Articles by Chris Thompson

BYD has launched the 2026 update for its M9 people-mover, called the Xia in its home nation.The plug-in hybrid van is a relatively new addition to BYD’s line-up, and is closely related to the Denza D9, a similarly sized, more upmarket people-mover.The BYD M9 is already scoring new batteries, updated tech and even better fuel efficiency, less than a year after its initial launch in China.With a range of up to 1163km (tested under lenient CLTC methods) in its longest-range variant, the BYD M9 costs between the equivalent of A$45,000 and $58,000 in China.Four variants with either 100km or 218km of EV-only range are available, with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine helping charge and power the battery and wheels respectively.While the M9 itself hasn’t been confirmed for Australia, nor its Denza D9 sibling, the brand hasn’t ruled either out in the past.Denza in particular is currently focused on launching its B5 and B8 SUVs, while BYD’s line-up has already been significantly bolstered in recent years. A people-mover wouldn’t look out of place in either brand’s model line-ups.Denza boss Mark Harland told CarsGuide the brand wouldn’t look at smaller segment models, such as people-movers, until it had established itself in volume segments like large SUVs.“It’s real simple: Volume - the large segment in particular - this is what Australians buy, this is where volume is for us,” he told CarsGuide recently.“I want to establish the brand with B5 and B8 - get some wins under the belt, get those sales and establish the network.“Then we can look at the smaller segments - the Z9 GT, the D9 later - but we want to fish where the fish are first.”Stay tuned.

Mitsubishi Australia has confirmed the plug-in hybrid Outlander will follow its petrol-only sibling with the update revealed earlier this year.The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will arrive in the first quarter of 2026 and will gain improved tech, features and an updated look.While pricing and some more specifications are yet to be confirmed for the plug-in family SUV, Mitsubishi has confirmed the key changes and the model line-up outline.Headlining changes is a larger battery, now 22.78kWh up from 20.0kWh. Claimed electric range has only improved by 2km on paper to 86km up from 84km before.The good news is its claimed EV range is now under WLTP testing, which returns more accurate results than lenient NEDC testing. In reality the new 86km range is more likely to be achieved.It retains its 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, joined by an electric motor at each axle, though Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed yet if there are any changes to the total 185kW/450Nm output for the Outlander PHEV.Its ride and handling had been updated with the petrol variant, carrying over to the PHEV along with changes to reduce the effects of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) such as a new new steel bonnet, front fenders, and a ‘Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium’ audio system from the entry-grade ES.While more details are yet to come, Mitsubishi says the ES will be joined by the Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer variants. There’s no word yet on the GSR, which is currently available.The ES won’t be available with seven seats, but will have a large 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, LED interior lighting, surround-view parking cameras, a driver monitoring system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a host of safety kit.The Aspire can be had with seven seats, plus gains synthetic leather, heated seats and a wireless phone charger. The Exceed gains proper leather upholstery and seat ventilation, whole the Exceed Tourer adds a 12-speaker Yamaha sound system, massage seats, and improved ‘Brick Brown’ leather.

Renault's new electric city hatch shapes up to rival the BYD Atto 1

New arrival brand GAC, or Guangzhou Automobile Group, has set a very lofty sales goal for its first couple of years in Australia.

GAC says it has already done Australian tuning prior to its local launch

Australian new car market continues to shift in October 2024.

Subaru’s first electric car has been updated for 2026 as it struggles to find buyers in an increasingly competitive EV market.The 2026 Subaru Solterra, which shares the majority of its make-up with the Toyota bZ4X, comes with more power and range, as well as other tech updates.Importantly, it’s also the recipient of a significant price drop, despite the increased capability. It now starts from $63,990 before on-roads, which represents a $6000 price cut over the pre-update car.The higher-grade Solterra Touring now starts from $69,990 before on-roads, where it was previously a $76,990 ask - that’s a $7000 drop.It’s also significantly more powerful, with its total power output now 252kW as opposed to the 160kW its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system used to offer.With a larger 74.7kWh battery, its WLTP-tested driving range is also up from 414km to 566km in the base model, or 517km in the Touring. Slightly more weight and bigger wheels (20-inch compared to the base’s 18-inch wheels) likely contribute to the shorter range.The Solterra has also been visually redesigned, with new bumpers, headlights, a new ‘grille’ shape, and new wheel designs giving it a significantly different look.Subaru is likely hoping offering more for a lower price will boost the Solterra’s sales somewhat. The electric car has sold just 142 units in 2025 so far, while the near-identical Toyota bZ4X is on 797.Solterra AWD:Dual Mode X-Mode with Grip Control Function18-inch alloy wheelsAutomatic, self-levelling LED headlightsLED tail-lightsPower mirrorsPuddle lampsPowered tailgate with new kick-sensorRoof railsNew synthetic leather seat trimHeated, eight-way power-adjustable front seatsHeated leather steering wheelDual-zone climate control14-inch multimedia touchscreen7.0-inch driver displayWireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlayDual wireless phone chargersUSB-C portsSix-speaker sound systemSolterra AWD Touring adds:20-inch alloy wheelsAuto-dipping door mirrorsPanoramic sunroofVentilated front seatsVehicle-to-load (V2L) 220V/1500W power outlet10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system *new features in bold2026 Subaru Solterra optional features Touring only - $1500Two-tone exterior paintNatural leather accented seat trim in blue and black theme2026 Subaru Solterra coloursAltitude Black Mica (NEW)Cosmic White PearlDark Blue Mica*Elemental Red Pearl*Smoked Carbon*Harbour Mist Grey Pearl**$660 cost-optional paintSRS airbags – dual front, dual front side, dual curtain and front seat centre plus new driver’s knee airbags3-point ELR rear seat belts Subaru Safety Sense featuring: Dynamic Radar Cruise ControlEmergency Driving Stop SystemEmergency Steering AssistLane Departure AlertLane Tracing AssistLow-speed Acceleration SuppressionPre-Collision SystemRoad Sign AssistSpeed Limiter Subaru Vision Assist featuring: Adaptive High-Beam SystemBlind Sport Monitor (BSM)Front Parking SensorsFront View MonitorPanoramic 360 Degree View MonitorParking Support BrakeRear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)Rear parking sensorsSafe Exit AssistMulti-Terrain Monitor Driver Monitoring System – featuring: Distraction warningDrowsiness warning Subaru offers a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with 12 months of roadside assist. Electric car batteries are covered for eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.Servicing is every 12-months or 15,000km, and Subaru offers capped price servicing with costs able to be confirmed at Subaru’s website.

Audi Australia has confirmed a trio of different variants to be added to its 2026 line-up – a hatchback and two SUVs.

The chances of these top vehicles from Tokyo making it to Australia.

Isuzu stays the course despite facing tough competition in the top-10 automakers of Australia.