Articles by Jack Quick

GWM Australia has confirmed the pricing and specifications of its new Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid (PHEV) dual-cab ute.Thanks to a limited-time offer that allows $2000 off that runs out on October 31, 2026, the 2026 GWM Cannon Hi4-T line-up starts at $47,990 drive-away for ABN holders or $48,990 drive-away for private buyers.This undercuts the likes of the JAC Hunter PHEV and BYD Shark 6, making it Australia's cheapest PHEV ute.The 2026 GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV has differing pricing for ABN holders and private buyers.The line-up is priced as follows:All prices are drive-awayIn lieu of the $2000 promotional drive-away bonus, customers can instead choose to receive a $2000 fuel card.The 2026 GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that’s paired with an electric motor for total system outputs of 310kW and 750Nm.The electric motor is fed by a 33.1kWh battery that allows for up to 115km of NEDC-claimed electric range. Adding the 75-litre fuel tank, the overall claimed range is 1037km.This battery pack allows for DC fast-charging at rates up to 110kW, meaning a 30 to 80 per cent charge can take as little as 18 minutes.There is a nine-speed hybrid transmission with drive sent through a torque-on-demand four-wheel drive system. There’s also an electronic rear differential lock as standard.Despite the big battery, the Cannon Hi4-T PHEV still offers a 3500kg braked towing capacity. Payload is 835kg, gross vehicle mass (GVM) is 3420kg and the gross combined mass (GCM) is 6400kg.The 2026 GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV comes in two trim levels, Lux and Ultra.The Lux come standard with the following:18-inch black alloy wheelsFull-size steel spare wheelExterior black packLED headlightsRear privacy glass10.25-inch digital instrument cluster15.6-inch touchscreen multimedia systemWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoSix-speaker sound systemElectric park brakeWireless phone chargerSynthetic leather upholsterySix-way manually adjustable driver’s seatFour-way manually adjustable front-passenger seatThe Ultra adds the following:Electronic sunroofInterior ambient lightingFootwell lampUSB for dashcamAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorHeated steering wheelLeather-accented upholsterySix-way power-adjustable driver’s seatFour-way power-adjustable front-passenger seatHeated and ventilated front seatsWhile the regular diesel-powered versions of the GWM Cannon have a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the Hi4-T PHEV versions haven’t been tested yet and remain unrated for now.The following safety equipment is standard:Seven airbags, including centre airbagAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Blind-spot monitoringRear cross-traffic alertLane-keep assistAdaptive cruise controlDriver attention monitoringReversing cameraRear parking sensorsStepping up to the Ultra brings the following:Surround-view cameraFront parking sensors

Forthing is yet another new Chinese brand that has officially arrived Down Under. It's being imported by Ateco Automotive which also sells Renault, Ram and LDV in Australia. Forthing's first model in Australia is the Taikon 5, which is a mid-size SUV available in both electric and range-extender hybrid guises. Does it have enough pull to draw your attention away from a BYD, Chery or Geely?

The first model from GWM’s premium sub-brand, Wey, has been approved for sale in Australia ahead of its expected launch in the fourth quarter of 2026.This is the GWM Wey G9, which is a people mover that has been offered in China since 2023.At this stage GWM hasn’t officially announced that the Wey G9 will be launching in Australia, but if it does it will form as a rival to the likes of the BYD M9, GAC M8 and Kia Carnival, among others.According to government approval documents, the GWM Wey G9 has been approved for local sale in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) guises.The hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors. Total system output is 263kW.The PHEV powertrain, on the other hand, pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors. Despite having a smaller engine, it has a higher total system output of 325kW.Given the dual electric motors on each axle this means that both versions of the Wey G9 are all-wheel drive.The approval documents don’t list the battery pack the PHEV version will havem, but globally there is a 38kWh and 44.5kWh unit available. This offers up to 140km and 170km of electric range, respectively, according to lenient CLTC testing.There is little else new information about the GWM Wey G9 in the local approval documents beyond the weights and dimensions.The hybrid version has a tare mass of 2504kg and a gross vehicle mass of 3165kg, whereas the PHEV version has a tare mass of 2759kg and a gross vehicle mass of 3355kg.The hybrid version has a braked towing capacity of 1500kg, whereas the PHEV isn’t allowed to tow at all.The GWM Wey G9 measures in at 5055mm long, 1985mm wide and 1925mm tall, with a 3085mm wheelbase. This makes it slightly shorter but taller than the Kia Carnival.According to the local approval documents, all versions of the Wey G9 will come with 18-inch alloy wheels.GWM has confirmed it will launch the Wey sub-brand in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2026 and it’s expected the G9 people mover will be the first model given it has now been approved for local sale.It’s expected the G9 won’t be the only Wey model on offer Down Under. It has previously said that large SUVs and people movers will be the focus.The brand recently launched the V9X large SUV in China. It debuted a new architecture called the GWM ONE platform.It’s powered by a PHEV powertrain that in top-spec form offers total system outputs of up to 550kW and 930Nm, as well as a battery pack that’s up to 80kWh in capacity. This allows for up to 470km of CLTC-claimed electric range.If the GWM Wey V9X comes to Australia it will form as a rival to the Denza B8 and Zeekr 8X, as well as the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

