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Hyundai has released the pricing and specifications for a new ballistic electric car called the Ioniq 6 N. It will start from $115,000 (before on-road costs), which is nearly $20K more than the most expensive Ioniq 6 variant on sale in Australia, but a similar price to the Ioniq 5 N SUV. The car shapes up as a rival to other electric performance sedans, such as the Tesla Model 3 Performance, BYD Seal Performance and the Polestar 2.The Ioniq 6 N is a sizeable step up in price on those competitors, which sit in the $80K bracket. Hyundai’s example trumps many of its competitors when it comes to output, with 478kW and 770Nm.It can shift from 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds quicker than the Ioniq 5 N. The Ioniq 6 N has a top speed of 257km/h.It has an 84kWh battery, which offers 10-80 per cent charging in 18 minutes and has a total driving range of 487km. The car features Hyundai’s torque distribution system, which is able to distribute torque between the front and rear wheels, or all four together. It also comes with huge braking power, courtesy of 400mm front disks and 360mm rear disks. The Ioniq 6 N is already available in showrooms.2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N pricing Australia 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N engine and efficiency 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N standard features Head-up displaySatellite navigationHeated and ventilated front seatsWireless phone chargerPower tailgate 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N safetyThe Ioniq 6 N is currently unrated under the ANCAP testing system. Standard safety features: 6 airbagsBlind spot assistLane change assistForward collision avoidance assistEvasive steer assistLane keep assistFront, rear and side parking sensorsAdaptive cruise control2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N dimensions 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N warranty and servicingThe Ioniq 6 N is covered by a fiver/unlimited-kilometre warranty. This can be extended to a seven-year warranty when all services are conducted on time at an authorised dealer.There is also an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty. 

Zeekr has confirmed plans to add fully electric versions of its much-anticipated 8X and 9X luxury hybrid SUVs in the near future.Originally debuting as plug-in hybrids, the two models use a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine on top of massive batteries. Both use a hybrid transaxle system in the front mating the engine to powerful electric motors, while they have a fully independent electric rear motor (or two for the performance grade).The regular version of the 8X already produces an impressive 660kW/935Nm, according to Chinese specifications, while the high-performance tri-motor version produces up to 1030kW/1410Nm.Both cars ride on the flexible SEA-S platform, which supports both hybrid and fully electric layouts, and can wield a 900-volt electrical architecture for ultra-rapid charging and ultra-high power outputs.Zeekr Europe’s Chief Engineer for Mechanical Architecture, Kennet Pettersson, said both vehicles were originally designed as full battery-electric platforms, making the EV spin-offs “relatively straightforward".Adding to Pettersson’s comments, Zeekr Group Vice President, Mars Chen, said: “Over three years ago when we had big success with 001 and 009, in that moment we were sure about one thing especially when it comes to international models, and that one very important thing was that the world will not always be ICE (internal combustion engine) or BEV (battery electric vehicle).“We have to have the two in our family, so knowing the reality, the company decided to prepare some hybrid models, because you know Geely (Zeekr’s parent company), is coming from the ICE industry. So we realised that there are some models which are very successful in this segment - Li Auto, Aito using range extenders.”“It’s not something we simply wanted to replicate, so actually, our hybrid system which you see placed in the 9X and 8X today, it's not just a range extender or just a plug-in hybrid, it’s a mix.“The experience we want to give the customer is more electric, which means silent, huge torque, and without any latency.“But this car still has an engine, it still has the capacity, and for range, you don’t need to worry. So that’s why we made that decision for big cars.“I switched to a hybrid car, but frankly speaking, I want to go back to an EV because in my scenario, I only did more than 350km a day once in the last two years. I only need to charge once a week and that’s it.”“So, it’s not a technical choice, it's more of a commercial choice. But I’m very happy to share with you that the version is coming.”Mr Chen also shared that we’d see at least one battery electric version of either the 9X or 8X before the next Chinese auto show (roughly a year), but wouldn’t say which model. He confirmed any design changes between the hybrids set to launch in Australia imminently and the fully electric version would be minimal.As it is, the 8X is already set to cost in excess of $85,000 in Australia, with the 9X likely starting at around $100,000.Expect the fully electric versions to likely have similar, if not higher, power outputs, and with correspondingly larger batteries.Currently, even the hybrid version of the 8X has either a 55kWh battery allowing a 320km range, or a 70kWh battery allowing a 410km range. In fully electric format, expect at least a 90kWh battery, although it wouldn't be surprising to see the brand target one of the industry’s longest driving ranges for a five-meter-plus SUV.Zeekr has shot to the mainstream from relative obscurity in 2026 in Australia thanks almost entirely to its sharply priced and impressively specified 7X fully electric mid sizer which has shot to the top of the sales charts in its category.The brand will no doubt be hoping the 8X, due to arrive in 2027, will live up to the hype it is already generating.Expect to see the 9X hybrid SUV join the brand’s range before the end of the year, with the 7GT Euro-style electric wagon also slated for a late 2026 or early 2027 launch.The brand also showed an updated version of its 009 people mover with significant under-the-skin changes at the Beijing Motor Show.

