Australia's cheapest hybrid ute axed as PHEVs take hold
The GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid has been discontinued, the company has confirmed.
It was only launched last year, while deliveries of the PHEV began in May.
GWM has confirmed the PHEV is now replacing the hybrid, just as pricing of the former has been sharpened.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
'With advancements in PHEV technology and a competitive price point, our goal is to offer a range that truly connects with customer needs,' said a spokesperson from GWM Australia.
'The Cannon Alpha PHEV strikes an ideal balance between cutting-edge electrification and uncompromised 4×4 capability, as proven in our climb on Beer O'Clock Hill.
'For those who prefer a more traditional option, the diesel variant remains an integral part of the lineup.'
The Cannon Alpha PHEV is now being offered for $57,490 drive-away in Lux trim and $64,490 drive-away in Ultra trim, until September 30, 2025 or while stocks last.
That sees the Ultra PHEV now undercut what the Ultra Hybrid – the only hybrid variant GWM offered here – was priced at. It was being offered for $64,990 drive-away. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The Cannon Alpha Hybrid and PHEV both use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. However, the PHEV employs a larger battery (37.1kWh versus 1.76kWh), allowing for 115km of claimed electric-only driving range on the NEDC cycle.
The PHEV also produces more power and torque, with total system outputs of 300kW and 750Nm compared to 255kW and 648Nm for the regular hybrid.
A diesel continues to open the Cannon Alpha range. The entry-level Lux diesel is priced from $52,990 drive-away, with the Ultra diesel priced at $58,990 drive-away.
Both use a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 135kW of power and 480Nm of torque. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The ute segment, long dominated by diesels in Australia, has been amassing more electrified options.
The Toyota HiLux followed the Ram 1500 in adopting 48V mild-hybrid technology, while LDV launched the fully electric e-T60 late in 2022 and will follow this up in the coming months with the new eTerron 9 electric ute.
While Toyota doesn't offer a HiLux-sized ute with hybrid power like it does overseas with the Tacoma, it does have the full-size Tundra hybrid which has a base price that's more than twice as high as the now-defunct GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid.
The Tundra does without a direct competitor, as Ford doesn't sell its F-150 Hybrid here.
That leaves our market with a grand total of one mild-hybrid ute, one hybrid ute, and one electric ute… at least for now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Instead, it's in the PHEV space where there's been the most activity, with the BYD Shark 6 launching at the beginning of this year, followed a few months later by the Cannon Alpha PHEV (pictured above) and the Ford Ranger PHEV.
Other PHEVs are set to come from brands such as JAC.
To the end of May, GWM has delivered 794 Cannon Alphas this year. A total of 284 of these were hybrids, with 87 being PHEVs which only started being delivered in May.
MORE: Explore the GWM Cannon Alpha showroom
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Rangers also tend to do this, mostly if they deem your hands to be off the wheel, but the Amarok Life stayed quiet. Unfortunately, you don't get a surround-view or even a front-facing camera, which would vastly improve manoeuvrability when off-roading or navigating carparks. Visibility is still good, though the optional canopy does create a letterbox in the rear-view mirror. To see how the Amarok stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Life sits above only the base Core in Volkswagen's Amarok range as a mildly more premium variant, but a long way below the grades above in terms of standard equipment. Life Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Core equipment highlights: 17-inch 'Cobra' alloy wheels Front disc, rear drum brakes Locking rear differential Power-folding side mirrors Side steps Mud flaps 2 x front tow hooks Steel underbody protection Plastic fuel tank protection Tow bar 12-pin trailer plug Black side mirrors, door handles Manual locking tailgate 6 x tie-down points in tub (pickup only) Exterior tie-down rails Cargo box LED lighting (pickup only) Automatic LED headlights Rain-sensing wipers Automatic high-beam Halogen tail lights Vinyl flooring Grey headliner Fabric upholstery 6-way manual driver seat 4-way manual front passenger seat 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system Four-speaker sound system Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto DAB+ digital radio Wireless charger Single-zone air-conditioning Auto-dimming rear-view mirror Trailer brake controller Style Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert ABOVE: Volkswagen Amarok Style Amarok Life adds: Rear disc brakes LED front fog lights Body colour side mirrors and door handles Heated, power-folding side mirrors with puddle lamps Locking wheel nuts Tailgate