Car technology

Whereas Toyota Australia has no longer confirmed we will seemingly be getting the 2026 LandCruiser FJ, it’s loyal to bellow the quiz is there for a smaller, more within your ability four-wheel power with loyal off-toll road capabilities. Not everyone desires or desires a corpulent-size Tundra at the tip of the day.

When the distinctive FJ Cruiser launched in Australia abet in 2011, it moreover bought out of the ordinary hype. Sadly, this used to be in an period when diesel-powered 4x4s had been gaining big standing in Australia, which implies the FJ Cruiser used to be loyal now polarising thanks to its petrol-simplest powertrain.

Whereas these nods to the past are cold for Toyota fanatics, on the varied facet of that coin, others merely didn’t gel with the appears to be of the retro FJ Cruiser. Combined with the perceived unfavorable blow of petrol strength simplest, and heaps disregarded what has confirmed to be a fun, sturdy and reliable 4×4 globally.

With essentially the most contemporary announcement of the fresh 2026 LandCruiser FJ, we belief it would possibly per chance well even be simplest fitting to sit down down down and review specifications on paper between these two off-roaders brooding about the amount of hype and ardour that surrounds it.

As soon as but again, folks are divided on what now we have seen to this level – but which one comes out on high when compared specs wise?

What non-public these two 4x4s fee?

This one is somewhat varied, as one automobile is now simplest offered on the extinct market, and one doesn’t exist but. But let’s race thru some scenarios to color a image.

When released in 2011, a brand fresh FJ Cruiser would fee $44,990 before on-roads. Taking into fable inflation, that figure would enlighten between $62,000- $68,000 at the moment. In 2025, that identical automobile on the extinct market costs roughly $24,000 to $31,500.

If we demand at the more tremendous 2013 and up objects, which have twin-gasoline tanks and CRAWL Regulate (works as off-toll road Cruise Regulate) usual, these began at $47,990 when fresh and now sell for between $31,000 and $42,000 on the extinct market.

That’s insanely intellectual resale worth, proving there would possibly be quiz for the FJ mark in Australia.

It’s anticipated the LandCruiser FJ would possibly per chance well be priced at approximately $60,000 if it lands on local soil in step with our most contemporary document. The closest logical competitor to this automobile, the Suzuki Jimny XL, begins at nearly $40,000 power-away.

Right here is simplest hypothesis, and essentially the most elementary recordsdata we would supply at the time of e-newsletter. But it indubitably’s sure that the fresh model will seemingly be more costly than the basic FJ Cruiser.

That’s a win for the extinct FJ Cruiser, then but again, as already talked about, the solid resale worth will simplest continue to climb.

Engines, drivetrains and 4×4 hardware

The 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 naturally aspirated engine camouflage within the FJ Cruiser is a solid reliable unit. Doubtlessly the most elementary loyal plan back to them is that they like a drink. Finances around 12-15L/100km of premium gasoline (or E10 in that case inclined) and also you’ll be on the money.

On the plus facet, 2013 objects and up reach with twin-gasoline-tanks totaling 159L gasoline capacity, you’ll be in a put to commute no longer lower than 1000-1200km with out refuelling (Editorial Display camouflage: I’ve examined this and made it 1250km before refuelling when stock – now modified and I dare no longer establish fable anymore).

Energy wise, later objects of the FJ Cruiser produced 200kW and 380Nm. All came with a 5-velocity automated transmission, and rear-wheel power when on-toll road with shift-on-the-flee 4×4 with low-vary reduction gearing in Australia.

Fun truth, the American market moreover bought the choice of a handbook transmission that extinct the corpulent-time 4×4 machine from the Prado. Why we didn’t receive corpulent-time 4×4 right here’s a mystery.

The fresh FJ LandCruiser is down on strength compared to the FJ Cruiser, coming in with 120kW and 246Nm. It moreover doesn’t consume a six-cylinder engine, which is traditionally camouflage in anything FJ.

What Toyota has within the starting up offered globally is their 2.7L four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with a six-velocity automated transmission. This has been around for a decade, and extinct within the neighborhood in entry level Toyota Hilux objects.

Whereas each and each are confirmed engines, the FJ Cruiser gets the win by manner of the engine and strength output. That 4.0L V6 has loads of insist, with many owners reporting hitting effectively over 500,000km with out inform.

Which FJ is more healthy off-toll road?

The FJ Cruiser is undoubtedly one of essentially the most succesful four-wheel drives to roll off the Toyota manufacturing line. With a shorter wheelbase than the Prado chassis it is fixed with, as well to excellent manner and departure angles, it used to be constructed for off-toll road adventure.

Then there’s the rear-selectable electronically activated differential lock and mighty traction establish a watch on machine called A-TRAC.

This indubitably operates like a front diff lock that doesn’t obstruct the driver’s steering in actuality feel or operation like a locked front diff does. Wise stuff certainly, that truly works within the particular world.

Neatly, the intellectual news is that abilities has trickled all the manner down to all contemporary Toyota 4x4s. All the pieces from the LandCruiser, to Hilux and Fortuner has what many would call class-main traction establish a watch on programs, which support ship strength to tyres with grip, and kill spinning tyres the consume of the auto’s braking machine.

First observations seek a rear differential lock suited to the LandCruiser FJ, as well to a low-vary transfer case, indicating this certainly will seemingly be a succesful off-roader.

Toyota says the LandCruiser FJ has the identical quantity of suspension commute as a Seventy nine Sequence LandCruiser, which is no longer the flex they think it is (pun absolutely meant). 70 Sequence ‘Cruisers have the suspension commute of a home brick.

With nimble dimensions, a lighter footprint and contemporary abilities though, there’s no motive to think it obtained’t sustain off-toll road. Let’s call this a tie between the two for fairness.

How loyal are the FJ Cruiser and LandCruiser FJ?

Whereas experiences from householders camouflage the FJ Cruiser is a solid automobile being indubitably an egg fashioned body, there’s no manner to match this. The FJ Cruiser used to be never examined at ANCAP, nor given an decent security ranking.

Security sides incorporated are sparse compared to contemporary vehicles, with simplest front-and-facet airbags. There’s indubitably nothing like lane preserving support or self driving, which brings a refreshing lack of beeps and bongs to the driving abilities on the flip facet.

The FJ Cruiser did receive Anti-Lock Brakes, Balance Regulate, Traction Regulate and Electronic Brake Power Distribution though, so it’s no longer a total dinosaur.

It’s a loyal bet to receive that the 2026 LandCruiser FJ would possibly per chance well be aiming to receive a 5-star ANCAP ranking, if it had been to be examined within the neighborhood. And would have some distance more security programs, and airbags.

In the decent press birth, Toyota mentions the LandCruiser FJ will receive their Security Sense energetic security equipment with functions akin to Pre-collision Security Machine.

The beginner gets the nod within the security department.

Closing verdict: which specification is simplest?

Right here’s a elaborate one to acknowledge as we will’t review the pair on equal ground, and eventually we’re excellent taking a have a look at specs, for now no longer lower than.

On one hand it’s big to stare a brand fresh, smaller four-wheel power enter the market with Toyota’s loyal off-toll road skill. Even when it’s no longer confirmed the least bit if Australia can even seek the component. But, it’s in actuality a scaled-down model of the FJ Cruiser. It’s the FJ Cruiser-lite whenever you are going to.

We non-public hope that Toyota Australia does carry the LandCruiser FJ to local markets, then but again, and particularly demand forward to seeing what our clear aftermarket change does to the platform.

Unless that second, it’s loyal to bellow the excessive resale worth the FJ Cruiser experiences is decided to loiter around. And for intellectual motive.

(Stout disclosure, the author owns a 2013 FJ Cruiser – but he used to be told to protect up his biased opinions to himself… he has tried).

FJ vs FJ at a opinion

As Mazda Motor Corporation continues to stunning-tune the dynamics and total calibration of its Chinese language-made, all-electrical Mazda 6e sedan in preparation for gross sales growth into extra markets (including Australia in Q2 2026), a European engineering supervisor has admitted that the emblem won’t repeat the error of speeding its products to market worship it did with its Colossal Product Group autos in 2022.

The manager model in quiz is Mazda’s famous CX-60 top rate-medium SUV, which has obtained two engineering revisions in two years – primarily the most comprehensive of which regarded in Might possibly well well additionally 2025, extra overhauling the suspension tune and tweaking drivetrain instrument – but the criticism also pertains to the robotically connected CX-90 top rate astronomical SUV, and its CX-70 5-seat twin.

Responding to a quiz about the rate of Chinese language automotive construction, Mazda Motor Europe’s senior supervisor product construction and engineering, Alexander Fritsche, mentioned that he feels that many producers were introducing autos to market sooner than they’re prepared, leaving many R&D free ends to be sorted once the autos are already with possibilities – and that involves some Mazdas.

“In China, they like got a astronomical pool of workers who can straight toughen if famous. Here is limited in Europe and Japan, and we like got to address the resources we like got. Additionally … the western kind or Japanese kind seems calm linked to very strategic and prolonged-term planning. The Chinese language act quicker on adjustments,” he mentioned.

Fritsche admitted that Mazda Motor Corporation is reconsidering how it would be extra dynamic and efficient in its automotive construction – “[there’s] a necessity worldwide to like our products snappy but correct in the market” – but now not at the expense of engineering quality and finesse, or indeed sturdiness.

“I deem in most novel years, this for me is the topic – what I’ve seen in lots of, many areas [with] all automotive makers is that the autos are too snappy [to] market, and the total sturdiness processes were reduced by many, many producers, so the leisure tuning is then achieved in the market.

“And right here’s fundamentally what Mazda never wanted. So I am hoping we can obtain a technique to like the staunch steadiness in future,” he mentioned, referencing automotive developments beyond the Colossal Product Group structure, as well to ongoing tuning of the Mazda 6e electrical sedan.

“Our historical past, in case you glimpse abet into the autos [of previous generations] we had fabulous products, neatly-engineered. Additionally the [pre-Covid] abilities, shrimp, very correct product. And then we like got some, let me impart, ‘snappy open’ with one product [the CX-60] – I admit that truly changed into now not 100 percent [when it launched],” mentioned Fritsche.

“We had also in Europe a couple of points with this automotive in the market [the plug-in hybrid CX-60], that the total resources available in Mazda primarily tried exhausting to transform. And now the automotive is, I deem, neatly achieved. Additionally the simpler automotive we like got also in Europe right here [the CX-80]. So there were plentiful, plentiful, plentiful learnings,” he mentioned.

The points Fritsche changed into relating to integrated refining the smoothness of the CX-60’s four-cylinder stagger-in-hybrid powertrain – the preliminary offering in Europe – which obtained take dangle of-adjust improvements for the eight-bustle auto in the 2025 update to fabricate “smoother and extra responsive combustion-engine-to-electrical-motor transitions and a noteworthy wider gear fluctuate for the staunch steadiness of nice riding dynamics and environmental efficiency.”

Yet inner sources like hinted that the eight-bustle auto’s tendency to every now and then thump gearchanges all the way in which through kickdown – namely when the whole lot is warm or sizzling – pertains to the negligible space between the transmission and its housing, so as the bushings warmth up and change into squidgier, it’s the sound of the 2 making contact that passengers can hear. And it would’t be fastened with out costly re-engineering – the instrument tweaking being merely a band-inspire answer.

“There were some assorted things going down about the drivetrains, where it changed into sophisticated to enforce measures swiftly as the capability came from the market to like the product in the market,” mentioned Fritsche. “So learnings were achieved, judge me.”

“There were heavy, heavy discussions and heavy consequences to discover particular [Mazda] products satisfy the customer from the principle one [delivered],” he mentioned.

Since launching in mid-2019, the Kia Seltos shrimp SUV has generated bigger than two million gross sales for the South Korean stamp — so the rigidity became on to salvage the second-technology crossover ethical.

Published to media earlier today, subsequent yr’s Seltos is a longer, broader and more sophisticated shrimp SUV that Kia global executives rating described as sitting at the core of the stamp’s future enlargement plans.

Novel K3 platform can even tranquil wait on Seltos plod and facing

The second-technology model is ‘majority-fresh’ barely than ‘all-fresh’. Beneath the skin, the Seltos adopts the Kia-Hyundai ‘K3’ platform that has previously ushered in improved riding dynamics for the most in sort Hyundai Kona and i30 Sedan fashions, plus the Kia K4 shrimp vehicle.

“Most of the worrying facets of the chassis and suspension had been [changed]. Some areas had been re-used, however it’s far a grand smaller allotment. The fresh Seltos has… grand improved plod and facing traits — force it and that it’s doubtless you’ll even in truth feel it,” said Kia head of global commercial planning Spencer Cho.

Rising self assurance within the maturity and refinement of the Seltos led to a resolution that the shrimp SUV would was a basically global model in second-technology invent.

The Seltos will likely be provided in Europe for the principle time, where Kia hopes to search out 60,000 gross sales per yr, though North The United States (130,000) and India (100,000) live focal level markets. Non-Korean Asian markets, at the side of Australia, are expected to story for 30,000 Seltos fashions every yr.

Petrol engines basically carry over however a Seltos hybrid is coming

Whereas existing four-cylinder petrol engines carry over from aged Seltos to fresh — at the side of a 110kW/180Nm naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and a 146kW/265Nm turbo 1.6-litre — Kia will reply to altering buyer rely on by at the side of a hybrid powertrain to the Seltos lineup.

The Seltos Hybrid (badged HEV) is expected to make utilize of the 104kW/265Nm 1.6-litre petrol-electric powertrain came upon within the linked Hyndai Kona Hybrid.

Kia says its level of distinction might per chance be the addition of more refined ‘Trim Regenerative Braking Plan 3.0’ tech for the Seltos HEV, which adds precise-time web page visitors budge alongside with the budge and navigation data to develop regenerative braking smoother, while the hybrid will completely match an in-cabin vehicle-to-load energy outlet for home equipment.

No electric model, however Kia answered to requests to magnify dimension

Kia president Ho Sung Song confirmed to media that Kia is now not developing a battery electric (BEV) model of the Seltos, with the carmaker’s EV3 and EV5 fashions already offering alternate choices within the shrimp and midsize BEV crossover segments.

“We conducted a form of focal level teams and surveys while developing the all-fresh Seltos. The requests got from customers and sellers became that they predominant to rating reasonably more self-discipline and utility – that’s why we extended the overall dimensions and added a num of fresh convenience facets,” said Cho.

The latter part drove Kia’s resolution to modestly magnify the scale of the following Seltos. At 4430mm prolonged, 1830mm huge and 1600mm excessive, the fresh model is 45mm longer and 30mm wider than earlier than, though peak has been subtly reduced by 35mm to 1600mm.

Cabin and cargo room each and each rise, in phase thanks to a 60mm stretch within the wheelbase to 2690mm, while boot self-discipline heads north to 536 litres (from 498L) on Korean-spec variations. Kia will provide a form of ‘AddGear’ customized cargo house hooks and attachments for the Seltos.

Styling blends existing Seltos cues with futuristic detailing

Cosmetically, the fresh Seltos hews to Kia’s ‘opposites united’ originate philosophy — however overall, the styling for this globally necessary model is much less polarising than about a of global originate chief Karim Habib’s more radical efforts, such because the K4 and EV4 sedans.

Three exterior styling capabilities will likely be available, with acquainted lower-discontinue variants love the Seltos S and Sport the utilize of a conventional ‘leer’ with the variety capped by two flagships: now not handiest by a returning, sportily styled Seltos GT-Line, however additionally a more rugged-searching Seltos X-Line with gunmetal-grey accents.

Whereas the aspect profile is a pastiche of fresh diagonal character lines and more voluminous cladding, cues from the outgoing Seltos (at the side of its distinctive daylight opening) as well because the more slab-sided EV5 model are seen, while ‘broad name scheme’ headlights are constructed-in into a brand fresh grille originate. Wheel dimension ranges from 16- to 19-inches.

Interior packaging is improved, with expanded second-row legroom and reclining rear seats, while a alternate to shift-by-wire transmission preference has increased centre console room. A fresh seat originate incorporates mesh headrests on flagship grades while excessive-energy 100-watt USB-C charging is available on the market to develop working within the vehicle less complicated.

Whereas the look is drawn to the dashboard’s twin 12.3-breeze infotainment shows (with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Netflix and Disney streaming, ChatGPT integration and over-the-air updates), the presence of clear worrying shortcuts for infotainment, a quantity roller and each and each temperature and fan speed toggles is preferred.

Visually, internal sophistication has stepped up with extra utilize of sustainable materials with appealing textures while ambient contour lights stretches across the flee and doorways. In a cue lifted from the Kia Tasman ute, the door handles are tab-pull sort.

Both front- and all-wheel force configurations will proceed to be available for the Seltos, however now not all powertrains will provide AWD.

A beefed-up electrical structure internal the platform of the fresh Seltos has enabled fitment of more fresh-technology semi-independent riding facets, at the side of Motorway Utilizing Assist 2, supported by fresh ‘fingers-on detection’ for the steering wheel.

Smartphone-as-key will likely be supported with Kia Digital Key 2, which permits vehicle unlocking and birth credentials to be kept within the Apple Pockets app and supported equivalents.

The ninth-technology Toyota Hilux has arrived in Australia with list books now open. The unusual ute, a heavily revised model of its predecessor, uses the same diesel engines and transmissions.

A battery-electric Hilux is due in the center of subsequent year, yet totally different utes equivalent to the BYD Shark 6, contain shown that lag-in hybrids can resonate with Australian consumers.

We asked Toyota Australia vice president sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley whether a hybrid Hilux would hit, and if or when one is coming to Australia.

“Effectively, there’s regularly an breeze for food for hybrid Toyota, that’s the first element,” mentioned a confident Hanley, sooner than outlining that Toyota in the close believes the user will dictate alternate — no longer govt mandates.

“You’ve got to present what the patron wants. Within the pause, we can want what we want, [the] govt can want what they want for us to contain, but when no-one buys it, it doesn’t matter. It’s irrelevant.”

Virtually half of of all automobiles supplied by Toyota in Australia contain been hybrid this year. Jog-in is coming subsequent year with the RAV4, which the trace anticipates will likely be stable. And we can’t ignore the BYD Shark 6’s sales figures — the electrified ute outsold the Volkswagen Amarok, Nissan Navara, Mazda BT-50, and almost beat the Mitsubishi Triton in 2025.

Hybrids are already incandescent, but Hilux consumers are a slight totally different, says Hanley, and settle on to rely upon their automobiles’ dependability in programs that RAV4 and Corolla Frightening customers usually attain no longer.

“Having mentioned that, the technology may well perhaps perhaps no longer be there for [a Hilux PHEV] to attain what that vehicle’s got to attain at an inexpensive label. So your battery technology, the burden of the battery, the vary, the towing skill. It’d be there nonetheless it may perhaps perhaps perhaps no longer be as acceptable for the time being.

“There’ll likely be a interval the place that is well acceptable ample, if no longer higher. At that interval, you invent the alternate,” says Hanley.

A Hilux lag-in hybrid is probably going with emissions standards

“Correct now, under the necessities we perceive about NVES, you’d want lag-in hybrid,” answers Hanley when asked if a series-parallel or Tundra/300 Sequence-love hybrid machine would suit Hilux.

Toyota North The US sells its Hilux size identical Tacoma with a petroleum-electric powertrain, yet consumption is rated at spherical 10L/100km in its home market — mighty worse than the circa-8.0L/100km (reckoning on pretty) of Australia’s diesel Hilux.

Without Euro 6 emissions commonplace (which targets NOx emissions) in pressure, Toyota’s Euro 5 compliant diesel fits the foundations wisely ample.

For mild business automobiles in Australia, the Euro 6d commonplace will come into pressure in July 2028 giving the Hilux two and half of sales years sooner than AdBlue employ fluid turns into needed.

It’s miles at this point Toyota can contain to also teach at introducing hybrid versions of Hilux to withhold complete CO2 emissions in study — when asked about the law alternate, Toyota Australia senior product planning specialist Rod Lyons mentioned “we’ll be intriguing.”

What would a Hilux lag-in hybrid teach love?

Up to now there have to not any slight print on a future lag-in hybrid Hilux, whether it would employ a petroleum- or diesel-powered combustion engine, battery size, or vitality outputs.

It’s miles unlikely that Toyota would compromise a product equivalent to Hilux, meaning that a 3500kg braked towing skill, up to 1000kg payloads and off-toll road functionality — likely with a unprejudiced 4×4 machine — are fundamental.

The BYD Shark 6 is at order slight to 2500kg towing however the GWM Cannon Alpha and Ford Ranger lag-in hybrids are both licensed to tow 3.5 tonnes.

It’s miles unlikely Toyota would scurry huge vitality outputs, with spherical 200kW and 600Nm potentially ample to compare diesel efficiency. Mixed vary must be spherical 1000km, which would imply at least a 25kWh battery pack.

We all know the Hilux can accommodate a spacious battery pack, with the battery-electric model carrying a 59.2kWh item for 240km WLTP riding vary. It’s no longer exactly stellar.

Toyota has also confirmed that it is working on a hydrogen gasoline-cell powered Hilux to spice up the electric and diesel versions. Pricing is unconfirmed, but we ask them to be above diesel versions, likewise for any skill lag-in hybrid versions.

“One element that I’m able to converse, Toyota has plenty of applied sciences… I teach we’ll regularly be intriguing to reply the market,” regional chief engineer Anyarat Stthibenjakul told Chasing Vehicles. “When the inquire of comes, we’ll be there.”

A new Toyota Corolla sedan has now not too long ago debuted at the Guangzhou Motor Point out, wearing a intrepid new stare which better aligns the seven-year-used, 12th-skills model with its freshly facelifted bZ4X, RAV4, Hilux, and Camry siblings.

However this model, which employs Toyota’s new ‘hammer-head’ styling on the out of doorways, and, in line with a yarn from Autohome, aspects a larger 12.9-high-tail infotainment touchscreen and revised 8.8-high-tail instrument cluster on the interior, is now not at possibility of stare Australian soil.

The put the Australian market Corolla is produced by Toyota straight in Aichi, Japan, this model, customarily known as ‘Contemporary Corolla’ by its quantity plate, is produced in Changchun, China, by joint mission FAW-Toyota.

Certainly, it’s more doubtless that the ‘Contemporary Corolla’ is a stopgap to bolster fierce Chinese language-market sales, whereas Toyota Motor Corporation finalises its radical thirteenth-skills Corolla. In Australia, the put the Corolla continues to lead the small automobile section, the kind of rollout is less desired.

That thirteenth-skills automobile, published earlier this month because the “Corolla Thought”, previews a new ‘modular structure’ route for the Jap automaker, and boasts the sequence of plugless or saunter-in hybrid energy, along with to a dedicated EV powertrain.

However the put the Corolla Thought appears in direction of revolution, “skills 12.5” steers more in direction of evolution.

Experiences counsel that two powertrains will doubtless be on hand when the model launches to the Chinese language market in December — a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol ‘four, producing 128kW, or a 1.8-litre plugless hybrid, doubtless a chain parallel, producing spherical 103kW.

The left-hand force mutter automobile aspects an prolonged 2750mm wheelbase (up 50mm), in line with Autohome, whereas boot capacity reportedly remains unchanged, at 470 litres.

Which capability, rear passenger leg- and head-room have improved markedly.

Photos of ‘skills 12.5’ indicate new-stare 17-high-tail wheels, and restyled ‘hammer-head’ bumpers, along with to a powered sunroof, doubtless reserved as an likelihood.

‘Contemporary Corolla’ sports an overhauled interior, too, reportedly that beneficial properties a new 8.8-high-tail instrument cluster and greater 12.9-high-tail infotainment touchscreen (Australian fashions are equipped with either an 8.0- or 10.5-high-tail screen, counting on variant).

The beautiful touchscreen integrates key driver controls, in conjunction with air conditioning settings treasure temperature and fan-tempo, force modes, and… “Yifeng Mall Nationwide Karaoke” – chalk that as a lot as ‘lost in translation!’

Below the 12.9-high-tail screen is a wi-fi cell phone charger. The interior additionally aspects cruise serve an eye on functionality on the steerage wheel, energy-adjust front seats, and within the boot, an obtuse toolkit with no spare wheel – tubby dimension or in any other case – in investigate cross-check.

As Ford’s Ranger Big Responsibility mid-size truck lands in Aussie showrooms, there’s a whiff of trade within the air.

It’s the scent of a Blue Oval diesel-ingesting 3.0L V6 wafting over our scorched outback, through mines, rural worksites and farms, the build aside for the longest time it’s been Toyota nation. Specifically, Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series nation, led by the come-unbreakable 79 Series ute.

Ford’s Australia-developed, Thailand-built Ranger Big Responsibility objectives to be disruptor-in-chief, offering a viable alternative to the LC79 Series Cab Chassis pickup, which has for many years been default alternative for these whose work and even life depend upon an continuously-legit automotive.

Acknowledged 79 Series has been in service – with very dinky trade to the tried-and-tested system – since 1984. Aussies aloof sang God Assign The Queen at sports occasions abet then.

The V6 Ranger Big Responsibility with 4500kg towing, 4500kg GVM and 8000Kg GCM lands at an opportune time.

Toyota’s ditched the mighty-beloved 4.5L V8 turbo-diesel (essentially due to emissions woes) and investors can most sensible now fade for the 150kW/500Nm 2.8L four-cylinder turbo-diesel that sees service within the Hilux and Prado.

And quite rather a lot of working the land aren’t chuffed. The 2.8L would possibly doubtless also come-match the V8’s energy and affords 70Nm greater torque, however you do away with an Aussie’s zigzag-eight at your agonize.

Ford’s 3.0L V6 has these two extra cylinders and greater displacement, which would possibly doubtless push disgruntled investors within the Blue Oval’s path.

And it’s a profitable path. Toyota shifted over 11,000 79 Series Cab Chassis pickups in 2024, and at spherical $80,000 a pop, that’s serious trade Ford desires to slit into.

The Big Responsibility has the Toyota licked on numbers, undoubtedly.

A LC79 Series affords most sensible 3500kg towing (-1000kg), 3510kg GVM (-990kg) and 7010kg GCM (-990kg), whereas its easiest payload is 1380kg within the Single Cab Chassis.

The Ranger Big Responsibility goes better: 1982kg payload within the 4×4 Single Cab Chassis physique model; 1885kg in Big Cab Chassis and 1825kg in Double Cab Chassis.

Imprint, too, is comparable. Toyota’s 70 Series Single Cab Chassis begins from $76,800 and Double Cab Chassis from $77,300. Ford’s three bodies are $82,990, $86,490 and $89,990 respectively.

However the million-greenback ask is reliability, namely Ford’s V6 “Lion” turbo-diesel. Owner boards file reasonably a quantity of dramas and failures, whereas Ford Australia recalled over 13,000 Ranger and Everest V6s this April to resolve a manufacturing defect within the left-hand engine camshaft sprocket.

Merchants who depend upon a automotive with the Big Responsibility’s skills will need loads of convincing to beget the Ford shift.

Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford Australia, spoke to Australian media on the Big Responsibility’s launch, championing the Ranger’s success due to customer self belief, whereas acknowledging reliability challenges.

“I believe we’ve learnt some classes from some of these points, and we’ve addressed them within the enviornment,” he said. “We’ll continuously develop the lawful ingredient by that and stare after our possibilities.

“We’ve been selling a quantity of Rangers, it’s Australia’s high selling automotive the final two years and we’re going for three in a row.

“There’s a quantity of Rangers accessible, so we’ve got a quantity of knowledge. The genesis of this (Big Responsibility) truck is work, and so what we know is that sturdiness and quality is a main story, and must be.

“That’s why we’ve had an awfully rigorous checking out regime, and we’ll continue to develop that, because it’s been a cornerstone of the mission.”

The Big Responsibility’s V6 affords 154kW; down from the 184kW in a typical Ranger and Everest V6, due to modifications made to beget the engine EU6-compliant. It’s also necessitated AdBlue to diminish nitrous oxide emissions.

Ford Australia didn’t walk into detail on what else had been modified with the V6, however said it had “irregular transmission and engine calibrations to be sure optimum usage of the torque of the engine,” better suited to crude workloads.

Acknowledged transmission is Ford’s long-serving 10-stride auto, whereas the 600Nm engine torque stays unchanged next to a typical Ranger.

However the diminished energy quantity will seemingly instruct many Big Responsibility investors, particularly these planning on properly exploiting its lugging and towing skills.

The powertrain aside, there’s no ask the arrangement work and enviornment checking out has been exhaustive.

Engineering Supervisor for Ranger Big Responsibility, Drew O’Shannassy, outlined their checking out included pushing the hardcore Ranger to breaking level.

“We favor to bring the greatest GVM, payload, towing, off-avenue capabilities and robustness,” he said. “One among the challenges we got as soon as we went abet to the senior leadership turned into ‘bring us extra damaged parts, push this ingredient extra, walk gain the boundaries on each portion so we are going to repair them.’”

Reassuring stuff. And O’Shannassy said for Big Responsibility they conducted checking out they’d never carried out earlier than, as Ford is aware of this truck will be historical in environments a Ford Ranger hasn’t the truth is long past to earlier than.

The Big Responsibility shares most sensible six p.c of its physique with a typical Ranger; all else has been beefed up. Announce extra sturdy construction, mounting aspects and underbody protection.

There’s a 130L gas tank, plus better front and rear driveshafts, CV joints, rear differential, braking design, springs and shocks. The radiator fan’s now 1000W; 25 per cent above a typical Ranger’s 800W.

“The automotive’s been optimised for neat accountability,” Birkic said. “It’s been through rigorous checking out and we’re assured that the automotive’s highly capable, now not most sensible in its attributes however also in quality.”

When requested how the Ranger Big Responsibility can compete with the long-proven Toyota LC79 Series, Birkic said: “At the stay of the day you’ve got to position them in possibilities’ palms. And we’ll be judged by that.”

We’d want a crystal ball to sight if this mighty Ranger can and will expose as legit, trusty and deeply revered as the Toyota LC79 Series.

Actually, it wants to be. Vehicles built for such harsh environments and work mustn’t let their person down. If it does, there would possibly doubtless now not be a 2nd probability.

Chinese language manufacturer MG has lodged formal approval paperwork to introduce a brand new 151kW model of the MGS5 EV diminutive-midsize SUV in Australia, paired to a 62kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.

Right here is the first time that a motor of that energy output has been published globally, with simplest 100kW, 125kW and 170kW configurations being public records. The latter motor is mostly equipped with 180kW foreign.

For the time being, the MGS5 is on hand with two LFP battery sizes (49kWh and 62kWh), both paired solely with the 125kW motor.

The brand new 151kW motor, which has been permitted by the Australian federal authorities’s transport regulator, might possibly change the present 125kW/250Nm rear motor suited for all local versions of the MGS5.

Alternatively, the 151kW motor might possibly turn right into a top fee motor paired to the 62kWh battery, leaving the lower output 125kW model for the smaller 49kWh battery possibility.

The MGS5 is currently priced from $40,490 driveaway in 49kWh procure while the 62kWh battery attracts a $4500 top fee, adding 90km extra differ (425km vs 335km).

The brand new motor would place the rear-force MGS5 on squarer footing to key front-force electrical opponents similar to the 150kW BYD Atto 3 (from $40K plus on-side highway costs) and 160kW Geely EX5 (from $41K + ORCs).

To the discontinuance of October 2025, MG has delivered 1466 MGS5s in Australia, all with the 125kW motor.

MG Australia has also held a standing approval for roughly a yr for the excessive-energy 170kW model, however it has up to now chosen no longer to import an MGS5 with that energy stage.

The 151kW motor might possibly be easier to tell to Australia because it uses the 62kWh LFP battery, whereas the hitherto unavailable 170kW utilises a 64kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery pack no longer viewed here.

Unknown is how distinguished torque the 151kW motor makes however given the existence of the 125kW/250Nm and 170kW/350Nm configurations, the 151kW powertrain might possibly manufacture spherical 300Nm.

Fitment of the 151kW motor would give a enhance to the MGS5’s performance and lower acceleration times compared to the 125kW model’s circa-8.0 second 0-100km/h fling.

When Chasing Autos tested the S5 EV earlier this yr, we described the performance of the 125kW model as “quite lazy”, no longer leaving “distinguished in reserve for easy country-side highway overtaking or brisk standing-open acceleration.”

Whereas the it sounds as if incoming 151kW model doesn’t pack the burly-fleshy MGS5’s unbridled 170kW, it would almost undoubtedly signify progress.

We’ve asked MG Australia what its intentions for the brand new motor are. If we receive notice, we’ll change this anecdote.

Toyota will double down on its dream of hydrogen-fuelled motoring on Australian roads by along side a fuel-cell electric (FCEV) model of the contemporary-period Hilux ute in 2028.

When it arrives in three years’ time, the hydrogen Hilux is anticipated to became the third powertrain option within the lineup—alongside a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel and a fat battery electric automobile (BEV).

Nonetheless the missing hyperlink is restful a Hilux hybrid or plod-in hybrid (PHEV), with Toyota bosses sharing that the BEV and FCEV are the precedence.

With the contemporary diesel Hilux initiating sales subsequent month, and the BEV keep to hitch the diversity subsequent one year in 2026, the FCEV can be pretty late to the in discovering together.

Nonetheless Toyota executives verbalize that hydrogen refuelling infrastructure must grow sooner than the FCEV would be lawful for Australian merchants — and that fleets running the hydrogen model will need additional enhance.

“[Hydrogen] gives our instant merchants yet yet one more option of a powertrain that meets their wants and helps additional our collective decarbonisation jog,” Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley suggested media, along side Chasing Vehicles.

“We don’t question of to see [the FCEV] has a fat, upfront volume automobile…it’s some distance merely to develop our multi-pathway technique.

“The jabber for hydrogen just at as soon as might perchance be designate and infrastructure … the fully procedure we’re going to flee it’s some distance that if we reach together as car companies, vitality companies and government. Car companies are going to wish to present some commitment to production vehicles.”

Toyota for the time being gives, in a for certain puny sense, one FCEV automobile in Australia within the create of the Mirai fat sedan, which is leased to a little collection of operators proximate to the corporate’s Altona, Victoria hydrogen re-fueller.

Korean rival Hyundai has additionally supplied leases of its Nexo midsize SUV to certain fleets—in particular the Australian Capital Territory government, supported by a Hyundai-sponsored refueller shut to Canberra.

Hanley indicated that, while the Toyota Altona refueller is indeed being enlarged, it would no longer be ample to enhance the rollout of the Hilux FCEV.

As an different, Toyota is investing in cellular refueller infrastructure with the postulate that a refueller might likely well perchance just additionally be transported to a instant operator’s detestable of operations to enhance a instant of hydrogen Hilux devices.

“I will promote [the Hilux FCEV] to any individual who wants it, but I admire predominately it can likely well perchance attract instant and to mining companies,” mentioned Hanley.

“There can be [hydrogen] tanks … but we’re additionally engaged on the aptitude to be in a region to droop hydrogen. That is yet one more allotment of our investment … we’re taking a look to develop to cellular refuellers, which would be an intervening time step fully, no longer for the very lengthy time duration.”

Hanley mentioned the motive that a purchaser in quest of a 0-tailpipe emission Hilux might perchance be extra inclined to opt for FCEV over BEV became as soon as a topic of heavy-responsibility necessities.

“I don’t subscribe [to the view] that BEVs over the next 5 years will basically cling low [driving] range [but] they won’t cling diverse the towing capability for the heavy stuff… If you happen to are right doing town and freeway, I admire they’ll cling quite right range within the lengthy flee,” Hanley explained.

“The place there might be heavier work [required], I admire, in future, FCEV can be the pure development for gentle industrial vehicles.”

The Hilux BEV is anticipated to be in a region to assist 5 of us and cling same payload to the diesel model of the ute—but it for certain won’t match the 2.8-litre for range, for certain no longer when towing.

Nonetheless the jabber stopping Toyota from retailing the hydrogen Hilux to any one who wants one is essentially a purchase designate jabber.

“First and critical, we would peep mining companies and likely big building companies. For a tradie, it can be right expertise, but I’m right no longer certain in regards to the worth, which would per chance be prohibitive for deepest merchants up entrance, but no longer basically for fleets,” he mentioned.

Hanley mentioned that the motive the acquisition designate will proceed to be quite dear is because the refuelling infrastructure is never any longer there.

“We would like to figure out how we are in a position to promote this automobile. I’m no longer certain how that would per chance even see,” Hanley opined.

“We would like to present protection to our sellers through investments. They are going to cling a feature, and I imagine at final FCEVs will became mainstream vehicles in dealerships, but no longer firstly for the explanation that prices are excessive [and] the hazards of any contemporary expertise are excessive,” he mentioned.

The Ford Ranger and Everest powertrain lineup shall be revised within the predominant half of of 2026, with considerable updates to the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel powertrain reveal to incorporate a colossal alternate to the engine’s timing diagram.

Ford has discontinued ‘bi-turbo’ version of the 2.0-litre diesel. Globally, the carmaker will handiest create a single-turbo version of its updated four-cylinder diesel engine.

A spokesperson for Ford Australia advised Chasing Autos that the changes weren’t linked to the Recent Car Efficiency Same old (NVES) and as a replacement acknowledged that the bi-turbo used to be merely now no longer available within the market.

Timing chain replaces controversial wet-belt from 2026

The shift to a extra tough timing chain for the four-cylinder diesel — in Ranger, Everest and certain in other Ford fashions including the Transit van — is very considerable.

Ford has ditched the controversial ‘wet’ timing belt of the outgoing 2.0-litre single- and bi-turbo. Concerns all the perfect method thru the prolonged-time length durability of this configuration, which outmoded a toothed rubber belt submerged in oil, delight in grown in latest years.

With first deliveries taking off within the predominant half of of 2026, the updated four-cylinder diesel will expend a outmoded timing chain develop while additionally picking up novel gasoline injectors.

Additionally turning into identical old “for all auto variants” — including the single-turbo four-cylinder diesel, which beforehand had six gears — is the 10-fling automated already outmoded by the different powertrains available within the market all the perfect method thru the Ranger and Everest lineups.

The reference to “auto variants” is attention-grabbing, potentially organising a shrimp likelihood for the T6.2 Ranger’s six-fling handbook, available within the market in but any other country, to affix the Australian lineup.

Energy and pricing no longer but known for updated 2.0-litre four-cylinder

It isn’t but known whether or no longer the single-turbo ‘four will make extra efficiency over the 125kW/405Nm of the outgoing version. The bi-turbo produced 150kW/500Nm.

We additionally don’t know if pricing will soar for the four-cylinder Ranger and Everest alongside these updates, but Chasing Autos understands a colossal jump is never any longer planned.

While some out of the country markets delight in dropped the four-cylinder diesel completely from the Ranger line-up, Ford Australia has chosen to acquire it, stating that Aussie demand for a smaller diesel engine in both the Ranger and Everest lineup remains very staunch.

Aloof, Ford Australia has acknowledged that the 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre diesel V6 will play a bigger role within the Ranger and Everest model lines, with the six-cylinder rising into extra variants.

V6 range reveal to develop, but Ford aloof light on NVES impact for Ranger and Everest

The V6 diesel will also be available within the market in fleet-centered variations of the Ranger and Everest, presumably opening the door for an eventual resolution to head V6 diesel-handiest.

Australia’s NVES principles will fabricate it increasingly extra costly, from a balance sheet standpoint, for Ford to sell huge quantities of Ranger, Everest and other fashions with pure internal combustion engines.

However Ford performed down the recommendation that the Ranger dawdle-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, which with out problems complies with NVES limits — and therefore makes it more straightforward for Ford to acquire selling the four-cylinder and V6 diesel (and petrol) fashions — needs to sell extra strongly next year.

The Ranger PHEV makes 207kW/697Nm from a 2.3-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder and electrical motor combination — but because of its capability to meander on pure-electrical energy for 43km (WLTP), it produces true 66g/km of CO2 on paper.

That is wisely below the 2026 NVES restrict of 180g/km for utes and 4WDs (including the Ranger and Everest), and additionally considerably lower than the CO2 emissions of non-hybrid variations of the Ranger.

Ford Australia insiders enlighten they’re pleased with the PHEV’s efficiency to this level and indicated that its share of sales is rising.

Diesel and petrol Ranger and Everest engines tumble detestable of NVES, but PHEV helps

While a CO2 figure is no longer but available within the market for the updated 2.0-litre diesel, it is miles anticipated to tumble around 180g/km-195g/km. Within the intervening time, the 3.0-litre diesel V6 — which is rising into extra grades — produces a wilful 222g/km.

‘Dirtier’ aloof is the Ranger Raptor 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol, which emits 262g/km. At senior ranges, Ford has toyed with the muse of switching to an electrified powertrain for the Raptor to bid down its CO2 emissions to a extra manageable level.

In future, high-CO2 engine solutions might possibly presumably remain available within the market but at a elevated mark. Ford has already taken this path when it comes to the Mustang sportscar which copped a $5000 mark develop in mid-2025 — and the impact of NVES used to be cited as a component.

Some out of the country markets self-discipline to identical emissions legislation to NVES delight in already made the resolution to tumble the four-cylinder diesel with the method that the PHEV will substitute it.

Ford Australia has no longer followed that resolution as but, and it seems to be organising for but any other staunch year of primarily diesel-fuelled Ranger and Everest sales despite the NVES hit.

NVES has been in force since the originate of 2025. The rules financially penalise carmakers that sell too many high-CO2 vehicles (equivalent to pure-diesel utes) and no longer ample PHEVs and full EVs.

Inspiring forward, Ford Australia faces an extremely worrying uphill fight with NVES, which can proceed to create stricter and stricter emissions targets year-on-year.

Ford must diversify its portfolio of largely non-electrified vehicles whether it is miles to defend a ways from hefty penalties though-provoking forward.

Toyota outdated this year’s Japan Mobility Expose to relate overhauled interior technology ideas that are location to filter thru original items for Toyota, Lexus and Century.

The interiors of the Toyota Corolla Conception, Lexus LS and Sport Coupe showcars and even the Century Coupe watch all beget one component in frequent: fewer monitors.

Speaking with Chasing Autos, president of Toyota’s CALTY Originate Learn studio Ian Cartabiano talked about the ideas deliberately pass some distance flung from what he sees because the industry pattern of increasingly extra monitors.

Delibrate decision to buck industry pattern of extra monitors

“I abominate litter, and we’re trying to simplify the inner make,” talked about Cartabiano — who as head of the California make studio is one amongst the logo’s most senior designers.

“I truly be pleased the difference. I feel it is terribly assorted to various traits you are seeing today the keep there are monitors all around the keep the jam.”

Whereas assorted degrees of luxury separate the circa-$40,000 Corolla from the circa-$400,000 Century coupe, all of the ideas supplied by Toyota’s make teams in Tokyo this year rep rid of a substantial, central infotainment display.

Conception cars play a indispensable role in foreshadowing future manufacturing make choices of a automobile company.

The Corolla Conception, previewing a 2027 release of the 13^th-generation tiny automobile, utilises a reasonably-sized digital instrument cluster mounted to the column of the round steering wheel.

Mounted shortcut stalks lengthen from the Corolla’s driver display, whereas a separate passenger display can forged media and navigation graphics to somebody using shotgun — but when the passenger display isn’t important, it neatly folds away.

“The trick is to search out one map to simplify and declutter [the interior] but no longer create it empty, and peaceable give folks what they need,” defined Cartabiano.

“The reality is that folks beget gotten outdated to [screens]. How assemble you assemble it so that they’re no longer all the pieces in the automobile? That is what we’re trying to rep to.”

Lexus and Century to magnify exercise of yoke steering with connected driver shows

Strangely, three Lexus LS ideas had been supplied in Tokyo this year, previewing a future Asian-market luxury LS minivan and a Europe-focussed LS coupe-SUV — plus an intensive LS Micro self reliant ‘pod’ that can convert its windscreen to…a display.

The LS van and coupe-SUV interpretations are closer to manufacturing, and both exercise open-face yoke steering controllers with a brand original vertically double-stacked digital instrument cluster thought.

The LS Coupe (SUV) thought involves a foldaway passenger display in conjunction with shows mounted to the rear of the front seats so that backseat passengers can discover a video feed of the avenue ahead — or projections of these using up front.

In the intervening time, the LS Sport Principle that previews a sportscar replacement for the Lexus LC involves a dishonest, multi-display instrument panel that moves with the yoke alongside a luxurious combination of offers including fabric and chopped carbon.

Because the original top-discontinue label for Toyota, Century is also location to undertake extra minimal cabin technology up front. The Century Coupe Conception supplied in Tokyo had, be pleased the Lexus items, a yoke — with three driver monitors protruding from it.

Stowable, foldaway monitors were considered earlier than

Just like the LS van, no front-passenger display became once considered in the Century Coupe but the foldaway display thought will probably be outdated.

Folding or stowable secondary monitors were a cult feature in the automobile industry in contemporary decades.

The outdated-generation Audi A3 had a trek up/down central display, whereas the pre-facelift model of the W204 Mercedes-Benz C-Class can even fully stow its central display for the length of the dashboard when no longer important.

Up to the moment Bentley items beget a new flipping central display that will probably be stowed in favour of analogue gauges mounted in wooden dazzling.

“I feel some folks just opt a tiny bit bit of serenity [and] files[[easiest]in the event you wish it. I’m an outmoded guy, so I peaceable be pleased a knob. I be pleased changing the radio,” talked about Cartabiano.

What’s less determined is how smartphone mirroring systems be pleased Apple CarPlay and Android Auto fit true into a cabin ecosystem essentially based essentially round a driver-easiest display.

The answer can even very effectively be such as that of the outgoing Audi TT sportscar, which has no central display — and as a replacement provides CarPlay as a behold for the length of the digital instrument cluster.