Automobile information right this moment: Value of dwelling hits new-car gross sales arduous, Ford’s plug-in saviour and extra — sixth March 2025

Thanks for becoming a member of us this Thursday March sixth 2025. Learn in regards to the struggling within the new-car market, Ford’s petrol-electric dual-cab saviour, a brand new hardcore WRX, Volvo’s glossy electrical sedan, an EV for the Volks and new ranger extender EV for Oz. 

Browse this challenge:

Value of dwelling disaster strikes the brand new automotive market with flagging gross sales 

• February gross sales are in and it isn’t trying good. In comparison with final 12 months, deliveries have dropped practically 10 p.c and it’s being led by electrical automobiles. Tesla had a shocker and helped pull EV gross sales down 37 p.c. 

• Toyota stayed on prime each for model and automotive, taking prime honours with the RAV4 hybrid. Ford took second with Ranger, then got here HiLux. 

• We’ve lastly seen if BYD’s capable of stroll the stroll, too, after the beginning of Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute gross sales was delayed. In its first month the Shark 6 managed sixth total, pipping the Isuzu D-Max. Watch this area. 

Ford particulars its plug-in hybrid rival to the BYD Shark 6 

• After years of knowledge drip-feed, Ford has lastly revealed full pricing and specs for the plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger. There’s clearly an urge for food for PHEV utes, however whether or not Ford can get in on the motion is one other query. 

• There’s a broad vary on provide from XLT trim via to new Stormtrak halo grade. Pricing begins at $71,990, earlier than on-road prices, for the material upholstered and halogen headlight-equipped XLT. Wildtrak is $79,990 and Stormtrak $86,990. 

• Some key variations between Ranger PHEV and the brand new Chinese language rivals embrace a 3.5-tonne braked towing capability and as much as 973kg payload (offering there’s no spare tyre fitted). EV driving vary is 48km and outputs are 209kW and 690Nm. 

Hardcore Subaru WRX tS Spec B is an STI-lite

• Do you want carrying your hat backwards and going quick? Excuse the stereotype, however the Subaru WRX is again in additional hardcore tS Spec B kind that builds on the Membership Spec restricted version from 2024. 

• Pricing is from $61,490, earlier than on-road prices, and the WRX tS Spec B scores comparable upgrades to the Membership Spec, such because the big rear wing, Recaro bucket seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes and stickier Bridgestone S007 tyres. 

• Distinguishing this mannequin (and justifying the upper worth) are no-cost-option STI efficiency mufflers and — for the primary time within the present WRX — adaptive dampers mixed with a six-speed handbook transmission. No additional energy, although.

• Pre-orders for the WRX tS Spec B are open now. 

Glossy 700km driving vary sedan takes intention at BMW i5, Audi A6 e-tron 

• Volvo has unveiled its new premium giant electrical automotive, the ES90, with targets on the again of the BMW i5, Audi A6 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE. Volvo doesn’t say it’s a sedan, liftback or SUV although it actually rides larger than the previous S90 — it’s like an overgrown Polestar 2, actually. 

• Apparently ‘software program pushed’ with the flexibility to ‘evolve over time’, the ES90 is a really totally different automotive for Volvo that’s primarily based on the identical SPA2 underpinnings of the EX90 and Polestar 3. 

• Electrical stats are excellent: 700km of driving vary from a 106kWh battery pack, whereas 800V structure means quick charging can add as much as 300km vary in 10 minutes.

• The ES90 is large. Volvo hasn’t given exterior size but — count on 5.0 metres or extra — however the wheelbase is 3.1 metres for loads of minimal but luxurious cabin area. Count on Volvo’s new electrical luxurious automotive to launch in late 2025.

Volkswagen’s electrical automotive for the folks

• The ID.3 didn’t have the revolutionary impact of the Beetle, however Volkswagen says the ID.1 will when it launches in 2027. That is the ultimate piece in VW’s EV technique. 

• Value is a key attribute, a goal of €20,000 (A$34,000) with manufacturing in Europe for Europe. The chunky angular design is punchy and provides the ID.EVERY1 idea extra presence than its diminutive 3880mm size usually would. The boot isn’t unhealthy both, at 305L.

• Stats are modest, with a 70kW front-mounted electrical motor obliging simply 130km/h prime speeds. A 250km driving vary seals the deal as a metropolis automotive. The MEB front-wheel-drive platform will underpin a complete of 4 VW fashions sooner or later together with the ID.2 hatch and small SUVs which might be extra to Australia’s style.

This has the MU-X shaking in its boots: 2025 Ford Everest Tremor assessment

• Manufacturing Specialist Thomas Place takes a spin within the new Ford Everest Tremor — an off-road targeted model of Ford’s in style 4×4 wagon that takes intention on the Toyota Prado Altitude. 

• Tom praised the relative worth over the Sport V6, improved off-road functionality and — after all — robust appears to be like, because of a butch visible remedy.

• A loss in payload, some lacking options in comparison with Ranger Tremor and costly choice packages ate into its excellence. Finally, the Everest Tremor is a distinctive proposition available in the market and a superb different to the standard Prado. 

Learn: Tom’s full assessment right here

The subsequent challenge of Automobile Information At the moment will probably be printed on Friday 07 February at 4.30pm Sydney time.