Electric vehicles

Mitsubishi has detailed the specifications for the facelifted Outlander PHEV with electrical-only riding vary now boosted to 86km (WLTP).

The core, petrol-only Outlander vary used to be updated earlier this yr, with identical spec modifications such because the addition of a Yamaha stereo to high-spec trims and an Australian-particular suspension tune, acknowledged to reinforce the dynamics and consolation.

Pricing confirmed for Australia

Pricing is up by $1700 to $3000 over the pre-facelifted mannequin, depending on the grade, now starting at $58,990 sooner than on-roads for the entry-level ES, followed by the Aspire ($66,790), Exceed ($71,640) and Exceed Tourer ($74,490). The flagship GSR has been a long way flung from the vary, on the least for now.

All PHEV variants are AWD as long-established, reflecting a impress gap of $15,750 across all grades with the corrupt 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine.

As soon as Australia’s only-promoting PHEV by a country mile, the Outlander PHEV has confronted fierce competition from Chinese language rivals, with the likes of the BYD Sealion 6 priced from $47,990 sooner than on-roads, and the Haval H6 PHEV from $43,490 sooner than on-roads.

Bigger battery and more vary

With reduce back-priced competition such because the GWM Haval H6 PHEV and Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV, claiming 95 and 106km respectively fixed with the generous NEDC discovering out long-established, Mitsubishi has regarded to bolster the Outlander PHEVs outdated 84km claim – moreover fixed with NEDC.

Now held responsible by the more stringent WLTP long-established, the anticipated vary resolve has grown to 86km, courtesy of a elevated 22.7kWh battery pack.

It’s a resolve that falls a runt searching the incoming Toyota RAV4 PHEV – anticipated to pack around 100km – and the Skoda Kodiaq PHEV with a WLTP vary of 112km.

Quieter and bigger to force

Chasing Vehicles will conduct a corpulent overview when the mannequin arrives to blueprint our occupy conclusions but Mitsubishi says it has improved the general noise vibration and harshness ranges (NVH) by fitting a brand new metal bonnet and entrance fenders, amongst other modifications.

Alongside with a brand new steering and suspension tune, Mitsubishi has fitted summer season-particular Bridgestone tyres acknowledged to reinforce riding engagement and decrease noise ranges.

The creep-in drivetrain continues to use 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to a twin-motor AWD setup. Blended outputs are anticipated to rise above the outdated 185kW/450Nm but corpulent Aussie specs are yet to be confirmed.

Outlander PHEV grade-by-grade:

The ES now aspects a 12.3-hotfoot multimedia show with an eight-speaker Yamaha sound system acknowledged to take audio quality over the outdated unnamed stock unit.

A stricter driver monitoring system and tempo limit detection has moreover been launched to abet replace its five-megastar ANCAP get, along with other incremental enhancements to restraints and airbag performance.

Other long-established feature highlights consist of:

• 18-hotfoot alloy wheels
• LED tail-lights
• Gloomy cloth upholstery
• LED inside of lighting
• 360-level digicam
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Blind location monitoring
• Lane departure prevention

Now fitted with seven seats, as a replacement of five, the Aspire adds the following:

• 20-hotfoot wheels
• Creep and recline handbook seat adjuster
• Gloomy Granlux and PVC upholstery
• Heated entrance seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Wireless phone charger
• Lane retain motivate
• Touch sensor steering vibration
• Low-tempo adaptive cruise retain watch over

The brand new Exceed adds the following:

• Gloomy of grey leather-based fully mostly upholstery
• Ventilated entrance seats
• Frameless rear-see mediate w/digital video show
• Aluminium originate for the pedals

The now flagship Exceed Tourer adds:

• 12-speaker Yamaha sound system
• Brick Brown semi-aniline premium leather-based fully mostly upholstery
• Massage feature for the entrance seats

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2026 Australian pricing

Prices listed are sooner than on-twin carriageway prices

• ES: $58,990 (+$1700)
• Aspire: $66,790 (+$3000)
• Exceed: $71,640 (+$2350)
• Exceed Tourer: $74,490 (+$2700)

The Geely EX5 electric medium SUV has been updated for 2026, with a better 68.4kWh battery — up from 60.2kWh — and $1000 label amplify.

