Articles by Samuel Irvine

Mitsubishi has released a special edition Ralliart variant of its Pajero Sport model overseas, though the brand’s local division says it could have something a little more compelling in its sights for the local market.What is essentially a sticker pack in the Philippines, the special edition Pajero Sport – known as the Mondero Sport locally – features an array of design tweaks, such as special White Diamond paint, black gloss rims, red bumper accents and a huge Ralliart art decal plastered on the car’s rear third quarter.Underneath, though, everything remains stock-standard, with the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine that produces 133kW/430Nm through an eight-speed automatic transmission going unchanged from the regular model.Strangely, it isn’t even being offered with Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system. Rather, the special-edition is exclusive to the rear-wheel drive variant, according to Top Gear Phillipines. Product Public Relations Manager at Mitsubishi Australia, Adam Davis, said that's why the brand isn’t keen to roll out the model locally.“Similar to previous Ralliart design models offered in other markets, Mitsubishi Motors Australia will not offer this option for Pajero Sport,” he said in a statement.“We continue discussions with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation to best understand how to apply Ralliart locally, and we want to do its heritage justice.”How and when a Ralliart for the local market takes shape is unclear at this stage, although rumours of special-edition Ralliart Triton have been brewing for quite some time.Mitsubishi CEO Shaun Westcott told CarsGuide at the Triton’s national launch in March that the brand has been “asking for a Ralliart”, with other ute-loving markets such as South Africa also thought to be keen.Should one come to Australia, it could take shape as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a petrol engine to take on the Ford Ranger PHEV and BYD Shark 6, particularly as the brand leans into the technology more following the success of the Outlander PHEV.The brand’s 2024 dealer conference outlined its path to electrification earlier this year, with a keen focus on embracing more hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery technology before 2030.If the model does end up being a Triton off-spring, it is likely to bear a strong resemblance to the souped-up AXCR Triton that Mitsubishi revealed in July as its entrant into the Asia Cross Country Rally.Digital artist, Thanos Pappas, imagined what a Triton Ralliart might look like in digital renderings for CarsGuide back in July.The render shows it with approximately 50mm of additional ground clearance over the regular model thanks to new coil springs, higher-end dampers, thick all-terrain tyres and smaller off-road wheels.There’s an underbody skid plate integrated into the front bumper, while exterior and interior Ralliart badging would be a given.If we don’t see a Triton Ralliart, the alternative option could very well be our own special-edition Pajero Sport Ralliart – if not both.We know Mitsubishi is working on a new large SUV “halo” model, which is possibly the next-generation Pajero Sport. The current model debuted in 2015. Equally, it could be an all-new Pjero.The news was previously revealed to CarsGuide by Shaun Westcott.“I cannot tell you what it is, what it looks like, what the powertrain is, whether there’s a ladder frame, whether there’s monocoque. I cannot give you any of that information other than to say that Mitsubishi has announced that we are working on a large SUV,” he said."I have put up my hand and said we would love to have one because it's a very valuable nameplate, because it is a fantastic product, because it's a halo product.”To us that suggests a LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Y62 Patrol rival could very well be in the works, probably for a 2026 release at the earliest.For now, though, only time will tell.

Prices have been revealed for the new petrol-only version of the Hyundai Santa Fe seven-seat SUV. Petrol-power is $2500 less across the range compared to the hybrid versions.

The next-generation Nissan Kicks crossover SUV is headed for Japan exclusively in hybrid guise next year, according to BestCar Japan, with the door potentially ajar for an Australian release.

