Paul Maric

1 week ago | carexpert.com.au | Paul Maric |Alborz Fallah |Anthony Crawford |Marton Pettendy

At least 20 per cent of Australian customers for the Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric van and people mover range are expected to choose the more powerful, dual-motor all-wheel drive GTX performance flagship – more than in almost any other market – despite its near-$20,000 price premium at a hefty $109,990 before on-road costs.

1 week ago | carexpert.com.au | Paul Maric |Alborz Fallah |Anthony Crawford |Josh Nevett

Ford says its new Ranger PHEV ute is the ‘best tool for the job’, despite it failing to match key rivals on battery capacity, power, and electric driving range. Launched in the Australian market last month ahead of imminent customer deliveries, plug-in hybrid versions of the Ranger are propelled by the combination of a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four cylinder engine and a rear-mounted electric motor, producing a combined 207kW of power and 697Nm of torque.

1 week ago | carexpert.com.au | Paul Maric |Alborz Fallah |Anthony Crawford |Derek Fung

The Skoda L&K 130 ute concept is designed to be a support vehicle for a professional cycling team. It is the 10th annual concept designed by the company’s academy school students, and honours the company’s 130th anniversary. The students transformed from the Superb Combi wagon into a ute by shortening the roof and roof rails, modifying the B- and C-pillars, and reinforcing the body. Naturally, there’s a new wall and windscreen behind the rear seats to separate the tray from the cabin.

1 week ago | carexpert.com.au | Paul Maric |Alborz Fallah |Anthony Crawford |Gautam Sharma

ProsConsComfortable, refined and dynamicInterior trims look a bit cheapDistinctive exterior stylingEngine undernourished for 2.0-tonne SUVLoaded with bells and whistlesTransmission lazy in Comfort modeAmong the horde of Chinese brands set to storm the Australian market this year is GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group), which has lofty ambitions of being a top 10 player locally by 2030.

1 week ago | carexpert.com.au | Paul Maric |Alborz Fallah |Anthony Crawford |Damion Smy

Stellantis has patented a new three-speed transmission designed to bring its Jeep brand’s legendary off-road capability to electric vehicles (EV) without the need for additional motors or equipment. Jeep released its first EV in Australia in 2024 – the urban-friendly Avenger – with the larger Wagoneer S crossover SUV and rugged Recon set for Australia in 2026. It’s the latter that appears most likely to receive the new transmission, should it enter production.