Ensuing from the simpler battery, the Geely EX5’s using vary improves.  The entry Total is now able to 475km (up 45km), whereas the tip-spec Encourage musters 450km (up 40km). Each figures are WLTP.

The event won’t arrive for free — every model will improve in label by $1000, now starting at $41,990 for Total and $Forty five,990 for Encourage, sooner than on-boulevard costs.

The updated Geely EX5 is arriving in dealerships now.

Irrespective of the price amplify, the Geely EX5 remains $10,000 more cost-effective than section leading midsize EVs equivalent to the Tesla Model Y (from $58,900) and BYD Sealion 7 (from $54,990).

The Model Y RWD parts a 60.0kWh battery and 466km using vary, whereas Sealion 7 Top class parts a 82.6kWh battery and 482km vary. Each opponents are rear-wheel power, whereas EX5 sends an unchanged 160kW/320Nm to its entrance wheels.

Besides a better battery, the Geely EX5 also picks up a ragged-match cargo blind and Mode 2 EV charging cable for charging the automobile on a three-pin socket.

The peak DC cost strength remains 100kW, though Geely has no longer confirmed how long it’ll rob to cost the unusual EX5 from 10-80 percent. It became as soon as previously around 35 minutes.

The introductory EX5 Total parts:

• Cargo blind
• Mode 2 cost cable
• 18-toddle alloy wheels
• Plump LED exterior lighting, auto highbeam
• Rear parking sensors
• Keyless entry
• Tilt and telescope steering wheel
• Wireless charging pad
• 15.4-toddle touchscreen with navigation
• 10.2-toddle digital driver’s level to
• Man made leather-based mostly completely upholstery
• Heated and 6-manner strength-alter driver’s seat
• Six-speaker sound machine

The vary topping EX5 Encourage adds:

• 19-toddle alloy wheels
• Vitality tailgate
• Front parking sensors
• Illuminated arrogance mirrors
• 256-coloration ambient lighting
• Climate retain a watch on
• Driver’s seat memory; legrest for entrance passenger
• Front seat air slide and rub down operate
• 1000-watt, 16-speaker sound machine
• Heads-up level to

Dimensions for the EX5 dwell unchanged at 4615mm long, 1901mm wide, and 1670mm substantial, using on a 2750mm wheelbase.

Geely continues to offer a seven year / limitless kilometre guarantee for its vehicles, with a separate eight year / limitless kilometre guarantee for its high voltage batteries. Up to seven years of roadside help is supplied supplied the automobile is serviced adequately by a Geely dealership.

The Geely EX5 generated a ambitious 3944 full car gross sales in 2025, with the model debuting in mid-March. This year, the EX5 has to this level shifted 415 items to January, 2026.

Geely EX5 2026: prices in Australia

All prices listed are sooner than on-boulevard costs.

• Total: $41,990 (+$1,000)
• Encourage: $Forty five,990 (+$1,000)

Kia Australia has debuted its most pricey and extravagant mannequin but to the Australian market, launching the EV9 GT with prime outputs of 374kW and 740Nm, and a beginning model of $129,250 sooner than on-avenue fees.

The EV9 GT is positioned above the EV9 GT-Line – which claims outputs of 283kW/700Nm and a model of $121,000 – with a drivetrain that is 32-percent extra noteworthy and a beginning model $8250 extra than the as soon as-flagship.

Sprinting from 0-100km/hr within the EV9 GT takes 4.5 seconds – on par with a 2026 Audi S5 Avant – with gigantic traction from its rear-bias twin-motor all-wheel drive system.

Oddly, the EV9 GT’s driving vary increases over the less noteworthy GT-Line, claiming 510km (WLTP) to the GT-Line’s 505km vary, despite boasting a further 91kW and 40Nm.

Parts queer to the EV9 GT embody a particular front clip with digital LED grille, 21-gallop alloy wheels, digital-controlled suspension, and a particular inner with 2d-row ‘captains chair’ relaxation seats.

