Articles by Tom White

Nio has confirmed expansion plans for its new Firefly hatchback, with a right-hand drive version expected to launch before the end of 2025.

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BYD is planning to roll out up to 15,000 of its recently-revealed megawatt chargers across China, revealing its blueprint for world EV domination.

The Elegance is the mid-grade in the third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan range.

JAC has revealed the production right-hand drive version of its upcoming Hunter plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute which will sit atop the T9 range when it arrives in Australia early next year.Unveiled at the 2025 Greater Bay auto show (a motor show for the Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau area), the specific T9 Hunter PHEV shown was dubbed the “Australian Edition”, suggesting it will mirror the specification that will arrive on our shores.It features various changes over the diesel model which recently launched, including aero-style 18-inch alloy wheels, a slightly redesigned front bumper with JAC logo in blue and a sports bar over the tray.Inside, it scores a new steering wheel design and does away with the lever-style shifter in the centre console, replacing it with a rotary dial.The biggest changes are to the mechanicals. It scores a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (160kW/360Nm) with dual electric motors on each axle, producing 130kW/300Nm on the front, and 150kW/340Nm on the rear, for a claimed total combined output of 380kW/1000Nm.It is equipped with a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission linking the two power sources, and unlike the BYD Shark, it has a solid link to the rear axle rather than just an e-motor range-extender style set-up.To support this system, the Hunter is equipped with a 31.2kWh lithium battery, with an estimated 100km of driving range. According to the NEDC cycle, the Chinese-spec vehicle consumes 2.0L/100km in combined conditions, or 8.0L/100km when the battery is at its reserve power level.For the Chinese market, its payload capacity is rated at 715kg, although towing capacity is yet to be revealed. On the Chinese spec-sheet, it can sprint from 0-100km/h in six seconds. It will also feature a vehicle-to-load (V2L) discharge function good for powering tools, campsites, or even home appliances in a black-out.Expect local numbers for driving range, power outputs, towing and payload to be subject to Australian Design Rules and confirmed closer to its local launch.The Hunter PHEV was already previewed in Australia at the Melbourne motor show in April, where it was shown with a significantly tougher styling package, consisting of chunky all-terrain wheels, larger aftermarket-look alloys, as well as a black styling package for the sports bar, wheels, and grille.At this stage it is unclear whether JAC will launch the Hunter with the more tame look of the “Australian Edition” ute seen overseas, or the tougher look of the vehicle seen at Melbourne.Either way, the T9 will have its work cut out for it in order to challenge an array of new hybrid ute offerings. BYD’s Shark 6 has already made an impact with thousands of units on the road already, and GWM’s Cannon Alpha PHEV is now also available, offering mechanical links to the wheels for what the brand says is deeper capability for off-road scenarios.Ford will also soon launch its much-anticipated plug-in hybrid ranger in multiple trim levels, while further down the track Mitsubishi and Nissan have both made no secret of their intent to offer plug-in hybrids in the future.Pricing may be JAC’s way to carve out a space for itself, with BYD setting a hard-to-beat bar of just $57,900 before on-roads for its well-equipped Shark 6. As it stands, JAC’s T9 diesel range tops out at $45,630 before on-roads.JAC has yet another trick up its sleeve though, with the T9 platform also supporting a fully electric option. The full EV would complete the trifecta, potentially making the T9 the only dual-cab to offer diesel, hybrid, and fully electric drivetrain options in Australia.

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