Articles by Andrew Chesterton

Nissan's new Y63-inspired SUV has taken a sizeable step closer to an Australian launch, with the brand securing the Tekton through our trademark office.

Hyundai's tough, ladder-frame and ute-based 4WD now on the table to take on everything from the Ford Everest to the Toyota LandCruiser Prado could launch with turbo-hybrid power, with the brand seemingly testing a rear-drive AWD version of the new powertrain in Europe.Intitially thought to be a possible partnership with GM, the latest news confirms Hyundai is taking development of its Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger rival in-house. At Hyundai's recent Investor Day, in which company chief José Muñoz confirmed the pickup would arrive before 2030, a slide was shown that read "build-out pickup truck portfolio and broaden customer base, with potential for body-on-frame SUV variant".And we now have our best clue at just what will be powering it, with the model increasingly likely to debut with petrol-hybrid power, with the 2.5-litre turbo-hybrid that has just debuted in the Palisade the most likely candidate.In Palisade form, the powertrain develops 245kW and 460Nm, giving us an indication of the kind of power expected from Hyundai's ute offering, with the same engine combinaton then a sure-bet to pop up in the SUV variant.Hyundai in Australia has made secret of the fact its ute won't offer a diesel solution, with the brand's local chief, Don Romano, telling CarsGuide that "Australia doesn't need another diesel ute"."I think we have to look at options. And I can't tell you whether that's a PHEV, a HEV or a BEV, but I think those are options that have to be considered. And I think those are the areas that will give us an opportunity for expansion," he said."Our position here in Australia is that we don't need another diesel ute. But we do want Kia to be successful because right now we see a decline in total ute sales, and that could delay the development when people look at it and say 'is that really an important segment that we need to be in?' The answer is 'yeah'."We want to be able to point to our sister company to say look at the success that they've had. Just having an open bed, I think that's important."The hybrid powertrain might have just taken a signifiant step in its development journey, with what appears to be GV70 hybrid spied testing in Spain with a 'HEV' sticker on its rear. While the Palisade is front-drive AWD, a ute or 4WD offering would need to be rear-drive AWD, and if the GV70 is testing the 2.5-litre turbo-hybrid, then it the brand has likely developed a solution."The group plans to introduce a rear-wheel-drive 2.5 turbo hybrid system in 2026 and aims to gradually expand its hybrid technology to the Genesis luxury brand by applying this powertrain to key models over time," the brand said at the unveiling of its new hybrid technology, also promising that the tech would have "broad application from sub-compact to large vehicles".Hyundai is yet to confirm exactly what powertrain will be fitted to its ute and SUV.

Kia appears to have solved its biggest hurdle in bringing a Tasman Hybrid to market, with what appears to be a rear-drive version of the company's 2.5-litre turbo-hybrid powertrain spied testing in Europe.

Newcomer brand Zeekr says it will engage with local engineering firms Walkinshaw and Premcar to investigate local suspension tuning for its vehicles in Australia. 

We have just gotten our first proper look at the powertrain that will likely propel the Kia Tasman out of the diesel era, with heavy reporting that the brand is plotting a 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain for its dual-cab ute in 2026.

A ute that could finally take the fight to plug-in hybrid models like the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha is on the cards from an expected brand, with confirmation Zeekr has put the idea of a Lynk & Co ute on the table.

Deepal's over-the-air update to the S07's safety systems, which allows certain functions to be permanently disabled rather than require them to be turned off every time the vehicle is started, risks falling foul of ANCAP, with the safety body demanding answers ahead of a potential revaluation of the model's safety rating.

The 7X Long Range might just be the sweet spot in the family, serving up the longest driving range and enough real-world power for everyday driving. Sure, its ride isn't as competent as it is on the AWD's air suspension, but sacrifices must be made somewhere.It's $63,900 – almost $10K less than the flagship Performance grade – and it builds on the strong standard kit of the entry-level model with a better 21-speaker stereo and a head-up display.While the cheapest 7X variant scores a 75kWh LFP battery, this Long Range nabs a 100kWh NCM unit. It has an 800V architecture, allowing for mega charging speeds of up to 420kW and it should travel up to 615km between charges on the WLTP cycle.

The Ram Dakota has only just been confirmed by the brand's most senior American executive, but already the mid-sized monster seems locked in for an Australian launch to do battle with the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and BYD Shark 6.

The entry-level Zeekr 7X model misses out on some of the good stuff, with less power than the AWD, and a smaller battery than the Long Range model. It is the fastest-charging of the lot, though, with up to 450kW DC charging possible.It's $57,900, before on-road costs, and standard kit is pretty impressive across the board, with the entry-level model scoring 19-inch alloys, LED lighting all around, a powered boot and a glass roof with a powered shade. and ambient interior lighting, too. Tech is handled by a 16-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there are two 50W wireless charge pads. You also get a digital dash, tri-zone climate and a 10-speaker stereo.It gets a 75kW LFP battery, which should deliver a 480km driving range on the WLTP cycle.