Latest news with #FordRangerPHEV
The Advertiser
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Kia won't rush electrified version of Tasman ute
Kia is keeping an eye on the rise of plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) utes in Australia, but it has no immediate plans to introduce an electrified version of the new Tasman. The Tasman launched last month with a turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine – a popular configuration among utes dating back decades. However, a new wave of electrified utes is sweeping through the market, including plug-in hybrids such as the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV, and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV. In particular, the Shark 6 made a splash when it arrived Down Under early this year, attracting thousands of buyers despite its newcomer status. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The success of BYD's breakthrough ute has other manufacturers taking notes, but Kia is keen to give its debut ute time to settle into the market before introducing an alternative powertrain, according to senior product manager Roland Rivero. "It would be unreasonable to say next year (for a new powertrain) because we've only just launched, we've got to give what we've put together an opportunity to bed itself in the marketplace," Mr Rivero told CarExpert. "There's still heavy demand, 80 per cent plus for four-cylinder ICE utes. For the most part, we think that the Tasman ticks the right boxes in terms of the powertrain offering, but taking into account the future with NVES and customers looking at greener options, we are exploring what we can do down the track. "It won't happen in the next 12 months – that I can assure you – [but] it might be a little bit further down the track if we are to bring in electrification." Kia already offers a wide range of hybrids, PHEVs, and electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, although none of the brand's hybrid or PHEV models feature a diesel combustion engine. If the Korea manufacturer was to go down the plug-in hybrid route for the Tasman, it could utilise the powertrain from the Sorento PHEV – a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine teamed with an electric motor integrated into its six-speed automatic transmission, and on-demand all-wheel drive. However, Kia seems unworried by the threat of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), and therefore not in any particular hurry to reduce the emissions of its new ute. "Current modelling has us in credit this year and in credit next year," said Mr Rivero. "The mix is changing as well in terms of the hybrid volume for us moving forward, so… we're probably one of the few brands that can accommodate the introduction of a diesel ute at this point." While NVES appears unlikely to force Kia's hand on a battery-assisted ute, the new emissions regulations influenced the brand's decision to opt for a turbo-diesel instead of the more powerful 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol available in Korean models. "It was a balancing act between the diesel and the turbo-petrol, and whilst you do get a bit more power in the turbo-petrol, it's down on the torque side of it as well. CO2 is also a key consideration, so NVES played a part in determining whether the gasoline turbo would make it," said Mr Rivero. Ultimately, Kia is happy with the Tasman in its current form, and how it compares to direct rivals in key areas such as towing capacity and payload. The Tasman has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, in line with segment benchmarks, while all variants boast a payload in excess of 1000kg. However, it can't match the PHEV trio or V6 Ranger for power and torque. Nevertheless, consumer sentiment will dictate what Kia does with the Tasman going forward. "There's still a definitive need out there in the marketplace for towing, for payload, for live axles and a rear diff lock to go off-roading, and for the most part, the current guise of the Tasman – its current powertrain, transfer case and diff lock – is hitting the mark," concluded Mr Rivero. "So we'll continue to explore other permutations combinations as we go along. But right now, I think we've got the package for the current market." "The chassis that's been developed can underpin multiple powertrains into the future, and we'll respond accordingly with NVES and with market demand as we go along," added Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith. "But we've got a 10-year product life cycle, we've got every opportunity to further enhance it based on market feedback." MORE: Explore the Kia Tasman showroom Content originally sourced from: Kia is keeping an eye on the rise of plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) utes in Australia, but it has no immediate plans to introduce an electrified version of the new Tasman. The Tasman launched last month with a turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine – a popular configuration among utes dating back decades. However, a new wave of electrified utes is sweeping through the market, including plug-in hybrids such as the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV, and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV. In particular, the Shark 6 made a splash when it arrived Down Under early this year, attracting thousands of buyers despite its newcomer status. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The success of BYD's breakthrough ute has other manufacturers taking notes, but Kia is keen to give its debut ute time to settle into the market before introducing an alternative powertrain, according to senior product manager Roland Rivero. "It would be unreasonable to say next year (for a new powertrain) because we've only just launched, we've got to give what we've put together an opportunity to bed itself in the marketplace," Mr Rivero told CarExpert. "There's still heavy demand, 80 per cent plus for four-cylinder ICE utes. For the most part, we think that the Tasman ticks the right boxes in terms of the powertrain offering, but taking into account the future with NVES and customers looking at greener options, we are exploring what we can do down the track. "It won't happen in the next 12 months – that I can assure you – [but] it might be a little bit further down the track if we are to bring in electrification." Kia already offers a wide range of hybrids, PHEVs, and electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, although none of the brand's hybrid or PHEV models feature a