lift assist (pickup only) Power tailgate lock (pickup only) Privacy glass Six-speaker sound system E-shifter Electric park brake Leather-wrapped steering wheel Carpet flooring Eight-way manual front seats Adaptive cruise control with stop/go Amarok 10 Deserts Edition adds: 17-inch black 'Cobra' alloy wheels Continental CrossContact all-terrain tyres 40mm suspension lift (275mm total ground clearance) Composite underbody protection Black tonneau cover 10 Deserts badging All-weather floor mats Amarok Style adds: 18-inch 'Amadora' alloy wheels Chrome side mirrors and door handles Plastic tub liner (pickup only) Stainless steel sports bar (pickup only) 12V socket in tub (pickup only) 230V sockets in tub (pickup only) 400W inverter Matrix LED headlights LED tail lights Leather-look dashboard and door inserts ArtVelour microfibre upholstery Heated front seats 10-way power driver's seat 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system Dual-zone climate control Rear air vents Insulated windshield Proximity entry and push-button start Alarm system Adventura Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert ABOVE: Volkswagen Amarok Aventura Amarok PanAmericana adds: 18-inch black 'Amadora' alloy wheels All-terrain tyres Dynamic suspension Black side mirrors and door handles PanAmericana decal Black sports bar and steps Soft tonneau cover Roof rails Spray-in tub liner Leather upholstery Power passenger seat Eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system Black headliner Amarok Aventura adds: 21-inch 'Varberg' alloy wheels Chrome bumpers, mirrors, handles Rear sailplane Electric roller cover Leather seats (Savona) To see how the Amarok stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Volkswagen Amarok has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2022. This result was drawn from testing of the closely related Ranger, with additional frontal offset and side impact tests conducted on the Amarok by Euro NCAP, which has harmonised testing protocols with ANCAP. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment across the range includes: 9 airbags Adaptive cruise control Autonomous emergency braking Blind-spot monitoring Front, rear parking sensors Intelligent Speed Limiter Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Reversing camera Swerve Steer assist Speed sign recognition Tyre pressure monitoring Amarok Life adds: Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go Amarok Style adds: Park Assist semi-autonomous parking Surround-view camera Trailer assist To see how the Amarok stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Like the wider Volkswagen Australia range, the Amarok is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert Service pricing, accurate as of July 1, 2025, is detailed below: Alternatively, customers can purchase a five-year 'Care Plan' for $2200. To see how the Amarok stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Where other Amaroks cater to lifestyle buyers, the Life is pitched more towards tradies, which is a task it doesn't take on convincingly. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert The MkII Amarok has always been a more premium version of the Ranger. It's more expensive, but for your money you generally also get nicer materials and the best tech available, even if it comes at the expense of the 'lifestyle ute' tag. But the Life strips things back without a price cut in equal measure. Don't get us wrong – it's still a well-built and reliable dual-cab 4×4 pickup, but if you're going to go for an Amarok at this price you may as well flip a coin with a Ranger XLT, or even an XLS and pay a little less. It's not accident there are just four work-oriented variants in the Amarok's 12-grade lineup. The Amarok is at its best from the Style level up. Its interior is a much more cohesive package, and it's generally a little sharper in most areas without compromising too much on its utility. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert The bones you get with the Life are undoubtedly solid. It may not be available with the meatier diesel V6, but the biturbo four is still a quality engine with plenty of punch. That means it can still tow comfortably and offer a very decent payload in the tub. The optional canopy fitted to our tester also improves both storage space and security, offering added peace of mind and turning the Amarok somewhat into the Everest wagon for which Volkswagen has no answer. The Life TDI500's interior is also comfortable enough, even if it occupies a weird space between the ruggedness of the Ranger and the SUV-ness of the Amarok PanAmericana, let alone the Aventura. All that makes the Amarok Life a great ute, but we think tradies are better off saving their cash and buying something else. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert Interested in buying a Volkswagen Amarok? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here MORE: Explore the Volkswagen Amarok showroom Can be put to work Capable diesel engine Proven underpinnings Too expensive as a work vehicle Uninspiring interior Ranger may make more sense Power: 154kW Fuel Type: Diesel Economy: 7.2L/100km CO2 Emissions: 189g/km ANCAP Safety Rating: 5
