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2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS vs BYD Sealion 6 Essential comparison: Spec battle
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) mid-size SUV is the ideal solution for Australian families on a one-car budget. Until recently though, with the exception of the popular Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Haval H6 GT PHEV and MG H6 Plus EV, the fuel-saving powertrain technology has been largely out of reach for many buyers and reserved mostly for large and expensive luxury SUVs. But a bunch of Chinese newcomers, including Jaecoo and BYD, are making it more accessible with models like these, the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 Essential. Both are roughly the same size, both cost less than $50k, both are loaded with the latest safety equipment and digital technologies, and both feature a petrol-electric drivetrain with battery packs that are big enough to handle the average daily commute without using a drop of unleaded. So which one is best? Let's find out… The BYD Sealion 6 range has been revised for 2025, with a renamed entry-level Essential variant (previously known as the Dynamic) that sets a new benchmark as the most affordable plug-in mid-size SUV available in Australia, priced from $42,990 before on-road costs. Buyers can also choose to pay $10k more for the flagship BYD Sealion 6 Premium that features an additional electric motor, giving it all-wheel drive, plus more standard equipment. Jaecoo only offers a single variant of its new J7 with a plug-in powertrain, the range-topping SHS Summit that costs $47,990 drive-away, which makes these two pretty much lineball on price once their in your driveway. There are, however, three cheaper non-hybrid J7 variants that sit under the SHS Summit, including the entry-level Core 2WD that costs just $34,990 drive-away, the higher grade Track 2WD that costs $5k more, and the all-wheel drive Ridge with a $42,990 drive-away price tag. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 come with a generous level of standard equipment. Common features to both vehicles include: The Jaecoo brings a few extras that are missing from the BYD in Essential trim, such as heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, wireless phone charger and embedded satellite navigation. While the Sealion 6 has a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (compared to 10.25-inch in the J7), its central 12.8-inch touchscreen that can be rotated to either landscape or portrait configurations is smaller than the J7's fixed 14.8-inch unit. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 have been given a maximum five-star ANCAP rating. Standard safety kit for both models includes: The Jaecoo adds a few more features that are missing from the entry-level Sealion 6, including front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and the previously mentioned head-up display, plus it has eight airbags including a driver's knee and centre airbag, while the BYD only has seven. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool As you'd expect for a mid-size SUV, both the Jaecoo and BYD offer plenty of space with seating for five and decent cargo carrying capacity. The BYD is fractionally larger in overall length and width, but the Jaecoo rides on a slightly longer wheelbase which opens up the cabin a bit more, matching the Sealion 6 for rear seat room, but compromising boot space. With 340 litres of total volume behind the rear seats, the Jaecoo J7 is more on par with a small hatch, while the BYD boot is significantly larger and offers more depth. As for what they look like inside and how they function, the Jaecoo J7 has a classy yet much simpler aesthetic with a horizontal dashboard design that features floating digital screens and a dominant centre console running the length between the driver and passenger seats. It looks good and the quality of materials present well, with soft-touch faux leather and brushed aluminium highlights throughout. And it feels spacious and airy thanks to the panoramic glass roof and lighter-coloured roof liner. The seats are comfortable and it's nice to have both heated and cooled ventilation to combat our extreme climate, but they don't have much lateral support. The large tablet-style infotainment screen in the centre is bright and clear, with a logical menu structure to access the myriad of functions available. It would be nice to have a selection of physical controls for often-used elements such as the audio volume and ventilation, but it becomes easier once you're familiar with the shortcuts available. There are some strange elements in the Jaecoo that take more time to get accustomed to, such as the convex shape of the rear-view mirror, the upside-down controls for the power windows, and the alarming noise of the door handles retracting into the body every time you set off. The BYD Sealion 6's cabin has more wow factor on face value thanks its contrasting brown-on-black colour palette, sweeping dashboard layout, and its rotating touchscreen party trick. But, even though it too has a full-length glass roof, it feels a little more cosy than the Jaecoo with a darker headliner. Otherwise, both have excellent headroom and plenty of space across the back seats, plus rear vents, power outlets and cupholders in the centre armrest, as well as many convenient options for small item storage. The BYD's greater boot space is more handy for larger families, but the seats don't fold fully flat like they do in the Jaecoo, which allows loading of larger items. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Philosophically, there's not a lot that separates these two. Both the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 Essential pair a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor that drives the front wheels and is powered by a relatively large 18.3kWh battery. However, the Jaecoo's internal combustion engine incorporates a turbocharger, whereas the BYD is naturally aspirated, which helps the former produce significantly higher outputs. In the Jaecoo, the petrol engine alone develops 105kW of power and 215Nm of torque, compared to just 72kW and 122Nm for the BYD. With the addition of an electric motor for each vehicle, which produce almost identical outputs (150kW/310Nm versus 145kW/300Nm), Jeacoo claims the J7 has a maximum combined power of 255kW and a V8-like 525Nm of torque, while the Sealion 6 produces significantly less at 160kW/300Nm. However, the net result is that both SUVs can be used to cover the average daily commute as an electric-only vehicle, with the ability to cover around 90km of driving on battery power alone, and super-low combined fuel consumption figures of 1.0L/100km and 1.1L/100km respectively. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both of these newcomer brands provide excellent long-term owner benefits, but Jaecoo comes out ahead with a longer eight-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty compared to the Sealion 6's six-year/150,000km warranty. They each come with free roadside assistance for the first year, which is reactivated for the duration of the warranty period when scheduled servicing is completed within their authorised dealer networks. Both require servicing every 12 months, but BYD allows for greater annual mileage, and its capped price servicing scheme extends for more than a decade. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool With both of these cars, you can have you cake and eat it too. Each of them provides all you need – and more – from a mid-size family soft-roader, including plenty of space, a long list of standard equipment, the latest in safety technology and conveniences, and efficient long-range driving capabilities. The BYD' Sealion 6's list price (excluding statutory on-road costs) might look more attractive, and its larger boot could be more convenient for larger families, but the Jaecoo J7 offers more kit, more power and is (ever so fractionally) more affordable to own. Interested in buying a BYD Sealion 7? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here Interested in buying a Jaecoo J7? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the BYD Sealion 6 showroom MORE: Explore the Jaecoo J7 showroom Content originally sourced from: A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) mid-size SUV is the ideal solution for Australian families on a one-car budget. Until recently though, with the exception of the popular Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Haval H6 GT PHEV and MG H6 Plus EV, the fuel-saving powertrain technology has been largely out of reach for many buyers and reserved mostly for large and expensive luxury SUVs. But a bunch of Chinese newcomers, including Jaecoo and BYD, are making it more accessible with models like these, the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 Essential. Both are roughly the same size, both cost less than $50k, both are loaded with the latest safety equipment and digital technologies, and both feature a petrol-electric drivetrain with battery packs that are big enough to handle the average daily commute without using a drop of unleaded. So which one is best? Let's find out… The BYD Sealion 6 range has been revised for 2025, with a renamed entry-level Essential variant (previously known as the Dynamic) that sets a new benchmark as the most affordable plug-in mid-size SUV available in Australia, priced from $42,990 before on-road costs. Buyers can also choose to pay $10k more for the flagship BYD Sealion 6 Premium that features an additional electric motor, giving it all-wheel drive, plus more standard equipment. Jaecoo only offers a single variant of its new J7 with a plug-in powertrain, the range-topping SHS Summit that costs $47,990 drive-away, which makes these two pretty much lineball on price once their in your driveway. There are, however, three cheaper non-hybrid J7 variants that sit under the SHS Summit, including the entry-level Core 2WD that costs just $34,990 drive-away, the higher grade Track 2WD that costs $5k more, and the all-wheel drive Ridge with a $42,990 drive-away price tag. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 come with a generous level of standard equipment. Common features to both vehicles include: The Jaecoo brings a few extras that are missing from the BYD in Essential trim, such as heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, wireless phone charger and embedded satellite navigation. While the Sealion 6 has a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (compared to 10.25-inch in the J7), its central 12.8-inch touchscreen that can be rotated to either landscape or portrait configurations is smaller than the J7's fixed 14.8-inch unit. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 have been given a maximum five-star ANCAP rating. Standard safety kit for both models includes: The Jaecoo adds a few more features that are missing from the entry-level Sealion 6, including front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and the previously mentioned head-up display, plus it has eight airbags including a driver's knee and centre airbag, while the BYD only has seven. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool As you'd expect for a mid-size SUV, both the Jaecoo and BYD offer plenty of space with seating for five and decent cargo carrying capacity. The BYD is fractionally larger in overall length and width, but the Jaecoo rides on a slightly longer wheelbase which opens up the cabin a bit more, matching the Sealion 6 for rear seat room, but compromising boot space. With 340 litres of total volume behind the rear seats, the Jaecoo J7 is more on par with a small hatch, while the BYD boot is significantly larger and offers more depth. As for what they look like inside and how they function, the Jaecoo J7 has a classy yet much simpler aesthetic with a horizontal dashboard design that features floating digital screens and a dominant centre console running the length between the driver and passenger seats. It looks good and the quality of materials present well, with soft-touch faux leather and brushed aluminium highlights throughout. And it feels spacious and airy thanks to the panoramic glass roof and lighter-coloured roof liner. The seats are comfortable and it's nice to have both heated and cooled ventilation to combat our extreme climate, but they don't have much lateral support. The large tablet-style infotainment screen in the centre is bright and clear, with a logical menu structure to access the myriad of functions available. It would be nice to have a selection of physical controls for often-used elements such as the audio volume and ventilation, but it becomes easier once you're familiar with the shortcuts available. There are some strange elements in the Jaecoo that take more time to get accustomed to, such as the convex shape of the rear-view mirror, the upside-down controls for the power windows, and the alarming noise of the door handles retracting into the body every time you set off. The BYD Sealion 6's cabin has more wow factor on face value thanks its contrasting brown-on-black colour palette, sweeping dashboard layout, and its rotating touchscreen party trick. But, even though it too has a full-length glass roof, it feels a little more cosy than the Jaecoo with a darker headliner. Otherwise, both have excellent headroom and plenty of space across the back seats, plus rear vents, power outlets and cupholders in the centre armrest, as well as many convenient options for small item storage. The BYD's greater boot space is more handy for larger families, but the seats don't fold fully flat like they do in the Jaecoo, which allows loading of larger items. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Philosophically, there's not a lot that separates these two. Both the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 Essential pair a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor that drives the front wheels and is powered by a relatively large 18.3kWh battery. However, the Jaecoo's internal combustion engine incorporates a turbocharger, whereas the BYD is naturally aspirated, which helps the former produce significantly higher outputs. In the Jaecoo, the petrol engine alone develops 105kW of power and 215Nm of torque, compared to just 72kW and 122Nm for the BYD. With the addition of an electric motor for each vehicle, which produce almost identical outputs (150kW/310Nm versus 145kW/300Nm), Jeacoo claims the J7 has a maximum combined power of 255kW and a V8-like 525Nm of torque, while the Sealion 6 produces significantly less at 160kW/300Nm. However, the net result is that both SUVs can be used to cover the average daily commute as an electric-only vehicle, with the ability to cover around 90km of driving on battery power alone, and super-low combined fuel consumption figures of 1.0L/100km and 1.1L/100km respectively. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both of these newcomer brands provide excellent long-term owner benefits, but Jaecoo comes out ahead with a longer eight-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty compared to the Sealion 6's six-year/150,000km warranty. They each come with free roadside assistance for the first year, which is reactivated for the duration of the warranty period when scheduled servicing is completed within their authorised dealer networks. Both require servicing every 12 months, but BYD allows for greater annual mileage, and its capped price servicing scheme extends for more than a decade. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool With both of these cars, you can have you cake and eat it too. Each of them provides all you need – and more – from a mid-size family soft-roader, including plenty of space, a long list of standard equipment, the latest in safety technology and conveniences, and efficient long-range driving capabilities. The BYD' Sealion 6's list price (excluding statutory on-road costs) might look more attractive, and its larger boot could be more convenient for larger families, but the Jaecoo J7 offers more kit, more power and is (ever so fractionally) more affordable to own. Interested in buying a BYD Sealion 7? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here Interested in buying a Jaecoo J7? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the BYD Sealion 6 showroom MORE: Explore the Jaecoo J7 showroom Content originally sourced from: A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) mid-size SUV is the ideal solution for Australian families on a one-car budget. Until recently though, with the exception of the popular Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Haval H6 GT PHEV and MG H6 Plus EV, the fuel-saving powertrain technology has been largely out of reach for many buyers and reserved mostly for large and expensive luxury SUVs. But a bunch of Chinese newcomers, including Jaecoo and BYD, are making it more accessible with models like these, the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 Essential. Both are roughly the same size, both cost less than $50k, both are loaded with the latest safety equipment and digital technologies, and both feature a petrol-electric drivetrain with battery packs that are big enough to handle the average daily commute without using a drop of unleaded. So which one is best? Let's find out… The BYD Sealion 6 range has been revised for 2025, with a renamed entry-level Essential variant (previously known as the Dynamic) that sets a new benchmark as the most affordable plug-in mid-size SUV available in Australia, priced from $42,990 before on-road costs. Buyers can also choose to pay $10k more for the flagship BYD Sealion 6 Premium that features an additional electric motor, giving it all-wheel drive, plus more standard equipment. Jaecoo only offers a single variant of its new J7 with a plug-in powertrain, the range-topping SHS Summit that costs $47,990 drive-away, which makes these two pretty much lineball on price once their in your driveway. There are, however, three cheaper non-hybrid J7 variants that sit under the SHS Summit, including the entry-level Core 2WD that costs just $34,990 drive-away, the higher grade Track 2WD that costs $5k more, and the all-wheel drive Ridge with a $42,990 drive-away price tag. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 come with a generous level of standard equipment. Common features to both vehicles include: The Jaecoo brings a few extras that are missing from the BYD in Essential trim, such as heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, wireless phone charger and embedded satellite navigation. While the Sealion 6 has a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (compared to 10.25-inch in the J7), its central 12.8-inch touchscreen that can be rotated to either landscape or portrait configurations is smaller than the J7's fixed 14.8-inch unit. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 have been given a maximum five-star ANCAP rating. Standard safety kit for both models includes: The Jaecoo adds a few more features that are missing from the entry-level Sealion 6, including front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and the previously mentioned head-up display, plus it has eight airbags including a driver's knee and centre airbag, while the BYD only has seven. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool As you'd expect for a mid-size SUV, both the Jaecoo and BYD offer plenty of space with seating for five and decent cargo carrying capacity. The BYD is fractionally larger in overall length and width, but the Jaecoo rides on a slightly longer wheelbase which opens up the cabin a bit more, matching the Sealion 6 for rear seat room, but compromising boot space. With 340 litres of total volume behind the rear seats, the Jaecoo J7 is more on par with a small hatch, while the BYD boot is significantly larger and offers more depth. As for what they look like inside and how they function, the Jaecoo J7 has a classy yet much simpler aesthetic with a horizontal dashboard design that features floating digital screens and a dominant centre console running the length between the driver and passenger seats. It looks good and the quality of materials present well, with soft-touch faux leather and brushed aluminium highlights throughout. And it feels spacious and airy thanks to the panoramic glass roof and lighter-coloured roof liner. The seats are comfortable and it's nice to have both heated and cooled ventilation to combat our extreme climate, but they don't have much lateral support. The large tablet-style infotainment screen in the centre is bright and clear, with a logical menu structure to access the myriad of functions available. It would be nice to have a selection of physical controls for often-used elements such as the audio volume and ventilation, but it becomes easier once you're familiar with the shortcuts available. There are some strange elements in the Jaecoo that take more time to get accustomed to, such as the convex shape of the rear-view mirror, the upside-down controls for the power windows, and the alarming noise of the door handles retracting into the body every time you set off. The BYD Sealion 6's cabin has more wow factor on face value thanks its contrasting brown-on-black colour palette, sweeping dashboard layout, and its rotating touchscreen party trick. But, even though it too has a full-length glass roof, it feels a little more cosy than the Jaecoo with a darker headliner. Otherwise, both have excellent headroom and plenty of space across the back seats, plus rear vents, power outlets and cupholders in the centre armrest, as well as many convenient options for small item storage. The BYD's greater boot space is more handy for larger families, but the seats don't fold fully flat like they do in the Jaecoo, which allows loading of larger items. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Philosophically, there's not a lot that separates these two. Both the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 Essential pair a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor that drives the front wheels and is powered by a relatively large 18.3kWh battery. However, the Jaecoo's internal combustion engine incorporates a turbocharger, whereas the BYD is naturally aspirated, which helps the former produce significantly higher outputs. In the Jaecoo, the petrol engine alone develops 105kW of power and 215Nm of torque, compared to just 72kW and 122Nm for the BYD. With the addition of an electric motor for each vehicle, which produce almost identical outputs (150kW/310Nm versus 145kW/300Nm), Jeacoo claims the J7 has a maximum combined power of 255kW and a V8-like 525Nm of torque, while the Sealion 6 produces significantly less at 160kW/300Nm. However, the net result is that both SUVs can be used to cover the average daily commute as an electric-only vehicle, with the ability to cover around 90km of driving on battery power alone, and super-low combined fuel consumption figures of 1.0L/100km and 1.1L/100km respectively. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both of these newcomer brands provide excellent long-term owner benefits, but Jaecoo comes out ahead with a longer eight-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty compared to the Sealion 6's six-year/150,000km warranty. They each come with free roadside assistance for the first year, which is reactivated for the duration of the warranty period when scheduled servicing is completed within their authorised dealer networks. Both require servicing every 12 months, but BYD allows for greater annual mileage, and its capped price servicing scheme extends for more than a decade. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool With both of these cars, you can have you cake and eat it too. Each of them provides all you need – and more – from a mid-size family soft-roader, including plenty of space, a long list of standard equipment, the latest in safety technology and conveniences, and efficient long-range driving capabilities. The BYD' Sealion 6's list price (excluding statutory on-road costs) might look more attractive, and its larger boot could be more convenient for larger families, but the Jaecoo J7 offers more kit, more power and is (ever so fractionally) more affordable to own. Interested in buying a BYD Sealion 7? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here Interested in buying a Jaecoo J7? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the BYD Sealion 6 showroom MORE: Explore the Jaecoo J7 showroom Content originally sourced from: A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) mid-size SUV is the ideal solution for Australian families on a one-car budget. Until recently though, with the exception of the popular Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Haval H6 GT PHEV and MG H6 Plus EV, the fuel-saving powertrain technology has been largely out of reach for many buyers and reserved mostly for large and expensive luxury SUVs. But a bunch of Chinese newcomers, including Jaecoo and BYD, are making it more accessible with models like these, the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 Essential. Both are roughly the same size, both cost less than $50k, both are loaded with the latest safety equipment and digital technologies, and both feature a petrol-electric drivetrain with battery packs that are big enough to handle the average daily commute without using a drop of unleaded. So which one is best? Let's find out… The BYD Sealion 6 range has been revised for 2025, with a renamed entry-level Essential variant (previously known as the Dynamic) that sets a new benchmark as the most affordable plug-in mid-size SUV available in Australia, priced from $42,990 before on-road costs. Buyers can also choose to pay $10k more for the flagship BYD Sealion 6 Premium that features an additional electric motor, giving it all-wheel drive, plus more standard equipment. Jaecoo only offers a single variant of its new J7 with a plug-in powertrain, the range-topping SHS Summit that costs $47,990 drive-away, which makes these two pretty much lineball on price once their in your driveway. There are, however, three cheaper non-hybrid J7 variants that sit under the SHS Summit, including the entry-level Core 2WD that costs just $34,990 drive-away, the higher grade Track 2WD that costs $5k more, and the all-wheel drive Ridge with a $42,990 drive-away price tag. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 come with a generous level of standard equipment. Common features to both vehicles include: The Jaecoo brings a few extras that are missing from the BYD in Essential trim, such as heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, wireless phone charger and embedded satellite navigation. While the Sealion 6 has a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (compared to 10.25-inch in the J7), its central 12.8-inch touchscreen that can be rotated to either landscape or portrait configurations is smaller than the J7's fixed 14.8-inch unit. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 have been given a maximum five-star ANCAP rating. Standard safety kit for both models includes: The Jaecoo adds a few more features that are missing from the entry-level Sealion 6, including front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and the previously mentioned head-up display, plus it has eight airbags including a driver's knee and centre airbag, while the BYD only has seven. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool As you'd expect for a mid-size SUV, both the Jaecoo and BYD offer plenty of space with seating for five and decent cargo carrying capacity. The BYD is fractionally larger in overall length and width, but the Jaecoo rides on a slightly longer wheelbase which opens up the cabin a bit more, matching the Sealion 6 for rear seat room, but compromising boot space. With 340 litres of total volume behind the rear seats, the Jaecoo J7 is more on par with a small hatch, while the BYD boot is significantly larger and offers more depth. As for what they look like inside and how they function, the Jaecoo J7 has a classy yet much simpler aesthetic with a horizontal dashboard design that features floating digital screens and a dominant centre console running the length between the driver and passenger seats. It looks good and the quality of materials present well, with soft-touch faux leather and brushed aluminium highlights throughout. And it feels spacious and airy thanks to the panoramic glass roof and lighter-coloured roof liner. The seats are comfortable and it's nice to have both heated and cooled ventilation to combat our extreme climate, but they don't have much lateral support. The large tablet-style infotainment screen in the centre is bright and clear, with a logical menu structure to access the myriad of functions available. It would be nice to have a selection of physical controls for often-used elements such as the audio volume and ventilation, but it becomes easier once you're familiar with the shortcuts available. There are some strange elements in the Jaecoo that take more time to get accustomed to, such as the convex shape of the rear-view mirror, the upside-down controls for the power windows, and the alarming noise of the door handles retracting into the body every time you set off. The BYD Sealion 6's cabin has more wow factor on face value thanks its contrasting brown-on-black colour palette, sweeping dashboard layout, and its rotating touchscreen party trick. But, even though it too has a full-length glass roof, it feels a little more cosy than the Jaecoo with a darker headliner. Otherwise, both have excellent headroom and plenty of space across the back seats, plus rear vents, power outlets and cupholders in the centre armrest, as well as many convenient options for small item storage. The BYD's greater boot space is more handy for larger families, but the seats don't fold fully flat like they do in the Jaecoo, which allows loading of larger items. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Philosophically, there's not a lot that separates these two. Both the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit and BYD Sealion 6 Essential pair a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor that drives the front wheels and is powered by a relatively large 18.3kWh battery. However, the Jaecoo's internal combustion engine incorporates a turbocharger, whereas the BYD is naturally aspirated, which helps the former produce significantly higher outputs. In the Jaecoo, the petrol engine alone develops 105kW of power and 215Nm of torque, compared to just 72kW and 122Nm for the BYD. With the addition of an electric motor for each vehicle, which produce almost identical outputs (150kW/310Nm versus 145kW/300Nm), Jeacoo claims the J7 has a maximum combined power of 255kW and a V8-like 525Nm of torque, while the Sealion 6 produces significantly less at 160kW/300Nm. However, the net result is that both SUVs can be used to cover the average daily commute as an electric-only vehicle, with the ability to cover around 90km of driving on battery power alone, and super-low combined fuel consumption figures of 1.0L/100km and 1.1L/100km respectively. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both of these newcomer brands provide excellent long-term owner benefits, but Jaecoo comes out ahead with a longer eight-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty compared to the Sealion 6's six-year/150,000km warranty. They each come with free roadside assistance for the first year, which is reactivated for the duration of the warranty period when scheduled servicing is completed within their authorised dealer networks. Both require servicing every 12 months, but BYD allows for greater annual mileage, and its capped price servicing scheme extends for more than a decade. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool With both of these cars, you can have you cake and eat it too. Each of them provides all you need – and more – from a mid-size family soft-roader, including plenty of space, a long list of standard equipment, the latest in safety technology and conveniences, and efficient long-range driving capabilities. The BYD' Sealion 6's list price (excluding statutory on-road costs) might look more attractive, and its larger boot could be more convenient for larger families, but the Jaecoo J7 offers more kit, more power and is (ever so fractionally) more affordable to own. Interested in buying a BYD Sealion 7? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here Interested in buying a Jaecoo J7? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the BYD Sealion 6 showroom MORE: Explore the Jaecoo J7 showroom Content originally sourced from:
NZ Autocar
5 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Latest ANCAP crash testing has four Euros on five stars
Four new vehicles from Europe have recently undergone ANCAP crash testing and passed with flying colours. Polestar 3 First up, the Polestar 3 EV impressed with a very high level of protection offered to child occupants, scoring 94 per cent. It also received top marks for the effectiveness of its child presence detection system (CPD). The set-up offers direct feedback to the driver if child occupants are left in an unattended vehicle. The vehicle was almost as effective at Adult Occupant Protection with a 90 per cent result. Its active safety features include reverse AEB, which prevents driveway and carpark reversing collisions involving children and adults. It received a 79 per cent score for safety assist and also vulnerable road user protection. Volkswagen Tiguan Next up, Volkswagen Tiguan, which also achieved five-star ANCAP status. It scored 83, 88, 84 and 84 per cent across each of the respective Adult, Child, Vulnerable Road User and Safety Assist categories. ANCAP said that the five-seat Tiguan presents a safe all-round package. Driver and front passenger protection in the frontal offset crash test was judged as being very good. 'The Tiguan blends a solid crash structure with a well-rounded active safety offering. That makes it a dependable and practical choice for the safety-conscious family,' said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg. Audi A5 Audi's full-size sedan, the A5, achieved an 87 per cent scores for both Adult and Child Occupant Protection. Protection from injury in the range of destructive crash tests was Good overall. Good levels of protection were also observed for child occupants in the side and frontal crash tests. A child presence detection system is fitted, although this system is not as sophisticated as the direct monitoring CPD system fitted to the Polestar 3. The collision avoidance systems fitted to the Audi A5 showed effective performance, with the most consistent performance seen in car-to-car autonomous emergency braking functionality. The A5 achieved solid scores of 78 and 79 per cent for Vulnerable Road User and Safety Assist categories, respectively. Volkswagen Multivan This people mover first arrived in New Zealand in 2022, though did not go on sale in Australia until early 2025. It features a host of airbags throughout, helping it to achieve a 90 per cent Adult Occupant Protection score and 88 per cent for Child Occupant Protection. Strong scores were recorded in each of the physical crash tests. For Vulnerable Road Users, the score was 69 per cent and for Safety Assist Multivan managed 79 per cent. 'For families and businesses transporting people regularly, the Multivan offers reassuring levels of protection throughout its three-rows as well as to those outside the vehicle,' said Ms Hoorweg. Unlike the other three tested here using the latest criteria, the Multivan was assessed using the 2020-2022 crash test regimen.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Why the Ford Ranger is a CarExpert Choice winner
Australia has one of the world's biggest ute markets and Aussie ute buyers are among the most discerning globally, whether they're tradies who require a reliable workhorse, outback adventurers who need a capable trek truck, or families who want utility, practicality and versatility all in the one vehicle. So it's perhaps no surprise that the latest generation Ford Ranger, which improved almost every attribute of its already class-leading predecessor, is the nation's top-selling new vehicle. A true Aussie success story, this country's only locally developed ute is sold in more than 180 markets including Australia, where it's available in every conceivable guise from the entry-level rear-wheel drive Ranger XL single-cab/chassis to the range-topping, desert-crushing Ranger Raptor dual-cab 4×4 pickup that has no rival. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Annual tech updates and the routine addition of new variants including the Platinum luxury flagship, the tough Tremor off-road specialist, and no fewer than four grades of the new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) have kept the Ranger relevant and fresh in the face of new rivals. And whether it's powered by one of two four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-diesels, a lusty 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, or the ferocious 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 in the Raptor, the Ranger has its competitors licked, thanks to class-leading safety, technology, performance, capability, refinement and ride/handling offered by each variant. That's why we gave it the title of Best Ute in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. "There are plenty of utes that can offer 3500kg braked towing capacity, or a long list of standard safety equipment, or a torquey turbo-diesel engine," said CarExpert news editor William Stopford. "The Ford Ranger, however, meets all the essential criteria of a ute in 2025 while also besting its rivals in driving dynamics and in-car tech. It's a ute that works well as a ute, but is also capable as a family vehicle. Not to mention that turbo-diesel V6 is a gem, and the Raptor is a hoot." "The Ford Ranger has been designed and developed by Australians, for Australians," said marketplace editor James Wong. "That's very evident in its confident and capable all-round performance, which blurs the lines between commercial workhorse and family passenger vehicle. It's still the best in segment." "Ranger is the category benchmark – by some margin – because of the way it drives, its capabilities on- and off-road, its rugged looks, its smart cabin design, its solid resale values, and its wide choice of model grades, each backed by a five-star ANCAP rating," said deputy news editor Damion Smy. "Despite the emergence of competitive new players in the ute market, Ford's Ranger remains the segment benchmark," said deputy marketplace editor Josh Nevett. "It's a sophisticated workhorse both on- and off-road, with all the requisite capability and features that Australian buyers expect. There's something for everyone across the model range, from the rough-and-ready XL right up to the versatile PHEV and go-fast Raptor." "Ford's Ranger is undeniably the ute benchmark, thanks to its upmarket interior, punchy engines and a chassis tune designed in Australia to tackle the worst of Australian conditions," said CarExpert journalist Max Davies. "It's now more versatile than ever too. With three diesel engines, a potent petrol V6 and an efficient PHEV, there's something for everyone." MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: Australia has one of the world's biggest ute markets and Aussie ute buyers are among the most discerning globally, whether they're tradies who require a reliable workhorse, outback adventurers who need a capable trek truck, or families who want utility, practicality and versatility all in the one vehicle. So it's perhaps no surprise that the latest generation Ford Ranger, which improved almost every attribute of its already class-leading predecessor, is the nation's top-selling new vehicle. A true Aussie success story, this country's only locally developed ute is sold in more than 180 markets including Australia, where it's available in every conceivable guise from the entry-level rear-wheel drive Ranger XL single-cab/chassis to the range-topping, desert-crushing Ranger Raptor dual-cab 4×4 pickup that has no rival. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Annual tech updates and the routine addition of new variants including the Platinum luxury flagship, the tough Tremor off-road specialist, and no fewer than four grades of the new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) have kept the Ranger relevant and fresh in the face of new rivals. And whether it's powered by one of two four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-diesels, a lusty 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, or the ferocious 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 in the Raptor, the Ranger has its competitors licked, thanks to class-leading safety, technology, performance, capability, refinement and ride/handling offered by each variant. That's why we gave it the title of Best Ute in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. "There are plenty of utes that can offer 3500kg braked towing capacity, or a long list of standard safety equipment, or a torquey turbo-diesel engine," said CarExpert news editor William Stopford. "The Ford Ranger, however, meets all the essential criteria of a ute in 2025 while also besting its rivals in driving dynamics and in-car tech. It's a ute that works well as a ute, but is also capable as a family vehicle. Not to mention that turbo-diesel V6 is a gem, and the Raptor is a hoot." "The Ford Ranger has been designed and developed by Australians, for Australians," said marketplace editor James Wong. "That's very evident in its confident and capable all-round performance, which blurs the lines between commercial workhorse and family passenger vehicle. It's still the best in segment." "Ranger is the category benchmark – by some margin – because of the way it drives, its capabilities on- and off-road, its rugged looks, its smart cabin design, its solid resale values, and its wide choice of model grades, each backed by a five-star ANCAP rating," said deputy news editor Damion Smy. "Despite the emergence of competitive new players in the ute market, Ford's Ranger remains the segment benchmark," said deputy marketplace editor Josh Nevett. "It's a sophisticated workhorse both on- and off-road, with all the requisite capability and features that Australian buyers expect. There's something for everyone across the model range, from the rough-and-ready XL right up to the versatile PHEV and go-fast Raptor." "Ford's Ranger is undeniably the ute benchmark, thanks to its upmarket interior, punchy engines and a chassis tune designed in Australia to tackle the worst of Australian conditions," said CarExpert journalist Max Davies. "It's now more versatile than ever too. With three diesel engines, a potent petrol V6 and an efficient PHEV, there's something for everyone." MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: Australia has one of the world's biggest ute markets and Aussie ute buyers are among the most discerning globally, whether they're tradies who require a reliable workhorse, outback adventurers who need a capable trek truck, or families who want utility, practicality and versatility all in the one vehicle. So it's perhaps no surprise that the latest generation Ford Ranger, which improved almost every attribute of its already class-leading predecessor, is the nation's top-selling new vehicle. A true Aussie success story, this country's only locally developed ute is sold in more than 180 markets including Australia, where it's available in every conceivable guise from the entry-level rear-wheel drive Ranger XL single-cab/chassis to the range-topping, desert-crushing Ranger Raptor dual-cab 4×4 pickup that has no rival. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Annual tech updates and the routine addition of new variants including the Platinum luxury flagship, the tough Tremor off-road specialist, and no fewer than four grades of the new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) have kept the Ranger relevant and fresh in the face of new rivals. And whether it's powered by one of two four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-diesels, a lusty 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, or the ferocious 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 in the Raptor, the Ranger has its competitors licked, thanks to class-leading safety, technology, performance, capability, refinement and ride/handling offered by each variant. That's why we gave it the title of Best Ute in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. "There are plenty of utes that can offer 3500kg braked towing capacity, or a long list of standard safety equipment, or a torquey turbo-diesel engine," said CarExpert news editor William Stopford. "The Ford Ranger, however, meets all the essential criteria of a ute in 2025 while also besting its rivals in driving dynamics and in-car tech. It's a ute that works well as a ute, but is also capable as a family vehicle. Not to mention that turbo-diesel V6 is a gem, and the Raptor is a hoot." "The Ford Ranger has been designed and developed by Australians, for Australians," said marketplace editor James Wong. "That's very evident in its confident and capable all-round performance, which blurs the lines between commercial workhorse and family passenger vehicle. It's still the best in segment." "Ranger is the category benchmark – by some margin – because of the way it drives, its capabilities on- and off-road, its rugged looks, its smart cabin design, its solid resale values, and its wide choice of model grades, each backed by a five-star ANCAP rating," said deputy news editor Damion Smy. "Despite the emergence of competitive new players in the ute market, Ford's Ranger remains the segment benchmark," said deputy marketplace editor Josh Nevett. "It's a sophisticated workhorse both on- and off-road, with all the requisite capability and features that Australian buyers expect. There's something for everyone across the model range, from the rough-and-ready XL right up to the versatile PHEV and go-fast Raptor." "Ford's Ranger is undeniably the ute benchmark, thanks to its upmarket interior, punchy engines and a chassis tune designed in Australia to tackle the worst of Australian conditions," said CarExpert journalist Max Davies. "It's now more versatile than ever too. With three diesel engines, a potent petrol V6 and an efficient PHEV, there's something for everyone." MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: Australia has one of the world's biggest ute markets and Aussie ute buyers are among the most discerning globally, whether they're tradies who require a reliable workhorse, outback adventurers who need a capable trek truck, or families who want utility, practicality and versatility all in the one vehicle. So it's perhaps no surprise that the latest generation Ford Ranger, which improved almost every attribute of its already class-leading predecessor, is the nation's top-selling new vehicle. A true Aussie success story, this country's only locally developed ute is sold in more than 180 markets including Australia, where it's available in every conceivable guise from the entry-level rear-wheel drive Ranger XL single-cab/chassis to the range-topping, desert-crushing Ranger Raptor dual-cab 4×4 pickup that has no rival. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Annual tech updates and the routine addition of new variants including the Platinum luxury flagship, the tough Tremor off-road specialist, and no fewer than four grades of the new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) have kept the Ranger relevant and fresh in the face of new rivals. And whether it's powered by one of two four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-diesels, a lusty 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, or the ferocious 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 in the Raptor, the Ranger has its competitors licked, thanks to class-leading safety, technology, performance, capability, refinement and ride/handling offered by each variant. That's why we gave it the title of Best Ute in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. "There are plenty of utes that can offer 3500kg braked towing capacity, or a long list of standard safety equipment, or a torquey turbo-diesel engine," said CarExpert news editor William Stopford. "The Ford Ranger, however, meets all the essential criteria of a ute in 2025 while also besting its rivals in driving dynamics and in-car tech. It's a ute that works well as a ute, but is also capable as a family vehicle. Not to mention that turbo-diesel V6 is a gem, and the Raptor is a hoot." "The Ford Ranger has been designed and developed by Australians, for Australians," said marketplace editor James Wong. "That's very evident in its confident and capable all-round performance, which blurs the lines between commercial workhorse and family passenger vehicle. It's still the best in segment." "Ranger is the category benchmark – by some margin – because of the way it drives, its capabilities on- and off-road, its rugged looks, its smart cabin design, its solid resale values, and its wide choice of model grades, each backed by a five-star ANCAP rating," said deputy news editor Damion Smy. "Despite the emergence of competitive new players in the ute market, Ford's Ranger remains the segment benchmark," said deputy marketplace editor Josh Nevett. "It's a sophisticated workhorse both on- and off-road, with all the requisite capability and features that Australian buyers expect. There's something for everyone across the model range, from the rough-and-ready XL right up to the versatile PHEV and go-fast Raptor." "Ford's Ranger is undeniably the ute benchmark, thanks to its upmarket interior, punchy engines and a chassis tune designed in Australia to tackle the worst of Australian conditions," said CarExpert journalist Max Davies. "It's now more versatile than ever too. With three diesel engines, a potent petrol V6 and an efficient PHEV, there's something for everyone." MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza get safety upgrades, price rises
The Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza have been given price rises accompanied by safety upgrades for model year 2025 (MY25), the latter enabling them to receive five-star ratings from safety authority ANCAP. The Crosstrek small SUV – Subaru Australia's second-best selling model after the Forester SUV – and related Impreza hatchback have been given the same updates and $500 price rises across their lineups. It means the entry-level Crosstrek L starts at $35,990 before on-road costs and Crosstrek Hybrid L from $39,590, with the base Impreza L at $31,990 before on-road costs. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Impreza hatch – which isn't offered with a hybrid powertrain locally – remains more expensive than the Toyota Corolla, though the Crosstrek still undercuts the most affordable all-wheel drive versions of the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross. Traffic sign recognition has been added to the existing speed sign recognition system, enabling it to read signs such as 'Stop', 'No Entry', and 'Give Way'. With ANCAP introducing a 'submergence test' – evaluating the occupants' ability to escape a vehicle under water – in 2023, the 2025 model year Crosstrek and Impreza also get an Emergency Evacuation Glass-breaking Tool – essentially a glass-piercing hammer located in the vehicle's glovebox. An updated five-star ANCAP safety rating for the MY25 Crosstrek and Impreza is applicable to vehicles manufactured from April 2025 and in Subaru dealers from June. ANCAP used shared crash-test results for both Crosstrek and Impreza – given they are closely related, using essentially the same body, platform and powertrains. The Crosstrek received an adult occupant protection rating of 83 per cent, a child occupant protection rating of 91 per cent, a vulnerable road user protection rating of 85 per cent and a safety assist rating of 73 per cent. It achieved a higher vulnerable road user protection score of 85 per cent as it showed superior upper leg (femur) protection than the Impreza. The Impreza scored better for pedestrian head and lower leg protection which the safety organisation said was due to the difference in bonnet and front bumper designs. In addition to more safety kit, there have been some other specification tweaks made to the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek Hybrid has received a petrol particulate filter in order to comply with Euro 6e emissions standards, outpacing the introduction of Australian requirements to meet less stringent Euro 6d standards from December 1, 2024. Outputs have been reduced marginally in the Crosstrek Hybrid – offered in L and S model grades – from 110kW/196Nm to 100kW/182Nm, but with the same 6.5L/100km combined official fuel consumption. The 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and continuously variable transmission used on the petrol-only Crosstrek and across all Impreza model grades remains unchanged. The 2025 model year update brings no other equipment changes to either vehicle, the current generation of both having been introduced in Australia in 2023. MORE: Everything Subaru Crosstrek • Impreza Content originally sourced from: The Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza have been given price rises accompanied by safety upgrades for model year 2025 (MY25), the latter enabling them to receive five-star ratings from safety authority ANCAP. The Crosstrek small SUV – Subaru Australia's second-best selling model after the Forester SUV – and related Impreza hatchback have been given the same updates and $500 price rises across their lineups. It means the entry-level Crosstrek L starts at $35,990 before on-road costs and Crosstrek Hybrid L from $39,590, with the base Impreza L at $31,990 before on-road costs. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Impreza hatch – which isn't offered with a hybrid powertrain locally – remains more expensive than the Toyota Corolla, though the Crosstrek still undercuts the most affordable all-wheel drive versions of the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross. Traffic sign recognition has been added to the existing speed sign recognition system, enabling it to read signs such as 'Stop', 'No Entry', and 'Give Way'. With ANCAP introducing a 'submergence test' – evaluating the occupants' ability to escape a vehicle under water – in 2023, the 2025 model year Crosstrek and Impreza also get an Emergency Evacuation Glass-breaking Tool – essentially a glass-piercing hammer located in the vehicle's glovebox. An updated five-star ANCAP safety rating for the MY25 Crosstrek and Impreza is applicable to vehicles manufactured from April 2025 and in Subaru dealers from June. ANCAP used shared crash-test results for both Crosstrek and Impreza – given they are closely related, using essentially the same body, platform and powertrains. The Crosstrek received an adult occupant protection rating of 83 per cent, a child occupant protection rating of 91 per cent, a vulnerable road user protection rating of 85 per cent and a safety assist rating of 73 per cent. It achieved a higher vulnerable road user protection score of 85 per cent as it showed superior upper leg (femur) protection than the Impreza. The Impreza scored better for pedestrian head and lower leg protection which the safety organisation said was due to the difference in bonnet and front bumper designs. In addition to more safety kit, there have been some other specification tweaks made to the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek Hybrid has received a petrol particulate filter in order to comply with Euro 6e emissions standards, outpacing the introduction of Australian requirements to meet less stringent Euro 6d standards from December 1, 2024. Outputs have been reduced marginally in the Crosstrek Hybrid – offered in L and S model grades – from 110kW/196Nm to 100kW/182Nm, but with the same 6.5L/100km combined official fuel consumption. The 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and continuously variable transmission used on the petrol-only Crosstrek and across all Impreza model grades remains unchanged. The 2025 model year update brings no other equipment changes to either vehicle, the current generation of both having been introduced in Australia in 2023. MORE: Everything Subaru Crosstrek • Impreza Content originally sourced from: The Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza have been given price rises accompanied by safety upgrades for model year 2025 (MY25), the latter enabling them to receive five-star ratings from safety authority ANCAP. The Crosstrek small SUV – Subaru Australia's second-best selling model after the Forester SUV – and related Impreza hatchback have been given the same updates and $500 price rises across their lineups. It means the entry-level Crosstrek L starts at $35,990 before on-road costs and Crosstrek Hybrid L from $39,590, with the base Impreza L at $31,990 before on-road costs. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Impreza hatch – which isn't offered with a hybrid powertrain locally – remains more expensive than the Toyota Corolla, though the Crosstrek still undercuts the most affordable all-wheel drive versions of the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross. Traffic sign recognition has been added to the existing speed sign recognition system, enabling it to read signs such as 'Stop', 'No Entry', and 'Give Way'. With ANCAP introducing a 'submergence test' – evaluating the occupants' ability to escape a vehicle under water – in 2023, the 2025 model year Crosstrek and Impreza also get an Emergency Evacuation Glass-breaking Tool – essentially a glass-piercing hammer located in the vehicle's glovebox. An updated five-star ANCAP safety rating for the MY25 Crosstrek and Impreza is applicable to vehicles manufactured from April 2025 and in Subaru dealers from June. ANCAP used shared crash-test results for both Crosstrek and Impreza – given they are closely related, using essentially the same body, platform and powertrains. The Crosstrek received an adult occupant protection rating of 83 per cent, a child occupant protection rating of 91 per cent, a vulnerable road user protection rating of 85 per cent and a safety assist rating of 73 per cent. It achieved a higher vulnerable road user protection score of 85 per cent as it showed superior upper leg (femur) protection than the Impreza. The Impreza scored better for pedestrian head and lower leg protection which the safety organisation said was due to the difference in bonnet and front bumper designs. In addition to more safety kit, there have been some other specification tweaks made to the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek Hybrid has received a petrol particulate filter in order to comply with Euro 6e emissions standards, outpacing the introduction of Australian requirements to meet less stringent Euro 6d standards from December 1, 2024. Outputs have been reduced marginally in the Crosstrek Hybrid – offered in L and S model grades – from 110kW/196Nm to 100kW/182Nm, but with the same 6.5L/100km combined official fuel consumption. The 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and continuously variable transmission used on the petrol-only Crosstrek and across all Impreza model grades remains unchanged. The 2025 model year update brings no other equipment changes to either vehicle, the current generation of both having been introduced in Australia in 2023. MORE: Everything Subaru Crosstrek • Impreza Content originally sourced from: The Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza have been given price rises accompanied by safety upgrades for model year 2025 (MY25), the latter enabling them to receive five-star ratings from safety authority ANCAP. The Crosstrek small SUV – Subaru Australia's second-best selling model after the Forester SUV – and related Impreza hatchback have been given the same updates and $500 price rises across their lineups. It means the entry-level Crosstrek L starts at $35,990 before on-road costs and Crosstrek Hybrid L from $39,590, with the base Impreza L at $31,990 before on-road costs. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Impreza hatch – which isn't offered with a hybrid powertrain locally – remains more expensive than the Toyota Corolla, though the Crosstrek still undercuts the most affordable all-wheel drive versions of the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross. Traffic sign recognition has been added to the existing speed sign recognition system, enabling it to read signs such as 'Stop', 'No Entry', and 'Give Way'. With ANCAP introducing a 'submergence test' – evaluating the occupants' ability to escape a vehicle under water – in 2023, the 2025 model year Crosstrek and Impreza also get an Emergency Evacuation Glass-breaking Tool – essentially a glass-piercing hammer located in the vehicle's glovebox. An updated five-star ANCAP safety rating for the MY25 Crosstrek and Impreza is applicable to vehicles manufactured from April 2025 and in Subaru dealers from June. ANCAP used shared crash-test results for both Crosstrek and Impreza – given they are closely related, using essentially the same body, platform and powertrains. The Crosstrek received an adult occupant protection rating of 83 per cent, a child occupant protection rating of 91 per cent, a vulnerable road user protection rating of 85 per cent and a safety assist rating of 73 per cent. It achieved a higher vulnerable road user protection score of 85 per cent as it showed superior upper leg (femur) protection than the Impreza. The Impreza scored better for pedestrian head and lower leg protection which the safety organisation said was due to the difference in bonnet and front bumper designs. In addition to more safety kit, there have been some other specification tweaks made to the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek Hybrid has received a petrol particulate filter in order to comply with Euro 6e emissions standards, outpacing the introduction of Australian requirements to meet less stringent Euro 6d standards from December 1, 2024. Outputs have been reduced marginally in the Crosstrek Hybrid – offered in L and S model grades – from 110kW/196Nm to 100kW/182Nm, but with the same 6.5L/100km combined official fuel consumption. The 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and continuously variable transmission used on the petrol-only Crosstrek and across all Impreza model grades remains unchanged. The 2025 model year update brings no other equipment changes to either vehicle, the current generation of both having been introduced in Australia in 2023. MORE: Everything Subaru Crosstrek • Impreza Content originally sourced from:
NZ Autocar
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
New models continue Subaru's unblemished safety record
The Subaru Crosstrek and closely-related Subaru Impreza have both received five-star ANCAP safety ratings following their MY25 safety updates. These scores apply to Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles built from April 2025 and on sale from June 2025. Because this pair is so similar under the skin, shared test results were used to determine the safety ratings for these models. Collision avoidance performance tests were conducted on the Subaru Crosstrek together with the full-width frontal, oblique pole and side impact tests. Meantime, frontal offset (MPDB) testings was conducted on the Subaru Impreza. The Impreza also underwent its own side impact and pedestrian tests to confirm comparable performance. Read out review of Subaru Crosstrek here. For Adult Occupant Protection both models achieved an 83 per cent result. They offered Good levels of protection for the driver in the full width frontal, side impact and oblique tests. Here, full points were scored. Front passenger protection in the frontal offset test was also deemed Good. A centre airbag between the front seats resulted in mixed performance following side impact crashes. Both models achieved 91 per cent crash test results for Child Occupant Protection. They scored maximum points in the two crash tests that featured the six- and ten-year-old child dummies. Similar results were recorded for Vulnerable Road User Protection (Crosstrek 85%; Impreza 84%). In physical impact tests, the bonnet and windscreen of both models provided Good protection to the head of a struck pedestrian. But Poor results were noted on the stiff windscreen pillars. Both models have the ability to detect and automatically avoid or reduce the severity of a crash with pedestrians and cyclists. Safety Assist systems garnered a 73 per cent result for both models. Each is fitted with Subaru's EyeSight technology. So they offer AEB, lane keep assist, emergency lane keeping, speed assistance systems, and a direct driver monitoring system. The Impreza offered slightly better head and lower leg protection for pedestrians than the Crosstrek. But femur protection provided by the Crosstrek was superior to that of the Impreza, giving it a slightly higher Vulnerable Road User Protection score.
