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Articles by Rob Leigh
2026 GWM Ora 5 review
Our verdict The Ora 5 is for buyers who want a cheap electric SUV that doesn’t feel cheap. It’s quiet, comfortable, loaded with equipment and one of the only EVs on sale with a spare wheel. The catch is buggy software and performance that reads better on paper than it feels from the lights. What does the Ora 5 cost in Australia? The Ora 5 range is simple.
VFACTS October 2026: Toyota HiLux leads Australia’s best October
Key takeaways Record October with 107,493 sales, up 6.8% on last year Toyota HiLux topped the sales charts for the first time in 2026 Diesel claimed 23.9% share, narrowly ahead of EVs at 23.1% Australians bought 107,493 new vehicles in October 2026, the highest tally for any October on record and 6.8% more than a year earlier. The Toyota HiLux was the country’s best-selling vehicle for the first time this year, while diesel narrowly overtook electric vehicles as the most popular fuel type.
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid review
Our verdict The Tiguan eHybrid makes a lot of sense if you can charge at home. You can do most of your daily driving on electricity and it still feels every bit as good as the petrol Tiguan. The petrol engine and electric motor work together almost seamlessly, and very little noise makes it into the cabin. But the launch deal is over. At more than $70,000 driveaway, I’d be negotiating hard. What does the Tiguan eHybrid cost in Australia?
Xiaomi hiring in Sydney as SU7 and YU7 EVs eye Australian launch
Key takeaways Xiaomi is hiring Sydney staff to build its Australian car business. Right-hand-drive sales are reportedly planned from the first half of 2028. SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV expected to lead, rivalling Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y. Chinese tech giant Xiaomi is hiring in Sydney to build an Australian car business, all but confirming a local launch for its SU7 electric sedan and YU7 electric SUV. The roles include executives to advise on local regulations and to establish a finance arm.
Forthing Taikon 5 gets $2500 Visa gift card on top of launch prices
Key takeaways $2500 Visa gift card on every Taikon 5 delivered by 31 December Driveaway prices unchanged, from $36,990 for the range-extender hybrid Luxury Electric claims 427km range; range extender offers 170km electric, 937km total Forthing Australia is offering a $2500 Visa gift card on every Taikon 5 electric and range-extender hybrid SUV purchased and delivered between 1 November and 31 December 2026. The offer runs at participating dealers while stock lasts.
2027 Zeekr 7X adds power and features without a price rise
Key takeaways Prices unchanged, from $57,900 to $72,900 before on-road costs Every variant gains 25kW and 80Nm, with quicker 0-100km/h times Orders open now, with Australian deliveries starting in December 2026 The updated 2027 Zeekr 7X is on sale in Australia now, bringing more power, slightly more range and extra standard equipment at unchanged prices. Orders opened on 1 November, with the first deliveries due in December. The mid-size electric SUV has been a strong seller for the brand locally.
2026 Subaru Forester review
Our verdict The petrol Forester isn't the most exciting SUV around town, but take it onto a rough country road and you'll quickly understand why people buy them. With permanent all-wheel drive, 220mm of ground clearance and a proper spare wheel, it's better prepared for a trip off the beaten track than most family SUVs. The catch is an engine that's a little thirsty and the more efficient hybrid gives up the spare. What does the Subaru Forester cost in Australia?
Aston Martin Valhalla Spider hits 350km/h with its roof off
Key takeaways Same 793kW V8 plug-in hybrid and 350km/h top speed as the coupe Standard fabric roof limits top speed to 200km/h, roof off allows 350km/h Global deliveries from Q3 2027, Australian pricing and allocation unconfirmed Aston Martin has revealed the Valhalla Spider, an open-top version of its mid-engined plug-in hybrid supercar. The brand says it’s the fastest open-top production car it has built, matching the coupe’s 2.5-second 0-100km/h time and 350km/h top speed.
New GWM Haval H7 arrives with standard AWD and a locking rear diff
Key takeaways Four variants from $45,990 driveaway, all with all-wheel drive standard The PHEV makes 320kW and claims 137km of electric-only range A locking rear diff and full-size tailgate spare come on every H7 GWM has launched the new-generation Haval H7 in Australia, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions in dealerships now. Every variant gets all-wheel drive and a locking rear differential, and the range opens at $45,990 driveaway under a launch offer.
440kW Leapmotor C10 Sports+ returns in new Dawn Purple colour
Key takeaways 440kW dual-motor AWD flagship returns from $53,888 before on-roads Dawn Purple joins Pearl White and Metallic Black as a paint choice Free 7kW wall charger on cars ordered and delivered by 31 December Leapmotor Australia has confirmed a second limited run of the C10 AWD Sports+ Special Edition, the 440kW flagship of its mid-size electric SUV range. Pricing is unchanged at $53,888 before on-road costs, and buyers can now choose a new Dawn Purple paint finish.
2027 Mitsubishi Pajero revealed as Prado rival with October Australian pre-orders
Key takeaways 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero lands in Australian showrooms in December Sole engine is a 150kW/480Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel Ford Everest, Toyota Prado and Isuzu MU-X are the targets Explore the Mitsubishi range Mitsubishi has revealed the 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero, a seven-seat ladder-frame 4WD that revives a badge last sold here in 2021 and takes over from the departed Pajero Sport. Australian pre-orders open in October with first deliveries expected in December.
2026 Kia Stonic review
Our Verdict The 2026 Stonic is aimed squarely at the city buyer who wants something small, easy to park, quick to refuel and entertaining on a back road. It does that better than almost anything else at this size, and the facelift fixes the cabin that was starting to date badly. Its biggest issue is money. Prices are up roughly two grand across the board, servicing is expensive, and the mild hybrid system does not deliver the economy it promises. What does the Stonic cost in Australia?
2027 Lexus NX goes hybrid only in Australia with bigger PHEV battery
Key takeaways 2027 Lexus NX arrives in Australia in 2027, electrified only NX 450h+ battery grows to 23kWh, 100km range Petrol RX 350 and LS 500 axed for Australia Lexus has pulled the covers off the updated NX at a world premiere overnight and Australia is confirmed for a 2027 arrival. The 2027 Lexus NX gets a redesigned cabin, a sharper face and a heavily reworked electrified drivetrain. For Australia, it will be sold here exclusively as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
2026 Geely Starray EM-i AWD lands with 220kW and 1,065km range
Key takeaways 2026 Geely Starray EM-i Inspire AWD priced from $44,990 plus on-roads Rear electric motor lifts combined system output to 220kW Australian dealership arrivals from mid-September 2026 Geely Australia has added all-wheel drive to its plug-in hybrid SUV range, with the 2026 Geely Starray EM-i Inspire AWD priced at $44,990 plus on-road costs.
2026 Toyota bZ4X review
Our verdict The bZ4X finally feels like the EV Toyota should have launched in the first place. It’s efficient, easy to drive and now seriously competitive on price. It does the things that matter – range, efficiency and calm – better than almost anything at the price. The catch is a cabin layout that will either suit you perfectly or irritate you every single day, so the test drive is not optional here. What does the bZ4X cost in Australia? Toyota has wielded the scalpel on the pricing.
2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro arrives with off-road tune and petrol-only power
Key takeaways 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro arrives September from $79,900 Petrol-only 2.5T turbo, 207kW, 2,200kg braked towing Aussie-tuned suspension, 212mm clearance, Continental all-terrain tyres Hyundai has a new rugged off-road grade for Australia. From September, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro will be in local dealerships with a $79,900 price before on-road costs.
2026 Nissan Patrol priced from $98,990 just $2,450 above the outgoing model
Key takeaways 2026 Nissan Patrol range opens at $98,990 in Australia 317kW twin-turbo V6 with 3,700kg braked towing capacity First-ever PRO-4X arrives, deliveries from early 2027 Nissan Australia has revealed pricing and key specifications for the all-new 2026 Nissan Patrol with a six-grade range opening at $98,990 before on-road costs. Orders are open now and first customer deliveries are expected in early 2027. The entry Ti lands just $2,450 above the outgoing Y62 model.
2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT confirmed for Australia with supercharged V8
Key takeaways 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT confirmed for Australia, supercharged V8 returns Priced at $259,950 plus on-road costs, metallic paint $950 First deliveries due first half of 2027, supply limited Explore RAM 1500 pricing and specs Ram has confirmed the 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT for Australia, reviving its supercharged V8 performance pick-up after a short absence. First deliveries are due in local showrooms in the first half of 2027 and early supply will be tight.
2027 BYD M9 plug-in hybrid takes aim at Kia Carnival in Australia
Key takeaways 2027 BYD M9 plug-in hybrid people mover confirmed for Australia Seven or eight seats, up to 145km EV range Arrives Q4 2026 to challenge the Kia Carnival Explore the BYD range The 2027 BYD M9 is heading to Australia, handing the country's second-best selling car brand its first crack at the people mover market.
2027 iCaur V25 confirmed for Australia as boxy GWM Tank 300 rival
Key takeaways 2027 iCaur V25 confirmed as first model for Australia Boxy electrified SUV squares up to GWM Tank 300 Australian pricing and specifications yet to be confirmed Chery's brand blitz in Australia is about to add another name. The 2027 iCaur V25 has been confirmed as the first model for iCaur, a new-energy SUV brand due in local showrooms early in 2027. Buyers get their first look at the boxy electrified SUV at Everything Electric Sydney next month, several months before it goes on sale.
2026 BYD Atto 2 review
Our verdict The Atto 2 is for the buyer who wants an electric SUV to slot into daily life without turning ownership into a science project. It does the fundamentals well, a plush cabin, a settled ride and an eager enough motor, and asks almost nothing of you day to day. The catch is that its short range and leisurely charging make it a city car first and a road-tripper never. What does the BYD Atto 2 cost in Australia? The Atto 2 range is refreshingly simple.
2027 Volkswagen Tukan compact ute revealed but not coming to Australia
Key takeaways 2027 Volkswagen Tukan is a Brazil-built compact ute Tukan rides on MQB platform shared with T-Cross Volkswagen confirms the Tukan won't reach Australia See Volkswagen Amarok pricing and specs Volkswagen has revealed the 2027 Volkswagen Tukan, a compact ute built in Brazil for South American buyers. It replaces the long-serving Saveiro and arrives in single-cab and dual-cab body styles, with deliveries across the region set for the first half of 2027.
2027 BYD Ti7 seven-seat plug-in hybrid due in Australia next year
Key takeaways 2027 BYD Ti7 seven-seat plug-in hybrid due first-half 2027 AWD PHEV makes 300kW, hits 100km/h in 4.8 seconds Australian pricing unconfirmed but tipped above $70,000 Explore the BYD range BYD is lining up another seven-seat family SUV for Australia and the 2027 BYD Ti7 might be its most distinctive yet. The boxy, Land Rover Defender-inspired plug-in hybrid is due in local showrooms in the first half of 2027, though BYD is yet to formally confirm it.
2026 Kia K4 Hatch review
Our verdict This is the small car for buyers who are done being told they need an SUV. It does the important things well: it rides beautifully for the money, it swallows a family's worth of gear, and it puts a proper big screen in front of you from the cheapest variant. The catch is that there is no hybrid yet, so if halving your fuel bill is the goal, you will need to wait or look elsewhere. What does the K4 Hatch cost in Australia?
2027 Genesis GV90 targets Bentley as electric flagship bound for Australia
Key takeaways 2027 Genesis GV90 is the brand's first full-size electric flagship Expected in Australia early 2027 priced above $200,000 490kW dual-motor power, 123.5kWh battery, roughly 500km range Explore the Genesis range Genesis has pulled the covers off the 2027 Genesis GV90, its first full-size flagship SUV, at a reveal in San Francisco. The electric seven-seater is tipped to reach Australia in early 2027, squaring up against the Bentley Bentayga, Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
2026 Nissan Ariya review
Our verdict The Ariya is for families who want an EV that feels calm and grown-up rather than gimmicky, and who rate a long warranty over the newest software. It does refinement and real-world efficiency better than almost anything at the price. The catch is a firm rear end on choppy roads and cabin tech that already feels a generation behind. What does the Ariya cost in Australia?
2026 GAC Emzoom Premium is Australia's joint-cheapest SUV
2026 GAC Emzoom Premium lands at $22,990 driveaway, Australia's joint-cheapest SUV Undercuts the Emzoom Luxury by $4,000 and beats the Chery Tiggo 4 Price comes with deleted seatbelt pre-tensioners and rear belt reminders GAC now sells one of Australia's cheapest new SUVs. The 2026 GAC Emzoom Premium arrives as a new entry grade priced from $22,990 driveaway, matching the MG ZS Vibe for the joint-cheapest new SUV title in the local market.
2027 Hyundai Tucson revealed with bold boxy redesign
Key takeaways 2027 Hyundai Tucson revealed with boxy Art of Steel styling Bigger cabin, 14.6-inch touchscreen and new Pleos software inside Australian launch expected in 2027, likely hybrid-focused See Hyundai Tucson Pricing & Specs Hyundai has pulled the covers off the 2027 Hyundai Tucson in South Korea and the fifth-generation mid-size SUV looks nothing like the car it replaces. Gone are the swooping curves, traded for an upright, boxy body wearing Hyundai's new 'Art of Steel' design language.
2026 Denza D9 review
Our verdict The Denza D9 is for the family that wants genuine limousine luxury without the six-figure invoice. It does serene, chauffeur-grade comfort better than anything near the money and it charges quickly enough to make long hauls painless. The catch is a third row that asks for a bit of yoga to reach. What does the Denza D9 cost in Australia? Denza is BYD's premium arm and the D9 is the first fully electric model it has brought here.
How Zeekr plans to take the fight to Mercedes and BMW by 2028
Two years ago, hardly anyone in Australia knew what a Zeekr was. This month the brand handed over its 10,000th car here. And at a media event before its ice-driving day, it did something most new brands won't. It put a date on beating the luxury establishment. The plan runs to 2028. By then, Zeekr wants "tech luxury" to mean its badge, backed by a full range of cars and a dealer network that finally covers the country. That's a big call for a brand this young. It's also not coming from nowhere.
2026 GWM Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 undercut Ford V6 with new diesel
Key takeaways 2026 GWM Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 gain new 3.0-litre diesel Driveaway pricing from $58,990, undercutting Ford Ranger and Everest V6 170kW/620Nm, 3,500kg braked towing, arriving mid-September 2026 GWM is doubling down on diesel while much of the market pivots to electric. The 2026 GWM Cannon Alpha ute and Tank 500 SUV arrive next month with an all-new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, more power than before and driveaway pricing that lands thousands below Ford and Toyota.
2027 Mahindra Lifestyler ute confirmed for Australia with 3.5 tonne towing target
Key takeaways Mahindra Lifestyler ute confirmed for Australia, arriving in 2027 Targets 3.5-tonne towing and 6300kg GCM, matching HiLux Scorpio-based ute could open under $40,000, still unconfirmed Explore the Mahindra range Mahindra has pulled the wraps off the 2027 Mahindra Lifestyler, a new dual-cab ute unveiled at a major event in Mumbai. The brand has confirmed the ute is Australia-bound, though local buyers will wait until 2027 to see it.
2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo Premium switches to rear-wheel drive and 510km range
Key takeaways 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo now priced from $41,990 before on-roads Premium switches to rear-wheel drive, 230kW and 510km range Orders open now with first deliveries from September 2026 BYD has given its best-selling electric SUV its biggest overhaul yet, and the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo arrives with a genuine surprise. The flagship Premium ditches front-wheel drive for a rear-drive layout, more power and a longer range.
2026 Geely EX2 review
Our verdict The EX2 is the budget EV done with a little more thought than most: roomy, comfortable and easy to like, especially in Inspire trim. It suits the buyer after a smart second car or a low-stress city runabout, provided you go in knowing the cheaper Complete trades pace and range for its keen price. The catches are a missing spare and no crash rating yet. What does the Geely EX2 cost in Australia?
New short-range GAC Aion UT targets cheapest EVs with 320km range
Key takeaways GAC Aion UT short-range EV lands in Australia late 2026 Up to 320km WLTP range from a 44kWh battery Pricing unconfirmed, but expected below $31,990 driveaway GAC has confirmed a new short-range version of the Aion UT for Australia due to arrive late 2026. The budget-focused EV pairs a smaller 44kWh Magazine Battery 2.0 pack with up to 320km of claimed WLTP range.
2026 Mitsubishi ASX VR-e confirmed as brand's first EV in over a decade
Key takeaways 2026 Mitsubishi ASX VR-e is the brand's first EV in a decade Foxtron Bria-based EV rivals the MG 4 and BYD Dolphin Arrives in Australia Q4 2026, pricing yet to be confirmed Mitsubishi has confirmed its first electric car for Australia in more than a decade and it wears a name lifted straight from the brand's performance past. The 2026 Mitsubishi ASX VR-e is a small electric SUV due in local showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2026.
2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class priced in Australia with quicker overhauled V8
Key takeaways 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class now open to order from $264,200 V8 S580 L sprints 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds Prices rise up to $9973 over the previous model The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is now open for order in Australia, arriving with a reworked V8, more torque across the range and the biggest mid-life overhaul in the flagship's history. Deliveries start in November 2026, with a Mercedes-Maybach flagship due in the first half of 2027.
2026 Honda Civic review
Our verdict The 2026 Honda Civic is for buyers who care more about how a car feels than how it flexes. It gets the fundamentals right, pairs one of the best hybrid systems on sale with a chassis that actually makes you smile, and does the lot without burying you in touchscreens. The catch sits on the window sticker, because $49,900 driveaway is serious money for a small Honda. What does the Civic cost in Australia?
Nissan Patrol Y63 drops the V8 for a more powerful twin-turbo V6
Key takeaways All-new Nissan Patrol Y63 confirmed for Australia, arriving early 2027 New 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 makes 317kW and 700Nm Orders open this month, first deliveries in Q1 2027 Nissan has confirmed the all-new Patrol Y63 for Australia with orders opening later this month and first customer deliveries due in the first quarter of 2027. The next-generation flagship 4x4 swaps the old V8 for a twin-turbo V6 and piles on a long list of comfort and tech firsts.
2026 Honda Super-ONE arrives as Honda's first EV in Australia
Key takeaways 2026 Honda Super-ONE is Honda's first Australian EV Priced from $36,900 driveaway, deliveries from 1 October Up to 253km range with fun-focused BOOST Mode Honda has confirmed Australian pricing for the 2026 Honda Super-ONE, its first fully electric car. The retro city EV starts at $36,900 driveaway with pre-orders open today and first deliveries from 1 October. 2026 Honda Super-ONE pricing The Super-ONE comes in two grades.
2026 MG4 EV Urban review
Our verdict The MG4 EV Urban is for anyone who wants a roomy, no-drama electric car for the daily grind and refuses to spend a cent more than they have to. It nails space, efficiency and everyday polish, and the value is close to untouchable. An overzealous speed warning you can't permanently switch off is the main thing to be aware of. What does the MG4 EV Urban cost in Australia? There's one trim, the Essence, and two batteries.
Mahindra XUV 3XO Black Anniversary Edition limited to 300 units in Australia
Key takeaways Mahindra XUV 3XO Black Anniversary Edition capped at 300 units Priced from $27,990 drive-away, $1000 above the AX7L Stealth-black styling only, order books open 1 August 2026 Mahindra has marked the XUV 3XO's first year in Australia with a blacked-out special edition. The 2026 Mahindra XUV 3XO Black Anniversary Edition arrives from $27,990 drive-away, capped at just 300 units, with order books opening on 1 August 2026.
2026 BMW iX1 review
Our Verdict The iX1 is the small premium EV for people who want a BMW to actually feel like a BMW, without the theatre or the shouty styling. It nails the fundamentals, cabin, comfort and refinement, and a recent price cut has turned it into a genuine value proposition for anyone leasing. The catch is that BMW's own new-generation iX3 has arrived and made the iX1 look a step behind. What does the BMW iX1 cost in Australia? BMW has sharpened its pencil on the iX1 and the difference is significant.
Nissan X-TRAIL adds cheaper 2WD e-POWER and rugged Rock Creek grade
Key takeaways 2026 Nissan X-TRAIL adds 2WD e-POWER and Rock Creek grade Front-wheel-drive e-POWER starts at $45,990, using 5.4L/100km Seven-seat Rock Creek priced at $48,315, arriving September 2026 Nissan has expanded the 2026 Nissan X-TRAIL range with three front-wheel-drive e-POWER hybrid variants and a new adventure-focused Rock Creek grade. The additions stretch the medium SUV further at both the value and rugged ends of the market.
All-new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA locked in for Australia as EV or hybrid
Key takeaways All-new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA confirmed for Australia in 2027 Electric and hybrid only, with PHEV, petrol and diesel dropped Up to 657km WLTP range and 320kW DC fast charging See GLA pricing and specs Mercedes-Benz has pulled the covers off the all-new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA and it lands in Australia next year as an electric or hybrid only proposition.
The 5 best family SUVs in Australia
Australia has never had more family SUV choice, and never more genuinely good ones. The medium and large SUV segments are now a mix of sharp-value plug-in hybrids, proper electric options and the returning benchmark, so the hard part is no longer finding a decent one, it's picking between five very different kinds of good. We've ranked the five best family SUVs on sale right now on what actually matters with the whole crew on board: space, value, running costs, quality and how they drive.
Is this our first look at the bigger 2027 Hyundai Tucson?
Key takeaways 2027 Hyundai Tucson render previews a bigger boxier redesign Petrol and hybrid power expected, range-extender under consideration Global reveal late 2026, Australian arrival likely in 2027 See Hyundai Tucson pricing and specs This render imagines how the 2027 Hyundai Tucson could look and it points to a bigger, boxier SUV than the car it replaces.
2026 Hyundai Elexio review
Our verdict The Elexio is aimed at the family buyer who wants a genuine EV without stepping up to Ioniq money, and on space, comfort and range it delivers. What it does best is haul people and gear in quiet, well-built comfort. The catch is the screen, which swallows so many everyday functions that a fundamentally sound SUV ends up feeling like a chore to live with. What does the Elexio cost in Australia?
2026 Nissan Z Nismo finally gets a manual at no extra cost
Key takeaways 2026 Nissan Z Nismo gains a first six-speed manual Prices rise $395 to $640, from $76,800 before on-roads GT-R-derived brakes cut 9kg, orders open now The 2026 Nissan Z has landed with its biggest update since the current car arrived in 2022, and the standout is a first for Australia: the hardcore Nismo can now be had with a six-speed manual. Order books are open this month, with the first cars due in September 2026. Prices climb slightly, starting at $76,800 before on-road costs.
2026 Genesis GV60 Magma arrives as most powerful Genesis yet from $130,000
Key takeaways 2026 Genesis GV60 Magma priced from $130,000 before on-roads Up to 478kW and a 3.4-second 0-100km/h sprint Genesis' first performance EV, on sale now in Australia The 2026 Genesis GV60 Magma is here and it's the quickest, most powerful car Genesis has ever built. Priced from $130,000 before on-road costs, the electric performance SUV can be ordered now in Australia as the first model from Genesis' new Magma sub-brand.
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