The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
Why the Genesis GV70 is a CarExpert Choice winner
The Genesis GV70 may be the fledgling luxury brand's best-selling model in Australia, but it doesn't sell in the same volumes as rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz – and we reckon that ought to change. We chose the GV70 as Australia's best mid-size luxury SUV in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards, ahead of the higher-volume BMW X3 and Lexus NX which were finalists for the title. "While Genesis struggles with its brand awareness and allure, the Genesis GV70 has been the best mid-size luxury SUV since it first came to the Australian market in 2021," said CarExpert founder Alborz Fallah. "Last year, it underwent a mid-life update that has further improved its offering, interior and packaging, making it the clear CarExpert choice in its segment." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. This update didn't mess with the distinctive exterior styling, instead bringing an overhauled interior with a huge 27-inch OLED display, as well as an expanded suite of active safety and driver assist technology, plus mechanical enhancements such as retuned suspension. Genesis says the result is a quieter, more rigid vehicle with more technology than ever before. "The Genesis GV70 is arguably the brand's best product right now, offering strong value against legacy premium competition as well as a wide spread of variants and powertrains," said marketplace editor James Wong. "It looks and feels special, offers heaps of features and tech, and goes to great lengths to differentiate itself from any Hyundai product. It's also great to drive, if a little thirsty in the petrol grades." Petrol engines comprise a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, while Genesis also offers a dual-motor all-wheel drive electric version called the Electrified GV70, which was also recently updated. As we noted in our recent review, in 3.5T guise you can get performance comparable to the BMW X3 M50 or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 for around $20,000-30,000 less, despite more equipment and technology and a better aftersales package. Genesis may have a smaller dealer network than the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but it includes five years of free scheduled servicing with its vehicles. If you live within 70km of a Genesis outlet, a member of the company's concierge team will also collect your car for its service and leave you with a Genesis courtesy car. This is in addition to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which has become the standard in the luxury car market. Genesis has a fixed-pricing model like Mercedes-Benz, but while you can't haggle on price, even the base GV70 comes with an enormous list of standard equipment including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free power tailgate. With a base price of $78,700 before on-roads, the GV70 is over $10,000 cheaper than a significantly less powerful, less well-equipped entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC and around $8000 cheaper than the most affordable BMW X3. It also matches those vehicles with a rear/all-wheel drive platform not shared with any non-luxury models. Would we love to see a more efficient powertrain to match the Lexus NX's hybrid or Audi Q5's diesel options? Absolutely, particularly given Genesis dropped the thrifty turbo-diesel previously offered here. We'd also love to see more Genesis retail outlets in Australia, though the brand is continuing to expand its network. But even as it is, the GV70 stands out in this segment for its rich mix of value for money, excellent technology, first-class refinement, engaging dynamics and distinctive styling. That's why it's our choice among luxury mid-size SUVs. MORE: Explore the Genesis GV70 showroom Content originally sourced from: The Genesis GV70 may be the fledgling luxury brand's best-selling model in Australia, but it doesn't sell in the same volumes as rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz – and we reckon that ought to change. We chose the GV70 as Australia's best mid-size luxury SUV in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards, ahead of the higher-volume BMW X3 and Lexus NX which were finalists for the title. "While Genesis struggles with its brand awareness and allure, the Genesis GV70 has been the best mid-size luxury SUV since it first came to the Australian market in 2021," said CarExpert founder Alborz Fallah. "Last year, it underwent a mid-life update that has further improved its offering, interior and packaging, making it the clear CarExpert choice in its segment." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. This update didn't mess with the distinctive exterior styling, instead bringing an overhauled interior with a huge 27-inch OLED display, as well as an expanded suite of active safety and driver assist technology, plus mechanical enhancements such as retuned suspension. Genesis says the result is a quieter, more rigid vehicle with more technology than ever before. "The Genesis GV70 is arguably the brand's best product right now, offering strong value against legacy premium competition as well as a wide spread of variants and powertrains," said marketplace editor James Wong. "It looks and feels special, offers heaps of features and tech, and goes to great lengths to differentiate itself from any Hyundai product. It's also great to drive, if a little thirsty in the petrol grades." Petrol engines comprise a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, while Genesis also offers a dual-motor all-wheel drive electric version called the Electrified GV70, which was also recently updated. As we noted in our recent review, in 3.5T guise you can get performance comparable to the BMW X3 M50 or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 for around $20,000-30,000 less, despite more equipment and technology and a better aftersales package. Genesis may have a smaller dealer network than the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but it includes five years of free scheduled servicing with its vehicles. If you live within 70km of a Genesis outlet, a member of the company's concierge team will also collect your car for its service and leave you with a Genesis courtesy car. This is in addition to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which has become the standard in the luxury car market. Genesis has a fixed-pricing model like Mercedes-Benz, but while you can't haggle on price, even the base GV70 comes with an enormous list of standard equipment including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free power tailgate. With a base price of $78,700 before on-roads, the GV70 is over $10,000 cheaper than a significantly less powerful, less well-equipped entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC and around $8000 cheaper than the most affordable BMW X3. It also matches those vehicles with a rear/all-wheel drive platform not shared with any non-luxury models. Would we love to see a more efficient powertrain to match the Lexus NX's hybrid or Audi Q5's diesel options? Absolutely, particularly given Genesis dropped the thrifty turbo-diesel previously offered here. We'd also love to see more Genesis retail outlets in Australia, though the brand is continuing to expand its network. But even as it is, the GV70 stands out in this segment for its rich mix of value for money, excellent technology, first-class refinement, engaging dynamics and distinctive styling. That's why it's our choice among luxury mid-size SUVs. MORE: Explore the Genesis GV70 showroom Content originally sourced from: The Genesis GV70 may be the fledgling luxury brand's best-selling model in Australia, but it doesn't sell in the same volumes as rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz – and we reckon that ought to change. We chose the GV70 as Australia's best mid-size luxury SUV in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards, ahead of the higher-volume BMW X3 and Lexus NX which were finalists for the title. "While Genesis struggles with its brand awareness and allure, the Genesis GV70 has been the best mid-size luxury SUV since it first came to the Australian market in 2021," said CarExpert founder Alborz Fallah. "Last year, it underwent a mid-life update that has further improved its offering, interior and packaging, making it the clear CarExpert choice in its segment." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. This update didn't mess with the distinctive exterior styling, instead bringing an overhauled interior with a huge 27-inch OLED display, as well as an expanded suite of active safety and driver assist technology, plus mechanical enhancements such as retuned suspension. Genesis says the result is a quieter, more rigid vehicle with more technology than ever before. "The Genesis GV70 is arguably the brand's best product right now, offering strong value against legacy premium competition as well as a wide spread of variants and powertrains," said marketplace editor James Wong. "It looks and feels special, offers heaps of features and tech, and goes to great lengths to differentiate itself from any Hyundai product. It's also great to drive, if a little thirsty in the petrol grades." Petrol engines comprise a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, while Genesis also offers a dual-motor all-wheel drive electric version called the Electrified GV70, which was also recently updated. As we noted in our recent review, in 3.5T guise you can get performance comparable to the BMW X3 M50 or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 for around $20,000-30,000 less, despite more equipment and technology and a better aftersales package. Genesis may have a smaller dealer network than the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but it includes five years of free scheduled servicing with its vehicles. If you live within 70km of a Genesis outlet, a member of the company's concierge team will also collect your car for its service and leave you with a Genesis courtesy car. This is in addition