Latest news with #CarExpert
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Sleek new electric Skoda Octavia wagon teased by Vision O Concept
The next-generation Skoda Octavia has been teased via the Vision O concept, which shows the 'Modern Solid' design language the Czech automaker will apply across a 'new era' of models as it commits to making 'Combi' wagons. The Bohemian brand released a single, dimly lit side-profile image – and an accompanying 13-second social media clip – of the Vision O, teasing the sleek silhouette of the sizeable wagon concept it will show in full at next month's Munich motor show in Germany. 'The Octavia Combi [wagon] is currently in its fourth generation and remains a long-time bestseller – even topping the best-selling estate car charts in many markets,' said the Volkswagen Ground brand in a statement. 'It's no surprise, then, that Skoda is committed to continuing the estate bodywork legacy into the future.' CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Previous comments from Skoda CEO, Klaus Zellemer, suggest the Vision O will preview the next-generation battery-electric Octavia, which is due for launch by the end of this decade. It will be underpinned by the dedicated electric SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) that will also underpin the Vokswgane ID Golf, which is due on sale by 2030, too. 'In September in Munich, we're going to have a concept car that gives an indication of what the new design language will be for the Octavia and what the technology in that car will be able to deliver,' Mr Zellemer said. The Skoda CEO didn't reference the Octavia in the teaser post on social media and press channels, but he underlined the show wagon's role in introducing the automaker's fresh design language. 'The Skoda Vision O design study will highlight the future trajectory of estate models under the influence of new technologies, sustainability, and the deep experience of Skoda Auto in this segment,' said Mr Zellemer. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'This will be one of our most significant steps in developing and evolving our design language even further for this period of transition in the automotive industry. 'It will position us to remain a major player in the estate segment, where Skoda Auto has been engaged since the 1920s. We are excited to present this concept to the world in early September 2025, marking a new era for Skoda Auto.' Skoda sold 509,400 vehicles globally in the first six months of 2025, a year-on-year gain of 13.6 per cent, to become the third-best selling brand across the EU27 countries for the first time. The Octavia accounted for 97,500 of all Skoda sales to remain its best-seller, followed by the Kodiaq (64,800) and the Kamiq (64,100). Supplied Credit: CarExpert More than one-fifth (22.8 per cent) of all Skoda vehicles sold were EVs or hybrids, driven by the Enyaq mid-size electric SUV and the new Elroq small electric SUV that's due on sale in Australia in September. In Australia, where the fourth-generation Superb was launched earlier this year, Skoda sales are down almost 27 per cent this year to the end of June, when the Kodiaq large SUV was the brand's best performer ahead of the Kamiq small SUV and the mid-size Octavia sedan and wagon. MORE: 2025 Skoda Superb price and specsMORE: Everything Skoda
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Hybrids to dominate Suzuki Australia's electrification future
As Suzuki Australia gears up to launch its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) in 2026, the brand's local boss says hybrids will continue to dominate over EVs in the coming years. The company's general manager, Michael Pachota, says Suzuki Australia's "electrification journey is starting", just as the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) begins to fine auto brands which fail to meet tightening CO2 limits across their model ranges from July 1, 2025. "We accelerated that journey as well. So Suzuki Motor Corporation kindly gave us the opportunity to bring in an E-vehicle sooner rather than later based on, obviously, pressures around emissions controls and stuff like that," he told CarExpert. "I think as you can see with the current sales growth in all those areas where there's mild, strong, plug-in [hybrids] or even EVs, I think there's an opportunity for evolution in the Australian market. "I think hybrid itself is the shift. That's where it's going to go. I think in the next decade, you're going to see a complete shift from [internal combustion] engines to hybrid powertrains and a slightly larger percentage of EV sales." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The first model released by Suzuki Australia with hybrid badging was the Swift Hybrid launched in June 2024, which features a 12-volt mild-hybrid system. A similar 12V system now also features in the Fronx Hybrid light SUV launched last month. Unlike more traditional hybrids from brands like Toyota, these mild-hybrid models don't have an electric motor that can drive the vehicle's wheels alone. Suzuki Australia has also confirmed a Vitara Hybrid will launch here early in 2026 alongside the all-electric eVitara, though it hasn't confirmed whether the Vitara Hybrid bound for Australia is a mild-hybrid like its smaller siblings, or a more conventional hybrid. Both powertrain types are offered in the Vitara overseas. Perhaps wisely, the company's stance doesn't appear to dismiss the importance of EVs, nor the Australian appetite for them. Indeed, Mr Pachota suggests EV sales will grow, albeit more slowly than what he expects with hybrids. This is in contrast to recent comments made by Paul Dillon, the general manager of Suzuki's independent importer for Queensland and northern New South Wales, who asked: "whilst the government wants everybody to have them [EVs], does everybody want to have one?". "I just don't think the Australian market wants them [EVs]," Mr Dillon told CarExpert, arguing that EVs and emissions in general are "not a big concern for people in Australia, otherwise the number one selling car in Australia wouldn't be a three-tonne 4×4 pickup". Suzuki Queensland still intends to sell the eVitara, though it cites a lack of enthusiasm from dealers. Even so, the Suzuki brand as a whole has been slower to embrace EVs and hybrids than many other brands, evidenced by the long wait for its first EV. Globally, the company offers a handful of conventional hybrids including the aforementioned Vitara, the Europe-only Swace (a rebadged Toyota Corolla Touring Sports wagon), and the India-only Grand Vitara, which Toyota rebadges as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The brand also offers a PHEV in Europe, the Across, which is a rebadged Toyota RAV4. None of these models are expected to make their way to Australia, but Mr Pachota maintains that Suzuki's local electrification strategy will continue, especially in the context of NVES regulations. "We need to make sure that we establish ourselves in that area to be a sustainable business, and it doesn't end there. The product portfolio will grow and evolve as we go on to the next three to five years," he told CarExpert. ABOVE: Suzuki Swace Hybrid (left) and Suzuki Across PHEV "Our entire product platform going into 2026 will be a hybrid base. We've got Swift Hybrid, Fronx Hybrid, we'll have Vitara Hybrid outside of, for example, the outgoing products that we still may have for sale, like Ignis and Swift Sport, if we still have remaining stock of that, which our dealers will still sell. "Jimny at this stage is not a hybrid, and we don't know if it ever will be. But with that said, Jimny will continue in its current form, and then we'll start introducing more E-vehicles as well." Suzuki's lineup is in flux at the moment. Imports of the S-Cross, Vitara, and Jimny three-door ended earlier this year due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems. The Vitara will be reborn early next year with compliant AEB and electrification, as mentioned, while the Jimny is getting a safety update in early 2026 that will also see it meet the new regulations. Only the S-Cross and Ignis nameplates seem to have met their end locally, though the Fronx Hybrid is intended to at least partially fill the void left by the latter. No information has been revealed about future hybrids or EVs to bolster the brand's electrified lineup. It's worth noting that Suzuki's slow approach to EVs isn't new, and Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki has previously claimed that an EV version of the Jimny would "ruin the best part" of the car. The Jimny is Suzuki Australia's best-selling model by far, more than doubling the sales of the second-placed Swift so far this year. In any case, Mr Pachota says Suzuki Australia will be focusing on its rollout of hybrid vehicles, even if they are mild-hybrids. At the same time, he claims the brand is "very prepared" to "adapt and evolve" to the NVES. "I definitely see [hybrid] as a shift. In Japan, we already offer mild- and strong-hybrid vehicles. We're about to introduce a fully electric vehicle, which is our first fully electric vehicle, eVitara, and it doesn't end there," he told CarExpert. "So I definitely see that space growing. Hybrid's definitely a focus point for us." MORE: Australia isn't ready for EVs, says Suzuki distributor boss MORE: Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia MORE: Suzuki Jimny EV 'would ruin' pint-sized 4×4 – executive MORE: Everything Suzuki Content originally sourced from: As Suzuki Australia gears up to launch its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) in 2026, the brand's local boss says hybrids will continue to dominate over EVs in the coming years. The company's general manager, Michael Pachota, says Suzuki Australia's "electrification journey is starting", just as the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) begins to fine auto brands which fail to meet tightening CO2 limits across their model ranges from July 1, 2025. "We accelerated that journey as well. So Suzuki Motor Corporation kindly gave us the opportunity to bring in an E-vehicle sooner rather than later based on, obviously, pressures around emissions controls and stuff like that," he told CarExpert. "I think as you can see with the current sales growth in all those areas where there's mild, strong, plug-in [hybrids] or even EVs, I think there's an opportunity for evolution in the Australian market. "I think hybrid itself is the shift. That's where it's going to go. I think in the next decade, you're going to see a complete shift from [internal combustion] engines to hybrid powertrains and a slightly larger percentage of EV sales." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The first model released by Suzuki Australia with hybrid badging was the Swift Hybrid launched in June 2024, which features a 12-volt mild-hybrid system. A similar 12V system now also features in the Fronx Hybrid light SUV launched last month. Unlike more traditional hybrids from brands like Toyota, these mild-hybrid models don't have an electric motor that can drive the vehicle's wheels alone. Suzuki Australia has also confirmed a Vitara Hybrid will launch here early in 2026 alongside the all-electric eVitara, though it hasn't confirmed whether the Vitara Hybrid bound for Australia is a mild-hybrid like its smaller siblings, or a more conventional hybrid. Both powertrain types are offered in the Vitara overseas. Perhaps wisely, the company's stance doesn't appear to dismiss the importance of EVs, nor the Australian appetite for them. Indeed, Mr Pachota suggests EV sales will grow, albeit more slowly than what he expects with hybrids. This is in contrast to recent comments made by Paul Dillon, the general manager of Suzuki's independent importer for Queensland and northern New South Wales, who asked: "whilst the government wants everybody to have them [EVs], does everybody want to have one?". "I just don't think the Australian market wants them [EVs]," Mr Dillon told CarExpert, arguing that EVs and emissions in general are "not a big concern for people in Australia, otherwise the number one selling car in Australia wouldn't be a three-tonne 4×4 pickup". Suzuki Queensland still intends to sell the eVitara, though it cites a lack of enthusiasm from dealers. Even so, the Suzuki brand as a whole has been slower to embrace EVs and hybrids than many other brands, evidenced by the long wait for its first EV. Globally, the company offers a handful of conventional hybrids including the aforementioned Vitara, the Europe-only Swace (a rebadged Toyota Corolla Touring Sports wagon), and the India-only Grand Vitara, which Toyota rebadges as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The brand also offers a PHEV in Europe, the Across, which is a rebadged Toyota RAV4. None of these models are expected to make their way to Australia, but Mr Pachota maintains that Suzuki's local electrification strategy will continue, especially in the context of NVES regulations. "We need to make sure that we establish ourselves in that area to be a sustainable business, and it doesn't end there. The product portfolio will grow and evolve as we go on to the next three to five years," he told CarExpert. ABOVE: Suzuki Swace Hybrid (left) and Suzuki Across PHEV "Our entire product platform going into 2026 will be a hybrid base. We've got Swift Hybrid, Fronx Hybrid, we'll have Vitara Hybrid outside of, for example, the outgoing products that we still may have for sale, like Ignis and Swift Sport, if we still have remaining stock of that, which our dealers will still sell. "Jimny at this stage is not a hybrid, and we don't know if it ever will be. But with that said, Jimny will continue in its current form, and then we'll start introducing more E-vehicles as well." Suzuki's lineup is in flux at the moment. Imports of the S-Cross, Vitara, and Jimny three-door ended earlier this year due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems. The Vitara will be reborn early next year with compliant AEB and electrification, as mentioned, while the Jimny is getting a safety update in early 2026 that will also see it meet the new regulations. Only the S-Cross and Ignis nameplates seem to have met their end locally, though the Fronx Hybrid is intended to at least partially fill the void left by the latter. No information has been revealed about future hybrids or EVs to bolster the brand's electrified lineup. It's worth noting that Suzuki's slow approach to EVs isn't new, and Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki has previously claimed that an EV version of the Jimny would "ruin the best part" of the car. The Jimny is Suzuki Australia's best-selling model by far, more than doubling the sales of the second-placed Swift so far this year. In any case, Mr Pachota says Suzuki Australia will be focusing on its rollout of hybrid vehicles, even if they are mild-hybrids. At the same time, he claims the brand is "very prepared" to "adapt and evolve" to the NVES. "I definitely see [hybrid] as a shift. In Japan, we already offer mild- and strong-hybrid vehicles. We're about to introduce a fully electric vehicle, which is our first fully electric vehicle, eVitara, and it doesn't end there," he told CarExpert. "So I definitely see that space growing. Hybrid's definitely a focus point for us." MORE: Australia isn't ready for EVs, says Suzuki distributor boss MORE: Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia MORE: Suzuki Jimny EV 'would ruin' pint-sized 4×4 – executive MORE: Everything Suzuki Content originally sourced from: As Suzuki Australia gears up to launch its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) in 2026, the brand's local boss says hybrids will continue to dominate over EVs in the coming years. The company's general manager, Michael Pachota, says Suzuki Australia's "electrification journey is starting", just as the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) begins to fine auto brands which fail to meet tightening CO2 limits across their model ranges from July 1, 2025. "We accelerated that journey as well. So Suzuki Motor Corporation kindly gave us the opportunity to bring in an E-vehicle sooner rather than later based on, obviously, pressures around emissions controls and stuff like that," he told CarExpert. "I think as you can see with the current sales growth in all those areas where there's mild, strong, plug-in [hybrids] or even EVs, I think there's an opportunity for evolution in the Australian market. "I think hybrid itself is the shift. That's where it's going to go. I think in the next decade, you're going to see a complete shift from [internal combustion] engines to hybrid powertrains and a slightly larger percentage of EV sales." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The first model released by Suzuki Australia with hybrid badging was the Swift Hybrid launched in June 2024, which features a 12-volt mild-hybrid system. A similar 12V system now also features in the Fronx Hybrid light SUV launched last month. Unlike more traditional hybrids from brands like Toyota, these mild-hybrid models don't have an electric motor that can drive the vehicle's wheels alone. Suzuki Australia has also confirmed a Vitara Hybrid will launch here early in 2026 alongside the all-electric eVitara, though it hasn't confirmed whether the Vitara Hybrid bound for Australia is a mild-hybrid like its smaller siblings, or a more conventional hybrid. Both powertrain types are offered in the Vitara overseas. Perhaps wisely, the company's stance doesn't appear to dismiss the importance of EVs, nor the Australian appetite for them. Indeed, Mr Pachota suggests EV sales will grow, albeit more slowly than what he expects with hybrids. This is in contrast to recent comments made by Paul Dillon, the general manager of Suzuki's independent importer for Queensland and northern New South Wales, who asked: "whilst the government wants everybody to have them [EVs], does everybody want to have one?". "I just don't think the Australian market wants them [EVs]," Mr Dillon told CarExpert, arguing that EVs and emissions in general are "not a big concern for people in Australia, otherwise the number one selling car in Australia wouldn't be a three-tonne 4×4 pickup". Suzuki Queensland still intends to sell the eVitara, though it cites a lack of enthusiasm from dealers. Even so, the Suzuki brand as a whole has been slower to embrace EVs and hybrids than many other brands, evidenced by the long wait for its first EV. Globally, the company offers a handful of conventional hybrids including the aforementioned Vitara, the Europe-only Swace (a rebadged Toyota Corolla Touring Sports wagon), and the India-only Grand Vitara, which Toyota rebadges as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The brand also offers a PHEV in Europe, the Across, which is a rebadged Toyota RAV4. None of these models are expected to make their way to Australia, but Mr Pachota maintains that Suzuki's local electrification strategy will continue, especially in the context of NVES regulations. "We need to make sure that we establish ourselves in that area to be a sustainable business, and it doesn't end there. The product portfolio will grow and evolve as we go on to the next three to five years," he told CarExpert. ABOVE: Suzuki Swace Hybrid (left) and Suzuki Across PHEV "Our entire product platform going into 2026 will be a hybrid base. We've got Swift Hybrid, Fronx Hybrid, we'll have Vitara Hybrid outside of, for example, the outgoing products that we still may have for sale, like Ignis and Swift Sport, if we still have remaining stock of that, which our dealers will still sell. "Jimny at this stage is not a hybrid, and we don't know if it ever will be. But with that said, Jimny will continue in its current form, and then we'll start introducing more E-vehicles as well." Suzuki's lineup is in flux at the moment. Imports of the S-Cross, Vitara, and Jimny three-door ended earlier this year due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems. The Vitara will be reborn early next year with compliant AEB and electrification, as mentioned, while the Jimny is getting a safety update in early 2026 that will also see it meet the new regulations. Only the S-Cross and Ignis nameplates seem to have met their end locally, though the Fronx Hybrid is intended to at least partially fill the void left by the latter. No information has been revealed about future hybrids or EVs to bolster the brand's electrified lineup. It's worth noting that Suzuki's slow approach to EVs isn't new, and Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki has previously claimed that an EV version of the Jimny would "ruin the best part" of the car. The Jimny is Suzuki Australia's best-selling model by far, more than doubling the sales of the second-placed Swift so far this year. In any case, Mr Pachota says Suzuki Australia will be focusing on its rollout of hybrid vehicles, even if they are mild-hybrids. At the same time, he claims the brand is "very prepared" to "adapt and evolve" to the NVES. "I definitely see [hybrid] as a shift. In Japan, we already offer mild- and strong-hybrid vehicles. We're about to introduce a fully electric vehicle, which is our first fully electric vehicle, eVitara, and it doesn't end there," he told CarExpert. "So I definitely see that space growing. Hybrid's definitely a focus point for us." MORE: Australia isn't ready for EVs, says Suzuki distributor boss MORE: Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia MORE: Suzuki Jimny EV 'would ruin' pint-sized 4×4 – executive MORE: Everything Suzuki Content originally sourced from: As Suzuki Australia gears up to launch its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) in 2026, the brand's local boss says hybrids will continue to dominate over EVs in the coming years. The company's general manager, Michael Pachota, says Suzuki Australia's "electrification journey is starting", just as the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) begins to fine auto brands which fail to meet tightening CO2 limits across their model ranges from July 1, 2025. "We accelerated that journey as well. So Suzuki Motor Corporation kindly gave us the opportunity to bring in an E-vehicle sooner rather than later based on, obviously, pressures around emissions controls and stuff like that," he told CarExpert. "I think as you can see with the current sales growth in all those areas where there's mild, strong, plug-in [hybrids] or even EVs, I think there's an opportunity for evolution in the Australian market. "I think hybrid itself is the shift. That's where it's going to go. I think in the next decade, you're going to see a complete shift from [internal combustion] engines to hybrid powertrains and a slightly larger percentage of EV sales." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The first model released by Suzuki Australia with hybrid badging was the Swift Hybrid launched in June 2024, which features a 12-volt mild-hybrid system. A similar 12V system now also features in the Fronx Hybrid light SUV launched last month. Unlike more traditional hybrids from brands like Toyota, these mild-hybrid models don't have an electric motor that can drive the vehicle's wheels alone. Suzuki Australia has also confirmed a Vitara Hybrid will launch here early in 2026 alongside the all-electric eVitara, though it hasn't confirmed whether the Vitara Hybrid bound for Australia is a mild-hybrid like its smaller siblings, or a more conventional hybrid. Both powertrain types are offered in the Vitara overseas. Perhaps wisely, the company's stance doesn't appear to dismiss the importance of EVs, nor the Australian appetite for them. Indeed, Mr Pachota suggests EV sales will grow, albeit more slowly than what he expects with hybrids. This is in contrast to recent comments made by Paul Dillon, the general manager of Suzuki's independent importer for Queensland and northern New South Wales, who asked: "whilst the government wants everybody to have them [EVs], does everybody want to have one?". "I just don't think the Australian market wants them [EVs]," Mr Dillon told CarExpert, arguing that EVs and emissions in general are "not a big concern for people in Australia, otherwise the number one selling car in Australia wouldn't be a three-tonne 4×4 pickup". Suzuki Queensland still intends to sell the eVitara, though it cites a lack of enthusiasm from dealers. Even so, the Suzuki brand as a whole has been slower to embrace EVs and hybrids than many other brands, evidenced by the long wait for its first EV. Globally, the company offers a handful of conventional hybrids including the aforementioned Vitara, the Europe-only Swace (a rebadged Toyota Corolla Touring Sports wagon), and the India-only Grand Vitara, which Toyota rebadges as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The brand also offers a PHEV in Europe, the Across, which is a rebadged Toyota RAV4. None of these models are expected to make their way to Australia, but Mr Pachota maintains that Suzuki's local electrification strategy will continue, especially in the context of NVES regulations. "We need to make sure that we establish ourselves in that area to be a sustainable business, and it doesn't end there. The product portfolio will grow and evolve as we go on to the next three to five years," he told CarExpert. ABOVE: Suzuki Swace Hybrid (left) and Suzuki Across PHEV "Our entire product platform going into 2026 will be a hybrid base. We've got Swift Hybrid, Fronx Hybrid, we'll have Vitara Hybrid outside of, for example, the outgoing products that we still may have for sale, like Ignis and Swift Sport, if we still have remaining stock of that, which our dealers will still sell. "Jimny at this stage is not a hybrid, and we don't know if it ever will be. But with that said, Jimny will continue in its current form, and then we'll start introducing more E-vehicles as well." Suzuki's lineup is in flux at the moment. Imports of the S-Cross, Vitara, and Jimny three-door ended earlier this year due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems. The Vitara will be reborn early next year with compliant AEB and electrification, as mentioned, while the Jimny is getting a safety update in early 2026 that will also see it meet the new regulations. Only the S-Cross and Ignis nameplates seem to have met their end locally, though the Fronx Hybrid is intended to at least partially fill the void left by the latter. No information has been revealed about future hybrids or EVs to bolster the brand's electrified lineup. It's worth noting that Suzuki's slow approach to EVs isn't new, and Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki has previously claimed that an EV version of the Jimny would "ruin the best part" of the car. The Jimny is Suzuki Australia's best-selling model by far, more than doubling the sales of the second-placed Swift so far this year. In any case, Mr Pachota says Suzuki Australia will be focusing on its rollout of hybrid vehicles, even if they are mild-hybrids. At the same time, he claims the brand is "very prepared" to "adapt and evolve" to the NVES. "I definitely see [hybrid] as a shift. In Japan, we already offer mild- and strong-hybrid vehicles. We're about to introduce a fully electric vehicle, which is our first fully electric vehicle, eVitara, and it doesn't end there," he told CarExpert. "So I definitely see that space growing. Hybrid's definitely a focus point for us." MORE: Australia isn't ready for EVs, says Suzuki distributor boss MORE: Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia MORE: Suzuki Jimny EV 'would ruin' pint-sized 4×4 – executive MORE: Everything Suzuki Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Real-world testing shows Ford Ranger among emissions-breaching models
Some of Australia's best-selling models used as much as one-third more than their official claimed fuel consumption figures – and several breach their regulatory CO2 emissions limits – according to the results of the latest real-world test carried out by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). The AAA tested the fuel economy claims across 30 of the most popular models sold in Australia, including the Ford Ranger, Mazda 3, Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. It compared the on-road fuel use and emissions during physical testing with the figures produced by automakers in legally mandated laboratory testing. It found 25 of the 30 evaluated vehicles exceeded their claimed fuel-efficiency figures, while six vehicles (20 per cent of those tested) breached current Australian lab-tested regulatory emissions limits. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. That's despite more accurate testing for cars from Europe, where the Worldwide Harmonised Testing Procedure (WLTP) – designed with input from vehicle manufacturers – intends to produce official fuel-use claims that are closer to real-world results. The Hyundai Kona Hybrid was the worst offender when it came to fuel consumption, using 33 per cent more fuel than its official 3.9L/100km combined economy figure, with AAA achieving 5.2L/100km. Yet Hyundai was at the positive end of the results, too, with its Staria van being one of the best-performing vehicles alongside the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 mid-size luxury SUV. Both models came within one per cent of their official fuel claims. Vehicles to achieve better than expected fuel economy results include the Ford Transit Custom van, which led with a nine per cent better-than-claimed result. The Lexus NX350h mid-size luxury SUV was the next best at seven per cent, and the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 and the smaller GLA at three and two per cent better respectively. While the Transit shone, the Ford Ranger – Australia's best-selling vehicle for the past two years and leading the sales charts so far in 2025 – produced excessively high emissions, with results showing 552mg/km of nitrous oxide emissions. The test was for the Ranger XLT with the 3.0-litre V6, which makes 184kW/600Nm. Ford Australia has detuned the same engine for the 2026 Ranger Super Duty, lowering power by 30kW to meet tougher emissions Euro 6d emissions laws coming into effect in Australia from December 1, 2025. The Toyota Fortuner – which uses the underpinnings and engine from the Toyota HiLux – also exceeded emissions limits, as did the Toyota HiAce SLWB and HiAce LWB vans, and the Suzuki Vitara and BMW X1 small SUVs. Yet the Ford Ranger was commendable in its fuel use, posting a result of 8.9L/100km in testing to come within six per cent of Ford's official 8.4L/100km claim. The AAA says it has now tested 114 popular models in Australia, with 77 per cent of vehicles tested using more fuel than advertised. 'Some vehicles perform as advertised, but most do not, and our program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings,' said Michael Bradley, managing director of the AAA, in a statement. The testing comes as the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) comes into effect in 2025, surrounded by strong debate across automakers about its effectiveness. Introduced on January 1, 2025, the NVES is designed to lower carbon dioxide emissions at the tailpipe of new vehicles through an annual reduction of legal CO2 limits. Each brand's emissions are measured across all models its sells to establish a fleet-average figure; those in breach are fined, while those below are eligible for regulatory credits. Car companies can buy credits from others to reduce their overall average emissions figure and avoid or lower the cost of fines, which became enforceable on July 1, 2025. While most car companies are in favour of reducing tailpipe emissions from vehicles, debate remains ongoing about the effectiveness of the way NVES has been rolled out. Several auto executives have been publicly critical, most recently including Suzuki Queensland boss Paul Dillion. His comments were made at the launch of the Suzuki Fronx, a light-sized 1.5-litre hybrid hatchback, which will be liable for financial penalties under NVES from 2026. Other automakers, such as electric vehicle (EV) brand Polestar, are in favour of even tougher regulations, with the brand leaving the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) in protest of the public criticism of NVES. Polestar was joined by fellow EV-maker Tesla in quitting the industry body in 2024 over the issue. Below are the fuel consumption results from the latest round of the AAA's real-world testing.
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Real-world testing shows Ford Ranger among emissions-breaching models
Some of Australia's best-selling models used as much as one-third more than their official claimed fuel consumption figures – and several breach their regulatory CO2 emissions limits – according to the results of the latest real-world test carried out by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). The AAA tested the fuel economy claims across 30 of the most popular models sold in Australia, including the Ford Ranger, Mazda 3, Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. It compared the on-road fuel use and emissions during physical testing with the figures produced by automakers in legally mandated laboratory testing. It found 25 of the 30 evaluated vehicles exceeded their claimed fuel-efficiency figures, while six vehicles (20 per cent of those tested) breached current Australian lab-tested regulatory emissions limits. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert That's despite more accurate testing for cars from Europe, where the Worldwide Harmonised Testing Procedure (WLTP) – designed with input from vehicle manufacturers – intends to produce official fuel-use claims that are closer to real-world results. The Hyundai Kona Hybrid was the worst offender when it came to fuel consumption, using 33 per cent more fuel than its official 3.9L/100km combined economy figure, with AAA achieving 5.2L/100km. Yet Hyundai was at the positive end of the results, too, with its Staria van being one of the best-performing vehicles alongside the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 mid-size luxury SUV. Both models came within one per cent of their official fuel claims. Vehicles to achieve better than expected fuel economy results include the Ford Transit Custom van, which led with a nine per cent better-than-claimed result. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Lexus NX350h mid-size luxury SUV was the next best at seven per cent, and the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 and the smaller GLA at three and two per cent better respectively. While the Transit shone, the Ford Ranger – Australia's best-selling vehicle for the past two years and leading the sales charts so far in 2025 – produced excessively high emissions, with results showing 552mg/km of nitrous oxide emissions. The test was for the Ranger XLT with the 3.0-litre V6, which makes 184kW/600Nm. Ford Australia has detuned the same engine for the 2026 Ranger Super Duty, lowering power by 30kW to meet tougher emissions Euro 6d emissions laws coming into effect in Australia from December 1, 2025. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Toyota Fortuner – which uses the underpinnings and engine from the Toyota HiLux – also exceeded emissions limits, as did the Toyota HiAce SLWB and HiAce LWB vans, and the Suzuki Vitara and BMW X1 small SUVs. Yet the Ford Ranger was commendable in its fuel use, posting a result of 8.9L/100km in testing to come within six per cent of Ford's official 8.4L/100km claim. The AAA says it has now tested 114 popular models in Australia, with 77 per cent of vehicles tested using more fuel than advertised. 'Some vehicles perform as advertised, but most do not, and our program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings,' said Michael Bradley, managing director of the AAA, in a statement. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The testing comes as the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) comes into effect in 2025, surrounded by strong debate across automakers about its effectiveness. Introduced on January 1, 2025, the NVES is designed to lower carbon dioxide emissions at the tailpipe of new vehicles through an annual reduction of legal CO2 limits. Each brand's emissions are measured across all models its sells to establish a fleet-average figure; those in breach are fined, while those below are eligible for regulatory credits. Car companies can buy credits from others to reduce their overall average emissions figure and avoid or lower the cost of fines, which became enforceable on July 1, 2025. Supplied Credit: CarExpert While most car companies are in favour of reducing tailpipe emissions from vehicles, debate remains ongoing about the effectiveness of the way NVES has been rolled out. Several auto executives have been publicly critical, most recently including Suzuki Queensland boss Paul Dillion. His comments were made at the launch of the Suzuki Fronx, a light-sized 1.5-litre hybrid hatchback, which will be liable for financial penalties under NVES from 2026. Other automakers, such as electric vehicle (EV) brand Polestar, are in favour of even tougher regulations, with the brand leaving the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) in protest of the public criticism of NVES. Polestar was joined by fellow EV-maker Tesla in quitting the industry body in 2024 over the issue. Below are the fuel consumption results from the latest round of the AAA's real-world testing. MORE: What the first federal emissions standard means for Aussie car buyersMORE: Polestar boss says new Australian emissions regulations 'didn't kill the weekend'
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2025 Kia Tasman review
It's been a long time coming. But after years of rumours, hype and celebrity-heavy marketing, the Kia Tasman ute is finally here. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert Named after the Tasman Sea and built with the Australian market front of mind, Kia wants the Tasman to be a top-five best-selling ute Down Under, where it's set to compete head-on with some of the nation's top-selling models in the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max, and Mitsubishi Triton, just to name a few. Like the above rivals, the foundations of the Tasman are simple and proven – a turbo-diesel engine mated to an automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels of a dual-cab four-door ute (for now) based on a ladder frame. What's not so conventional, however, is the design of the Tasman. And boy haven't we heard about it. Last year's global reveal unleashed a tidal wave of criticism towards the appearance of Kia's debut ute, and that tsunami has yet to subside. Kia responded by doubling down on its star-studded ad campaign, recruiting some of the biggest names in Australian sport (plus Spanish tennis champion, Rafael Nadal) to divert attention elsewhere. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert But now, with the Tasman officially in showrooms, it's time to shift our focus back to the most important vehicle that Kia has ever launched in Australia. From concept development to durability testing, Kia's local arm has been at the forefront of the Tasman project every step of the way. If the Tasman succeeds, Kia will forever look upon Australia fondly, and likely offer a seat at the table when it comes to future product development. Strong sales would also help to increase Kia's overall market share – a key goal for the Korean manufacturer – and potentially make it a top-two auto brand in Australia behind Toyota. So, there's a lot on the line. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert With that in mind, Kia invited us to Bathurst in New South Wales for two jam-packed days of driving, both on- and off-road, to get a true sense of where this fresh entrant sits in the ute hierarchy. We were afforded the opportunity to sample the mid-spec SX, the semi-premium X-Line, and the rugged X-Pro flagship, and this review will mostly centre around the latter. The Tasman is more expensive than key rivals at the bottom of the range, but it tops out at a competitive $77,990 drive-away – on par with the D-Max Blade and less than the V6 Ranger Wildtrak and HiLux GR Sport. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert We cycled through the SX dual-cab, X-Line, and X-Pro throughout the launch event, spending the most time behind the wheel of the latter flagship variant. To see how the Kia Tasman lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Kia may have overdone it with the exterior styling of the Tasman, but the interior is the Korean manufacturer at its forward-thinking best. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert ABOVE: Tasman X-Pro The cabin is spacious, user-friendly and thoroughly modern, with a long list of tech and features that puts many segment mainstays to shame. At the centre of it all is Kia's connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) – a panoramic screen housing dual 12.3-inch displays, plus a digital climate control hub. All three are standard across the Tasman range – that's right, there's no punishment for buying the entry-level version. The centre infotainment display is brimming with functionality, most of which is actually useful on a daily basis. That includes wireless smartphone mirroring, native satellite navigation from SX up, a detailed off-road display for the X-Pro, and extra mod cons such as connected services and voice control. As you'd expect from a brand-new model, the graphics are sharp and there's enough processing power to keep up with busy swiping and tapping. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert Likewise, the digital instrument display is clear and well-organised. Unfortunately, the same can't be said of the narrow climate panel – it's obstructed by the steering wheel while driving, and although there's the option to expand it to the infotainment screen, that could be considered the solution to a problem of Kia's own creation. Missing altogether is a head-up display, a nice-to-have that's present in the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha. Another slight letdown is the standard sound system, which makes your tunes sound a bit muddy, especially at higher volumes. That's remedied by buying the X-Pro with its upgraded set of Harmon Kardon speakers. A neat assortment of physical buttons and switches control key vehicle functions such as climate settings and audio output, while also providing shortcuts to commonly visited infotainment menus. The dash layout is intuitive, demonstrating that Kia understands the needs of Australian ute buyers. That's also made clear by the inclusion of clever storage solutions in the Tasman. The cabin is not only roomy – the Tasman X-Pro is longer, wider and taller than a Ranger Wildtrak – but it's also laden with nooks and cubbies. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert There's no denying that the door bins and glovebox are on the shallow side, but that's offset by the presence of an extra compartment above the glovebox. And while the centre console mightn't appear special, the lid is unique in that it folds forwards to create a flat table suitable for in-car work stints. That also exposes a bin with decent space and a 12V power outlet. Two USB-C outlets can be found under the centre stack, and the X-Pro adds dual wireless charging pads. The front seating arrangement differs depending on variant, but there's no questioning the comfort of the X-Pro. It comes equipped with quilted leatherette seats that are both heated and ventilated, and fully power-adjustable, of course. Even the entry-level cloth seats are fit for purpose, packing plenty of cushioning and lateral support, as well as a soft headrest that wraps around your skull. Stepping up to the X-Pro also brings a heated leatherette steering wheel. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert Other common touch points including the armrests and dash are trimmed in soft-touch materials, elevating perceptions of quality, and the textured silver switchgear is more tactile than the Lego buttons you find in other utes. Moving back to the second row, impressions of the Tasman's cabin remain positive. Courtesy of its sheer size, the Tasman is spacious enough to seat five adults in comfort, so it's bound to be the pick for a worksite carpool. Leg- and headroom are in ample supply unless you're topping six-five, and the door panels feature padding at shoulder height – another thoughtful touch. Higher-spec examples such as our X-Pro test vehicle gain heated outboard seats that can recline up to 30 degrees – both features that aren't all that common in premium passenger cars, let alone mainstream utes. In fact, the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV is the only rival to match the Tasman in this regard. So, while the S and SX grades make a lot of sense for tradies hunting a new workhorse, the X-Pro is a standout option amongs the new wave of 'lifestyle' utes. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert Family buyers will also be drawn to the assortment of amenities in the second row of the Tasman, ranging from flexible zip-up map pockets to an expansive storage container hidden under the rear bench. In case that's not enough room for your bits and bobs, additional storage pouches are built into the door cards, seat backs and rear bench itself. Mobile device charging is taken care of by two USB-C outlets and a 240V socket. There's also a centre armrest with chunky cupholders and a couple of air vents, although some sort of lighting wouldn't go astray. Interior creature comforts are nice to have, but tub capacity is an absolute non-negotiable for the majority of ute buyers. That makes the new Tasman an even more compelling proposition, as it can haul around more stuff than most. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert The tub measures 1512mm long, 1572mm wide and 540mm deep – dimensions that dwarf those of the Ranger Wildtrak, D-Max Blade, and Cannon Alpha PHEV. While size matters, there are other factors at play when it comes to assessing a ute tub. So, while the X-Pro offers tons of usable space, the tub isn't necessarily revolutionary. For example, the turbo-diesel Tasman doesn't boast the same exportable power capability as plug-in hybrid competitors – base models go without power outlets in the tub, while the SX+, X-Line and X-Pro gain a single 400W connection. The three top models also come with a bedliner as standard, as well as rear bumper steps, a tray divider, and tie-down hooks. An adjustable tray rail with movable cleats is unique to the X-branded variants. All variants feature an assisted tailgate that makes it easier to access the tub, and there's a storage compartment hidden inside the plastic fender extension on the driver side – a segment first To see how the Kia Tasman lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Just one powertrain is currently offered across the range, a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert However, Kia is keeping a close eye on the performance of electrified utes such as the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, and Ford Ranger PHEV in the local market, with a view to offering similar tech in the Tasman going forward. Don't expect a Tasman PHEV in the immediate future though, as it's unlikely to arrive until 2027 at the earliest, according to senior Kia product manager, Roland Rivero. We won't be getting the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine available in Korean models, either. While we have listed the Tasman as a four-wheel drive vehicle in the above table, it's important to note that the base S is also available with rear-wheel drive. Local versions of the Tasman are homologated to older Euro 5 emissions standards in line with Australian mandates, and therefore don't feature AdBlue injection. To see how the Kia Tasman lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The drive program for the Tasman launch was a dead giveaway that Kia is supremely confident in its first ute, and that confidence isn't unfounded. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert ABOVE: Tasman SX Over two days of driving we were exposed to some of the roughest country roads I've ever experienced, as well as a challenging off-road course and some urban driving in the iconic regional town of Bathurst. All up, the perfect test of a ute that will be expected to handle everything that Aussie buyers can throw at it. On sealed surfaces, the Tasman is a refined take on a traditional formula – turbo-diesel power, four-wheel drive, and rear leaf springs. All variants house a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that pumps out 154kW of power and 440Nm of torque, outputs that are a little underwhelming by modern standards. Indeed, the Tasman feels noticeably under-gunned compared to something like a V6 Ranger (184kW/600Nm) or top-spec HiLux (165kW/550Nm), not to mention the PHEVs. In particular, the Tasman's torque deficit is felt while towing, overtaking and climbing steep inclines, all situations in which you're left wanting for extra pulling power. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert It's a shame because the powertrain is otherwise quite refined and agreeable. Power delivery is smooth, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts intuitively to keep you in the torque band and maximise efficiency. The X-Line and X-Pro feature paddle shifters for enhanced transmission control when towing. The engine also impresses with its quietness and refinement. It doesn't produce the clatter we've come to expect from diesel dual-cabs, a pleasant surprise I'm chalking down to effective sound insulation and firewall damping. As such, the driving experience is less agricultural than that of a four-cylinder Ranger, HiLux or D-Max, even if the Tasman doesn't feel as muscular. Electrified utes are that bit quieter, again. That sense of smoothness is echoed in the suspension tune, which benefits from heavy Australian influence. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert The Tasman features double-wishbone front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs, like much of its competition. However, it's the finer details that make all the difference. All versions get Kia's frequency selective Sensitive Damper Control (SDC) and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology, aimed at improving ride comfort across a wide variety of road surfaces. The frequency selective damper system can vary damping by between 30-40 per cent, while the hydraulic bump stops soften hard impacts. In my experience, these additions work a treat. The Tasman's ride is firm but controlled, even on unfriendly stretches of country road. It may feel a bit fidgety in town, transmitting small imperfections through the chassis, but the Tasman is a pleasure to sit in at higher speeds. The primary ride is excellent – there's no float or bounce from the rear end over undulating tarmac, even with an empty tray. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert Secondary elements impress, too – potholes and ruts are dispatched with surprisingly little fuss, especially considering the poor state of the roads we encountered. We seldom experienced crash landings or teeth-rattling vibrations, outcomes that would've been inevitable in lesser utes. The above statements apply to all versions of the Tasman that we drove, although the SX does ride a little better than the rest on 17-inch wheels. Having said that, the fitment of chunky all-terrain tyres doesn't detract too much from the on-road performance of the X-Pro. Given how planted the Tasman feels, it's hardly surprising that it handles well for an un-sporty dual-cab, too. The X-Pro we drove felt reassuringly confident through corners for such a large vehicle, with solid body control and little roll. All variants bar the entry-level S 4×2 are four-wheel drive, delivering strong road-holding ability and security in tricky conditions. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert ABOVE: Tasman X-Line While the Tasman is well-sorted through the twisty stuff, it's no driver's car. The steering is doughy on centre, with artificial weighting that makes the vehicle feel more cumbersome than it is. The rack lightens up at lower speeds, but the Tasman still feels less manoeuvrable than a Ranger. Indeed, the Tasman's enlarged dimensions are noticeable in urban driving – parking poses a challenge, especially in variants without surround-view cameras or parking assist. With that said, slim body pillars and a large rear window ensure decent outward visibility. Nevertheless, the Tasman may be a mid-size ute, but it's a properly big one. That size is less of an issue on the highway, where the Tasman doesn't feel out of place. It cruises comfortably at 100km/h and remains relatively quiet, insulating the driver from unwanted road noise. We had the opportunity to tow a 2240kg camper trailer around the outskirts of Bathurst during the launch event, and the Tasman showed itself to be an adequate if not outstanding tow vehicle. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert Engine and braking performance clearly suffered, but the Tasman was still able to scale hills and get up to highway speeds effectively, and it didn't feel particularly strained at 80-100km/h. However, you should expect to spend more time at the pump, as fuel consumption spiked to 16.6 litres per 100km across the 20-minute loop. With weight at the rear, the ride feels settled, and you can program trailer specifications into the dedicated towing infotainment display. Being a new model, the Tasman comes kitted out with Kia's range of driver assist features – SX and above get Kia's Highway Driving Assist system and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The tech combines adaptive cruise control and active lane centring to make long road trips more manageable. That aside, the ADAS suite is a bit of a mixed bag. The lane-keep and speed limit warning systems are relentlessly annoying in their default settings, although the latter is easily silenced by holding down the steering wheel volume control. Driver attention monitoring also features, although it's less sensitive here than in other Kia models. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert ABOVE: Tasman X-Pro As far as off-road capability goes, our impressions of the Tasman are incomplete. That's because we were only given the chance to experience the X-Pro – the most expensive and fit for purpose variant in the range. Regardless, in isolation the X-Pro is an accomplished off-roader with the requisite hardware and software to thrive in Australian environments. The 4WD system is the intelligent type that's able to automatically switch between configurations to optimise traction, and it can also be toggled between 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L modes manually. Selectable terrain modes include mud, snow, sand and rock settings. Low range was essential to completing the prescribed off-road course – a challenging loop that included slippery clay, steep climbs, and nasty obstacles. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert I'd consider myself a beginner when it comes to off-roading, but the Tasman's clever traction control system made for a trustworthy ally, distributing power where needed despite my heavy-handed inputs. The X-Pro is the only variant to sport an electronic locking rear differential, as well as an X-Trek mode that functions as a form of off-road cruise control. Unlike hill descent control, X-Trek works during both down- and uphill travel, and in practice it intuitively shifts power around the wheels to drag you out of tough spots and maintain controlled momentum. I'd go as far as to say the Tasman X-Pro is just about idiot-proof in an off-road setting. With 252mm of ground clearance, it sits higher than most rivals, and didn't bottom out in some butt-clenching moments. The X-Pro's approach, departure, and breakover angles are likewise generous. From a tech perspective, the X-Pro offers a dedicated off-road display within the infotainment system that includes surround-view cameras with an underbody view, as well as vehicle health and positioning data. To see how the Kia Tasman lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Kia Tasman range comprises five variants in Australia, ranging from the base S to the flagship X-Pro. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert ABOVE: Tasman S 2025 Kia Tasman S equipment highlights: 17-inch black steel wheels LED headlights Daytime running lights Rear bumper steps Tailgate with 'lift assistance' Smart key with push-button start Cloth interior upholstery Dual-zone climate control 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Six-speaker sound system Under-seat second-row storage Mechanical rear differential lock (4×4) The Tasman SX adds: 17-inch alloy wheels Power-folding side mirrors Terrain Mode First-row safety power window Satellite navigation The Tasman SX+ adds: 18-inch alloy wheels LED fog lights Bedliner 240V tub outlet Cloth and artificial leather upholstery Wireless smartphone charger Ambient mood lighting Second-row air vents 240V centre console outlet 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert ABOVE: Tasman X-Pro The Tasman X-Line adds: LED projector headlights Roof rails Rear wheel-arch flare storage system Artificial leather upholstery Heated front seats Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat Column shifter and shifter paddles Dual wireless smartphone charger Second-row armrest Privacy glass Remote smart-park assist The Tasman X-Pro adds: 17-inch black alloy wheels Fuel tank underbody protection Electronic locking differential X-Trek mode Terrain mode Ground view monitor Off-road dash information Heated steering wheel Ventilated first-row seats Heated second-row seats Harman Kardon sound system Sunroof Three years of development has culminated in an accessory catalogue containing 45 separate items across four categories – touring, protection, adventure, and fleet. Key accessories include a range of bull-bars, sidesteps, canopies, tow bars, tonneau covers, trays, and tray add-ons. To see how the Kia Tasman lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Kia Tasman recently scored a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, although there are some caveats to this. X-Line and X-Pro variants, as well as 4×2 rear-wheel drive, and upcoming single-cab and dual-cab/chassis variants remain unrated due to the absence of a pedestrian protection scoop (pictured below) fitted to the front of lower-spec 4×4 dual-cab versions of the Tasman. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment includes: Autonomous emergency braking Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Front and rear parking sensors Lane-centring assist Lane-keep assist Rear-view camera Trailer sway control SX and above add Kia's Highway Driving Assist system and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The X-Line and above are equipped with parking collision avoidance assist, a surround-view camera and blind-spot cameras. To see how the Kia Tasman lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool As with the wider Kia Australia lineup, the Tasman is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert Additionally, owners can access up to eight years of free roadside assistance, while service pricing is capped for seven years. It's a generous ownership program by current standards, although Tasman owners may be caught off guard by maintenance costs that top most mainstream utes. Regular four-wheel drive Tasman variants cost an average of $466 per year to service over the first three years, more than both the Ranger ($379/year) and HiLux ($305/year). That average annual cost balloons to $585/year over seven years, whereas BYD charges $471 per year to service a Shark 6 over the same period. To see how the Kia Tasman lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool If your eyes agree with the polarising styling, and mine don't, the Tasman is up there with the best turbo-diesel utes currently on sale in Australia. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert The powertrain may be a little old-school, and it's definitely crying out for an extra helping of grunt, but the 2.2-litre lump is far from inadequate. Besides, the strength of the Tasman's ride and handling package more than makes up for its torque deficit. It's clear that local chassis development has paid dividends here, and Kia deserves credit for that. Courtesy of that sublime tuning, the Tasman X-Pro handles towing and off-roading with aplomb – two important considerations for Aussie buyers. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert Then there's the practical, modern interior – another massive selling point of the Tasman. It's hard to find the combination of a clever layout, quality materials and suitable screens in this segment, especially when you consider most utes from legacy brands are based on platforms that are several years, if not a decade old. I wouldn't call the Tasman overpriced, either. For an all-new ute that's well-equipped across the range, it's priced competitively against rivals, particularly at the upper end. The X-Pro takes the fight right up to Ford's Ranger Wildtrak, and represents better buying than a HiLux GR Sport or D-Max Blade. Does that mean the Tasman has been worth the wait? One hundred per cent. And there's the distinct possibility that Kia will rectify its few flaws as part of future updates… a punchy and efficient electrified Tasman with a new face? Yes please. 2025 Kia Tasman Credit: CarExpert Interested in buying a Kia Tasman? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here MORE: Explore the Kia Tasman showroom Competitive pricing Spacious, modern cabin X-Pro excels off-road Exterior design still divides opinion Expensive to service Deserves more grunt
