Future cars

A elevated-displacement four-cylinder turbo diesel engine in development by GWM can beget its world debut in Australia “by mid-2026”, the conglomerate’s chief technology officer Nicole Wu says.

“A three-litre turbo [engine] is coming soon, and right here is the kicker — our 3.0-litre Tank diesel model will make its world debut moral right here in Australia by Would possibly perchance well simply next twelve months,” Wu urged media in conjunction with Chasing Vehicles.

The resolution to unveil the original engine in Australia is a boon for GWM’s local operations, with GWM world executives confirming Australia is a pillar of the Chinese conglomerate’s enlargement method.

GWM is suddenly expanding powertrain alternate suggestions in Australia, with the all-original diesel becoming a member of a lineup that additionally contains petrol engines, plugless petrol hybrids (HEVs), trot-in hybrids (PHEVs), and battery EVs (BEVs).

Whereas most manufacturers are sharp a ways from diesel engines, GWM says the expanding allotment of hybrid gross sales will manufacture headroom below Australia’s New Vehicle Effectivity Traditional (NVES) regime to continue promoting diesel and petrol engines in future.

3.0-litre diesel to be sold alongside trot-in hybrid engines

The original 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine will make its debut within the Tank 500 four-wheel drive, with the engine location to vary into GWM’s ‘top charge’ diesel powertrain.

Meanwhile, a 2.4-litre diesel engine producing 135kW/480Nm is anticipated to continue doing duty in smaller GWM 4 wheel drive fashions in conjunction with the Tank 300 and the common-dimension Cannon ute.

“We all know Aussies love diesel, and we had been perfecting it since 2002 with 24 years of technology,” acknowledged Wu.

The Tank 500, a Toyota LandCruiser Prado rival, is at hide supplied in Australia with a 255kW/548Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol/hybrid (HEV) engine, with a 300kW/750Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol/trot-in hybrid (PHEV) option becoming a member of the line-up imminently.

GWM will rely on gross sales of the Tank 500 PHEV to steadiness out the model’s common emissions, though it expects the 3.0-litre diesel to sell very strongly in Australia — doubtlessly necessitating the diesel to be dearer than the PHEV over time.

Before every little thing, then all over again, GWM chief working officer John Kett urged Chasing Vehicles that the realizing is to “let [the 3.0-litre diesel] trip” earlier than making any powertrain pricing changes to suit NVES necessities over time.

Both the PHEV and the original diesel are anticipated to generate appreciable extra gross sales for the Tank 500, as gross sales performance with the HEV-most efficient powertrain lineup has lagged effectively within the support of the Prado.

New diesel additionally anticipated for Cannon Alpha, V8 quiet in development

The massive Cannon Alpha ute is additionally at possibility of receive the 3.0-litre diesel engine, the place this would possibly perchance additionally also be sold alongside the present PHEV version of the Cannon Alpha.

Efficiency of the original diesel engine is anticipated to be elevated than the present 2.4-litre’s 135kW/480Nm outputs, whereas additionally reducing gas economy and CO2 emissions. Within the Tank 300, the 2.4-litre consumes 7.8L/100km in ADR blended making an are trying out.

Whereas the 3.0-litre engine is at possibility of be essentially the most important ability diesel GWM will provide for the foreseeable future, development work continues on a 4.0-litre petrol V8 powertrain that’s below consideration for Australia.

The V8 will possible be teamed with a hybrid machine to make its emissions extra manageable, and GWM has foreshadowed a “militia-grade” extensive off-avenue model will possible be revealed soon. That 4 wheel drive will almost definitely be the debut platform for the V8 engine.

Beneath NVES, carmakers that sell too many excessive-CO2 vehicles (comparable to pure diesel and petrol fashions) are penalised — nonetheless NVES penalties would possibly perchance additionally also be balanced out with credits effectively generated by the sale of EVs and PHEVs.

“GWM is effectively positioned not finest to take care of nonetheless to thrive in this original generation,” acknowledged GWM Australia head of promoting Steve Maciver.

GWM’s gross sales of PHEV fashions below its Haval, Tank and Cannon lineups, as well to BEVs below the Ora sign, are anticipated to position it into NVES credit score territory.

The Kia PV5, an electrical van vary comprising passenger and cargo variations across 16 variants, will launch in Korea later this Three hundred and sixty five days with an Australian launch confirmed with local arrival timing location for between April and September 2026.

