Articles by Dom Tripolone

Mazda hasn’t forgotten the little things.Most carmakers are moving away from little hatchbacks as sales dwindle as buyers jump into SUVs instead.Mazda has stayed true to its roots by refreshing its ageing Mazda2 instead of tossing it into the too hard basket, giving new and urban drivers a quality choice of wheels.The 2 is no longer the sub-$20,000 proposition it once was with the base Evolve grade tested here starting at $27,290 (before on-road costs). The better-equipped GT grade adds $1200 to the price, and you can get the GT in sedan form for the same price.That makes it about $2000 cheaper than the most affordable Toyota Yaris, which has the added benefit of hybrid power, and about $3000 thriftier than the Volkswagen Polo.A new wave of Chinese machines undercut it, with the MG3 about $7000 cheaper, while even BYD’s electric Atto 1 costs about $5000 less.Relying on purely petrol power the Mazda2 shows its age without any form of electrification in an era when hybrid is king and electric is the wannabe usurper.It uses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that makes 81kW and 142Nm, matched to a conventional six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.Mazda claims it drinks just 5.0 litres of the cheapest petrol per 100km.Rival hybrids slash at least 1.0L/100km off that figure and deliver more zip from the petrol-electric combo.The 2 is a handsome machine, and has its competitors beat for design. It wears Mazda’s trademark features with an elegance long gone from small cars.Buyers can expect 16-inch black alloy wheels, LED headlights with auto on and off feature, auto folding black side mirrors, chrome exhaust and a little body coloured garnish in the front grille.Step inside and you’re greeted by a cabin that hasn’t been corrupted by modern distractions.A 7.0-inch multimedia display is small by modern standards, but that’s probably a good thing for young drivers.It is controlled via the touchscreen or rotary dial in the centre console when stationary, with touchscreen controls taken away when moving. The idea being you keep your eyes on the road more.The rotary dial is a bit of overkill as the screen controls so few functions that a touchscreen would suffice.It comes with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, digital radio and in-built sat nav.The driver’s instruments are analogue with just an old school digital readout that gives Casio watch vibes for some functions.A head-up display is one of the most useful features in modern cars, and a must for new and experienced drivers alike.Mazda’s head-up display uses a little folding clear screen to project vital information such as travelling speed, posted speed limit and some safety warnings in front of the driver in an easy to view and read spot.Passengers are greeted by black cloth-wrapped seats with red contrast stitching that are well cushioned and comfortable enough for long drives. The GT grade ups the ante with synthetic leather and suede upholstery.A leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shifter and hand brake give it a more premium feel.Well placed and easy to read steering wheel buttons for volume, multimedia, cruise control and answering the phone are a win for users.There are physical dials for climate functions that are easy to use on the go and a pair of USB-A ports up front so modern phone users beware you’ll need a different charging cord or adapter.A physical handbrake means storage options in the centre console don’t go much further than two cupholders and very small storage bin. This is a little car, so storage options in general are limited.This extends to the rear seat, which is cramped and best suited for only two adults and long-legged humans might struggle on longer trips.Front facing child seats can fit easily but rear facing or capsule seats will severely restrict front-seat passengers.The boot is mini at just 250 litres, so think moderate weekly shop or a few overnight bags. If you need more the sedan ups it to a substantial 440 litres. You can fold down the back seat in both to liberate more space.It does have a space-saver spare tyre under the boot floor, which is a positive.The Mazda2 is one of the most compact machines you can buy at 4085mm long, 1695mm wide, 1495mm tall and with a wheelbase - the distance between the front and rear axles - of 2570mm.You’ll feel tiny on the road, with dual-cab utes and large SUVs towering over you, but in urban environments, tight city streets and underground carparks, the size difference pays off with easy commuting and access to parking spots others just drive right by.It is a commendable city driver that feels most at home in traffic and city streets, as it feels a little breathless and lightweight on motorways.The small engine is perfect for urban driving but you’ll need