GWM upgrades its answer to the Toyota Prado
The updated 2026 GWM Tank 500 brings minor styling enhancements plus a range of new luxury and safety equipment little more than a year after the Toyota Prado rival was released Down Under.
But its new look and new equipment – which includes a built-in fridge and roof-mounted rear entertainment system – won't be introduced alongside a plug-in hybrid powertrain due in Australia from October.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
'For now, ANZ [Australian and New Zealand] will continue with the current version,' said a GWM Australia spokesperson.
'[We have] No plans to confirm our intention to align with revised specification recently seen in China.'
China's MY26 Tank 500 brings a revised grille that now underlines the headlights on both sides, and differs from the 'sports' grille introduced earlier this year – including for the black-themed Vanta range-topper.
There are also new alloy wheel designs, a Dunhuang (dark green) exterior colour option, revised GWM Tank badging at the rear and, inside, a column-mounted gear selector and new blue and white colourway. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The biggest interior upgrade is reserved for rear-seat occupants, who score a 50W refrigerator built into the centre console, and an entertainment system comprising a 17.3-inch 3K multimedia screen that flips down from the roof and can be controlled by voice, gesture, touch, or mobile phone.
According to Autohome, the Chinese-market Tank 500 also gains a new roof-mounted Hesai LTX LiDAR sensor plus new cameras on the front fenders and rear spoiler to support upgraded advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) capabilities powered by GWM's third-generation Coffee Pilot Ultra safety suite.
The Tank 500 was first revealed in China in 2021, before its domestic launch in 2022 in both turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid forms.
The latter has powered the Tank 500 in Australia since its local launch in March 2024, but the seven-seat off-road wagon did receive a safety and powertrain system upgrades in response to criticism in December 2024, which were made available to new and existing owners earlier this month. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Recently, GWM also revealed its first Tank 500 diesel, powered by the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel as the smaller Tank 300 and the Cannon Alpha ute. However, this Thai-built variant was ruled out for Australia, which will instead receive a beefier new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel by around 2027.
For now, Australia's Tank 500 hybrid will be joined by one of two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains already available in China from October, beating both the Prado and the top-selling Ford Everest to market with PHEV power – and becoming the first large, ladder-frame SUV to offer such a powertrain in Australia.
GWM Australia won't say whether it will be the same off-road-focused 'Hi4-T' system that's also available in the Cannon Alpha PHEV, which combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor to produce 300kW of power and 750Nm of torque, or the on-road-focussed, dual-motor Hi4-Z powertrain that slams down a mammoth 635kW and 1195Nm.
'There's no confirmation yet on which powertrain will be offered for the ANZ market,' the GWM Australia spokesperson told CarExpert today. 'The [Tank 500 PHEV] launch in October will be centred on the powertrain reveal.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Both of the Tank 500's PHEV powertrains are based around the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four, but while the Hi4-T continues with a mechanical four-wheel-drive system, transfer case and differential locks, there's no mechanical connection between the front and rear electric motors of the Hi4-Z, which has multi-link rear suspension and almost double the battery capacity.
In China, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z has a 59.05kWh battery pack positioned between the axles rather than at the rear, offering a claimed 201km (WLTC) of electric-only driving range and 1096km of total range.
But even the Hi4-T offers 45kW/102Nm higher outputs than the standard Tank 500 hybrid, while still being capable to ford water up to 800mm deep and offering similar off-road geometry, albeit with 11mm less ground clearance. It offers 110km of range on the WLTC cycle.
The Tank 500 Hi4-T weighs 398kg more than the plugless hybrid version already on sale here, while the Hi4-Z weighs another 150kg at 2980kg. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
GWM Australia previously told CarExpert the PHEV version would attract an estimated price premium of between $6000 and $15,000 over the current Tank 500 HEV, which is available in two equipment grades priced from $66,490 drive-away.
So you can expect a starting price of about $72,000 drive-away for the cheapest Tank 500 PHEV, given the single-motor Hi4-T powertrain seems more likely for Australia.
'It's going to depend on the size of the battery pack… range and battery size is what defines pricing,' GWM Australia marketing and communications boss Steve Maciver told us previously.
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The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
MG to expand its small EV lineup in Australia with a second MG 4
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Above: RWD/AWD MG 4, FWD MG 4 It'll be offered here with 43kWh and 54kWh batteries, while the existing MG 4 will be available here only with a larger 64kWh battery. That will see the base 51kWh battery pack, as well as the Long Range's 77kWh, dropped in our market. MG also promises the current rear/all-wheel drive hatch will bring "updated features", which will be accompanied by higher prices, so it's urging buyers to "snare their piece of history now, under $40k drive-away". The current MG 4 is available with a 51kWh battery offering 350km of WLTP range, a 64kWh battery offering between 400km and 450km of range, and a 77kWh battery offering 530km of range. The Excite 51 produces 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque, with the Excite 64 and Essence 64 receiving a bump in power to 150kW, and the Long Range 77 pumping out 180kW and 350Nm. The flagship XPower, the only dual-motor all-wheel drive variant, produces 320kW and 600Nm. The new MG 4, in contrast, is offered with a single 120kW/250Nm front-mounted electric motor. Its 42.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery offers 437km of range, while its 53.95kWh LFP battery offers 530km. However, both figures are based on the more lenient CLTC cycle used in China. MG has also confirmed it'll introduce a semi-solid-state battery for the new MG 4 in China later this year. The new MG 4 also features MacPherson strut front suspension but a torsion beam rear, unlike the existing MG 4 which has multi-link independent rear suspension. Inside, there are 30 storage spaces, including a 98-litre concealed dry/wet separation storage space under the boot floor. Other handy features include soft-light mirrors up front "designed for women's makeup and touchups", a ventilated 50W wireless phone charger, and a 1.8 square-metre 'king bed mode' when you drop the 60:40-split rear seats. A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, but a larger 15.6-inch unit brings MG x Oppo Smart Car Connectivity. Available equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 256-colour ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof with power sunshade. Down back, there's 471L of boot space, expanding to 1362L with the rear seats folded. The MG 4 measures 4395mm long, 1842mm wide, 1551mm tall and rides a 2750mm wheelbase. That makes it 108mm longer, 6mm wider and up to 47mm taller than the current MG 4, on a 45mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1415kg and 1485kg, and rides on a different platform to the existing MG 4 and the related MG S5 EV small electric SUV, which are based on MG's Modular Scalable Platform. It's unclear how much the new front-wheel drive MG 4 will cost in Australia. The rival BYD Dolphin is priced from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Ora is currently being offered from $33,990 drive-away. MG has previously offered the existing MG 4 from as little as $30,990 drive-away. MORE: 2026 MG 4 detailed: Softer front-wheel drive hatch to get semi-solid-state battery MORE: Explore the MG 4 showroom Content originally sourced from: MG Motor Australia has locked in the new MG 4 electric hatchback revealed in China earlier this year for local release, but it won't replace the existing MG 4. Instead, MG will position the more softly styled, front-wheel drive hatch beneath the existing rear- and all-wheel drive model in Australia. "The new-for-2026 front-wheel drive [model] will be a completely different vehicle, perfect for the city. Balancing driver usage needs and production cost considerations of rear-wheel drive, we saw the opportunity for an affordable FWD vehicle to complement the MG4 RWD and AWD," said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao. MG says the new front-drive MG 4 isn't expected to be available Down Under until the second quarter of 2026. It appears MG will apply the MG 4 name to all versions of the new hatch, though it has trademarked the MG 4 Urban nameplate Down Under. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG 4. Click here to get a great deal. Above: RWD/AWD MG 4, FWD MG 4 It'll be offered here with 43kWh and 54kWh batteries, while the existing MG 4 will be available here only with a larger 64kWh battery. That will see the base 51kWh battery pack, as well as the Long Range's 77kWh, dropped in our market. MG also promises the current rear/all-wheel drive hatch will bring "updated features", which will be accompanied by higher prices, so it's urging buyers to "snare their piece of history now, under $40k drive-away". The current MG 4 is available with a 51kWh battery offering 350km of WLTP range, a 64kWh battery offering between 400km and 450km of range, and a 77kWh battery offering 530km of range. The Excite 51 produces 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque, with the Excite 64 and Essence 64 receiving a bump in power to 150kW, and the Long Range 77 pumping out 180kW and 350Nm. The flagship XPower, the only dual-motor all-wheel drive variant, produces 320kW and 600Nm. The new MG 4, in contrast, is offered with a single 120kW/250Nm front-mounted electric motor. Its 42.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery offers 437km of range, while its 53.95kWh LFP battery offers 530km. However, both figures are based on the more lenient CLTC cycle used in China. MG has also confirmed it'll introduce a semi-solid-state battery for the new MG 4 in China later this year. The new MG 4 also features MacPherson strut front suspension but a torsion beam rear, unlike the existing MG 4 which has multi-link independent rear suspension. Inside, there are 30 storage spaces, including a 98-litre concealed dry/wet separation storage space under the boot floor. Other handy features include soft-light mirrors up front "designed for women's makeup and touchups", a ventilated 50W wireless phone charger, and a 1.8 square-metre 'king bed mode' when you drop the 60:40-split rear seats. A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, but a larger 15.6-inch unit brings MG x Oppo Smart Car Connectivity. Available equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 256-colour ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof with power sunshade. Down back, there's 471L of boot space, expanding to 1362L with the rear seats folded. The MG 4 measures 4395mm long, 1842mm wide, 1551mm tall and rides a 2750mm wheelbase. That makes it 108mm longer, 6mm wider and up to 47mm taller than the current MG 4, on a 45mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1415kg and 1485kg, and rides on a different platform to the existing MG 4 and the