Car news today: Nissan’s plug-in ‘Navara Pro’ ute unveiled in Shanghai, 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander scores local suspension and steering tune, and more – 23 April 2025
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday, April 23th 2025. Notably in car news today: Nissan’s Frontier Pro PHEV pick-up could be the plug-in Navara, 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander scores local suspension and steering tune, Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition kicks off and GWM adds cheaper Premium spec Cannon to ute line-up.
Nissan’s plug-in ute debuts in China and could become our Navara PHEV
Nissan has unveiled its Frontier Pro plug-in petrol-electric ute at the Shanghai motor show in what could arrive in Australia as a ‘Navara Pro’ to take on the likes of Ford Ranger PHEV and BYD Shark 6.
Co-developed with Dongfeng, the Frontier Pro – as it will be called in the Chinese and other global markets – features contemporary Nissan-penned styling atop a ladder-frame architecture based on the Dongfeng Z9.
Power comes by way of a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine combined with electric drive via a 33kWh battery. While outputs have not been revealed, it’s claimed the Frontier Pro has an electric only range of up to 135 kilometres.
Speaking to Chasing Cars in Shanghai, Nissan has only confirmed left-hand-drive production though it is “considering” RHD for what is a global release. An Aussie extrapolation could well be marketed locally under the Navara Pro nameplate.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander scores local suspension and steering tune
Expected to arrive in showrooms the third quarter of 2025, is the updated MY25 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV.
Main talking points for this update is what Mitsubishi has described as an Australian suspension and steering tune, in an effort to improve occupant comfort as well as a more engaged driving experience.
Top-of-the-line Exceed Tourer spec also gains a Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio system, while all other specs receive an ‘Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium system. These are mated to a 12.3-inch infotainment system that is Apply CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.
Exterior and interior styling revisions are also on the cards for the updated Mitsubishi Outlander, which will be available in front- or all-wheel drive variants, with a choice of five- or seven-seat configurations.
GWM adds cheaper Premium spec Cannon to ute line-up
Great Wall Motors has just included a new entry-level Cannon ute to its line-up, with the introduction of the Premium variant.
The Cannon Premium will feature a smaller-capacity 2.0L turbo-diesel engine, which produces a claimed 120kW and 400Nm. This is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Cannon Premium will be available in single-cab rear-wheel-drive format, which is a first for GWM in Australia, as well as a more traditional dual-cab 4×4 with electronically operated rear differential lock.
Pricing for the Cannon Premium starts from $35,490 for the single-cab RWD entry point, and climbs to $39,490 for the dual-cab four-wheel drive. These are drive-away prices, too.
Chinese made Mazda EZ-60 EV SUV interior details revealed
Mazda has been teasing information on the upcoming EZ-60 EV SUV. Recently we saw what the exterior would look like, and now we’ve been given a sneak peak inside the vehicle.
The strikingly obvious addition to the interior of Mazda’s Chinese-manufactured electric vehicle is the purple and cream colour choices, which is a bold move styling wise.
Technology wise, Mazda has included a simply massive 26.45-inch media screen which will control essentially everything in the vehicle for both the driver and passenger. There is no instrument cluster, rather a head-up display is used to indicate speed.
The newcomer is expected to go on sale in markets outside of China as the CX-6e. Right-hand-drive models will be manufactured, however at the time of publication Mazda has yet to confirm aspirations for local sales.
Haval H6 GT PHEV 2025 review
Chasing Cars road test editor John Law’s road test of the 2025 Haval H6 GT was published, including his thoughts on its impressive electric-only range and the tough competition the plug-in SUV will face locally.
Law reveals that H6 GT also brings impressive sub-five-second 0-100km/h performance, and reckons that the newcomer brings a lot of equipment for what’s a solid value-for-money proposition.
However, Law isn’t a fan of the underbaked cabin tech and the paltry boot space for a mid-size SUV, while also criticising some of its average ride, handling and steering qualities.
In verdict, the advice is perhaps to hold off for the facelifted H6 PHEV wagon, which should offer an improved interior quality and utility, together with slated localised upgrades to the ride and handling package.
