Articles by Jack Quick

Kia is readying a major update to its Tasman ute to hopefully fix sales that have been softer than originally anticipated in Australia.The Tasman, which was revealed in 2024 and launched locally last year, was one of the most anticipated new vehicle launches for the South Korean carmaker to date, especially from an Australian perspective.The ute’s exterior design has polarised the public with some loving its boxy looks and plush interior, whereas others lament the awkward headlight placement, among other points.So far Australian sales haven’t met targets. Initially it was targeting 20,000 sales per year, but after the first four months of 2026 it’s on track to only sell around 5000 examples this year.Kia has already confirmed a mid-life update is in the works and this may be fast-tracked. No exact timeframe has been provided yet, but it could be as soon as next year.It’s unclear what exactly is set to change in terms of the design with this update, though the Tasman Weekender concept revealed at last year’s Seoul motor show could preview what’s coming.It featured custom front and rear bumpers with lime green accents, body-coloured wheel arches, among a litany of off-road accessories.As previously reported, focus groups and surveys have been sent out to Tasman owners in Australia on what they like and what they’d like to see improved."We've been quite vocal, and we always have been with this car in particular," a Kia spokesperson recently told CarsGuide."We're very vocal with our superiors, and up front. We're definitely being very deliberate in what we think might be hampering its sales performance."If we want to be a third of the total production volume, they've got to be receptive.”As it currently stands, the Tasman is only powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine in Australia. In South Korea there’s a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.It’s understood a hybrid is in the works and it could feature the aforementioned 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors.This ‘TMED-II’ engine already features in the Hyundai Palisade and is expected to roll out to other models within the Hyundai Motor Group.For now we’ll need to wait and see whether more information about this update to the Tasman arises in the coming months.

Ineos is still pushing to launch its follow-up model to the Grenadier off-roader later this decade despite delays.As reported by Autocar, Ineos Automotive CEO Lynn Calder said the smaller Fusilier off-road SUV will launch “probably by 2028”.The British carmaker will reportedly lean on partnerships with other brands to help simplify and speed up the development process.“We're not building any other cars from the ground up, like we have with the Grenadier,” said Calder to Autocar.“Now for us, it is about technology sharing, and once we have got that set, we will be able to bring more models to market in shorter order.”Previous reports have indicated the Fusilier will come with a range-extender (REEV) powertrain that is sourced from Chery’s iCar brand, which is known as iCaur in international markets.The iCaur V27, which has been confirmed for an Australian launch in 2027, features either a single- or dual-electric motor setup with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that acts purely as a generator to charge up the battery pack.Maximum power is up to 335kW and, depending on the battery size, it offers up to 210km of electric range, according to lenient CLTC testing.Ineos hasn’t officially confirmed if the Fusilier will receive this iCar REEV powertrain, nor any other partnerships it has made to bring the car to life.The British carmaker first revealed imagery of the Fusilier in early 2024 and confirmed that production would commence around 2027. This was later postponed.Unlike the Grenadier, which is a rugged, body-on-frame SUV or ute, the smaller Fusilier is understood to be built on a monocoque platform but will likely still offer a degree of off-road capability.At this stage it’s unclear what models Ineos is planning to build after the Fusilier, however Calder did say the Grenadier will stay largely the same.“We don't plan to change the wheelbase of the Grenadier or do a huge amount more work on the Grenadier platform. So you won't see a short-wheelbase Grenadier, but you will see a smaller 4x4,” said Calder to Autocar.