related MG S5 EV small electric SUV, which are based on MG's Modular Scalable Platform. It's unclear how much the new front-wheel drive MG 4 will cost in Australia. The rival BYD Dolphin is priced from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Ora is currently being offered from $33,990 drive-away. MG has previously offered the existing MG 4 from as little as $30,990 drive-away. MORE: 2026 MG 4 detailed: Softer front-wheel drive hatch to get semi-solid-state battery MORE: Explore the MG 4 showroom Content originally sourced from: MG Motor Australia has locked in the new MG 4 electric hatchback revealed in China earlier this year for local release, but it won't replace the existing MG 4. Instead, MG will position the more softly styled, front-wheel drive hatch beneath the existing rear- and all-wheel drive model in Australia. "The new-for-2026 front-wheel drive [model] will be a completely different vehicle, perfect for the city. Balancing driver usage needs and production cost considerations of rear-wheel drive, we saw the opportunity for an affordable FWD vehicle to complement the MG4 RWD and AWD," said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao. MG says the new front-drive MG 4 isn't expected to be available Down Under until the second quarter of 2026. It appears MG will apply the MG 4 name to all versions of the new hatch, though it has trademarked the MG 4 Urban nameplate Down Under. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG 4. Click here to get a great deal. Above: RWD/AWD MG 4, FWD MG 4 It'll be offered here with 43kWh and 54kWh batteries, while the existing MG 4 will be available here only with a larger 64kWh battery. That will see the base 51kWh battery pack, as well as the Long Range's 77kWh, dropped in our market. MG also promises the current rear/all-wheel drive hatch will bring "updated features", which will be accompanied by higher prices, so it's urging buyers to "snare their piece of history now, under $40k drive-away". The current MG 4 is available with a 51kWh battery offering 350km of WLTP range, a 64kWh battery offering between 400km and 450km of range, and a 77kWh battery offering 530km of range. The Excite 51 produces 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque, with the Excite 64 and Essence 64 receiving a bump in power to 150kW, and the Long Range 77 pumping out 180kW and 350Nm. The flagship XPower, the only dual-motor all-wheel drive variant, produces 320kW and 600Nm. The new MG 4, in contrast, is offered with a single 120kW/250Nm front-mounted electric motor. Its 42.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery offers 437km of range, while its 53.95kWh LFP battery offers 530km. However, both figures are based on the more lenient CLTC cycle used in China. MG has also confirmed it'll introduce a semi-solid-state battery for the new MG 4 in China later this year. The new MG 4 also features MacPherson strut front suspension but a torsion beam rear, unlike the existing MG 4 which has multi-link independent rear suspension. Inside, there are 30 storage spaces, including a 98-litre concealed dry/wet separation storage space under the boot floor. Other handy features include soft-light mirrors up front "designed for women's makeup and touchups", a ventilated 50W wireless phone charger, and a 1.8 square-metre 'king bed mode' when you drop the 60:40-split rear seats. A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, but a larger 15.6-inch unit brings MG x Oppo Smart Car Connectivity. Available equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 256-colour ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof with power sunshade. Down back, there's 471L of boot space, expanding to 1362L with the rear seats folded. The MG 4 measures 4395mm long, 1842mm wide, 1551mm tall and rides a 2750mm wheelbase. That makes it 108mm longer, 6mm wider and up to 47mm taller than the current MG 4, on a 45mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1415kg and 1485kg, and rides on a different platform to the existing MG 4 and the related MG S5 EV small electric SUV, which are based on MG's Modular Scalable Platform. It's unclear how much the new front-wheel drive MG 4 will cost in Australia. The rival BYD Dolphin is priced from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Ora is currently being offered from $33,990 drive-away. MG has previously offered the existing MG 4 from as little as $30,990 drive-away. MORE: 2026 MG 4 detailed: Softer front-wheel drive hatch to get semi-solid-state battery MORE: Explore the MG 4 showroom Content originally sourced from: MG Motor Australia has locked in the new MG 4 electric hatchback revealed in China earlier this year for local release, but it won't replace the existing MG 4. Instead, MG will position the more softly styled, front-wheel drive hatch beneath the existing rear- and all-wheel drive model in Australia. "The new-for-2026 front-wheel drive [model] will be a completely different vehicle, perfect for the city. Balancing driver usage needs and production cost considerations of rear-wheel drive, we saw the opportunity for an affordable FWD vehicle to complement the MG4 RWD and AWD," said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao. MG says the new front-drive MG 4 isn't expected to be available Down Under until the second quarter of 2026. It appears MG will apply the MG 4 name to all versions of the new hatch, though it has trademarked the MG 4 Urban nameplate Down Under. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG 4. Click here to get a great deal. Above: RWD/AWD MG 4, FWD MG 4 It'll be offered here with 43kWh and 54kWh batteries, while the existing MG 4 will be available here only with a larger 64kWh battery. That will see the base 51kWh battery pack, as well as the Long Range's 77kWh, dropped in our market. MG also promises the current rear/all-wheel drive hatch will bring "updated features", which will be accompanied by higher prices, so it's urging buyers to "snare their piece of history now, under $40k drive-away". The current MG 4 is available with a 51kWh battery offering 350km of WLTP range, a 64kWh battery offering between 400km and 450km of range, and a 77kWh battery offering 530km of range. The Excite 51 produces 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque, with the Excite 64 and Essence 64 receiving a bump in power to 150kW, and the Long Range 77 pumping out 180kW and 350Nm. The flagship XPower, the only dual-motor all-wheel drive variant, produces 320kW and 600Nm. The new MG 4, in contrast, is offered with a single 120kW/250Nm front-mounted electric motor. Its 42.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery offers 437km of range, while its 53.95kWh LFP battery offers 530km. However, both figures are based on the more lenient CLTC cycle used in China. MG has also confirmed it'll introduce a semi-solid-state battery for the new MG 4 in China later this year. The new MG 4 also features MacPherson strut front suspension but a torsion beam rear, unlike the existing MG 4 which has multi-link independent rear suspension. Inside, there are 30 storage spaces, including a 98-litre concealed dry/wet separation storage space under the boot floor. Other handy features include soft-light mirrors up front "designed for women's makeup and touchups", a ventilated 50W wireless phone charger, and a 1.8 square-metre 'king bed mode' when you drop the 60:40-split rear seats. A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, but a larger 15.6-inch unit brings MG x Oppo Smart Car Connectivity. Available equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 256-colour ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof with power sunshade. Down back, there's 471L of boot space, expanding to 1362L with the rear seats folded. The MG 4 measures 4395mm long, 1842mm wide, 1551mm tall and rides a 2750mm wheelbase. That makes it 108mm longer, 6mm wider and up to 47mm taller than the current MG 4, on a 45mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1415kg and 1485kg, and rides on a different platform to the existing MG 4 and the related MG S5 EV small electric SUV, which are based on MG's Modular Scalable Platform. It's unclear how much the new front-wheel drive MG 4 will cost in Australia. The rival BYD Dolphin is priced from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Ora is currently being offered from $33,990 drive-away. MG has previously offered the existing MG 4 from as little as $30,990 drive-away. MORE: 2026 MG 4 detailed: Softer front-wheel drive hatch to get semi-solid-state battery MORE: Explore the MG 4 showroom Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2025 Isuzu D-Max and MU-X to gain new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel
The Isuzu D-Max and MU-X will become available with the Japanese brand's new turbocharged 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine from the fourth quarter of this year. As in Thailand, where both vehicles are produced for Australia, CarExpert understands the larger and higher-output turbo-diesel will replace the unloved 1.9-litre oil-burner as the entry-level engine in Isuzu Ute Australia's two diesel-powered models. And we expect the new 2.2-litre engine, which is claimed to consume about 10 per cent less fuel than the 1.9-litre engine it replaces, will soon also power entry-level versions of the D-Max's twin, the Mazda BT-50. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Ford Ranger. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Thai-market D-Max 2.2. While Isuzu's big-bore 3.0-litre turbo-diesel will continue to be the flagship engine for the popular D-Max ute and MU-X large SUV (and the BT-50 ute) lineups, the new 2.2-litre engine will play a key role in reducing IUA's and Mazda Australia's exposure to emissions-related penalties under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). Given its higher outputs and improved efficiency, it's also likely to be more popular than the 1.9-litre engine, which made its local debut in the D-Max in 2022 before becoming available in the MU-X in 2024. We understand the 1.9-litre engine has attracted fewer than 100 sales annually in the D-Max, which was Australia's third most popular 4×4 ute in 2024 – behind only the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux – with more than 24,000 sales. Above: Thai-market MU-X 2.2. First revealed in November 2024, Isuzu's new 2.2-litre diesel was listed by IUA as one of a range of powertrains options it could employ to lower its fleet-average CO2 emissions. These include the battery-electric D-Max EV, which could top $100,000 based on UK pricing and is therefore expected to be a low-volume vehicle. At the other end of the scale, IUA is working on a hardcore Walkinshaw-developed Blade version of the MU-X, to join the D-Max Blade. Isuzu's new '2.2 Ddi Maxforce' engine (codenamed RZ4F) is based on and replaces the 1.9-litre RZ4E engine, which produces just 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque. Above: Thai-market D-Max 2.2. The new engine develops 120kW at 3600rpm and 400Nm over 1600-2400rpm, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (rather than a six-speed unit as per the 1.9- and 3.0-litre diesels), which Isuzu says brings improved performance and fuel economy. That's only 20kW and 50Nm less than the 140kW/450Nm '4J' 3.0-litre diesel that has long powered the D-Max and MU-X, and which will eventually be replaced by the new 2.2. A mild-hybrid (MHEV) version of the 1.9-litre, revealed earlier last year, will remain on sale in Thailand in a single rear-wheel drive pickup variant. This produces an identical 110kW and 350Nm to the regular 1.9-litre. It's unclear at this stage if the 2.2-litre (pictured above) will eventually gain a mild-hybrid system. While Isuzu hasn't published fuel consumption figures, it says fuel economy has been improved by up to 10 per cent over the outgoing 1.9-litre. According to Australian figures, D-Max variants with the 1.9-litre use between 6.7 and 7.0L/100km. The new 2.2-litre stacks up better against the entry-level four-cylinder turbo-diesels in the Ranger and HiLux. The base HiLux Workmate's 2.4-litre engine produces 110kW and 400Nm, while the Ranger's single-turbo 2.0-litre engine makes 125kW and 405Nm, and both of them are matched with a six-speed (rather than eight-speed) auto. MORE: Explore the Isuzu D-Max showroom MORE: Explore the Isuzu MU-X showroom Content originally sourced from: The Isuzu D-Max and MU-X will become available with the Japanese brand's new turbocharged 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine from the fourth quarter of this year. As in Thailand, where both vehicles are produced for Australia, CarExpert understands the larger and higher-output turbo-diesel will replace the unloved 1.9-litre oil-burner as the entry-level engine in Isuzu Ute Australia's two diesel-powered models. And we expect the new 2.2-litre engine, which is claimed to consume about 10 per cent less fuel than the 1.9-litre engine it replaces, will soon also power entry-level versions of the D-Max's twin, the Mazda BT-50. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Ford Ranger. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Thai-market D-Max 2.2. While Isuzu's big-bore 3.0-litre turbo-diesel will continue to be the flagship engine for the popular D-Max ute and MU-X large SUV (and the BT-50 ute) lineups, the new 2.2-litre engine will play a key role in reducing IUA's and Mazda Australia's exposure to emissions-related penalties under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). Given its higher outputs and improved efficiency, it's also likely to be more popular than the 1.9-litre engine, which made its local debut in the D-Max in 2022 before becoming available in the MU-X in 2024. We understand the 1.9-litre engine has attracted fewer than 100 sales annually in the D-Max, which was Australia's third most popular 4×4 ute in 2024 – behind only the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux – with more than 24,000 sales. Above: Thai-market MU-X 2.2. First revealed in November 2024, Isuzu's new 2.2-litre diesel was listed by IUA as one of a range of powertrains options it could employ to lower its fleet-average CO2 emissions. These include the battery-electric D-Max EV, which could top $100,000 based on UK pricing and is therefore expected to be a low-volume vehicle. At the other end of the scale, IUA is working on a hardcore Walkinshaw-developed Blade version of the MU-X, to join the D-Max Blade. Isuzu's new '2.2 Ddi Maxforce' engine (codenamed RZ4F) is based on and replaces the 1.9-litre RZ4E engine, which produces just 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque. Above: Thai-market D-Max 2.2. The new engine develops 120kW at 3600rpm and 400Nm over 1600-2400rpm, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (rather than a six-speed unit as per the 1.9- and 3.0-litre diesels), which Isuzu says brings improved performance and fuel economy. That's only 20kW and 50Nm less than the 140kW/450Nm '4J' 3.0-litre diesel that has long powered the D-Max and MU-X, and which will eventually be replaced by the new 2.2. A mild-hybrid (MHEV) version of the 1.9-litre, revealed earlier last year, will remain on sale in Thailand in a single rear-wheel drive pickup variant. This produces an identical 110kW and 350Nm to the regular 1.9-litre. It's unclear at this stage if the 2.2-litre (pictured above) will eventually gain a mild-hybrid system. While Isuzu hasn't published fuel consumption figures, it says fuel economy has been improved by up to 10 per cent over the outgoing 1.9-litre. According to Australian figures, D-Max variants with the 1.9-litre use between 6.7 and 7.0L/100km. The new 2.2-litre stacks up better against the entry-level four-cylinder turbo-diesels in the Ranger and HiLux. The base HiLux Workmate's 2.4-litre engine produces 110kW and 400Nm, while the Ranger's single-turbo 2.0-litre engine makes 125kW and 405Nm, and both of them are matched with a six-speed (rather than eight-speed) auto. MORE: Explore the Isuzu D-Max showroom MORE: Explore the Isuzu MU-X showroom Content originally sourced from: The Isuzu D-Max and MU-X will become available with the Japanese brand's new turbocharged 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine from the fourth quarter of this year. As in Thailand, where both vehicles are produced for Australia, CarExpert understands the larger and higher-output turbo-diesel will replace the unloved 1.9-litre oil-burner as the entry-level engine in Isuzu Ute Australia's two diesel-powered models. And we expect the new 2.2-litre engine, which is claimed to consume about 10 per cent less fuel than the 1.9-litre engine it replaces, will soon also power entry-level versions of the D-Max's twin, the Mazda BT-50. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Ford Ranger. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Thai-market D-Max 2.2. While Isuzu's big-bore 3.0-litre turbo-diesel will continue to be the flagship engine for the popular D-Max ute and MU-X large SUV (and the BT-50 ute) lineups, the new 2.2-litre engine will play a key role in reducing IUA's and Mazda Australia's exposure to emissions-related penalties under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). Given its higher outputs and improved efficiency, it's also likely to be more popular than the 1.9-litre engine, which made its local debut in the D-Max in 2022 before becoming available in the MU-X in 2024. We understand the 1.9-litre engine has attracted fewer than 100 sales annually in the D-Max, which was Australia's third most popular 4×4 ute in 2024 – behind only the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux – with more than 24,000 sales. Above: Thai-market MU-X 2.2. First revealed in November 2024, Isuzu's new 2.2-litre diesel was listed by IUA as one of a range of powertrains options it could employ to lower its fleet-average CO2 emissions. These include the battery-electric D-Max EV, which could top $100,000 based on UK pricing and is therefore expected to be a low-volume vehicle. At the other end of the scale, IUA is working on a hardcore Walkinshaw-developed Blade version of the MU-X, to join the D-Max Blade. Isuzu's new '2.2 Ddi Maxforce' engine (codenamed RZ4F) is based on and replaces the 1.9-litre RZ4E engine, which produces just 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque. Above: Thai-market D-Max 2.2. The new engine develops 120kW at 3600rpm and 400Nm over 1600-2400rpm, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (rather than a six-speed unit as per the 1.9- and 3.0-litre diesels), which Isuzu says brings improved performance and fuel economy. That's only 20kW and 50Nm less than the 140kW/450Nm '4J' 3.0-litre diesel that has long powered the D-Max and MU-X, and which will eventually be replaced by the new 2.2. A mild-hybrid (MHEV) version of the 1.9-litre, revealed earlier last year, will remain on sale in Thailand in a single rear-wheel drive pickup variant. This produces an identical 110kW and 350Nm to the regular 1.9-litre. It's unclear at this stage if the 2.2-litre (pictured above) will eventually gain a mild-hybrid system. While Isuzu hasn't published fuel consumption figures, it says fuel economy has been improved by up to 10 per cent over the outgoing 1.9-litre. According to Australian figures, D-Max variants with the 1.9-litre use between 6.7 and 7.0L/100km. The new 2.2-litre stacks up better against the entry-level four-cylinder turbo-diesels in the Ranger and HiLux. The base HiLux Workmate's 2.4-litre engine produces 110kW and 400Nm, while the Ranger's single-turbo 2.0-litre engine makes 125kW and 405Nm, and both of them are matched with a six-speed (rather than eight-speed) auto. MORE: Explore the Isuzu D-Max showroom MORE: Explore the Isuzu MU-X showroom Content originally sourced from: The Isuzu D-Max and MU-X will become available with the Japanese brand's new turbocharged 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine from the fourth quarter of this year. As in Thailand, where both vehicles are produced for Australia, CarExpert understands the larger and higher-output turbo-diesel will replace the unloved 1.9-litre oil-burner as the entry-level engine in Isuzu Ute Australia's two diesel-powered models. And we expect the new 2.2-litre engine, which is claimed to consume about 10 per cent less fuel than the 1.9-litre engine it replaces, will soon also power entry-level versions of the D-Max's twin, the Mazda BT-50. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Ford Ranger. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Thai-market D-Max 2.2. While Isuzu's big-bore 3.0-litre turbo-diesel will continue to be the flagship engine for the popular D-Max ute and MU-X large SUV (and the BT-50 ute) lineups, the new 2.2-litre engine will play a key role in reducing IUA's and Mazda Australia's exposure to emissions-related penalties under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). Given its higher outputs and improved efficiency, it's also likely to be more popular than the 1.9-litre engine, which made its local debut in the D-Max in 2022 before becoming available in the MU-X in 2024. We understand the 1.9-litre engine has attracted fewer than 100 sales annually in the D-Max, which was Australia's third most popular 4×4 ute in 2024 – behind only the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux – with more than 24,000 sales. Above: Thai-market MU-X 2.2. First revealed in November 2024, Isuzu's new 2.2-litre diesel was listed by IUA as one of a range of powertrains options it could employ to lower its fleet-average CO2 emissions. These include the battery-electric D-Max EV, which could top $100,000 based on UK pricing and is therefore expected to be a low-volume vehicle. At the other end of the scale, IUA is working on a hardcore Walkinshaw-developed Blade version of the MU-X, to join the D-Max Blade. Isuzu's new '2.2 Ddi Maxforce' engine (codenamed RZ4F) is based on and replaces the 1.9-litre RZ4E engine, which produces just 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque. Above: Thai-market D-Max 2.2. The new engine develops 120kW at 3600rpm and 400Nm over 1600-2400rpm, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (rather than a six-speed unit as per the 1.9- and 3.0-litre diesels), which Isuzu says brings improved performance and fuel economy. That's only 20kW and 50Nm less than the 140kW/450Nm '4J' 3.0-litre diesel that has long powered the D-Max and MU-X, and which will eventually be replaced by the new 2.2. A mild-hybrid (MHEV) version of the 1.9-litre, revealed earlier last year, will remain on sale in Thailand in a single rear-wheel drive pickup variant. This produces an identical 110kW and 350Nm to the regular 1.9-litre. It's unclear at this stage if the 2.2-litre (pictured above) will eventually gain a mild-hybrid system. While Isuzu hasn't published fuel consumption figures, it says fuel economy has been improved by up to 10 per cent over the outgoing 1.9-litre. According to Australian figures, D-Max variants with the 1.9-litre use between 6.7 and 7.0L/100km. The new 2.2-litre stacks up better against the entry-level four-cylinder turbo-diesels in the Ranger and HiLux. The base HiLux Workmate's 2.4-litre engine produces 110kW and 400Nm, while the Ranger's single-turbo 2.0-litre engine makes 125kW and 405Nm, and both of them are matched with a six-speed (rather than eight-speed) auto. MORE: Explore the Isuzu D-Max showroom MORE: Explore the Isuzu MU-X showroom Content originally sourced from:
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Chery Tiggo 7 update bringing power downgrade
The updated petrol-powered Chery Tiggo 7 has been approved for sale in Australia, and it's packing less power than the outgoing version of the mid-size SUV. Following the launch this year of plug-in hybrid Urban and Ultimate 'Super Hybrid' variants, the petrol-only Tiggo 7 range is now getting some attention. Images in government approval documents show refreshed styling that aligns it with the Super Hybrid variants, but the documents also reveal a less powerful engine. "We're not in the position to confirm this model for now," said a spokesperson for Chery Australia when asked when the updated Tiggo 7 will be released here. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 7 Pro. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Government approval document images Given its appearance in government certification documents, however, it could arrive by the end of this year, following the facelifted Tiggo 7's recent launch in South Africa. Like in that market, it's also almost certain to drop the 'Pro' suffix in Australia. Chery Australia has already made this change with the Tiggo 4 small SUV, which was formerly known as the Tiggo 4 Pro. But Chery's mid-size SUV is also set to move closer to its smaller stablemates in the performance stakes, too. Local approval documents show it will swap its turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which produces 137kW of power and 275Nm of torque – for a turbo-petrol 1.5-litre producing just 108kW. MORE: South African-market Tiggo 7 These approval documents don't show torque figures. However, Chery's smaller Tiggo 4 and C5 SUVs are powered by a turbo-petrol 1.5-litre engine with outputs of 108kW and 210Nm, as is the South African-market Tiggo 7. It's also being downgraded from a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to a six-speed dual-clutch auto, like in the C5. It's unclear how fuel consumption will be affected. The Tiggo 7 Pro currently consumes a claimed 7.0L/100km, with the C5 using 6.9L/100km. The facelifted Tiggo 7 in South Africa is also offered with a 145kW/290Nm turbo-petrol 1.6-litre engine mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, but this powertrain doesn't appear in local approval documents. The updated Tiggo 7 has an unchanged interior, but the exterior now features a revised front fascia, including a new grille, while down back there are slimmer tail-lights. Like the outgoing Tiggo 7 Pro SE, the updated Tiggo 7 is front-wheel drive-only. The Tiggo 7 Pro was launched here late in 2023 with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, but the latter option was axed when the mid-size SUV was rebranded as the Tiggo 7 Pro SE earlier this year, when its base price was slashed by $7000 to $29,990 drive-away. That made it Australia's most affordable mid-size SUV, though at 4513mm long overall it's actually shorter than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 'small' SUV and features an identical 2670mm wheelbase. Above: Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Positioned above the Tiggo 7 in the Chery range is the Tiggo 8 Pro, which is marketed as a 'large SUV' but which is sized similarly to the mid-size Mitsubishi Outlander. It's unclear how the revised Tiggo 7 will be positioned. Chery currently offers four different petrol-powered SUVs in Australia. The small Tiggo 4 and C5 open at $23,990 drive-away and $29,990 drive-away respectively, with the outgoing Tiggo 7 Pro SE also opening at $29,990 drive-away. Above: Tiggo 7 Pro SE Above these sit the Tiggo 8 Pro Max from $38,990 drive-away, while hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric versions of these SUVs are also offered in Australia. The Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, for example, is available in two variants priced at $39,990 and $43,990 drive-away, respectively. To the end of July, Chery has delivered 2572 Tiggo 7 Pros this year, which is over 1000 more than the Tiggo 8 range but about 500 fewer than the C5/E5 lineup. The Tiggo 7 Pro is outselling the Honda ZR-V – another SUV on the cusp of the small and medium SUV segments in terms of size, of which 2248 examples have been delivered this year. The Chery is also besting the MG HS (2358) and Renault Koleos (588). MORE: Explore the Chery Tiggo 7 showroom Content originally sourced from: The updated petrol-powered Chery Tiggo 7 has been approved for sale in Australia, and it's packing less power than the outgoing version of the mid-size SUV. Following the launch this year of plug-in hybrid Urban and Ultimate 'Super Hybrid' variants, the petrol-only Tiggo 7 range is now getting some attention. Images in government approval documents show refreshed styling that aligns it with the Super Hybrid variants, but the documents also reveal a less powerful engine. "We're not in the position to confirm this model for now," said a spokesperson for Chery Australia when asked when the updated Tiggo 7 will be released here. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 7 Pro. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Government approval document images Given its appearance in government certification documents, however, it could arrive by the end of this year, following the facelifted Tiggo 7's recent launch in South Africa. Like in that market, it's also almost certain to drop the 'Pro' suffix in Australia. Chery Australia has already made this change with the Tiggo 4 small SUV, which was formerly known as the Tiggo 4 Pro. But Chery's mid-size SUV is also set to move closer to its smaller stablemates in the performance stakes, too. Local approval documents show it will swap its turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which produces 137kW of power and 275Nm of torque – for a turbo-petrol 1.5-litre producing just 108kW. MORE: South African-market Tiggo 7 These approval documents don't show torque figures. However, Chery's smaller Tiggo 4 and C5 SUVs are powered by a turbo-petrol 1.5-litre engine with outputs of 108kW and 210Nm, as is the South African-market Tiggo 7. It's also being downgraded from a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to a six-speed dual-clutch auto, like in the C5. It's unclear how fuel consumption will be affected. The Tiggo 7 Pro currently consumes a claimed 7.0L/100km, with the C5 using 6.9L/100km. The facelifted Tiggo 7 in South Africa is also offered with a 145kW/290Nm turbo-petrol 1.6-litre engine mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, but this powertrain doesn't appear in local approval documents. The updated Tiggo 7 has an unchanged interior, but the exterior now features a revised front fascia, including a new grille, while down back there are slimmer tail-lights. Like the outgoing Tiggo 7 Pro SE, the updated Tiggo 7 is front-wheel drive-only. The Tiggo 7 Pro was launched here late in 2023 with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, but the latter option was axed when the mid-size SUV was rebranded as the Tiggo 7 Pro SE earlier this year, when its base price was slashed by $7000 to $29,990 drive-away. That made it Australia's most affordable mid-size SUV, though at 4513mm long overall it's actually shorter than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 'small' SUV and features an identical 2670mm wheelbase. Above: Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Positioned above the Tiggo 7 in the Chery range is the Tiggo 8 Pro, which is marketed as a 'large SUV' but which is sized similarly to the mid-size Mitsubishi Outlander. It's unclear how the revised Tiggo 7 will be positioned. Chery currently offers four different petrol-powered SUVs in Australia. The small Tiggo 4 and C5 open at $23,990 drive-away and $29,990 drive-away respectively, with the outgoing Tiggo 7 Pro SE also opening at $29,990 drive-away. Above: Tiggo 7 Pro SE Above these sit the Tiggo 8 Pro Max from $38,990 drive-away, while hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric versions of these SUVs are also offered in Australia. The Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, for example, is available in two variants priced at $39,990 and $43,990 drive-away, respectively. To the end of July, Chery has delivered 2572 Tiggo 7 Pros this year, which is over 1000 more than the Tiggo 8 range but about 500 fewer than the C5/E5 lineup. The Tiggo 7 Pro is outselling the Honda ZR-V – another SUV on the cusp of the small and medium SUV segments in terms of size, of which 2248 examples have been delivered this year. The Chery is also besting the MG HS (2358) and Renault Koleos (588). MORE: Explore the Chery Tiggo 7 showroom Content originally sourced from: The updated petrol-powered Chery Tiggo 7 has been approved for sale in Australia, and it's packing less power than the outgoing version of the mid-size SUV. Following the launch this year of plug-in hybrid Urban and Ultimate 'Super Hybrid' variants, the petrol-only Tiggo 7 range is now getting some attention. Images in government approval documents show refreshed styling that aligns it with the Super Hybrid variants, but the documents also reveal a less powerful engine. "We're not in the position to confirm this model for now," said a spokesperson for Chery Australia when asked when the updated Tiggo 7 will be released here. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 7 Pro. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Government approval document images Given its appearance in government certification documents, however, it could arrive by the end of this year, following the facelifted Tiggo 7's recent launch in South Africa. Like in that market, it's also almost certain to drop the 'Pro' suffix in Australia. Chery Australia has already made this change with the Tiggo 4 small SUV, which was formerly known as the Tiggo 4 Pro. But Chery's mid-size SUV is also set to move closer to its smaller stablemates in the performance stakes, too. Local approval documents show it will swap its turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which produces 137kW of power and 275Nm of torque – for a turbo-petrol 1.5-litre producing just 108kW. MORE: South African-market Tiggo 7 These approval documents don't show torque figures. However, Chery's smaller Tiggo 4 and C5 SUVs are powered by a turbo-petrol 1.5-litre engine with outputs of 108kW and 210Nm, as is the South African-market Tiggo 7. It's also being downgraded from a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to