Identifiable by its futuristic entrance-close styling that includes helix-formed sunlight hours working lights stretching into the A-pillar, the PV5 is the first Kia to sit down down on the Hyundai neighborhood’s recent E-GMP.S platform—with ‘S’ standing for ‘Providers’.

All PV5 variations piece a typical entrance close, however the roof, quarter glass and rear close are all modular, with the a large sequence of combos of these pieces allowing Kia to market 16 adaptations.

Developed in partnership with 120 van rapidly operators collectively with rideshare platform Uber, couriers DHL Korea and vitality tool specialist Milwaukee, the PV5 provides a passenger configuration plus a cargo version in traditional or high roof codecs.

Three battery sizes are on hand for cargo variations, with 43.3kWh lithium iron phosphate pack location for entry-stage variations whereas denser 51.5kWh and 71.2kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries optionally on hand. Only the NMC pair are equipped for the passenger PV5.

Driving vary for the all-electrical PV5 is claimed to be up to 414km in cargo produce or 416km as a passenger automobile with the 71.2kWh battery with consumption of round 17.1kWh/100km.

Whereas DC charging speeds appears to be modest, at round 100kW high speeds, the PV5’s using vary is considerably longer than the bigger Ford E-Transit Custom-made (337km) or LDV eDeliver 7 (362km), though naturally diesel trucks can spin extra.

As is standard for trucks, vitality and torque is comparatively modest with 120kW/250Nm claimed to be on provide for all three battery sizes. Gorgeous regenerative braking, accessed by procedure of a stagger shifter, makes use of direct, traffic and driver habits to determine on deceleration.

Placement of the battery deep within the chassis of the PV5 is claimed to decrease the centre of gravity and toughen using dynamics when in contrast with combustion trucks, whereas the passenger version of the PV5 nabs dampers tuned for increased roam comfort.

Weight isn’t but acknowledged, however the PV5 is a rather compact, Euro-sized van measuring 4695mm in length (on a long 2995mm wheelbase), 1923mm high and 1895mm huge. Passenger variations will provide two or three rows of seating.

Cargo room measures up to 3615L within the passenger variants, or up to five.2m3 within the high roof cargo mannequin, whereas aspect step-in high for the of us-provider is claimed to be the lowest in school (at 399mm) whereas the cargo’s 419mm rear step high allows easy unloading.

Kia says that possibilities requiring an even bigger electrical van would per chance be catered to, confirming that more capacious PV7 and PV9 items will advance in 2027 and 2029 respectively.

Also on provide from the manufacturing unit is a dedicated Wheelchair Accessible Car (WAV) version of the PV5 pre-configured with a “gently sloped” aspect entry ramp and standard securing system. Pre-configured conversions will even be that it’s probably you’ll maybe well per chance also factor in from the manufacturing unit for certain use conditions.

Feedback from rapidly operators resulted in the inclusion of a crawl-thru interior for the high roof version, a removable entrance passenger seat for extra cargo field, and mud/coffee-resistant seat cloth.

Modular mounting ingredients all the procedure in which thru the cabin (and even on the roof) will enable agencies to purchase ‘stock’ PV5s and without anguish customise them with smartphone mounts, fee terminals, and other tools.

Energy from the PV5’s traction battery will even be ready to be feeble to vitality appliances, with both exterior and interior automobile-to-load vitality outlets fitted to the van providing a provide of up to 3.68kW—theoretically up to 19 hours of vitality at that fee.

Whereas the cab is trimmed in hardy materials, as expected for a van, fashionable infotainment is fitted across two rectangular shows – a 7.5-trudge unit for the motive force, and a 12.9-trudge central touchscreen atop air vents and physical shortcuts for traditional functions collectively with the aspect doors.

The shows bustle a dispute operating system in step with Google Android Automobile, designed particularly for Kia and Hyundai’s E.GMP-S commercial automobile products, collectively with uncover entry to to Third social gathering apps by procedure of the Pleos app market and the skill to add conversion-connected controls.

Intensive rapidly management capabilities are baked into the tool platform underpinning the PV5, with rapidly operators ready to uncover entry to broad telematics regarding to direct and working prices.
Manufacturing has already kicked off for the PV5 at the Hyundai/Kia plant in Hwaseong, South Korea, with subsequent Three hundred and sixty five days’s Australian launch location to use the Korean domestic market and a launch in Europe.

BYD is set aside of abode to birth what it claims will be Australia’s least pricey electric vehicles into local markets imminently.