Kia has made a concerted effort to introduce electrified options to its line-up over the last few years. The brand has five fully electric models on sale in Australia, along with plug-less and plug-in hybrid family SUVs. This has seen Kia’s electric vehicle sales skyrocket, particularly in the last few weeks, with increased popularity for non-fuel-powered models.Subsequently, Kia’s sales split is now 70 per cent electrified (40% EV and 30% hybrid), with the remaining 30 per cent made up of pure petrol or diesel units. A primary driver of Kia’s electric shift has been the future impacts of the Australian federal government's National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). Under the scheme, vehicles sold which have an interim emissions value above zero incur a liability, while those which are zero or less, earn the brand a credit.According to Kia Australia Chief Executive Officer Damien Meredith, NVES is an important part of the brand’s thinking on which cars to bring Down Under.“The government is going to stick to what they’ve put in place and it becomes part of the product planning decision,” Meredith told CarsGuide. “If you’ve got an EV range, you’re looking towards the future. “If you haven’t got an EV range, you’re catering to the customers' needs right now. “It’s one of the variables when we’re making decisions, put it like that.”The result of this EV focus for Kia is that it accumulated more than 720,000 units for the 2025 NVES performance period, the second-most of any brand, trailing only BYD.Meredith said Kia has no plans to sell its credits, banking them for a later time.The key to this success has been the combined performance of the EV3 and EV5 SUVs, which have continued to prove popular in 2026, with more than 2000 sales so far. Kia’s NVES approach has not been shared by some brands, such as Ford, which has been defiant in light of potential future penalties. Ford CEO Jim Farley said a market made up of vehicles being manufactured to meet NVES regulations is not sustainable, threatening to cut local engineering jobs. Ford is yet to feel the effects of future NVES liabilities, with key sales contributors such as the diesel Ranger ute being considered a ‘Type 2’ vehicle. Mazda is one brand which has been handed down a substantial amount of liabilities. More than 500,000, which is the most by some margin, given its high-volume petrol-based line-up.

Nissan globally revealed the new-generation version of its X-Trail mid-size family SUV earlier this month.The X-Trail has been the most-popular Nissan model in Australia for a number of years now and is a key rival to the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, among others.The current-generation model, which shares its platform with the Mitsubishi Outlander, dates back to 2021 though it didn’t launch in Australia until 2022.A facelift was revealed globally in 2025 though it only arrived in Australia a few months ago.Nissan still needs to confirm a number of different details about the new, fifth-generation X-Trail, but here’s what we know so far.What is different about this new X-Trail?It’s worth noting straight away that this new X-Trail is based on an iteration of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-CD platform that underpins the current model.It also appears that the glasshouse has been carried over but with new body cladding and styling.However, Nissan Corporate Executive of Family, Products & Components Strategy Richard Candler told CarsGuide that there is a “very large amount of new”.For example, the structure is claimed to be completely different and much stiffer than before.Additionally there is a completely reworked suspension system with a wider track width. Nissan hasn’t confirmed exactly how much wider just yet.It’s likely the interior is also completely redesigned, though Nissan hasn’t detailed any imagery or information about this yet. It has only shown off the exterior design so far.What will power this new X-Trail?A highlight of this new X-Trail is the introduction of a new-generation e-Power hybrid powertrain.It’s understood this new e-Power powertrain is a version of the system that will soon debut in the Qashqai small SUV.Like the current X-Trail e-Power however, it’ll have dual electric motors (one on each axle) providing all-wheel drive, unlike the Qashqai e-Power which only has a single electric motor and front-wheel drive.Nissan claims this new e-Power hybrid is quieter, smoother and more fuel efficient than the current version.While there have been reports indicating that this new X-Trail will go e-Power only, Candler confirmed it will still be offered with a pure petrol engine, at least globally. However, he didn’t confirm what this pure petrol engine will be exactly.In Australia the non-e-Power X-Trail is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 135kW and 244Nm.In other markets however, there is a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine available that produces 150kW and 305Nm.It’s worth noting though that this turbo three-pot forms as the generator for the e-Power hybrid, so technically it is already offered in Australia.When will it arrive?The new Nissan X-Trail will likely launch in North America first, where it is called the Rogue and built in the US.The Japanese-built X-Trails will likely follow at a later date.No exact Australian launch timing has been locked in yet, however CarsGuide understands it will likely arrive in late 2027.