Most incessantly, famous, three-row electrical luxury SUVs will trade total efficiency for an prolonged driving vary, due in allotment to added weight from luxury equipment, a super inner and the popular extra metal associated with a 5-metre lengthy physique.

Nonetheless Kia’s EV9 GT, which is expended to tip the scales somewhat of above the 3240kg GT-Line, guarantees both efficiency and a luxury trip, with a particular promoting plan matched by few competitors – mainly the 460kW/950Nm $194,100 Mercedes-AMG EQE Fifty three.

While without issues essentially the most costly, the EV9 GT is per chance now not Kia’s strongest automobile. That title remains to be held by the 430kW/740Nm EV6 GT, which at repeat starts from $ninety nine,660. Furthermore, the EV6 GT will rapidly be updated with an improved output of 478kW/770Nm and a possible greater model.

GT to take a seat down atop EV9 vary

The introduction of the EV9 GT methodology the nice, three row electrical SUV now spans four grades, beginning with the spoiled, rear-drive Air, which facets a 76.1kWh battery and vary claim of 443km (WLTP), heart grade Earth, and vary toppers GT-Line and GT.

Air, GT-Line and GT specced EV9’s all characteristic same outdated-geared up all-wheel drive, a ninety nine.8kWh battery, and vary claims of 521km, 505km, and 510km respectively.

The EV9 GT without issues breaks into the upper echelons of top rate electrical SUVs, finding competitors with the $124,990 Volvo EX90 and $142,900 BMW iX, as smartly as shut relative $119,750 Hyundai Ioniq 9.

In accordance to Kia, the EV9 will like a flash DC payment from 10-80 percent in spherical 24 minutes, peaking at 350kW, and AC payment from 10-100-percent in spherical 9 hours, with a prime of 11kW.

All Kia EV9 items are constructed on the Hyundai-Kia three map partnership Electrical Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with 800V structure.

Kia EV9 2026: Prices in Australia

Prices listed are sooner than on-avenue fees

• EV9 Air RWD: $97,000
• EV9 Earth AWD: $106,500
• GT-Line AWD: $121,000
• GT AWD: $129,250

The first pre-manufacturing BMW i3 — in utterly different words, the marque’s first electrical 3 Sequence — has been inbuilt a single day at the Bavarian label’s Plant Munich manufacturing line.

Whereas prototypes of the i3 had been in testing on European and American roads for some time, these had been handmade test mules.

The latest constructing, by which a slight preference of what BMW calls “reach-series test vehicles” had been assembled neatly on the manufacturing line, method the affirm of the auto can fully be months away.

“This marks the starting of the last preparation fragment for the commence of series manufacturing in the 2d half of of 2026,” BMW announced by media open.

Subsequent-gen 3 Sequence shall be offered with electrical, hybrid and petrol engines

The following-generation 3 Sequence will continue to be offered with petrol and hybrid engines nonetheless an all-electrical i3 mannequin shall be made available for the first time.

Whereas query for SUVs with ease outstrips curiosity in sedans, the three Sequence stays essential mannequin for BMW, due to its 51-three hundred and sixty five days heritage and enduring driver allure.

Below the skin, the combustion and electrical 3 Sequence versions shall be basically based fully on entirely utterly different platforms with just a puny utterly different size, nonetheless they’re going to construct on substantially the same styling.

Codenamed ‘NA0’, the i3 sedan will use BMW’s latest-and-most entertaining EV architecture, borrowing the Neue Klasse chassis from the lauded unique iX3 midsize SUV.

A minimum of in Europe, a substantial vary of i3 powertrains shall be offered seemingly all over two battery sizes.

Unusual iX3 provides sure hints for 3 Sequence trust and specification

The electrical i3 is anticipated to construct on just a puny more conservative styling than the iX3, nonetheless ask a substantial gloss gloomy veil stretch all around the front cease around kidney grilles.

Interior, ask a the same floating touchscreen to the 17.9-lunge unit from the iX3, along with optional fitment of BMW’s unique ultra-huge 43-lunge Panoramic Vision panel that runs the scale of the defective of the windscreen.

