Celine Nolan

Mazda Australia is finalising a industrial case to launch the 6e electric sedan within the neighborhood, following a successful push from Mazda UK to stable lawful-hand-drive (RHD) manufacturing acclaim for the Chinese-built Tesla Mannequin 3 rival.

Mazda UK is also understood to be lobbying for RHD manufacturing of the closely connected CX-6e electric midsize SUV—a Tesla Mannequin Y-sized crossover that points prominently on Mazda Australia’s local favor list.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi acknowledged the impress had been slack to ship mainstream EVs to Australia, nonetheless acknowledged it recognises that “six or seven percent” of local traders are genuinely procuring battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with the re-elected Albanese govt signalling BEVs would possibly perchance perchance also fabricate up an even bigger share of future gross sales.

“With the RHD Mazda 6e being confirmed, we maintain to make a selection up our skates on and make the fitting industrial case,” Bhindi advised media.

“[It isn’t] a performed deal, nonetheless the manner we scrutinize at it is that Mazda Australia offers the [greatest] amount of objects – as many as we can – whilst you scrutinize on the worldwide portfolio and we don’t are searching to desert that technique.

“Secondly, with the Modern Vehicle Effectivity Long-established [laws now in effect], if the govt. is admittedly definite to lower our carbon footprint from Australia, I will handiest quiz they are able to journey stronger and tougher towards BEVs…so Mazda will provide that, if we can.”

Whereas the 6e sedan is the closer of the two vehicles to local affirmation, the CX-6e is following closely within the help of. Each and each EVs are expected to be priced to generate sufficient volume to positively affect Mazda’s Australian fast reasonable emissions below NVES.

“We all favor [the CX-6e], so if it becomes on hand, we would possibly perchance well be soliciting for it,” acknowledged Mazda Australia national manager of product and industrial technique Daniel Wakelam. “The industrial case [for CX-6e] will likely be a microscopic simpler. On legend of it’s a medium SUV, it is dazzling easy.”

Mazda 6e electric sedan expected to land in Australia first

Co-developed with Chinese three device partnership accomplice Changan, the 6e was once published in April 2024 and confirmed for European gross sales—including RHD manufacturing for the UK—in early 2025. Measuring 4921mm long and 1890mm wide, the fastback-model sedan is around 50mm longer, 50mm wider and 40mm taller than the outgoing petrol-powered Mazda 6.

Essentially based mostly entirely on Changan’s EVA1 platform, which also underpins Deepal vehicles, the Mazda 6e is rear-wheel drive, with outputs of 180kW and 320Nm. Two batteries are on hand globally: a 66.0kWh (usable) lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack rated for 479km vary, and a 75.0kWh (usable) nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) unit claiming 552km of WLTP vary.

Each and each batteries fortify 11kW AC charging, nonetheless a essential quirk is that the smaller LFP pack enables vastly faster DC charging – promising 200kW peak and 126kW reasonable from 10–80 percent in 23 minutes.

By comparison, the NMC battery is proscribed to a 95kW peak (averaging 70kW over the identical window), ensuing in a long 47-minute cost time.

The 6e offers gloomy or tan interiors, with points including a 14.6-jog touchscreen, 14-speaker Sony sound machine, 50-jog augmented actuality head-up order, and nil-gravity front seats.

Boot condo measures 330 litres, supplemented by a 70-litre frunk. A liftback structure has been published, with no wagon variant confirmed at this stage.

To boot to the two BEV variants, a petrol-electric vary extender model of the 6e is also equipped in China. It pairs a 70kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine performing as a generator with both an 18.9kWh or 28.4kWh battery, delivering 105km or 160km of EV vary and greater than 1000km of blended driving vary.

Bhindi confirmed that handiest the BEV variations of the 6e are integrated in Mazda Australia’s most popular industrial case, though the local distributor would possibly perchance perchance also “doubtlessly enlarge” the lineup to embrace the vary extender model if curiosity arises.

Mazda Australia EV industrial case to be submitted to Japan almost as we express

Mazda Australia’s product boss Daniel Wakelam equipped Chasing Autos with further detail on the industrial case assignment for the 6e.

“Right here’s a terribly distorted segment on legend of Tesla Mannequin 3 [sales] are hugely distorting it. Which will likely be a special case. We’re no longer going to [sell] 25,000 6es, like they [sell Model 3s],” acknowledged Wakelam.

“To select up the[6e] program proper by the toll road with Japan, now we maintain to attain up with a industrial case. That’s what we place to them—we can sell this many vehicles, and fabricate this extraordinary profit.”

Tesla delivered 17,094 Mannequin 3 sedans in Australia in 2024, when in contrast with 15,401 Toyota Camrys and appropriate 1354 Mazda 6s, which is now discontinued. Other essential ends within the segment integrated two BEVs: the BYD Seal (6393) and BMW i4 (2062).

“The UK are determined for the [6e] so that they did the heavy lifting,” Wakelam published. “They got the [RHD] advertising strategy licensed. As soon as RHD is on hand, it makes it simpler [to bring it to Australia].

“EVs are also simpler than ICE vehicles on legend of there isn’t very any longer any emissions test that must be performed. It brings the associated price down, and device there would possibly perchance be much less uncommon investment for [ADR] compliance than what one other vehicles would maintain.”

CX-6e SUV likely to put collectively Mazda 6e to Australia

Unveiled on the 2025 Shanghai motor express their own praises and badged EZ-60 in China, the CX-6e is a midsize SUV sibling to the 6e. Its crossover body model is likely to generate stronger volume in Australia and Europe. Whereas RHD manufacturing has no longer but been confirmed, there are usually no longer any known technical impediments to building the CX-6e in lawful-hand drive.

Measuring 4850mm, the CX-6e would take a seat above the CX-5 and CX-60 in Mazda Australia’s SUV vary. Globally, this can back as Mazda’s core electric SUV whereas the firm works on its in-condo EV architecture, with unique objects expected to emerge from 2028 onwards. Until then, Changan-developed objects will act as a transitional EV offering.

The CX-6e’s exterior and interior bear are idea to be a half-technology ahead of the 6e, showcasing what Mazda calls “next-technology Kodo bear”. Form highlights embrace LED perimeter lighting around the grille, a coupe-model roofline, and a 26-jog split-show masks order that enables separate use by the motive force and front passenger.

Other tech points embrace a 3D digital heads-up order, 23-speaker stereo with headrest-mounted speakers, and digital facet mirrors.

The Shanghai debut of the CX-6e focussed on a vary extender model, combining a 1.5-litre engine with a 31.7kWh battery to ship a claimed 128km of electric-handiest vary and greater than 1000km of full vary. Blended outputs are rated at 190kW.

As with the 6e, it’s likely UK product planners will lead the push for RHD manufacturing of the CX-6e. Whereas full necessary points of the BEV model remain below wraps, it is expected to use the identical LFP and NMC batteries because the 6e, paired to both 160kW or 175kW motors.

WLTP vary estimates are tipped to fall between 400 and 500km.

Wakelam agreed the UK was once likely to already be advocating for RHD manufacturing of the CX-6e, and advised the SUV would possibly perchance perchance also land in Australia at a more affordable designate than the 6e because of larger expected volume—delivering a more mountainous affect on Mazda’s fast emissions reasonable below NVES.

“The price structure is more difficult on legend of we’re in a partnership with one other impress [Changan]. They’re on a the same platform anyway, the imperfect automobile would possibly perchance perchance also very successfully be very the same, the batteries are the identical, the motors are doubtlessly the identical—it is mostly the sheetmetal that is uncommon,” Wakelam acknowledged.

Thanks for becoming a member of us this Thursday, Can even just Twenty second, 2025. Particularly in automotive info on the present time: Tesla CEO Elon Musk commits to 5 extra years on the helm, and Toyota CEO declares that automobiles that aren’t fun, aren’t to be concept of automobiles at all!

Browse this effect:

• Elon Musk locks in 5 extra years as Tesla CEO
• Toyota CEO declares “fun automobiles” crucial
• Ford provides ‘Gloomy Edition’ to Everest fluctuate
• New Nissan Micra no likelihood for Australia
• …
• 2025 Mini JCW: total fluctuate reviewed!

Elon Musk locks in 5 extra years as Tesla CEO

• Tesla’s controversial CEO Elon Musk has committed to at least 5 extra years on the helm of the company amid a world gross sales hotfoot, largely blamed on impacts of his involvement in US and world politics.
• Talking on the Qatar Financial Discussion board, Musk denied most modern experiences that the Tesla board changed into once taking a undercover agent to oust him from the role and mentioned the company changed into once already turning its fortunes around.

• Musk reiterated his design to utilize much less time dabbling in geopolitics and extra time at Tesla and SpaceX, answering “yes” when asked if he deliberate to raise on because the CEO of the primitive for at least the next 5 years.
• Whereas Tesla gross sales proceed to poke around the enviornment, Musk pointed to a rebound in Tesla’s inventory rate as his measure of overall success.
• It follows most modern strikes by Tesla, similar to its AI tasks and unique self-riding Robotaxi, that it guarantees will provide substantial commercial positive aspects for shoppers one day.

Toyota CEO declares “fun automobiles’ crucial

• Talking on the originate of the sixth-abilities Toyota RAV4, company CEO Koji Sato has declared that “a automotive is no longer a automotive if it’s no longer fun”.
• It’s an announcement harking motivate to the “no extra dumb automobiles” quote from Toyota chairman and primitive CEO Akio Toyoda motivate in 2017, which many show cloak as a step swap within the philosophy of its automotive lineup, that turned vastly extra fun to force as unique generations arrived.

• Sato mentioned the famously conservative manufacturer “can now no longer sell automobiles factual with model updates, a minute bit better gas effectivity, or unique designs”, adding, “unless that very same ardour [as sports cars] would be show cloak in varied forms of automobiles, we won’t be ready to attain customers”.
• Sato mentioned it changed into once vital to instil this philosophy into unique participants of the Toyota team, and, by making the assertion publicly, the CEO gave the look to be sending this message to the emblem’s right followers as effectively.

Ford provides ‘Gloomy Edition’ to Everest fluctuate

• Following on from the Ranger Gloomy Edition launched closing year, the Everest has gained its hold styling and value-targeted grade, with the indispensable batch of the final 750 objects promised for Australia space to attain in July.
• In response to the mid-spec Pattern 4 wheel force with the dual-turbo four-cylinder engine choice, the Gloomy Edition affords the expected suite of dusky exterior touches, along with 18-creep alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain as an different of dual carriageway terrain rubber.

• Alongside with the same old towing programs, shoppers could additionally additionally decide for the Top charge Seat pack that lifts the normal spec to encompass extra adjustable seating along with heated/ventilated seats for an extra $1200 on top of the depraved $69,000 rate.
• It’s the most modern unique grade to be a half of the Everest lineup following the Wildtrak and Tremor, with the folk on the Blue Oval greater than eager to double down on its most modern gross sales success of the wagon and in sympathy of the manufacturing wind-down of RWD variations.

Nissan Micra no likelihood for Australia

• Nissan Australia has confirmed that the currently unveiled, all-electric Micra hatch will no longer be coming to Australia and could just calm as an different be targeted at Europe.
• Pitched as a reasonably extra premium different to the Renault 5 on which it’s basically based, the Micra can be gunning for just among the most modern gross sales success loved by its French sibling, which has been praised for its affordability, ethical looks and dapper possess.

• The Micra is offered with both a 40kWh and 52kWh battery, offering ranges of 308km and 407km, respectively. A charging charge of 100kW is slack by replace requirements, however the Micra can calm recharge from 15-80 p.c in 30 minutes.
• The Micra has been on hiatus for the closing two years, but Nissan discontinued the hatch within the neighborhood in 2016, because it shifted focal point in opposition to SUVs, utes and sports actions automobiles.

2025 Mini JCW fluctuate reviewed

• Chasing Vehicles contributor Iain Curry executed an total fluctuate evaluation of the freshest JCW (aka John Cooper Works) variations of the recent Mini lineup.
• Riding the Countryman and Aceman SUVs, along with the petrol/electric three-door Hatch and petrol Convertible, Iain praised the depth of abilities all the scheme in which via your total fluctuate.

• The unique all-electric Aceman shone with its eager handling and prankish dynamics, but changed into once held motivate by its fire scramble; while the Countryman changed into once substantial to force, even supposing the added heft turned obvious within the company of the remainder of the Mini JCW household.
• Whereas now no longer obtainable with a handbook transmission, Curry mentioned the three-door petrol Hatch changed into once calm the purest and most luscious JCW experience.

READ: Link to written evaluation

WATCH: Link to YouTube video

The next effect of Vehicle News This day can be published on Friday, twenty third Can even just at 4.30pm Sydney time.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 will purpose keener drivers next year with a recent GR Sport flagship that combines a 227kW glide-in hybrid drivetrain and an upgraded chassis over popular versions of the favored midsized SUV.

Toyota’s next-expertise RAV4 will supply more from the GR Sport badge that to this point bear generally represented sporty styling only.

The RAV4 GR Sport will portion a 227kW glide-in hybrid drivetrain with other all-wheel-drive PHEV variants within the vary, though Toyota engineers bear space out to make it a more dynamic drive.

Suspension changes consist of what Toyota calls a “higher performance damper construct”, a stiffer rear suspension brace, 20mm-wider tracks, and commonplace retuning for enhanced facing over popular RAV4s.

The steering calibration has furthermore been revised, while the GR Sport adopts “lightweight” 20-move alloy wheels wrapped in Toyo Proxes Sport performance tyres.

A Y-spoke rim construct is one of diverse abnormal styling parts for the RAV4 flagship. Other determined-in-vary parts consist of front and rear spoilers, a bigger mesh grille in murky, murky surrounds for the aspect vents and DRLs, and an all-murky lower rear bumper.

Official photographs feature the GR Sport in crimson physique coloration with contrasting murky roof.

GR Sport trademarks are utilized front and rear, to boot as internal. The cabin furthermore parts crimson accents, sports seats, suede and synthetic leather upholstering with crimson stitching, console kneepads, and alloy sports pedals.

The RAV4 GR Sport could be powered by one of the best-output glide-in hybrid drivetrain that supplies 227kW when in contrast with 201kW for the more cheap, 2WD RAV4 PHEV devices.

The drivetrain combines a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery with a 150kW front electric motor and a pair of.5-litre petrol engine. Toyota quotes 5.8 seconds for the 0-100km/h move.

That energy output isn’t a ways off the 235kW of the now-discontinued Volkswagen Tiguan R and better than the 195kW of the Skoda Kodiaq RS.

It furthermore exceeds the 152kW and 172kW of two sporty-spec opponents, the Honda CR-V e-HEV RS and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N-Line, respectively.

These devices price within the low-$60K-driveaway bracket, though the RAV4 GR Sport could perchance well with out anxiety be priced nearer to $70,000. The most modern RAV4 vary-topper, the Edge, already charges about $63,600 drive-away and pricing for the recent model is anticipated to upward push.

For more necessary parts on the total 2026 Toyota RAV4, read our separate epic.

The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 will debut the imprint’s first poke-in hybrid powertrain in Australia within the first half of of 2026.

Toyota confirmed the PHEV as section of the worldwide unveiling of the most contemporary RAV4, one of the enviornment’s ideal nameplates that has sold better than half of a million items in Australia by myself since 1994.

PHEVs target 100km EV vary

Walk-in variations combine a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery with a 150kW entrance electric motor and a pair of.5-litre petrol engine.

Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models will most likely be provided, with 201kW mixed vitality for the popular (most more affordable PHEV) and 227kW for the latter that helps give the AWD a quoted 0-100km/h time of 5.8 seconds.

Toyota says it is focusing on a 100km WLTP electric vary for the RAV4 PHEV.

DC hasty-charging will permit for the battery to be topped up from 10 to 80 per cent in half-hour by skill of a 50kW onboard charger, or 11kW AC charging for replenishing the battery in about three hours.

It’s too early for official fuel consumption figures. Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV is rated at 1.5 litres per 100km, while but any other pure rival – the BYD Sealion 6 – is lower at 1.1L/100km.

Fashioned hybrid continues – but with less vitality

The most more affordable RAV4s will proceed with current, non-rechargeable petrol-electric drivetrains as historic by the most contemporary model.

They’ll once more be on hand in 2WD and AWD kinds, both with 143kW outputs – which plan less vitality than the most contemporary model that produces 160kW (2WD) and 163kW (AWD).

Toyota says it has improved efficiency for a total lot of indispensable parts of the hybrid machine, at the side of the battery and electric motors.

Improved infotainment

Toyota has apparently aimed to take care of one of the ideal criticisms of the most contemporary RAV4 (and most other Toyotas) with a critical multimedia overhaul.

Backed by a “quicker and further compact” running machine platform called Arene that can be application-updated over the air, the unusual infotainment set-up beneficial properties a elevated-resolution level to, configurable residence internet page, and enhanced allege administration.

Unusual or improved energetic security

The 2026 RAV4 positive aspects entrance sinful-site traffic alert to abet support away from collisions at intersections, and the blind-set video display has been tailored to warn of most likely rear-close impacts from “all without lengthen impending vehicles from within the encourage of”.

Self sustaining lane-altering has been added to the radar cruise and lane-imprint again technology aggregate, the pre-collision machine has been enhanced, and a 3D panoramic leer video display is designed to realize parking less difficult.

GR Sport flagship

Toyota will proceed its roll-out of its GR Sport badge with a weird vary-topping RAV4.

Whereas models such because the now not too long ago launched Corolla Immoral GR Sport are sportier in invent pretty than efficiency, Toyota has made a total lot of changes for the flagship 2026 RAV4.

In contrast with current variations, the RAV4 GR Sport has been given stiffer suspension with elevated-efficiency damping, lightweight 20-bolt alloy wheels, 20mm-wider axle tracks, and retuned guidance for extra dynamic using. There are also entrance and rear spoilers.

GR Sport aesthetics are applied internal and outside, with official photography indicating a distinction shaded roof.

The RAV4 GR Sport will most likely be powered exclusively by the AWD poke-in hybrid drivetrain.

Australian pricing and further indispensable sides on the 2026 Toyota RAV4 vary will most likely be launched nearer to the midsized SUV’s birth.