Honda has announced the Civic will transition to a hybrid-only lineup for 2025, as the brand makes minor design tweaks and adds upgraded software technology to the range.The base-model 1.5-litre petrol variant is out, with both variants now being powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine that produces 135kW/315Nm through an electronic continuously variable transmission as standard.It comes paired to twin electric motors – one to power the front wheels and the other to acts as a generator to charge the 1.05kWh lithium-ion battery pack when braking.That improves fuel consumption across the range to 4.2L/100km, putting it closely behind the Toyota Corolla's 4.0L/100km figure.The Civic will be dearer for 2025, with the now entry-level e:HEV L variant priced at $49,900 drive-away nationally, up $2700 on the previous starting price of the petrol version.The updated top-spec e:HEV LX is $900 more at $55,900 drive-away.The top-spec Toyota Corolla – which is a hybrid – is about $6000 to $7000 cheaper than the Civic once you factor in on-road costs. The Volkswagen Golf is also a fair chunk of change cheaper than the Civic.It is still significantly cheaper than more premium alternatives such as the BMW 118 ($56,500), the Audi A3 ($53,100) and the Mercedes-Benz A200 ($56,200), all at before on-road costs.The updated Civic gets a refreshed front bumper that deletes the previous model's fog lights. There are new 18-inch alloy wheel designs.Inside, the bottom-spec e:HEV L loses some standard features that were previously allocated to its petrol predecessor, such as wireless charging, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.The top-spec e:HEV LX has those as standard and adds leather-appointed seats and a panoramic sunroof over the e:HEV L.Both models add software upgrades, including Google built-in, which integrates Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play into the car’s 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen.Both cars are now also hooked up to the new-generation of the Honda Connect app, which allows owners to monitor their car’s location and fuel levels as well as lock/unlock their car remotely.Upgraded Honda Sensing safety technology also improves the car’s driver safety assist technology through what Honda said is “improve front camera software”, though that is the extent of the details.The Civic currently boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating in line with 2022 protocols. It carries 11 airbags and standard safety features like Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Cruise Control.As before, the Civic is covered by a five-year/unlimited km warranty, which includes five years of free roadside assistance and capped price servicing at $199 for the first five visits.Prices are calculated at national drive-away

Mercedes-Benz has revealed pricing for its A45 S 4Matic+ Limited Edition.Priced at $128,400, before on-road costs, the Limited Edition attracts a premium of $7400 over the standard A45 S4MATIC thanks to unique exterior paintwork, interior design upgrades and standardised AMG packaging.That makes it even more expensive than the Audi RS3 ($95,715) and the BMW M240i ($99,900, both before on-road costs).The AMG A45 S's hand-built 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 310kW/500Nm to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.That compares to 285kW/500Nm on the M240i and 294/500Nm on the RS3. As such, the A45 S has both models beat decisively with a top speed of 270km/h over its rivals’ 250km/h.The RS3 just edges the A45 S in the 0-100km/h sprint at 3.8 seconds compared to the Mercedes’ 3.9, while the M240i is well behind at 4.5 seconds.The BMW M2, at $123,900, is still handily the most powerful fastest with 353kW and 600Nm getting it from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds.Unique to the Limited Edition is AMG Green Light Magno exterior matte paint, which comes with the AMG Affalterbach logo embossed on the bonnet and a ‘45 S’ graphic on the doors.The AMG Night Package and Night Package II add a smattering of black and gloss black exterior design highlights, while the AMG Aerodynamics package adds a fixed AMG rear wing and blade canards.Additionally, there are black racing stripes and a suite of yellow highlights across the vehicle’s body, including on the front bumper, diffuser, spoiler, air intakes and wheels.Speaking of wheels, it gets edition-exclusive 19-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels in matte black with contrasting yellow rim spokes. Its high-performance brakes are finished in gloss black, while the fuel cap is finished in silver-chrome. Both are treated with the AMG logo, which also projects onto the road or pavement when entering and exiting the vehicle.The yellow and black contrasting theme continues on the inside with yellow decorative stitching on the leather and microfibre AMG performance seats and steering wheel. The former has ‘45 S’ emblems embroidered into the headrests in yellow.Yellow highlights also extend to the door panels, instrument panels and aluminium trims, while the door sills illuminate the AMG logo in yellow and the floor mats also include ‘45 S’ stitching in yellow.The A45 S 4Matic+ Limited Edition is available to order from Mercedes-AMG dealers today.2025 Mercedes-AMG A-Class pricingAll prices are before on-road costs

Ford has announced it will add a plug-in hybrid variant to its Transit Custom lineup as it officially scraps plans to introduce the Puma Gen-E.Poised to arrive in Australia in Q3 2025, Ford Australia said the introduction of an additional plug-in hybrid variant is a part of its broader plans to further electrify its commercial lineup.“Ford Australia remains fully committed to offering low- or zero-emissions vehicles to Australians, particularly in the commercial sector,” said Marketing Director of Ford Australia, Ambrose Henderson.“While much focus has been put on electrifying vehicles favoured by private buyers, it’s also vital that Australia’s businesses are not left behind in the electric transition.”Set to line up alongside the electric E-Transit Custom, E-Transit and future plug-in hybrid Ranger PHEV, the E-Transit PHEV will carry a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, paired to a 11.6kWh battery pack.Exact range figures are yet to be confirmed, however, Ford said it is targeting a WLTP-rated pure electric range of 40km, which it believes will be sufficient enough for most urban journeys.“The addition of the PHEV to our local Transit Custom line-up means customers are able to conduct their shorter, inner urban, style trips on electric only power, with the freedom to make longer rural trips quickly and easily when required,” said Myles Hartley, General Manager of Electric Vehicles at Ford Australia.As with the current 2.0-litre diesel variant, the Transit Custom PHEV will be offered in both the short-wheelbase Sport and long-wheelbase Trend variants, though it won't be offered as a dual-cab.It will also be built on the same platform as the second-generation Transit Custom, which Ford released locally earlier this year. It delivered a suite of interior and exterior design and technology upgrades, as well as independent link suspension, which Ford said improved ergonomics and ride performance.Full pricing and specifications of the Transit Custom PHEV are expected closer to its launch date next year.