Standard spec’ is anticipated to encompass a pitcher panoramic roof while alternate ideas will encompass high-grade driver assistance and autonomy aspects and Harman-Kardon audio.

Within the intervening time, the ‘G50’ petrol and hybrid versions will use a modernised update of the outgoing ‘G20’ 3 Sequence’ Cluster Structure chassis.

i3 to enter manufacturing first with petrol, Touring and M3 fashions to advise

Chasing Automobiles understands that the electrical i3 will slide into manufacturing first, seemingly in July 2026, with meeting of the petrol model following in November of this three hundred and sixty five days.

Early 2027 will scrutinize a controversial electrical iM3 with chassis code ‘ZA0’ slide into manufacturing in Munich with a petroleum M3 vary following a three hundred and sixty five days later.

By mid-2027, Touring (location wagon) versions will slide into manufacturing, as neatly as a traipse-in hybrid powertrain for the combustion 3 Sequence.

Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of both the electrical i3 and combustion 3 Sequence shall be available.

The Chinese language-constructed Kia EV5 SUV will salvage a suspension and steerage overhaul in late 2026 to present a take to the utilizing trip of the rather standard electrical SUV.

EV5 has been a success for its South Korean maker, with 4787 examples of the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X rival finding Australian clients in 2025.

But senior Kia executives privately acknowledge that the traipse and facing of the SUV model is not as a lot as scratch.

When the EV5 landed in Australia in late 2024, Chasing Vehicles was as soon as among reviewers praising its artful interior packaging while pinging strangely free body control and overly soft damping.

In most stylish years, Kia Australia’s native traipse and facing program has resulted in remarkably constant autos that swimsuit our roads. The EV5 stands out for its clumsy dynamics.

Retuned traipse and facing a spotlight for 2026 EV5 update

Despite the EV5 exceeding gross sales targets notwithstanding its mediocre toll road manners, Kia Australia will update the mechanicals later this year in a disclose to comprise the EV5 better to pressure.

Kia Australia general supervisor of product planning Roland Rivero confirmed to Chasing Vehicles that the facelifted EV5 will originate in Australia in the perfect quarter of 2026.

And you’re going to impeach huge changes internal and below the pores and skin — in conjunction with a huge suspension and steerage upgrade led by Kia Australia chief engineer for traipse and facing Graeme Gambold.

“Let’s moral relate there are a amount of enhancements,” stated Rivero.

“This will not moral be visuals. It’s a possibility for Graeme to enhance the traipse and facing. There are a amount of functions being added as properly, in conjunction with a original Kia Connect infotainment machine.

“This will be bigger than pores and skin deep,” he acknowledged.

Kia and Hyundai bear labored to present a take to Chinese language hardware downside

Both Kia Australia and sibling model Hyundai Australia are understood to bear labored to present a take to both the standard and tunability of suspension and steerage hardware feeble in Chinese language-constructed models.

Chasing Vehicles understands that a pair of of the bodily hardware feeble for the existing EV5 product was as soon as much less adjustable by the Australian group than anticipated.

That downside will be resolved for the EV5 facelift. Within the interim, Hyundai has labored to stable superior hardware for its own debut Chinese language-constructed EV, the Elexio, which launches imminently in Australia.

Whereas the EV5 is equipped within the UK in handsome-hand-pressure layout, the UK made up our minds to source its version of the EV5 from South Korea — and the Korean automobile has an entirely moderately tons of rear suspension and steerage setup.

It’s not yet known whether or not the Chinese language-made EV5 facelift will adopt the Korean automobile’s differentiated rear discontinue.

Recent 27-breeze touchscreen anticipated for interior upgrade

Interior, it is doubtless that the EV5 will win a the same infotainment machine to the Hyundai Elexio, primarily primarily based around a large 27-breeze touchscreen that stretches from the centre to the passenger facet of the cabin, plus a HUD-style instrument cluster.

Inquire of more minor changes to the out of doors operate of the EV5, with original paint colours and alloy wheel designs the in all probability plus some alterations to the lights.