a six-speed dual-clutch auto, like in the C5. It's unclear how fuel consumption will be affected. The Tiggo 7 Pro currently consumes a claimed 7.0L/100km, with the C5 using 6.9L/100km. The facelifted Tiggo 7 in South Africa is also offered with a 145kW/290Nm turbo-petrol 1.6-litre engine mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, but this powertrain doesn't appear in local approval documents. The updated Tiggo 7 has an unchanged interior, but the exterior now features a revised front fascia, including a new grille, while down back there are slimmer tail-lights. Like the outgoing Tiggo 7 Pro SE, the updated Tiggo 7 is front-wheel drive-only. The Tiggo 7 Pro was launched here late in 2023 with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, but the latter option was axed when the mid-size SUV was rebranded as the Tiggo 7 Pro SE earlier this year, when its base price was slashed by $7000 to $29,990 drive-away. That made it Australia's most affordable mid-size SUV, though at 4513mm long overall it's actually shorter than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 'small' SUV and features an identical 2670mm wheelbase. Above: Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Positioned above the Tiggo 7 in the Chery range is the Tiggo 8 Pro, which is marketed as a 'large SUV' but which is sized similarly to the mid-size Mitsubishi Outlander. It's unclear how the revised Tiggo 7 will be positioned. Chery currently offers four different petrol-powered SUVs in Australia. The small Tiggo 4 and C5 open at $23,990 drive-away and $29,990 drive-away respectively, with the outgoing Tiggo 7 Pro SE also opening at $29,990 drive-away. Above: Tiggo 7 Pro SE Above these sit the Tiggo 8 Pro Max from $38,990 drive-away, while hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric versions of these SUVs are also offered in Australia. The Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, for example, is available in two variants priced at $39,990 and $43,990 drive-away, respectively. To the end of July, Chery has delivered 2572 Tiggo 7 Pros this year, which is over 1000 more than the Tiggo 8 range but about 500 fewer than the C5/E5 lineup. The Tiggo 7 Pro is outselling the Honda ZR-V – another SUV on the cusp of the small and medium SUV segments in terms of size, of which 2248 examples have been delivered this year. The Chery is also besting the MG HS (2358) and Renault Koleos (588). MORE: Explore the Chery Tiggo 7 showroom Content originally sourced from: The updated petrol-powered Chery Tiggo 7 has been approved for sale in Australia, and it's packing less power than the outgoing version of the mid-size SUV. Following the launch this year of plug-in hybrid Urban and Ultimate 'Super Hybrid' variants, the petrol-only Tiggo 7 range is now getting some attention. Images in government approval documents show refreshed styling that aligns it with the Super Hybrid variants, but the documents also reveal a less powerful engine. "We're not in the position to confirm this model for now," said a spokesperson for Chery Australia when asked when the updated Tiggo 7 will be released here. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 7 Pro. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Government approval document images Given its appearance in government certification documents, however, it could arrive by the end of this year, following the facelifted Tiggo 7's recent launch in South Africa. Like in that market, it's also almost certain to drop the 'Pro' suffix in Australia. Chery Australia has already made this change with the Tiggo 4 small SUV, which was formerly known as the Tiggo 4 Pro. But Chery's mid-size SUV is also set to move closer to its smaller stablemates in the performance stakes, too. Local approval documents show it will swap its turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which produces 137kW of power and 275Nm of torque – for a turbo-petrol 1.5-litre producing just 108kW. MORE: South African-market Tiggo 7 These approval documents don't show torque figures. However, Chery's smaller Tiggo 4 and C5 SUVs are powered by a turbo-petrol 1.5-litre engine with outputs of 108kW and 210Nm, as is the South African-market Tiggo 7. It's also being downgraded from a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to a six-speed dual-clutch auto, like in the C5. It's unclear how fuel consumption will be affected. The Tiggo 7 Pro currently consumes a claimed 7.0L/100km, with the C5 using 6.9L/100km. The facelifted Tiggo 7 in South Africa is also offered with a 145kW/290Nm turbo-petrol 1.6-litre engine mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, but this powertrain doesn't appear in local approval documents. The updated Tiggo 7 has an unchanged interior, but the exterior now features a revised front fascia, including a new grille, while down back there are slimmer tail-lights. Like the outgoing Tiggo 7 Pro SE, the updated Tiggo 7 is front-wheel drive-only. The Tiggo 7 Pro was launched here late in 2023 with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, but the latter option was axed when the mid-size SUV was rebranded as the Tiggo 7 Pro SE earlier this year, when its base price was slashed by $7000 to $29,990 drive-away. That made it Australia's most affordable mid-size SUV, though at 4513mm long overall it's actually shorter than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 'small' SUV and features an identical 2670mm wheelbase. Above: Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Positioned above the Tiggo 7 in the Chery range is the Tiggo 8 Pro, which is marketed as a 'large SUV' but which is sized similarly to the mid-size Mitsubishi Outlander. It's unclear how the revised Tiggo 7 will be positioned. Chery currently offers four different petrol-powered SUVs in Australia. The small Tiggo 4 and C5 open at $23,990 drive-away and $29,990 drive-away respectively, with the outgoing Tiggo 7 Pro SE also opening at $29,990 drive-away. Above: Tiggo 7 Pro SE Above these sit the Tiggo 8 Pro Max from $38,990 drive-away, while hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric versions of these SUVs are also offered in Australia. The Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, for example, is available in two variants priced at $39,990 and $43,990 drive-away, respectively. To the end of July, Chery has delivered 2572 Tiggo 7 Pros this year, which is over 1000 more than the Tiggo 8 range but about 500 fewer than the C5/E5 lineup. The Tiggo 7 Pro is outselling the Honda ZR-V – another SUV on the cusp of the small and medium SUV segments in terms of size, of which 2248 examples have been delivered this year. The Chery is also besting the MG HS (2358) and Renault Koleos (588). MORE: Explore the Chery Tiggo 7 showroom Content originally sourced from:
