FLASH OF THE FUTURE FROM ALFA PLUG-IN

In the ideal automobile trifecta of performance, economy and little nasty pollution Alfa Romeo has its money on plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology, with the Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 carrying top weight. The new edition to the premium SUV line-up has form – sprinting from rest to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds, the ability to travel up to 60 kilometres on electric power alone with 34g/km CO2 tailpipe emissions. Top speed is135km/h in full electric mode and 206km/h in hybrid. While the figures speak for themselves, like SUVs of this ilk,… Read more

OUTLANDER PLUGS INTO FAMILY LIFE

The plug-in hybrid models have not been left behind in Mitsubishi’s latest upgrades to its Outlander SUV range, adding even more appeal to the company’s popular EVs. Plug-in hybrids have been around for years and offer a choice of full-on electric drive for short trips, with the complement of internal combustion power to avoid range anxiety on longer journeys. With totally electric powered vehicles rapidly advancing, the plug-in hybrid, led by the Outlander, is intent on making a stand for its own segment. With greater battery capacity (20kWh) and a… Read more

ALFA ROMEO TONALE VELOCE PLUG-IN HYBRID Q4

Alfa’s top of the line Tonale SUV is a plug-in hybrid and costs nearly $20,000 more than its nearest stablemate. For this money, you get a vehicle that can run on electricity alone for a distance of up to 60km Named after a mountain pass in Northern Italy, it is a little brother to the mid-sized Stelvio – but like Stelvio can seat five. Tonale sits on the same platform as the Jeep Compass and a re-badged, re-styled version is also sold as the Dodge Hornet in the United States…. Read more

AUDI Q5 DRIVES UP TO THE AUTO HOLY GRAIL

Could it be that auto giant Audi has grasped the Holy Grail of the industry with its most popular vehicle, the Q5? The most desirable, yet elusive, automotive properties claimed by the Q5 plug-in petrol / electric hybrid – outstanding performance coupled with miserly fuel consumption – stand as the chalice of Arthurian legend. The new Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line showcases the manufacturer’s expertise in electrification and highly efficient internal combustion engine technology with a claimed sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a sizzling 5.3 seconds,… Read more

PEUGEOT 508 GT SPORTSWAGON PLUG-IN HYBRID

The Peugeot 508 has been on sale in Australia since July 2011. A mid-sized sedan or station wagon, it fitted into the space between the smaller 407 and larger 607, effectively replacing both cars. The current (second generation) 508 arrived here in August 2021, only available in the top-grade GT equipment level and featuring Peugeot’s first-ever plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The previous petrol-only variants were dropped from the range at the end of 2022 leaving just the more-expensive PHEVs. STYLING As has been the case throughout two body styles are… Read more

ALFA ADDS A PHEV TO ITS TONALE RANGE

Alfa Romeo has added a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of its Tonale small SUV to the hybrid variants that arrived here last year. It sits below the mid-sized Stelvio SUV and joins the Giulia sedan in Alfa’s limited Australian range. Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 is a major step in Alfa’s electrification process with the Italian carmaker targeting 2016 for its first-ever fully-electric vehicle. Tonale PHEV is the most efficient Alfa Romeo ever, with approximately 60 km of all-electric range and 34 g/km of CO2 emissions. The Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4… Read more

JEEP’S FIRST GRAND CHEROKEE PHEV IS ON ITS WAY

In line with its “Zero Emission Freedom” policy, Jeep has released details of its first-ever electrified Grand Cherokee. Priced from $129,950 (plus on-roads), the Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe Plug-In Hybrid will arrive here in August to supplement the recently released fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee five and seven-seat variants. Reserve 4xe combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with two electric motors and a 400-volt 17.3-kWh EV battery pack paired with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. There are two available 4×4 systems – Quadra-Trac I and Quadra-Trac II. Both 4×4 systems… Read more

PEUGEOT 308 PLUG-IN HYBRID

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

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS EXCEED PHEV

Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross PHEV is a member of what we like to think of as the 100km club. It’s a fairly exclusive club because it costs a lot to get into and the benefits are at best fleeting. Based on the same powertrain as the Outlander PHEV, with both petrol and electric motors, claimed fuel consumption for the Eclipse Cross PHEV is a tiny 1.9L/100km. That’s an impressive figure, but the reality is to achieve this figure the vehicle needs to be recharged each and every 100km – otherwise the… Read more

PEUGEOT ADDS A PLUG-IN HYBRID TO ITS 308 RANGE

Peugeot Australia has released details of a new Plug-In Hybrid variant of its 308 small-medium hatchback. The 308 GT Sport hatchback PHEV joins the 308 GT hatch and GT Premium hatch and wagon models that were launched here in November 2022. It is the third electrified Peugeot model to arrive here alongside the 3008 GT Sport PHEV and 508 Fastback GT PHEV. Plug-In Hybrid versions of the 2008 small SUV and 508 Sportwagon will arrive later this year along with an all-electric e-Partner small van. Priced from $64,990 plus on-road… Read more