Hyundai will soon launch the high-performance Ioniq 6 N electric sedan in Australia, but the regular versions of this facelifted car are still nowhere to be seen.The South Korean carmaker no longer features the regular Ioniq 6 on its Australian website, only showing a register your interest portal for the new Ioniq 6 N.“Our local launch timing for non-N facelift Ioniq 6 variants is still to be confirmed, we have some work to do to develop a robust business plan,” said a Hyundai Australia spokesperson.“For now, our focus is on offering one high-performance halo variant of Ioniq 6.”It’s worth noting that Hyundai decides to only offer the Ioniq 6 N in Australia and not the regular versions, it won’t be the first market to do so.Hyundai USA previously confirmed it would launch the facelifted Ioniq 6 in late 2025 or early 2026 but axed it before it could arrive. It now only offers the Ioniq 6 N.The South Korean carmaker revealed the original Ioniq 6 back in 2022 ahead of its launch in Australia in 2023.The exterior design was a polarising topic of conversation with the electric sedan’s original look.Hyundai attempted to address this with the mid-life update, which smoothed out the front and rear designs. It also introduced a sporty-looking N Line trim.The update also brought bigger battery options – 63kWh and 84kWh units – meaning more range. Hyundai claims the Ioniq 6 now offers up to 680km of range depending on the variant, according to WLTP testing.In Australia a total of 1214 examples of the Ioniq 6 have been sold since it was introduced.In the first four months of 2026 a total of 17 examples have been sold. Tesla sold a total of 1776 Model 3s and BYD sold a total of 1304 Seal sedans over the same period.Hyundai did slash the asking price of the pre-update Ioniq 6 by up to $34,000, depending on the variant, late last year to clear stock. These were all model year 2023 (MY23) examples.

Nissan globally revealed the new-generation version of its X-Trail mid-size family SUV earlier this month.The X-Trail has been the most-popular Nissan model in Australia for a number of years now and is a key rival to the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, among others.The current-generation model, which shares its platform with the Mitsubishi Outlander, dates back to 2021 though it didn’t launch in Australia until 2022.A facelift was revealed globally in 2025 though it only arrived in Australia a few months ago.Nissan still needs to confirm a number of different details about the new, fifth-generation X-Trail, but here’s what we know so far.What is different about this new X-Trail?It’s worth noting straight away that this new X-Trail is based on an iteration of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-CD platform that underpins the current model.It also appears that the glasshouse has been carried over but with new body cladding and styling.However, Nissan Corporate Executive of Family, Products & Components Strategy Richard Candler told CarsGuide that there is a “very large amount of new”.For example, the structure is claimed to be completely different and much stiffer than before.Additionally there is a completely reworked suspension system with a wider track width. Nissan hasn’t confirmed exactly how much wider just yet.It’s likely the interior is also completely redesigned, though Nissan hasn’t detailed any imagery or information about this yet. It has only shown off the exterior design so far.What will power this new X-Trail?A highlight of this new X-Trail is the introduction of a new-generation e-Power hybrid powertrain.It’s understood this new e-Power powertrain is a version of the system that will soon debut in the Qashqai small SUV.Like the current X-Trail e-Power however, it’ll have dual electric motors (one on each axle) providing all-wheel drive, unlike the Qashqai e-Power which only has a single electric motor and front-wheel drive.Nissan claims this new e-Power hybrid is quieter, smoother and more fuel efficient than the current version.While there have been reports indicating that this new X-Trail will go e-Power only, Candler confirmed it will still be offered with a pure petrol engine, at least globally. However, he didn’t confirm what this pure petrol engine will be exactly.In Australia the non-e-Power X-Trail is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 135kW and 244Nm.In other markets however, there is a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine available that produces 150kW and 305Nm.It’s worth noting though that this turbo three-pot forms as the generator for the e-Power hybrid, so technically it is already offered in Australia.When will it arrive?The new Nissan X-Trail will likely launch in North America first, where it is called the Rogue and built in the US.The Japanese-built X-Trails will likely follow at a later date.No exact Australian launch timing has been locked in yet, however CarsGuide understands it will likely arrive in late 2027.

Mazda may soon be introducing a new model to bridge the gap between two of its most popular SUVs.As reported by Autoblog, the Japanese carmaker filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) earlier this year for the name Mazda CX-40.It’s worth noting that Mazda CX-40 has been trademarked in Australia since 2019.Trademarks are not true indications of whether a carmaker will actually produce a vehicle with that name. It may be just holding it so another carmaker doesn’t take it.We’ve reached out to Mazda Australia for a statement and will update this story once we hear back.If the CX-40 does get produced, it will likely sit between the CX-30 and CX-5 in the line-up.It also won’t be the first time Mazda has produced an SUV with the number ‘4’ in its name.The Japanese carmaker produced a model called the CX-4 from 2016 to 2025 and it was sold exclusively in China.The Mazda CX-4 was based on the same platform as the previous-generation Mazda 3 and first-generation CX-5, but featured a lifted station wagon body style.If this is the case with the potential Mazda CX-40, expect it to adopt swoopy, wagon- or coupe-like body styling.It may even share some similarities with the Mazda Vision X-Coupe concept that was revealed at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show.In addition to the trademark for the name Mazda CX-40, the Japanese carmaker also has current trademarks for the names CX-10 and CX-20 in numerous countries, including Australia.At this stage it’s unclear whether Mazda intends to build these models, however it did reveal the Vision X Compact concept at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. It previewed what looks like a next-generation Mazda 2 with subtle crossover SUV design cues.Mazda has also committed more investment to its production facility in Thailand, where it will build a new compact SUV, potentially with a hybrid powertrain, as well as electric vehicles (EVs).

