Latest news with #CarExpertChoiceAwards
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Why the Hyundai Santa Fe is a CarExpert Choice winner
The design of the fifth-generationHyundai Santa Fe might be polarising and it's certainly distinctive, but it's not the reason we named it Australia's best affordable large SUV in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards. Inside its boxy exterior there's a refined, high-quality and high-tech three-row interior that's just as unique and sets a new standard for a mainstream large SUV in terms of presentation and accommodation. Compared to its Kia Sorento sister model, which is still good enough to be a finalist in this segment (the five-seat Subaru Outback is our other finalist for this award) even if the fourth generation is now five years old, the Santa Fe offers better second- and third-row space and amenity. 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 latest Santa Fe also provides great outward visibility from all seats, a larger cargo area accessed via a lower loading lip, and outstanding ride comfort without compromising its exemplary dynamics (for a large SUV). There's also a long list of standard safety and multimedia technology even from base level, with the cheapest front-wheel drive variant powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and fitted with everything a growing family would need for $53,000 before on-road costs. In all there are eight variants, three equipment grades and two powertrain options including an efficient 1.6-litre hybrid that's also available in front- and all-wheel drive form. And the flagship Calligraphy AWD hybrid, which tops the range at $76,500 in seven-seat form and $77,000 in six-seat guise with a pair of second-row captain's chairs (both plus on-roads), not only looks and feels more like a Range Rover inside its luxurious cabin but also comes with all of Hyundai's premium features, including huge and responsive infotainment and instrument cluster screens, a head-up display, and twin wireless phone chargers. There's also cavernous storage capacity including two glove boxes, a huge twin-hinged lidded centre console box that can be accessed from the front and rear, and no fewer than 16 cupholders! The Santa Fe is no ladder-frame rock-hopper (which is why we have a separate award for best off-road SUVs like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado), but also making it an excellent large SUV for adventurous families are XRT option packages that give it a decent boost in all-terrain capability. All this is backed by attractive aftersales propositions including relatively low running and service costs, and a generous warranty. "Look, you're either going to love or hate the styling. But even if you hate it, consider just how practical that boxy body makes the Santa Fe," said CarExpert news editor William Stopford. "The old Santa Fe was already such a good thing, I was wondering how Hyundai could improve on it. Well, they have – this is a terrifically packaged, well-appointed crossover SUV loaded with tech, featuring competitive petrol and hybrid powertrains, and wrapped in distinctive styling." CarExpert marketplace editor James Wong agreed. "The trusty Santa Fe went through a massive metamorphosis in this latest generation, and while its looks are polarising its excellent packaging and luxurious level of features and tech are outstanding," he said. "There's the option of both a generally efficient hybrid or a torquey turbo-petrol drivetrain, and the Santa Fe offers heaps of configurations and personalisation options for discerning Australian families that want to stand out without breaking the bank." CarExpert journalist Max Davies said: "The quirky-looking Santa Fe remains a reliable option in Australia's large SUV market, offering a broad range of standard equipment, sturdy build quality, and a compliant ride at affordable prices. "You now also have the benefit of either hybrid or petrol powertrains, which means there should be something in the range to suit all budgets and lifestyles." MORE: Explore the Hyundai Santa Fe showroom Content originally sourced from: The design of the fifth-generationHyundai Santa Fe might be polarising and it's certainly distinctive, but it's not the reason we named it Australia's best affordable large SUV in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards. Inside its boxy exterior there's a refined, high-quality and high-tech three-row interior that's just as unique and sets a new standard for a mainstream large SUV in terms of presentation and accommodation. Compared to its Kia Sorento sister model, which is still good enough to be a finalist in this segment (the five-seat Subaru Outback is our other finalist for this award) even if the fourth generation is now five years old, the Santa Fe offers better second- and third-row space and amenity. 