The fresh EV5 lineup contains three grades (Air, Earth and GT-Line) with two battery sizes, with pricing initiating from $56,770 sooner than on-toll road charges.

When it lands locally, the facelifted EV5 can even win Kia’s original eight-year battery warranty.

Stock of the Polestar 3 has effectively flee out in Australia with the lush SUV getting into a local hiatus length between the 2025 and 2027 model years.

When the absolutely electric crossover returns to the Australian market in the 2nd half of 2026 in MY27 invent it may maybe well well accept as true with long gone thru substantial mechanical and software program upgrades.

These will consist of a transition from a 400- to 800-volt architecture, enabling quicker charging at supported DC chargers whereas a unique, in-dwelling developed rear motor adds rather more energy.

What won’t be on the menu is a label reduce, with Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard telling Chasing Cars that he intends to lend a hand agency on the SUV’s top rate pricing that sits above the lush automobile tax (LCT) threshold.

Pricing now now not anticipated to be reduced from circa-$116K heights

“Polestar 3 will withhold a identical label role to where it’s now, and [will] lend a hand a identical market role. It is a ways a terribly high quality product that’s understandably dear to invent,” stated Maynard.

Polestar Australia executives acknowledge that the resolution to lend a hand pricing arrangement the present model’s legit cost of between $116,754 and $154,454 earlier than on-facet road costs will withhold a lid on gross sales.

In 2025, Polestar delivered 332 examples of the Polestar 3 in Australia — a arrangement match for the BMW iX (417 fashions) however a result that trailed the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV (961).

Discounting campaigns had been damaged-down with regularity to underpin native demand for the Polestar 3 — a methodology Aussie boss Maynard says the logo needs to pass away from.

The Polestar 3, which has a top rate internal and remarkably crisp riding dynamics, is the reigning Chasing Cars Luxury Automobile of the Year.

“It will want to expose its high label. We have a reasonable idea on the automobile, and valid kind, reasonable views on its [sales] quantity that can enable it to lend a hand and withhold a elevated label,” Maynard outlined.

That is never any subject earlier demand existing in Australia for EVs priced above the LCT threshold of $91,387 (excluding registration and worth duty).

Fundamental updates to hardware and software program inbound

World Polestar chief executive Michael Lohscheller stated the MY27 updates to the Polestar 3 “are so intensive it’s esteem an fully unique automobile.”

A three-variant lineup will continue, albeit with simplified names: Rear Motor, Twin Motor, and Performance.

One backwards step sees the headline WLTP riding range of the Rear Motor step again from 706km to 604km as the battery dimension for the destructive model has been reduced from 107kW (usable) to a smaller, lighter 88kWh (usable) pack built by Chinese language agency CATL.

Strength is up across the range. The Rear Motor now makes 245kW/480Nm; the Twin Motor 400kW/740Nm; and the Performance 500kW/870Nm.

All grades accept as true with the advantage of a unique steering tune, updated anti-roll bars and a more grand NVIDIA Force AGX Orin processor.

Existing owners need now now not be disgruntled as Polestar will provide a free retrofit of the unique NVIDIA unit.

Each and each all-wheel power fashions (Twin Motor and Performance) additionally come by a unique CATL battery pack measuring 106kW in usable ability. The longest-range neat will now be the Twin Motor, at 635km (WLTP).

The shift to an 800-volt electrical architecture will enable peak DC charging speeds of 310kW (Rear Motor) or 350kW (Twin Motor and Performance) on acceptable chargers with a handiest-case 10 to 80 percent charge time of 22 minutes. AC charging peak remains 11kW.

Nonetheless, it remains to be considered whether the Polestar 3 will, esteem the 800-volt Zeekr 7X additionally made by mother or father firm Geely, will likely be tempo-puny when charging at more frequent 400-volt chargers.

Tiny adjustments were made to the ideas construction, with adaptive air suspension now frequent valid for the Performance grade and cost-optionally accessible for the Twin Motor.

A novel High pack combines the oft-ordered Pilot, Plus and Climate packs whereas frequent seat upholstery turns into recycled MicroTech fabric with nappa leather closing a costly chance.

Local pricing and a more impregnable birth date for the MY27 Polestar 3 will likely be equipped in due path.

Toyota The US has teased the rear-review of what appears to be like to be a shipshape, futuristic SUV, with styling in-line with the unique Toyota Hilux, bZ4X, and rapidly-to-unlock C-HR electrical.

Despite the vagueness of Toyota’s teaser, captioned merely “one thing unique is on the horizon”, now we have a upright thought of what this automobile in fact is. The truth is, this isn’t the principle — or 2d — time this automobile has been snug-launched to the public.

We have the teaser automobile is the shipshape, three-row Toyota electrical thought, colloquially known because the ‘bZ5X’. First revealed alongside 14 diverse vehicles in a enormous Toyota press level to in 2021, the Toyota bZ5X is well-known from speculative, acting on stage as a physical, moveable automobile.

Leaked patent photos of the bZ5X extra this claim. In 2023, quite a lot of renders of a bZ5X shipshape SUV emerged from China with styling and proportions with regards to identical to the car we stumble on this day.

If Toyota’s latest teaser is the bZ5X, we are in a position to request external dimensions identical to the Kluger (4966mm lengthy, 1930mm huge, 1755mm well-known, 2850mm wheelbase) with three-row seating, and a lavish, properly outfitted interior in step with identical Toyota flagship units.

Toyota is but to verify if this mannequin, or if the name will stick.

Earlier this year, Toyota talked about this might perhaps maybe well perhaps slump far from ‘bZ’ naming conventions in future units — subsequently C-HR electrical. Question a identical slump for this unique, bigger automobile. Presumably Kluger Electric.

Likewise, the powertrain of the Kluger Electric might perhaps maybe presumably easy be in contention. While the car modified into as soon as revealed on stage as part of a 15-automobile-stable electrical automobile rollout, world EV appetites have modified considerably, and so has Toyota’s assembly technique.

Toyota’s next-period Corolla, as an illustration, debuted a multi-powertrain assembly plot, which might perhaps maybe presumably stumble on unique Toyota vehicles offer plugless hybrid, plod-in hybrid, and devoted electrical energy. There’s an right chance the unique Kluger might perhaps maybe presumably debut this plot in Oz.

Mazda has locked within the certainly electrical CX-6e medium SUV for a 2026 arrival right here in Australia.

Its medium sizing will hope to present an effortless transition for traders of the trendy CX-5 attempting to change to an all-electrical drivetrain, but presumably extra importantly, its sourcing from China should silent gain it extra competitively priced than old electrical Mazda efforts.

It’s the second product from a joint venture between Mazda and Chongqing Changan Automobile Co, following the 6e sedan which is on legend of come within the latter half of 2026.

Once on sale in Australia, the CX-6e will seemingly be part of a rising self-discipline of competitive electrical midsize SUV opponents, in conjunction with the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr 7X.

CX-6e vary, charging instances and additional

All key particulars, in conjunction with pricing, grades, hardware and even a particular launch date, remain beneath wraps for now, but specs launched for the UK would possibly presumably offer some insight into what to request right here in Australia.

Unveiled at Brussels Motor Show off closing week, the CX-6e facets a 78kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack with a WLTP using vary of as much as 482km.

A most DC charging fee of 195kW is claimed to present a 10-80 p.c high-up time of 24 minutes, with 11kW AC charging moreover accessible.

The spec confirmed featured a single 189kW/290Nm motor on the rear axle, ravishing for a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds. It’s anticipated, alternatively, that all-wheel-pressure versions will seemingly be part of the local lineup.

26-rush display camouflage camouflage dominates CX-6e’s cabin

An unmissable feature of the CX-6e’s cabin invent is the mountainous 26-rush touchscreen, which sweeps across the centre of the dashboard to the passenger aspect, with a dual-layer operate so as that driver and passenger can use the set up for hundreds of capabilities.

The setup is complemented by a heads-up existing for the motive force and the blueprint silent integrates outmoded smartphone mediate software in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Mazda has trimmed the interior in a diversity of coloration schemes, in conjunction with hundreds of two-tone alternatives, with one in a placing pink and pearl colour.

A cargo ability of 468 litres is quoted for the 5-seater, rising to 1434 litres when the second row is folded flat.

Pricing of round £forty five,000 (circa-$90,000 AUD) has been estimated for the CX-6e within the UK, where vehicle costs are most regularly better, nonetheless it remains to be viewed where this new SUV will land.

Shall we embrace, the Model Y Prolonged-Differ RWD starts from £51,990 (circa-$104,000 AUD) but is priced from $68,900 right here in Australia, suggesting the Mazda would possibly presumably land within the low $60,000 vary right here.

Corpulent particulars on safety tech remain beneath wraps but Mazda guarantees a corpulent arsenal of driver aids backed by new-expertise cameras and sensors, alongside with the passive protection of 9 airbags.

The Kia EV2 used to be printed this evening at the 2026 Brussels Motor Expose because the South Korean producer’s sixth devoted battery electrical (BEV) model — and its most cost-effective, most cheap EV but for world markets.

Kia says it is focussing on bringing new customers to the emblem by strategy of the EV2 — in disclose, folks shopping their first completely electrical car.

Nonetheless the ask of whether the Slovakian-built EV2 will be launched in Australia stays unresolved resulting from forex pressures precipitated by the strength of the Euro, with the model closing “below explore for Australia” in step with a spokesperson.

Time and all as soon as more passe Australian buck is making native EV2 start less likely

“The forex is now not huge — the Euro to the Aussie buck — and that’s now not one thing you would with out direct perfect flip round,” Kia Australia overall supervisor of product planning suggested Chasing Autos closing month.

“We must quiet take into account that if EV2 comes in at the identical impress as EV3, as a worst case, it doesn’t in actuality create any logical sense in the market when you would desire a [BYD] Atto 1 or Atto 2 in the $20,000s and $30,000s.

“I deem the math are now questionable,” said Rivero in December 2025. The relative strength of the Euro to the Australian buck has persisted since April 2025.

A closing resolution will be made quickly by Kia Australia, with entry-stage versions of the EV2 slated to enter production by the tip of March 2026.

Three varied variants printed by Kia at the Brussels exhibit — excessive-powered GT versions of the EV3, EV4 and EV5 — are understood to be less inclined to reach to Australia.

Boxy styling cues aplenty for Kia’s electrical reply to the Stonic

The EV2 is supposed to slot into Kia’s shrimp SUV lineup under the EV3 (which is priced from $47,600 plus on-toll road fees in Australia) and as a BEV more than just a few to the petrol-powered Stonic (from $28,180 + ORCs).

That positioning makes sense given the EV2’s compact dimensions which measure 4060mm prolonged, 1800mm huge and 1575mm excessive on a 2565mm wheelbase, with weight anticipated to be round 1650kg.

Kia is additionally leaving room under the EV2 for a Picanto-sized EV1 hatchback.

Exterior, an up so far interpretation of Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ catch language includes Well-known particular person Map lighting first considered on the second-generation Seltos SUV, famed plastic cladding and a breadvan-like stance intended to maximise interior put.

Manufacturing interior blends skills with comforting bodily shortcuts

The cabin philosophy — dubbed “Picnic Field” — appears to be like to own resulted in one of many entry-stage BEV section’s most pleasant interiors, that contains a wraparound cloth smash pad, dual 12.3-creep infotainment monitors, and solid integration of bodily shortcuts for key controls.

Exceptional and GT-Line grades will be available with top price alternatives put to consist of a Harman-Kardon stereo, a sunroof, and 100-watt USB-C charging functionality, whereas car connectivity (including digital key, smartphone app and over-the-air updating) will be fitted.

The ccNC infotainment machine will additionally incorporate a brand new pet mode to raise animals wintry in the auto, as neatly as EV-disclose route planning with Chase & Label functionality for supported charging community billing.

Boot put is imagined to be “as a lot as” 403 litres in four-seat format, however Kia Australia would likely decide for the 5-seat model which entails a reduce price in boot skill to 362L. Kia says the EV2 has a “class-main” frunk.

Up to 448km range WLTP however middling rapid charging efficiency

We know there will be both Exceptional Fluctuate and Long Fluctuate versions of the EV2, making utilize of 42.2kWh and 61.0kWh batteries — of unknown chemistry — respectively. Kia generally quotes whole battery dimension, so usable skill is many times a splash lower.

WLTP range is imagined to be 317km for the Exceptional Fluctuate and 448km for the Long Fluctuate, whereas GT-Line — anticipated to be Long Fluctuate most effective and utilizing on 19-creep wheels — will likely present round 420km range.

Devour varied Hyundai and Kia EVs that skip the ‘fat-plump’ model of e-GMP, rapid-charging efficiency appears to be like mediocre, with a 29 to 30 minute 10-80 p.c recharging tell indicating moderate charging speeds of 59kW (Exceptional Fluctuate) or 85kW (Long Fluctuate).

More spectacular is that a 22kW onboard AC charger will be available for like a flash home or space of enterprise charging skill.

Other affordability measures consist of the utilize of a rear coupled torsion beam axle (with hydro bushings) rather than multi-link honest rear suspension, though steering must quiet support from utilize of a column-mounted motor.

EV2 would possibly perhaps perhaps supplement pretty worthwhile EV3 and EV5 in Australia

Devour the EV3 with which it shares its cheap fork of Kia’s e-GMP BEV platform, the EV2 is entrance-wheel drive however energy, torque and acceleration figures own now not but been disclosed.

Safety parts will steal in staunch lane protecting support with steering hands-on detection, forwards and reversing AEB, adaptive cruise adjust, a 360-stage camera, and blind space explore cameras.

About a of Kia’s electrical fashions had been pretty worthwhile in the Australian market and key executives lisp they were scream with the sales efficiency of the EV3 shrimp SUV and EV5 midsize SUV closing year.

That pair — which, just like the EV2, reach from the cheap fork of Kia’s BEV platform — sold 2597 and 4787 devices respectively in Australia closing year.

The contribution of the EV3 and EV5 to Kia’s whole result used to be grand bigger than the larger-tech EV6 (348 devices) and EV9 (269 devices) which the South Korean model continues to instruct as model flagships.

Tesla has held on to its electrical automobile sales crown in Australia no subject sliding sales which have seen China’s BYD overtake the US EV ticket for the considerable time globally.

BYD EV registrations climbed 77 per cent to 25,287 objects in 2025, falling wanting the 28,856 recent-automobile registrations posted by Tesla finest yr.

Tesla was once aided by a five per cent sales improve for its Mannequin Y SUV that gained a considerable update in 2025, with the related Mannequin 3 sedan plummeting by 61 per cent yr on yr.

That contributed to Tesla Australian sales falling by double figures for the 2d consecutive yr – down by 25 per cent in 2025 following a 17 per cent decline in 2024.

BYD’s outcomes had been boosted by the appearance finest yr of the Mannequin Y rivalling Sealion 7, which was once the corporate’s 2d most attention-grabbing-selling automobile in 2025 with 13,410 objects – at the support of the 18,073 of the breeze-in hybrid Shark ute. Gross sales of the Dolphin minute EV hatch also increased by 54 per cent to 3248 objects.

It wasn’t all true data for BYD. Gross sales of the Seal electrical sedan and Atto 3 minute electrical SUV dropped by 41 per cent and 33 per cent respectively.

Within the worldwide EV annual sales scurry, BYD did overtake Tesla for the considerable time – reporting 2.25 million sales of pure battery-powered autos in contrast with about 1.64 million sales for Tesla.

BYD sales totalled 4.46 million for 2025 when alongside with breeze-in hybrid autos.

BYD is well positioned to displace Tesla as Australia’s No.1 EV ticket in 2026. The rotund-low-cost Atto 1 electrical metropolis automobile – priced from $23,990 sooner than on-road bills – launches imminently, with the Atto 2 minute electrical SUV recent in showrooms from lawful $31,990 RRP.

No recent Tesla fashions are currently anticipated for the shut to future. The corporate has provided lower-priced versions of the 3 and Y within the US but are now no longer confirmed for Australia.