Tag: hybrid

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MG HS +EV REVIEW

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The MG HS +EV is a mid-sized SUV from the Chinese manufacturer that is making such an impact on the Australian market. The name can be a little misleading because it’s not fully-electric but rather a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and so comes with a petrol engine together with a battery that can be charged in the same manner as an EV. Plug-in hybrids are an excellent concept but in practice, at least at this stage of their development, they don’t make a lot of sense. Firstly, they are typically at… Read more

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TOYOTA YARIS CROSS GR SPORT

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As the name suggests, the Toyota Yaris Cross is a version of the popular Yaris hatchback bulked up to provide access to the, even more popular, compact SUV category. Launched here in late-2020 Yaris Cross is available in both two-wheel drive and electric all-wheel drive variants in three grades: GX, GXL and Urban all with the choice between petrol or hybrid drivetrains. A fourth variant, and our test vehicle, the GR Sport, was added in October 2022 but only as a 2WD hybrid. STYLING Yaris Cross shares the distinctive styling… Read more

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HONDA SETS OUT ITS SUV STALL

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Honda has shown its hand for the future with a deft shuffle of its SUVs, including the addition of a new model, the ZR-V, slotting in between the present HR-V and CR-V. While the newcomer is different, it does go somewhat to cramping the style of its older siblings. However, Honda assures us that the coming of the all-new CR-V in 2024, as a bigger, more spacious model than at present, will resolve the situation. “The Honda ZR-V is Honda Australia’s first, brand-new core model to be introduced in Australia… Read more

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LATEST HONDA CR-V COMES WITH A HYBRID OPTION

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Honda Australia has released details of the latest (sixth-generation) version of its long-serving and popular CR-V mid-sized SUV. Due to go on also at the start of September the new CR-V will join the Civic, Accord, HR-V and ZR-V in offering the option of a hybrid powertrain, tagged e:HEV by Honda. The seven variants available from launch will be VTi X, VTi X7, VTi L, VTi L7, VTi L AWD, VTi LX AWD and e:HEV RS. New CR-V will come with a larger body as well as safety and technology… Read more

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X-TRAIL PUTS EXTRA ‘E’ INTO HYBRID SUV

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Not to make too much of a point about it, but beating of chests by automobile manufacturers about their fight to save the planet appear to be getting louder. Take Nissan, for example, with its new X-Trail petrol / electric hybrid SUV. Badges announcing e-Power and e-4orse, the company’s commitment to electrification, are plastered prominently all-round the vehicle on top of the restrained EV initials (for electric vehicle) found on rego plates of similar cars. Under the skin e-POWER is a 100 per cent electric motor-driven system Nissan claims gives… Read more

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NEW HYUNDAI KONA IS BIGGER, BOLDER AND BETTER

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The highly-anticipated second-generation version of the Hyundai Kona has now arrived in Australia with a larger and chunkier body adding extra cabin space, together with upgraded safety, security and convenience features. The addition of a hybrid variant gives MY2024 Kona the widest range of powertrains in its small SUV segment: 2.0-litre naturally naturally-aspirated or 1.6-litre turbo petrol engines, 1.6-litre petrol/ electric hybrid (HEV) and fully electric (EV) with standard or extended range. The petrol variants are available now with the hybrid and EVs to arrive later in the year. All… Read more

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HYBRID HILUX PROMISED NEXT YEAR

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Toyota may not have kicked off the whole hybrid thing, but it has certainly made the technology its own here in Australia. The Japanese car maker now offers hybrid versions of just about all models, except that is for Australia’s best-selling car – the Hilux utility. That’s about to change with confirmation that HiLux will be offered for the first time with a 48-volt mild hybrid setup in the first half of 2024. But here’s the thing, it won’t be a petrol hybrid like the rest of them. This one… Read more

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HONDA HR-V Vi X

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Unlike most of its competitors, that have up to five SUVs in their range, Honda currently has just two, the small HR-V and mid-sized CR-V. That’s about to change with a third variant, ZR-V, due for release in a few weeks and which will slot into the space between the other two. This week we’re reviewing the HR-V. When it arrived here in 1999 it was one of the first compact SUVs around and at once set the standard for what has since become one of the fastest growing segments… Read more

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LEXUS ELECTRIC LIGHT SHINES EVER BRIGHTLY

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More than 20 years ago Toyota lit up the automotive world with the introduction of the Prius petrol / electric hybrid car. The sedan’s asymmetric hybrid fuel saving system became the mainstay of the automobile maker’s electric vehicles, even becoming the power plant of choice for taxis around the world. Needless to say, this did not go un-noticed with Toyota’s luxe auto partner Lexus plugging in to the development for its range of saloons and SUVs. Latest model to take the petrol / electric path is the fifth (fourth in… Read more

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PEUGEOT 308 PLUG-IN HYBRID

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Peugeot’s GT Sport Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) hatchback has become the fourth model to join the French carmaker’s 308 compact range. It joins the GT hatch, GT Premium hatch and GT Premium wagon petrol variants. First sold here in 2008 the 308 has never seriously challenged comparable models from Japan or South Korea for sales, but those loyal to the French brand have always loved it for its style, comfort and handling. The new 308 PHEV is Peugeot’s third plug-in petrol-electric hybrid, joining the 3008 GT Sport SUV and 508 Fastback… Read more