Articles by Jack Quick

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 You’re required to plug your phone into one of the USB-C ports which feels a little outdated now.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.

MG has already updated the new MG4 Urban in China only a month after it launched in the Australian market.A highlight of this updated 2026 MG4 Urban, which is just called the MG4 in China, is the availability of a new 53.9kWh semi-solid-state battery to complement the existing 42.8kWh and 53.9kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery options.It’s the first time MG has fitted a battery of this type to a production vehicle available for purchase.MG claims its semi-solid-state batteries are safer and can charge at faster rates than LFP batteries.However, this new MG4 Urban with the 53.9kWh semi-solid-state battery offers an identical 30 to 80 per cent DC fast-charge time of 21 minutes as the 53.9kWh LFP unit.It also has an identical claimed range of 530km, according to lenient CLTC testing, as the equivalent LFP-equipped variant.It’s unclear if MG plans to ramp up the semi-solid-state battery’s charging and range potential in due course or if this is an error in the official spec sheet.All variants are powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor that produces 120kW and 250Nm. The current model is available with either 110kW/250Nm or 118kW/250Nm, depending on the battery pack size.The other main changes with this updated MG4 Urban are either stylistic or technological.On the outside there are new alloy wheel options, an illuminated MG front badge, plus the availability of a black two-tone black roof.Inside, there’s a two-spoke steering replacing the current three-spoke unit, a larger 15.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system available on certain trims, as well as a more powerful 50W wireless charger and fewer buttons on the central stack.The current Australian-specification MG4 Urban has physical buttons and knobs to change the climate control and media volume, whereas it appears in the updated Chinese-specification version this is now done exclusively through the touchscreen.At this stage it’s unclear whether MG will eventually bring this updated version of the MG4 Urban to Australia, especially given it only just launched the outgoing version.This front-wheel-drive version of the MG4 is being sold alongside the previous, rear-wheel-drive version, which recently received a major update.Beyond this, the Chinese carmaker also used this year’s Beijing motor show to tease an SUV version of the MG4 Urban, dubbed the MG4X.MG claims it will officially reveal the MG4X in May.

BYD has officially revealed the next-generation version of the Atto 3 electric SUV – which it calls the Yuan Plus in the domestic market – at this year’s Beijing motor show.This new Atto 3 is considerably larger than the model it replaces. It measures in at 4665mm long, 1895mm wide and 1675mm tall with a 2770mm wheelbase.This is roughly 200mm longer than the current model and brings it more in line with the mid-size Geely EX5.Another major highlight is BYD’s new, second-generation lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade battery comes as standard, allowing flash charging from 10 to 70 per cent in five minutes.There’s either a 57.54kWh or 68.55kWh LFP battery pack, which is up from the current 50kWh and 60kWh units. The latter allows this new Atto 3 to travel up to 630km of range, according to lenient CLTC testing.Power comes from a single, rear-mounted electric motor producing either 200kW or 240kW, depending on the trim level.In terms of exterior design, the Atto 3 receives thinner LED headlights that are connected by a silver section, as well as a rear LED light bar. Other notable highlights include flush door handles, plus the availability of a LiDAR sensor that allows for semi-autonomous driving functionality.Inside, there’s a more minimal look including a new two-spoke steering wheel, larger non-rotating touchscreen multimedia system, as well as a new digital instrument cluster.At this stage it’s unclear if or when this new-generation Atto 3 will be coming to Australia.What is likely to arrive sooner is the updated, Evo version of the current Atto 3 which is already on sale in China and Europe. It’s already approved for sale in Australia.It takes the current, front-wheel-drive Atto 3 and gives it rear-wheel drive. There’s also an all-wheel-drive flagship with 330kW available.The electric motor(s) are fed by a larger 74.8kWh LFP battery and allow for up to 510km of WLTP claimed range, depending on the trim.The Atto 3 Evo operates on an 800V electrical architecture, allowing for DC charging at rates up to 220kW. This is a large improvement over the current car’s 88kW maximum DC fast-charging rate.

Mitsubishi currently doesn’t have any electric vehicles (EVs) on sale in Australia but this will change before the end of 2026.The Japanese carmaker is set to produce an EV in partnership with Taiwanese manufacturer Foxtron — which is a joint venture between iPhone maker Foxconn and car manufacturer Yulong — and sell it in Australia and New Zealand.Mitsubishi Australia General Manager Product Strategy and Product Public Relations Bruce Hampel told CarsGuide, “We’re on track for having our BEV in market by the end of the year.”“We’ve got through the final evaluation, sign-off testing of that vehicle and we’re in the early stages now of getting ready with our go-to-market communications plan.“So you’ll hear more from us on that in the coming months. It’s a big year,” he said.At this stage Mitsubishi hasn’t detailed which Foxtron it will be using as a basis for its new EV.A likely candidate is the Foxtron Bria, which is a small electric SUV roughly the same size as the Renault Captur-based ASX. It was previously referred to as the Foxtron Model B.Two versions of the Bria are offered both featuring a 57.7kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, allowing up to 516km of NEDC claimed range.One is powered by a single, rear-mounted electric motor that produces 171kW, whereas the other has a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up with a total system output of 299kW. The latter can do the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 3.9 seconds.No other details about this forthcoming Foxtron co-developed Mitsubishi EV have been announced yet.Mitsubishi was one of the first in the world to offer a mass-market EV in the form of the i-MiEV which debuted in 2009. Based on the Mitsubishi 'i' kei car, it was on sale locally until 2012 and offered up to 150km of range, according to NEDC testing.There was no successor to the i-MiEV until the eK X EV launched in Japan in 2022.Additionally, Mitsubishi recently launched the Eclipse Cross EV in Europe in 2025. It’s a rebadged version of the Renault Scenic E-Tech.It’s unclear whether the Mitsubishi eK X EV or Eclipse Cross EV will ever launch in Australia.Regardless of this, Mitsubishi may soon need to introduce more EVs in order to outweigh potential fines from the Australian government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).As it stands the Japanese carmaker has credits but this could change in the following years as the CO2 emissions targets become stricter.As noted above, Mitsubishi currently doesn’t have an EV and it offers two plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), the Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross PHEV, though there’s only dealer stock of the latter remaining.

Hyundai has renewed its commitment to the Chinese market at this year’s Beijing motor show, claiming it’ll launch 20 new models over the next five years.The South Korean carmaker is officially spinning out its all-electric Ioniq brand and its first dedicated model is the Ioniq V electric liftback.A production version of the recently revealed Venus concept, the Ioniq V has an angular design that from some angles is reminiscent of a Lamborghini Temerario, but with an extra set of doors.Ioniq claims it offers up to 600km of electric range, according to lenient CLTC testing. No other official powertrain details have been provided yet.The Ioniq V measures in at 4900mm long, 1890mm wide and has a 2900mm wheelbase. This makes it around the same size as a Sonata sedan.It features a 27-inch central touchscreen that flows into the front passenger compartment, as well as a head-up display.Ioniq notes that the V's suspension tune is optimised for comfort and stability, as well as low road and wind noise in the cabin.A Hyundai Australia spokesperson said there are no plans to introduce the Ioniq V locally.Despite this, there is precedent for Chinese-built Hyundai products to launch in Australia. The Hyundai Elexio mid-size electric SUV launched locally earlier in 2026.Beyond the Ioniq V, the brand has confirmed it will launch an SUV model in China in the first half of 2027. No further details have been provided but it will likely be based on the Earth concept, which is a boxy SUV.Hyundai claims its further model launches in China will focus on the mid-size to large vehicle segments, with both electric (EV) and range-extender (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.”

The results of the fuel crisis are starting to show as sales of electrified vehicles in Australia have officially overtaken petrol and diesel vehicles, respectively.In March 2026 a total of 42,007 electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hybrids were sold, according to sales data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC).A total of 34,694 new petrol vehicles and 28,364 new diesel vehicles were sold over the same period.Electrified vehicles accounted for 38.6 per cent of total new vehicle sales in March 2026, whereas petrol and diesel new vehicles accounted for 31.9 per cent and 26.1 per cent, respectively.This isn’t the first time this has happened. It occurred initially in the month of December 2025, marking a significant shift in how electrified vehicles have become the norm.At this stage it’s unclear if this trend will continue, but sales for EVs are up 114.4 per cent year-to-date, PHEVs are up 40.3 per cent year-to-date and hybrids down 0.1 per cent year-to-date.The arrival of the new hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 this month is likely to further boost electrified vehicle sales, though.Sales of petrol vehicles are down 17.9 per cent year-to-date and diesel vehicles are down 4.8 per cent year-to-date.Virtually every carmaker is bringing in more electrified vehicle options in order to negate potential fines imposed by the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).In terms of year-to-date sales, electrified vehicles are still only just lagging behind petrol vehicle sales. A total of 100,564 electrified new vehicles and 101,147 petrol new vehicles were sold until the end of March 2026.This is well above the 79,766 diesel new vehicles sold year-to-date.Once April new vehicle sales figures are released this could be the tipping point for electrified vehicles. For now, watch this space.

BYD has revealed two new flagship models at this year’s Beijing motor show.These are the 2026 BYD Sealion 08 SUV and Seal 08 sedan which shouldn’t be confused with the existing Sealion 8 and Seal sedan as they’re completely different vehicles.As reported by AutoHome, the Sealion 08 is available with either two- or three-rows of seating and measures in at 5115mm long, which is 100mm longer than a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.It’s understood it will be offered with both pure electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. The former will feature BYD’s second-generation version of its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade battery technology and offer up to 900km of range, according to CLTC testing.Other expected highlights include air suspension and a rear-wheel steering system.The Seal 08 on the other hand is a large sedan that measures in at 5150mm long, 1999mm wide and 1505mm tall, with a 3030mm wheelbase. This makes it larger than a BMW 5 Series sedan.Similarly to the Sealion 08, both EV and PHEV powertrains are on offer. The former also receives a second-generation LFP Blade battery and operates on an 800V electrical architecture, allowing flash charging.The all-wheel drive version is reported to offer over 480kW and have a 0-100km/h sprint time of less than 5.0 seconds.The PHEV version of the Seal 08 on the other hand has a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 115kW with an 200kW electric motor. No total system output has been detailed yet.The electric motor is fed by a 45.36kWh LFP battery pack and will offer over 400km of claimed electric range, according to lenient CLTC testing.Like the Sealion 08, the Seal 08 will offer a rear-wheel steering system that is aimed to reduce the turning circle at low speeds, but increase stability at higher speeds.At this stage it’s unclear whether the 2026 BYD Sealion 08 and Seal 08 will be offered in markets outside of China, or if right-hand drive versions are in the works.BYD only recently launched the Sealion 8 PHEV three-row SUV, as well as the Seal 06 PHEV sedan and wagon in Australia.