Chinese brand Leapmotor's most performance-focused model to date is firming for an Australian launch, with the B05 Ultra on the cards to follow the regular B05's launch later this year.

Mitsubishi has announced there will be no price increases across its petrol Outlander mid-size SUV range in Australia. The Outlander will continue to be available from $39,990 (before on-road costs), with prices ranging up to $58,740 for the top-spec grade. It will also continue to offer five and part-time seven seat configurations, as well as front-wheel and all-wheel drive set-ups.The Mazda CX-5 is the same price as the Outlander, and the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 is a step up in price on both of those competitors. Mitsubishi has brought back the Black Edition variant of the Outlander, citing 2024 sales success as the reason for its return. This version adds several blacked out elements, including 20-inch alloy wheels and synthetic leather seats. It will only be available in a front-wheel drive seven-seater configuration. The Outlander’s announcement comes after Mitsubishi hiked the prices of plug-in hybrid versions of the car earlier this year. It means there is a near $20K jump for buyers to get into a PHEV versus a petrol unit. It will be powered by the same 2.5-litre petrol engine, producing 135kW and 244Nm, paired with a continuously variable transmission. Mitsubishi said the car will keep the Australian-developed suspension and power steering tunes introduced in 2025.On the inside, there is a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and same sized digital driver display, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered as standard. The Outlander is Mitsubishi’s best-selling car in Australia, having managed more than 22,000 sales in 2025, with it still one of the brand’s top performers despite dipping sales generally.The new Outlander is due to land in dealerships from next month.2026 Mitsubishi Outlander pricing Australia 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander engine and efficiency 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander standard features Other standard features include: Satellite navigationLS grade addsMachined two-tone alloy wheelsTwo rear-mounted USB portsSilver front and rear bumpersWireless phone chargerBlack Edition grade adds20-inch black alloy wheelsBlack front and rear bumpersBlack door mirrorsBlack grilleBlack interior headliningBlack synthetic leather seatsAspire grade adds20-inch machined-finished alloy wheelsHeated steering wheelPower tailgateExceedVentilated front seatsLeather seat trimAluminum pedalsFrameless and digital monitor rearview mirrorMemory side mirrorsFront door foot lampsFull-size alloy spare wheelPanoramic roofExceed tourerSemi-aniline leather seats12-speaker premium Yamaha sound system2026 Mitsubishi Outlander safetyThe Mitsubishi Outlander has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.  Standard safety features:Blind spot assistLane departure assist360-degree cameraRear auto brakingTraffic sign recognitionFront and rear parking sensorsAspire grade addsLane centre assistTraffic jam assist2026 Mitsubishi Outlander dimensions 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander warranty and servicingThe Mitsubishi Outlander comes with a 10-year/200,000-kilometre warranty, when all scheduled services are completed in a timely manner at Mitsubishi dealerships.There is also a 10-year capped price servicing deal available on the car. 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander capped price servicing table  

One of the world’s largest carmakers is looking to China for some of its next-gen global cars.Volkswagen boss Oliver Blume said the company could export some of its currently China-only vehicles, according to UK outlet Autocar.This includes to Europe and other global regions such as Asia, South America, Middle East and presumably Australia now that it is a priority market for EVs thanks to the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). Building vehicles for Australia in China can help reduce costs due to a free-trade agreement, manufacturing scale and reduced shipping costs due to our close proximity. Volkswagen has several partnerships with Chinese brands it could leverage, but the most likely are the joint-ventures with SAIC, which owns MG, and XPeng.“It's too early to decide if we want to localise a Chinese platform in Germany, but if we would do it, our priority would be to take one of our own platforms first,” said Blume via Autocar."This year we are ramping up the CMP platform, which is planned for 2027 in China. This work has to be done first, and then we could think about options in Europe and check which products could be the right ones.”The CMP platform has been co-developed with XPeng and will spawn a number of vehicles.It could also bring some of its SAIC developed vehicles such as the giant ID.ERA 9X SUV, which was just recently revealed in China.“We are getting right now the feedback and response from the market for our first new product in China. Then we will decide, depending on the success we have in China, which models would fit in Europe, especially in segments where we are not present with our current portfolio in Europe,” said Blume.Volkswagen isn’t alone in considering China-built vehicles for global markets.Nissan has been bullish on exporting its vehicles developed with Dongfeng, with Australia likely to get several models in the coming years.Toyota too is mulling whether to send some of its wide array of currently China-only vehicles to other markets.