Slated for a November birth, BYD will unveil each and every the Atto 1, known in some markets as the Dolphin Surf, and Atto 2 exiguous electric vehicles to bolster its most neatly-liked practical EV fluctuate, which contains the Dolphin compact city vehicle and Atto 3 midsize SUV.

The BYD Dolphin on the 2d holds the title of Australia’s least pricey EV, with a initiating designate of unbiased $29,990 sooner than on-roads. Its closest rival, the GWM Ora, begins at $34,490 sooner than on-roads. Each fashions made their local debut in mid 2023.

BYD claims the Dolphin’s least pricey EV title will be stripped by the Atto 1 when it makes its debut early subsequent twelve months. No local crucial strategies were confirmed, nonetheless in worldwide markets, the Atto 1 measures 3990mm lengthy, 1720mm wide, and 1590 tall, with a 2500mm wheelbase.

The most neatly-liked Dolphin measures 4290mm lengthy, 1770mm wide, and 1570mm tall, that strategies a 2700mm wheelbase.

Introducing the Atto 1 to the Australian market reveals good likely to re-ignite opponents within the practical compact vehicle segment, this time with an EV twist.

We await an onslaught of designate cuts, offers and new fashions from rivals to apply within the wake of the Atto 1.

Meanwhile, within the exiguous SUV segment, BYD will bring a equally sized reinforcement for its most neatly-liked Atto 3 electric. The Atto 3 used to be BYD’s first mannequin in Australia, measuring 4455mm in measurement, and predominantly rivalling the MG S5, Leapmotor C10, and Deepal S07.

The rapidly to birth Atto 2 is 145mm shorter than the Atto 3, measuring 4310mm lengthy, 1830mm wide (-45mm), and 1675mm tall (+60mm). Its wheelbase is 2620mm (-100mm).

This would possibly possibly well also be yet one other rival to the between-sizes $40,990 MG S5, besides to the low cost $38,990 Chery E5 and new-birth $38,990 Leapmotor B10. All costs are drive-away.

Demand of the Atto 2 to undercut its higher, expectedly more extremely effective Atto 3 sibling, which begins at $39,990 sooner than on-street charges.

BYD COO Stephen Collins used to be adamant that the introduction of every and every the Atto 1 and Atto 2 to local markets will allow “even more Australians to accept on the encourage of the wheel of their hang [electric vehicle].”

He used to be higher than glad to flip up the warmth on an already intense EV designate opponents in Australia, claiming that the Atto 1 will “be Australia’s most practical EV by some margin” and for punters to “open believing the hype” all the scheme by scheme of the 2 new fashions.

Learn Chasing Cars difficult worldwide first drive of the BYD Atto 2 right here.

BYD hopes to tighten its grip on the Australian trudge-in hybrid market, confirming two unusual items that will predominantly target the Mitsubishi Outlander, MG HS, and Chery Tiggo 8.

Slated to inaugurate early in 2026, the 2 PHEVs are is named the Sealion 5 and Sealion 8.

The two items will sit on both facet of the hot $42,990 sooner than on-roads BYD Sealion 6, which has rapidly confirmed itself as a resound alternative to the prolonged-standing midsize PHEV phase chief, the Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed PHEV.

That vehicle begins at $57,290 for the execrable trudge-in ES, and in greater Exceed easy, offers seven seats to the tune of $69,290. Both costs are sooner than on-freeway costs.

It has prolonged been anticipated that BYD would provide a seven seat resolution to Mitsubishi, and the Sealion 8 appears to manufacture appropriate that, whereas moreover serving as BYD’s substantial flagship model.

Native specifications for the Sealion 8, moreover the probability of seven seats, and claims that the model is ‘tech centered’, are restful unconfirmed. In in yet any other nation markets, the Sealion 8 measures 5040mm prolonged, 1996mm broad, and 1970mm broad, with a 2950mm wheelbase.

For comparison, the soon to inaugurate 2026 Hyundai Palisade measures 5065mm in size.

But one model to bury the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV wasn’t ample. BYD will extra its PHEV offensive by concurrently quenching the flames of much less dear trudge-in rivals from China — enter the much less dear, nevertheless restful household sized Sealion 5.

Pricing for the Sealion 5 is yet to be confirmed, nevertheless BYD says it’s “perfectly primed for purchasers looking for price with out compromising on the aspects BYD has become indispensable for.”

