Electric vehicles

For a comparatively puny, stand-by myself firm like Mazda – promoting round 1.3 million vehicles per one year – growing a bespoke EV model line changed into constantly going to require some extra or much less joint-enterprise.

In this case, it’s with articulate-owned Changan Car from Chongqing in China (who Mazda has had a 20-one year affiliation with), producing the automobile you realizing right here – the all-electric, fourth-period Mazda 6e.

Sharing its EPA1 electric-automobile platform with Changan’s hold Deepal S07 medium SUV (sold in Australia) and the closely connected Deepal SL03/L07 liftback-sedan, the rear-wheel-drive Mazda 6e debuted in 2024 because the fourth period of the Jap save’s mid-sized model line, constructed by Changan Mazda in China and sold there because the EZ-6.

Badged Mazda 6e for export and already on sale in Europe, this Tesla Model 3-rivalling electric liftback-sedan shares its 2900mm wheelbase with every Deepal devices, and its width and peak with the SL03, but has got entire tuning by Mazda Motor Europe in Germany to meet European (and Australian) tastes, and imbue Mazda’s carrying dynamic DNA into this joint-enterprise automobile.

Australian motoring media spoke to Alexander Fritsche, senior manager product model and engineering for Mazda Motor Europe, about how they went about revising the dynamics and NVH refinement of the Mazda 6e forward of us experiencing a 30-minute model of a left-hand-drive, Euro-spec automobile at GM-Holden’s former Lang Lang proving ground.

The mutter of the Deepal SL03 as a contaminated, Fritsche said they instant realised that the Chinese approach to dynamic tuning is very diversified from the wants of European drivers.

“We made the resolution to rework particularly the firmness, the stress in actuality feel for the chassis, so we in fact had to reset some parameters [and] also some hardware.”

“So the rear subframe needed to be entirely transformed and remade [for much better control compliance], since the rear, particularly, changed into feeling entirely diversified to that what we query.

“We in fact made a extraordinarily deep change into on the dampers and bushings, the EPAS [electric power steering] an also the driveability characteristics … the self perception feeling, the soundness requirement, and on top [of that], the Mazda model, the Mazda DNA,” said Fritsche.

“We had to delay the thickness of the stabiliser bars since the guidance ratio of this automobile is amazingly aggressive in contrast to classical Mazda vehicles … so we desired to most ceaselessly stabilise the automobile, also for the entrance axle.

“We wanted roll defend an eye on, so we desired to delay this to technically the most level to possess the automobile no longer roll or pass uncontrolled on European roads. This why we had to if reality be told work with the damping force alignment for the entrance and rear to possess the automobile in actuality feel right, while mute providing consolation.”

“We also determined to trade the tyres [to Michelins] – providing extra stress, extra absorption in actuality feel, extra harshness defend an eye on and also unbiased appropriate rolling resistance.”

“So this helped us honest powerful catch a utilizing in actuality feel for the European model,” he said.

“There were some preconditions, it’s doubtless you’ll maybe well presumably also imagine, since the contaminated automobile changed into preset, and so we had to take care of these environments by manner of hardware limitations, plan construction and, certainly, also fee range limitation.”

“So things we desired to place in force had been, to a diploma, no longer constantly doubtless as a result of limitation of the enchancment, [as well as] a particular manner of thinking for the [vehicle design] philosophy. But total, we had very unbiased appropriate cooperation between the three parties [Europe, China and Japan].”

Following this engineering collaboration, Fritsche said that what he learnt for the length of this path of changed into shining how diversified the tastes are between European utilizing in actuality feel and what the Chinese prefer.

For Europe, it’s the interplay between driver and machine, with a point of interest on better speeds and the motive force being up to the save. In disagreement, the Chinese buyer is anxious with consolation, electrical devices and HMI interfaces – to boot to very gentle guidance – and prefer the automobile to portray them what to attain, as adverse to the diversified manner round.

Our first model of the Mazda 6e – a high-spec European model on 19-ride wheels with 180kW/320Nm, an 80kWh NMC battery and a 7.8sec 0-100km/h notify – demonstrated the elegant work that Mazda Motor Europe has accomplished in smoothing the utilizing characteristics.

There is a particular absence of the gentle-switch calibration abruptness of many Chinese EVs that gradually ends in a automobile that is inconceivable to drive smoothly.

In disagreement, the Mazda 6e is amazingly tender – most definitely too tender in its modest accelerative efficiency above 100km/h and its comparatively ineffectual regenerative-braking response, even when spot to ‘solid’.