Mazda may soon be introducing a new model to bridge the gap between two of its most popular SUVs.As reported by Autoblog, the Japanese carmaker filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) earlier this year for the name Mazda CX-40.It’s worth noting that Mazda CX-40 has been trademarked in Australia since 2019.Trademarks are not true indications of whether a carmaker will actually produce a vehicle with that name. It may be just holding it so another carmaker doesn’t take it.We’ve reached out to Mazda Australia for a statement and will update this story once we hear back.If the CX-40 does get produced, it will likely sit between the CX-30 and CX-5 in the line-up.It also won’t be the first time Mazda has produced an SUV with the number ‘4’ in its name.The Japanese carmaker produced a model called the CX-4 from 2016 to 2025 and it was sold exclusively in China.The Mazda CX-4 was based on the same platform as the previous-generation Mazda 3 and first-generation CX-5, but featured a lifted station wagon body style.If this is the case with the potential Mazda CX-40, expect it to adopt swoopy, wagon- or coupe-like body styling.It may even share some similarities with the Mazda Vision X-Coupe concept that was revealed at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show.In addition to the trademark for the name Mazda CX-40, the Japanese carmaker also has current trademarks for the names CX-10 and CX-20 in numerous countries, including Australia.At this stage it’s unclear whether Mazda intends to build these models, however it did reveal the Vision X Compact concept at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. It previewed what looks like a next-generation Mazda 2 with subtle crossover SUV design cues.Mazda has also committed more investment to its production facility in Thailand, where it will build a new compact SUV, potentially with a hybrid powertrain, as well as electric vehicles (EVs).

Mitsubishi is planning to introduce hybrid models to its lineup by 2028, matching many of its key rivals, and it could be a game changer in Australia.The brand is expected to begin production and sales in Japan, according to reports.It will be the first time Mitsubishi has produced full-sized hybrids in Japan.Mitsubishi’s move brings it into line with several of its key rivals in Japan such as Toyota, which boasts a product lineup dominated by hybrid vehicles. It could also give the brand the jump on another of its competitors, Mazda, which is still yet to bolster its electrified options.This could be a game changer for the brand, particularly in Australia, given the increasingly stringent emissions regulations to be set out under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).Mitsubishi did not receive any liabilities for the 2025 performance period, but it will have greater challenges maintaining this record, given its substantially petrol and diesel powered lineup.The brand’s hybrid push comes at a time when it is experiencing a tough sales downturn in Australia, despite the relatively positive return on Triton ute models. Hybrids could be the key to turning around Mitsubishi's fortunes in Australia.While there are no new confirmed hybrid models for Australia yet, Mitsubishi continues to follow its 'Momentum 2030' plan, which puts electrification at the core of the business' lineup.Mitsubishi recently unveiled an updated version of its plug-in hybrid Outlander SUV, providing increased efficiency.The brand currently sells a petrol-exclusive ASX small SUV, along with the diesel Pajero Sport large SUV and Triton ute.It also has its Outlander mid-size SUV, which comes as either a petrol or a plug-in hybrid - the only electrified set-up offered by the brand in Australia. Mitsubishi will release a new large off-roader, expected to be called the Pajero, this year, which is rumoured to be destined for Australia.

A new ultra-luxury Range Rover has just been priced in Australia, and it will be the most expensive model in the lineup.The Range Rover SV Ultra will start from $472,400 (before on-road costs), which is in excess of $10,000 more than the previous range-topping SV.The Ultra variant debuts with a new electrostatic sound system, which will be an option available on all models in the SV range.Range Rover claims this high-quality sound system is a world-first in a car, and has 21 electrostatic panels. These panels are located down the back of the seats, including the headrests as well as in more generic speaker locations. Electrostatic sound systems shift the sound-producing material back and fourth electrically to deliver high-level clarity.Headlining other features on this model is the addition of a ‘sensory floor’ and ‘body and soul seats’, which offers different wellness modes to enhance focus and relaxation, according to the brand. The sensory floor utilises haptic feedback beneath the floor mats.Elsewhere in the cabin, there are new two-tone high-quality synthetic leather seats, with white and grey colours.On the outside, the car has been given an exclusive silver paint, which Range Rover said is designed to resemble liquid metal, along with satin platinum and chrome elements. It will ride on 23-inch wheels, which have also been given satin platinum inserts and new centre caps. The car gets the same 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine as in the P615, producing 452kW and 750Nm, so it can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds. The SV Range Rover will continue to rival the likes of the Aston Martin DBX and the Bentley Bentayga, which both have price tags starting around the $400K point.It will also take on Lamborghini’s Urus, offering a plug-in hybrid V8 set-up. The car will hit Australian showrooms in the first quarter of next year, but there is expected to be less than 10 models coming Down Under.2026 Range Rover SV pricing Australia