Articles by Jack Quick

A camouflaged prototype of what appears to be the Genesis GV90 has been spied in Melbourne, Victoria ahead of its imminent global reveal.The forthcoming electric SUV flagship for the South Korean luxury carmaker was spied alongside a Hyundai Ioniq 9.It appears the GV90 is considerably longer than the Ioniq 9 which already measures in at over five metres.It also features Genesis’ signature ‘Two Lines’ design language as seen by the tail-lights.A vehicle registration search shows that this is a Genesis evaluation vehicle with a tare weight of 3151kg. This is 377kg more than the Ioniq 9.The GV90 was first previewed by the Neolun concept back in 2024 and was originally expected to be revealed in 2025. This date was pushed back.It’s understood that this new electric SUV from Genesis will be based on the Hyundai Group’s forthcoming eM platform, which is an iteration of the E-GMP platform that dates back to 2021.The eM platform is promised to offer more range, as well as a higher level semi-autonomous driving capabilities.No other official details about the GV90 have been confirmed yet.The original Neolun concept had coach-style rear doors that are hinged in the opposite direction.There have been sightings of GV90 prototypes with these types of rear doors, however this particular example that was spied in Australia appears to have typical rear doors.It’s unclear whether there are still plans to offer the coach-style rear doors in the production-specification GV90.Given the GV90 has been spied in Australia, it’s likely that a local launch is on the cards.Once it launches it will form as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Volvo EX90, as well as the forthcoming Range Rover Electric.

A camouflaged prototype version of what appears to be the XPeng G9L has been spotted in Melbourne.Only one photo of this spied prototype was captured and it shows the rear of the vehicle. It’s clearly an SUV and the ‘EV’ badge on the license plate indicates that it has an electrified powertrain.The XPeng G9L hasn’t been revealed yet globally and it will be a long-wheelbase version of the existing G9, which dates back to 2021.According to a Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) filing from earlier this year, the G9L measures in at 5120mm long, 1999mm wide and 1795mm tall, with a 3100mm wheelbase. This makes it 100mm longer than the Kia EV9.Compared to the regular G9, the G9L has a slightly different tailgate cutout and a rear LED light bar. It’s more in line with the larger GX.Globally the G9L will be available with battery electric (BEV) and range-extender (REEV) powertrains. It’s unclear which will be coming to Australia.The G9L BEV is available with single- or dual-electric motor set-ups. Power outputs are yet to be determined.The G9L REEV, on the other hand, will feature a 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts purely as a generator to top up the battery pack. Power outputs are yet to be determined.At this stage no battery or range details have been confirmed.No interior imagery or details have been confirmed yet, so it's unclear whether the G9L offers three rows of seating. The standard G9 only offers two rows.XPeng’s previous distributor in Australia, TrueEV, confirmed the G9L would launch in the fourth quarter of 2026.Given XPeng now has a factory-backed operation locally, it’s unclear whether this launch timing is still accurate.On XPeng’s new Australian website, the only new vehicle besides the updated G6 that currently features is the X9 people mover.This spied G9L isn’t the only recent camouflaged XPeng prototype to be spied in Australia. Examples of the Mona L03 ‘coupe’ SUV and the forthcoming L05 SUV were spied in Victoria.It’s understood that the former is due to launch in Australia in 2027, while the latter is still undergoing validation testing for the Australian market.

Many electric vehicles (EVs) are ridiculously rapid from a standstill but offer no emotion beyond being electric and fast in a straight line.However, one particular feature altered my perspective on this and how I engage with sporty EVs.This is the fake gear shifter. I experienced it for the first time in a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N back in 2024 and felt so overwhelmed with all of the other new tech and customisation in the car that I didn’t get to properly test it out.However, I was recently handed the keys to an Ioniq 6 N and finally sunk my teeth into the simulated gear shifting, which Hyundai calls N e-Shift.Getting the boring stuff out of the way first, it essentially simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It’ll replicate slight jerks when shifting gears and if you take control using the paddle shifters, it can bounce off the rev limiter.There are also numerous sound profiles you can select from, but my personal favourite is the classic one that simulates a combustion engine.It sounds comical when written down, but experiencing this first hand does dramatically change how you engage with the car.Rather than just planting the accelerator and silently getting to the speed limit, you get auditory and physical feedback that brings a smile to my face every time.It’s so thrilling watching the rev counter go up and to hear the ‘engine’ getting louder. Then it reaches the next level when it snaps into the next gear.It’s even fun just cruising around with the mode on as it’ll shuffle through the gears.One of the few things that get old in the Hyundai version of this technology is the idle sound. It can be a little drony, which grates after a while.I can see the irony in how these sensations mirror what’s already offered in internal combustion-powered sports cars, but every sporty EV needs a feature like this.Beyond Hyundai, a number of other carmakers already have technology that’s similar to this.Dodge introduced the so-called ‘Fratzonic Chambered’ exhaust on the electric Charger Daytona, which uses speakers and vibration motors to create a note that comes out of an exhaust pipe.Additionally, Porsche is now introducing simulated gear shifts and engine sounds in the Taycan and the new Cayenne Electric. The German carmaker had previously been against introducing this tech.

Volkswagen has revealed a new electric counterpart to the T-Cross small SUV.The 2027 Volkswagen ID.Cross is based on the MEB+ dedicated electric platform like the ID.Polo, Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq.While this new electric SUV can be ordered already in Germany, it’s unclear if or when it will be coming to Australia.“The Volkswagen ID.Cross is currently being assessed for the Australian market as part of our ongoing product planning activities,” said a Volkswagen Australia spokesperson.“While we recognise the interest in the vehicle, we are unable to confirm local availability or timing at this stage.”All versions of the ID.Cross are powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor but there are three different power tunes. These are 85kW, 99kW and 155kW.There are also two battery packs available, 37kWh and 52kWh. The latter offers up to 427km of WLTP-claimed range.Both battery packs can be AC charged at rates up to 11kW, but the 37kWh battery can be DC fast-charged at rates up to 90kW and the 52kWh battery can be DC fast-charged at rates up to 105kW. This allows for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 23 and 24 minutes, respectively.Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability is available as standard across the line-up at rates up to 3.6kW. It’s available with the use of an adaptor that plugs into the external charge port.On the outside the ID.Cross’ design language is cohesive with the ID.Polo. There are available matrix LED headlights, a rear LED light bar with 3D elements, illuminated VW logos, as well as black-painted pillars to create the illusion of a floating roof.It measures in at 4153mm long, 1794mm wide and 1581mm tall, with a 2601mm wheelbase. This makes it 45mm longer, 34mm wider and 2mm shorter than the T-Cross. The wheelbase is also 38mm longer.Inside there is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that, like the ID.Polo, offers a view mode that emulates the first-generation Golf’s gauges, as well as a 12.9-inch touchscreen multimedia system.There’s also a panoramic glass sunroof with an electric sunblind, fabric-covered dash panel, piano-key shortcut buttons under the touchscreen, an available 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, heated seats and steering wheel, as well as keyless entry and start.There are a total of five seats, 475 litres of boot space with rear seats upright, as well as a 25-litre frunk.With the reveal of this ID.Cross, it’s unclear what this means for the combustion-powered T-Cross which was originally revealed in 2018 and launched locally in 2019. It was last updated in 2024.

Suzuki has a new electric Kei Car on the horizon and it’s reportedly likely to go global.As reported by Autocar, this new electric Kei Car from the Japanese carmaker is set to launch in the UK in 2027.It’ll reportedly be priced from under £20,000 (~A$38,400) in the UK and will rival the Honda Super-One, along with the BYD Atto 1, Renault Twingo, Hyundai Inster and Renault 5 E-Tech, among others.At this stage it’s unclear whether this new Suzuki electric Kei Car will come to Australia, but right-hand drive production gives a local launch a head start.It’s likely this car will be a production version of the Vision e-Sky concept, which was revealed at the 2025 Tokyo motor show.The concept has a tall hatchback look and measures in at 3395mm long, 1475mm wide and 1625mm tall.No other details have been confirmed yet, but with this type of vehicle a 30kWh battery and around 200km of WLTP-claimed range is typical.Beyond the forthcoming Honda Super-One, no other electric Kei Car is not currently available in Australia.Mitsubishi did launch the i-MiEV in Australia in 2010 and it was one of the first electric vehicles (EVs) available locally. It was a modified version of the Mitsubishi i petrol-powered Kei Car.The Japanese carmaker also explored the possibility of introducing the eK X electric Kei Car, but it didn’t follow through as the changes required for Australian Design Rules (ADRs) would make it hard to retain an affordable price tag. It also would likely struggle to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating.Beyond the Japan-only e Every electric Kei-sized van, Suzuki currently only offers one other electric vehicle (EV), the e Vitara. It launched earlier this year and is a rival to the likes of the BYD Atto 2, Leapmotor B10, MG S5 EV and Jaecoo J5 EV. Front- and all-wheel drive variants are on offer and pricing starts at $46,990 drive-away.The Japanese carmaker is reportedly going to launch a third EV in 2029. It will likely sit between the e Vitara and the production version of the Vision e-Sky concept.“It most definitely won't be an electric Swift,” said Suzuki Great Britain and Ireland Director Automobile David Kateley to Autocar.No other details about this second forthcoming EV have been confirmed yet.

After some heavy delays and legal action, the updated 2026 XPeng G6 has finally arrived in Australia through a factory-backed operation that has no ties to the previous distributor, TrueEV.There are now more variants on offer and on test here is the new flagship trim level, the G6 AWD Performance Black Edition. Only rear-wheel drive versions were offered previously.This flagship is priced from $66,800, before on-road costs, which sees it rival the BYD Sealion 7 Performance ($63,990 BOC), Tesla Model Y Premium Long Range AWD ($68,900 BOC) and Zeekr 7X Performance ($72,900 BOC).One of the biggest changes is under the surface. Every G6 trim now receives a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery compared to the previous nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) unit. These batteries have better thermal safety and can charge to 100 per cent more often without the risk of degradation.While the slightly smaller 80.8kWh LFP battery means claimed range is down incrementally compared to the pre-update car (this new version offers up to 510km of WLTP-claimed range), peak DC fast-charging has been boosted from 280kW to 451kW. This is equivalent to the Zeekr 7X which also offers LFP batteries.No DC fast-charger in Australia can currently charge at that higher rate and we didn’t get to properly test out the car’s charging performance due to the short loan length. However, XPeng claims the battery can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 12 minutes.Another big change that has already been alluded to is the availability of a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain. It offers a total system output of 358kW, which is 140kW more than the RWD Long Range and 173kW more than the RWD Standard Range.Power delivery is immediate and there’s just the right amount without being excessive. You’re able to accelerate up to speed in traffic with ease and there’s plenty of oomph left for higher-speed overtakes.If you want to experience the proper 4.1-second 0-100km/h sprint, you can use launch control and the Sport drive mode. Surprisingly, it doesn’t snap your neck like some electric vehicles (EVs), instead the power is delivered progressively.Things largely stay together once you start turning the wheel in the twisties, but you can tell this car leans a touch more towards the comfort side than the dynamic, which is the case for many Chinese EVs.This continues on to the suspension as it’s largely compliant around town, though there’s some roll and sway as the car settles itself. It also gets a touch bouncy if you hit a series of undulations at higher speeds.Something XPeng deserves credit for is its advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibrations. The systems do everything they should and only interact when required.You’re able to customise the sensitivity of all the safety systems which is a lovely surprise. This means fewer bings and bongs. Hallelujah!You can also customise the steering weight, brake pedal feel and there’s even an ‘Individual’ drive mode. It’s great to see.It’s a little disappointing XPeng hasn’t been able to roll out its more advanced semi-autonomous driving system in Australia yet, but what is already present does a good job.The lane-centring is rock-solid, the automatic lane changes feel natural, plus the parking assist is great as it reads the parking lines, rather than the space between parked cars.Once the more advanced tech arrives it’ll finally give Tesla some competition. Speaking of which, a lot of the G6 feels inspired by Tesla.It feels uncanny inside with the minimal design putting the 15.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system in centre stage. There are barely any physical buttons around the cabin, forcing you to use the touchscreen for many functions.Thankfully the touchscreen’s user interface is easy to navigate. Unlike Tesla it also boasts wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a proper digital instrument cluster.However, beyond this it feels like the G6 lacks any character or defining feature that marks it specifically as an XPeng. Even the exterior design feels like a generic amalgamation of many models.On the safety front, the pre-update model received a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2024. It’s unclear if this will be renewed for the updated model.As standard there is autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition as well as a surround-view camera system.New G6 owners are covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, whereas the high-voltage battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 20,000km, however XPeng hasn’t confirmed pricing yet.One critical point is XPeng’s new factory-backed operation in Australia is still scaling and as it stands there is no open dealer or service centre.A number are coming soon in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. It’s unclear whether XPeng has plans to open a dealer in New South Wales, or any other state yet.

A new Chinese electric commercial van brand has launched in Australia and its first model is a rival to the likes of Ford E-Transit Custom, Farizon Supervan and LDV eDeliver 7, among others.Cavan is a sub-brand of Foton globally but in Australia it’s being distributed by a different company, meaning a different dealer and service network. Foton is distributed by Inchcape in Australia.There are three versions of the Cavan C1 at launch with differing wheelbase lengths and heights. There is also a promotional pricing offer on all trim levels.The entry-level C1 is $44,990 drive-away, the C1 Plus is $47,990 drive-away and the C1 Max $48,990 drive-away.It’s unclear what the pricing will change to after the promotional offer ends.For now this firmly makes the Cavan C1 the most affordable electric van in Australia. This title was previously held by the Farizon V7E.It’s even more affordable than many diesel-powered vans like the LDV Deliver 7, Hyundai Staria Load, Fiat Scudo, Peugeot Expert and Toyota HiAce, among others.All versions of the C1 are powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor that produces 125kW and 210Nm. Top speed is 120km/h.The electric motor in the entry-level C1 is fed by a 50.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack sourced from CATL. This allows for a claimed range of up to 270km, according to lenient WLTC testing.Both the C1 Plus and C1 Max have a larger 66.7kWh lithium ion battery pack sourced from CATL. Claimed range is up to 325km and 333km, respectively, according to lenient WLTC testing.The entry-level C1 measures in at 4885mm long, 1810mm wide and 1960mm tall, with a 3100mm wheelbase. It offers 6.6 cubic metres of cargo volume and has a 1000kg payload.The C1 Plus is 300mm longer at 5185mm long and has a 3400mm wheelbase. It offers 7.4 cubic metres of cargo volume and has a 1200kg payload.The top-spec C1 Max is the same length but has a 200mm higher roof. It’s 2160mm tall. It offers 8.4 cubic metres of cargo volume and has a 1200kg payload.All versions of the C1 have a three-seat bench, dual sliding side doors, as well as rear barn doors.There are LED headlights, 16-inch wheels with hub caps, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system, climate control, exterior and interior vehicle-to-load (V2L) ports, as well as a heated driver’s seat.On the safety front there are two airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, as well as a surround-view camera.Cavan Australia offers differing warranty durations depending on the component type. The body and chassis is covered for up to three years or 100,000km, the electric motor and controller is covered for up to five years or 200,000km, and the high-voltage battery is covered for up to eight years or 400,000km.Logbook servicing is free for up to three years or 100,000km. There’s also three years of complimentary roadside assistance.As it currently stands, there is only one Cavan dealer in Australia. It’s located in Mitcham, which is in Melbourne’s east.