to work it hard to get up to speed with power delivered very high in the rev range. This means you’ll hear the engine revving to the sky when you accelerate.It feels asthmatic when travelling up steep hills with the car noticeably struggling on the sizeable inclines in and around Sydney. In flatter cities such as Melbourne or Adelaide you’d barely notice it running out of puff.It is a great little car to steer, with great feedback, well balanced, direct and responsive steering.It is light, so you’ll feel bumps and lumps along the way but it does a great job of ironing out the road imperfections for a little machine.Road noise is intrusive at higher speeds and on coarse chips roads, but mostly it is composed and refined.Mazda’s driver’s side mirror is magnified, which takes some getting used to and the jury is still out if it is absolutely necessary.All driver aids work as advertised.The car automatically applying the brakes if it detects a potential collision, it’ll warn you if something is in your blind spot or if a car is approaching from the side as you reverse and an array of sensors will help keep you centred in your lane.Mazda backs it cars with a five year/unlimited kilometre warranty, which is par for the course these days and quickly becoming a subpar package as more brands switch to seven, eight or ten-year guarantees.Seven years of capped price servicing will cost $3286, which is pricey compared to the rival Toyota Yaris. Owners need to visit the workshop every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Mitsubishi means business with its new Pajero 4WD priced to thrill.Buyers will be able to choose from three grades when the Pajero arrives in Australian showrooms this December.Buyers have already been lining up to get their hands on the new rough-and-tumble machine, with Mitsubishi recording more than 3000 pre-orders from before the reveal yesterday.It’s a head-turner with butch, boxy and rugged looks and a plush interior to pamper.Prices kick off at $68,490 (before on-road costs) for the entry-level GLS with five seats, or $69,990 with seven seats.The mid-tier Exceed jumps up to $79,990 and the range-topping GSR starts at $84,990. Both variants are only available with seven seats.All come in substantially cheaper than the equivalent Toyota Prado, but just a little bit more than the Ford Everest powered by the V6 diesel.Mitsubishi’s deal is sweetened with a conditional 10-year/200,000km warranty, which requires owners to complete every logbook service at a Mitsubishi dealer or it reverts to a five year/100,000km guarantee.Mitsubishi offers up to 10 years of capped-price servicing with scheduled workshop visits required every 15,000km or 12 months.The new Pajero shares its underpinnings with the current Triton ute, which means it uses a rugged ladder-frame chassis that is found underneath serious off-roaders. This is a break from recent tradition with the past few Pajero generations using a car-like monocoque chassis. Mitsubishi has done some serious work to the Pajero to make it more refined and composed compared to the more workman-like Triton.The chassis is stiffer with greater use of high-quality steel, which increases its stability during cornering but also improves its durability and reliability to better handle the rough stuff.The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up to make it more composed on the road.The engine is a 2.4-litre diesel four-cylinder with a single variable geometry turbocharger, which is an evolution of the bi-turbo unit found in the Triton. Mitsubishi has been able to squeeze a little more torque to boost outputs to 150kW and 480Nm.Mitsubishi has ditched the six-speed automatic transmission and installed a new eight-speed unit, which will smooth out the drive experience and lower fuel consumption.It also uses AdBlue to help lower emissions and improve efficiency.The Pajero can play with the big boys with it rated to tow up to 3500kg.It comes with Trailer Load Assist that enhances stability while towing by detecting if the trailer is swaying and can adjust power and braking to each wheel to get the rig back under control.Owners can load up to 300kg of static load, or 100kg dynamic, on the roof, which further boosts its adventure credentials.It is ready to rumble off-road thanks to the company’s Super Select 4WD-II tech.It delivers part-time four-wheel drive for on-road driving, full-time four-wheel drive for all conditions and a rear differential lock and a low range transfer case for heading off the beaten track.There are seven selectable drive modes including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.Rally-bred tech such as Active Yaw Control (AYC) is standard. AYC helps manage the torque delivery to left and right wheels to increase stability when cornering. It is paired with active stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes to help the Pajero manage slippery surfaces.Mitsubishi has put a lot of thought into the third row, with it designed for adults.The third row is able to slide up to 150mm and has a tumble mechanism for easy access to the last pew.Mitsubishi has thought about people actually using the last row, with what it claims is plenty of headroom and room for feet under the seats in front.With the third row folded down the boot can hold 519 litres, which is well below that found in the Prado and EverestThis is the most modern-looking Mitsubishi interior by far.Dual 14.3-inch screens - one for the multimedia and the other for the driver’s instruments - dominate the dash.The central screen also houses what the brand calls a Multi Meter, which is a modern, digital version of the old triple meters from previous generations.The new digital readouts will show altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles and left and right torque distribution.GLS grade come with:18-inch dark grey alloy wheelsWaterproof black fabric seat trimManual driver and front passenger seat adjustment (slide, recline, height)Electric seat lumbar support adjustment (driver and front passenger)Dual 12.3-inch displaysSix-speaker stereoWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoSteering wheel heater and paddle shiftersTyre pressure monitoring systemAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorDusk-sensing headlamps and rain-sensing wipersKeyless entry and startElectric tailgatePrivacy glassFront dual-zone automatic air conditioningRear automatic air conditioning system12.3-inch full digital meter clusterPhone wireless chargerTwo USB-C ports in every row Exceed grade adds:20-inch alloy wheelsBlack leather seat trimElectric adjustment for driver and front passenger seatsFront and rear seat heating functionDual 14.3-inch screens12-speaker Yamaha stereoRefrigerated console boxGSR grade adds:20-inch black alloy wheelsTwo-tone camel and black leather seat trimFront-seat ventilation functionFront-seat adjustment memory functionSteering wheel and door mirrors adjustment memory functionPanoramic front sun visors with LED lampsBlack headliningIlluminated front scuff platesFront grille LED lightFront and rear light animation patternFront and rear dark bumpersDark grey side stepsBlack door mirrorsBlack wheel-arch mouldingsBlack panoramic roof with sunroofAdaptive Driving Beam systemDigital rear-view mirrorAir conditioner with nanoe X air purifier

Mitsubishi has put itself back in the game, with its new Pajero 4WD.The Japanese brand whipped off the covers of the new rugged off-roader before it heads to Australia later this year.The company has claimed this Pajero will be the most capable and comfortable Pajero to date.Mitsubishi has prioritised Australia which will be the third market to get the new SUV, following Thailand and Japan.After five years in the wilderness the Pajero returns, but it is a lot different from what some might remember.This version is built on a rugged ladder frame, which underpins most off-road focused 4WDs and utes, instead of the car-like monocoque platform of the most recent generations.It shares its underpinnings with the current Triton ute, but Mitsubishi has done a lot of work to make the Pajero a more refined and accomplished daily driver.The chassis is stiffer with greater use of high-quality steel, which increases its stability during cornering but also improves its durability and reliability to better handle the rough stuff.The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up to smooth out bumps and lumps.It uses an evolution of the engine found in the Triton, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder with a variable geometry single turbocharger diesel unit, instead of the bi-turbo set-up of the Triton, which makes 150kW and 480Nm, a jump of 10Nm compared to the Triton.Mitsubishi has also ditched the six-speed auto from the Triton for an eight-ratio gearbox. This will improve performance and help lower fuel use by giving the vehicle more control over the rev range.The new Pajero has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.It is ready to rumble off-road with the company’s Super Select 4WD-II tech, which delivers part time four-wheel drive for on-road driving, full-time four-wheel drive for all conditions and a rear differential lock and a low-range transfer case for heading off the beaten track.There are seven selectable drive modes including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.Rally-bred tech such as Active Yaw Control (AYC) is standard. AYC helps manage the torque delivery to left and right wheels to increase stability when cornering. It is paired with active stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes to help the Pajero manage slippery surfaces.It has chunky proportions with square, muscular haunches and a blocky rear-end. T-shaped headlights linked by a light bar across the bonnet and similar shape tail-lights give it the look of a classic 4WD for the modern age.Mitsubishi has added a throwback to Pajeroes of old with the hexagonal rear design feature to pay homage to the externally rear-mounted spare tyre of previous models. The spare is located under the car now.The Pajero pampers just as much as it can handle punishment.This is the most modern looking Mitsubishi interior by far.Dual 14.3-inch screens - one for the multimedia and the other for the driver’s instruments - dominate the dash.The central screen also houses what the brand calls a Multi Meter, which is a modern, digital version of the old triple meters from previous generations.The new digital readouts will show altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles and left and right torque distribution.But the dashboard in front of the driver is lathered in soft-touch materials and designed to give the feeling of space with its swept-back design. And the built-in grab handle is a throwback to the past.It is built to seat seven, with the third row able to slide up to 150mm and a tumble mechanism for easy access to the last pew.Mitsubishi has thought about people actually using the last row, with what it claims is plenty of headroom and room for feet under the seats in front.Refinement was top of mind during development with increased sound insulation and acoustic glass making it quieter than any Pajero.Other headlining features include three-zone air-conditioning, panoramic sunroof and a 12-speaker Yamaha stereo.Full Australian details and price will be revealed ahead of the cars arrival before the end of the year.

Three new cut-price challengers are on the way to hunt down some of Australia’s favourite dual-cab utes.These newcomers pack some enticing gear with plug-in hybrid power, rugged off-road capability and likely sharp prices in their arsenal to put Ford Ranger, BYD Shark 6 and Toyota HiLux on the menu.Success isn’t guaranteed.Some recent big names such as the Kia Tasman and MG U9 have failed to fire, but these three have a red hot chance.The Chery Stockman is due to arrive at the end of this year, and is the first ute to pack a diesel plug-in hybrid set-up.The Stockman combines a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with an electric motor to deliver 350kW and 800Nm to all four wheels.It can drive up to 100km under electric-only power, but this is calculated via the more lenient NEDC test cycle. Expect closer to 80km when tested to the benchmark WLTP protocol.This combo will be ideal for off-roading and load-lugging, two areas plug-in hybrid workhorses often struggle with.It will have a 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked towing capacity. Chery has not revealed payload yet.Chery has also previously said it would have front, centre and rear diff locks and it should have low gearing for proper off-roading.Chery has had remarkable success in Australia thanks to its sharp pricing, expect no different from the Stockman. This will be backed up by a rapidly expanding dealership network.It also looks mean. Watch out big boys.The Indian brand’s follow-up to the much-maligned Pik-Up has just been revealed and it is a shoe in to come to Australia, with a late 2027 arrival date likely.It is based on a new ladder frame platform, which means it'll be built for hard work.Mahindra hasn’t revealed any official details on the new ute, but it is likely it’ll share a fair bit with the rugged Scorpio SUV.This means a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, six-speed automatic and part-time four-wheel drive are likely.Inside will be plush, with plenty of hi-tech features and top-end finishes.In India it will launch with a starting price of less than 1.98 million Indian Rupee (A$29,300), which is more expensive than the Scorpio, but expect it at less than $50,000 drive-away in Australia.Nissan is going all-in on rugged 4WDs and utes in the next few years, and a big chunk of them will be sourced from China and its partner Dongfeng.The Nissan Frontier Pro ute hasn’t been confirmed for Australia, but it is highly likely the ute will arrive next year to sit alongside the recently launched new Navara.Former Nissan Oceania Managing Director Andrew Humberstone suggested to CarsGuide last year both models would be sold here.It is also believed the Frontier Pro will be called Navara Pro when it lands, following on from its recent reveal in the Philippines.It uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a transmission-mounted electric motor producing a potent 320kW and 800Nm combined. The EV-only range is around 100km WLTP.There is a chance it could spin-off an SUV, so watch out Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.

Australia’s EV revolution is in full swing, with new models arriving en masse and sales skyrocketing, but there are some unexpected challenges facing electric car drivers.A new survey from Allianz Insurance quizzed EV drivers about the biggest pitfalls they have experienced.Surprisingly the biggest challenge was feeling nervous driving around pedestrians and cyclists due to EVs' quieter operations, with 42 per cent of those surveyed admitting to feeling unsettled.Electric cars usually emit a sound at speeds up to 20km/h to alert pedestrians and cyclists that a car is nearby, but above that speed limit it stops and the only sound is the noise of tyres on the road.The next unexpected challenge of driving an EV was the speed the cars accelerate, with 35 per cent concerned about adjusting to the zip of the vehicle.Electric motors, which drive the wheels of an EV, produce torque instantly that allows for rapid acceleration off the mark compared to a petrol- or diesel-powered vehicle.The next biggest challenge was being distracted by the touchscreen. A lot of electric cars from new brands such as Tesla, BYD, Zeekr, Geely and more have removed physical buttons and controls from dashboards and moved the controls into the touchscreen. Most functions now require several touches as a result.Charging issues (19 per cent ) and running out of battery (18 per cent) were the next challenges facing EV drivers.Broken chargers and software glitches can affect whether you are able to charge at certain public locations, with the CarsGuide team experiencing these issues regularly.Electric cars have a fairly accurate readout for battery levels or remaining driving distance, but the lack of charging infrastructure can mean drivers are often caught out with nowhere to refill.Cars often have low power modes to help drivers extend their driving range in such situations. These modes often disable air-conditioning, reduce acceleration speed, increase regenerative braking to maximum and cap the vehicle’s top speed to maintain energy.Chris Wood, Emerging Risks Manager at Allianz Australia, said more Australians are choosing EVs but that comes with a risk if they don’t understand the technology. “While many drivers feel confident transitioning to an EV, our research shows there can still be a learning curve when it comes to understanding some of the unique features and requirements that come with driving an EV,” said Wood.Allianz had some tips for first time EV owners, including talking to those that know, with current owners, dealership teams and motoring experts providing valuable knowledge.They suggested exploring the vehicle’s tech and to practice driving during quieter times.Also work out a regular charging schedule. Charging regularly at home is the best way to manage an electric car. Topping up every few days overnight is ideal with DC fast charging only necessary when really needed.The Australian Electric Vehicle Association is Australia’s oldest EV community and is focused on owners and runs regular information sessions and demonstrations for new owners.

Nissan’s decades old rivalry with the Toyota LandCruiser has been reignited and has hit DEFCON 1.The new Y63 Nissan Patrol will arrive in Australia at the start of 2027 after a two-and-a-half-year wait since its reveal.Now the Japanese brand has confirmed prices and confirmed its beefed-up six-tier Patrol range.Customers can now put down a deposit for a specific grade with their local dealer. Nissan hasn’t set a deposit amount as it will be up to the specific dealer, but expect something in the range of $500-$1000.The big news? Nissan’s Patrol is cheaper, more powerful and better equipped than the equivalent Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.The Ti grade kicks things off at $98,990 (before on-road costs), which is $2450 more expensive than the base Y62 Patrol grade. It is also $350 cheaper than the base LandCruiser GX. Full pricing table below.The Patrol continues to undercut the equivalent LandCruiser throughout its line-up, with the new-to-Australia off-road-focused Pro-4X grade severely cheaper than the LandCruiser GR Sport.The only other carry-over grade from the Y62 range is the Ti-L, which is about $14,000 more expensive than before but is complemented by the cheaper new Ti+ grade.It’s old news now, but the outgoing Patrol’s V8 petrol engine is no more. In its place is a twin-turbo 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine that makes 317kW and 700Nm. This is matched to a nine-speed auto, and a full time 4WD set-up that has low and high gears.The Patrol has an electronic locking rear differential and eight different drive modes.All grades also have some hi-tech off-roading features such as an invisible bonnet view, which gives drivers an idea of what is beneath them as they cross rough terrain.Nissan also promotes a scavenger oil pump, which helps keep lubrication on steep or off-camber climbs.Nissan has confirmed towing capacity is 3700kg, and trailer blind spot warning is fitted standard across the range. Higher grades build on the towing prowess with trailer docking support and electric brake controller.Payload, fuel use and details won’t be known until closer to the vehicle’s launch date.The addition of the Pro-4X grade also puts into doubt the potential for a locally tuned Warrior version.The Pro-4X is the brand’s new off-road hero with adaptive air suspension and auto damper control that reads the road ahead and adjusts suspension accordingly.It has all-terrain tyres, unique front bumper, trailer docking support and electric trailer brake controller.There is no locally tuned Patrol Warrior grade for now, with the brand stating it is actively investigating a Warrior, but it wouldn’t commit to the rugged 4WD.One of Nissan’s biggest selling points over the LandCruiser is its service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, compared to six months or 10,000km. Nissan charges $499 per visit for the first five scheduled workshop appointments, which costs about $2000 less than the LandCruiser over the first five years.Nissan also backs its cars with a 10 year/300,000km conditional warranty, which requires owners to service their vehicle at a Nissan dealership or it reverts to a five year/unlimited km guarantee.All grades come with dual 12.3-inch displays, one for the multimedia the other for the driver’s instruments, Google built-in, which includes Google Maps, and Gemini AI assistant that can control certain car functions.The base Ti grade has:18-inch alloy wheels 360-degree cameraThree-zone climate controlSynthetic leather seats and leather Synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheelStepping up to the Ti+ gets you:Panoramic sunroofPrivacy glassPower tailgateRoof railsRain-sensing wipersDigital rear-view mirrorTi-L buyers can expect all that and more, including:14.3-inch dual screens12-speaker Klipsch stereoHead-up displayIntelligent Dynamic Damping (e-Damper) suspension, which continuously adjusts suspension to driving and road conditions20-inch alloy wheelsRotating view 360-degree cameraTi-L+ grade adds:Leather and synthetic leather seat upholsteryHeated and ventilated front seatsMassage driver’s seatHeated steering wheelCentre console cool boxBiometric Cooling with in-built pollen and particulate filterMulti-colour ambient interior illuminationPro-4X builds on the Ti-L grade with:Adaptive Air Suspension with Intelligent Dynamic Damping (e-Damper)20-inch black-painted alloy wheelsAll-terrain tyresPRO-4X unique off-road front bumper fasciaCentre console cool boxHeated and ventilated front row seatsHeated steering wheelTrailer docking supportElectric trailer brake controllerBiometric Cooling with in-built pollen and particulate filterRange-topping Ti-L Reserve boasts the Ti-L+’s kit and:Adaptive Air Suspension with Intelligent Dynamic Damping (e-Damper)22-inch step-machined alloy wheelsTrailer docking supportElectric trailer brake controllerDual 12.8-inch second-row entertainment screensDriver and front passenger massage seats

Chery has confirmed it's adding another sub-brand to its growing arsenal in Australia.New adventure-focused iCaur brand will join Chery, Jaecoo, Omoda and Lepas in the carmaking giant’s local line-up. Chery will also likely launch Freelander and maybe Exceed in the next few years. Its Jetour off-roader brand will arrive later this year via a separate factory-backed entity.iCaur Australia boss Kate Gillis said Australians have a strong desire for vehicles that are practical, capable and good looking.“The V25 has been developed to meet those expectations while bringing a distinctive personality that will appeal to customers looking for something different,” said Gillis.The V25 features tough-looks with light off-roading ability.The company confirmed it will launch early in 2027, with the V25 the first model to join the line-up. It will go head-to-head with the Denza B5 and Subaru Forester in Australia and Toyota LandCruiser FJ in other markets.iCaur Australia hasn’t revealed any details for the V25, but specs have emerged in China.A filing to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) last month showed the V25 is an extended range hybrid (EREV).An EREV uses the petrol engine just to charge the sizable battery, with only electric motors driving the wheels. This gives it the driving benefits of an EV but without the range anxiety.It uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 115kW, and a 33.68kWh battery delivers an electric driving range of up to 150km albeit under the more lenient CLTC test cycle.According to the MIIT’s details, the V25 is 4636mm long, 1920mm wide, 1855mm tall, has a 1820mm wheelbase and has a track width of 1635mm at the front, 1642mm at the rear.Overhangs of 736mm at the front and 1080mm at the rear are also quoted, though an approach angle of 28 degrees and a departure angle of 24 degrees have also been reported.In China iCaur has the V23 and V27. The V23 is an electric SUV that uses a single electric motor to make 155kW and 292Nm. It is paired with a circa 82kWh battery that delivers a driving range of up to 430km. It can only charge at a max 104kW via a DC charger.The V27 is a bigger, chunkier tough-looking SUV, which uses an extended range hybrid set-up.A 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine charges the 34.3kWh battery, with power coming from a pair of electric motors driving each axle, which combine for 335kW and 505Nm.

Japan’s carmakers are finding ways to fight back against the growing might of Chinese auto brands.Outside of Toyota most Japanese carmakers are not big enough, or rich enough, to balloon out to the size of some of the new Chinese powerhouses.Relatively small manufacturers such as Mazda, Mitsubishi and Subaru don’t have the resources to overhaul their collective ranges and invest in electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid technology all at once.Instead they are borrowing from others. Subaru joined forces with Toyota to build EVs, Mazda with China’s Changan and Mitsubishi with Taiwan's Foxtron, the latter is part of the company that builds iPhones.They now have the tech but predicting demand for electric cars is proving difficult for all manufacturers.Mazda and Subaru have found the solution.Mazda is developing a new way of producing cars that would allow one production line to make internal-combustion engined vehicles, hybrids and electric vehicles depending on demand.Subaru is also working on flexible production lines to help it make the most of its modest production resources, without having to build new factories or re-tool old ones.This would help the pair adjust to lulls in EV demand without having to mothball production lines, which has impacted other major makers such as Ford and Volkswagen.Subaru Managing Executive Officer Ikuo Watanabe told US outlet Autonews it would be able to adapt to changes in tariffs of exchange rate fluctuations to shuffle production between factories around the world.“Demand trends are uncertain and we cannot predict which powertrain, battery-electric, hybrid or internal combustion engine, will sell well and when,” Watanabe said. “Making an investment decision on one specific technology poses the greatest risk.”Mazda has pushed back its own in-house developed electric cars until 2029, with it instead relying on Changan’s production to deliver its reskinned EVs. Hybrid versions of its CX-5 SUV won’t arrive in the US until late 2027 before rolling out to other markets, including Australia.But it already has a plan in place to build all its different powered vehicles on the same line when they are available towards the end of the decade.Former Toyota boss and now head of Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Koji Sato recently called for the country’s carmakers to join forces or risk oblivion, according to Autonews.“Unless things change, we will not survive,” Sato said. He is calling for all brands to have uniform parts to help reduce costs and complexity across the industry.Japan’s automakers believe this will help them tackle China’s scale and speed.

Toyota’s RAV4 hybrid was the best-selling vehicle in July and is on target to be the best selling non-ute in the nation in 2026. But there is a stylish RAV4-based alternative held back from Australia.Dubbed the Toyota Harrier, the coupe-style mid-size SUV is based on the RAV4 and sold in Japan and some other Asian right-hand drive markets. It - unlike the RAV4 - hasn’t been updated yet and is due for a makeover in the next 12 months to bring it inline with the new RAV4.The Harrier is built on Toyota's TNGA-K platform, which spawns the RAV4, Camry and several Lexus models, including the NX and RX.This means it’ll likely follow in the RAV4’s footsteps and have conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid power.Hybrid versions use a 2.5-litre petrol-electric combo to make 143kW in both front- and all-wheel drive layouts. Fuel use is a miserly 4.5L/100km, or 0.1L/100km more for heavier AWD examples.Plug-in hybrid versions add a bigger battery, a more powerful electric motor for a total of 272kW and an electric-only driving range of up to 121km calculated via the benchmark WLTP standard.Fuel use is a claimed 0.7L/100km, but this requires owners to constantly have the battery with a substantial amount of charge, as fuel use rises dramatically when the battery is depleted.Toyota has form selling two SUVs in the same category, with its conventionally-styled Corolla Cross SUV and design-focused C-HR.The Corolla Cross is by far the more popular, but the C-HR pulls in a different demographic.Toyota could apply that same logic to mid-size SUVs that demand a bigger slice of the Australian car buying pie.SUVs account for 65 per cent of all new vehicles sold in Australia, and is the only body style growing in popularity in 2026. So brands are investing more in SUVs and expanding line-ups.Toyota hasn’t officially revealed the Harrier yet, but expect it to borrow heavily from the RAV4 and the new Corolla Cross.Unofficial digital renders published online show the Harrier wearing the same lattice work grille as the new RAV4 and Corolla Cross, as well as sharp LED headlights and body character lines seen on several new Toyotas.The big difference is the coupe-style rear end with a floating roofline, which is in a similar vein to the smaller C-HR.Full length tail-lights could be an option, too.

Electric cars are about to change forever as another brand confirms solid-state battery trials in 2027 that put 1000km-plus driving ranges within striking distance.Geely is joining BYD and battery giant CATL in installing futuristic solid-state batteries in vehicles next year, according to Chinese reports.The Chinese behemoth said it would roll out the tech across its brands, which include Geely, Polestar, Volvo, Zeekr and more.Solid-state batteries are often touted as the holy grail of EV cells, they are more energy dense, faster to charge, work better in cold temperatures and are less prone to fire than conventional units.This means brands can install smaller batteries for similar driving range to current EVs, which means they are lighter, more efficient and less of a strain on resources.The reduction in weight and improved packaging that goes with smaller batteries also opens up the possibility of electric performance cars, utes and 4WDs that are all hamstrung by excess weight of current EVs.Makers can also choose to keep the batteries the same size as current units and effectively double the vehicle’s driving range.Driving ranges of more than 1000km have been claimed for the future electric vehicles fitted with these batteries.Geely announced earlier this year that it would start production of its own solid-state batteries after a validation process before installing the new battery type in vehicles for next year.Some reports put Geely’s new cells at 500Wh per kg, which is more than double the average battery.It is also more than double the Golden Brick battery found in some Zeekr 7X models, which have a driving range of close to 500km.The Golden Brick is also immensely fast to charge and suck up 450kW of juice when connected to an appropriate DC charger.This solid-state battery could push the driving range of popular EVs such as the Geely EX5, Volvo EX60 and Zeekr 7X well beyond 1000km.So far no Chinese brand has publicly revealed the results of its solid-state trails, which pours cold water on the idea the batteries will arrive soon and change the game.European makers BMW and Mercedes-Benz have shown off what their prototypes can do.In August 2025, Mercedes-Benz completed a trip from Stuttgart in Germany to Malmo, Sweden without charging.The trip covered 1205km and the prototype vehicle had 130km of range left when it reached its location.Mercedes-Benz Chief Technology Officer Markus Schafer said he wants to have this tech in production vehicles before the end of the decade.“The solid-state battery is a true game-changer for electric mobility. With the successful long-distance drive of the EQS, we show that this technology delivers not only in the lab but also on the road."Our goal is to bring innovations like this into series production by the end of the decade and offer our customers a new level of range and comfort,” said Schafer.The reality is the tech will come, but it will likely be expensive and reserved for high-end cars before trickling down to more mainstream models.Audi engineers previously told CarsGuide they might never be mainstream and will be a niche application because they are too hard to manufacture currently.