Future cars

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.”

Hyundai Worldwide, in partnership with Beijing Hyundai, has this day revealed its unusual midsize electrical SUV is known as the Elexio. The model, described by Hyundai as “In China, For China, To World” will on the muse open in China outdated to arriving in Australia in early 2026.

The Hyundai Elexio will probably cost higher than the compact Inster and little Kona Electrical EV SUVs, but lower than the Ioniq 5 midsized EV when it arrives early subsequent year, in a same construction to Kia’s EV5 positioning above the EV3, but beneath the EV6.

That skill an expected starting mark in the realm of $56,770 outdated to on-avenue costs, matching the inferior model Kia EV5 Air entrance-wheel power.

Aggressive pricing is mandatory for the Hyundai Elexio if it’s to contend with long-time duration world EV benchmark, the Tesla Mannequin Y. In inferior rear-wheel power trim, that vehicle begins from $58,900 outdated to on-avenue costs.

Just like the Kia EV5, the ace up Hyundai’s sleeve to verify that lop prices for its Elexio midsize SUV is Chinese manufacturing. This could presumably well merit Hyundai compete with the upper midsize $54,990 BYD Sealion 7 and $54,800 Xpeng G6, every in Australia and in China. Prices shown are outdated to on-roads.

Hyundai’s Elexio differs a bit from the leisure of its EV siblings. Its rounded entrance halt most effective compares to the pre-facelift Ioniq 6, where neither vehicle has a stable connection to Hyundai’s unusual “Artwork of Metal” design language.

Its midsize silhouette is same to the Hyundai Tucson, featuring narrow roof rails, modest-measurement alloy wheels and an understated rear spoiler. It moreover capabilities two-tone matte murky wheel arches and entrance and rear body-width strip-LED DRLs.

No matter aiming to open to Australia in as exiguous as two months, local technical specs for the Elexio are now not yet known. In China, the inferior entrance-driver Elexio capabilities a 160kW entrance electrical motor and 64.2kWh battery.

All-wheel power fashions originate a further 73kW rear electrical motor and higher 88.1kWh battery for a mixed output of 230kW. The vary topping battery will bring a WLTP vary of over 500km, says Hyundai, and can cost from 30-80% in 27 minutes.

For these following the Australian EV market, these specs must seem acquainted. Every resolve quoted above is a linked to the Australian-market EV5, and indeed, every automobiles moreover portion the identical 800-Volt ‘E-GMP’ platform.

They moreover portion external dimensions. The Hyundai Elexio measures 4615mm long, 1875mm wide, and 1673mm substantial, with a 2750mm wheelbase — the same to the EV5, bar a 42mm top distinction.

Inside of, the Elexio capabilities a expansive 27-rush infotainment conceal. It looks that the immense conceal moreover assumes the accountability of the instrument cluster, same to Tesla’s central conceal. This could indicate the driver has to study in the direction of the center console for driving files.

Fortunately, after all in China, a contemporary-equipment heads-up uncover eliminates this grievance.

The leisure of the inside of looks extra outdated – two wi-fi instrument chargers and four cup-holders in the center console, column shifter and the contemporary unfold of controls on the guidance wheel and column, and a acquainted five-seat layout.

Dolby Atmos immersive audio and an eight-speaker BOSE sound machine are moreover equipped as contemporary.

Boot dwelling is a a bit contemporary 506-litres, which will expand to 1540-litres with the 2d row folded.

Australian-particular little print, including energy outputs, vary figures, dimensions and pricing will be revealed by Hyundai closer to the Elexio’s local open early subsequent year.

Subaru has unveiled two irregular STI Notion autos at the Japan Mobility Demonstrate, identified as the Efficiency E STI and Efficiency B STI. Every fashions fuse make facets from quite so a lot of iconic Subaru fashions, most particularly the mid-2000s ‘GR’ ‘hawkeye’ WRX STI hatch and BRZ sportscar.

A homage to the core fundamentals of Subaru and STI, the Efficiency B STI thought blends collectively iconic mechanical facets in a neatly-identified, refined bundle.

The model parts a six-velocity manual transmission, turbocharged ‘boxer’ four-cylinder engine, and Subaru’s staple symmetrical all-wheel-force system. Efficiency is furthered by claims of a ‘gentle-weight, compact body’ and ‘low centre of gravity.’

Power outputs, exterior dimensions, and kerb weight are yet to be confirmed for the Efficiency B STI, but we request specs not too dissimilar to the current WRX tS Spec B. That model produces 202kW and 350Nm, and has a kerb weight of 1522kg.

Visually, the entrance end of Subaru’s B STI thought better represents the pre-facelifted ‘VA’ WRX moderately than the present ‘VB’ efficiency sedan. Its hatchback body, flared arches and general silhouette are very corresponding to that of the ‘GR’ WRX STI hatchback, continually identified as the ‘hawkeye’.

At the rear, the B STI borrows extra make cues, this time from the Subaru Crosstrek, while the big rear wing takes inventive liberty from the first technology ‘GC8’ WRX STI.

Inside, the B STI’s inside sports a huge portrait-oriented infotainment masks, STI sports guidance wheel, stripped assist door trims with carbon-fibre inserts, and a ‘no-frills’ centre console with crimson stitching, a pronounced manual gearstick and physical handbrake.

The assign the Efficiency B leans heavily on Subaru’s historical previous, the Efficiency E STI thought sports a less extinct, contemporary, angular make which Subaru claims will “spearhead Subaru’s new technology” of efficiency autos.

Electro-mechanical specs for the E STI thought are vague. Subaru claims the model has supreme aerodynamics, reducing-edge technology, and all-wheel force, on the different hand battery dimension, different of electric motors, and efficiency figures are not identified.

Visually, the engrossing, angular entrance end of the E STI appears to be like corresponding to the brand new-technology Subaru BRZ, while its slim, lowslung hatchback body is impressed by the 2016 Toyota 86 Taking pictures Brake Notion.

The Efficiency E STI thought adorns gentle-weight wheels, with a probable aerodynamic, sand-colored disc attached, finest described as ‘circular-noticed-care for’. At the rear, the E STI appears to be like extra Skoda than Subaru, with a body-dimension rear tail-gentle and huge rear diffuser.

At the time of writing, the E STI’s inside used to be not in the market for viewing. We can update this text as extra predominant parts plan to gentle.

Subaru currently offers factual one electric automobile, the Toyota BZ4x-derived Solterra, but claims to present eight irregular fashions by 2028. Whether or not a producing model of the E STI thought shall be a form of eight remains unconfirmed.

The assign the E STI thought has some doubtless for future manufacturing, it’s far unlikely that the combustion-powered B STI thought will ever plan to fruition, as global emissions laws continue to punish manufacturers for efficiency autos with high CO2 outputs.

Mitsubishi has printed a probable seek into the plot forward for its long-working Pajero with its original Elevance inch-in hybrid idea SUV detailed on the Japan Motor Show.

The Mitsubishi Elevance employs a stoic ‘Dynamic Shield’ make language, with rugged, boxy physique traces, an illuminated entrance grille, four doors which toughen a physique-coloured “rib bone” half of-crescent make, and enormous aerodynamic wheels.

The entrance terminate, which Mitsubishi says ‘expresses highly efficient efficiency and a skill of security’, is the same in appearance to Chasing Autos distinctive renders of the next-generation Mitsubishi Pajero.

The 2 autos set up identical guarantees of all-wheel drive, hybridisation and rugged off-toll road skill, and we depend upon the Elevance to preview plot of the production-mannequin Pajero, slated to beginning in 2027.

Mitsubishi has confirmed its original Elevance idea is an off-toll road focused inch-in hybrid, which utilises the three-diamond mark’s signature Natty-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel-drive arrangement, very like the soon-to-beginning Outlander facelift.

How it differs from the Outlander is by plot of four electrical motors – two nested internal the entrance wheels, and a extra passe dual-motor living-up within the rear with active yaw preserve an eye fixed on.

Mitsubishi claims its four-motor PHEV arrangement will dangle adequate EV vitality for overnight V2L spend when camping, and ‘EV-like’ soundless, shipshape efficiency for on a common basis commuting. Details for combined arrangement output, gas tank dimension, exterior dimensions and battery dimension are no longer but confirmed.

Interior, Mitsubishi’s off-the-wall tips fully accumulate zanier. The mannequin previews an ‘AI Co-Driver’, which is in a position to “relieve exploration into the unknown by suggesting locations tailor-made to the motive force’s lifestyle”.

The Ai Co-Driver is displayed on an LCD show embedded within the steering wheel, as well to the dashboard-dimension instrument panel. The Elevance additionally points a three-row, six-seat ‘captains chairs’ layout, corresponding to the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy.

Mitsubishi’s Elevance wasn’t the fully three-diamond off-toll road focused mannequin detailed on the Japan Motor Show. Details surrounding a prototype Delica D-5 off-toll road van and facelifted ‘Kei’ sized Delica Mini dangle additionally been printed.

The Delica D5 additionally points S-AWC, boxy styling, gripping physique traces and a highlight on a ‘rugged lifestyle’. The D5 is already on hand to pre-repeat, solely in Japan.

Within the intervening time, the smaller Delica Mini facelift points a disproportionately excessive roof for its compact dimension.

It too demonstrates an ‘outdoorsy make’, now with anthropomorphic styling cues over its predecessor which Mitsubishi says makes the mannequin “reborn, cuter and more difficult… Natty fleet, immense convenient,[and] immense fully overjoyed!”

The facelifted Delica Mini, like the Delica D5, remains distinctive to Japan for now.

It’s far unclear whether or no longer the Elevance will likely be shifted into production, and if that is the case, for which markets. Australia has long been a disproportionately gigantic particular person of gigantic off-roaders comparative to its small inhabitants.

Mazda unveiled a thought previewing a brand recent rotary fluctuate extender hybrid hero at the 2025 Japan Mobility Repeat.

Known as the Vision-X Coupe — ‘X’ being pronounced ‘substandard’ — the slinky four-door mammoth tourer guarantees 375kW paired with 160km of EV-handiest driving fluctuate, for an 800km total within the loyal world.

It’s no longer yet constructive if this thought is a straight away preview of a brand recent Mazda production car, which will be positioned as the emblem’s halo above the Iconic SP sports car, or simply a fabricate and technology showcase.

If the Vision-X went into production, it will be the first time since the Eunos Cosmo (1990-1996) that Mazda has a legitimate, coupe-esteem flagship within the fluctuate to sit down down alongside the most modern CX-90 immense SUV.

Measuring 5.05 metres lengthy and virtually about two metres broad, the low 1480mm roofline and stretched 3080mm wheelbase give the cab-rearward Vision-X Thought calm, sporty proportions.

The thought that presentations Mazda’s ‘Kodo Soul’ fabricate language with illuminated grille element, no longer now not just like the Changan-constructed Mazda 6e sedan, with an virtually Ferrari F12 Berlinetta silhouette, though with four doors, digital mirrors and 4 seats internal.

Curiously, Mazda has fought lend a hand towards video display overload internal with three analogue, scrutinize-face esteem dials build of dwelling above the skinny-rimmed steering wheel, and touchscreen off to the aspect.

Inside of, the Vision-X Coupe’s theme involves subtle inexperienced cabin materials off-build of dwelling with heat wood smooth — it’s virtually Aston Martin.

This thought is clearly a press start, but Mazda has shocked us within the previous with its dedication when carrying over designs to production. Remember the gape-catching 2017 Mazda Kai thought? That went on to turn out to be the 2019 Mazda 3 with minimal styling compromise.

One other fascinating element is the stitched computerized equipment selector on the centre console, which has worn ‘P-R-N-D’ lettering alongside with a handbook sports mode.

Mazda says the Vision-X Coupe makes exhaust of a rotary fluctuate-extender powertrain, likely a crawl-in hybrid and powering all four wheels by twin electrical motors, so the shifter may possibly point out simulated equipment ratios.

These are your total rage for electrified autos magnificent now, at the side of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and more currently Honda Prelude.

As segment of the Vision-X thought, Mazda sees it as a testbed for Cellular Carbon Take dangle of technology, which will be constructed into the car that theoretically runs on Algae-derived sustainable fuels.

Mazda’s shrimp automobile vary is increasing outdated, with the Mazda 2 light automobile (2014) and CX-3 light SUV (2015) now a decade extinct.

With no hybrid or electrical vitality, these two are out-of-sorts with rivals cherish the Toyota Yaris, and so, after its Tidy Product offensive, Japanese label Mazda has shown off the Imaginative and prescient-X Compact thought at the 2025 Tokyo Mobility Blow their personal horns.

Crucial points of this thought are thin on the bottom, even though we assume it previews the invent course of the next era Mazda 2 and CX-3, presumably to be called the CX-20 and presumably being amalgamated into a single model in manufacturing guise.

Even when put next with the shrimp vehicles in Mazda’s vary, the Imaginative and prescient-X Compact is slight. At 3825mm long, 1795mm broad, 1570mm broad and driving on a 2515mm wheelbase, it’s 40cm shorter than CX-3 however very shut to the Suzuki Swift hatch in dimension.

Given the proximity between the CX-3 and CX-30 currently, Mazda would possibly per chance per chance well per chance make a resolution to shrink its entry-stage ‘CX-20’ SUV offering half a dimension down, however then this would per chance well additionally be an all-original model, or simply a invent spy.

Visually, the Imaginative and prescient-X Compact is linked to its peers with an illuminated entrance grille which hints at heavy electrification. The hatchback shape carries the total C-pillar frequent within the CX-30 and Mazda 3, as correctly.

Interior is the important thing departure for Mazda, with an ethereal feel and diverse intellectual colours bringing a nearly Fiat 500-cherish retro vibe; a visually-light ’P-R-N-D’ tools selector with spherical knob sits on the centre console.

There’s a big diameter, thin-rimmed steering wheel with correct a unique, circular digital dial in entrance of the driving force. The wheel aspects lunge shifters, doubtlessly for tools altering however additionally adjusting regenerative braking.

This thought is shown in left-hand drive, too, suggesting European micro automobile aspirations.

And it’s charge noting that there are no dominant touchscreens within the theorem that. As a replacement, the auto is pictured with a smartphone mounted on the trudge — Volkswagen Up!, anyone?

Mazda calls the Imaginative and prescient-X Compact the ‘procedure forward for neat mobility’, with onboard artificial intelligence intended to ‘deepen the bond between of us and vehicles by procedure of the fusion of a human sensory digital model and empathetic AI.’

As for the powertrain crucial points of a manufacturing version, it’s miles unclear for now.

Mazda would possibly per chance per chance well per chance leverage its abilities with the MX-30 shrimp SUV to offer a host of choices for its original light vehicles, including pure battery EV for Europe, sequence-parallel hybrids and in-home rotary vary extender.

Toyota has previewed the next-generation Corolla with a futuristic belief automobile at this yr’s Japan Mobility Expose, and it has confirmed the incoming version will enhance a extensive series of powertrains.

“The Corolla is a automobile for the bulk, however the bulk doesn’t necessarily desire the an analogous answer,” explained Lance Scott, head of Toyota Europe Blueprint Trend. “That it is probably you’ll desire whatever powertrain that works for you,” acknowledged Scott.

The fastback-bodied Corolla Belief has a battery payment meter glorious on the abet of its front quarter panel, indicating that it is either a battery electric automobile (BEV) or a scoot-in hybrid (PHEV).

But Toyota Motor Company (TMC) could per chance also use the Tokyo Motor Expose this week to reaffirm its dedication to a “multi-pathway” policy that will enable prospects the series of partial combustion vitality, thru hybrid engines, for an prolonged period.

PHEV is susceptible to be Toyota’s focal point with the unique Corolla. The belief automobile has three filler caps—one on the rear for petrol, and two on the front for electric charging.

The Corolla will probably debut Toyota’s unique 1.5- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines and a strengthened hybrid machine.

Scott confirmed that the unique, 13^th-generation Corolla’s platform has been designed to have accepted packaging that stays the an analogous no topic what powertrain is chosen.

Here is susceptible to mean that home has been left within the chassis for the extensive battery required for BEV versions, probably impacting passenger and cargo home.

Consequentially, the must ‘push up’ the ground for BEV and PHEV versions of the unique Corolla could per chance additionally fair expose why the Corolla Belief has grown noticeably in dimension over the outgoing automobile, which used to be easiest available with petrol or runt-battery hybrid versions.

While the belief that looks to preview a sedan (or liftback) version of the next Corolla, the enduring relevance of hatchbacks, particularly within the European market, could per chance additionally fair mean a five-door variant is spawned later.

The Corolla faces an increasingly more sizable put of dwelling of opponents including no longer easiest typical competitors like the Volkswagen Golf and Mazda 3, however also runt to midsize electric autos that attract subsidies in markets like Australia—from the MG4 to the Tesla Mannequin 3.

Externally, the originate contains an exaggerated interpretation of Toyota’s unique wraparound running gentle originate, a delicately raked windscreen and completely blacked-out glasshouse.

Alloy wheels measuring 21-inches in dimension are pushed cease to the corners of the elongated physique.

Internal, the Corolla makes use of a fully round guidance wheel incorporating shortcut controls on the spokes and a triple-display instrument cluster array.

There could be no typical display within the centre of the dashboard; as an various, high-tier objects could per chance additionally fair embody the belief that’s elegantly packaged fold-out passenger display.

A gear selector (or route selector for a BEV version) is shaped like the physique of the Corolla.

Abet seat dwelling is voluminous, reflecting the Corolla’s expanded dimension. Sedan versions of runt autos have grown critically in present years reflecting purchaser tastes in North The US and China.

Toyota has determined to connect Century as a stamp in its hold appropriate, with a unfold of extremely-luxury objects situation to be sold now not completely in Japan, but additionally in other world markets.

Century will sit down above Lexus within the Toyota Motor Company (TMC) stamp structure, with Lexus vacating the outmoded excessive-pause luxury sedan market by pivoting its flagships to the premium van and coupe-SUV rental.

The Century vary will consist of two most unusual objects, being the eponymous Century sedan and the gargantuan Century SUV. A third mannequin, the Century Coupe, will seemingly be a part of the lineup within the next Twelve months or two.

TMC chairman Akio Toyoda delivered a rousing speech in Tokyo asserting the world growth of Century, decrying what he perceives as malaise within the Japanese financial system and encouraging Japanese satisfaction in automobile manufacturing.

“Century is extra than simply the name of a automobile. It’s miles a heartfelt desire for world peace, and to form the next 100 years of Japan. I even hold technique to query this as my private mission,” acknowledged Toyoda.

Century will sit down above Lexus in Toyota stamp portfolio

In its home market, the Toyota Century sedan is held in deep like and in Japan, the badge is already regarded as sitting above Lexus. That self-discipline has now been formalised.

“Century stands on the head. It’s miles a automobile in a class of its hold. I deem this automobile used to be born carrying Japan on its shoulders,” Akio Toyoda told media.

“We desire to cultivate [Century] as a stamp that brings the spirit of Japan, the satisfaction of Japan, out into the world. The subsequent century begins with us.”

Whether or now not Century’s growth plans embody Australia is yet to be obvious, but Toyota CALTY Evolved Study president Ian Cartabiano confirmed that the Century stamp will “compete head-to-head” with Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

That can seemingly imply an initial level of curiosity on markets the set those excessive-pause British manufacturers promote strongly. That comprises the UK, but additionally the Center East self-discipline and North The usa.

Serving to Australia’s case is that every person Century objects hold been developed for native appropriate-hand force in Japan. At the moment, the habitual Century is considered on local roads due to grey-import capabilities.

“We desire to total our portfolio of manufacturers, giving Lexus respiratory rental to create what it does most attention-grabbing: powerful the rivals and staying adventurous,” Cartabiano told media.

Hybrid-powered Century sedan and SUV objects already in Japan

Both existing Century objects are hybrids, but they’re remarkably varied below the pores and skin.

The Century sedan may presumably also very correctly be regarded as essentially the most ‘genuine’ Century mannequin, being supreme in dimension and consistent with a native rear-wheel force platform.

Its deeply dignified recognition and significance in Japan is advanced to understate. The Century sedan is the auto of replacement for the Japanese emperor and royal family.

The Century sedan makes employ of a plugless petrol-electrical 2UR-FSE V8 engine producing 317kW of mixed vitality.

Measuring 5335mm in length on a 3090mm wheelbase, the Century sedan is genuinely elevated than the 5250mm-long Century SUV.

The crossover mannequin utilises a stretched model of TMC’s front-biased GA-Good enough platform additionally utilised by the American-market Lexus TX and Toyota Sizable Highlander gargantuan SUVs.

Beneath the bonnet of the Century SUV is a 3.5-litre wander-in hybrid (PHEV) petrol V6 producing 303kW of mixed vitality with spherical 69km electrical-completely vary doable.

Century Coupe concept revealed

Next to hitch the lineup will seemingly be a coupe mannequin with beneficiant plug high, a physique-coloured girlle and long front doors.

The coupe mannequin additionally has a pair of rapid, rear-hinged help doors that camouflage something particular: a rear compartment with as worthy passenger rental as a Century SUV.

Strangely, the Century Coupe concept is designed to be driven by a chauffeur, with a separated, and reasonably restrained, driver’s compartment. Nonetheless, TMC says it’s miles highly capable as a driver’s automobile for people who desire to create the job themselves.

In Japan, Toyota Century objects hold long been identified for their deeply conservative comely. It has been extraordinarily rare to space a Century now not painted in black, silver or dark blue.

That started to alternate in 2018 when TMC chief government officer Akio Toyoda revealed his private automobile—a one-off Century GRMN painted white with red accents.

Animated forward, Century objects will continue to be bespoke to buyer requirements but with prolonged customisation doable.

Australian specs of Skoda’s upcoming Kodiaq proceed-in hybrid were formally published sooner than the mannequin’s December 2025 commence date.

Confirmed to take a seat down between the Kodiaq Sportline and upcoming Kodiaq RS, the Kodiaq Decide PHEV ought to discover between $61,990 and $76,990 drive-away. This can possible undercut the mechanically associated Volkswagen Tayron PHEV, that will debut early subsequent year for around $60,000.

Also published for the 2026 Kodiaq mannequin fluctuate is a new still-hybrid variant, available with a choice of 5- or seven-seats. In accordance with a graphic from Skoda Australia, the upcoming MHEV will be priced below the bottom $56,990 drive-away Kodiaq Decide.

Extra data for that mannequin will reach to gentle nearer to its 2026 2nd-quarter commence date.

At demonstrate, the proceed-in hybrid section in Australia is led by the BYD Sealion 6, which begins from $44,400 drive-away, and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES, priced from $57,990 drive-away. Each and every autos are a exiguous bit bigger than midsize SUVs which offer seven seats.

Despite providing a seven-seat configuration in foregoing combustion Kodiaq objects, Skoda Australia confirmed to Chasing Vehicles that the 4758mm long Kodiaq Decide proceed-in will be marketed strictly as a five-seater when it arrives in December.

This brings extra conventionally sized midsize competitors, essentially the next-generation Toyota RAV4 proceed-in, into scope. That automotive is anticipated to debut early subsequent year, boasting the option of all-wheel drive, a high output up to 227kW, and an EV-simplest fluctuate of around 100km WLTP.

Comparatively, the Skoda Kodiaq PHEV is tiny to entrance-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive reserved for the new flagship RS. Claimed EV driving fluctuate is 112km (WLTP), and high blended output is 150kW/350Nm, appropriate for a 0-100km/hr roam time of 8.4 seconds.

Output is split between a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and 85kW/330Nm three-section electric motor. Electric motor location is yet to be confirmed, however is possible throughout the Kodiaq PHEV’s six-slither twin-take grasp of transmission.

High voltage electric power comes from a 25.7kWh battery, which would possibly perhaps perhaps price from empty in 2.5 hours on 11kW AC power, or from 10-80 percent in 25 minutes on a DC snappily charger, peaking at 50kW.

Mixed gasoline consumption is quoted at a convincing 1.85L/100km – even though it’s unclear if acquiring this gasoline figure will require having a fully charged battery, all of the time.

Equipment for the Skoda Kodiaq Decide PHEV will replicate its petrol-simplest Decide counterpart (viewable here), moreover an upgraded nine-airbag system, new PHEV drive modes, which embody ‘E-Mode’ (EV-simplest), and ‘Hybrid’, and adjustable regenerative braking.

Additional equipment for the Kodiaq Decide PHEV entails an optionally available panoramic sunroof, or a ‘PHEV Signature Pack’ which provides:

• Massaging entrance seats
• Matrix LED headlights with automatic cornering lights
• Palms-free boot opening
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Upgraded Canton audio system
• Heads-up present
• Vitality adjustable entrance seats with memory

Pricing for the Signature Pack is yet to be confirmed.

In accordance with Skoda Australia, 51 percent of Kodiaq sales in general encompass the fluctuate-topping RS mannequin. The Czech firm hopes that in 2026, its new Kodiaq PHEV will tale for 15 percent of Kodiaq sales, diversifying the fluctuate of buyership across a total lot of mannequin grades.