diesel combustion engine. If the Korea manufacturer was to go down the plug-in hybrid route for the Tasman, it could utilise the powertrain from the Sorento PHEV – a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine teamed with an electric motor integrated into its six-speed automatic transmission, and on-demand all-wheel drive. However, Kia seems unworried by the threat of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), and therefore not in any particular hurry to reduce the emissions of its new ute. "Current modelling has us in credit this year and in credit next year," said Mr Rivero. "The mix is changing as well in terms of the hybrid volume for us moving forward, so… we're probably one of the few brands that can accommodate the introduction of a diesel ute at this point." While NVES appears unlikely to force Kia's hand on a battery-assisted ute, the new emissions regulations influenced the brand's decision to opt for a turbo-diesel instead of the more powerful 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol available in Korean models. "It was a balancing act between the diesel and the turbo-petrol, and whilst you do get a bit more power in the turbo-petrol, it's down on the torque side of it as well. CO2 is also a key consideration, so NVES played a part in determining whether the gasoline turbo would make it," said Mr Rivero. Ultimately, Kia is happy with the Tasman in its current form, and how it compares to direct rivals in key areas such as towing capacity and payload. The Tasman has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, in line with segment benchmarks, while all variants boast a payload in excess of 1000kg. However, it can't match the PHEV trio or V6 Ranger for power and torque. Nevertheless, consumer sentiment will dictate what Kia does with the Tasman going forward. "There's still a definitive need out there in the marketplace for towing, for payload, for live axles and a rear diff lock to go off-roading, and for the most part, the current guise of the Tasman – its current powertrain, transfer case and diff lock – is hitting the mark," concluded Mr Rivero. "So we'll continue to explore other permutations combinations as we go along. But right now, I think we've got the package for the current market." "The chassis that's been developed can underpin multiple powertrains into the future, and we'll respond accordingly with NVES and with market demand as we go along," added Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith. "But we've got a 10-year product life cycle, we've got every opportunity to further enhance it based on market feedback." MORE: Explore the Kia Tasman showroom Content originally sourced from: Kia is keeping an eye on the rise of plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) utes in Australia, but it has no immediate plans to introduce an electrified version of the new Tasman. The Tasman launched last month with a turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine – a popular configuration among utes dating back decades. However, a new wave of electrified utes is sweeping through the market, including plug-in hybrids such as the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV, and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV. In particular, the Shark 6 made a splash when it arrived Down Under early this year, attracting thousands of buyers despite its newcomer status. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The success of BYD's breakthrough ute has other manufacturers taking notes, but Kia is keen to give its debut ute time to settle into the market before introducing an alternative powertrain, according to senior product manager Roland Rivero. "It would be unreasonable to say next year (for a new powertrain) because we've only just launched, we've got to give what we've put together an opportunity to bed itself in the marketplace," Mr Rivero told CarExpert. "There's still heavy demand, 80 per cent plus for four-cylinder ICE utes. For the most part, we think that the Tasman ticks the right boxes in terms of the powertrain offering, but taking into account the future with NVES and customers looking at greener options, we are exploring what we can do down the track. "It won't happen in the next 12 months – that I can assure you – [but] it might be a little bit further down the track if we are to bring in electrification." Kia already offers a wide range of hybrids, PHEVs, and electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, although none of the brand's hybrid or PHEV models feature a diesel combustion engine. If the Korea manufacturer was to go down the plug-in hybrid route for the Tasman, it could utilise the powertrain from the Sorento PHEV – a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine teamed with an electric motor integrated into its six-speed automatic transmission, and on-demand all-wheel drive. However, Kia seems unworried by the threat of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), and therefore not in any particular hurry to reduce the emissions of its new ute. "Current modelling has us in credit this year and in credit next year," said Mr Rivero. "The mix is changing as well in terms of the hybrid volume for us moving forward, so… we're probably one of the few brands that can accommodate the introduction of a diesel ute at this point." While NVES appears unlikely to force Kia's hand on a battery-assisted ute, the new emissions regulations influenced the brand's decision to opt for a turbo-diesel instead of the more powerful 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol available in Korean models. "It was a balancing act between the diesel and the turbo-petrol, and whilst you do get a bit more power in the turbo-petrol, it's down on the torque side of it as well. CO2 is also a key consideration, so NVES played a part in determining whether the gasoline turbo would make it," said Mr Rivero. Ultimately, Kia is happy with the Tasman in its current form, and how it compares to direct rivals in key areas such as towing capacity and payload. The Tasman has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, in line with segment benchmarks, while all variants boast a payload in excess of 1000kg. However, it can't match the PHEV trio or V6 Ranger for power and torque. Nevertheless, consumer sentiment will dictate what Kia does with the Tasman going forward. "There's still a definitive need out there in the marketplace for towing, for payload, for live axles and a rear diff lock to go off-roading, and for the most part, the current guise of the Tasman – its current powertrain, transfer case and diff lock – is hitting the mark," concluded Mr Rivero. "So we'll continue to explore other permutations combinations as we go along. But right now, I think we've got the package for the current market." "The chassis that's been developed can underpin multiple powertrains into the future, and we'll respond accordingly with NVES and with market demand as we go along," added Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith. "But we've got a 10-year product life cycle, we've got every opportunity to further enhance it based on market feedback." MORE: Explore the Kia Tasman showroom Content originally sourced from: Kia is keeping an eye on the rise of plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) utes in Australia, but it has no immediate plans to introduce an electrified version of the new Tasman. The Tasman launched last month with a turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine – a popular configuration among utes dating back decades. However, a new wave of electrified utes is sweeping through the market, including plug-in hybrids such as the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV, and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV. In particular, the Shark 6 made a splash when it arrived Down Under early this year, attracting thousands of buyers despite its newcomer status. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The success of BYD's breakthrough ute has other manufacturers taking notes, but Kia is keen to give its debut ute time to settle into the market before introducing an alternative powertrain, according to senior product manager Roland Rivero. "It would be unreasonable to say next year (for a new powertrain) because we've only just launched, we've got to give what we've put together an opportunity to bed itself in the marketplace," Mr Rivero told CarExpert. "There's still heavy demand, 80 per cent plus for four-cylinder ICE utes. For the most part, we think that the Tasman ticks the right boxes in terms of the powertrain offering, but taking into account the future with NVES and customers looking at greener options, we are exploring what we can do down the track. "It won't happen in the next 12 months – that I can assure you – [but] it might be a little bit further down the track if we are to bring in electrification." Kia already offers a wide range of hybrids, PHEVs, and electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, although none of the brand's hybrid or PHEV models feature a diesel combustion engine. If the Korea manufacturer was to go down the plug-in hybrid route for the Tasman, it could utilise the powertrain from the Sorento PHEV – a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine teamed with an electric motor integrated into its six-speed automatic transmission, and on-demand all-wheel drive. However, Kia seems unworried by the threat of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), and therefore not in any particular hurry to reduce the emissions of its new ute. "Current modelling has us in credit this year and in credit next year," said Mr Rivero. "The mix is changing as well in terms of the hybrid volume for us moving forward, so… we're probably one of the few brands that can accommodate the introduction of a diesel ute at this point." While NVES appears unlikely to force Kia's hand on a battery-assisted ute, the new emissions regulations influenced the brand's decision to opt for a turbo-diesel instead of the more powerful 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol available in Korean models. "It was a balancing act between the diesel and the turbo-petrol, and whilst you do get a bit more power in the turbo-petrol, it's down on the torque side of it as well. CO2 is also a key consideration, so NVES played a part in determining whether the gasoline turbo would make it," said Mr Rivero. Ultimately, Kia is happy with the Tasman in its current form, and how it compares to direct rivals in key areas such as towing capacity and payload. The Tasman has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, in line with segment benchmarks, while all variants boast a payload in excess of 1000kg. However, it can't match the PHEV trio or V6 Ranger for power and torque. Nevertheless, consumer sentiment will dictate what Kia does with the Tasman going forward. "There's still a definitive need out there in the marketplace for towing, for payload, for live axles and a rear diff lock to go off-roading, and for the most part, the current guise of the Tasman – its current powertrain, transfer case and diff lock – is hitting the mark," concluded Mr Rivero. "So we'll continue to explore other permutations combinations as we go along. But right now, I think we've got the package for the current market." "The chassis that's been developed can underpin multiple powertrains into the future, and we'll respond accordingly with NVES and with market demand as we go along," added Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith. "But we've got a 10-year product life cycle, we've got every opportunity to further enhance it based on market feedback." MORE: Explore the Kia Tasman showroom Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
CarExpert Choice winner: Best Electrified Ute
The GWM Cannon Alpha has been named Australia's best electrified ute in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. It beat out two electrified dual-cab finalists – the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6 and the all-electric LDV e-T60. The Ford Ranger PHEV was launched too late to qualify, while fresh electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) entrants such as the LDV eTerron 9 aren't yet available. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. When it comes to electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid utes in Australia, there aren't many… but that doesn't mean the Cannon Alpha PHEV wins by default. It has impressive off-road capability thanks to front and rear differential locks and a proper four-wheel drive system with low range, plus a full 3500kg towing capacity, while offering a luxurious cabin with plenty of kit and sharp pricing. To top it off, it offers the impressively low fuel consumption and relatively long electric range expected of a PHEV ute. That's why it takes this award. 2025 CarExpert Choice: Best Electrified Ute Winner – GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV Finalist – BYD Shark 6 Finalist – LDV e-T60 To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here.
Perth Now
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
CarExpert Choice winner: Best Electrified Ute
The GWM Cannon Alpha has been named Australia's best electrified ute in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. It beat out two electrified dual-cab finalists – the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6 and the all-electric LDV e-T60. The Ford Ranger PHEV was launched too late to qualify, while fresh electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) entrants such as the LDV eTerron 9 aren't yet available. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert When it comes to electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid utes in Australia, there aren't many… but that doesn't mean the Cannon Alpha PHEV wins by default. It has impressive off-road capability thanks to front and rear differential locks and a proper four-wheel drive system with low range, plus a full 3500kg towing capacity, while offering a luxurious cabin with plenty of kit and sharp pricing. To top it off, it offers the impressively low fuel consumption and relatively long electric range expected of a PHEV ute. That's why it takes this award. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Winner – GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV Finalist – BYD Shark 6 Finalist – LDV e-T60 To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here. MORE: Explore the GWM Cannon Alpha showroom
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV
Ford Ranger PHEV Ford Ranger PHEV: Iceland. As its 'Land of Fire and Ice' moniker suggests, the Nordic island is steeped in mystery and packed with geological wonder. Its lunar landscape would have you question whether you've accidentally booked a NASA moon trip instead of an Icelandair Boeing 737. It's out of this world. Whenever my family and I go back, we always try to do something completely different. Thus, I was buzzing when my recent trip involved traversing Iceland's remarkable plains, and the odd volcano, in a luxurious moon buggy known as the Ford Ranger PHEV. But before diving into the car and adventure, it's worth noting that Ford has no plans to introduce this to America. Ford Ranger PHEV in Iceland Ford Ranger PHEV Facts And Figures I've driven every Ranger, including the full-fat Raptor, something that secured its place in my dream garage since. Each variant is capable, and Ford has diversified the Ranger lineup to include performance guises (like the previously mentioned Raptor) and luxury family haulers (the Wildtrak and Platinum). And the cherry on the Bakewell tart is the latest plug-in hybrid version. Ford Ranger's were offered in 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre form until now. The PHEV's 2.3-litre petrol engine is mated to a 75kW (100 bhp) electric motor, a 11.8kWh battery pack that sits under the load bed and a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Ford Ranger PHEV in Iceland It produces a mighty 277 bhp and 514lb ft, numbers that don't fall far from the Raptor tree. However, don't expect it to move like the small dromaeosaurid dinosaur-named pick-up, as 0-to-62 mph takes 9.2 seconds—just 0.5 seconds faster than its diesel counterpart. Likewise, its 25.5-mile electric range is hardly inspiring, but the resulting 70-72g/km means lower benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax, an important factor as double-cab pick-ups are now classed as cars in the UK. Driving The Ford Ranger PHEV Our 200km route began at Reykjavik. Through its busy streets, the Ford Ranger PHEV emitted a gentle hum at low speeds and easily handled deep road ruts and drain covers with little fuss. When out of town, its 2.3-litre powerplant quickly kicked in while en route to 56 mph (90 kph). Again, it remained humble and arrived at that speed swiftly as the 10-speed 'box swapped cogs as smoothly as the lava that likely flowed beneath us. It'll also hustle along twisty tarmac at a respectable pace in Sport mode without making your passengers feel sick. A swift detour off the high-speed tarmac onto loose gravel caused a fair bit of shudder, forcing us to reduce our speed slightly. But this is a workhorse, not a Dakar Rally machine. Ford Ranger PHEV As we approached our first river crossing, we locked the diffs and selected Slippery from the array of drive modes; this car has an 800mm wade depth, but we still feared we'd be left bobbing around like a rubber duck in one of the 26 river crossings awaiting us. Thanks to the Terrain Management system and multiple four-wheel drive controls, however, the Ranger PHEV effortlessly swam like an amphibian. With each river crossing came further challenges, like sharper rocks, steeper declines and inclines, and not once did it break a sweat. Ford Ranger PHEV But the acid test was mighty. This was a trial that would surely force many SUVs and pick-ups to tinkle a puddle of oil in fear—a steep volcano climb. Engaging the Ford Ranger PHEV's low-range setting forced the previously smooth gearbox to show its clunkier traits. But with gentle throttle input, it effortlessly ascended without any wheel slip despite the loose volcanic terrain beneath it—the digital instrument cluster showing a 26-degree pitch. Descending was just as simple: Engage hill descent via the 12.0-inch touchscreen, and you're off—slowly. Yes, you could bark at its woeful electric range, and the £4k price hike versus the diesel, but the benefits out way the negatives, in my mighty impressive, but should you have it over a diesel? There's no denying the diesel will do the same steep ascent party trick. But the major benefits come from tax savings. You get that little bit of extra oomph, and peace of mind that you're doing your bit for the Polar bears. Ford Ranger PHEV Verdict The Ford Ranger PHEV will still tow 3.5 tonnes and carry a 1.0-tonne payload capacity. And like other commercial Ford products, it features the brand's nifty Pro Power system, which means three plug sockets—one in the cab, two in the load box— that can provide silent power for tools and, well, anything. Ford Ranger PHEV Yes, you could bark at its woeful electric range, and the £4k price hike versus the diesel (£32,150 excl. VAT), but the benefits out way the negatives, in my opinion. It's a can-do vehicle, regardless of whether you're taking the kids to school, towing a jet ski or traversing a mountain, and it could be the best Ford Ranger yet.
News.com.au
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
New cars coming to Australia in 2025: Ute war to erupt
Despite the busy start to 2025, there's no slowing down for the car industry as the flood of new brands and new models is set to continue unabated until Christmas. And utes will be the headline attraction, with new offers across the spectrum set to appeal to anyone looking for a load lugger of seemingly any shape or size. Here's a look at what's coming soon: Ford Ranger PHEV It will be spearheaded by arguably the single most-anticipated new model of the entire year, the Ford Ranger PHEV. As the name implies, this is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the most-popular new vehicle in the country, so naturally expectations are high. Powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine supported by an electric motor and batteries, the Ranger PHEV will still have a 3500kg towing capacity, a payload up to 937kg but be able to drive on electric power alone for up to 49km. It won't come cheap though, with the most affordable variant, the XLT, starting at $71,990 (plus on-road costs), well above the $56,990 offer of the rival BYD Shark 6. Kia Tasman If the Ranger PHEV was the most-anticipated new vehicle yet to arrive in 2025, then second place belongs to the Kia Tasman. The long-awaited entrance into the ute market by the popular South Korean brand, the Tasman has already made plenty of headlines – but not always for the right reasons. Its styling is polarising and its 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine sounds modest in comparison to rivals, but with an expansive range and competitive pricing (that begins from $42,990), it has potential to upset the established order. Kia will be hoping its star-studded television commercials, which feature a who's who of Australian sporting superstars, will be enough to get the Tasman on at least the consideration list for as many potential buyers as possible. MG U9 Looming over both of these arrivals, in both a metaphorical and literal way, is the MG U9. The now Chinese-owned brand has big aspirations for Australia and knows the only way to reach the top of the sales charts is with a ute. So it has managed to leverage its considerable might and will offer its own version of the LDV Terron9 (which is also due in Australia this year) and call it the MG U9; as both are owned by Chinese powerhouse, SAIC. This will be a half-size larger than the likes of the Ranger and Tasman, but not quite as big as the American Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. While we know it will be powered by a turbo diesel engine, we don't know pricing and specification yet, so it's unclear just how strong MG's chances are of making a mark on Australia's competitive ute market. SUVs It's not all utes though, with some important SUVs also on the 'coming soon' list. MG will have a new QS seven-seat SUV as part of its Australian expansion plans, while Volkswagen has confirmed the new Tayron SUV is coming. The Tayron will slot between the Tiguan and Touareg in the German brand's line-up. Subaru also has a new Forester, a long-time Aussie favourite, due in the coming months.
