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Articles by Tom White

Tom White
Deputy News Editor

Despite studying ancient history and law at university, it makes sense Tom ended up writing about cars, as he spent the majority of his waking hours finding ways to drive as many as possible. His fascination with automobiles was also accompanied by an affinity for technology growing up, and he is just as comfortable tinkering with gadgets as he is behind the wheel. His time at CarsGuide has given him a nose for industry news and developments at the forefront of car technology.

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 2025 review: snapshot
By Tom White · 04 Jun 2025
The R-Line sits at the top of the third-generation Tiguan range with sportier intentions.
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GWM Tank 700 2025 review: International preview drive
By Tom White · 04 Jun 2025
We drive GWM's insane $100K+ hybrid off-roader
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$40,000 Tesla Model 2 existed and was personally cancelled by Elon Musk despite denials, confusing Tesla executives and investors as 2025 MG4 and BYD Dolphin-rivalling car is a no show | report
By Tom White · 04 Jun 2025
Musk's erratic communications surrounding low-cost models caused confusion within Tesla and with investors according to a new report.
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Volkswagen Tiguan Elegance 2025 review: snapshot
By Tom White · 02 Jun 2025
The Elegance is the mid-grade in the third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan range.
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2026 JAC Hunter PHEV 'Australian Edition' launches overseas as the new hybrid ute gears up to challenge the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV
By Tom White · 02 Jun 2025
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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Volkswagen Tiguan Life 2025 review: snapshot
By Tom White · 31 May 2025
For the third-generation Tiguan, the Life is the base variant, which ships exclusively with the base 110TSI engine.
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