to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which has become the standard in the luxury car market. Genesis has a fixed-pricing model like Mercedes-Benz, but while you can't haggle on price, even the base GV70 comes with an enormous list of standard equipment including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free power tailgate. With a base price of $78,700 before on-roads, the GV70 is over $10,000 cheaper than a significantly less powerful, less well-equipped entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC and around $8000 cheaper than the most affordable BMW X3. It also matches those vehicles with a rear/all-wheel drive platform not shared with any non-luxury models. Would we love to see a more efficient powertrain to match the Lexus NX's hybrid or Audi Q5's diesel options? Absolutely, particularly given Genesis dropped the thrifty turbo-diesel previously offered here. We'd also love to see more Genesis retail outlets in Australia, though the brand is continuing to expand its network. But even as it is, the GV70 stands out in this segment for its rich mix of value for money, excellent technology, first-class refinement, engaging dynamics and distinctive styling. That's why it's our choice among luxury mid-size SUVs. MORE: Explore the Genesis GV70 showroom Content originally sourced from: The Genesis GV70 may be the fledgling luxury brand's best-selling model in Australia, but it doesn't sell in the same volumes as rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz – and we reckon that ought to change. We chose the GV70 as Australia's best mid-size luxury SUV in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards, ahead of the higher-volume BMW X3 and Lexus NX which were finalists for the title. "While Genesis struggles with its brand awareness and allure, the Genesis GV70 has been the best mid-size luxury SUV since it first came to the Australian market in 2021," said CarExpert founder Alborz Fallah. "Last year, it underwent a mid-life update that has further improved its offering, interior and packaging, making it the clear CarExpert choice in its segment." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. This update didn't mess with the distinctive exterior styling, instead bringing an overhauled interior with a huge 27-inch OLED display, as well as an expanded suite of active safety and driver assist technology, plus mechanical enhancements such as retuned suspension. Genesis says the result is a quieter, more rigid vehicle with more technology than ever before. "The Genesis GV70 is arguably the brand's best product right now, offering strong value against legacy premium competition as well as a wide spread of variants and powertrains," said marketplace editor James Wong. "It looks and feels special, offers heaps of features and tech, and goes to great lengths to differentiate itself from any Hyundai product. It's also great to drive, if a little thirsty in the petrol grades." Petrol engines comprise a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, while Genesis also offers a dual-motor all-wheel drive electric version called the Electrified GV70, which was also recently updated. As we noted in our recent review, in 3.5T guise you can get performance comparable to the BMW X3 M50 or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 for around $20,000-30,000 less, despite more equipment and technology and a better aftersales package. Genesis may have a smaller dealer network than the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but it includes five years of free scheduled servicing with its vehicles. If you live within 70km of a Genesis outlet, a member of the company's concierge team will also collect your car for its service and leave you with a Genesis courtesy car. This is in addition to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which has become the standard in the luxury car market. Genesis has a fixed-pricing model like Mercedes-Benz, but while you can't haggle on price, even the base GV70 comes with an enormous list of standard equipment including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free power tailgate. With a base price of $78,700 before on-roads, the GV70 is over $10,000 cheaper than a significantly less powerful, less well-equipped entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC and around $8000 cheaper than the most affordable BMW X3. It also matches those vehicles with a rear/all-wheel drive platform not shared with any non-luxury models. Would we love to see a more efficient powertrain to match the Lexus NX's hybrid or Audi Q5's diesel options? Absolutely, particularly given Genesis dropped the thrifty turbo-diesel previously offered here. We'd also love to see more Genesis retail outlets in Australia, though the brand is continuing to expand its network. But even as it is, the GV70 stands out in this segment for its rich mix of value for money, excellent technology, first-class refinement, engaging dynamics and distinctive styling. That's why it's our choice among luxury mid-size SUVs. MORE: Explore the Genesis GV70 showroom Content originally sourced from:
