Articles by Jack Quick

Images of the new-generation Volkswagen T-Roc small SUV have leaked online ahead of its reveal on August 27.Screenshots of a YouTube video that’s now been deleted were shared on Spanish forum website Cochespias and they show the car’s exterior and interior design.This follows leaked imagery of the T-Roc’s exterior design earlier this year.The new Volkswagen T-Roc clearly has a family resemblance to the new Tiguan, which launched in new, third-generation guise earlier this year in Australia.There’s a sporty-looking front end with an aggressive grille set-up, as well as LED headlights that are connected by an LED strip light.Around the side the new T-Roc has a more swoopy, almost coupe-like rear end than the outgoing model. There are still sharp body lines and cladding around the wheel arches.At the back the tailgate design looks reminiscent of the current Tiguan, as well as the electric ID.4 and ID.5. There’s a full-width LED light bar with an illuminated Volkswagen badge, along with ‘T-Roc’ written out on the tailgate.Inside there’s a free-standing digital instrument cluster with no shroud, along with a large touchscreen multimedia display with touch-sensitive sliders for the volume and dual-zone climate control.The gear selector has been moved behind the steering wheel, which allows for the centre console storage to be maximised.Another noteworthy design element is the steering wheel features physical buttons, rather than the touch-sensitive units certain T-Roc models currently have.At this stage there are no details surrounding the powertrain line-up for the new T-Roc.The model in the leaked images has an ‘eTSI’ badge on the rear, meaning it likely has a mild-hybrid set-up.In current Volkswagen vehicles based on the MQB Evo platform, like this forthcoming new-generation T-Roc, there are 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre mild-hybrid engine configurations.Other expected engine configurations include a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, as well as a 150kW tune of a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with all-wheel drive.A plug-in hybrid version is likely, as well as a high-performance R version in due course.There has been no more word on whether the T-Roc will also receive a Toyota-style hybrid powertrain option at launch, like previous reports suggested.For now we’ll have to wait until August 27 for the full reveal, or if new information leaks online.

China’s BYD has revealed its next luxurious SUV that will be offered in global markets outside of China.As reported by Car News China, the Denza B8 large plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV will be offered in Africa and the Middle East from the third quarter of 2025.It’ll be offered there alongside the Toyota Prado-rivalling Denza B5 PHEV SUV.Known domestically as the Leopard 8 under the Fengchengbao off-road brand from BYD, the Denza B8 has a slightly different front grille design, along with Denza badging all around.The Denza brand, which is a premium off-shoot from BYD, will launch locally by the end of 2025 with the B5.At this stage the company hasn’t confirmed whether the B8 will join Denza’s Australian model line-up, but it is believed there is a strong chance it'll head out way.CarsGuide got a chance to drive a left-hand drive Fengchengbao version earlier this year in China.Measuring in at 5195mm long, 1994mm wide and 1905mm tall with a 2920mm wheelbase, the B8 is a large three-row SUV that’s larger than a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and more on par with the likes of the Land Rover Defender 130.Power comes from a PHEV powertrain that includes a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors for total system outputs of 550kW and 760Nm. It’s claimed to be able to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds despite a kerb weight of 3.3 tonnes.The two electric motors are fed by a 36.8kWh ‘Blade’ lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that’s claimed to offer 100km of electric range, according to WLTP testing.All up there’s a claimed range 1200km, according to lenient CLTC testing.The Denza B8 is built on a body-on-frame chassis with double wishbone independent suspension that also features ‘DiSus-P’ air suspension.Ground clearance is 220mm in normal mode and increases to 310mm when lifted up. The B8 has a wading depth of up to 890mm, approach and departure angles of 34 and 35 degrees, respectively, as well as a low-speed four-wheel drive mode, three automatic diff locks and a long list of off-road modes.

China’s GAC has been teasing an Australian launch for years but it finally appears set to happen later this year.