Cadillac dropped the pricing of its Lyriq mid-size electric SUV in Australia earlier this year as part of a retail offer, however this price has now been made permanent.The Cadillac Lyriq is now priced from $90,000 before on-road costs or $95,000 drive-away, regardless of whether you opt for the Luxury or Sport trim.This is a $32,000 price cut from the original launch price and now sees the price dip below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for ‘fuel-efficient vehicles’. This means if you purchase a Lyriq with a novated lease it’s exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).The Lyriq is now priced between the smaller Optiq ($80,000 before on-roads) and the larger Vistiq ($116,000 before on-roads).There have been no other changes to the Lyriq in terms of the powertrain or standard equipment.Power comes from a dual-electric motor set-up with a total system output of 388kW. They are fed by a 102kWh lithium-ion battery allowing for a claimed range of up to 530km, according to WLTP testing.Standard equipment highlights include 21-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, a panoramic glass sunroof, power tailgate, 33-inch digital screen set-up, 19-speaker AKG sound system, interior ambient lighting, as well as leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats with a massage function, plus heated and ventilated outboard rear seats.Cadillac has previously confirmed the high-performance Lyriq-V will be coming to Australia during 2026, however it’s unclear if this is still the case. We’ve reached out to Cadillac Australia and will update this story once we hear back.The iconic American carmaker that falls under the General Motors (GM) umbrella launched in Australia last year as an EV-only brand.The Lyriq was its first offering and is now being followed up by the larger Vistiq and smaller Optiq EVs.All the Cadillac cars offered in Australia are produced in right-hand drive at the factory unlike some other GM cars that are converted from left- to right-hand drive locally by Walkinshaw.Despite being in Australia now for over 12 months, Cadillac still doesn’t officially report its sales figures.As it currently stands the brand has an ‘Experience Centre’ in Sydney, as well as a test drive location in Melbourne. It’s planning to open a new dealer in Brisbane in the first half of 2026, as well as one in Melbourne.