This powertrain overview isn’t in actuality staunch seeing Australia shall be getting a unfamiliar 78kWh LFP battery and a 190kW power output (the torque resolve has no longer been released as but), that manner our Mazda 6e can also effectively offer stronger acceleration and additional of a efficiency in actuality feel – which we hope it does.

The Mazda 6e’s electric guidance calibration and damping tune are also anticipated to receive additional tweaks sooner than Australian on-sale within the 2d quarter of 2026, but for now, signs are promising.

While the guidance weighting in ‘Chuffed’ remains gigantic-gentle, even after Europe’s EPAS tweaking, there’s a level of weighting save-up below preliminary flip-in, but no longer enough in sooner corners.

‘Sport’ and ‘Custom-made’ drive modes allow for a firmer guidance tune, which is a ways extra in accordance to Mazda’s DNA (even though mute gentle when put next to a CX-60 or CX-80) and combines effectively with the short-geared guidance rack handing over 2.5 turns lock-to-lock.

Guided by a unbiased appropriate two-spoke leather wheel, the 6e steers keenly and precisely, with none nervousness.

Loaded up round Lang Lang’s race and handling loop, the 6e displayed a unbiased handling balance and a confident stance (weight distribution is cease to 50/50), with a amassed level of rear-cease adjustment too – extra so than we had been anticipating after listening to Alexander Fritsche’s description of the ESC’s conservative tune concerning oversteer mitigation.

But pushing difficult via undulating corners while testing the Mazda 6e’s damping, it tended to squirm extra than anticipated, enticing the ESC with a chirp at the rear cease as it braked the rear tyres attempting to cease roll-oversteer. In that regard, it’s mute no longer quite as tight by manner of physique defend an eye on as it’ll be.

That said, it rode effectively over the lumps and bumps encountered at Lang Lang, in spite of wearing 19-ride wheels, so with a bit of of luck Mazda doesn’t bolt too a ways within the diversified path and teach but one other unhappy-utilizing EV, or an over-company race just like the CX-60 four-cylinder.

The 6e also demonstrated its physique power over corrugations and severe undulations, in spite of it having frameless doors, even though the motive force’s window did suffer from some wind intrusion at three-resolve speeds on what changed into a extraordinarily windy day.

In a roundabout arrangement, to the cabin. Our test 6e’s tan interior treatment with perforated Alcantara upholstery felt pleasantly luxurious, mixed with impressive seat pork up, a extraordinarily Mazda-esque utilizing build aside, gargantuan forward imaginative and prescient, and a satisfyingly solid ‘thunk’ when closing the frameless doors.

The gigantic centre touchscreen regarded quite amenable too, even though you wouldn’t name its graphics ‘top class’, or very Jap.

I’m no longer personally sold on the styling both – it appears to be like to be somewhat thick-limbed for me when put next to the svelteness of the earlier Mazda 6 – even though it appears to be like to be better within the flesh than in photos and can pop better in colours diversified than our test automobile’s insipid grey. Composed, no longer lower than the inside isn’t also grey!

Mazda Australia hasn’t confirmed the 6e’s variant line-up for its Q2 2026 originate but it with out a doubt shall be a puny, high-spec fluctuate of no longer lower than two variants (the cease seemingly being called Atenza, with the identical spec because the automobile featured right here), starting at lower than $55,000 sooner than on-motorway prices.

Right here’s hoping that the additional elegant-tuning of the guidance, damping, active-safety systems and powertrain calibration delivers a bit of firmer weighting, a bit of tighter damping resistance at better speeds, stronger regenerative braking response and a stronger efficiency in actuality feel.

If the engineers can possess that while keeping the charging time below 25mins from 10-80 p.c and the WLTP fluctuate someplace come 550km, then the Mazda 6e has a good likelihood of making a tight influence as Mazda’s first pukka EV.

And if they’ll a technique or the other also catch the connected Mazda EZ-60 electric SUV in-constructed shining-hand drive and exported as a CX-6e, then the Hiroshima-based firm shall be onto a extraordinarily unbiased appropriate thing with its Chinese-constructed electric vehicles.

KGM Australia has revealed its unusual dedicated electric Musso twin-cab, which joins a extremely odd EV-ute membership, once solely comprised of the LDV eT60.

But where LDV’s eT60 begins from a staggering $92,990 sooner than on-road costs, the KGM Musso EV enters the Australian market with a extremely aggressive force-away be conscious of $60,000.

Key electrified wander-in ute rival BYD Shark 6 top possible listen. Its inspiring starting be conscious of $57,900 sooner than on-roads no query helped the auto procure a suite as one amongst Australia’s favourites in an increasingly aggressive section.

What does every grade of the Musso EV consist of?

In rotten construct, the Musso EV is without warning entrance-wheel force, producing 152kW and 339Nm. For a further $4000 (bringing the force-away be conscious to $64,000), patrons can risk all-wheel force, adding a extra rear electric motor to raise mixed output to 266kW / 630Nm. — spectacular, but a few numbers skittish of the BYD Shark’s 321kW and 650Nm.

Current equipment is shared for both the entrance- and all-wheel force Musso EV models. Highlighted parts consist of:

• 17-crawl alloy wheels
• LED headlights, hind lights and DRLs
• Self-levelling rear suspension
• Dual-zone climate alter
• 12.3-crawl infotainment contact display conceal and driver instrument cluster
• 360-diploma camera
• Eight-draw powered, heated, and ventilated entrance seats
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Wi-fi instrument charger

Between the rotten entrance driver and differ topping all-wheel force Musso EV sits the entrance-force biggest Shadowy Edge, which provides the following equipment:

• Leather and suede upholstery
• Shadowy 17-crawl alloy wheels
• Shadowy exterior highlights
• Darkish wood grain run beautiful

Presuming that KGM’s opponents will come without complication subsequent 365 days, the Musso EV aloof has a favourable party trick — a mixed differ figure of 420km WLTP in rotten entrance-force construct, or 380km WLTP when optioned with all-wheel force.

Those are spectacular figures given the Toyota Hilux EV, LDV eT60, and Isuzu D-Max EV fight to ruin the boundary of 250km WLTP.

Two critical factors force the Musso’s differ sooner than opponents: First, its substantial 80.6kWh battery, which is paired with a 371V machine to permit for an 11kW AC corpulent-from-empty worth in around 10 hours, or rapid 300kW DC worth from 10-80 percent in around 36 minutes.

2d is its lightweight (relative to opponents) monocoque chassis, which guidelines the scales at 2165kg in FWD construct, or 2285kg in AWD spec (both figures checklist kerb weight).

The save extinct twin-cabs, both in combustion and electric construct, on the entire utilise a rugged, payload and off-road centered ladder-frame chassis, the electric Musso’s car-esteem, way of life centered monocoque is more a such as that featured within the KGM Actyon SUV.

Both payload and braked towing capacity are diminished compared to the Musso EV’s diesel counterpart, earmarked at 905kg (805kg for AWD models) and 1800kg respectively. Off-road functionality stays to be proven.

Whereas the Musso and Musso EV part the identical title, they without a doubt construct no longer part the identical dimensions. The electrical measures 5160mm lengthy (+65mm), 1920mm large (-30mm), 1750mm substantial (-90mm), and drives on a wheelbase of 3150mm (+50mm).

Both models construct nonetheless part the identical bath dimension of 1345mm lengthy, 1515mm large, and 510mm deep. On the second, there could be no public diagram for an extended tray Musso EV XLV. The combustion Musso XLV risk extends the model’s wheelbase by 110mm, and tray length by 300mm.

KGM Musso EV: costs in Australia

All costs listed are force-away.

• Musso EV: $60,000
• Musso EV Shadowy Edge: $62,000
• Musso EV AWD: $64,000

Some specs of the certainly electric version of the contemporary Toyota Hilux possess been confirmed, with the BEV ute sacrificing long range in favour of asserting payload skill that is reasonably near the diesel version.

Toyota Motor Company Australia (TMCA) has continually pressured that the 2026 Hilux BEV could be focussed on fleets (equivalent to native councils) and town-based mostly tradies that primarily force in urban areas — and the emblem used to be not kidding.

The Jap ticket’s European arm, Toyota Motor Europe (TME), has revealed key specs that confirm proper how urban-targeted the dual-motor 4wd Hilux BEV truly is.

59kWh battery presents estimated 240km driving range (WLTP)

A lithium-ion battery safe from water ingress however with proper 59.2kWh of skill presents a driving range of proper 240km (WLTP) for the European market based mostly on TME-estimated consumption of 24.6kWh/100km.

That driving range is decrease than a quarter of the claimed range of a Forty eight-volt diesel Hilux SR5, which promises to wring 1111 kilometres out of its 80-litre gas tank.

