Articles by Jack Quick

Nissan Australia is soon set to finally roll out the facelift for its popular X-Trail mid-size SUV.

Toyota Motor Corporation officials have confirmed the production version of the Lexus Sport concept will be powered by a twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine.

Mazda shrugs off challenges to its top-three placing in Australia, saying it is the least of its concerns.

Mazda PHEV sales have fallen off a cliff - here's what the brand is doing about it.

We’ve waited years for a smaller LandCruiser to be revealed and now that it has, the little off-roader has been ruled out for an Australian launch in its current form.The Toyota LandCruiser FJ was revealed a week ago and made its public debut at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.Speaking to Australian media, Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley admitted the reason it’s not launching in Australia is due to its 2.7-litre petrol engine which only adheres to Euro 5 emissions regulations.“The LandCruiser name in Australia would be very appealing, but the hardcore reality is we are facing in our country… variable regulations, new criterias, new vehicle efficiency standards,” said Hanley.“We have to look very carefully at our product portfolio. What do we think we’re going to need? What are we going to sell in numbers? What do customers want and need?“Customers need that bigger LandCruiser. Customers need that LandCruiser ute. Customers need that HiLux."“So we’ve got to be very carefully planned on our product portfolio moving forward.”Hanley also noted that the recently imposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) in Australia isn’t the reason why it’s not launching locally.“It’s not about NVES, it’s just about regulations,” said Hanley.“We’re moving to Euro 6 emissions standards. That’s the reality.”The Australia Federal Government is set to enforce that all new vehicles sold from December 2025 must comply with Euro 6d emissions standards. This replaces the existing Euro 5 measures.The LandCruiser FJ is powered by a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that’s rated as a Euro 5 engine.It also features in the entry-level versions of the current-generation HiLux ute.Hanley said if the LandCruiser FJ’s engine was rated to Euro 6 standards, he would be considering it for an Australian launch.“If it was Euro 6, I would reconsider it,” said Hanley.“If it does turn out to be a Euro 6 engine, and if it does turn out to be that way, which it could … then that’s something we could re-examine.”The Toyota LandCruiser FJ is built on the company’s IMV platform which already underpins the likes of the HiLux Champ ute that’s offered in South East Asia.It measures in at 4575mm long, 1855mm wide, 1960mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2580mm, which is around the same size as a RAV4.At this stage the LandCruiser FJ is set to launch in certain markets, including Japan, in 2026.

Toyota reveals new ultra-high-end brand.

You know it’s motor show time when a brand whips out a six-wheeled vehicle alongside a single-seater autonomous vehicle.Lexus has pulled out all the stops at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, revealing a total of five concepts.The company has also used the motor show to announce it is repositioning itself even further upwards in terms of luxury. This is despite Century now having been spun out from Toyota as a flagship ultra-luxury brand.The LS sedan was Lexus’ first vehicle back in 1989. The current, fifth-generation version is on its last legs and is slated to be axed soon.At this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, the company has shown off a number of different interpretations of what this vehicle or vehicle series could morph into in the future.LS historically stood for ‘Luxury Sedan’, however, Lexus is now calling it ‘Luxury Space’.One of the wildest concepts at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show is simply called the Lexus LS concept. It’s a six-wheel people mover which has larger front wheels and two sets of smaller rear wheels.Lexus claims the six wheels allow for maximised interior space and comfort.The second and third rows can be configured to allow for sitting forward or facing each other.It’s clear the LM people mover has been successful as Lexus sees potential for an even higher-end people mover.Conversely, Lexus has also revealed the LS Micro concept which takes all the elements of the full-blown six-wheeler LS concept but puts it in a single-seater fully autonomous vehicle.This three-wheeled autonomous vehicle concept is essentially a pod with a business class lounge seat. It’s designed for point-to-point driving in urban areas where larger cars won’t fit.The front door opens like a jewellery box, allowing you to climb in. There’s also a cargo area at the back that opens, revealing space for special Lexus carry-on baggage.Additionally, the company also revealed the LS Coupe concept which is a high-riding sedan crossover of sorts. It’s claimed to offer sporty, dynamic looks, with a luxurious and expansive interior space.The driver’s seat has been created to prioritise a sporty feel with prominent bolsters, whereas the passenger seats prioritise comfort.Inside the driver has stacked screens that act as the digital instrument cluster and multimedia system, plus a yoke-style steering wheel.Second-row passengers can interact with screens on the back of the front seat backrests.Externally there is a drone built into the roof that can be deployed, as well as a pull-out draw for the boot.Another concept Lexus unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show is a further iteration of its Sport concept. This was first revealed earlier this year at the Quail as part of Monterey Car Week in the US.This latest concept, however, features updated exterior aerodynamic detailing, while the interior features an overtly driver-centric two-seater cockpit.Lastly Lexus unveiled its autonomous Catamaran concept which the company is using as an expression of another version of ‘Luxury Space’.At this stage it’s unclear whether Lexus will put any of these concepts into production.

Meet the new Toyota Corolla.

Mazda’s new, entry-level versions of the CX-60 mid-size SUV with the 2.5-litre petrol engine are only launching in Australia now, but it’s been available in other markets since its launch.

Mazda has just confirmed it’s re-entering the electric vehicle (EV) game in Australia during 2026 with the 6e liftback, however, no further EV launches have been locked in yet.