We deliver the Sealion 5 to be competitive with the $Forty eight,990 MG HS ‘Spacious Hybrid’, $42,990 Chery Tiggo 8 CHS, and the $forty five,990 Jaecoo J7 SHS. Costs are sooner than on-roads.

The Sealion 5 is a greater than midsize prolonged wheelbase 5 seater which in World markets measures 4710mm prolonged, 1880mm broad, and 1720mm broad, with a 2712mm wheelbase – all of sudden within 50mm in all dimensions to the hot Sealion 6.

By comparison, the midsize SUV phase leading Toyota RAV4 is 4600mm prolonged.

Technical specifications are largely unknown for both Sealion items, nevertheless BYD did verify that items will feature a DM-i hybrid machine such as the Sealion 6 and Shark 6 ute.

Both unusual systems blend a 1.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine, supplied with or with out a turbocharger, with a BYD Blade battery (between 18 and 30kWh), and one or two electric motors, searching on the model grade.

BYD claims that the inaugurate of its unusual Sealion items, to boot to newly confirmed Atto items, will encourage Australians create the conversion to corpulent electric strength.

Read Chasing Vehicles irregular global first drive coverage of the BYD Sealion 5 here.

Mazda has tweaked the powertrain lineup for its BT-50 ute fluctuate in a pass designed to diminish gas consumption (and connected CO2 emissions) of the smartly-liked 3.0-litre engine and new 2.2-litre unit, the latter changing the outgoing 1.9-litre motor at the entry repeat the BT-50 line-up.

All variants of BT-50 sold in Australia survey enhancements in their legit gas economic system thanks to the adjustments, with the fitment of a brand new auto initiate-close machine for the 3.0-litre slashing gas exercise by as primary of 11 p.c on paper.

While that looks to be a modest commerce, it goes to originate a purposeful distinction to Mazda’s emissions penalties blueprint below Australia’s Contemporary Automobile Efficiency Customary (NVES) criminal guidelines which penalise carmakers that fail to offset gross sales of excessive-CO2 automobiles with EVs and hybrids.

Mazda’s adjustments attain now not design with out cost, on the opposite hand, with BT-50 prices adjusted upward by $450 to $1500 counting on variant while three low-close XS configurations fill been added attend into the fluctuate.

The BT-50, which is a badge-engineered cousin to the Isuzu D-Max, for the time being ranks sixth within the ute gross sales bustle in Australia for 2025, with 10,115 deliveries (2104 4×2 and 8011 4×4) to its name to the close of August. Isuzu, within the period in-between, has sold 18,730 D-Max devices this yr.

Small gas economic system gains originate a extensive distinction below NVES

Gasoline economic system for the lightest, most cost-effective BT-50 variant geared up with the brand new 2.2-litre engine (120kW/400Nm) is 6.9L/100km, producing 183g/km of CO2. This compares to the 2025 ‘headline restrict’ for utes of 210g/km—which ratchets all the device in which down to 180g/km in 2026.

That’s a modest enchancment of 0.1L/100km (1g/km) in comparison with the primitive 1.9-litre engine, nonetheless the two.2 makes 10kW/50Nm more thunder while also shuffling by technique of a more flexible eight-tempo torque converter computerized.

Meanwhile, the as a lot as the moment 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel (which produces 140kW/450Nm) retains its six-tempo auto’ nonetheless its indolent-close machine sees it slash as primary as 0.9L/100km (or 20g/km) in comparison with BT-50s with out this tech.

Both the two.2-litre and 3.0-litre engines, sourced from Isuzu, may even be had with 4×2 (rear-wheel power) or section-time 4×4 drivelines.

Hybrid BT-50 doubtless in future, electrical version avoided for now

Mazda and Isuzu are understood to be exploring alternate choices for a future hybrid powertrain to be dilapidated within the BT-50 and D-Max cousins in a pronounce for NVES compliance.

Isuzu, which does not fill a low-CO2 passenger automobile lineup to offset diesel ute emissions, will import an 4×4 electrical D-Max to Australia with 1000kg payload, 3500kg towing, nonetheless with a small battery (to defend payload) limiting using fluctuate to approximately 260km.

Mazda is now not understood to be attracted to rebadging a version of the electrical D-Max to fabricate a BEV BT-50 with such specifications.