Kia Australia is currently recalling 9534 examples of its Cerato and Seltos due to a potential engine defect that increases the risk of vehicle fire.These BD-generation Kia Cerato and SP2-generation Seltos vehicles were produced between 2020 and 2022. They are also fitted with the non-turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.“The piston rings fitted to the engines of certain vehicles may not meet manufacturing specifications, and could cause engine failure and vehicle stalling,” said the company in its recall notice.“A damaged engine may result in the vehicle stalling and/or engine oil leaking, increasing the risk of an accident or vehicle fire causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.”9534 vehicles affectedVIN list is attached hereOriginal recall notice is attached hereOwners of an affected Kia Cerato or Seltos are being urged to content their preferred Kia dealer “immediately” to schedule an appointment to have the engine inspected and replaced if damaged, free of charge.An engine control unit (ECU) software update will also be applied during the inspection as an “additional data monitoring tool to detect early signs of engine failure”.For more information, call Kia Customer Service on 131 542.Ford Australia is also recalling 2039 examples of its Mustang sports car due to a manufacturing defect that may cause the fuel supply to become impaired.This recall affects Ford Mustang examples produced between 2021 and 2022.2039 vehicles affectedVIN list is attached hereOriginal recall notice is attached here"Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel pump impeller may not operate as intended," said the company in its recall notice."If this occurs, it could impair the fuel supply to the engine and result in a loss of motive power whilst driving."If you own an affected vehicle, Ford Australia will contact you in writing, requesting you to contact an authorised Ford dealer to have the fix rectified, free of charge.For more information, you can contact any authorised Ford dealer or the Ford Customer Relationship Centre on 133 673.

The Lux is now the entry-level trim in the local 2026 GWM Haval H6 line-up.

The Subaru BRZ two-door coupe could be the next sports car to be going all-electric.As reported by Autocar, the Japanese carmaker is considering developing the third-generation model with electric power in mind.This was confirmed to the British publication by Subaru global EV product boss Inoue Masahiko, who also noted it had already been heavily investigated in the past with Toyota, which helped co-develop the BRZ and 86/GR86 twins.“We did consider electrifying the BRZ and GT86, but the win-win relationship is more important, and for the moment we can’t get the kind of benefits for both sides,” said Masahiko to Autocar.Subaru and Toyota have committed to developing a raft of electric cars together. Toyota has been linked to numerous future electric sports cars, with rumours of a Celica and MR2 return, and a battery-powered BRZ/GR86 could now be another.The BRZ hasn’t been offered in Europe since the first-generation model was discontinued in 2020. The second-generation BRZ was never offered there despite the second-gen Toyota GR86 twin continuing on in limited numbers.This potential electric third-generation model could see it return to Europe.Subaru Europe boss David Dello Stritto told Autocar that the company’s “options are open”.The BRZ has always remained on sale in Australia. Late last year it picked up a minor update that saw manual versions receive a ‘Sport’ drive mode and tS variants get a full-size spare wheel.The Japanese carmaker revealed the Subaru Sport Mobility Concept in 2023 at the Japan Mobility Show showcasing a two-door sporty-looking electric coupe.At the time Subaru claimed this concept was merely just a design exercise, but it could inform what the next BRZ will look like.No powertrain details were provided with the Sport Mobility Concept besides it being electric.Despite lagging behind other carmakers to launch its first EV, Subaru has now been revealing more and more.The Subaru Solterra, which is a twin of the Toyota bZ4X, was originally revealed back in 2021 and after many delays it arrived in Australia in 2024. It’s since been facelifted globally, though it’s unclear when this will arrive locally.Subaru has revealed the Trailseeker earlier this year which is a larger version of the Solterra/bZ4X and is a twin to the Toyota bZ4X Touring. It will be called the E-Outback in Europe.Although Toyota has confirmed the bZ4X Touring will arrive in Australia during the first half of 2026, Subaru hasn’t detailed any information regarding when to expect the Trailseeker locally.Earlier this month Subaru also revealed its third EV offering, the Uncharted ‘coupe’ SUV. It was co-developed with the Toyota C-HR+.At this stage it’s unclear whether the Subaru Uncharted will be offered outside of Europe, however with the introduction of the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) this compels carmakers to bring more low-emissions and EVs to Australia in order to avoid fines.

China’s Deepal hasn’t launched the S05 small SUV in Australia yet but a new super long-range electric version is reportedly set to be revealed in China tomorrow.

Australia’s peak motoring body has detailed its latest batch of data from real-world fuel use testing.

