Articles by Chris Thompson

A new addition to the hybrid mid-size SUV market is imminent, with Kia Australia having confirmed pricing for the Kia Sportage Hybrid on its website ahead of its arrival.

Ineos has revealed the design for its long-awaited electric third model, which is set to be called the Fusilier, something it had confirmed was under development back in May 2022.The Fusilier joins the existing Grenadier - which is based on the licensed design of the original Land Rover Defender - in the brand’s line-up as the second badge name, but technically becoming the third ‘model’ alongside the Grenadier and its Grenadier Quartermaster ute sibling.The Fusilier’s specifications are yet to be confirmed, but the brand notes its design is different from that of the Grenadier for drag efficiency.While also being slightly shorter in length and height than the Grenadier, the Fusilier also does away with some of the sharp, boxy lines inherited from the Defender.“Chamfered edges and corners assist with uninterrupted airflow and maintaining that crucial unobstructed visibility over the road and terrain ahead,” Ineos said in a statement explaining the exterior design changes.“Updating the archetypal 4X4 for an electrified powertrain to minimise drag without impacting the functional design sees a smoothing of body lines and a more athletic style.”Additionally, the brand has incorporated active grille shutters to manage airflow based on range or cooling requirements.This will likely come into play later when Ineos introduces a range-extender-equipped version of the Fusilier, which will have a small engine to recharge the battery when needed.Ineos Chairman Jim Ratcliffe says the ranger extender will arrive to alleviate the ‘range anxiety’ perceived by some owners or aspirational owners of electric cars.“We’re excited to bring our electric 4X4 to market but we are beginning to understand the clear limitations of battery electric in certain situations,” Ratcliffe said.“As we developed this vehicle, we quickly concluded that in order to move towards decarbonisation but continue making cars that consumers want to drive, we need a mix of powertrain technologies. “BEVs are perfect for certain uses: shorter trips and urban deliveries, but industry and governments need to have realistic expectations around other technologies that can help accelerate the necessary pace of change. “That is the reason we are offering an additional powertrain for the Fusilier, one that dramatically reduces emissions but has the range and refuelling capabilities needed.”Ineos says the finer details of a range extender powertrain should be able to be announced by the northern hemisphere’s autumn this year, or effectively Q3.Similarly, Australian details in terms of availability and timing should arrive closer to the Fusilier’s launch date.Until then, Ineos will work with automotive supplier Magna to develop the Fusilier, including a “rigorous testing programme on Austria's Schöckl mountain” close to Magna’s facility in Graz.

While wagons lose market traction here in Australia and plenty of other markets around the world, Europe and parts of China seem to remain a bastion for the long-roof, and this incoming electric car from a (relatively) little-known brand is a new example.

Only a couple of months after the heavily updated Subaru Forester was revealed in the US, it seems insiders are reporting an electric version of the mid-size SUV will follow the already-confirmed hybrid variant coming.

New data analysis reporting from Moody's Investors Service says we can expect to see the global share of electric cars in the new car market continue to grow, despite slowing sales in some regions.

Subaru will introduce its first fully electric model, the Solterra, to the Australian market at a significantly lower price than initially announced.

While GWM slowly ramps up its presence in Australia, it seems like it’s on an all-out rampage in China, with a new model set to join its already busy Tank SUV line-up.

Mazda New Zealand has announced it will remove its ute, the BT-50, from sale citing a changing market.

Cupra’s first fully electric model now has a proper performance version, with the Cupra Born VZ revealed overnight as a faster version of what the brand billed a “rear-wheel drive hot hatchback BEV'' upon its launch in Australia.

Mahindra is expected to reveal a five-door version of its Wrangler-style in the coming weeks, with test cars having recently been spied, but Australia shouldn’t get its hopes up until the model’s design is confirmed.