The Hilux BEV’s 240km range is shorter than the 330km (WLTP) claimed by the LDV eT60, unless now the neatly suited diversified electric ute equipped as a brand contemporary automobile in Australia.

While the electrical Hilux’s range is incredibly brief, Toyota claims that it has “targeted simplest-in-class charging capabilities that will decrease automobile down-time.”

715kg payload competitive with diesel, however supreme 1600kg towing skill

Toyota has determined to defend the Hilux battery little (and therefore light) to defend cheap payload skill, with TME indicating a “tentative, pre-homologation” payload figure of 715kg.

The identical pre-homologation indication from TME suggests the Hilux BEV’s braked towing skill could be 1600kg.

These specs carefully align to indications given by TMCA vice president of sales and advertising and marketing Sean Hanley in contemporary months.

“Within the principle quarter of subsequent three hundred and sixty five days, we are going to be launching a brand contemporary Hilux BEV to fulfill the needs of largely speedily merchants that require the payload and passenger skill that Hilux presents, and are in a position to recharge without concerns and economically,” he knowledgeable Chasing Autos closing month.

“Now we possess considered a growing count on for BEVs in the ute space, in particular among speedily merchants,” mentioned Hanley.

For comparability’s sake, the outgoing Hilux Rogue diesel has a same payload of 764kg however a towing skill of 3500kg.

Toyota will describe an total range of diesel-powered gadgets with in general heavy-responsibility specs in the arrival hours.

Favorite dual-motor 4wd setup, Australian homologation yet to advance serve

Chasing Autos understands that the Australian homologation activity for the Hilux BEV can also reside up in minor amendments to the figures for the native market.

Nonetheless, no sizable differences or adjustments to the above Hilux BEV specs are most likely for Australia.

Twin electric motors are dwelling to give a theoretical 473Nm of torque (205Nm from the entrance motor, and 268Nm from the rear motor), though energy output has not yet been disclosed.

TME says that the Multi-Terrain Opt instrument suited to the Hilux BEV could be in a position to present brake and torque alter “honest like driving in L4 [low range] in a conventionally powered automobile.”

Hydrogeon Hilux FCEV coming in 2028 with longer range, better towing

While Toyota can also resolve to pork up Hilux BEV specs in time, in particular as increased battery energy density enables range to be prolonged without increasing battery weight (and reducing payload), one other solution is in the wings.

TMCA introduced earlier this week that it will import a gas cell electric (FCEV) hyrdrogen-fuelled version of the Hilux from 2028.

The Hilux FCEV is at risk of promise circa-500km range and higher towing skill than the BEV version of the ute, though hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is few and far between.

To fight the latter agonize, Toyota Australia has promised to invest in mobile hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for speedily possibilities.

Toyota Australia has announced paunchy specifications and little print for one in every of its foremost launches — the Hilux ute.

The 2026 Toyota Hilux will approach in Australia subsequent month with a familiar, mildly electrified diesel powerplant, but there would possibly be not one of these thing as a hybrid on the horizon.

As a replacement, Toyota Australia vice chairman of sales and marketing Sean Hanley announced the battery electrical model is within the product thought for subsequent 300 and sixty five days.

“Our multipathway device has consistently been about offering autos with the explicit powertrain for buyer use and we procure now seen a increasing ask for BEVs within the ute situation, in particular amongst rapid investors, “ he mentioned.

“These are autos that would possibly be dilapidated largely in temporary-distance operations that need the payload and passenger capacity and are in a situation to be recharged with out disaster and economically.”

“The original double cab 4×4 would possibly be readily available for anybody who pushes to buy one but we’re essentially concentrating on fleets and metropolis change users that can income most from the advantages that a BEV offers.”

It’s a obvious tactic to a couple rivals, alongside with the Ford Ranger, BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha, which procure all chosen skedaddle-in hybrid energy to diminish emissions.

Called simply Hilux BEV, the original electrical Hilux isn’t geared in direction of the increasing interior most buyer and ABN holder ute market, as an different it’s about mountainous mining fleets looking out for to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) targets.

This is able to presumably presumably be succesful, we’re promised, with twin electrical motors offering four-wheel force. Payload will must be round 1000kg, and braked towing has to hit the 3500kg expectation.

Specifics remain a thriller. The 4×2 Revo theory used to be fitted with a circa-70kWh battery pack that equipped about 250km of riding vary. The original Hilux BEV’s key rival in Europe, the Isuzu D-Max EV, hits identical numbers with a 66.9kWh battery for 283km WLTP riding vary with 50kW DC rapid-charging.

In Australia, a battery-electrical Hilux isn’t exactly original, both. ROEV is an organization that specialises in battery versions of the sizzling Hilux and Ranger. It offers a Hilux kit with a 96kWh pack for a instructed 360km riding vary.

Toyota says this is able to presumably presumably provide the Hilux BEV in two trims, the mining/rapid particular glum which is a combination of Workmate and SR trim ranges, while a flagship loaded up SR5-level ute would possibly be geared in direction of interior most, metropolis ute investors.

Toyota utterly sells one electrical vehicle in Australia at the second, the bZ4X midsize SUV. A increased Touring model is confirmed for 2026, though sales expectations aren’t wide for these electrical SUVs.

Hyundai has confirmed its Ioniq 6 N efficiency sedan flagship will originate in Australia in the first half of of 2026, offering the Korean automaker with a sedan-formed acknowledge to the Tesla Mannequin 3 Efficiency, Polestar 2 Efficiency LR, and BYD Seal Efficiency.

Pricing is but to be confirmed for Hyundai’s new ‘N’ halo, nonetheless will likely exceed conclude kinfolk Kia EV6 GT, priced from $ninety nine,590, and Hyundai’s absorb Ioniq 5 N efficiency SUV, priced from $110,383. Both costs are sooner than on-dual carriageway charges.

In the imply time, the Ioniq 6 fluctuate tops out at $89,500 sooner than on-roads for the Epiq DSM AWD, which produces 239kW/605Nm.

Current that aforementioned opponents Tesla, Polestar, and BYD initiate from $80,900, $85,080, and $61,990 respectively, sooner than on-dual carriageway charges.

Nonetheless where opponents, and even siblings, battle to crack 400kW (as a change of Tesla’s 461kW/730Nm ‘3), Hyundai’s new efficiency sedan boasts 448kW and 770Nm — an noxious figure which is increased to 478kW with ‘N Grin Boost’ activated.

The 30kW ‘N’ kick-in-the-pants lasts for as much as ten seconds sooner than coming into a ten 2d cooldown. All over this time, the Ioniq 6 N can plod from 0-100km/hr in 3.2 seconds.

Celebrated adaptive electrical dampers, lower prance top, tweaked suspension and steering geometry, stiffer rear anti-roll bar, improved physique stress, and an digital little plug differential (e-LSD) will watch to extra the Ioniq 6 N’s capabilities, in particular no longer off target.

The Ioniq 6 N additionally beneficial properties the next battery over its ‘Epiq’ counterpart, bettering skill from 77.4kWh to 84kWh, also picking up an N-division battery defend an eye on unit for interior temperature optimisation. Both vehicles are constructed on 800-volt digital architecture.

Instant DC charging from 10 to 80-p.c takes as puny as 18 minutes, peaking at 350kW. Native AC charging figures usually are no longer but on hand.

The Ioniq 6 N is a whisker greater than the contemporary fluctuate topping Ioniq 6 Epiq. That automobile measures 4855mm long, 1880mm large, and 1495mm gigantic, where the ‘N’ adds 80mm in overall length and 60mm in width, while also growing its wheelbase from 2950mm to 2965mm.

Additional N-state parts consist of 20-plod cast wheels, illuminated ‘N’ badging, and signature Efficiency Blue Pearl paint, while inner, the N beneficial properties a efficiency ‘N’ steering wheel, driver knee brace for harsh cornering, and bucket seats with a mix of alcantara and leather-based mostly mostly upholstery.

The Ioniq 6 N joins a growing checklist of efficiency electrical vehicles which simulate mechanical gear changing, to boot to piping man made engine sound into the cabin. Man made “engine” sound is also changed by the driver, from “ignition” to “evolution” or “lightspeed”.

Enjoy all Ioniq 6 objects, the N will be sold with a total suite of driver security parts, to boot to pressure modes and an attractive ‘N Waft’ mode.

Whether or no longer the 6 N will share a 5-valuable particular person ANCAP security ranking with assorted Ioniq 6 objects stays to be considered — sibling Ioniq 5 N is unrated attributable to its bucket seats and absence of centre airbag, where ‘traditional’ Ioniq 5’s are rated at 5 stars.

Toyota is making ready to open a facelifted model of the bZ4X electric StUV in Australia, with a facelift also ushering in superior fluctuate and charging speeds and a brand unique 280kW all-wheel power Touring wagon mannequin.

The open of the updated bZ4X in Australia would possibly possibly even give Toyota the chance to place in mind the worth and positioning of the mannequin which has supplied in very life like numbers.

In the principle nine months of 2025, Toyota has delivered 676 bZ4X fashions in Australia, outselling the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (535 cars), the Leapmotor C10 (452), and the Toyota’s twin-beneath-the-skin Subaru Solterra (139).

However bZ4X sales are dwarfed in Australia by the Tesla Mannequin Y (17,237), BYD Sealion 7 (8483), and Kia EV5 (3901), all of which luxuriate in a lower starting trace, whereas the Mannequin Y and Sealion 7 are also more lavishly equipped than the Toyota—even of their entry-stage codecs.

Since open the bZ4X has been on hand in front-wheel power and all-wheel power variants priced at $66,000 and $74,900 respectively, each sooner than on-aspect road expenses.

The AWD mannequin also provides extra kit including a panoramic sunroof, cooled front seats and JBL audio.

Refreshed bZ4X “must be aggressive” says Hanley

Requested whether or no longer Toyota will consume the facelift to reposition the bZ4X nearer to competitors trace-wise, a key govt acknowledged that it became once a risk.

“It’s obtained to be aggressive,” acknowledged Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing and marketing Sean Hanley.

Nonetheless, there are concerns at Toyota head workplace round negative the resale price of the existing bZ4X if a extensive trace reduce is pushed thru for the facelift.

In Australia, many Toyota fashions luxuriate in sturdy resale price however residual price for electric autos is on occasion mixed, and has been influenced by shifting unique vehicle prices, the tempo of technological pattern, and anxieties round battery and charging factors.

Residual price concerns would possibly possibly well rule out higher trace reduce

“The factor about BEVs magnificent now that folk don’t talk about about is their downhearted resale price. Must you’re talking about like a flash leasing, industry and even deepest leasing, these are true considerations,” Hanley acknowledged.

“No matter we prevail in with the positioning of this unique vehicle, we will have the skill to ogle at conserving the resale price to the extent that we can, and the client skills of those who aquire the unique one, and those who supplied the [pre-facelift version].”

Despite the residual price concerns, Toyota acknowledges that stout EVs will proceed to score more inexpensive.

“As scale and volume [increase], because the product providing expands, BEVs will come down in trace. It is no quite lots of to the means hybrids started in 2001. They are loads more inexpensive on the present time than they were then, comparatively,” acknowledged Hanley.

Facelift provides fluctuate, vitality and stretched Touring wagon mannequin

The upcoming bZ4X facelift ushers in gently refreshed styling featuring Toyota’s unique hammer-head lighting fixtures signature, diminished plastic cladding and a elevated infotainment hide.

Battery size has been elevated to 74.7kWh, increasing maximum fluctuate to 573km WLTP (for the front-wheel power) mannequin whereas vitality will develop to 252kW in all-wheel power invent.

Major adjustments are anticipated for the thermal administration system of the battery, leading to appreciable improvements in charging speeds and reduce worth in 10-80 p.c charging times.

A stretched model of the bZ4X identified because the Touring mannequin will almost definitely be launched on the identical time with same old-match AWD and 280kW of vitality.

Honda Australia has confirmed that its diminutive Immense-One sizzling metropolis hatchback can be coming to Aussie showroom within the 2d half of of 2026, ethical hours after the manufacturing version made its global debut at the Japan Mobility Speak this week.

On the beginning teased because the Immense EV theory at this one year’s Goodwood Festival Of Flee match within the UK, the puny Immense-One is declared to be “developed from Eastern Kei automobile concepts” however with a twist, particular person who its maker says “marries enjoyable-to-pressure dynamics with Honda’s trademark innovation”.

At ethical 3.6 metres long and 1.6m extensive, the Immense-One is expounded in size to Hyundai’s Inster and Kia’s Picanto, though now not just like the Korean rival this Honda is battery electric powered.

Apparently, to “assemble the riding experience extra thrilling”, says Honda, a Enhance Mode is featured the save the Immense-One produces a synthesized “engine sound” total with faux gearshifts.

Whereas no explain necessary points had been confirmed by Honda Australia, the Immense-One follows the electric ‘e’ model supplied in in every other nation markets between 2020 and 2024, which offers 113kW/315Nm outputs with a form of spherical 220 kilometres from its 35.5kWh battery.

Dynamically, Honda Australia says that the “enjoyable and nimble” Immense-One will money in on some localised chassis tuning, promising “light and teach handling” as smartly as “peaceable coast” that wants to be “agile in urban environments”.