You may have never heard of this brand before, but if I say it rose from the ashes of SsangYong, things likely make a little more sense.The KGM Actyon, which has roots as a SsangYong model dating back to 2005, is now a mid-to-large SUV based on the smaller, yet still mid-size Torres SUV.It launched initially with petrol power last year, but now a new fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain is on offer.Pricing currently starts at $50,000 drive-away for the entry-level Hybrid K50 and extends to $53,000 drive-away for the flagship Hybrid K60. The latter is on test here and it’s $3000 more than the equivalent petrol model.It's worth noting there are hybrid versions of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V that are cheaper, but aren't as well equipped.Standard highlights include LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free power tailgate, dual 12.3-inch displays, dual-zone climate control, black leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, plus heated outboard rear seats.Stepping up to the Hybrid K60 brings a surround-view camera, panoramic glass sunroof, rear door pull-up sunblinds and a wireless charger.One of the few things that's missing is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’re required to plug your phone into one of the USB-C ports which feels a little outdated now. However, it’s good peace of mind knowing your phone will reliably charge.In terms of the interior, the Actyon Hybrid is virtually identical to the petrol-powered equivalent. It’s minimal, screen-heavy and looks nice, however it can be a hassle to use certain functions, like climate control, on the move. I wish there were more physical buttons on the centre stack.What I do like is the vast amount of interior space, especially in the second row and the boot. The only catch is that the hybrid misses out on a spare wheel because that's where the high-voltage battery pack goes. You get a tyre repair kit instead, sadly.The hybrid powertrain features a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 150kW, which is 30kW more than the petrol trims.This is mated with an electric dedicated hybrid transmission (e-DHT) with drive sent to the front wheels only. No all-wheel-drive version is on offer.While 150kW may seem like a decent amount of power, it doesn’t feel it in practice, especially in ‘Normal’ drive mode. The throttle calibration is too tapered, making the car feel sluggish off the mark.Select ‘Sport’, however, and it’ll almost spin the front tyres if you’re not careful. A little too hot or cold for my liking.It doesn't help that the hybrid powertrain has a lazy logic. The system prioritises electric power, but it leans on it too much, especially at higher speeds, causing the battery charge to deplete sooner than you’d think.As a result, the petrol engine fires up to charge up the battery pack. You can’t hear or feel the engine start from behind the wheel, but it’s not great to have it idling away when you’re stopped at a traffic light.It just feels like this hybrid system isn’t as smart or intuitive as a Toyota, Kia or Honda hybrid.This reflects the fuel consumption. KGM claims the Actyon Hybrid consumes an average of 5.5L/100km, according to ADR 81/02 combined testing, which is roughly 2.0L/100km less than the petrol equivalent.In practice I saw figures close to this when driving in the city, but on my 1050km road trip, which included plenty of rural highways, I achieved an average of 6.6L/100km. Not as efficient as a Toyota or Honda hybrid…There are the other aspects of the driving experience that are mediocre. The steering has an indirect and artificial feel and the suspension is largely compliant, but gets unsettled and bouncy over bigger bumps.There are plenty of other cars that are more enjoyable to drive, especially on long-distance journeys.The KGM Actyon hasn’t been crash-tested by ANCAP and is therefore unrated. Standard safety equipment includes eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, driver attention warning, as well as front and rear parking sensors.Owners are covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with five years of roadside assistance. This warranty term is becoming much more common for mainstream carmakers and doesn't push the boundaries like it once did.Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000km, which isn’t ideal if you do long-distance driving. The first seven services are capped and total $2903, which averages out to around $414 per service.While this may be cheaper than a Hyundai or Kia to service, Toyota and Honda cars are cheaper again.

The conflict in Iran is continuing to have ramifications and it’s now reportedly creating supply chain disruptions for the best-selling carmaker in Australia.As reported by Bloomberg, a number of companies that produce components for Toyota vehicles are citing delays due to the inconsistent supply of raw materials, including aluminium, resins and paint thinners, among others.This is being compounded by the rising costs and tumultuous logistics of sourcing the aforementioned raw materials.“We’re hearing from smaller suppliers that suddenly say they won’t be able to deliver parts in two weeks’ time, which makes things very hard to predict,” said Toyota Industries President Koichi Ito to Bloomberg.Toyoda Gosei President Katsumi Saito also told Bloomberg that disruptions could emerge as soon as June.Without the relevant materials, vehicles on the production line reportedly cannot be finished, with Saito noting “the impact would be felt everywhere”.Toyota Boshoku President Masayoshi Shirayanagi told Bloomberg that it’s seeking short-term assurances from each of its suppliers as long-term commitments are becoming difficult to lock in.Additionally, Denso Executive Vice President Yasushi Matsui told Bloomberg the company is working to shift to alternative materials for products, such as organic solvents.Denso factored in a profit hit of ¥45 billion (~A$394 million) due to the uncertainty of the supply chain.At this stage it’s unclear if or how much this will affect the rate that Toyota produces vehicles, especially as the months go on.We’ve reached out to Toyota Australia to see if there will be any local ramifications in terms of vehicle shipments and potential delays. We’ll update this story once we hear back.Until the end of March, Toyota new-vehicle sales in Australia are down 23 per cent year-on-year. It’s still firmly the best-selling brand locally, however, with a total of 44,490 vehicles sold year-to-date.The Japanese carmaker is also currently in the changeover period for two of its best-sellers, the RAV4 and HiLux.“Looking ahead to the remainder of 2026, as HiLux and RAV4 volumes increase, our monthly results will begin to increase as the year progresses,” said Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations John Pappas to CarsGuide earlier this month.“And whilst VFACTS tells you what has been delivered, it doesn't tell you the full story.“What VFACTS doesn't show is customer demand, which remains very strong across the range, particularly with vehicles like LandCruiser 300, HiLux, LandCruiser Prado and, of course, the RAV4.”