BT-50 gear: XS, XT, XTR, GT and SP

The new 2.2-litre diesel engine is more healthy on hand alongside with the entry-grade BT-50 XS variant (from $37,900 plus-on facet motorway prices). The XS grade may even be had in single or dual cab-chassis uncover components, or a dual cab make a selection-up form.

XS variations embody 17-crawl silver steel wheels, an eight-crawl touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, LED headlights, DAB+ digital radio, self sustaining emergency braking, adaptive cruise attend an eye on, blind self-discipline monitoring, and lane departure warning.

From the 2d-tier XT (from $40,400 + ORCs) upward, most sensible the 3.0-litre engine is on hand. The XT provides 17-crawl dark alloy wheels while make a selection-up variations also bag a reversing digicam. XT is also where the Freestyle cab becomes an probability.

Third-tier XTR (from $54,240 + ORCs) brings silver/dark alloys, dual-zone climate attend an eye on, a bigger nine-crawl touchscreen, integrated satellite navigation, keyless entry to the front doors, folding mirrors, facet steps, a leather-basically based completely steerage wheel/shifter and included tow bar into the mix.

Coming into into the GT (from $64,520 + ORCs) provides extra luxuries within the uncover of trusty leather-basically based completely orderly, heated front seats, eight-manner energy-adjustable driver’s seat, far flung engine initiate, front parking sensors, and heated mirrors and front parking sensors.

The final BT-50 spec, the SP, prices $71,950 + ORCs in dual cab make a selection-up structure most sensible. SP gains irregular dark alloys, dark/terracotta vinyl/suede seat upholstery, an exterior dark pack (roof rails, facet steps, door handles, scoot plane sports bar and grille), and a curler tonneau duvet.

Mazda BT-50 2025 Australian pricing

All prices are ahead of on-facet motorway prices

BT-50 XS orderly grade

• XS single cab-chassis (4×2 2.2L): $37,900 (+$1500)
• XS dual cab make a selection-up (4×2 2.2L): $46,710 (new)
• XS dual cab-chassis (4×4 2.2L): $Fifty three,120 (new)
• XS dual cab make a selection-up (4×4 2.2L): $54,720 (new)

BT-50 XT orderly grade

• XT single cab-chassis (4×2 3.0L): $40,400 (+$1000)
• XT Freestyle cab-chassis (4×2 3.0L): $44,000 (+$1000)
• XT dual cab-chassis (4×2 3.0L) $47,610 (+$1000)
• XT single cab-chassis (4×4 3.0L): $forty eight,250 (+$1000)
• XT dual-cab make a selection-up (4×2 3.0L): $49,210 (+$1000)
• XT Freestyle cab-chassis (4×4 3.0L): $52,000 (+$1000)
• XT dual cab-chassis (4×4 3.0L): $55,620 (+$1000)
• XT dual cab make a selection-up (4×4 3.0L): $57,220 (+$1000)

BT-50 XTR orderly grade

• XTR dual-cab make a selection-up (4×2 3.0L): $54,240 (+$450)
• XTR dual cab-chassis (4×4 3.0L): $61,100 (+$1450)
• XTR dual cab make a selection-up (4×4 3.0L): $63,200 (+$450)

BT-50 GT orderly grade

• GT dual cab-chassis (4×4 30L): $64,520 (+$1450)
• GT dual cab make a selection-up (4×4 3.0L): $66,620 (+$450)

BT-50 SP orderly grade

• SP dual cab make a selection-up (4×4 3.0L): $71,950 (+$450)

Geely Australia chief govt Lei Li has confirmed that the Chinese language mark remains dedicated to its notion to be capable to add four extra devices to its local showrooms by the tip of 2027, to be part of the electrical (BEV) EX5 and scamper-in hybrid (PHEV) Starray EM-i midsize SUV devices.

Talking with Chasing Cars, Li offered foremost aspects on the next segments Geely Australia plans to enter now that its medium SUV push is substantially full.

“We have got limited SUVs, hatchbacks and big SUVs to make your mind up (from),” Li talked about.

“We’re going to fulfil these segments in the next couple of years to fabricate positive that we are competitive in the (Australian) market in phrases of the product line.”

Geely ute mannequin with heavy towing and payload on the agenda

Requested whether a ute factored into Geely’s ‘six devices in three years’ technique, Li confirmed that the producer is for the time being investigating suggestions about how to bring a ute with adequate heavy-responsibility skill to Australia—hinting that this normally is a subsequent-know-how Geely Radar decide-up.

