1978 Ford F100 Reviews

Australia is one of the most fiercely-contested sales arenas in the world today, with more than 60 brands and counting fighting for a modest 1.2-million-unit market annually.Tough doesn’t even start to explain the situation.Now, with the recent Climate Change Authority’s recommendation that electric vehicle (EV) sales jump from today’s 10 per cent market penetration to at least 50 per cent by 2035 to achieve emissions targets, it is vital that Australian buyers willingly take the leap into full electrification.To that end, here are five EVs not-yet available locally that could lure consumers in. Let’s go.Built at the old Fiesta supermini factory in Germany, the inexplicably-named Explorer EV (no relation at all to the larger, non-electric American Toyota Kluger-sized SUV with exactly the same badge – are there no other names, Ford?) is not what it seems.Under the boxy exterior is a Volkswagen ID.4 mid-sized EV SUV. This is a strong basis for any family-friendly electric car, offering a pleasing depth of quality engineering. Ford’s contribution has been in its unique styling inside and out, as well as on-brand dynamic tuning.Launched last year, initial sales in Europe tanked, but demand has really started to pick up lately, as consumers respond to the Explorer’s chunky styling, involving handling and sophisticated interior. With up to 600km of WLTP range available, efficiency is also impressive.This Euro Explorer is exactly the sort of EV Ford Australia needs: handsome, athletic, capable and clean.Especially as the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) will increasingly penalise carbon-heavy polluters like diesel-powered utes and SUVs – which is what Ranger and Everest are respectively, making up about 90 per cent of total local Ford sales.But there are no plans for Explorer EV to be imported. It seems like a no-brainer. What a shame.The retro-chic Renault 5 E-Tech city car is a sales and critical success, and deservedly so, offering an alluring blend of style, affordability and technology. Europeans are going gaga over this French supermini, and all indications suggest we soon will be, too. Fingers crossed.But its big brother, the Renault 4 E-Tech, might be an even-better fit for Australia, given it is a higher-riding SUV/crossover, with proper practicality lurking underneath that utilitarian design. With only hints of the original, ground-breaking R4 of 1961 – widely considered to be history’s first volume hatchback – the 2025 reimagining treads a fine line between post-modern-cool and ultra-contemporary-funk.Fun fact: unlike the original Renault 5 supermini of the 1970s, Australians could actually buy the first R4, from 1963 to 1967, and it was even manufactured in Melbourne.Chinese giant Geely has the resources and might to stamp its authority in the bottom end of the EV market in Australia with this – the Geome Xingyuan.And an anticipated sub-$30,000 entry price wouldn’t be the light urban crossover’s only strength.Aimed at the BYD Dolphin, GWM Ora and Hyundai Inster, the Geome has gone gangbusters back in China, with buyers liking and subscribing its cutesy organic styling, surprisingly spacious cabin and ease of operation – aided by plenty of pep, perky handling, decent range and a generous wad of safety tech. What’s not to like from an EV that, in China, kicks off from well-below $20K? At $25K the Geome would rule.With a name like that, this European EV supermini sounds like it should be Chinese, but the Grande Panda is very much an elegant – and thoughtful ­– slice of Italian design.Based on Stellantis’ Smart Car Platform that supports internal combustion engines as well as battery electric tech, accessibility was high on the Grande Panda’s engineering brief, meaning that, were it to join its glamorous 500e supermini sister in Australia, it should be priced very competitively. Like history’s best Fiats have always been.This is the sort of fun and fiery yet ultra-functional city car that the company is famous for – and the retro styling that harks back to the beloved, Giugiaro-penned 1980 Panda original makes no bones about that. Interesting detailing, great proportions and an inviting interior presentation are further drawcards, proving that Italy still knows how to make cracking small cars. And did we mention the Grande Panda was designed to be attractively priced?OK. This is little more than the high-flying Renault 5 E-Tech wearing a 2000s-era Mk3 Micra-esque face with adorable semi-circular LEDs to set it apart.But, in an era of capable if unexciting SUVs, ageing utes and even-older 4WDs, Nissan deserves to offer something fresh and youthful.And, anyway, until the late 2010s and Tesla Model 3, the brand’s Leaf small car was the most successful EV in history. Whether lightning strikes twice with the vital third iteration from next year remains to be seen, but in the meantime, the Micra EV proves that there is real heart as well as a sense of fun at Nissan. Even if it is so clearly little more than a badge-engineered R5. But there could be worse cars to be based upon.

Prompted by this week’s announcement of an MG ute, here are some of today’s most egregious examples of new cars or latest models that might have their founders confounded, dazed or confused. And before firing off missives our way, we are not judging any of the listed vehicles’ merits; indeed, we admire their makers’ gumption and self-belief. Good for them!

Driver-assist technology is supposed to do just that – assist the driver – but sometimes the application of it in the real world ranges from annoying to bloody atrocious depending on the vehicle you’re driving at the time.

Is the electric ute running out of charge already? Ram’s recent decision to scrap plans for an electric-powered version of its popular 1500 pickup may prove to be a turning point for the broader ute community.

