Articles by David Morley

GWM's all-electric small SUV, the Ora, goes on sale today with pricing that is sure to give the competition plenty to think about.

Given the sharp driveaway pricing to begin with, the flagship version of the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid is likely to be a popular choice. And at $60,990, it's pretty easy to see how many buyers will be able to justify the extra spend.That's backed up by the extra gear, too, including a front locking differential (the base-model has a locking rear diff only) heated and cooled front seats, Nappa Leather upholstery, self-parking, 18-inch alloy wheels and wireless device charging.Safety runs to the usual driver aids we're increasingly used to seeing including AEB, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keeping and active cruise-control. Six air-bags including full-length side-curtain bags are also part of the package.The Ultra shares its driveline with the Lux, meaning a turbocharged two-litre petrol engine augmented by an electric motor for 258kW and 615Nm. Transmission is a nine-speed auto with low-ratios for rock-hopping. Although based on the GWM ute chassis, the Tank gets a coil-sprung rear axle for greater ride comfort.

GWM's new off-roader breaks with tradition by offering a petrol-electric hybrid driveline. The entry-level model, the Lux, arrives in showrooms at $55,990 drive-away, making it appear to be great value.Standard equipment even in this entry-level variant is good with twin 12.3 inch screens, a powered driver's seat, full Apple and Android connectivity, digital radio, powered and folding exterior mirrors, a sunroof and on-board tyre pressure monitoring.Safety is looked after with the latest driver aids including cross-traffic alert, active cruise-control and autonomous emergency braking. Lane-keeping assistance and parking sensors are also part of the deal. Tank has been locally tested and achieved five ANCAP stars.Power comes from a two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the electric motor adding enough power and torque to take the total to 258kW and 615Nm. There's a nine-speed automatic transmission and the Tank also features a low-ratio transfer-case to give proper off-road gearing.

Electric vehicles are known for their reduced running and servicing costs. That, combined with the environmental argument, is the reason they exist after all.

Now that it has arrived in the form of the GWM Tank 300, it kind of makes us wonder why it’s taken so long to get a ladder-chassis, off-road four-wheel-drive with a conventional (rather than a mild or PHEV) hybrid driveline on to the market here.

Pure electric cars have rapidly built a reputation for being rapid... in a straight line. But what about some genuine corner carving ability to go with that neck-straining acceleration? Kia's new EV6 GT may be the first BEV to pull off that performance double act.

Plenty of carmakers update their badging or logos to give their range a fresh, new look. But it doesn't always go strictly to plan.

Based on our experience, the best towing vehicle is either a full-size 4x4 ute or wagon with a turbo-diesel engine and automatic transmission.

When a hybrid’s batteries are flat,  the petrol engine starts up and continues to drive the vehicle while also offering up some charge to the flat battery. Fair enough, and that’s precisely how most hybrids work.

Take it as read that the hydrogen fuel cell is coming to a car park near you. While battery EVs and hybrids are the current new-tech go-tos, it won’t be long before a fuel cell-powered car or SUV could be in your future.