Car news today: Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV on the cards, new plug-in Toyota RAV4 debuts globally, and more – 21 May 2025

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Thanks for joining us this Wednesday, May 21st 2025. Notably in car news today: Volkswagen Australia is “full throttle” chasing PHEV for new Tiguan, and all-new Toyota RAV4 gets a global debut

Browse this issue:

• Tiguan PHEV a possibility for Australia 
• All-new Toyota RAV4 surfaces and now offers PHEV 
• Nissan set to unveil its electric Micra today
• Geely flagship large SUV caught in testing

Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV on the cards for Oz

• Volkswagen Australia is working hard to add a plug-in hybrid version of the all-new third-generation Tiguan that has arrived in local showrooms this month. Until now, it’s been reported that the PHEV powertrain option, called eHybrid in some markets, was not being considered for the mid-size SUV’s local release.

• Speaking to Chasing Cars at the new model’s local launch in Adelaide, Volkswagen Australia Brand Director Piergiorgio Minto said that “we are working on [PHEV for Oz]…it’s something that we think would fit perfectly in the [Australian] market. We are, let’s say, ‘full throttle’ with Germany in order to test it and to see whether it makes sense as a business case.”

• The new eHybrid PHEV systems combine an 85kW electric motor and the (Euro-spec) 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four, the latter available in either 152kW or R-Line-specific 202kW guises. Its 25.7kWh (gross) battery allows up to roughly 100 kilometres of pure EV driving range.

• With PHEV off the local menu, the gen-three Tiguan launches in a five-variant, all-turbo-petrol line-up, with 110kW, 150kW and 195kW options paired variously with Life, Elegance and sporty R-Line trim levels, priced from around $45K and just over $70K. Stay tuned for our full range review next week! 

Toyota unveils new RAV4 – with PHEV! – scheduled for June release 

• Toyota has released a comprehensive first look at its upcoming new-generation RAV4, which features a new, cutting-edge design language and fresh suite of powertrain options.

• For the first time in the Australian market, Toyota will offer a plug-in hybrid option, which combines a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery with a 150kW front electric motor and a 2.5-litre petrol engine.

• The RAV4 will continue to offer a more affordable 143kW series-parallel hybrid system, which is compatible with both 2WD and AWD configurations. Toyota claims the system will have improved battery and electric motor efficiency over the outgoing RAV4.

• Last year, in 2024, Toyota’s RAV4 was Australia’s best selling midsize SUV, and second-best selling car overall, shifting over 58,000 units. A new-generation RAV4 could see the Japanese brand once again take the title of Australia’s best-selling car. 

READ: 2026 Toyota RAV4 to challenge BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander with plug-in hybrid version

Nissan builds hype for new-generation Micra

• Nissan Australia has posted global invitations to an exclusive online press release, where it will unveil an all-new compact electric Micra.

• The digital unveiling, streaming on YouTube, is scheduled to begin at 5pm AEST today on Nissan’s official global channel. The livestream is public, welcoming all viewers to witness a new generation of Micra. 

• Nissan’s new Micra will be built on Renault‘s CMF-BEV EV platform, seen in the new Renault 5. The Micra will likely offer the same 40kWh and 52kWh battery options, which yield a range of 305 or 399 kilometres (WLTP). 

• We anticipate pricing for the Micra to be between $30,000 and $40,000, which would place the Micra in competition with the GWM Ora, upcoming Volkswagen ID1, and BYD Dolphin.

New Geely large SUV spied on Chinese roads ahead of local launch

• Geely is expected to launch a new flagship large SUV to the Chinese market, likely to be named either the M9 or Starship 9. Recent spy shots from Chinese publication Auto Home have revealed the car being tested on public roads prior to its official launch.

• The Geely M9 will be built on a new ‘GEA Evo’ modular architecture platform, which was recently revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show. The GEA Evo platform introduces a range of new features to the brand, including rear-axle steering and front double-wishbone suspension.  

• Based on the spy shots, the M9 is likely to be a plug-in hybrid, as it features a fuel filler door on either side of the body along with rear exhaust pipes. Expect a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and lithium iron phosphate short blade battery.

• Currently, Geely has no public plans to release the M9 in the Australian market, where it would compete with fellow Geely owned flagship the Volvo XC90 PHEV, and long-time Aussie favourite, the Kia Carnival. 

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Thursday, 22nd May at 4.30pm Sydney time.