Future cars

BYD’s most senior executive within the Asia-Pacific voice has in point of fact helpful Chasing Vehicles that the tag will reply to customers in search of elevated off-roading capability from the Shark 6 poke-in hybrid (PHEV) ute.

Talking with this masthead first and important of the Atto 2 itsy-bitsy SUV, Liu Xueling, BYD Asia-Pacific automotive total supervisor, talked about the tag has deliberate improvements to the Shark 6 within the product pipeline.

“All of us know that customers win some complaints about the [Shark 6] product, but we can absolutely preserve on bettering and [will respond] to the purchasers,” Liu talked about, through interpreter.

As a PHEV ute, the BYD Shark 6 depends on its twin electric motors for electrified all-wheel pressure rather than used mechanical four-wheel pressure. While electric AWD affords the Shark 6 technically proper motor preserve watch over, the electronic structure has got criticism.

Currently lacking locking entrance and rear differentials, the Shark 6 depends on traction preserve watch over to brake spinning wheels below load, equivalent to while hiking slippery trails. As is same old for electric AWD, there is never always a low vary, either simulated or steady.

Concerns had been raised regarding restricted articulation, as well as the Shark 6’s moderately restricted 2500kg braked towing ability.

BYD Australia has already acknowledged that this would possibly perchance perchance simply replace the Shark 6 with industry-same old 3500kg braked towing capability within the arriving months.

However, Chasing Vehicles understands that superior off-roading expertise developed for BYD’s luxury tag, Denza — and particularly for the Denza B5 4 wheel pressure which shares a platform with the BYD Shark 6 — can also simply soon trickle the total method down to the ute.

The Denza B5, which involves Australia subsequent week, beneficial properties entrance and rear locking diffs, a simulated low-vary gearbox for crawling, adjustable suspension for additional floor clearance, and even more vitality and torque (425kW/760Nm vs 321kW/650Nm) for more performance.

We requested BYD Asia-Pacific boss Liu Xueliang whether or no longer the Denza B5’s new off-toll road parts would be transferred to the Shark 6 in 2026.

“It is appropriate that we would perchance be migrating your total winning technologies to every of our fashions,” Liu answered.

“In conjunction with your total feedback [having been received], we are positively assured [that we will] win our product higher and higher. That you would possibly perchance perchance squawk that the Shark 6 isn’t any longer the tip of our pick-up sequence — it’s handiest the originate,” he talked about.

BYD Australia chief product officer Sajid Hasan shed moderately of more light regarding future updates for Shark 6.

“We’ve got an replace to Shark 6 deliberate for 2026. We are in a position to’t squawk when but that will seemingly be, but 3.5 tonne towing ability is in point of fact appropriate one of many updates. We’ve got a pair of rather a pair of issues as well deliberate for that model,” he talked about.

The poke-in Shark has been the important success yarn of the ute segment in Australia in 2025 and a standout in a segment that has barely grown this year (up 3.5 percent).

BYD has delivered 15,181 examples of the Shark 6 to this level in 2025, seizing a for dash intensive 8.5 percent market part. Within the identical duration, volume has fallen for both the Ford Ranger (down 10.4 percent) and Toyota HiLux (down 5.1 percent).

Meanwhile, Chinese language tag GWM has delivered 2053 gadgets of its win PHEV ute — the Cannon Alpha.

Nissan has globally printed its novel fifth-generation Navara ute, designated D27, full with facts for the arrival near near Australian lineup that is confirmed to hit local showrooms in Q1 2026.

As anticipated, the Navara is all-novel (for Nissan) in that it is heavily in accordance to the most contemporary sixth-generation Mitsubishi Triton, sharing the same “alliance” ladderframe chassis and structure, the same 2.4-litre turbodiesel four-primarily primarily based powertrain and some distance of its exterior physique work.

On that, evidently very dinky of the Navara’s exterior metalwork varies from that of the Triton aside from the novel entrance fascia, the tailgate shell and chosen exterior garnish. Nissan Australia has no longer confirmed precisely how worthy exterior commonality the D27 Navara has with its Mitsubishi twin.

The novel Navara face capabilities a “bull bar impressed” V-strut defend grille dovetailed with standard-encounter C-formed headlights. Wheel designs for the vary are uncommon to Nissan’s line-up.

Nissan Australia has confirmed, despite the fact that, that the D27 will finest be supplied as a twin-cab, provided that “90 p.c of potentialities for the outgoing D23 [selected] a double cab paired with an automatic transmission”.

The consolidation of the Navara way that there will likely be no 4x2s, no cab-chassis or king/extended cab physique kinds, and no handbook transmission alternatives in this novel D27 generation.

It’s been confirmed that vitality comes from the shared twin-turbocharged 2.4-litre diesel four outputting the same 150kW and 470Nm because the Triton unit, which to 10kW and 20Nm as a lot as the outgoing 2.3-litre oiler. The outgoing N23 seven-poke automatic is replaced by a six-poke auto.

Mixed consumption beneath “preliminary specification” is quoted as 7.7L/100km, while all variants match a 75-litre tank (with AdBlue required in its score 17-litre tank). That makes for a theoretical mixed-cycle vary of spherical 974 kilometres claimed.

The contemporary D23 variant line-up carries over into the D27 generation, with the but-unconfirmed lower-grade trims – capacity SL and ST reboots – being supplied with what’s known as ‘Uncomplicated 4wd’, an on-request 4×4 system that makes use of electronic (by brake) LSD originate on the rear axle.

Each the ST-X and Legitimate-4X (or P4X for short) feature the ‘Huge 4wd’ driveline structure, which brings pudgy-time high-vary 4×4 and a Torsen-kind mechanical rear restricted sprint differential. The increased-grade versions also carry a broader series of (seven) terrain pressure modes: Long-established, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.

The Navara Legitimate-4X Warrior is ”beneath pattern” by Premcar and no longer anticipated to be readily available in Q1 2026 with the broader Navara vary.

Nissan Australia printed on the local preview pressure of the novel D27 Navara that three suspension tunes will likely be readily available, presumably devoted calibrations for lower and increased grades, as successfully as a bespoke space-up for the Warrior.

The uncommon, tuned-by-Premcar Australian suspension calibrations are said to score benefitted from 365 days and spherical 18,000 kilometres of localised testing across a diversity of terrains. Energy steering is electrical, while brakes are entrance discs and rear drums.

All versions of the Navara will reach with 3500kg of braked towing functionality, with 350kg of towball download. “Preliminary specifications” score mainline (non-Warrior) variants at 2120-2140kg kerb, with a GVM of 3190kg and GCM of 6250kg.

Payloads for the twin-cab finest lineup is between 950kg and 1047kg reckoning on the variant.

Internal wise, worthy the exterior, the Navara ports rather a few Mitsubishi DNA – critically the sail fascia – despite the fact that the Nissan suits a explicit wheel attach.

Media wise, a 9.0-inch touchscreen unit is fitted across the vary that capabilities DAB+ and encompass glance digicam system, while phone connectivity is wireless Apple CarPlay with wired Android Auto. Elsewhere, the instrument cluster is a 7.0-inch TFT attach, while wireless phone charging is strange on the ST-X and P4X grades.

Security wise, the Navara suits eight airbags, ahead self ample emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane back, blind quandary monitoring, lane substitute back, entrance and rear defective traffic signals, driver monitoring, adaptive cruise preserve an eye on and emergency back for pedal misapplication, combating unintended acceleration.

More definitive Australian specifications and pricing will reach to light nearer to the D27 Navara’s local launch in Q1 subsequent 365 days and preserve tuned for pudgy pressure of the novel-gen ute soon.

Toyota will inaugurate as a lot as grow its family of battery electric autos (BEVs) in Australia next twelve months with the introduction of the European-market C-HR+ crossover.

Position to be badged simply C-HR BEV for Australia, the entirely-electric version of the second-generation ‘Coupe-High Rider’ is definitely an even automobile below the skin to the hybrid-powered version already on sale within the Australian market.

Australians will likely be supplied the C-HR no longer as a lot as twelve months after the mannequin’s European market inaugurate, with Toyota Australia initiating to develop its response to the Unusual Automobile Efficiency Similar outdated (NVES) regime that incentivises sales of BEV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) units in step with their official CO2 emissions.

While the favorite petrol-electric C-HR is a upright runt SUV, measuring in at 4360mm in length, the pudgy-electric C-HR+ is considerably longer at 4520mm.

Pricing for the hybrid version of the C-HR is pitched at a barely premium level, spanning $Forty five,440 to $57,390 forward of on-avenue prices.

Fancy the increased bZ4X entirely electric medium SUV, which is in a position to rapidly be facelifted and up thus some distance with a increased battery for the Australian market, the C-HR+ uses the adapted e-TNGA BEV chassis below the skin.

This electric SUV is one other joint mission with fellow Eastern carmaker Subaru, which sells a version of the bZ4x identified within the community because the Solterra. Subaru has no longer but announced whether or no longer its adaptation of the C-HR+, known as ‘Uncharted‘, will almost about Australia.

Toyota first previewed the C-HR+ in 2022 because the bZ Compact SUV conception automobile but the emblem is involving in direction of more ‘favorite’ badging of its electric autos.

In one other country, the C-HR+ is supplied in entrance-wheel power (123kW to 165kW) codecs or with eAxle all-wheel power with a colossal 252kW. The CH-R+ AWD can flee from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.2 seconds.

Some markets receive a preference of 57.7kWh or 77.0kWh batteries promising a fluctuate from 455km to 525km. Charging is as a lot as 22kW AC or 150kW DC.

“This mannequin will likely be a part of the existing C-HR hybrid fluctuate, offering prospects one other preference of powertrain for those whose needs can even be met by a pudgy battery electric automobile,” talked about Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley.

Hanley talked about the time used to be true to expand Toyota’s BEV family in Australia.

“As they are saying, the first mouse smelt the cheese, but the second mouse obtained the cheese. You obtained that? We’ve been accused of being unhurried on BEVs for years. Successfully, perhaps we upright obtained it true. Per chance this is the market actuality,” he talked about.

Similar outdated equipment on the C-HR BEV for Australia is but to be confirmed, but globally, all versions will receive a 14-crawl touchscreen, blind space monitoring, adaptive headlights, and online connectivity.

High-grade units in a single other country are space to receive 20-crawl wheels and a 360-degree digital camera.

Toyota C-HR 2026: prices in Australia

All prices listed are forward of on-avenue prices.

• C-HR Hybrid GXL: $Forty five,440
• C-HR Hybrid Koba: $52,390
• C-HR Hybrid GR Sport AWD: $57,390
• C-HR BEV: tag TBA

Mitsubishi has detailed the specifications for the facelifted Outlander PHEV with electric-splendid utilizing range now boosted to 86km (WLTP).

The core, petrol-splendid Outlander range changed into once updated earlier this 365 days, with same spec adjustments such because the addition of a Yamaha stereo to high-spec trims and an Australian-specific suspension tune, said to toughen the dynamics and consolation.

Pricing obtained’t be launched till closer to the PHEV’s native free up in the vital quarter of 2026, but the road-up continues to encompass the ES, Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer.

The earlier ES PHEV started at $57,290 sooner than on-roads, mountain climbing to $71,790 for the Exceed Tourer. Request these figures to develop moderately.

No mention of the range-topping ‘GSR’ PHEV changed into once made in the initial free up on the other hand it’s anticipated to manufacture a return in the long hurry.

Bigger battery and more range

With reduce help-priced competitors such because the GWM Haval H6 PHEV and Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV, claiming 95 and 106km respectively per the generous NEDC trying out in fashion, Mitsubishi has looked to bolster the Outlander PHEVs earlier 84km claim – additionally per NEDC.

Now held guilty by the more stringent WLTP in fashion, the predicted range figure has grown to 86km, courtesy of an even bigger 22.7kWh battery pack.

It’s a figure that falls moderately trying the incoming Toyota RAV4 PHEV – anticipated to pack round 100km – and the Skoda Kodiaq PHEV with a WLTP range of 112km.

Quieter and better to force

Chasing Automobiles will habits a tubby overview when the model arrives to plot our own conclusions but Mitsubishi says it has improved the general noise vibration and harshness ranges (NVH) by fitting a new steel bonnet and entrance fenders, amongst diversified adjustments.

Alongside with a new steering and suspension tune, Mitsubishi has fitted summer season-specific Bridgestone tyres said to toughen utilizing engagement and lower noise ranges.

The plod-in drivetrain continues to use 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to a twin-motor AWD setup. Combined outputs are anticipated to upward push above the earlier 185kW/450Nm but tubby Aussie specs are yet to be confirmed.

Outlander PHEV grade-by-grade:

The ES now points a 12.3-move multimedia existing with an eight-speaker Yamaha sound system said to preserve conclude audio quality over the earlier unnamed stock unit.

A stricter driver monitoring system and tempo restrict detection has additionally been launched to support update its 5-star ANCAP rating, at the side of diversified incremental improvements to restraints and airbag performance.

Other in fashion feature highlights encompass:

• 18-move alloy wheels
• LED tail-lights
• Black fabric upholstery
• LED inner lighting fixtures
• 360-level camera
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Blind place monitoring
• Lane departure prevention

Now fitted with seven seats, in situation of 5, the Aspire adds the following:

• 20-move wheels
• Hunch and recline handbook seat adjuster
• Black Granlux and PVC upholstery
• Heated entrance seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• Lane preserve help
• Contact sensor steering vibration
• Low-tempo adaptive cruise preserve watch over

The brand new Exceed adds the following:

• Black of grey leather-based mostly upholstery
• Ventilated entrance seats
• Frameless rear-in discovering out about deem w/digital visual show unit
• Aluminium own for the pedals

The now flagship Exceed Tourer adds:

• 12-speaker Yamaha sound system
• Brick Brown semi-aniline top charge leather-based mostly upholstery
• Rub down characteristic for the entrance seats

Audi Australia has completed its lengthy-operating overview of whether or no longer it could per chance truly carry the midsize A6 and S6 e-tron electric fashions to Australia – and it has resolved the quiz within the harmful.

The electrical versions of the A6 and S6 luxury sedan and Avant wagon model were dominated out for Australia – for now – because Audi says interrogate for EVs above the plush automobile tax is exclusively too dilapidated.

“While we’re incredibly proud of what A6 e-tron represents, our dedication no longer to carry it to market right this moment is primarily based on ensuring the honest fit for our customers right here in Australia,” Jeff Mannering, Audi Australia designate director urged Chasing Cars by task of assertion.

Nearly all interrogate for EVs in Australia is below the plush automobile tax threshold

A rival to the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE, the Audi A6 e-tron lineup launched in Europe in early 2025 largely in response to interrogate on that continent shifting towards electric powertrains.

World EV interrogate has been stricken by disparate currents, including rising European requirements for EVs, a stable shift in China towards Chinese language EV brands and the elimination of EV incentives within the usa.

Meanwhile, Australia’s federal EV incentive for leases of newest EVs is capped on the plush automobile tax ($91,387 plus on-avenue costs).

This incentive restrict has considered near 100% of interrogate for new EVs in Australia crowd below the plush automobile tax threshold.

Key competitors appreciate BMW i5 and Mercedes EQE were heavily discounted

That has created a torrid explain for BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Retail sources demonstrate that examples of the i5 (officially priced from $155,900) and the EQE (from $135,200) enjoy both transacted for no longer up to $100,000 driveaway in inform to quality for incentives.

While it had seemed that the A6 e-tron would attain to Australia – with Audi showing an example of the plush EV at this 300 and sixty five days’s The whole lot Electric Sydney trade demonstrate – the logo is now in quest of to remain away from the likely loss-making explain faced by its German compatriots.

“Any enhancement to BEV incentives fair like extending them previous the fresh luxury automobile tax threshold could per chance per chance per chance be welcomed, as it would give a take to the possession proposition for our customers and, in turn, amplify the likelihood of introducing extra top class EV alternate choices to the Australian market,” an Audi spokesperson urged Chasing Cars.

A trade in explain could per chance per chance per chance stare A6 e-tron attain to Australia

To that live, Audi Australia has no longer completely shut the door on the A6 and S6 e-tron. A trade to the EV incentive image on this market – or presumably the provision of a model to take a seat down down below the LCT threshold – could per chance per chance per chance trade things.

Audi no longer too lengthy within the past added a infamous model version of its Q6 midsize electric SUV intended to transact below the plush automobile tax threshold but it completely has declined to support out the same for the A6 e-tron.

“At fresh, interrogate is strongest internal the electrified section, and our focal point remains on providing hybrid, PHEV, and completely electric alternate choices internal this core category,” a spokeperson acknowledged.

Combustion and hybrid versions of the A6 mute into consideration for Australia

Essentially based entirely on the Volkswagen Neighborhood’s PPE top class EV platform, the A6 e-tron is equipped in sedan and wagon codecs, with either rear-wheel drive or Quattro all-wheel drive, and with between 210-315kW of energy. A excessive-efficiency S6 is equipped in Europe with 370kW.

Below the pores and skin, the electric versions of the A6 and S6 are most carefully linked to the Audi Q6 midsize SUV and the Porsche Macan EV.

On the opposite hand, a robotically obvious original-technology model additionally badged A6, providing petrol, diesel and crawl-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains and primarily based on Audi’s top class combustion automobile platform, additionally launched this 300 and sixty five days in Europe.

An Audi Australia spokesperson urged Chasing Cars that “assorted variants, including combustion and hybrid versions of the A6 fluctuate, are below overview for Australia.”

While deliveries of the electric BMW i5 were increased all over 2025 than for the petrol and diesel versions of the 5 Series (403 vs 288), the level of discounting is understood to were essential lower for the petrol and diesel versions, maintaining earnings margins.

Toyota has sooner or later unveiled what it’s calling the “most Australian Hilux ever developed”, which is determined to cross on sale in Aussie showrooms in a topic of weeks.

While the US-market midsize pickup, in the Tacoma, switched to the the same GA-F platform as the Prado support in 2022, the ninth-generation Hilux will maintain it up with the the same IMV platform, which underpinned the old model.

A fully electric model has been confirmed for 2026, with a hydrogen gas cell (FCEV) model attach to apply in 2028. No hybrid or trudge-in hybrid is deliberate at recent, nevertheless haven’t been dominated out both.

2.8L 1GD lives on, Rugged X returns

As anticipated, the core cab home stays largely unchanged, and the 2.8-litre ‘1GD’ turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine carries over with outputs of 150kW/500Nm when paired with a six-tempo automatic transmission. For e-book variants, torque is capped at 420Nm.

Twin-cab SR5 grades and above shall be fitted with a 48-volt light-hybrid machine, adding 8.5kW/65Nm to the drivetrain at low speeds, as per the recent model.

A entire of 16 different diesel variants in single-, extra- and dual-cab configurations shall be accessible, mated to both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, with the latter closing a component-time 4×4 machine.

At begin, the lineup will consist of the Workmate, SR, SR5, Rogue and the returning Rugged X grade nevertheless will seemingly grow with time.

Pricing for the recent Hilux shall be launched here at chasingcars.com.au this Wednesday at 2pm.

Retuned suspension and off-avenue force modes

Utilising a normal coil-sprung front stop mated to a leaf rear, Toyota has retuned the suspension with a heavy-responsibility setup on Workmate and SR, whereas SR5 grades focal level more on scuttle comfort.

Thicker front suspension towers were fitted to accommodate the recent electric vitality steering machine, and the front defective contributors hang additionally been tweaked, alongside with different structural changes made to enhance break safety.

On the side of a aged locking rear differential, the Hilux will characteristic Multi-Terrain Select out traction control modes, as viewed on the Prado 250 Sequence, on automatic SR 4×4 grades and up. SR5 grades additionally get hang of a 360-stage digicam machine designed to abet navigate off-avenue terrain.

Extensive shows and Prado-switchgear dominate recent cabin

The interior has been overhauled in the Hilux with a elevated focal level on technology nevertheless Toyota stresses this has no longer been done at the expense of usability.

A 7.0-creep digital instrument cluster is same old on Workmate and SR grades, with a 12.3-creep unit fitted on SR5 grades and above.

Sitting adjoining all on variants is a 12.3-creep touchscreen tasked with multimedia, fitted above a bunch of physical buttons with dilapidated-college twisty dials for single-zone local weather control fitted to the Workmate, whereas greater grades characteristic stout switches and dials with an overall flee assemble and shifter akin to the 250 Sequence Prado.

Aussie-designed ‘Cyber Sumo’ modernises dilapidated bones

While the midsection of the ninth-generation Hilux may presumably well also merely stumble on almost the same from the beginning air, Toyota’s Aussie designers in Altona, Victoria, hang radically redesigned the front and rear in a mode they’ve known as Cyber Sumo.

Aggressive front headlights and a one-share grille and front fascia are mentioned to reveal energy and dependability, with a tailgate step featured on some grades and the conventional ‘Toyota’ name etched into the tailgate at the rear.

It’s going to be a monumental week of Toyota grunt material here at Chasing Vehicles. Preserve tuned for pricing and our full overview of this model in the approaching days.

Following the lukewarm reception given to the existing fourth-skills D23/NP300 Navara all the draw in which through its decade-lengthy lifespan in Australia, Nissan is pinning its diesel-ute hopes on the forthcoming fifth-skills model which is ready to shut here for the length of the first half of 2026.

The display conceal for the 2026 Navara is now appropriate days away, attributable to be unveiled on November nineteenth.

To commemorate the match, Chasing Vehicles has tasked artist Theottle with rising queer renderings of what we predict the new Navara will eye admire in step along with your whole most modern teasers and investigate cross-take a look at photos.

Carefully in step with the sixth-skills Mitsubishi Triton – Mitsubishi turn into given accountability for rising this subsequent-skills ute for the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi alliance – the D27 Navara (its expected model code) will nearly surely portion its ladder-frame chassis, core physique structure, suspension structure, and even its powertrains with potentially the most modern Triton.

Likely to additionally portion its manufacturing plant with the Triton (at Laem Chabang in Thailand), the D27 Navara is anticipated to forgo the Renault-designed twin-turbo 140kW/450Nm 2.3-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine of the present model for Mitsubishi’s most modern twin-turbo 150kW/470Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder.

Ditto the transmissions – the Navara’s existing seven-bustle torque-converter automatic transmission is anticipated to be replaced by Mitsubishi’s six-bustle auto, apart from an accessible six-bustle handbook ’field.

Chasing Vehicles understands an eight-bustle automatic is being developed for Mitsubishi’s forthcoming Pajero/Montero/Shogun giant SUV/Four wheel power (due slack 2026), which draw it’s a potential starter for Navara/Triton as successfully.

Given the lengthy global tradition of ute model-sharing (such because the Isuzu D-Max/Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger/Volkswagen Amarok twins, plus the new MG U9/LDV Terron 9 twin-cabs and old Ford/Mazda, GM/Isuzu, and Chrysler/Mitsubishi tie-ups), the D27 Navara appears to be like to be mainly a visible makeover of the Triton, in step with Nissan’s teaser video released closing week [HERE] and our queer renders.

That can absorb a fresh front stop with uncommon headlights and grille, topped by subtly angled LED DRLs as displayed in Nissan’s teaser photos, as successfully as new rear tail-lights.

In inform to distinguish the two utes as great as conceivable, the new Navara will additionally feature its bask in wheel designs and will abet its flagship PRO-4X neat stage, as successfully as Premcar-engineered Warrior off-twin carriageway-biased versions.

Talking to Chasing Vehicles on the present Nissan Ariya originate, Nissan Oceania managing director Andrew Humberstone confirmed that Premcar in Melbourne will likely be liable for rising a new-gen Navara Warrior, although he left things originate when asked to relate on whether or no longer Premcar would possibly maybe maybe maybe well be offering suspension-tuning skills for the usual-or-backyard D27 Navara.

“We absorb a sizable relationship with them [Premcar]. That’s a lengthy-period of time partnership. We hope to proceed that into the lengthy dawdle. We’re doing loads of labor with them. We’re engaged with them very actively. On the opposite hand it’s a little little bit of a wait and explore [as to whether Premcar will have any input on the suspension tuning of the regular D27 Navara variants].

“At the second, [there’s] a whole bunch discussions occurring, but it’s a indubitably solid partnership,” he said.

Given the new-gen Triton’s lacklustre handling and chase, and its insufficient load-carrying efficiency except optioned with heavy-responsibility suspension, Nissan Australia has a range of labor on its hands if it needs to toughen on the donor automobile – as successfully as to toughen on the existing Navara’s dynamic capabilities.

On the opposite hand, Nissan Australia has an queer ace up its sleeve … and it’s yet another ute – the Frontier Pro, a giant 5.5m-lengthy lag-in hybrid twin-cab developed in partnership with Dongfeng in China.

It incorporates a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, an eight-bustle automatic transmission and two battery sizes (17kWh and 32.9kWh).

“Readily accessible for export” from China today (and at this time most efficient equipped in 5 global markets, following manufacturing kick-off in January), the Frontier Pro is yet to be confirmed for Australia but offers Nissan with a uncommon different – to give both the usual-or-backyard Navara, the off-twin carriageway-enhanced Navara Warrior, and the extra day by day life targeted Frontier Pro PHEV in a ute market which is fracturing, but stays highly lucrative.

“I hold [the Frontier Pro is] a sizable product,” said Andrew Humberstone. “The fashion I’d frame that is I recognise a ruin up in that ute segment.

“You’ve obtained the hardcore ute driver, which needs the pale, dare I say, off-twin carriageway-capable automobile, with the Warrior, the PRO-4X – ‘I are looking to be capable to tow my boat or my caravan or whatever, and I are on the lookout for to lag camping,’ etcetera. And likewise you’ve obtained the more than a few, which is the motive force that would possibly maybe maybe maybe well very successfully be desirous to clutch their canines to the seaside – less utilitarian – and they’ve a particular requirement.

“Therefore, I explore a ruin up potentially in that. So are we in a position to cater for both? I hold there’s an different,” said Andrew Humberstone.

“I are on the lookout for to optimise on the [dual-cab ute] segment and deliver a product that I know that my clients within the [Nissan] vendor community desire, so I’m combating to meet those expectations.

“We’re having a glimpse at [the Frontier Pro PHEV] very fastidiously. We’ve made our space very particular, and we’ll explore what comes aid, and we’ll portion lots with you rapidly.”

That second is in overall the global display conceal of the new-skills D27 Navara in South Australia on November 19, the keep Chasing Vehicles expects Andrew Humberstone and Nissan Australia to display conceal extra about its multi-stage ute approach for 2026 and past.

BYD Australia has printed preliminary local facts, including a 3-grade lineup, for its tidy Sealion 8 flagship SUV. Anticipated to be BYD’s largest and most costly car, the Sealion 8 and smaller Sealion 5 will launch in early 2026.

The two devices will join the unique BYD Sealion 6, furthering an offensive in opposition to PHEV SUV phase leader Mitsubishi Outlander, while bolstering BYD’s defences in opposition to upcoming walk-in variants of the Chery Tiggo 9, Toyota RAV4, and Skoda Kodiaq.

Now confirmed for the Sealion 8 are three grades which every raise their win outlandish powertrain. In a an analogous fashion to the Sealion 6, the grade stroll will focal level extra on the driveline, in preference to gear.

Pricing for the Sealion 8 is no longer but on hand, nonetheless will seemingly exceed the Sealion 6’s $42,990 sooner than on-roads entry price.

The Sealion 8 vary opens with the Dynamic FWD – a 205kW/315Nm entrance-driver which pairs a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with a single electric motor. It claims an EV vary of 103km, a desire particularly got below lax NEDC testing standards.

Within the midst of the Sealion 8 grade stroll sits the Dynamic AWD, which provides a secondary electric motor and bigger 35.6kWh battery to enact an EV riding vary of 152km (NEDC).

Topping off the vary is the Sealion 8 Top class AWD, which delivers 359kW/679Nm. It’s no longer certain which of the all-wheel force devices, if both, bring the claimed high output, nor can it be decided if both issue the identical EV riding vary.

Known additional gear for Sealion 8 AWD devices is BYD’s “DiSus-C clear suspension”, an active damping suspension device which objectives to pork up sprint quality and handling.

Standard gear for all Sealion 8 devices entails a tidy 15.6-scurry touchscreen, 10.25-scurry digital instrument cluster, 21-speaker sound device, first- and 2nd-row massaging seats, and a 50W wireless device charger.

The BYD Sealion 8 is at the moment unrated by autonomous safety body ANCAP. It’s geared up with nine airbags and a ramification of driver safety aids.

Chasing Automobiles will provide additional facts surrounding the BYD Sealion 8 as they become on hand nearer to the mannequin’s early 2026 launch date.

Toyota has published a single darkened record of its upcoming ninth-generation Hilux, confirming the brand new ute will open publicly at 6am CET (4pm AEDT) November Tenth, 2025.

Toyota Europe has published a single record of the brand new Hilux’s entrance end, though more is published by Toyota Thailand in a social media reel.

The closely anticipated November unveiling for Toyota’s hugely standard rival to the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max will mark the significant time in 10 years that Toyota has produced a brand new-generation Hilux ute, with the exception of for the smaller and largely unrelated Hilux Champ.

Basically the latest eight-generation Toyota Hilux launched globally in Would possibly possibly also merely 2015, before being domestically up as a lot as now in both cosmetics and orderly grades in 2017 (TRD pack), 2018 (Rugged X, Rugged, Rouge variants offered), 2020 (vary-wide facelift), 2022 (enhancements to Hilux Rouge), and 2023 (GR Sport variant).

It is expected that Toyota’s new Hilux will raise over many reward facets, including its turbo diesel engine, though infotainment and safety are among areas that can bring anticipated upgrades, along with revised styling.

The teaser photos and video of the brand new Hilux cloak visible changes similar to a more muscular bonnet, slimmer headlights, and a Toyota script rather then badge (though the latest Hilux GR Sport additionally differs on this admire within the outgoing vary).

There will additionally be new tail-lights and new wheel designs.

A Toyota Japan Motor Say presentation has additionally urged an electrical Hilux will doubtless be within the combo at some level.

Chasing Autos will post plump crucial aspects and coverage of the 2026 Toyota Hilux across subsequent week, starting Monday 10 November.

The CEO of Hyundai Motor Firm Australia (HMCA) Don Romano has confirmed the firm is for the time being engaged on growing two completely different-sized utes – an necessary, US-centered pick-up and a mid-sized Ford Ranger/Toyota Hilux rival – nevertheless handiest the “thoughts-blowing” smaller ute will possible be coming to Australia, possible by the kill of 2028.

“I’m now no longer leaving except I even earn a ute – and now no longer finest any ute,” stated Californian-born Romano, who turned HMCA’s CEO earlier this year (after a protracted stint at Hyundai Canada) and ought to silent proceed in that space except mid-2028.

He confirmed that sooner than he finishes his tenure in Australia he’ll be in a local to expose corpulent minute print of this needed, potentially game-altering original ute for HMCA.

“It’s a assured ‘Here’s the date, here’s the vehicle, here’s the differentiating aspects’. And if [Hyundai] produces what we’re talking about at this stage and what we’re engaged on, it’s going to be thoughts-blowing. It’s going to be great. And I in fact mean that,” stated Romano.

The evident different would be to restyle the Kia Tasman and a design a Hyundai model of this diesel dual-cab, even supposing HMCA is for the time being divesting itself of all its diesel powertrains in Australia.

As an different, Chasing Autos expects the forthcoming ute will characteristic Hyundai’s original EREV (Extended Range Electrical Automobile) expertise that became unveiled by firm CEO Jose Munoz at the 2025 CEO Investor Day in September, and which is ready to debut in future products from 2027.

Hyundai’s EREV expertise is supposed basically for increased autos, using a combustion engine as a unfold-extender to recharge the battery, with key minute print in conjunction with a target range of 1000km, an EV-cherish using expertise and reduced battery size in contrast to archaic EVs.

Referring to Hyundai’s forthcoming Ranger/Hilux rival, Mr Romano stated they might perchance presumably impartial’ve with out effort rebadged every other product “[but] that’s finest now no longer acceptable, especially now, with the competition persevering with to develop.”

“We’ve got to distinguish ourselves, and there are technologies that we’re for the time being growing which would be completely different from one thing else we’ve introduced to market,” he stated – alluding to the emblem’s forthcoming world roll-out of EREVs.

“I will’t accumulate into the first points, nevertheless [these technologies] will possible be coming out sooner than I fade, and we can spend it to accumulate definite that our ute and our autos one day are completely different than what China is for the time being producing.”

“I’m sure those brands are furthermore having a plan at completely different technologies as effectively. But we’re going to envision out to be first to market in a huge selection of areas,” he stated.

While the Kia Tasman is for the time being a diesel-handiest product, its all-original platform became future-proofed to be dazzling for electrification one day at some stage in its 10-15-year lifecycle.

Chasing Autos expects HMCA’s forthcoming ute to be a special product sharing its underpinnings and presumably its structural laborious aspects with the Tasman, nevertheless with an fully completely different plan and an EREV powertrain.

As for the proposed tie-up with General Motors in growing an necessary original-expertise ute, Mr Romano stated this vehicle gained’t be coming to Australia and stays unconfirmed as to whether this would be a shared product with GM or a special Hyundai vehicle.

“Final time we talked, we stated we are in a relationship with General Motors, and we’re having a plan to at that relationship, nevertheless it isn’t a done deal yet – we might perchance presumably impartial shuffle on our rep,” stated Romano.

“We did plan at, ‘will we portion a platform?’ And I gained’t rule it out as an option, nevertheless it completely would ought to silent be completely different than what they came to market with, because all as soon as more, it’s getting relief to the differentiation.

“I don’t mediate we’re going to portion a platform – I don’t imagine that’s an option. I even ought to circulate away it on the desk, finest in case one thing goes depraved, nevertheless that couldn’t be our most major goal,” stated Romano.

“Our most major goal is to build our rep Hyundai ute with our original expertise that’s unfamiliar from all the pieces that’s obtainable, nevertheless the size that we’re having a plan at would be within the Ranger/Hilux class [for Australia].

“So it’s now no longer a guarantee [the proposed development tie-up with GM]. We are having a plan at increased utes, nevertheless now no longer for this market,” stated Romano, confirming there are two completely different ute platforms being evaluated appropriate now, nevertheless handiest a vogue of is for Australia.

So arrive mid-to-leisurely 2028, what you would maybe presumably be ready to bigger than possible ask is a Kia Tasman-sized, Hyundai-designed dual-cab ute with a petroleum range-extender bolstering battery imprint, achieving “equal EV efficiency with now no longer as much as half the battery means, using a Hyundai-designed excessive-efficiency battery.”