Ford has long suggested the future of its iconic Mustang muscle car would be hybridisation rather than electrification.A new report from Ford Authority, quotes “sources familiar with the matter” who said the current-generation S650 Mustang, which launched in Australia earlier this year, was in the process of being tested with a hybrid drivetrain.According to the report, a version of the S650 is already in testing what is referred to as a “Technology Prove-Out stage”, which means test mules are out on the roads in the US.Ford’s outspoken CEO, Jim Farley, has said the brand “will never make an all-electric Mustang” as long as it was able, although has hinted that hybrid power could be the right solution for more performance-oriented vehicles into the future.“I don’t know about 10 years from now, but for the 10 years we’re in now, a partial electrification is the perfect solution for high-performance customers” he said. “There’s going to be lots of grey degrees of partial electrification that’s still good for the planet."“You can still have that emotional experience. I think that’s where we’re going to be for a while.”He noted that those looking for an electrified take on the Mustang already have that demand fulfilled by the Mach-E coupe SUV.The company is yet to be any more specific on what the hybrid Mustang would look like, although many outlets have suggested it will be a plugless or self-charging hybrid model adding electric motors into the mix, possibly even adding all-wheel drive.In comparison, its closest rival on its American home turf is the Dodge Charger, which is either powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six engine, or fully electric power via dual traction motors on the front and rear axle. The Charger is also available in either two- or four-door form, as it is also the successor to the previous two-door-only Challenger. Ford has notably not ruled out a four-door Mustang.When will we find out more? According to Automotive News Ford is due to facelift the current S650 Mustang in late 2026, with a full model redesign due in 2029. Farley suggested combustion power will remain in the Mustang nameplate well into the 2030s, telling media the brand would keep building V8s “as long as God and the politicians let us”.Under Farley’s leadership Ford has effectively split its most famous nameplates into sub-brands. Mustang features the iconic combustion coupe and now the electric SUV, while an expansive range of Maverick monocoque utes has proliferated, including a successful plug-in hybrid.The Bronco marque of Jeep-style off-road SUVs has also found success overseas, while the brand plans to roll out a range of what it says will be revolutionary affordable vehicles on its recently-announced low-cost universal EV platform. It will spawn a small EV ute first, and is expected to expand to SUVs in a range of sizes.

Ford is beefing up its 4WD range.

For tradies, mid-sized commercial vans (2.5 to 3.5-tonne GVM) are like warehouses on wheels given they can offer up to 6.0 cubic metres or more of secure load volume.

How this Japanese company is innovating on current battery technology to bring more range to EVs sooner.

We know what it will cost, when it will arrive, even the colours it will come in. But now Ford Australia has detailed a staggering range of factory designed, tested and warranted accessories developed for its new Ranger Super Duty.From purpose-built trays, tool boxes and tanks to driving lights, scuff plates and rock sliders the list is immense, with pricing (including a recommended fitting allowance) detailed for almost all items.Approved suppliers including well known names like ARB, Warn and EVOm also get a look in with specialised pieces including bull bars, winches, roller shutters and more.Each official accessory comes with a five-year warranty when fitted to a new vehicle by an authorised Ford Dealer prior to delivery.The extensive range recognises the often unique uses to which a vehicle like the Ranger Super Duty will be put, as Ford Australia Customer Service Division Marketing and Sales Manager Brad Hogg said, "Our new line of Super Duty Ford Licensed Accessories offers a one-stop solution for customers, providing fully integrated, Ford-engineered products to prepare Ranger Super Duty for almost anything. “From the robust steel tray to advanced device integration, every accessory is built to meet the rigorous demands of Ranger Super Duty work and adventure," he said. A standard Ranger Super Duty is already equipped with fuss-free vinyl flooring and the seats are trimmed in what Ford describes as “hard-wearing cloth”. But an impressive number of included features means while tough it’s far from spartan. Factory prepared for customisation with an auxiliary switch bank for accessories and a 400W inverter the Super Duty also features a 12-inch ‘SYNC’ multimedia screen with built-in satellite navigation, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera view plus ‘Trail Control’, ‘Trail Turn Assist’ and more. An impressive safety suite is onboard as is a ‘Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Regeneration Control’ allowing customers to choose when their vehicle’s DPF regeneration takes place.A trio of accessory packs also bundle together useful extras for three distinct groups of potential owners or operators.The ‘Farm Pack’ consists of a tray (galvanised, body colour or matt black), water tank, tool box, an ARB Summit Bull Bar and All-Weather Floor Mats. The ‘Work Pack’ includes the same choice of tray as well as an ‘Integrated Device Mounting System’, all-weather floor mats, a top console mount, weather shields and wheel nut indicators. And the ‘Adventure Pack’ features the tray choice plus the all-weather floor mats, a Warn winch and rock sliders. There’s also a range of ‘Tray Packs’ with a toolbox and water tank thrown in until March 31, 2026. Ford Ranger Super Duty deliveries are scheduled to start in early 2026 with pricing (before on-road cost) set at $82,990 for the Single Cab-Chassis, $86,490 for the Super Cab-Chassis and $89,990 for the Double Cab-Chassis.   

Ford Australia has confirmed it’s currently enforcing a stop-sale for its Mustang Mach-E electric SUV.