Table of Contents
Introduction
Every year, car lovers tune in for a fresh round‑up of the best, the worst, and the most surprising moments on the road. In 2025, Paul takes us through a candid tour of what left him disappointed, what thrilled him, and the trends that are reshaping the industry. From a tired facelift of a legendary pickup to the electrifying performance of a new SUV, his insights paint a vivid picture of the automotive landscape this year.
1. The Biggest Disappointment: Toyota Hilux Facelift
Paul’s first critique lands on the new Toyota Hilux. He calls it a “facelift, not a brand‑new model,” and for good reason. The vehicle keeps the same platform, engine, and four‑wheel‑drive architecture that have been in use for years. The only real change is a modest interior refresh that removes the dated hydraulic steering and manual handbrake—features that off‑road enthusiasts once loved. The price remains virtually unchanged, so buyers are left with a vehicle that feels more like an incremental refresh than a true evolution.
Paul notes that the Hilux’s chassis could have been modernised to enhance off‑road prowess, but Toyota chose to stick with the familiar. While the interior update is a welcome step, the lack of a new platform and the unchanged price tag make the 2025 Hilux a disappointment for those hoping for a real leap forward.
2. The Top Pick: Zika 7X Electric SUV
Paul’s enthusiasm peaks with the Zika 7X, which he calls “the best electric vehicle I’ve driven in 2025.” The SUV delivers a blistering 0‑100 km/h time of 3.76 seconds and an 80‑120 km/h overtaking time of 1.83 seconds—numbers that put it ahead of the Tesla Model Y Performance in terms of value and driving excitement.
The 7X’s interior is feature‑rich yet uncluttered, and its safety suite, while “over the top and annoying,” adds significant value. Paul highlights that the battery is still at 50 % capacity during his tests, yet the performance remains impressive. In sport mode, with stability control turned off, the 7X accelerates cleanly and reaches 120 km/h in just 3.76 seconds, proving its overtaking prowess.
For those curious about how the 7X stacks up against other rivals, Paul points viewers to a link in the description where he displays a comparison table of key performance metrics.
3. Tesla Model Y Performance and the Shanghai Motor Show
While the Model Y remains a standout, Paul admits it falls short of the 7X in terms of value. The Model Y’s 0‑100 km/h time of 2.57 seconds and a stopping distance of 36.18 meters still impress, but the price premium is hard to justify against the 7X’s performance.
Paul also shares his experience with Tesla’s full‑self‑driving (FSD) system. After a software update, the FSD became more predictable and confident, addressing earlier quirks such as erratic right‑turn attempts. He notes that while the Model Y is a sensational car, its FSD still faces legislative and technical hurdles before it can truly become fully autonomous.
Shifting gears, Paul highlights the Shanghai Motor Show as the most impressive event of 2025. Unlike typical motor shows that cycle through concept and production models, Shanghai’s pace is astonishing—concepts can move to production within a week. The show showcased high‑performance V8s, battery‑swapping technology, and advanced autonomy, underscoring China’s confidence in domestic brands and their ability to deliver luxury and performance on a global scale.
4. Ram TRX, Maserati Gracala, and Market Implications
Paul touches on the Ram TRX, noting its terrifying acceleration and the expertise of Dantex in tuning the vehicle for drag racing. The twin‑turbocharged, supercharged engine delivers a 0‑100 km/h time that feels almost instantaneous, and the car’s weight of 3,000 kg doesn’t dampen its straight‑line speed. Dantex’s tuning pushes the TRX to a level that feels like a supercar, making it a standout in the heavy‑weight segment.
The Maserati Gracala is praised for its stunning design and performance, but Paul warns buyers about reliability concerns and limited sales. He urges consumers to consider long‑term support and resale value, especially with the influx of Chinese brands in Australia. He cites Jeep’s service challenges in Australia as a cautionary tale—without robust service networks, even the most exciting cars can become liabilities.
Paul stresses the importance of buying from brands that have a proven after‑sales presence. He argues that Chinese brands must invest heavily in Australian service infrastructure to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other imports.
Conclusion
Paul’s 2025 review offers a balanced view of the automotive world: disappointment in a long‑standing icon’s lackluster refresh, excitement for electrified performance, and a cautious look at market dynamics. His top picks—Zika 7X, Tesla Model Y, Ram TRX, and Maserati Gracala—demonstrate that innovation and performance still thrive, but buyers must weigh value, support, and future resale when making their next purchase.