“We note that Australians like utes, and the ute (section) is largely one of the foremost segments available in the market,” Li told Chasing Cars.

“If we decide to be a huge player available in the market, positively we would prefer (a ute). We desire a product to slot in the section… lengthy driving fluctuate, towing capability, loading capability (payload), and off-roading, that is totally the demand from my level of deem about,” he talked about.

Even supposing Geely Australia has immediate entry to the Geely Radar RD6 ute (called the Riddara 6 in some markets), this mannequin is a BEV with approximately 420km fluctuate with restricted towing and payload rankings.

“Riddara, at this second, is now now not our technique,” Li printed. “The novel mannequin is now now not our technique for the Australian market for the time being.”

“We would like to bring the ideal and finest-price ute to the market. Here’s below investigation.”

A higher, subsequent-know-how Geely Radar ute is rumoured to herald an excellent all-wheel drive PHEV powertrain for closer to 1000km complete fluctuate, whereas additionally unlocking the 3500kg braked towing capability anticipated in the Australian market.

This is also the ute mannequin on Li’s radar to be capable to add to the Geely Australia lineup by the tip of 2027.

Contemporary limited SUV and natty SUV devices for Geely Australia

While the specifics of the Geely ute mannequin remain “below investigation”, the local crew is for the time being making final arrangements to bring no now now not as much as one limited SUV, and one natty SUV mannequin, to Australia in 2026.

With the September 2025 Australian commence of the Geely Starray EM-i now full, the marque is anticipated to clutch a breather on recent releases unless early 2026, with the Geely Australia boss citing that February to October is the precise time to commence recent devices.

“We have got limited SUVs, hatchbacks and big SUVs for us to make your mind up (from),” Li talked about. “At different timings, we can place different devices (into the market). Let’s stare subsequent twelve months.”

Li one after the other confirmed that his crew can decide from Geely devices offered below several different ‘umbrella producers’ in China. These comprise no now now not as much as Geely Auto (which sells ICE and hybrid devices), Geely Galaxy (which specialises in BEVs and PHEVs), and Radar (utes).

Geely Australia is liable to be bearing in mind 2 different limited SUV alternate solutions.

These encompass the Geely Auto Cowboy, which measures 4350mm lengthy and is available with a Forty eight-volt gathered-hybrid turbo petrol engine producing 140kW/300Nm.

One other different is the Geely Auto Cityray, which is an upper-limited SUV measuring 4510mm in size. The Cityray uses a non-hybrid 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine producing 135kW/290Nm.

On the natty SUV entrance, the obtrusive contender is the Geely Galaxy M9 which may per chance per chance even come to Australia because the Geely Starship EM-P. Love the existing Geely Australia merchandise — the EX5 and Starray — the M9 comes from Geely’s Galaxy ‘recent energy’ vehicle sub-mark.

The Starship is a 5205mm-lengthy, three-row SUV that uses the upmarket Thor EM-P PHEV device producing as much as 650kW of energy with all-wheel drive with around 170km electrical fluctuate and around 1200km complete fluctuate.

Plugless hybrids and even a hatchback are on the cards

While Geely Australia has focussed its energy handiest on ‘recent energy’ devices up to now (which it defines as BEVs and ‘huge hybrid’ PHEVs), the marque is commence to importing plugless hybrids to Australia.

“If Geely desires to be a huge player available in the market, now we decide to cloak your total ranges and segments,” Li told Chasing Cars.

“Eventually, we can come with more merchandise to cloak the different segments, and basically level of interest on recent energy vehicles—EVs, PHEVs, and per chance (in vogue) hybrids.”

Surprisingly, this lineup is additionally liable to encompass a hatchback mannequin — per chance the Geely Auto Starwish, a compact BEV hach that measures 4135mm in size (equivalent to a Volkswagen Polo) and is available with 30kWh and 40kWh LFP batteries offering as much as 330km fluctuate.

As soon as the limited, midsize and natty SUV segments — plus a ute and hatchback — are on sale in Australia Li retains aspirations of bringing a Geely sedan to Australia, too.

“Sedans calm have about 10 percent market piece in Australia, which is now now not limited,” he talked about.

Chinese carmaker Chery has confirmed this would possibly well debut its newest sub-ticket, is believed as Lepas, into the Australian market next year.

A portmanteau of the words ‘soar’ and ‘passion’, Lepas (presumably pronounced “Jump-ride”) will modified into Chery’s fourth sub-ticket actively trading in Australia, following behind Chery Australia, Omoda, and Jaecoo.

Other Chery sub-brands in contention for Australia encompass iCaur (is believed as iCar in China), a everyday life offroad EV ticket, and Jetour, which fills a comparable enviornment of interest.

Lepas has to date confirmed unprejudiced one flagship model for its local debut, is believed as the Lepas L8. It appears to be a rival to the BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, presenting as a diminutive elevated than midsize nevertheless aloof a five-seater. No longer no longer like its Omoda 9 stablemate.

Offering unprejudiced five seats also opens the L8 to ‘correct midsize’ opponents similar to the Geely Starray and MG HS ‘Expansive Hybrid’.

Lepas is searching out a younger, vogue conscious demographic, and the L8 therefore has involving, sporty styling, intellectual colours and a light-colored within. In in one other country markets, Lepas describes its create language as “Leopard Beautiful”.

Interior, the L8 aspects perforated leather-based, vinyl, brushed-construct steel speaker grilles, a digital instrument cluster — likely 10.25-inches — and a portrait orientation infotainment display conceal, likely 13.2-inch or 14.8-inches, and borrowed from the Jaecoo J7.

No technical info or measurements bear but been confirmed for the L8, which would possibly well perhaps be on sale in as diminutive as four months. Preliminary press pictures expose that the vehicle is a plod-in hybrid, presenting dual gas doors and a colossal front grille presumably for ICE engine cooling.

That would possibly well perhaps imply the L8 is probably going to be based upon the Chery Tiggo 8 plod-in, which measures 4720mm lengthy, 1862mm vast, 1705mm sizable, and runs on a 2710mm wheelbase.

Weight would possibly well perhaps aloof be in the realm of 1884kg (tare).

Beneath the bonnet, Chery would possibly well perhaps utilize its tried and tested PHEV powertrain, which combines a 105kW / 215Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, and 18.4kWh LFP battery with a 150kW / 310Nm electric motor to energy the front wheels.

Within the Tiggo 8 PHEV, this hybrid system delivers an electrical-most effective driving fluctuate of 95km, mixed fluctuate of 1200km, and mixed gas consumption of 1.3L/100km. All figures confirmed are NEDC checking out standards.

While unconfirmed, we question Lepas to soon bolster its L8 providing with the announcement of its L6 minute SUV and L4 compact SUV. More info for those would possibly well perhaps aloof soon reach to light for global markets.

The Australian debut of Lepas, which came into existence unprejudiced five months ago, is a extraordinary one. Chery already has several highly comparable products to the L8, and it remains to be seen how the L8 will differentiate from units similar to the Jaecoo J7, Chery Tiggo 8 and Omoda 9 PHEVs.

Chery already has a sturdy proposition of ticket via its predominant namesake, providing several combustion and hybrid SUVs including the Tiggo 4 minute SUV, at expose Australia’s most rate-effective SUV, and Tiggo 7 SHS, Australia’s most rate-effective PHEV.

It additionally has an array of top rate mid-measurement SUVs, including the Jaecoo J7, Jaecoo J8, Chery C5 and Omoda 9. We are alive to to gape how the L8 suits into this crowded home.

The 2d-technology Hyundai Palisade is determined to hit the Australian market in the remaining quarter of this year, and here at Chasing Vehicles, we mediate the brand new see Palisade is terribly gorgeous – but are its abilities neutral skin deep?

Senior contributor, Nathan Ponchard, sampled a pre-production model of the Palisade at our test display screen forward of the legitimate Australian delivery and shared his solutions in our legitimate overview, which you can be in a set of residing to appear for here.

The new Palisade will impress you an attractive penny, stretching a further $11k bigger than its predecessor, reaching roughly around $90,000 forward of on facet road costs – and with simplest one on supply at delivery, the pause spec Calligraphy, there received’t be a extra inexpensive choice till 2026.

One part we all admire to listen to in the Chasing Vehicles office, is ‘Australian tuning’ … and trudge, Hyundai delight in tuned the dampers and steering for the harmful Australian roads.

Whereas Nathan simplest got to power the Palisade on our test display screen, it is composed a telling stretch of bitumen, and the trip comfort didn’t disappoint up to now.

The interior styling, obtain quality and tech that is throughout the cabin is additionally unbelievable, with a powered adjusted steering wheel, heated seats in the 2d and third row, and a one contact button to fold down the 2d and third row from the boot. It’s going to additionally comfortably fit six adults.

Whereas Nathan’s first impressions had been total sure, he did pronounce that having a V6 powertrain and two extra gears for the transmission would be extra desirable.

But there used to be composed plenty of strength coming from the 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid, four-cylinder all-wheel power, six-velocity automatic, producing 245kW/460Nm.

Toyota’s incoming hybrid-powered Land Cruiser 300 Assortment would possibly possibly well advance as early as March to take a seat down at the very high of the emblem’s local differ in both GR Sport and Sahara ZX guise.

Beneath the bonnet, the 300 Assortment Hybrid aspects a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine mated to an electrical motor, 10-tempo computerized and mechanical 4×4 plot.

Concept of as a ‘Efficiency Hybrid’ below Toyota’s original technique, the drivetrain is shared with the Tundra elephantine-size pick-up, producing 326kW and 790Nm.

Toyota has no longer confirmed these outputs for the 300 Assortment, or even what gasoline economic system its original hybrid will supply, nonetheless it’s expected to simply surpass the 227kW/700Nm produced by the three.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6.

It’s unclear if its gasoline figures will excellent the diesel, which uses a claimed 8.9L/100km.

For context, the Tundra drinks roughly 11.5L/100km in blended conditions, even though the lighter and additional aerodynamic Land Cruiser would possibly possibly silent silent surpass these figures.

The extra weight and packaging constraints of the 300 Assortment’ hybrid plot will limit the 4×4 to five-seat excellent.

Closing specification is but to be finalised nonetheless the tools checklist is expected to be largely connected to the diesel versions of the Sport and Sahara ZX.

For the GR Sport, this includes aspects corresponding to entrance, centre and rear locking differentials, plus Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension Machine (identified as E-KDSS). The luxury focused Sahara ZX boasts 20-bound alloy wheels, a extra dynamic restricted-tear rear differential and additional touches of luxury and comfort at some level of the cabin.

Pricing is also but to be finalised nonetheless Toyota has indicated this would possibly increasingly perhaps be bigger than the GR Sport and Sahara ZX diesels, which roar $146,160 and $146,910, respectively.

The facelifted 2026 Kia Stonic will be launched in Australia within the fourth quarter of the year.

Revealed foreign earlier this month, the Stonic facelift will accumulate beauty upgrades each and each inner and out, moreover to a modern relaxed-hybrid drivetrain which guarantees larger efficiency, fuel economic system, and fewer emissions.

Anticipated to market alongside the Stonic’s sole engine offering — a 1.0-litre turbocharged three cylinder — the modern forty eight-volt relaxed-hybrid drivetrain must elevate vitality by 15-percent, from 74 kW / 172 Nm to 85kW / 201Nm, whereas also lowering its 0-100km/hr time to 10.8sec.

Carbon dioxide emissions will drop from 125 – 131g/km (low-high) to 120 – 127, and fuel economic system improves by 0.3L/100km, now 6.4L/100km mixed (WLTP).

Every Stonic drivetrains will be mated to a seven-tempo dual clutch automated, that will maybe also exclusively vitality the entrance wheels. Regardless of availability in foreign markets, a manual transmission offering is no longer going to return to Australia. That option became discontinued mid final year.

Providing a hybrid drivetrain is notable if the Stonic is to compete with key section rival the Toyota Yaris Inferior, which turned exclusively hybrid in January 2024. The modern drivetrain can even give the Stonic a leg-up in opposition to common Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Venue rivals.

The facelifted Stonic physique has been restyled to slot into Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ procedure language, that comprises sharper physique traces, a modern entrance and rear clip, modern-discover 16-hasten wheels (17-hasten for GT-Line devices), ‘Critical person Draw’ futuristic brightwork, and a modern grille.

Kia says it has also redesigned the Stonic bootlid. Boot quantity stays unchanged at 350L. Physique dimensions remain unchanged too, other than an additional 25mm physique dimension (now measuring 4165mm).

Internal, Kia has geared up its familiar panoramic dual 12.3-hasten infotainment and driver cluster show camouflage to the Stonic, alongside a series of present driver help programs. Standout additions encompass ‘excellent’ cruise administration, safe exit warning, lane observe benefit, and entrance collision avoidance benefit.

More Australian explicit facts on the facelifted Kia Stonic, including pricing and finite drivetrain facts, will change into available when the model debuts within the neighborhood later within the year.