Car News

Ford Australia has confirmed it will add a new member to its Transit van family in the form of the ‘City’ electric van, a product of its joint venture with Jiangling Motors (JMC) in China.The 2026 Ford Transit City is confirmed for an Australian launch in November this year, with a competitive drive-away price of just $50,000.Confirmed as part of an event the brand called ‘Ford Uncovered’ to announce this and two other new cars, the Bronco Basecamp and Mustang Dark Horse with T8 pack, the new Transit City will be covered by Ford’s new seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.Ford also confirmed the launch of its Ford Pro ‘ecosystem’ for businesses and business owners to manage their Ford commercial vehicles or fleets.While not specifically altered for Australia in any major sense, the Transit City has undergone Ford’s global testing and is already available in the UK and Europe.The 2026 Transit City comes in one specification, with a front-mounted 110kW electric motor drawing power from a 56kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery.Ford says a WLTP city range of 380km is enough to serve the Transit City’s intended purpose of urban and city work and transport. Its 254km combined WLTP range will seem underwhelming to some.The Transit City’s DC charging rate sits at 87kW, allowing a 33-minute charge from 10 to 80 per cent, though Ford says 10 minutes of charging adds up to 68km of range. 11kW AC charging means 5.5 hours to charge from 10 to 100 per cent.Ford quotes a payload capacity of 1085kg, and says its cargo space of 6.4m3 is enough to hold three Euro pallets or two Australian pallets.The Transit City also features an ADAS suite with AEB, front and rear parking sensors plus a rear camera, and adaptive cruise control with lane departure warning.Inside, a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Ford has forgone optional extras to simplify the offering in terms of features.Ford also confirmed it’s launching the Ford Pro ‘ecosystem’ here in Australia, which allows Ford commercial vehicle owners and fleet operators to see data and manage servicing, finance and downtime using Ford’s software."Our seven-year warranty is a strong commitment to our retail and commercial customers that we've got their backs for longer," said Greg Davidson, Director of Ford’s Customer Service Division."That's a century of trust, earned one repair, one service, one honest conversation at a time, and Ford Pro builds on that legacy to keep our commercial customers' businesses moving.“Ultimately, this is about giving Ford owners real confidence, not just in the vehicle they've bought, but in the brand they've bought into."

Volkswagen appears to have a  monster hit on its hands, as buyers line-up to get their hands on its latest machine.The new Volkswagen ID.Polo electric hatchback has more than 30,000 pre-orders, according to AutoNews.The frantic rush of buyers trying to jump into a ID.Polo has overwhelmed the brands expectations, with customers now facing a 10 month wait.Volkswagen’s little electric car has just gone on sale in Europe, and it appears its success will mean any future Australian arrival could be pushed back to meet demand on the continent.The German brand’s new entry-level electric car will go head-to-head with the new wave of cut-price EVs from China, such as the MG4, BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora 5.It is priced from the equivalent of about $41,000 in Germany, so expect it to be more if it arrives Down Under.Volkswagen is offering three electric motor choices: 85kW, 99kW or 155kW. The German brand has also confirmed a 166kW GTI version, but it won’t launch until next year in Europe.Lower grade versions will use a 37kWh battery, offering a driving range of 329km (WLTP), while higher specifications get 454km (WLTP) of range from a 52kWh unit. Volkswagen has previously said the ID.Polo has a max charging rate of 105kW. The ID.Polo is spawning a range of electric cars including the Volkswagen ID.Cross little electric SUV, Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval.AutoNews also reported the ID.Cross had received very strong interest ahead of its arrival in European showrooms later this year.Skoda’s version of the ID.Polo, the Epiq, also has more than 35,000 orders.“The Epiq is generating very strong customer interest. We have clearly struck a nerve,” a Skoda spokesperson told Autonews.Cupra’s version, called Raval, also has a long wait list, with reports the Raval and Epiq orders stretch into May of 2027.Volkswagen has been struggling recently as sales in China, and of its first round of global electric cars, failed to fire.It has also experienced huge issues with its CARIAD software department, which has been losing billions of dollars.Volkswagen’s board has recently approved to cut 50,000 jobs, close several factories, cut half of the group’s models and even possibly delete the Seat brand.