BYD is recalling 32,009 examples of its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) dual-cab ute in Australia due to the potential abnormal wear of the spare wheel assembly.This recall affects BYD Shark 6 examples produced between August 29, 2024 and June 15, 2026.BYD has clarified that this recall doesn’t relate to all Shark 6 examples and only certain examples.“For involved vehicles, BYD has identified that in certain circumstances incorrect installation of the spare wheel, incorrect positioning of the spare wheel tray or insufficient fastening torque may cause abnormal wear of the spare wheel support cable,” said BYD Australia in its recall notice.“Continued movement and friction during vehicle operation may cause the cable to fail, resulting in spare wheel detachment.“This may create a hazard to other road users and potentially cause serious injury or death.”If you own an affected vehicle, BYD will replace the spare wheel lifter assembly with an updated design, free of charge.BYD estimates that this fix will take around 30 minutes, but this depends on the dealer’s work schedule.BYD Australia is urging Shark 6 owners that are affected by this recall to remove the spare wheel from their vehicle if they wish to continue driving it.The company will contact affected Shark 6 owners and provide details regarding the recall. It urges owners to keep their contact information up to date.This notification will come via an email, but customers with the BYD app may also receive a notification there.From here you will be prompted to contact your BYD dealer as soon as possible.If you have further questions, you can contact BYD Customer Care on 1800 888 298 from Monday to Friday 9:30am-5:30pm AEST.

Kia has sharpened the price for one of its most popular SUVs.The outgoing version of the Kia Seltos is now in run-out in Australia and the company is offering a series of drive-away pricing offers.These drive-away pricing offers span the entire line-up and are valid until September 30 and while dealer stock lasts.With this in mind, the 2026 Kia Seltos line-up is currently priced as follows:Kia Seltos S FWD: $33,990Kia Seltos Sport FWD: $37,590Kia Seltos Sport+ FWD: $40,690Kia Seltos Sport+ AWD: $43,940Kia Seltos GT-Line FWD: $46,790Kia Seltos GT-Line AWD: $49,640All prices are drive-awayBeyond the Seltos, Kia Australia is offering plenty of other offers and deals on the Picanto, Stonic, K4, EV3, EV4, EV5, Sportage, Sorento, Carnival and Tasman.The outgoing Kia Seltos is currently available in four trim levels - S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line.All versions are available with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 110kW and 180Nm. It’s mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels only.The Sport+ and GT-Line trims can also be had with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 146kW and 265Nm. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with drive sent through an all-wheel drive system.There is no hybrid powertrain available, like many of its rivals, but this will change with the new-generation model that will land soon.The outgoing Kia Seltos first launched in 2019 and it received a facelift in 2022.A new-generation model was revealed in 2025 and will launch in Australia before the end of 2026.Locally this new-generation model will be hybrid-only and be direct competition to the Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona, among others.According to local approval filings, both front- and all-wheel drive hybrid versions have been approved for sale.Both come with a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor set-up. Total system output is 118kW for the front-wheel drive and 169kW for the all-wheel drive.The Kia Seltos has historically been one of the South Korean carmaker’s best-selling vehicles.In 2025 a total of 9223 Seltos examples were sold, which is up 18.6 per cent year-on-year. It was only outsold by the Kia Carnival (10,948 sales) and the Sportage (19,137 sales).Until the end of August, a total of 4458 examples have been sold, which is down 27.3 per cent year-on-year.For context, a total of 16,916 Hyundai Kona examples, 15,033 GWM Haval Jolion examples, 11,822 MG ZS examples, 8779 Toyota Corolla Cross examples and 5210 Subaru Crosstrek examples were sold over the same period.

MG is temporarily giving $2000 cash back on its MG4 Urban electric hatchback so it now starts under $30,000.Until September 30, the MG4 Urban line-up is priced as follows:MG4 Urban Essence 43: $29,990MG4 Urban Essence 54: $32,990All prices are drive-awayThis promotional drive-away pricing for the MG4 Urban Essence 43 makes it more affordable than the GAC Aion UT Premium and puts it on par with the entry-level BYD Dolphin Essential.However, it’s worth noting the Geely EX2 and BYD Atto 1 are both available for cheaper, but they offer less range.MG Motor Australia has also announced it will have a stall at the Everything Electric show in Sydney from September 18-20.If you place an order for an MG4 Urban you’ll also get a $500 charging card in addition to the cash back offer.Beyond this, if you put down a $1000 deposit at the show for an MG IM5 sedan or IM6 SUV, you’ll get access to a $5000 cashback. This adds the existing $3000 cash back offer with an additional $2000 Everything Electric cash back offer.This will price the MG IM models as follows:MG IM5 Premium: $55,990MG IM5 Platinum: $62,990MG IM5 Performance: $72,990MG IM6 Premium: $55,990MG IM6 Platinum: $62,990MG IM6 Performance: 72,990All prices are drive-awayThe MG4 Urban is the Chinese carmaker’s newest entry-level electric vehicle (EV) and it sits below the standard MG4.It launched locally earlier in 2026 as a more city- and budget-focused offering to compete against the likes of the BYD Dolphin, GAC Aion UT and Geely EX2, among others.All versions of the MG4 Urban are front-wheel drive, unlike the rear-wheel drive MG4, and there are two different battery packs available, a 43kW and a 54kWh unit. They offer up to 316km and 405km of WLTP-claimed electric range, respectively.Until the end of August a total of 2604 MG4 Urban examples were sold. Over this same time a total of 3838 BYD Atto 1 examples, 3068 BYD Dolphin examples, 1753 Geely EX2 examples and 572 GAC Aion UT examples were sold.

Toyota Australia has introduced a factory-backed solution to help prevent theft of its vehicles.A secondary immobiliser genuine accessory is now available to purchase for current-generation LandCruiser 300 Series and Prado 250 Series vehicles at Toyota dealers for $1735 fitted.Toyota is currently studying whether it will widen the number of models it’s offering this factory-approved secondary immobiliser to.The Japanese carmaker has been rolling out improvements and enhancements to its vehicle security systems. These not only include the LandCruiser 300 Series and Prado, but also the HiLux and RAV4.The secondary immobiliser system is claimed to enhance the security offered in the standard, factory-fitted immobiliser.It provides an additional layer of vehicle start authentication and is designed so the vehicle cannot be started without the immobiliser key fob in range.There’s also an independently powered siren with a battery backup. It’s designed to activate in response to unauthorised actions and provides an audible deterrent even if the vehicle’s primary electrical power is disconnected.Although this secondary immobiliser does provide another layer of vehicle security, Toyota claims it still doesn’t guarantee complete theft protection.The introduction of this secondary immobiliser genuine accessory comes off the back of rising vehicle thefts.According to the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), motor theft claims rose 2.5 per cent nationally in 2025. Victoria in particular recorded a 25 per cent increase in 2025.Many vehicles, including Toyota vehicles, with keyless entry systems have been targeted recently as there are devices that allow thieves to get around the vehicle’s security system.Toyota Australia says it is still collaborating with law enforcement agencies, industry and government agencies to promote the banning of devices used to facilitate vehicle theft.Toyota Australia still promotes the regulation of legitimate devices used by locksmiths, mechanics and other automotive professionals.

JAC has officially confirmed it is launching a cab-chassis version of its new Hunter PHEV dual-cab ute in Australia in early 2027.This new JAC Hunter PHEV cab-chassis will perform as a direct rival to the recently introduced BYD Shark 6 Dynamic cab-chassis.The Chinese carmaker claims this particular version of the Hunter PHEV has been developed with tradies, farmers and fleet operators in mind.With the lack of a tub this allows for a tray, canopy, toolbox or specialised body can fitted to the rear of the ute.Pricing and final specifications will be confirmed closer to the launch, as well as the genuine body and tray options.“More than half of the prospective fleet customers we are speaking with want a cab-chassis,” said JAC Motors Australia Managing Director Ahmed Mahmoud.“That is a clear signal that Australian businesses are looking for a more flexible PHEV work platform.”This forthcoming, cab-chassis version of the Hunter PHEV will sit alongside the traditional versions with a tub that have only just started arriving at local dealers.It will also sit alongside the turbo-diesel-powered T9 cab-chassis that launched locally late last year. It’s offered in entry-level Tradepro, as well as Oasis guises.It’s expected the JAC Hunter PHEV cab-chassis will retain the same powertrain as the existing examples with a tub.It marries together a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors for total system outputs of 360kW and 1010Nm. There’s also a 31.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that’s claimed to allow for up to 100km of NEDC-claimed electric range.A 3500kg braked towing capacity, as well as the 3.3kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) system are also expected to carry over to the cab-chassis version.At this stage it’s unclear whether JAC is planning to offer multiple Hunter PHEV cab-chassis trims, but regardless it will likely undercut the Shark 6 in terms of price.The entry-level JAC Hunter PHEV Pro is currently $49,988, before on-road costs, whereas the BYD Shark 6 Dynamic cab-chassis is $55,900, before on-road costs.

China’s Forthing has just launched its first model in Australia and it plans to launch at least three more over the next 18 months.The Taikon 5 electric (EV) and range-extender hybrid (REEV) mid-size SUV is the brand’s first model, but it will be following it up with a people mover. It similarly will be offered with EV and REEV powertrains.This Forthing people mover will likely be the Yacht/Xinghai V6. It’s unclear what the Chinese carmaker will call this model in Australia.This forthcoming Forthing people mover will be displayed in prototype form at the Sydney Everything Electric show from September 18 to 20.Forthing has confirmed it will launch a larger SUV in 2028.It’s unclear what this model will be yet as the Chinese carmaker globally doesn’t offer any larger SUV than the mid-size Taikon 5.Beyond this, another model of an undisclosed body type is bound for Australia.Forthing Australia National Manager Shaun Garrard said the brand currently doesn’t have any ute in the works for Down Under.“There isn’t currently a ute model in the pipeline for Forthing, but again, we’re open to considering any product that Forthing wants to develop for Australia,” said Garrard.This seemingly rules out the Forthing P6 and P8 dual-cab utes that are offered in China.Forthing is a Chinese carmaker that’s part of China’s giant Dongfeng Motor Group that globally has joint venture partnerships with Nissan, Honda and Stellantis.It was introduced in China in 20001 but recently has been expanding its reach in export markets. The brand is being imported by Ateco in Australia, which also distributes LDV, Renault and Ram vehicles, among others, locally.The Forthing Taikon 5, which is currently in the midst of a trademark infringement issue regarding its name, is the brand’s first vehicle in Australia and it’s available in both EV and REEV trims. Pricing starts at $36,990 drive-away.This sees it compete directly with the likes of the BYD Sealion 6, Leapmotor C10, Geely EX5 and Starray EM-i, as well as the Jaecoo J7.

China’s Forthing has just launched its first model in Australia and it is temporarily avoiding the use of its name due to an ongoing trademark infringement issue.The Forthing Taikon 5 electrified mid-size SUV was confirmed for an Australian launch earlier this year. Due to an ongoing trademark battle, which originated in New Zealand, it is now referred to as either the Forthing Electric or Forthing Range Extender Hybrid.“We’ve taken this temporary and precautionary step in Australia due to a trademark infringement issue that’s been raised by Porsche AG in another market that alleges that consumers could mistake a Forthing vehicle for some Porsche vehicles,” said Forthing Australia National Manager Shaun Garrard.“We are flattered Porsche feels this way and that they’ve expressed such strong interest in the Forthing brand, but until the issue is resolved, we’ll focus on promoting Forthing brand predominantly, as opposed to the Taikon 5.”“Now, this is just a risk mitigation approach for our marketing and our media in Australia, so it has reduced the speed at which we've been able to get our national advertising campaign up and running in Australia.”For the time being Forthing has commenced deliveries of the Taikon 5, but on all marketing materials the Taikon 5 badging has been removed.Forthing has said it is not instructing dealers to remove the Taikon 5 badging from customer vehicles.At this stage Forthing is expecting the trademark infringement issue to be resolved by the end of 2026. However, Porsche is successful with its opposition, it may require a rename of the car in Australia.Globally versions of this car are called the Friday, Leiting, T-Five and even simply the 5. None of these names have been trademarked by Forthing in Australia yet.Forthing is part of the ginormous Dongfeng Motor Group which globally has joint venture partnerships with Nissan, Honda and Stellantis.It was introduced in China in 2001 but recently has been expanding its reach in export markets. The brand is being imported by Ateco in Australia, which also distributes LDV, Renault and Ram vehicles, among others, locally.The Forthing Taikon 5 is the brand’s first vehicle in Australia and it’s available in both electric and range-extender hybrid (REEV) trims. Pricing starts at $36,990 drive-away.This sees it compete directly with the likes of the BYD Sealion 6, Leapmotor C10, Geely EX5 and Starray EM-i, as well as the Jaecoo J7.