The importer goes on to claim that the Immense-One will open “following completion of a native checking out program”.

Whereas closing pricing and specs have but to be announced, it’s expected that the Immense-One can be priced nearer to that of chief rival Inster (from $39,000 checklist) than the likes of BYD Dolphin (from $29,990 checklist).

Renault has confirmed it will revive the Scenic nameplate in Australia, introducing an all new electrical small SUV by the end of 2025.

Dubbed the Scenic E-Tech, Renault’s new 5-seater has very miniature in now not original with its seven-seat MPV predecessor, excluding its badges.

Where the 2d-generation Scenic rivalled the new Peugeot 3008 (now equally reborn as an SUV) and Skoda Yeti earlier than exiting Australia in 2010 because the people-shifting Worthy Scenic 7-seater, the 5-seater Scenic E-Tech will purpose to reveal compact electrical SUVs such because the Kia EV3 (from $47,600 earlier than on-street charges), BYD Atto 3 (from $39,990), and MG S5 (from $40,490).

The Renault Scenic E-Tech measures 4470mm prolonged, 1864mm broad, 1565mm expansive, and drives on a wheelbase of 2785mm. It’s noticeably bigger than the used Scenic hatchback units and factual a miniature bit shorter than the used Worthy Scenic, but sits a half of-dimension above its closely linked, 4.2m-prolonged Megane E-Tech stablemate, one other iconic Renault nameplate reborn as a small electrical SUV.

That brings an expectation that the Scenic E-Tech shall be priced above the Megane, which is currently offered at $54,990 driveaway. That price follows a hefty good buy of $10,000 applying mid year from its birth price of $64,990 RRP down to $54,990 RRP.

As with old combustion variations of the Scenic and Megane, the electrical variations share a platform – built on a joint endeavor CMF-EV Renault / Nissan architecture, also shared by the lately launched Nissan Ariya, which starts from $55,840 earlier than on-street charges.

Renault has to this level detailed two entrance-driven powertrains for the Scenic E-Tech, but is but to substantiate which is able to be offered locally. The detrimental model pairs a 125kW/280Nm entrance electrical motor with a 60kWh battery to bring a WLTP range of 430km. Height DC charging is rated at 130kW.

The high-spec ‘prolonged range’ Scenic produces 160kW/300Nm at the entrance wheels, the same output shared by the detrimental Ariya and Megane. It’s powered with the next 87kWh battery and its driving range is quoted at a intrepid 625km (WLTP), with high DC charging rising to 150kW.

More detailed charging figures, including AC and DC cost cases, are to be confirmed closer to the Scenic’s end of year birth.

Within the UK market, highlights from the Scenic E-Tech’s interior include a 12-lope portrait infotainment touchscreen, 12.3-lope digital instrument cluster, customary-outfitted six-speaker sound system (Harman Kardon 9-speaker system for range toppers), dual-zone AC, and entrance seat heating.

Yet again the use of the UK as a data, it could perchance probably most seemingly most seemingly be anticipated that a detrimental model would sit down on 19-lope alloy wheels, with the ‘prolonged range’ gaining 20-lope alloys.

Boot quantity is impressive for the Scenic E-Tech’s small dimension: 545 litres with the rear seats up, and 1670 litres with the seats folded.

The Renault Scenic E-Tech is one among six new units pledged by Renault to birth in Australia over the following 18 months. The six-model rollout began in August with the Duster compact SUV, and need to quiet proceed with the Scenic E-Tech and rapidly to debut Renault 5 Turbo EV.

It stays to be considered if the retrofuturistic Renault 4 EV shall be one among the different new units to be introduced down-under.

Extra Australian-market specs, including pricing, birth timing, and an official grade stroll for the Renault Scenic E-Tech shall be revealed closer to the end of the year.

The BYD Shark 6 ute has taken Australia by storm. It used to be the major crawl-in hybrid ute to approach right here beating the Ford Ranger and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEVs to driveways.

The stats are amazing, with 325kW, all-wheel force, 100km of electrical-completely range and a $57,900 sticky label tag. No marvel it’s sold love hotcakes, with 14,111 gross sales already this year.

But no longer all is rosy for the Shark 6 ute. Self reliant Chasing Autos checking out chanced on it missing in just a few key areas, including drivability, loose surface traction retain a watch on functionality, and ride consolation.

When put next with segment benchmarks, Shark 6’s 790kg payload and a couple of.5-tonne braked towing skill are on the support of the eight-ball as successfully. Speaking to Chasing Autos, BYD Australia COO Stephen Collins acknowledged the ute’s shortcomings.

“There’s a substitute of various issues which can very successfully be with out a doubt on our radar, in regards to payload and towing skill and upright various issues love that, so fully. We’re working hard to bring upgrades as rapidly as we can,” talked about Collins.

BYD’s philosophy is to continually beef up, with Australian prerequisites and utilize circumstances feeding into car verbalize.

Chasing Autos understands some improvements to the traction retain a watch on machine and off-avenue force modes also will be utilized by utility patches. Naturally, rising payload and clearances or including diff-locks requires bodily modification.

“I don’t salvage timing on all of those elements, however it’s 100% on our thought to upgrade as great as we can, as successfully as with Shark, salvage a study various opportunities,” outlined Collins.

With loads of piece to be had in like a flash and flagship, query to ogle extra Shark 6 variants down the track.

“We clearly salvage one grade which is selling 1500 a month, so it’s doing successfully, however we’re successfully aware that, down lower in, in additional of the like a flash home and even up better, there’s various opportunities,” hinted Collins.

A next-level Shark 6 would possibly possibly maybe pack knobbly, all-terrain tyres and lifted ride height. There’s furthermore skill for the Denza B5 and B8’s extra extremely effective DMO 4×4 machine to characteristic in the raze — bumping hill-mountain climbing and towing capacity.

The machine is rated at 505kW and 760Nm in China, and brings front and rear differential locks built into the electric motors, plus a two-bustle rear transmission for a low-range scurry tools.

This would possibly maybe rob the Shark 6 to the following level.

Collins didn’t screech right here’s on the playing cards in the raze, however poured cold water on the thought that the upcoming arrival of Denza B5 and B8 in Australia would accomplish the course of any less complicated.

“We’re with out a doubt no longer resting on our laurels, and we’ll salvage extra to articulate about that in a chunk bit,” concluded Collins.

The area’s main proprietor of bedroom wall precise-estate, Ferrari, has confirmed the pattern of its first all-electrical mannequin, identified as the Elettrica.

A large show for one of many area’s most pedigree sportscar producers, Ferrari govt chairman John Elkann described the Elettrica as “ [an affirmation of] our will to growth by uniting the discipline of technology, the creativity of plot and the craft of manufacturing.”

The Prancing Horse has so-a ways unveiled most efficient the underbody of its new Elettrica, which integrates a enormous 122kWh battery, four electrical motors (one at every nook), 48V intelligent suspension, and wheelbase of 2960mm — 56mm longer than a Porsche Taycan Inferior Turismo for context.

It’s going to invent a mixed claimed output of extra than 1000cv (746kW), says Ferrari, with the Elettrica able to sprinting from 0-100km/hr in a immediate 2.5 seconds, and reaching a top tempo of 310km/hr.

The 2 electrical motors on the entrance axle invent 210kW and send an realistic 3500Nm to the wheels, while the rear axle motors invent 620kW and raise up to 8000Nm to the wheels. Unattainable figures for a four-motor procedure which weighs appropriate 194kg.

The Elettrica’s EV procedure is constructed on 800V digital structure, which is ready to immediate DC rate at a top of 350kW. Fluctuate is quoted to be extra than 530km. Extra particulars on AC and DC rate instances and AC top shall be printed within the principle quarter of 2026.

The Elettrica has a center of gravity 80mm lower than an same combustion-powered Ferrari, engineered with a weight distribution of 47-percent entrance and fifty three percent rear.

Finite particulars of the Elettrica’s body are no longer yet available. What’s identified is that the done vehicle will weigh spherical 2300kg, and that the body shall be manufactured with 75-percent recycled aluminium.

We seek data from the body to indulge in four doors – being that Elettrica is confirmed to seat four passengers.

Ferrari boasts that the plot technique of its new EV has resulted in 60 new patents for the imprint. The Elettrica will absolute self assurance pave the methodology for future Ferrari EVs, with the Italian company already confirming that its product lineup will encompass 20-percent EV by 2030.

So, will Ferrari be one more imprint to pump synthetic sound into the cabin for its electrical? We are able to happily chronicle that this can no longer be the case.

Ferrari has defined in enormous detail that this would possibly well increasingly per chance well furthermore bag bigger sound generated by the rear-axle electrical motors “love amplifying an electrical guitar”, and send this sound into the cabin.

The procedure robotically adjusts the quantity of this amplified sound, prioritising silence when commuting and “providing dialogue” when given the berries.