Thanks for joining us this Thursday March 20th 2025. MG’s new electric car revealed in China, Toyota Hilux rendered in top-spec GR Sport trim, an ex-Holden employee’s big challenge, French brand’s Nissan X-Trail rival and more.
Browse this issue:
- Popular electric car upgraded in China, but is it a new MG4?
- New Hilux GR Sport revealed in renders!
- How an ex-Holden employee will transform Chinese cars
- French brand’s answer to Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander
- Review: What’s it like to live with a Ford Ranger?
Popular electric car upgraded in China, but is it the new MG4?
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An updated version of the MG4 has been revealed by the Chinese vehicle regulator. New sheet metal that has ties to the existing MG4’s proportions but larger in every dimension suggests an all-new model.
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Strangely, though, the new car has a less powerful 120kW motor, rather than the current 125kW base. It’s also about 150kg lighter, pointing perhaps at a smaller battery and even lower cost of entry.
2026 MG4 (image: MIIT/CarNewsChina)
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In a confusing twist, MG has complied the vehicle with various nameplates, including MG4, E5 and MG3EV. CarNewsChina reports this is a common tactic to either confuse, or keep options open
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Unlike in Australia where pricing as low as $30K has kept MG4s selling strongly, the model struggles in its home market, where it lacks the whizz-bang technology like light shows and talking assistants of rival vehicles.
New Hilux GR Sport revealed in renders!
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We commissioned a set of exclusive renders from digital artist Theottle to show what the next generation Toyota HiLux GR Sport will look like.
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With headlights and fascia inspired by Toyota’s new Hammerhead front end design and fresh taillights, the wide-body GR Sport looks tough in its new clothes.
2026 Toyota HiLux GR Sport (render image: Theottle)
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The keen-eyed among you will notice that the mid-body is essentially unchanged. That’s because the IMV ladder frame underpinnings, wheelbase and centre section of the body are expected to carry over from the current eighth-gen ute.
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Similarly, the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel will almost certainly live on, with a strong hybrid system unlikely. Enough to knock the Ford Ranger off its perch? We’ll have to wait until the Hilux’s likely late 2025 release to find out for real.
How an ex-Holden employee will transform Chinese cars
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Long discussed at GWM, the beginning of an Australian ride and handling program has begun, led by ex-Holden chassis wizard Rob Trubiani.
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Following in the footsteps of Hyundai and Kia most recently, Chinese carmaker GWM is looking to improve its products both for this market and globally, leaning on Australia’s famously terrible road quality.
Rob Trubiani
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Trubiani has more than 20 years of experience in vehicle dynamics, and was the lead engineer for Holden’s department for nearly 15 years, working on the acclaimed Zeta platform and VE Commodore.
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GWM is on a personnel offensive at the moment, including poaching Chief Operating Officer John Kett, the same title Kett held at Hyundai.
French brand’s answer to Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander
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Peugeot has confirmed its new medium-large 5008 SUV will return to Australia in hybrid guise, with expressions of interest now open.
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Two trim levels are on sale, with the 5008 Allure listing at $55,990 and the ritzier GT Premium from $67,990, before on-road costs.
2025 Peugeot 5008
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The new three-row uses the same underpinnings as the smaller 3008, with a 21-inch curved cockpit display and i-Toggle switches below. Boot space runs an impressive 348 litres with all seats and 2242L in ‘van’ mode.
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Grunt comes from a 1.2-litre turbo petrol with 107kW and a 21kW electric motor for boost. The 5008 drives its front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Review: What’s it like to live with a Ford Ranger?
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A huge number of Aussies know, but what about the V6? Contributor Zak Adkkins wraps his three month, 5000km long relationship with a Ranger Sport V6.
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Naturally, Zak loved the V6 punch, long-legged comfort, easy-to-use climate controls and large responsive touchscreen.
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Less impressive was the high price, thirst for diesel, busy transmission calibration and driver monitoring system.
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Living with the Ranger V6 for three months wasn’t enough for Adkins, who grew to love the ute despite its shortcomings.
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Friday 21st March at 4.30pm Sydney time.
