Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission. Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025. Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV". Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara. Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport. The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets. Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025. Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025. We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom Content originally sourced from:
