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Articles by Tim Gibson
Popular cheap EVs compared
Popular cheap EVs compared Aussie car buyers have plenty of affordable EV choices in Australia. From hatchbacks to city SUVs, there are now several compelling options around the $30,000 mark. The BYD Atto 1 compact SUV became the cheapest new car on sale in Australia, while the Geely EX2 hatchback has had a surging start on the sales charts. Read more Other competitors include the GAC Aion UT hatch and the incoming Leapmotor B03X small SUV, which provide buyers with some further thinking to do.
Popular cheap EVs compared
Popular cheap EVs compared Aussie car buyers have plenty of affordable EV choices in Australia. From hatchbacks to city SUVs, there are now several compelling options around the $30,000 mark. The BYD Atto 1 compact SUV became the cheapest new car on sale in Australia, while the Geely EX2 hatchback has had a surging start on the sales charts. Read more Other competitors include the GAC Aion UT hatch and the incoming Leapmotor B03X small SUV, which provide buyers with some further thinking to do.
Europe ditches total petrol, diesel ban
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・France and Germany are brokering an EU deal to lower CO2 reduction target from 100% to 90%, according to reports ・The EU is expected to drop offset rules on the remaining 10%, sparing carmakers from investing in low-carbon steel ・Petrol and diesel cars were to be phased out by 2035 under old rules, but will now continued to be sold into the future Petrol- and diesel-powered cars are back on the agenda in Europe.
2026 BYD Atto 1, GAC Aion UT, Geely EX2 and Leapmotor B03X compared on price, driving range, practicality and more
2026 BYD Atto 1, GAC Aion UT, Geely EX2 and Leapmotor B03X compared on price, driving range, practicality and more Aussie car buyers have plenty of affordable EV choices in Australia. From hatchbacks to city SUVs, there are now several compelling options around the $30,000 mark. The BYD Atto 1 compact SUV became the cheapest new car on sale in Australia, while the Geely EX2 hatchback has had a surging start on the sales charts.
2026 BYD Atto 1, GAC Aion UT, Geely EX2 and Leapmotor B03X compared on price, driving range, practicality and more
2026 BYD Atto 1, GAC Aion UT, Geely EX2 and Leapmotor B03X compared on price, driving range, practicality and more Aussie car buyers have plenty of affordable EV choices in Australia. From hatchbacks to city SUVs, there are now several compelling options around the $30,000 mark. The BYD Atto 1 compact SUV became the cheapest new car on sale in Australia, while the Geely EX2 hatchback has had a surging start on the sales charts.
Europe ditches total petrol, diesel ban
Europe ditches total petrol, diesel ban Petrol- and diesel-powered cars are back on the agenda in Europe. France and Germany are brokering a deal to see the European Union will walk back from its 100 per cent CO2 emissions reduction target, opting for a 90 per cent reduction instead, according to a report in Auto News. The old rules would have completely phased out petrol- and diesel-powered cars by 2035, but the EU has changed its tune.
China to end annoying car feature
China to end annoying car feature Physical buttons are making a return to cars around the world, but the Chinese government is taking it a step further. China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has filed proposals to mandate physical buttons and switches for critical car functions. Multimedia screens, large-area displays and complex head-up displays in cars must undergo mandatory safety checks under the proposals.
Honda's HiLux hunter takes shape
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・Honda is preparing a new ute based on the Mitsubishi Triton to tackle the South-East Asian market from 2028 ・It's expected to be built in right-hand drive and could launch in Australia, despite no official confirmation yet ・There are scarce details on Honda's new ute, but there is potential for it to employ a hybrid set-up Honda is preparing a Toyota HiLux hunter.
Honda's HiLux hunter takes shape
Honda's HiLux hunter takes shape Honda is preparing a Toyota HiLux hunter. The brand is gearing up to launch a new ute in 2028, according to a report from Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun. It will take aim at the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux in a ute market that remains one of the highest-volume segments globally. Read more It will mirror the Nissan Navara in using the Mitsubishi Triton as the basis for its mechanical DNA.
Honda's HiLux hunter takes shape
Honda's HiLux hunter takes shape Honda is preparing a Toyota HiLux hunter. The brand is gearing up to launch a new ute in 2028, according to a report from Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun. It will take aim at the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux in a ute market that remains one of the highest-volume segments globally. Read more It will mirror the Nissan Navara in using the Mitsubishi Triton as the basis for its mechanical DNA.
Honda's HiLux hunter takes shape
Honda's HiLux hunter takes shape Honda is preparing a Toyota HiLux hunter. The brand is gearing up to launch a new ute in 2028, according to a report from Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun. It will take aim at the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux in a ute market that remains one of the highest-volume segments globally. Read more It will mirror the Nissan Navara in using the Mitsubishi Triton as the basis for its mechanical DNA.
Honda's HiLux hunter takes shape
Honda's HiLux hunter takes shape Honda is preparing a Toyota HiLux hunter. The brand is gearing up to launch a new ute in 2028, according to a report from Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun. It will take aim at the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux in a ute market that remains one of the highest-volume segments globally. Read more It will mirror the Nissan Navara in using the Mitsubishi Triton as the basis for its mechanical DNA.
New electric affordable SUV priced
New electric affordable SUV priced A new affordable electric SUV is here. The Lepas L6 mid-size SUV starts from $47,990, before on-road costs, available in a single grade. This means it's $6000 more than the popular Geely EX5 and the smaller BYD Atto 3 Evo that both start from $41,990. Read more The Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid boasts a similar footprint to the L6, but starts from $59,515.
New electric affordable SUV priced
New electric affordable SUV priced A new affordable electric SUV is here. The Lepas L6 mid-size SUV starts from $47,990, before on-road costs, available in a single grade. This means it's $6000 more than the popular Geely EX5 and the smaller BYD Atto 3 Evo that both start from $41,990. Read more The Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid boasts a similar footprint to the L6, but starts from $59,515.
New electric affordable SUV priced
New electric affordable SUV priced A new affordable electric SUV is here. The Lepas L6 mid-size SUV starts from $47,990, before on-road costs, available in a single grade. This means it's $6000 more than the popular Geely EX5 and the smaller BYD Atto 3 Evo that both start from $41,990. Read more The Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid boasts a similar footprint to the L6, but starts from $59,515.
New electric affordable SUV priced
New electric affordable SUV priced A new affordable electric SUV is here. The Lepas L6 mid-size SUV starts from $47,990, before on-road costs, available in a single grade. This means it's $6000 more than the popular Geely EX5 and the smaller BYD Atto 3 Evo that both start from $41,990. Read more The Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid boasts a similar footprint to the L6, but starts from $59,515.
The reason Chinese EVs are cheaper
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・Chinese EVs are $11,000 cheaper to build than European equivalents, according to outlet Auto News ・Chinese carmakers can develop cars more than two times cheaper than European rivals ・Profitability for European-built legacy brands has plummeted as China's automakers make strides There is plenty of affordable Chinese car choice for buyers in Australia, and we've just learnt why.
Toyota settles $750m class action
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・Toyota has settled its long-running class-action legal case for $750 million in Australia ・It concerned a diesel particulate filter issue on Toyota LandCruiser Prado 4WD, HiLux Ute and Fortuner SUV ・The settlement is still subject to court approval, according to Toyota Australia Toyota has finally settled its long-standing lawsuit in Australia. The giant Japanese brand has agreed to pay $750 million to settle two class-action High Court cases.
The reason Chinese EVs are cheaper
The reason Chinese EVs are cheaper There is plenty of affordable Chinese car choice for buyers in Australia, and we've just learnt why. Chinese brands can build an EV for $11,000 less than European legacy automakers, according to a report in AutoNews. Manufacturers aren't just winning on price, they're winning on speed as well. Read More About Chinese automakers develop cars more than two times faster than their European rivals.
The reason Chinese EVs are cheaper
The reason Chinese EVs are cheaper There is plenty of affordable Chinese car choice for buyers in Australia, and we've just learnt why. Chinese brands can build an EV for $11,000 less than European legacy automakers, according to a report in AutoNews. Manufacturers aren't just winning on price, they're winning on speed as well. Read More About Chinese automakers develop cars more than two times faster than their European rivals.
The reason Chinese EVs are cheaper
The reason Chinese EVs are cheaper There is plenty of affordable Chinese car choice for buyers in Australia, and we've just learnt why. Chinese brands can build an EV for $11,000 less than European legacy automakers, according to a report in AutoNews. Manufacturers aren't just winning on price, they're winning on speed as well. Read More About Chinese automakers develop cars more than two times faster than their European rivals.
The reason Chinese EVs are cheaper
The reason Chinese EVs are cheaper There is plenty of affordable Chinese car choice for buyers in Australia, and we've just learnt why. Chinese brands can build an EV for $11,000 less than European legacy automakers, according to a report in AutoNews. Manufacturers aren't just winning on price, they're winning on speed as well. Read More About Chinese automakers develop cars more than two times faster than their European rivals.
Game-changing new cars and EV tech revealed
Game-changing new cars and EV tech revealed At the 2026 Paris motor show Plenty of brands provided a preview of what's to come for buyers . Some of the world's biggest carmakers put their work on display from ultra-affordable EVs to retro reboots of past successes. Here is some of the biggest news to come out of the show. Read More About 2027 Smart #2 Smart has revealed a new compact EV called the #2.
Huge fix for EV issue in the works
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・The Electric Vehicle Council has announced $1.43 million in funding towards an electric car charging roadmap ・The roadmap will be revealed in the middle of 2027, according to the EVC ・EV sales have increased substantially but charging infrastructure lags behind in Australia A fix for a huge electric car problem is in the works. The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has announced a $1.43 million investment into a national EV charging roadmap.
Toyota settles $750m class action
Toyota settles $750m class action Toyota has finally settled its long-standing lawsuit in Australia. The giant Japanese brand has agreed to pay $750 million to settle two class-action High Court cases. A defective diesel particulate filter (DPF) has impacted more than 260,000 examples of the Toyota Hilux ute, Fortuner SUV and LandCruiser Prado 4WD models built between 2015 and 2020.
Huge fix for EV issue in the works
Huge fix for EV issue in the works A fix for a huge electric car problem is in the works. The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has announced a $1.43 million investment into a national EV charging roadmap. The EVC said in its 2026 State of EVs report that Australia still needs "substantial public charging investment".
Japanese brand's new flagship on the way
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・The Lexus TZ has been confirmed for Australia as a new electric three-row SUV ・The TZ will rival the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9 that both start from around $100,000 Down Under ・The TZ is scheduled to arrive in 2027, following the Lexus' RZ600e F Sport Performance special edition electric SUV Lexus has announced its TZ three-row electric SUV will land in Australia in 2027.
Kia's new Sportage hybrid takes shape!
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・Renders of the Kia Sportage show a revamped design for the popular family SUV, matching some of its EV siblings ・It's expected the Sportage will only be available with hybrid power, ditching petrol-only and diesel set-ups ・The new Sportage should arrive in the second half of 2027, with an Australian launch towards the end of the year A revamped family hybrid SUV is gearing up for an Aussie arrival.
Japanese brand's new flagship on the way
Japanese brand's new flagship on the way Lexus has announced its TZ three-row electric SUV will land in Australia in 2027. The TZ is a luxury version of the new all-electric Toyota Highlander announced in February 2026 that was ruled out for an Australian launch by Toyota. The current hybrid-powered Highlander is on sale in Australia as the popular Kluger, but the next-generation will be electric-only.
Kia's new Sportage Hybrid takes shape!
Kia's new Sportage Hybrid takes shape! A revamped family hybrid SUV is gearing up for an Aussie arrival. The Kia Sportage is due for a refresh some time in 2027 as it faces an increasingly competitive mid-size SUV segment in Australia. The Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4 rival has some serious upgrades in store.
New EV with 800km-plus range incoming
New EV with 800km-plus range incoming BMW's new electric car has a monstrous driving range, and it's headed to Aussie shores. The BMW iX4 is a 'coupe' SUV counterpart to the iX3 electric mid-size SUV. Pricing starts from $103,900, before on-road costs, with the top-spec 50 xDrive variant an extra $16,000, at $119,900, before on-road costs.
Shock EV fire solution exposed
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・Stellantis has filed a patent for an elaborate EV fire safety measure in the United States ・It uses a manual switch to eject the battery out of the bottom of the car, with a small battery powering the wheels ・It's unclear whether Stellantis will introduce this technology on its models in the future An elaborate EV battery fire safety measure is in the works.
Shock EV fire solution exposed
Shock EV fire solution exposed An elaborate EV battery fire safety measure is in the works. Stellantis, owner of Alfa Romero, Jeep, Ram and more, has filed a patent for a system that can eject a car's high-voltage battery during an emergency. The car would then use a small 12-volt battery to allow the vehicle to drive just far enough away from the ejected battery.
Australia's new cheapest electric SUV
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・The Leapmotor B03X electric small SUV will start from $29,990 (drive-away) until December 31 2026 ・This means it's cheaper than the BYD Atto 2 ($31,990, before on-road costs) and the GAC Aion UT ($31,990, drive-away) ・It has a single electric motor, making up to 145kW/200Nm, and up to 382km of WLTP driving range Leapmotor has priced its BYD electric SUV smasher in Australia.
Chinese cars outselling entire brands
Chinese cars outselling entire brands Chinese brands are having a monster 2026 on the sales charts. BYD further solidified second place in the top-selling brands race, so far bettering Ford, Kia, Mazda and Hyundai. The giant Chinese brand has more than doubled its Australian market share in 2026 compared to 2025. Read more GWM, Chery and MG all now regularly feature in the top 10. Some individual Chinese models have even started to outsell entire legacy brands in Australia.
Australia's new cheapest electric SUV
Australia's new cheapest electric SUV Leapmotor has priced its BYD electric SUV smasher in Australia. The Leapmotor B03X small SUV will start from $29,990 drive-away until December 31, 2026, making it the Chinese brand's cheapest car on sale. The range-topping 'Design LR' grade will start from $33,990 (drive-away). Read more The B03X takes on the busy affordable EV segment.
$4000 price cut for hybrid SUV
$4000 price cut for hybrid SUV This hybrid small SUV is now $4000 cheaper in Australia. The Renault Symbioz mild hybrid grade is available from $35,990, drive-away, making it significantly cheaper than its initial retail price of $36,990, before on-road costs. Conventional hybrid variants of the Symbioz have also received a price cut, with the base grade starting from $41,990, drive-away, compared to $42,990, before on-road costs.
$4000 price cut hybrid SUV
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・The Renault Symbioz small hybrid SUV now starts from $35,990 drive-away, until December 31, 2026 ・The Symbioz went on sale in Australia in July 2026 to rival the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross ・Symbioz is available with mild hybrid and conventional hybrid set-ups in Australia This hybrid small SUV is now $4000 cheaper in Australia.
$4000 price cut hybrid SUV
$4000 price cut hybrid SUV This hybrid small SUV is now $4000 cheaper in Australia. The Renault Symbioz mild hybrid grade is available from $35,990, drive-away, making it significantly cheaper than its initial retail price of $36,990, before on-road costs. Conventional hybrid variants of the Symbioz have also received a price cut, with the base grade starting from $41,990, drive-away, compared to $42,990, before on-road costs.
BYD confirms hacking claim, develops fix
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・BYD acknowledged the risk of unauthorised external access to the Shark 6 ute's developer-only software and key functions ・The brand will release an over-the-air software update to rectify the glitch used in an ABC Four Corner report ・BYD is still investigating if the concerns impact other vehicles in its Australian line-up BYD has revealed key details following vehicle hacking concerns emerging in an ABC Four Corners investigation.
Sharp price for Kia's incoming hybrid SUV
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・New-generation Kia Seltos will start from $39,990 drive-away, making it more expensive than its previous generation ・The Seltos will pivot from a petrol-only model to a hybrid-only model in Australia, hitting showrooms in October 2026 ・The Seltos will continue to rival the Hyundai Kona Hybrid and the Toyota Corolla Cross in the small SUV segment Aussie buyers have a new hybrid SUV to consider.
BYD confirms hacking claim, develops fix
BYD confirms hacking claim, develops fix BYD has revealed key details following vehicle hacking concerns emerging in an ABC Four Corners investigation. BYD acknowledged someone can gain unauthorised access to the Shark 6 ute's developer-only software and also control functions like headlights and windscreen wipers. The brand said this access can only be approved by a prompt on the ute's central touchscreen and tapping into vehicle wiring.
Hyundai's next-gen EV plans exposed
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・Hyundai plans to introduce Ioniq 4 small SUV and Ioniq 7 mid-size SUV to create more electric choice in its line-up ・The Ioniq 7 is expected to use Hyundai's 800-volt platform and have a driving range of 650km ・Both models are due in 2027, but it's unclear whether these models can be priced competitively for the Australian market Two new electric SUV models are in the works from Hyundai.
Sharp price for Kia's incoming hybrid SUV
Sharp price for Kia's incoming hybrid SUV Aussie buyers have a new hybrid SUV to consider. Kia has revealed the pricing and line-up for its next-generation Seltos small SUV. It will start from $39,990 (drive-away), making it more expensive than the outgoing petrol-only model, that started from $31,250, before on-road costs. Read more This means it's identically priced to the Hyundai Kona Hybrid that's available with a drive-away deal until December 31, 2026.
Tesla shows BYD, Zeekr how it's done
Tim Gibson Key takeaways ・The Tesla Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan have been updated as the pair target more sales in a booming Aussie EV market ・The Tesla Model Y's long-range AWD variant can now accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds ・The Tesla Model 3 boasts a bigger 16.0-inch central touchscreen, compared to the outgoing 15.4-inch unit Tesla is gearing up to fight off a new wave of Chinese electric cars, with big updates to its range.
BYD cuts $4000 off its most popular cars
BYD cuts $4000 off its most popular cars BYD has made some of its favourite models even more affordable in Australia. The Chinese brand is offering a $4000 cashback deal on many of its models including the Sealion 7 electric mid-size SUV and the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute. The offer runs until December 21, 2026, and must be delivered by December 31, 2026.
Hyundai's next-gen EV plans exposed
Hyundai's next-gen EV plans exposed Two new electric SUV models are in the works from Hyundai. The Korean brand will launch the Ioniq 4 small SUV and Ioniq 7 mid-size SUV in 2027, according to a report in Auto Express. This could offer buyers more affordable electric cars from the brand. Read more 2027 Hyundai Ioniq 4 details The Ioniq 4 small SUV would be one of Hyundai's cheapest electric cars, priced above the incoming Ioniq 3 hatchback, but still less than the Ioniq 5.
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