A new affordable electric sedan could be headed our way.The GWM Ora 5 Sedan has appeared in Chinese government approval filings as it gears up for launch later this year.At 4758mm long, the Ora 5 is smaller than the Toyota Camry, but will still provide competition for the popular Japanese hybrid sedan.The Ora 5 Sedan will be available in petrol, conventional hybrid and fully-electric set-ups, so its variants cover a broad spectrum of buyers.The Ora 5 Sedan EV will rival the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3, while petrol variants will tackle the Mazda 3.There are limited details available for the Ora 5 Sedan at this stage.Petrol variants use a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, making 135kW and 275Nm, while the hybrid adds an electric motor to boost power to 166kW and 476Nm.The Ora 5 Sedan EV has a single electric motor, producing 150kW and 260Nm. The front of the Ora 5 Sedan looks similar to other Ora 5 variants with a bubble-like headlight design and an overall rounded look.It has traditional door handles, and from the back, sports a single continuous rear light bar, along with a sloping roofline.GWM Australia has not confirmed if the Ora 5 Sedan will arrive in Australia, but the brand is keen to focus on the name here."In terms of the levels of adoption that we expect to see within this market, within the coming years, we expect (hybrids) to accelerate more quickly," GWM Australia Head of Marketing and Communications Steve Maciver told CarsGuide in late 2025."We think we can do a lot more with Ora… with plug-in hybrid, but EV will certainly come behind that as well, for sure."The electric Ora 5 SUV has already launched in Australia, with a hybrid variant expected to arrive soon.GWM has also confirmed an Ora 5 electric hatchback is on the way for Australia.In August 2026, the Ora 5 GT wagon was approved for sale in China, with the local branch confirming the car was under consideration for Australia.GWM Australia has been contacted for comment to see if the Ora 5 sedan will launch in Australia.

Buyers are about to get their first look at the next wave of EVs coming to Australia. The 2026 Everything Electric Sydney event will showcase many of the latest EVs headed Down Under, and will have a record number of new examples on show.Many affordable Chinese plug-in hybrid and fully-electric cars will be available to look at, as well as some of the most anticipated new cars on their way to Australia. There will be plenty of new models put on show for the first time by Chery. Chery’s European-styled sub-brand Lepas will have two of its new models about to hit Aussie showrooms on display. The Lepas L6 electric mid-size SUV will be the brand’s first car put on sale in Australia, due in October 2026. Lepas will also show off its smaller L4 electric SUV that is expected to arrive Down Under in 2027. Chery’s adventure-focused sub-brand iCaur will introduce its V25 rugged SUV for the first time.The V25 is scheduled to arrive in early 2027 with a range-extender hybrid set-up to rival the plug-in hybrid Denza B5. Chery and Omoda Jaecoo will debut new models at the show as well, with more details to be revealed closer to the event. Zeekr will unveil its hugely-anticipated 7GT electric wagon publicly for the first time. The 7GT takes aim at Europe’s elite luxury models the Audi S5, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Earmarked for a late 2026 or early 2027 arrival, the 7GT will be the popular Chinese brand’s fourth model on sale Down Under. Geely will continue its new model surge in Australia, with the introduction of two SUVs to its line-up. The brand has not revealed any more specific details about what the models are. They will join the mid-sized fully-electric EX5 and plug-in hybrid Starray EM-i that have both experienced a positive sales return so far. Geely is on the up in Australia, with its methodical approach to introducing models seeing it claim solid sales results.GWM is another brand to have a strong presence at Everything Electric. The brand’s new-generation Haval H7 mid-size SUV will be on show, scheduled to launch Down Under later in 2026. It is expected to be available in both five- and seven-seater configurations, giving it a wider family appeal. GWM will also have a more affordable PHEV ute on display. The GWM Cannon PHEV is pitched as a cheaper and smaller sibling to the Cannon Alpha PHEV, and could undercut the confidently-selling BYD Shark 6. The Cannon PHEV is expected to officially launch in Australia in October 2026. MG’s U9 electric ute will be on display for the first time in New South Wales at the show. The U9 is one of few electric utes targeting the Australian market, along with the low-volume Toyota HiLux BEV. MG’s luxury sub-brand IM will put its LS9 large SUV on display. The LS9 is a six-seater SUV that provides competition for the popular Zeekr 9X. It could launch in Australia in later 2026 or early 2027. Hyundai will present its Staria Load Electric van for the first time in Australia. The Staria Load EV will join diesel- and hybrid-powered variants of the car already on sale. It will battle in an increasingly competitive electric van segment against the Kia PV5 and affordable Chinese rivals, including the LDV eDeliver 7. Forthing will show off an electric people mover that will launch in 2027. Forthing currently only sells its Taikon 5 mid-size SUV in Australia, available as a range-extender hybrid or fully-electric. Cadillac’s new Lyriq V performance SUV will be on show. It is the brand’s first of its V-Series, boasting as the fastest Cadillac ever. It will join the standard Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq SUVs Down Under in early 2027. Cadillac Lyriq-VChery and Omoda Jaecoo new models Forthing electric people moverTwo Geely SUVsGWM Haval H7 and Cannon PHEVHyundai Staria Load ElectriciCaur V25IM LS9Lepas L6 and L4MG U9 EVZeekr 7GT

Buyers can now get into a Polestar 4 for almost $5000 less than before in Australia.The rear motor variant will now start from $73,900 (before on-road costs), equating to a $4600 cut on the outgoing variant. Dual motor variants start from $81,750, which is $4610 less than previous examples on sale. The Polestar 4 is a premium rival to Australia’s best selling EV, the Tesla Model Y ($58,900). It also provides competition for the BMW iX3 ($89,900) and Porsche Macan ($129,800).The Polestar 4 is now available in an SUV body shape for the first time.SUV variants compliment the coupe, boasting a straight roofline and greater practicality.Polestar said the coupe features a recalibrated chassis with vibration- and roll-reducing dampers, as well as new spring and anti-roll bar settings. The brand also said the car offers more precise steering for a more controlled driving experience. The rear motor variant continues to produce 200kW and 343Nm, while the dual motor AWD boosts power to 400kW and 686Nm. The car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds. All variants are equipped with a 100kWh battery offering a driving range of up to 620km, but more powerful variants reduce range to less than 600km, all according to WLTP standards.  Inside, there is a 10.2-inch digital driver display and 15.4-inch central touchscreen, running on Google software. Buyers can option a heated steering wheel, power operated steering column and 12-way electrically-operated seats for an extra $1200. Dual motor coupe variants can be optioned with a performance pack that adds 22-inch wheels and Brembo brakes for $7200. To access the performance pack, buyers must purchase the plus pack ($6500). This includes a premium sound system, head-up display and power reclining rear seats, among other things. Polestar also announced its Formula 2030 concept to show off its future design direction on new models. Polestar provided limited details on what this new design will look like other than a silhouette of the concept car’s front. It keeps the same ‘dual blade’ headlights, while boasting what looks to be boxy proportions and sharp bonnet channels. The car has an aggressive stance, with wide fenders, a low ride height and subtle lower air intake vents. The new design direction will first feature on the Polestar 2 scheduled for launch in 2027, but expect more information before the end of this year.

Mitsubishi’s secret hybrid one-two punch has been exposed, with plans for a hybrid Pajero revealed.A senior Japanese executive told CarsGuide the company is advanced in developing two hybrid Pajero 4WDs.The company is working on a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version of the rugged new off-roader.This would give Mitsubishi some potent weapons in its arsenal to not only take on the mighty Toyota and Nissan off-roaders, but the new breed of Chinese 4WDs.Mitsubishi won’t be developing a diesel plug-in hybrid, similar to the one that will be fitted to the incoming Chery Stockman ute.Both will use a petrol engine, which will make the vehicle more attractive to the US and Middle Eastern markets, where diesel isn’t popular.The official also said there were concerns the displacement of the diesel engine in the Pajero would be insufficient, with big name rivals adding larger engines into their 4WDs.Mitsubishi’s new Pajero uses a turbocharged 2.4-litre diesel four-cylinder engine, which is an evolution of the motor found in the Triton ute, and makes 150kW and 480Nm.Adding hybrid or plug-in hybrid grunt would boost outputs and add more shove off the mark aiding acceleration and around town performance.Towing would likely be compromised due to the extra weight of the petrol-electric set-up, which would reduce the load-lugging capacity from the diesel version’s 3500kg limit.It is also expected this hybrid set-up would find its way into the Triton ute.This would give Mitsubishi a rival to new Chinese machines such as the BYD Shark 6 ute and Denza B5 4WD.This confirmation follows Mitsubishi Pajero Chief Product Specialist Itagaki Kunitoshi’s comments at a pre-briefing before the Pajero reveal.“Future electrification including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, we will consider in line with market conditions, customer needs, infrastructure and regulations of each country,” said Itagaki.“The all new Pajero is being launched with ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) only.“However, Mitsubishi Motors is actively conducting research and development in electrified ladder frame vehicles, including hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicle technologies for products such as Pajero and Triton in the future.”But it appears from the high-ranking official’s comments the dual hybrid assault plans are more advanced.Itagaki stated any electrified Pajero would be just as capable as customers have come to expect from the brand.“To meet Mitsubishi Motors standards future electrified models must not only deliver strong  on-road performance but also off-road capability, towing performance, durability or reliability expected of authentic Mitsubishi Motors vehicles."Ensuring the electrified models can maintain these characteristics while delivering the distinct Mitsubishi Motors driving experience requires further development," said Itagaki.Mitsubishi announced earlier this year it would spend almost half a billion dollars to upgrade its Thailand factory to build electrified vehicles.This is the same factory that produces the Triton and Pajero.The plan is to have the factory churning out electrified vehicles by the end of the decade, but expect a hybrid and plug-in hybrid Pajero sooner than that.

Automotive propulsion specialist Horse Powertrain has pushed the boundaries for off-road enthusiasts with the release of what it’s positioning as a “fully waterproof engine”, the Horse B20. Not quite ready for James Bond’s Lotus Esprit submarine from The Spy Who Loved Me, but its claimed ability to operate at depths of up to 1.1 metres is still extremely impressive.Developed for “extreme off-road vehicles and deep-water wading”, the B20 is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, ‘Miller cycle’ turbo-petrol engine designed for hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and range-extender (REEV) applications.Horse says it’s “fully compliant with IPX8 (Ingress Protection) waterproofing standards” and is also capable of maintaining continuous and stable power output under extreme off-road high-load conditions including 100 per cent grade climbing.To achieve an IPX8 waterproof rating, the engine uses a sealed waterproof structure equipped with torsional vibration dampers and dedicated engine-transmission sealing.And when the engine is submerged its control system makes automatic adjustments to power output or throttle response. Available outputs range from 140-185kW and 300-380Nm, with the B20 featuring high-pressure injectors and high-tumble intake ports for an optimal air-fuel mixing and more efficient combustion.Weighing in at a lightweight 130kg, the new engine’s gantry-type alloy block incorporates an integrated exhaust manifold and a simplified balance shaft system for reliable performance in arduous conditions.Introducing the B20, Horse Powertrain Deputy Chief Technology Officer Ingo Scholten said, “This engine is another step forward in advancing modern powertrain technology and a further example of how Horse Powertrain is pushing our industry forward.”Previewed at the Beijing Auto Show in April/May this year, the B20 engine recently found a home under the bonnet of the China-only Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700, an off-road-focused PHEV which also features the Horse ‘3DHT230’ three-speed hybrid transmission.Headquartered in London, Horse Powertrain is a joint-venture between Renault Group (45 per cent), Geely (45 per cent) and Aramco Energy (10 per cent).

Ford Australia has confirmed the future arrival of the Bronco SUV to Australia, but not as it has historically been known.The 2027 Ford Bronco Basecamp will arrive in Australia in the second half of 2027, with the model’s platform unrelated to the T6 Ranger-based Ford Bronco and Escape-based Bronco Sport SUV both available in the US.The Bronco Basecamp is, instead, a product of Ford’s joint venture with China's Jiangling Motors (JMC) and is available in China as the Ford Bronco New Energy.While Australian details are yet to be confirmed as global market development work continues, Ford confirmed the model would retain its EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) powertrain. This means a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine will act as a range extender to charge the 49kW battery. Ford estimates a driving range of around 800-900km.While not as rugged as the full-size Ford Bronco available in the US, the Basecamp still features an all-wheel drive system thanks to electric motors driving the wheels - the engine doesn’t directly power the wheels.While the Bronco Basecamp’s local launch is around a year away, Ford Australia confirmed the ‘camping’ capability of the Bronco is expected to be a big draw.The roof of the Outer Banks grade is able to pop up to allow more space inside, and a mattress designed to fit the cabin with the seats folded flat is available.Heated and cooled compartments are included, and 6.6kW onboard power means camping gear like cooktops, lights or other equipment is able to be run from the battery.Given the arguable failure of the most recent Ford Escape in Australia, the starting price for the Bronco Basecamp will need to be competitive - and it could be, given its Chinese origins.Ford will want the starting price to sit well below the larger Everest SUV’s entry point of around $60,000.A combination of 130kW and 180kW motors at the front and rear are used in the Chinese market EREV, but Ford engineers wouldn't confirm or hint at local outputs.A full-EV variant is also available in China, though it’s not being discussed openly as a possibility for Australia given Ford’s insistence that the EREV will suit Australian buyers.Ford Australia will confirm pricing and specifications closer to its H2 2027 launch.

Ford Australia has announced a move to a conditional seven-year warranty/unlimited km warranty, as of September 1, 2026.The confirmation was presented to media at a Ford Australia event called ‘Ford Uncovered’ at which the Blue Oval confirmed the 2027 Ford Bronco Basecamp, Transit City, Mustang Dark Horse T8-Spec and its Ford Pro commercial customer service.Ford owners will need to service their vehicles at a Ford dealer to access the seven-year guarantee. This puts them ahead of Toyota and Mazda, but behind Nissan, Mitsubishi and MG's 10 year conditional warranties and Kia and Hyundai's unconditional seven years offerings.Nissan, Mitsubishi and MG offer conditional ten-year warranties as long as servicing is undertaken at their service centres.Many brands from China including Chery, Geely and GWM all offer seven year warranties.At the Ford Uncovered event, executives confirmed three new models and variants as well as the new warranty, with President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand Fadi Mawal saying the brand intends to “show what’s next for our customers”.Director of Ford’s Customer Service Division Greg Davidson said the warranty applies to “all customers, all nameplates” retailed from September 1, as a “strong statement to customers that has their backs now for even longer”.“This is about giving Ford owners real confidence, not just in the vehicle they bought, but in the brand they bought into.”The warranty includes commercial customers who now have access to the Ford Pro ‘ecosystem’ in Australia, which allows them to use software to manage their work vehicle or fleet from servicing to finance.“That’s a century of trust earned, one repair, one service, one honest conversation at a time. Ford Pro builds on that legacy to keep commercial customers’ businesses moving,” Davidson added.Ford is now leaning on its 220-strong service centre network in Australia to keep its word on the extra two years of warranty for its customers.

Latest sales data shows buyers now prefer cheap EVs to budget petrol hatchbacks in Australia.More affordable EV models have hit the Aussie market in the last year, with Chinese brands putting forward competitive propositions.Cheap petrol-powered hatchbacks the Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris used to be staples for first-car buyers, but it looks like that's starting to change.The electric-only BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2 are affordable routes into the electric car market for buyers, and its showing on the sales charts in 2026.The petrol- and hybrid-powered MG3 is the best-selling light car in Australia this year, but it's attracting competition from electric Chinese rivals. The Geely EX2 has had a bumper start to life in Australia since it went on sale in late July 2026.It's approaching nearly 2000 examples sold in a little over a month, compared to the MG3’s roughly 5500 across the year so far.In August alone, the EX2 held nearly 38 per cent of the market share in the light car segment. It was close to doubling the MG3’s August total, while it was confidently ahead of the petrol-only Mazda2. Its success is in part due to the fulfilment of extensive pre-orders.Geely's Director of Product Planning and Marketing Andrew Tuitahi recently told CarsGuide small EVs like the EX2 were showing promising signs of reigniting interest in the light car segment.“So a lot of the compromises that you typically make if you were going to buy a b-segment or a light hatchback - things like drivetrain, power, performance, safety, style, you know, space - a lot of those things are solved with a battery electric platform," Tuitahi said.“So I think consumers are able to prioritise maybe some features by sacrificing a segment, but still getting that same space.”It’s not just EX2 that is shaking up the established affordable car segment. The BYD Atto 1 is still the cheapest electric car on sale in Australia, and owns nearly 20 per cent of the light car segment in 2026 so far. The Atto 1 and EX2’s rise has been at the expense of its petrol competition.The MG3’s August represented a more than 80 per cent increase on July, but it was still a way off the EX2. Its sales so far in 2026 are down nearly 11 per cent compared to August 2025. The Toyota Yaris hybrid has experienced a near 30 per cent decline year-to-date in AustraliaThe new wave of affordable EVs are also beating its petrol competitors on price. Buyers may have previously felt priced out by the extra money an EV cost, but the tides are turning.The Atto 1’s $23,990 price tag undercuts the Mazda2 ($27,290) and Toyota Yaris ($29,190), all before on-roads.In addition to fast and cheap EV production cycles from China, brands must contend with fines for petrol-powered models under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).Mazda increased the price of its entire range, including the Mazda2 earlier this year, while the Toyota Yaris became a hybrid-only model in 2024, ditching cheaper petrol variants. MG is currently offering the MG3 with a $19,990 drive-away deal, with it previously available from $21,990. If buyers want a hybrid variant of the MG3, it costs an extra roughly $8000, making it more expensive than the fully-electric Atto 1 and EX2.