Hyundai has confirmed it will build a new SUV aimed at the Chinese market in the first half of 2027.It’s expected this SUV will be a production version of the Earth concept that was revealed earlier this month.This forthcoming SUV from the South Korean carmaker will be produced in China by Beijing Hyundai, which is a long-standing joint venture with BAIC Group.Little details about the production version of the Hyundai Earth concept are confirmed yet but it will feature an electric (EV) or range-extender (REEV) powertrain, or perhaps the option of both.It will likely form part of the new Ioniq sub-brand in China and sit alongside the angular Ioniq V sedan that was revealed last week at this year’s Beijing motor show.The Hyundai Earth concept features blocky exterior styling with prominent skid plates and exposed bolts as accents.There are also rear coach doors and no B-pillar, allowing for one large opening to the cabin. This is a common feature in concept cars.Inside there are four individual seats with air cushions, plus interior ambient lighting that’s claimed to mimic tree shadows.It’s unclear how much of the Earth concept’s design and technology will carry over to the production model. If the Ioniq V is anything to go by, expect it to remain fairly close to the concept.The Earth concept isn't the only boxy SUV concept Hyundai has revealed recently.Earlier in April it revealed the Boulder concept which appears to be aimed at the North American market and is built on a body-on-frame architecture.At this stage it’s unclear whether the production version of the Hyundai Earth concept will remain a China-only product, or if it will be exported to other markets.There's already a precedent for Hyundai to export models produced by Beijing Hyundai to other markets. The Elexio mid-size electric SUV, for example, launched in Australia earlier this year.The Ioniq V and the forthcoming production version of the Earth concept form as a catalyst for Hyundai’s renewed commitment to the Chinese market.The South Korean carmaker has confirmed it will launch 20 new models in China over the next five years. It’s unclear how many of these will be unique models for China.Hyundai will be focusing on the mid-size to large vehicle segments in China, with both EV and REEV powertrains.“China is an essential market for Hyundai Motor Company,” said Hyundai Motor Company CEO Jose Munoz.“The world's most demanding EV consumers, the fastest development cycles, the deepest battery supply chain, and an advanced innovation ecosystem. That is why we are tripling down on our commitment to China.“With significant investments into Beijing Hyundai, 20 new models coming over the next five years, the official launch of our Ioniq brand in China and the unveiling of Ioniq V, this is the most committed, the most ambitious, and the most exciting chapter we have ever written in this market.“China is where the future of mobility is being defined, and Hyundai intends to help define it, In China, For China, and ultimately, for the world.”

One of the largest carmaker conglomerates in the world will focus its investments on its most popular and profitable brands, according to reports.News outlet Reuters spoke with five unnamed sources, who said Stellantis will be focusing on the Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot and Ram brands moving forward.This will reportedly be announced in May as part of a new long-term strategic plan by current Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa.Stellantis currently has a total of 14 brands, including Alfa Romeo, Citroen and Maserati, among others. While it reportedly will be focusing its fundings on the aforementioned core brands, it doesn’t plan to shut down any of the other brands or palm them off to other companies.The lower-volume brands will reportedly instead receive funding to build models using the technology and platforms from either Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot or Ram. Rebadging certain models is another solution that’s reportedly under consideration.These brands will also become focused at specific markets where they are already performing well or have potential, according to the unnamed sources.Stellantis was founded in 2021 upon the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Groupe.This was headed by former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares who gave every brand funding for five years and said he would assess which brand would continue after the fact.Tavares resigned as CEO from Stellantis at the end of 2024 following falling share prices, large changes in operations and the decline of sales in key markets, including North America.He was succeeded by Antonio Filosa who was appointed as CEO in May 2025. Since then he has attempted to correct course and boost sales, especially in North America.However, last year Stellantis noted a net loss of €22.3 billion (~A$36.4 billion) in 2025 which is says was because of a decisive reset to align with customers and support profitable growth - a strategic shift to put customer preferences and freedom-of-choice back at the heart of the Company’s plans”.It has also revised its plans to roll out more internal-combustion (ICE) products, including resurrecting diesel powertrains, amid declining electric vehicle (EV) demand in certain markets.