Car news today: Toyota investigating unibody Hilux sibling, Tesla takes top safety score, and more – 23 May 2025
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Friday, May 23rd 2025. Notably in car news today: Toyota is openly investigating a unibody lifestyle ute that could sit under the Hilux and Tesla has collected yet another safety gong with its updated Model 3.
Toyota investigating budget Hilux to rival Ford Maverick
Toyota USA chief operating officer Mark Templin has told Bloomberg it was investigating a unibody ‘car-based-ute’ that could slot under.
Echoing comments made previously, Cooper Ericksen, vice president in charge of planning and strategy at Toyota USA added that “we could really do well in that segment, so we’re trying to do it,” but it was “a matter of timing”.
Ford has enjoyed huge success with its Maverick ute, which sits on the same platform as the Escape midsize SUV, offering a versatile tray and a relatively affordable purchase price – albeit without the heavy-duty off-road prowess, payload and towing capabilities that more tradition pickups like the Ranger and F-150 offer.
If the model came to Australia it would likely sit under the Hilux in the range is terms of both size and price, for those who want most of what a ute offers but not all the draw backs that come with it.
Tesla Model 3 receives five-star safety score from ANCAP
Independent vehicle safety body the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has handed out its latest bout of ratings.
Tesla will no doubt rejoice, as its new Model 3 has finally received a five-star rating. News follows 18 months after Tesla’s previous Model 3 rating was disallowed from being applied to the current facelift model.
Other Electric vehicles to collect a five-star ANCAP medal include the new MG S5 and the Kia EV3. Both vehicles scored 86 percent child occupant protection. The MG S5 proved superior in adult occupant protection, scoring 90 percent over Kia’s 83.
The prestigious five-star rating for all three electric vehicles will expire in December 2031.
Porsche 718 scheduled to fade into the company’s history
Both the Boxster and Cayman variant of Porsche’s prestigious 982-generation 718 sports-car will officially cease production in October of this year.
The fate of the combustion model 718 has been sealed for some time now, with imagery of a new electric 718s circulating as early as 2022 – not that Porsche’s worst kept secret has officially let slip by the German brand.
Aussies might be confused to know that the outgoing model 718 was still in production at all – we haven’t been able to order one since May last year.
There is currently no official release date (or official specification) for a new generation Porsche 718. Porsche Australia’s revised line-up will consist of the 911, Taycan, Panamera, Macan and Cayenne.
A sneak peek at the Xpeng G7 ahead of its June launch
A Chinese government agency has let slip preliminary details on an upcoming mid-to-large size SUV – the Xpeng G7, which is scheduled to release in June.
Latest information on the G7, which has been sourced through the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (think Chinese ADR), has revealed 4892/1925/1655mm LWH measurements, a 2890mm wheelbase, and single, rear-mounted 218kW electric motor for means of propulsion.
The G7 (not to be confused with the G6, P7, 7X, or MG7) was confirmed for the Australian market in February this year, and is expected to launch locally in 2026. The upcoming June release will only impact the Chinese market.
A choice between two lithium-iron phosphate batteries is expected: A 80.8kWh unit with a claimed range of 702km (CLTC) and 68.5kWh unit with a 602km range.
2025 Zeekr 7X reviewed
Chasing Cars founder Tom Baker’s road test of the 2025 Zeekr 7X was published, giving a first look at the third model to join Zeekr’s Australian offerings.
Baker was impressed by the electronic seat adjustment for rear seat passengers, particularly the adjustable thigh support. He also gave points for the air-suspension controls mounted in the boot of the car.
The Zeekr 7X looks to take on the best-selling Tesla Model Y as an alternative midsize SUV. Baker notes that the WLTP range of the 7X falls short of the model Y, and emphasises that pricing and ride quality will be the vehicles two biggest comparators.
At an estimated AUD price of $70,000, the Zeekr 7X could be a strong rival against the Tesla Model Y. How the 7X handles Australian roads will be pivotal in gauging its success.