Peugeot has scrapped the plug-in hybrid version of its 408 GT Premium Fastback in favour of a mild-hybrid version and a more attractive entry price.With prices now commencing at $57,990 (before on-road costs) for the single-variant lineup, the new starting price represents a saving of $10,000 from the plug-in hybrid version’s starting price of $67,990 (before on-road costs).That puts the anti-SUV in the ballpark of the top-spec Skoda Octavia RS and Mazda6 Atenza, which start at $58,400 and $53,890 (before on-road costs) respectively.Dimensions for the family-friendly mild-hybrid version remain the same at 4685mm long, 2062mm wide, 1485mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2790mm.Replacing the outgoing plug-in hybrid variant’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and 81kW/320Nm electric motor is a smaller 1.2-litre unit paired to a 15.6kW/51Nm electric motor. Power is down from 165kW/360Nm to 100kW/230Nm.Fuel economy is also worse off at a claimed 4.7L/100km and emissions rise to 107g of CO2 per km, compared to the plug-in hybrid model's 1.3L/100km and 30g of CO2. It still fits comfortably under the New Vehicle Emission Standards limit of 141g/km, which is set to come into effect from January 1 next year.In terms of design, the mild-hybrid version is practically unchanged from the plug-in hybrid. It boasts the same fastback crossover design, which blends both liftback sedan and SUV styling.There’s Peugeot's distinctive gradient front grille, its ‘fang’ LED daytime running lights and its ‘claw effect’ rear tail lights, though it does get a unique diamond-cut 19-inch alloy wheel design.The interior is also unchanged with the 408’s 10-inch multimedia touchscreen remaining paired to a 10-inch digital driver’s display.As before it gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless device charging, leather-accented upholstery, a 10-speaker Focal sound system, satellite navigation, push-button start and keyless entry.A panoramic sunroof, which was previously a $2000 addition on the plug-in hybrid, is now standard.Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking with low light pedestrian and cyclist detection, long range blind spot detection, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera.The 408 comes standard in Okenite White paint, while customers can opt for metallic paint in Artense Grey, Nera Black and Obsession Blue for an additional $690. Elixir Red is the only premium paint colour at an additional $1050.Peugeot offers a five-year/unlimited km warrant on the 408 GT Premium Fastback.The Peugeot 408 GT Premium Fastback has been far from a strong seller for the struggling brand in 2024, having sold just 54 units as of October 2024.In recent months Peugeot has moved to halt its electrification plans in Australia, scrapping plug-in hybrid and electric variants in favour of mild-hybrid offerings to help shore up sales.Customers can pre-order their Peugeot 408 GT Premium Fastback Hybrid today from an authorised retailer, with deliveries set to commence in Q1 of 2025.

Images of Jaguar’s highly-anticipated concept car have been leaked online ahead of its official unveiling at Miami Art Week.

As we patiently await Nissan's successor to the trailblazing Leaf — the world’s first-ever mainstream electric car — Japanese publication BestCar is keeping us occupied with fresh digital renders.

Toyota has recalled 1271 Corolla sedan hybrids and Corolla Cross SUVs built between 2023 and 2024 due to a manufacturing defect that may cause a loss of steering control.Affected variants include the Corolla Cross hybrid (Atmos, GX, GXL), Corolla Cross petrol (Atmos, GX, GXL) and Corolla sedan hybrid (Ascent, Sport, SX).The recall notice, lodged with the Australian Government’s recall regulator, reads: “due to a manufacturing defect, cracks may develop in the upper universal joint of the steering intermediate shaft assembly.“Over time, these cracks can widen due to repeated stress and can lead to a loss of steering control.”In extreme cases, the recall notice said a loss of steering on affected vehicles could increase the risk of severe injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by a Toyota representative directly who will arrange a time to have the steering intermediate shaft replaced, free of charge.To check whether your vehicle has been impacted, you can search your VIN number on the Australian Government's Vehicle Recalls website.Alternatively, you can visit the Toyota website to find a local dealer or call 1800 987 366 for further information.