China’s GWM has slowly but surely been ramping up how it’s localising its cars for Australian conditions and it has now reached a major milestone.After hiring ex-GM Holden Chief Engineer Rob Trubiani as its new Product Engineering Manager in March this year, the Chinese carmaker has now taken up a permanent residency at the Lang Lang Proving Ground in Victoria.This iconic facility is currently owned by Vietnamese carmaker Vinfast, but was previously owned by Holden where countless Australian classics were developed.It’s worth noting that GWM hasn’t given any indication on whether it actually plans to purchase the Australian proving ground from Vinfast.As a result of taking up this long-term permanent residency, GWM now has the ability to use Lang Lang as a “cornerstone” for its local product development.GWM’s engineering teams have already been using Lang Lang, but this residency now allows for “even greater opportunities for collaboration, faster iteration, and more ambitious goals”.This means the Chinese carmaker can now engineer dedicated ride and handling packages, undertake full vehicle integration and execute precision tuning for its vehicle line-up under Australian conditions.“With full-time access to Lang Lang now secured, this is far more than symbolic, it’s a statement of intent,” said GWM Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) Chief Operating Officer John Kett.“When Rob presented the idea of establishing Lang Lang as our home base for local development, it was met with overwhelming support, both locally and from our global leadership.“Rob has been relentless in defining what the true GWM feel should be for our markets, and with the right tools now in place, we’re confident this investment will deliver improved products right here on home soil.”“Lang Lang is an iconic proving ground, one of the best in the world,” said Trubiani.“It’s an absolute dream to be back, developing great cars specifically for Australian and New Zealand drivers.“I know this track like the back of my hand, having spent a considerable amount of my career here with Holden.“The intimate knowledge I have of the road network, combined with understanding the high-performance benchmarks required here, is key to ‘Aussifying’ our vehicles and ensuring what we develop here translates directly to real-world driving.“LLPG provides me the ability to push vehicle dynamics to the edge, identifying precisely where we can optimise and improve.“We’re not just tweaking cars, we’re transforming them to deliver the confidence, control, and comfort that local drivers deserve.”In a few months GWM will show off Trubiani’s work, currently codenamed ‘AT1’, which will demonstrate ride and handling tweaks from local feedback.The Chinese carmaker will also detail how Trubiani’s expertise is already showing potential at shaping future global programs. This means Australia could form a part in developing GWM cars globally.This latest development follows a very fast cadence of new vehicle launches in Australia recently, as well as a spike in vehicle sales.In the first six months of 2025 GWM has sold a total of 25,189 vehicles, which is up 17.0 per cent year-on-year.Moving forward GWM has already laid out its plan to become a sustained top-five brand in Australia by 2030.

Alfa Romeo is about to start deliveries of its first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia though it expects the hybrid version will outsell it.The Alfa Romeo Junior is the smallest car from the Italian carmaker since the tiny MiTo and Giulietta hatchbacks and locally it’s being offered with both mild-hybrid and all-electric powertrains.“We do foresee … the mild-hybrid is probably going to be the higher mix out of the two,” said Stellantis Australia Product Manager Bridget Thomson to CarsGuide.“ giving the options for people on both stages of their electrification journey. So probably more of the Ibrida (mild-hybrid), but definitely not discounting the Elettrica (electric).”Earlier this month Alfa Romeo confirmed the pricing and specifications for the local Junior line-up.While there are two powertrain options being offered, both are only available in a single, fully-loaded trim level.The Junior Ibrida (mild-hybrid) starts from $45,900 before on-roads costs, while the Junior Elettrica (electric) starts from $57,900 before on-road costs.In Ibrida form, the Junior is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine running the Miller cycle which is augmented by a 48V mild-hybrid system featuring a 21kW electric motor integrated into the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.Total system outputs are 107kW of power and 230Nm of torque. Alfa Romeo claims it can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds and the top speed is 206km/h.The Junior Elettrica, on the other hand, is powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor producing 115kW of power and 260Nm of torque.Despite having more power and torque, it’s 0.1 seconds slower to 100km/h than the mild-hybrid version. It takes 9.0 seconds.The electric motor is fed by a 54kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which allows for a claimed 407km of range, according to WLTP testing.The battery pack can be DC fast-charged at rates up to 100kW, which allows for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.As noted above, the Junior Ibrida and Elettrica are both fully loaded and share the exact same standard specifications.The only differences with the former is it has visible dual exhaust tailpipes and paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The latter also picks up a Mode 3 AC charging cable as standard.Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, the 'Leggenda Scudetto' front grille, LED tail lights, two-tone black roof, hands-free power tailgate, dual 10.25-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker sound system, wireless charger, black cloth and synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat.The only option beyond premium paint is a sunroof which costs an additional $1990.Alfa Romeo has been experiencing a sales slump in Australia so far in 2025. A total of 282 vehicles were sold in the first six months, down 24.0 per cent year-on-year.