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 latest Santa Fe also provides great outward visibility from all seats, a larger cargo area accessed via a lower loading lip, and outstanding ride comfort without compromising its exemplary dynamics (for a large SUV). There's also a long list of standard safety and multimedia technology even from base level, with the cheapest front-wheel drive variant powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and fitted with everything a growing family would need for $53,000 before on-road costs. In all there are eight variants, three equipment grades and two powertrain options including an efficient 1.6-litre hybrid that's also available in front- and all-wheel drive form. And the flagship Calligraphy AWD hybrid, which tops the range at $76,500 in seven-seat form and $77,000 in six-seat guise with a pair of second-row captain's chairs (both plus on-roads), not only looks and feels more like a Range Rover inside its luxurious cabin but also comes with all of Hyundai's premium features, including huge and responsive infotainment and instrument cluster screens, a head-up display, and twin wireless phone chargers. There's also cavernous storage capacity including two glove boxes, a huge twin-hinged lidded centre console box that can be accessed from the front and rear, and no fewer than 16 cupholders! The Santa Fe is no ladder-frame rock-hopper (which is why we have a separate award for best off-road SUVs like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado), but also making it an excellent large SUV for adventurous families are XRT option packages that give it a decent boost in all-terrain capability. All this is backed by attractive aftersales propositions including relatively low running and service costs, and a generous warranty. "Look, you're either going to love or hate the styling. But even if you hate it, consider just how practical that boxy body makes the Santa Fe," said CarExpert news editor William Stopford. "The old Santa Fe was already such a good thing, I was wondering how Hyundai could improve on it. Well, they have – this is a terrifically packaged, well-appointed crossover SUV loaded with tech, featuring competitive petrol and hybrid powertrains, and wrapped in distinctive styling." CarExpert marketplace editor James Wong agreed. "The trusty Santa Fe went through a massive metamorphosis in this latest generation, and while its looks are polarising its excellent packaging and luxurious level of features and tech are outstanding," he said. "There's the option of both a generally efficient hybrid or a torquey turbo-petrol drivetrain, and the Santa Fe offers heaps of configurations and personalisation options for discerning Australian families that want to stand out without breaking the bank." CarExpert journalist Max Davies said: "The quirky-looking Santa Fe remains a reliable option in Australia's large SUV market, offering a broad range of standard equipment, sturdy build quality, and a compliant ride at affordable prices. "You now also have the benefit of either hybrid or petrol powertrains, which means there should be something in the range to suit all budgets and lifestyles." MORE: Explore the Hyundai Santa Fe showroom Content originally sourced from: The design of the fifth-generationHyundai Santa Fe might be polarising and it's certainly distinctive, but it's not the reason we named it Australia's best affordable large SUV in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards. Inside its boxy exterior there's a refined, high-quality and high-tech three-row interior that's just as unique and sets a new standard for a mainstream large SUV in terms of presentation and accommodation. Compared to its Kia Sorento sister model, which is still good enough to be a finalist in this segment (the five-seat Subaru Outback is our other finalist for this award) even if the fourth generation is now five years old, the Santa Fe offers better second- and third-row space and amenity. 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 latest Santa Fe also provides great outward visibility from all seats, a larger cargo area accessed via a lower loading lip, and outstanding ride comfort without compromising its exemplary dynamics (for a large SUV). There's also a long list of standard safety and multimedia technology even from base level, with the cheapest front-wheel drive variant powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and fitted with everything a growing family would need for $53,000 before on-road costs. In all there are eight variants, three equipment grades and two powertrain options including an efficient 1.6-litre hybrid that's also available in front- and all-wheel drive form. And the flagship Calligraphy AWD hybrid, which tops the range at $76,500 in seven-seat form and $77,000 in six-seat guise with a pair of second-row captain's chairs (both plus on-roads), not only looks and feels more like a Range Rover inside its luxurious cabin but also comes with all of Hyundai's premium features, including huge and responsive infotainment and instrument cluster screens, a head-up display, and twin wireless phone chargers. There's also cavernous storage capacity including two glove boxes, a huge twin-hinged lidded centre console box that can be accessed from the front and rear, and no fewer than 16 cupholders! The Santa Fe is no ladder-frame rock-hopper (which is why we have a separate award for best off-road SUVs like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado), but also making it an excellent large SUV for adventurous families are XRT option packages that give it a decent boost in all-terrain capability. All this is backed by attractive aftersales propositions including relatively low running and service costs, and a generous warranty. "Look, you're either going to love or hate the styling. But even if you hate it, consider just how practical that boxy body makes the Santa Fe," said CarExpert news editor William Stopford. "The old Santa Fe was already such a good thing, I was wondering how Hyundai could improve on it. Well, they have – this is a terrifically packaged, well-appointed crossover SUV loaded with tech, featuring competitive petrol and hybrid powertrains, and wrapped in distinctive styling." CarExpert marketplace editor James Wong agreed. "The trusty Santa Fe went through a massive metamorphosis in this latest generation, and while its looks are polarising its excellent packaging and luxurious level of features and tech are outstanding," he said. "There's the option of both a generally efficient hybrid or a torquey turbo-petrol drivetrain, and the Santa Fe offers heaps of configurations and personalisation options for discerning Australian families that want to stand out without breaking the bank." CarExpert journalist Max Davies said: "The quirky-looking Santa Fe remains a reliable option in Australia's large SUV market, offering a broad range of standard equipment, sturdy build quality, and a compliant ride at affordable prices. "You now also have the benefit of either hybrid or petrol powertrains, which means there should be something in the range to suit all budgets and lifestyles." MORE: Explore the Hyundai Santa Fe showroom Content originally sourced from: The design of the fifth-generationHyundai Santa Fe might be polarising and it's certainly distinctive, but it's not the reason we named it Australia's best affordable large SUV in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards. Inside its boxy exterior there's a refined, high-quality and high-tech three-row interior that's just as unique and sets a new standard for a mainstream large SUV in terms of presentation and accommodation. Compared to its Kia Sorento sister model, which is still good enough to be a finalist in this segment (the five-seat Subaru Outback is our other finalist for this award) even if the fourth generation is now five years old, the Santa Fe offers better second- and third-row space and amenity. 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 latest Santa Fe also provides great outward visibility from all seats, a larger cargo area accessed via a lower loading lip, and outstanding ride comfort without compromising its exemplary dynamics (for a large SUV). There's also a long list of standard safety and multimedia technology even from base level, with the cheapest front-wheel drive variant powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and fitted with everything a growing family would need for $53,000 before on-road costs. In all there are eight variants, three equipment grades and two powertrain options including an efficient 1.6-litre hybrid that's also available in front- and all-wheel drive form. And the flagship Calligraphy AWD hybrid, which tops the range at $76,500 in seven-seat form and $77,000 in six-seat guise with a pair of second-row captain's chairs (both plus on-roads), not only looks and feels more like a Range Rover inside its luxurious cabin but also comes with all of Hyundai's premium features, including huge and responsive infotainment and instrument cluster screens, a head-up display, and twin wireless phone chargers. There's also cavernous storage capacity including two glove boxes, a huge twin-hinged lidded centre console box that can be accessed from the front and rear, and no fewer than 16 cupholders! The Santa Fe is no ladder-frame rock-hopper (which is why we have a separate award for best off-road SUVs like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado), but also making it an excellent large SUV for adventurous families are XRT option packages that give it a decent boost in all-terrain capability. All this is backed by attractive aftersales propositions including relatively low running and service costs, and a generous warranty. "Look, you're either going to love or hate the styling. But even if you hate it, consider just how practical that boxy body makes the Santa Fe," said CarExpert news editor William Stopford. "The old Santa Fe was already such a good thing, I was wondering how Hyundai could improve on it. Well, they have – this is a terrifically packaged, well-appointed crossover SUV loaded with tech, featuring competitive petrol and hybrid powertrains, and wrapped in distinctive styling." CarExpert marketplace editor James Wong agreed. "The trusty Santa Fe went through a massive metamorphosis in this latest generation, and while its looks are polarising its excellent packaging and luxurious level of features and tech are outstanding," he said. "There's the option of both a generally efficient hybrid or a torquey turbo-petrol drivetrain, and the Santa Fe offers heaps of configurations and personalisation options for discerning Australian families that want to stand out without breaking the bank." CarExpert journalist Max Davies said: "The quirky-looking Santa Fe remains a reliable option in Australia's large SUV market, offering a broad range of standard equipment, sturdy build quality, and a compliant ride at affordable prices. "You now also have the benefit of either hybrid or petrol powertrains, which means there should be something in the range to suit all budgets and lifestyles." MORE: Explore the Hyundai Santa Fe showroom Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Why the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is a CarExpert Choice winner
Utes have always done a roaring trade in Australia, where diesel power has long dominated. It's only recently that we've seen hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric options join the segment. Electrified options continue to be vastly outnumbered by those with petrol or diesel power, but among these we picked the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV as the Best Electrified Ute in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. Launched earlier this year, the PHEV joins existing diesel and hybrid petrol versions of GWM's flagship ute. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Priced from $59,990 before on-road costs, the Cannon Alpha PHEV mates a 180kW/380Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 120kW/400Nm electric motor, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a 37.1kWh battery for total system outputs of no less than 300kW and 750Nm. That gives it a long 115km of electric-only range on the NEDC cycle, plus combined cycle fuel consumption of just 1.7L/100km. But while it can run on pure electric power, the Cannon Alpha PHEV still offers braked towing capacity of 3500kg, a payload of 685kg, and both front and rear locking differentials. The result is a ute that offers silent electric propulsion but also competitive off-road and load-hauling capability. Here's why the CarExpert team picked the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV as the Best Electrified Ute in the 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards: 'Being the person who made the videos on the two Chinese sourced PHEV utes, I accept that I'm partly responsible for the outrage on the internet over the depiction of these new vehicles. That said, we just showed it how it is,' said video producer Sean Lander. 'And the simple fact of the matter is the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is a great car. The interior is lovely, the drivetrain well put together and it can actually do the things Aussie's expect and need of a ute. 'It has locking diffs, a big tray, tons of space and massaging seats on the top-spec Ultra. 'Yes, there is room for improvement. The spare wheel placement is not good – you are losing a lot of space in the tub. The towbar positioning needs to be raised especially if you intend to do any off-roading. And the infotainment system is clunky, particularly if you need to operate things like the climate control or enable/disable driver assistance settings. 'But the Cannon Alpha PHEV can tow, well. It manages its battery much better than its rivals and the fuel economy is superior to any other ute on the market. 'It is a great all-rounder, for an excellent price and while there are better utes out there, the Cannon Alpha PHEV shows that the future of work vehicles doesn't have to be bleak. In fact, it looks pretty good.' 'Utes are finally getting electrified en masse, and GWM is one of the trailblazers,' added marketplace editor James Wong. 'Its on-paper credentials translate to the real world, with 90-100km of usable electric range, strong performance towing up to 3.5 tonnes, and rugged capability off the beaten track. 'It offers more off-road and towing capability than a BYD Shark 6. Add to that its plush SUV-like cabin and swathes of in-car tech, and it has everything the modern site manager or lifestyle buyer needs from an electrified all-rounder.' 'It may not be quite as cheap – or as powerful – as the BYD Shark 6, but the GWM Cannon Alpha offers the most torque, the biggest battery, the longest range and the lowest claimed fuel consumption of the three PHEV utes currently available. And it's the only one with both front and rear diff locks, making it a clear winner here,' concluded managing editor Marton Pettendy. here.
Perth Now
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Why the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is a CarExpert Choice winner
Utes have always done a roaring trade in Australia, where diesel power has long dominated. It's only recently that we've seen hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric options join the segment. Electrified options continue to be vastly outnumbered by those with petrol or diesel power, but among these we picked the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV as the Best Electrified Ute in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. Launched earlier this year, the PHEV joins existing diesel and hybrid petrol versions of GWM's flagship ute. 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 Priced from $59,990 before on-road costs, the Cannon Alpha PHEV mates a 180kW/380Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 120kW/400Nm electric motor, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a 37.1kWh battery for total system outputs of no less than 300kW and 750Nm. That gives it a long 115km of electric-only range on the NEDC cycle, plus combined cycle fuel consumption of just 1.7L/100km. But while it can run on pure electric power, the Cannon Alpha PHEV still offers braked towing capacity of 3500kg, a payload of 685kg, and both front and rear locking differentials. The result is a ute that offers silent electric propulsion but also competitive off-road and load-hauling capability. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Here's why the CarExpert team picked the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV as the Best Electrified Ute in the 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards: 'Being the person who made the videos on the two Chinese sourced PHEV utes, I accept that I'm partly responsible for the outrage on the internet over the depiction of these new vehicles. That said, we just showed it how it is,' said video producer Sean Lander. 'And the simple fact of the matter is the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is a great car. The interior is lovely, the drivetrain well put together and it can actually do the things Aussie's expect and need of a ute. 'It has locking diffs, a big tray, tons of space and massaging seats on the top-spec Ultra. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'Yes, there is room for improvement. The spare wheel placement is not good – you are losing a lot of space in the tub. The towbar positioning needs to be raised especially if you intend to do any off-roading. And the infotainment system is clunky, particularly if you need to operate things like the climate control or enable/disable driver assistance settings. 'But the Cannon Alpha PHEV can tow, well. It manages its battery much better than its rivals and the fuel economy is superior to any other ute on the market. 'It is a great all-rounder, for an excellent price and while there are better utes out there, the Cannon Alpha PHEV shows that the future of work vehicles doesn't have to be bleak. In fact, it looks pretty good.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'Utes are finally getting electrified en masse, and GWM is one of the trailblazers,' added marketplace editor James Wong. 'Its on-paper credentials translate to the real world, with 90-100km of usable electric range, strong performance towing up to 3.5 tonnes, and rugged capability off the beaten track. 'It offers more off-road and towing capability than a BYD Shark 6. Add to that its plush SUV-like cabin and swathes of in-car tech, and it has everything the modern site manager or lifestyle buyer needs from an electrified all-rounder.' 'It may not be quite as cheap – or as powerful – as the BYD Shark 6, but the GWM Cannon Alpha offers the most torque, the biggest battery, the longest range and the lowest claimed fuel consumption of the three PHEV utes currently available. And it's the only one with both front and rear diff locks, making it a clear winner here,' concluded managing editor Marton Pettendy. To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here. MORE: Explore the GWM Cannon Alpha showroom
The Advertiser
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Why the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is a CarExpert Choice winner
Utes have always done a roaring trade in Australia, where diesel power has long dominated. It's only recently that we've seen hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric options join the segment. Electrified options continue to be vastly outnumbered by those with petrol or diesel power, but among these we picked the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV as the Best Electrified Ute in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. Launched earlier this year, the PHEV joins existing diesel and hybrid petrol versions of GWM's flagship ute. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Priced from $59,990 before on-road costs, the Cannon Alpha PHEV mates a 180kW/380Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 120kW/400Nm electric motor, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a 37.1kWh battery for total system outputs of no less than 300kW and 750Nm. That gives it a long 115km of electric-only range on the NEDC cycle, plus combined cycle fuel consumption of just 1.7L/100km. But while it can run on pure electric power, the Cannon Alpha PHEV still offers braked towing capacity of 3500kg, a payload of 685kg, and both front and rear locking differentials. The result is a ute that offers silent electric propulsion but also competitive off-road and load-hauling capability. Here's why the CarExpert team picked the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV as the Best Electrified Ute in the 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards: "Being the person who made the videos on the two Chinese sourced PHEV utes, I accept that I'm partly responsible for the outrage on the internet over the depiction of these new vehicles. That said, we just showed it how it is," said video producer Sean Lander. "And the simple fact of the matter is the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is a great car. The interior is lovely, the drivetrain well put together and it can actually do the things Aussie's expect and need of a ute. "It has locking diffs, a big tray, tons of space and massaging seats on the top-spec Ultra. "Yes, there is room for improvement. The spare wheel placement is not good – you are losing a lot of space in the tub. The towbar positioning needs to be raised especially if you intend to do any off-roading. And the infotainment system is clunky, particularly if you need to operate things like the climate control or enable/disable driver assistance settings. "But the Cannon Alpha PHEV can tow, well. It manages its battery much better than its rivals and the fuel economy is superior to any other ute on the market. "It is a great all-rounder, for an excellent price and while there are better utes out there, the Cannon Alpha PHEV shows that the future of work vehicles doesn't have to be bleak. In fact, it looks pretty good." "Utes are finally getting electrified en masse, and GWM is one of the trailblazers," added marketplace editor James Wong. "Its on-paper credentials translate to the real world, with 90-100km of usable electric range, strong performance towing up to 3.5 tonnes, and rugged capability off the beaten track. "It offers more off-road and towing capability than a BYD Shark 6. Add to that its plush SUV-like cabin and swathes of in-car tech, and it has everything the modern site manager or lifestyle buyer needs from an electrified all-rounder." "It may not be quite as cheap – or as powerful – as the BYD Shark 6, but the GWM Cannon Alpha offers the most torque, the biggest battery, the longest range and the lowest claimed fuel consumption of the three PHEV utes currently available. And it's the only one with both front and rear diff locks, making it a clear winner here," concluded managing editor Marton Pettendy. MORE: Explore the GWM Cannon Alpha showroom Content originally sourced from: Utes have always done a roaring trade in Australia, where diesel power has long dominated. It's only recently that we've seen hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric options join the segment. Electrified options continue to be vastly outnumbered by those with petrol or diesel power, but among these we picked the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV as the Best Electrified Ute in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. Launched earlier this year, the PHEV joins existing diesel and hybrid petrol versions of GWM's flagship ute. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Priced from $59,990 before on-road costs, the Cannon Alpha PHEV mates a 180kW/380Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 120kW/400Nm electric motor, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a 37.1kWh battery for total system outputs of no less than 300kW and 750Nm. That gives it a long 115km of electric-only range on the NEDC cycle, plus combined cycle fuel consumption of just 1.7L/100km. But while it can run on pure electric power, the Cannon Alpha PHEV still offers braked towing capacity of 3500kg, a payload of 685kg, and both front and rear locking differentials. The result is a ute that offers silent electric propulsion but also competitive off-road and load-hauling capability. Here's why the CarExpert team picked the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV as the Best Electrified Ute in the 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards: "Being the person who made the videos on the two Chinese sourced PHEV utes, I accept that I'm partly responsible for the outrage on the internet over the depiction of these new vehicles. That said, we just showed it how it is," said video producer Sean Lander. "And the simple fact of the matter is the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is a great car. The interior is lovely, the drivetrain well put together and it can actually do the things Aussie's expect and need of a ute. "It has locking diffs, a big tray, tons of space and massaging seats on the top-spec Ultra. "Yes, there is room for improvement. The spare wheel placement is not good – you are losing a lot of space in the tub. The towbar positioning needs to be raised especially if you intend to do any off-roading. And the infotainment system is clunky, particularly if you need to operate things like the climate control or enable/disable driver assistance settings. "But the Cannon Alpha PHEV can tow, well. It manages its battery much better than its rivals and the fuel economy is superior to any other ute on the market. "It is a great all-rounder, for an excellent price and while there are better utes out there, the Cannon Alpha PHEV shows that the future of work vehicles doesn't have to be bleak. In fact, it looks pretty good." "Utes are finally getting electrified en masse, and GWM is one of the trailblazers," added marketplace editor James Wong. "Its on-paper credentials translate to the real world, with 90-100km of usable electric range, strong performance towing up to 3.5 tonnes, and rugged capability off the beaten track. "It offers more off-road and towing capability than a BYD Shark 6. Add to that its plush SUV-like cabin and swathes of in-car tech, and it has everything the modern site manager or lifestyle buyer needs from an electrified all-rounder." "It may not be quite as cheap – or as powerful – as the BYD Shark 6, but the GWM Cannon Alpha offers the most torque, the biggest battery, the longest range and the lowest claimed fuel consumption of the three PHEV utes currently available. And it's the only one with both front and rear diff locks, making it a clear winner here," concluded managing editor Marton Pettendy. MORE: Explore the GWM Cannon Alpha showroom Content originally sourced from: Utes have always done a roaring trade in Australia, where diesel power has long dominated. It's only recently that we've seen hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric options join the segment. Electrified options continue to be vastly outnumbered by those with petrol or diesel power, but among these we picked the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV as the Best Electrified Ute in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. Launched earlier this year, the PHEV joins existing diesel and hybrid petrol versions of GWM's flagship ute. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Priced from $59,990 before on-road costs, the Cannon Alpha PHEV mates a 180kW/380Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 120kW/400Nm electric motor, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a 37.1kWh battery for total system outputs of no less than 300kW and 750Nm. That gives it a long 115km of electric-only range on the NEDC cycle, plus combined cycle fuel consumption of just 1.7L/100km. But while it can run on pure electric power, the Cannon Alpha PHEV still offers braked towing capacity of 3500kg, a payload of 685kg, and both front and rear locking differentials. The result is a ute that offers silent electric propulsion but also competitive off-road and load-hauling capability. Here's why the CarExpert team picked the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV as the Best Electrified Ute in the 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards: "Being the person who made the videos on the two Chinese sourced PHEV utes, I accept that I'm partly responsible for the outrage on the internet over the depiction of these new vehicles. That said, we just showed it how it is," said video producer Sean Lander. "And the simple fact of the matter is the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is a great car. The interior is lovely, the drivetrain well put together and it can actually do the things Aussie's expect and need of a ute. "It has locking diffs, a big tray, tons of space and massaging seats on the top-spec Ultra. "Yes, there is room for improvement. The spare wheel placement is not good – you are losing a lot of space in the tub. The towbar positioning needs to be raised especially if you intend to do any off-roading. And the infotainment system is clunky, particularly if you need to operate things like the climate control or enable/disable driver assistance settings. "But the Cannon Alpha PHEV can tow, well. It manages its battery much better than its rivals and the fuel economy is superior to any other ute on the market. "It is a great all-rounder, for an excellent price and while there are better utes out there, the Cannon Alpha PHEV shows that the future of work vehicles doesn't have to be bleak. In fact, it looks pretty good." "Utes are finally getting electrified en masse, and GWM is one of the trailblazers," added marketplace editor James Wong. "Its on-paper credentials translate to the real world, with 90-100km of usable electric range, strong performance towing up to 3.5 tonnes, and rugged capability off the beaten track. "It offers more off-road and towing capability than a BYD Shark 6. Add to that its plush SUV-like cabin and swathes of in-car tech, and it has everything the modern site manager or lifestyle buyer needs from an electrified all-rounder." "It may not be quite as cheap – or as powerful – as the BYD Shark 6, but the GWM Cannon Alpha offers the most torque, the biggest battery, the longest range and the lowest claimed fuel consumption of the three PHEV utes currently available. And it's the only one with both front and rear diff locks, making it a clear winner here," concluded managing editor Marton Pettendy. MORE: Explore the GWM Cannon Alpha showroom Content originally sourced from: Utes have always done a roaring trade in Australia, where diesel power has long dominated. It's only recently that we've seen hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric options join the segment. Electrified options continue to be vastly outnumbered by those with petrol or diesel power, but among these we picked the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV as the Best Electrified Ute in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. Launched earlier this year, the PHEV joins existing diesel and hybrid petrol versions of GWM's flagship ute. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Priced from $59,990 before on-road costs, the Cannon Alpha PHEV mates a 180kW/380Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 120kW/400Nm electric motor, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a 37.1kWh battery for total system outputs of no less than 300kW and 750Nm. That gives it a long 115km of electric-only range on the NEDC cycle, plus combined cycle fuel consumption of just 1.7L/100km. But while it can run on pure electric power, the Cannon Alpha PHEV still offers braked towing capacity of 3500kg, a payload of 685kg, and both front and rear locking differentials. The result is a ute that offers silent electric propulsion but also competitive off-road and load-hauling capability. Here's why the CarExpert team picked the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV as the Best Electrified Ute in the 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards: "Being the person who made the videos on the two Chinese sourced PHEV utes, I accept that I'm partly responsible for the outrage on the internet over the depiction of these new vehicles. That said, we just showed it how it is," said video producer Sean Lander. "And the simple fact of the matter is the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is a great car. The interior is lovely, the drivetrain well put together and it can actually do the things Aussie's expect and need of a ute. "It has locking diffs, a big tray, tons of space and massaging seats on the top-spec Ultra. "Yes, there is room for improvement. The spare wheel placement is not good – you are losing a lot of space in the tub. The towbar positioning needs to be raised especially if you intend to do any off-roading. And the infotainment system is clunky, particularly if you need to operate things like the climate control or enable/disable driver assistance settings. "But the Cannon Alpha PHEV can tow, well. It manages its battery much better than its rivals and the fuel economy is superior to any other ute on the market. "It is a great all-rounder, for an excellent price and while there are better utes out there, the Cannon Alpha PHEV shows that the future of work vehicles doesn't have to be bleak. In fact, it looks pretty good." "Utes are finally getting electrified en masse, and GWM is one of the trailblazers," added marketplace editor James Wong. "Its on-paper credentials translate to the real world, with 90-100km of usable electric range, strong performance towing up to 3.5 tonnes, and rugged capability off the beaten track. "It offers more off-road and towing capability than a BYD Shark 6. Add to that its plush SUV-like cabin and swathes of in-car tech, and it has everything the modern site manager or lifestyle buyer needs from an electrified all-rounder." "It may not be quite as cheap – or as powerful – as the BYD Shark 6, but the GWM Cannon Alpha offers the most torque, the biggest battery, the longest range and the lowest claimed fuel consumption of the three PHEV utes currently available. And it's the only one with both front and rear diff locks, making it a clear winner here," concluded managing editor Marton Pettendy. MORE: Explore the GWM Cannon Alpha showroom Content originally sourced from:
