Celine Nolan

Australian specs of Skoda’s upcoming Kodiaq proceed-in hybrid were formally published sooner than the mannequin’s December 2025 commence date.

Confirmed to take a seat down between the Kodiaq Sportline and upcoming Kodiaq RS, the Kodiaq Decide PHEV ought to discover between $61,990 and $76,990 drive-away. This can possible undercut the mechanically associated Volkswagen Tayron PHEV, that will debut early subsequent year for around $60,000.

Also published for the 2026 Kodiaq mannequin fluctuate is a new still-hybrid variant, available with a choice of 5- or seven-seats. In accordance with a graphic from Skoda Australia, the upcoming MHEV will be priced below the bottom $56,990 drive-away Kodiaq Decide.

Extra data for that mannequin will reach to gentle nearer to its 2026 2nd-quarter commence date.

At demonstrate, the proceed-in hybrid section in Australia is led by the BYD Sealion 6, which begins from $44,400 drive-away, and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES, priced from $57,990 drive-away. Each and every autos are a exiguous bit bigger than midsize SUVs which offer seven seats.

Despite providing a seven-seat configuration in foregoing combustion Kodiaq objects, Skoda Australia confirmed to Chasing Vehicles that the 4758mm long Kodiaq Decide proceed-in will be marketed strictly as a five-seater when it arrives in December.

This brings extra conventionally sized midsize competitors, essentially the next-generation Toyota RAV4 proceed-in, into scope. That automotive is anticipated to debut early subsequent year, boasting the option of all-wheel drive, a high output up to 227kW, and an EV-simplest fluctuate of around 100km WLTP.

Comparatively, the Skoda Kodiaq PHEV is tiny to entrance-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive reserved for the new flagship RS. Claimed EV driving fluctuate is 112km (WLTP), and high blended output is 150kW/350Nm, appropriate for a 0-100km/hr roam time of 8.4 seconds.

Output is split between a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and 85kW/330Nm three-section electric motor. Electric motor location is yet to be confirmed, however is possible throughout the Kodiaq PHEV’s six-slither twin-take grasp of transmission.

High voltage electric power comes from a 25.7kWh battery, which would possibly perhaps perhaps price from empty in 2.5 hours on 11kW AC power, or from 10-80 percent in 25 minutes on a DC snappily charger, peaking at 50kW.

Mixed gasoline consumption is quoted at a convincing 1.85L/100km – even though it’s unclear if acquiring this gasoline figure will require having a fully charged battery, all of the time.

Equipment for the Skoda Kodiaq Decide PHEV will replicate its petrol-simplest Decide counterpart (viewable here), moreover an upgraded nine-airbag system, new PHEV drive modes, which embody ‘E-Mode’ (EV-simplest), and ‘Hybrid’, and adjustable regenerative braking.

Additional equipment for the Kodiaq Decide PHEV entails an optionally available panoramic sunroof, or a ‘PHEV Signature Pack’ which provides:

• Massaging entrance seats
• Matrix LED headlights with automatic cornering lights
• Palms-free boot opening
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Upgraded Canton audio system
• Heads-up present
• Vitality adjustable entrance seats with memory

Pricing for the Signature Pack is yet to be confirmed.

In accordance with Skoda Australia, 51 percent of Kodiaq sales in general encompass the fluctuate-topping RS mannequin. The Czech firm hopes that in 2026, its new Kodiaq PHEV will tale for 15 percent of Kodiaq sales, diversifying the fluctuate of buyership across a total lot of mannequin grades.

There’s no doubting the BYD Shark 6’s recognition. For a brand contemporary, niche, poke-in hybrid single variant offering it’s selling strongly, averaging 1500 gadgets each month in Australia.

Nonetheless the emblem isn’t going to relaxation on its laurels, vowing to expand the Shark 6’s allure, with a Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota Hilux GR Sport rival likely: meet the ‘Tigershark 6’.

There’s no confirmation on a name yet, pointless to claim, nonetheless BYD Australia and Fresh Zealand chief operating officer Stephen Collins knowledgeable Chasing Autos he takes a scrutinize “at other alternatives” for the Shark 6.

“We clearly trust one grade which is selling 1500 a month, so it’s doing effectively, nonetheless we’re effectively aware that, down decrease in, in extra of the speedily dwelling and even up elevated, there’s other alternatives,” hinted Collins.

A speedily-oriented cab-chassis model of the Shark 6 is widely expected, nonetheless Collins hinting at alternatives up the scale caught our scrutinize.

With support of digital artist Theottle, we’ve introduced a hardcore Shark 6 to life. Carrying the contemporary Outback Orange paint colour, it functions a tweaked decrease front bumper part incorporating red recovery hooks, steel underbody security and low-mount LED lights.

It sits taller, with roughly a 40mm lift thru a combination of budge-taller coil springs for its impartial suspension and higher diameter BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres on unlit 17-budge alloys.

On the rear, there’s a silver garnish on the decrease bumper part and cheeky ‘Tigershark 6’ badge on the support delineating this from the common ute.

It is what is going to be below that would possibly per chance trust the adaptation to the Shark 6, which is at the moment a 325kW, all-wheel drive ute with 100km of electrical-handiest vary. It lacks locking diffs and finessed drive modes for rock crawling.

The incoming Denza B5 and B8 spend a extra hardcore model of the Shark 6’s powertrain, and are constructed alongside the ute in China. A actually perfect enhance, surely.

Based entirely mostly around the equivalent 1.5-litre turbo-petrol combustion engine, the Denza B5’s twin-motor system outputs 505kW and 760Nm whereas incorporating a locking rear differential, low-vary through a two-velocity rear axle, eight drive modes and simulated centre differential lock.

This powertrain would rob the Shark 6’s skill to the subsequent level.

The extra utter, and likely elevated body stress below, would possibly per chance per chance per chance well also elevate the Shark 6’s towing restrict from 2500kg to 3500kg as effectively, something BYD is investigating.

Pricing would possibly per chance per chance per chance well be someplace north of the present ute, which is $57,900 sooner than on-avenue costs. We’d query someplace around $75,000 if this hardcore, ‘Tigershark 6’, involves fruition.

Mazda has confirmed the 6 sedan will return to Australian shores in mid-2026 as an all-electrical proposition.

Constructed beneath a collaboration with Changan Car, the ‘6e’ destined for Australia will be rear-wheel-power, barely than entrance, powered by a single 190kW motor.

It’s anticipated to compete with the likes of the Tesla Mannequin 3, BYD Seal and Hyundai Ioniq 6 when it by some means lands in Australia, presumably with loads of variants.

It comes after Chasing Autos snapped a prototype of the 6e on Aussie roads amid its decent evaluation route of.

A 78kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery sits under the bottom, which Mazda claims would possibly per chance also be recharged from 30 to 80 p.c in as little as 15 minutes.

Pricing is anticipated to initiate spherical $55,000 earlier than on-motorway expenses here in Australia, even supposing it’s yet to be confirmed which grade this applies to.

Chasing Autos lately had the replacement to leap in an early left-hand-power prototype of the 6e, which chances are high you’ll per chance take a look at out above.

Chery has been making headlines this week as breaking files emerges from its Worldwide Client Summit, held in Wuhu, China. However what files must accrued Australian readers be bearing in mind? We’ve trimmed the tubby from Chery’s expo to give you with the critical facts.

First are three new autos and an all-new powertrain from Chery luxurious sub-mark Omoda. Within the intervening time, these are unconfirmed for Australia, but they haven’t been dominated out for introduction, either.

Starting with the Omoda 4, a diminutive SUV with futuristic styling which Chery calls “Cyber Mecha”. It evolves upon the Omoda 3 belief automobile, published earlier this one year at the Shanghai Auto Display cowl.

The Omoda 4 rather resembles a shrunken Lamborghini Urus, with a two-tone roof, vigorous body traces, and slim LED headlights.

Theory photography of the within demonstrate what looks to be a 10.25-shuffle digital instrument cluster borrowed from the Chery Tiggo 4, and a portrait-oriented infotainment cowl which looks to be the 14.8-shuffle unit from the Jaecoo J7.

Mighty just like the at this time detailed Jaecoo J5, the Omoda 4 will reportedly supply three powertrains, combustion, hybrid and BEV, on a strictly entrance-pushed platform.

Next up is the Omoda 7, which first debuted because the Omoda C7 in Shanghai. It looks to be a midsize SUV, with identical dimensions to the Jaecoo J8, and styling ‘impressed’ by the Honda HR-V. Old experiences counsel that the C7 will exhaust Chery’s ‘Provocative Hybrid’ wander-in machine.

Chery’s seven-seater ‘multi-SUV’ is subsequent, no longer to be at a loss for phrases with the at this time launched Deepal E07 ‘multi-truck’. A welcome surprise, this sizable, boxy SUV from Chery has a dimension of 4.9-metres. That makes it identical in dimension and appearance to the LDV D90, till it performs its occasion trick.

The Chery Multi Truck debuts a removable roof fixture, which transforms the vehicle from a sizable, seven-seat SUV precise into a dual-cab ute with a 600-litre bathtub tray. The bathtub has four tie-down aspects and movable dividers for transporting awkward objects.

One other configuration is “camper mode”, which is designed to work with an array of equipment including facet awnings, pop-up roof tents, and an exterior V2L wander.

Chery says the multi-SUV has six irregular configurations — handiest three were detailed to this level.

Onto Chery’s all new powertrain, with the debut of the subsequent-generation Omoda 5. This mid-dimension SUV ingredients a brand new plugless sequence parallel hybrid, various to the machine considered within the Chery Tiggo 4.

Chery Omoda calls its new powertrain ‘SHS-H’, presumably which way ‘Provocative Hybrid Machine Hybrid’. The machine produces a mixed output of 165kW, and a mixed driving differ of 1000km (WLTP).

A sportier version of the aforementioned Omoda 4, identified because the Omoda 4 Ultra, will moreover feature a ‘SHS-H’ sequence parallel hybrid. It beneficial properties a stark rear spoiler, bigger 19-shuffle alloy wheels, and optionally accessible yellow paint over the but to be launched Omoda 4.

Last off the list is Chery’s intriguing new battery skills for electric autos. Developed in-home by Chery, the new tech is a stable instruct battery with a claimed cell vitality density of 600 Wh/kg. For context, original Tesla EV batteries comprise a cell vitality density of round 272-296 Wh/kg.

Chery’s stable instruct battery is accrued a prototype, nonetheless, the Chinese-essentially based firm says it will be fit to subsequent-generation EVs by as early as 2026. In belief, these batteries comprise the functionality to originate a mixed driving differ between 1000 and 1500km.

Chasing Vehicles is infected to spy Omoda-Jaecoo’s local product rollout for 2026 following the above files highlights.

A third-generation Mazda CX-5 will be released in 2026, bringing the supreme changes but between generations since the nameplate debuted in 2012.

So, what’s altering … and what’s staying the identical?

Chasing Autos presents a closer behold to benefit prospective CX-5 patrons select whether or now to no longer pass to showrooms now for the present model or look forward to the modern model that’s aloof a number of twelve months away — due within the second half of 2026.

Exterior changes

Some distinguished changes to the skin are visibly longer rear doorways (and wider C-pillars), which will score entry to what Mazda says will be a roomier rear seat. The present CX-5’s lend a hand seat condo is believed to be moderate for the medium-SUV segment.

Mazda’s extra upmarket midsize SUV, the CX-60 looks to be like to had been the inspiration to the profile of the CX-5, with a in actuality familiar silhouette and window form changing the scheme of present CX-5.

The 2026 CX-5 brings modern-behold LED headlights, complemented by double-hockey-stick LED working lights, and the lower bumper looks to characteristic a pudgy-width intake.

On the rear, Mazda has replaced the Eastern tag’s typical tag badge for the first time with MAZDA lettering — following one thing of an enterprise model.

Whereas the profile of the automobile could well take inspiration from the CX-60, the rear tail-mild build borrows from that of Mazda’s elevated SUVs, the CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90. The CX-5 does luxuriate in its possess lag on its rear smash, with a black lower bumper, visible tailpipes, and additional of a bell-form silhouette.

Dimensions

In the second half of 2026, we can peek the CX-5 grow from 4575mm to 4690mm, making it one of many longer vehicles in its class. It beneficial properties 15mm in width, rising from 1845mm to 1860mm, and the wheelbase also extends from 2700mm to 2815mm.

The latter dimension alternate is in particular relevant to Mazda’s declare of elevated rear-seat condo.

Interior and Cabin

The within is where we’re seeing a quantity of alternate, which is thrilling. From what grow to be moderately a straightforward and unfussy cabin, we’re seeing powerful the identical, nonetheless with a extra upscale and fresh behold to slot in with what’s extra frequent in automobile interiors on the present time.

The 10.25-dash infotainment camouflage is getting a magnificent considerable upgrade in size to 15.6 inches, making it Mazda’s greatest infotainment camouflage to this point and is trip by Google Built In connectivity.

We could well additionally teach goodbye to the half-digital, half-analog drivers cluster, and teach hi there to a fully digital driver camouflage.

With two, two-tone interior trims, an added sophistication is camouflage — long gone is the dreary black and darkish interior that is currently accessible. A alternative of a rich tan leather and black neat is one choice shown, the diversified, a black and off-white leatherette upholstery. The MAZDA lettering is echoed on the steering wheel, changing the badge tag.

We also peek the identical old centre console lid disappear, and a destroy up lid has been added, alongside with a sloped smartphone charging tray.

Basically the most distinguished characteristic to disappear, the rotary dial/joystick – and we’ve heard you within the comments, you’re no longer happy about it. Whereas they’re no longer very frequent in vehicles on the present time, we score it, they’re incredibly intuitive and simple to use while on the proceed.

As talked about, the CX-5 has received longer rear doorways, that alongside with their already superbly extensive opening, it is far a recipe of ease for all of us with diminutive ones. Not appropriate getting them out and in, nonetheless for the installation of child seats.

Extra certain additions to the rear are the claims of additional condo, making what grow to be an reputation reserved for children with its lack of leg room, now a condo for adults as effectively. There will also be a recline characteristic (with any luck on all units) for the rear seats, and the addition for a upright panoramic sunroof will be a welcome characteristic.

Boot condo and practicality

Mazda are but to substantiate how powerful potential is received within the boot precisely, nonetheless 5cm of additional length has been promised – a magnificent considerable upgrade, because the boot grow to be one of many smallest in its segment.

The modern CX-5 will also receive an adjusted loading height, it will maybe well well even be reduced by 18mm, which will be powerful more straightforward for hauling cargo. And certain, Mazda luxuriate in saved the 40:20:40 destroy up of the rear seats, which is a characteristic we’re happy they didn’t take away.

Powertrain

When the third-generation CX-5 is released in 2026, it will maybe well well unfortunately easiest reach in with one powertrain — no longer lower than in the initiating build. Gone are the present model’s 2.5-litre turbo petrol choice and nasty model 2.0-litre engine leaving easiest be the Skyactiv G 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with Mazda hinting that easiest all-wheel pressure will be an choice to proceed with it again.

Whereas a hybrid engine will change into accessible, it won’t be till 2027, and for Australians, they could well want to wait till 2028 to trip the modern Skyactiv Z hybrid.

Will these changes add or detract from Mazda’s greatest selling SUV, will it benefit to scheme the CX-5 extra current than the Toyota RAV4?

Toyota Australia has confirmed this is able to perchance perchance enhance the performance of the 2026 GR Corolla “when riding at its limits” by bettering engine cooling and rising total tension.

The changes come as a results of the GR Corolla’s in depth motorsports involvements, particularly Japan’s Gigantic Taikyu racing Series.

It’s expected these tweaks will raise the associated price of the MY26 GR Corolla, which currently begins at $67,990 for the ‘GTS’ six-velocity manual, and tops at $70,490 for the ‘GTS’ eight-velocity automatic. Both costs are before on-motorway charges.

Toyota says pricing of its revised GR Corolla will be confirmed nearer to the model’s 2026 debut. Request a place amplify of around $4500, the similar outlay because the fresh ‘Aero Performance Kit’ supplied on GTS GR Yaris items.

This would point out a beginning place of $72,490 for the GR Corolla manual, nudging the model a pair of immense above the $70,990 Volkswagen Golf R, a pair of immense below the $79,900 Honda Civic Kind R, and almost $20,000 above the everyday Hyundai i30 N, which begins from $52,000.

Prices confirmed are before on-motorway charges.

With out reference to the improvements to engine cooling, peak energy output for the GR Corolla will reside at 221kW/400Nm, produced by a runt but mighty 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine. All GR Corolla items are full-time all-wheel drive with twin small-tear differentials.

The fresh cool-air engine cooling duct added to the 2026 GR Corolla is designed to initiate at excessive RPM. A duct all the tactic during the secondary intake opens to plot cool outdoors air during the front grille to decrease intake temperatures, thus rising engine efficiency and cooling.

The MY26 GR Corolla will also offer a more in-depth connection between vehicle and driver, says Toyota. That’s because of a 74-percent amplify in structural adhesive, with a explicit focal level on the Corolla’s underbody and rear wheel wells to take care of excessive G-forces.

Throughout the cabin, Toyota has added an additional subwoofer to the similar outdated-geared up JBL sound system, now nine audio system, as neatly as tweaks to the cabin ‘Energetic Noise Control’ aiming to create the cabin quiet or loud per riding trend.

Additionally, Toyota has debuted a brand fresh ‘Energetic Sound Control’ system, which augments engine sound during the cabin reckoning on riding trend and throttle input. Three sound profiles will seemingly be found as allotment of the fresh system, accessible during the drive mode selector.

The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla will be accessible to repeat early next year. Up to this level pricing is yet to be confirmed.

Toyota Motor Corporation has at last shown the contemporary Land Cruiser FJ, a shrunken model of its iconic nameplate.

The worthy-anticipated Land Cruiser FJ — veritably regularly known as the Mini LandCruiser — has been scorching property on-line. But Toyota Australia acknowledged the contemporary mannequin isn’t in its plans.

“Toyota Australia continuously explores alternatives to adapt our automobile line up, nonetheless we don’t desire any most modern plans to introduce the Mini LandCruiser to our market,” a spokesperson instructed Chasing Autos.

Measuring 4575mm long (at the side of spare tyre), 1875mm broad, 1960mm elephantine, the Land Cruiser FJ is relating to the same dimension as a RAV4 medium SUV, making it greater than a Suzuki Jimny or Renault Duster.

As predicted, the Land Cruiser FJ makes relate of Toyota’s IMV ladder frame chassis from the Hilux Champ offered in creating markets. Toyota says extra bracing and greater physique rigidity will lend the five-door, five-seat Land Cruiser FJ unbelievable ability.

Toyota claims the Land Cruiser FJ matches the 70 Sequence in the case of wheel articulation — so it’s a ways going to be a capable mountain goat.

With a 2580mm wheelbase (270mm shorter than Prado), the Land Cruiser FJ will change into the contemporary entry level into the long-lasting nameplate, below 250 Sequence, fat-dimension 300 Sequence and rough-and-tumble 70 Sequence.

Putrid news is that the contemporary automobile makes relate of the ‘2TR-FE’ 2.7-litre inline-four petrol engine, producing a measly 120kW and 246Nm — a a lot advise from even Prado’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel that makes 150kW and 500Nm.

This petrol-handiest offering (as a minimum on-show veil) is one of many key aspects that might possibly quit the Land Cruiser FJ selling in Australia. With a combination of stricter emissions standards and a treasure of towing, both a diesel or petrol-electric would be wanted to resonate with Australians.

One line in Toyota’s press liberate indicates a more ambiance pleasant Land Cruiser FJ, treasure the 300 Sequence hybrid, might possibly neatly be a future addition: “the Land Cruiser will continue to adapt to meet societal calls for”.

Quiet, off-boulevard ability appears to be like to be correct with portion-time, selectable four wheel drive (treasure a Hilux ute) within the Land Cruiser FJ hooked up to a six-velocity computerized transmission.

There’s not any mention of a low-fluctuate switch case in Toyota’s press provides, nonetheless photos show off an ‘L4’ mode, plus buttons to lock the rear differential and have interaction hill descent help a watch on.

Toyota claims the Land Cruiser FJ has passed by “broad off-boulevard sorting out”, all the procedure by which the corporate found out “aspects for enchancment to be obvious steady Land Cruiser-ness ― reliability, durability, and off-boulevard efficiency.”

Of all aspects, the Land Cruiser FJ’s styling has caught the most consideration. The compact, rugged and boxy four wheel drive comes with both crisp, horizontal LED headlights or retro round objects — lawful treasure Prado.

No longer everyone appears to be like to be convinced by the appears to be like to be, nonetheless, with a elephantine yet slim physique looking out a shrimp bit awkward from some angles.

The entrance and rear bumpers are segmented for easy elimination of individual parts — helpful if they’re damaged within the twin carriageway of responsibility.

Because the Land Cruiser FJ is smaller than your fashioned Toyota four wheel drive, consideration has been paid to exterior storage, at the side of ‘MOLLE’ panels to which homeowners can connect tools, such as shovels, lights, or extra cargo.

Interior, the cabin layout is equivalent to the Prado with a draw-identical steering wheel and digital instruments. An unlimited touchscreen sits within the centre as the predominant impart centre, and there’s a low beltline to help visibility.

No notice on pricing yet, but given the Land Cruiser Prado starts at $72,500, a petroleum-engined Land Cruiser FJ would ought to be pitched below $60K in Australia, if it comes here.

Even supposing the Land Cruiser FJ  is no longer confirmed for our market, Toyota Australia previously took the niche Prado-primarily based utterly mostly FJ Cruiser and has trademarked the Land Cruiser FJ nameplate domestically, so the tune might possibly alternate one day.

One other clue is the ARB — an Australian off-boulevard tools manufacturer — bashplate shown in one of Toyota’s photos

Fat facts, at the side of gas efficiency, baggage skill and pricing, will be confirmed at this month’s Tokyo Mobility Demonstrate, which Chasing Autos will be attending.