Thanks for joining us this Tuesday March 11th 2025. Mazda expands the CX-5 range with a new front-wheel-drive option, Kia lobs pricing and specs for EV3 electric small SUV, and more.
Browse this issue:
- Mazda expands the CX-5 range with new front wheel drive option
- Kia reveals pricing and spec for electric EV3 small SUV
- Hyundai Australia announces Don Romano as President and CEO
- Tesla stocks fall 45 percent since December
- 2025 BMW X3 xDrive review
Mazda expands CX-5 range with new front-wheel-drive option
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Mazda Australia has just announced an expansion of the CX-5 range, their most popular vehicle, with a new front-wheel drive option in the G25 Touring FWD.
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This expansion means there are three FWD variants in the CX-5 range. Maxx, Sport and Touring. The new front-drive Touring grade essentially replaces the G25 Maxx Sport AWD
Mazda CX-5 range continues to expand.
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All Touring spec variants will now come with Adaptive Front Lighting System, as well as Cruising and Traffic Support.
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Pricing is yet to be announced, however it is reported we will see the 2025 CX-5 Touring FWD in Australian dealerships in June 2025.
Kia EV3 small electric SUV to launch locally from $47,600 RRP
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Kia Australia has confirmed pricing and specifications for the upcoming EV3 small SUV, the most affordable electric line-up in the importer’s stables.
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The EV3 enters at $47,600 list for the Air Standard Range and tops out at $63,950 list for the flagship GT-Line. Rounding out the four-variant line-up are the Air Long Range at $53,315 list and the mid-grade Earth Long Range at $58,600 before on-roads.
Kia’s EV3 will be priced from under $48,000.
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Built off the Hyundai Group’s E-GMP 400-volt platform, all variants fit a 150kW/283Nm front-drive powertrain, with all but the 58.3kWh (55kWh useable) entry grade fitting an 81.4kWh (78kWh useable) battery.
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The range-leader is the Air LR at 604km WLTP claimed, with both the big-battery Earth and GT-Line versions sharing a 563km WLTP figure. The Air SR peaks at a more modest 436km WLTP. Check out our dedicated pricing and specs story for a deeper rundown.
Hyundai Australia announces Don Romano as President and CEO
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With 40 years of automotive industry experience, Don Romano has just been announced as Hyundai Motor Company Australia’s Chief Executive Officer.
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Mr Romano is set to take up the position effective immediately, replacing current CEO, Ted Lee, who will remain in Australia in an Executive Support role after his three-year stint as CEO.
Mr Don Romano to take the CEO spot at Hyundai Australia.
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Don Romano will oversee both Hyundai and Genesis as part of his new role, after 10 years serving as President and CEO of Hyundai Canada.
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“It’s an honour to join Hyundai and Genesis in Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region – Australia is one of the most challenging automotive markets on earth,” says Mr Romano.
Tesla stocks fall 45 percent since December
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According to a recent report by Reuters, Tesla stock has fallen a sizable 45 percent since reaching a high point in valuation of $1.5 trillion dollars on December 17.
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Shares have also dropped 15 percent, making it the worst performing Standard and Poor 500 (S&P 500) yesterday.
Increased supply and political views are said to be the main reason for this slump.
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Tesla’s vehicle-based business makes up the vast majority of revenue for the company. Falling vehicle sales have been widely blamed on Tesla boss Elon Musk’s increased involvement with the geo-political landscape.
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Rising competition in the space is reported to also play a part in this decline, with more affordable EV options flooding global markets, including Australia. Tesla has also not released a new model since the Cybertruck – which we still can’t access in Australia.
2025 BMW X3 xDrive review
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Chasing Cars contributor Nathan Ponchard has just finished reviewing BMW’s fourth-generation X3, putting the 20 xDrive variant through its paces.
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Nathan enjoyed the good looking exterior styling, impressive dynamics and overall refinement of the base version of the new ‘G45’ SUV.
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He also found the vehicle efficient to run, and just an easy vehicle to live with, while offering improved value for money as well.
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However, Ponchard reckons the interior plastics could do with some improvement and the base ‘20’ engine could do with more power.
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Wednesday 12th March at 4.30pm Sydney time.