The 2026 Cupra Formentor VZx is currently the flagship trim level in the line-up, although this will change once the Audi RS3-powered VZ5 arrives later this year.It’s priced from $69,990 before on-road costs.Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 245kW and 420Nm. This is 17kW and 20Nm more than before.It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with drive sent through an all-wheel drive system. This update has picked up a trick torque-splitting rear differential that allows for a ‘Drift’ mode.Cupra claims the Formentor VZx can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds. Launch control is standard.The Fomentor VZx is claimed to consume 8.3L/100km (8.5L/100km with the Extreme package) on the combined cycle according to ADR 81/02 testing. There’s a 55L fuel tank which requires a minimum of 98 RON premium unleaded petrol.Using this claim the Formentor VZx has a theoretical total range of 663km.Standard equipment includes 19-inch forged alloy wheels, LED headlights, a hands-free power tailgate, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.9-inch touchscreen multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12-speaker Sennheiser sound system, wireless phone charger, interior ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, leather-accented upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats.A panoramic glass sunroof is optional for $2000, plus the $7000 Extreme package adds matrix LED headlights, six-piston Akebono front brakes and Sabelt front bucket seats.The Cupra Formentor originally received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2021 and this has been renewed for the updated model based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2025.There are 10 airbags including rear-side and front-centre airbags as standard, plus autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control with lane centring, a surround-view camera, as well as a parking assist.The Formentor, like all other Cupras, is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is a little lacklustre for a mainstream brand now as many have moved to conditional eight or 10-year terms.Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.There are three- and five-year pre-paid service packages available that are priced at $1090 and $2190, respectively. In the latter case, this means each service averages out to almost $440 which is fairly average for a European car.

Nissan has officially revealed a new small SUV that’s aimed at the Indian, Middle Eastern and African markets, but don’t expect it to be coming to Australia.The Nissan Tekton is essentially a rebadged Dacia or Renault Duster. It has been developed in India and will be manufactured in partnership with Renault in India.There are two powertrains on offer, a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The latter produces 100kW and 280Nm.Depending on the powertrain there are either manual or dual-clutch automatic transmissions on offer.A wide array of trim levels are available in India but available equipment includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Google built-in, LED headlights, panoramic glass sunroof, dual-zone climate control and ventilated front seats.Although the top-spec models get 18-inch alloy wheels, a number of the more affordable models get 17-inch steel wheels.On the safety front there are six airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, as well as a surround-view camera.Although the Tekton is built in right-hand drive and is set to be offered in 50 global markets across the Middle East and Africa, a Nissan Australia spokesperson confirmed it is “not currently under consideration for Australia”.Renault launched the related Duster in Australia during 2025. It's built in Romania alongside the Dacia Duster and comes in two- and all-wheel drive guises.As it stands, Nissan's smallest vehicle in Australia is now the UK-built Qashqai. The new-generation Juke EV isn’t coming to Australia.Nissan recently launched the Kicks small SUV in right-hand drive for Japan but it’s not confirmed for an Australian launch either.It’s offered in Japan exclusively with e-Power hybrid powertrains.

BYD has confirmed the pricing and specifications for the new Dolphin G DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) hatchback for the UK ahead of first arrivals in September.There are four trim levels available, Active, Boost, Comfort and Sport. Pricing starts at £23,990 (~A$46,350) and extends to £29,490 (~A$56,990).The entry-level Dolphin G DM-i is £6005 (~A$11,600) more affordable than the entry-level Sealion 5 DM-i. For context, the entry-level Sealion 5 in Australia is priced from $33,990 before on-road costs.If the Dolphin G DM-i comes to Australia it could slide under $30,000, making it the new cheapest PHEV. This title currently goes to the aforementioned Sealion 5.At this stage BYD hasn’t confirmed whether the Dolphin G DM-i is due for an Australian launch.The entry-level Dolphin G DM-i Active is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors with a total system output of 129kW.It features a 7.4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that allows for up to 39km of electric range, according to WLTP testing. Claimed total range is 1018km.The battery pack can only be AC charged at rates up to 3.3kW.The rest of the line-up is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors with a slightly higher total system output of 155kW.They have a larger 18.3kWh LFP battery that allows for up to 104km of electric range, according to WLTP testing. Claimed total range is 1039km.The battery pack can be AC charged at rates up to 6.6kW, plus it offers DC fast-charging capabilities at rates up to 39kW.As standard the entry-level Dolphin G DM-i Active comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen multimedia system, a four-speaker sound system and fabric upholstery.Stepping up to the Boost gains a larger 12.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system, 15W wireless phone charger, eight-speaker sound system, interior ambient lighting, synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, two 18W USB-C ports in the rear, electrically folding side mirrors and privacy glass.The Comfort gets larger 18-inch alloy wheels, Google Built-in multimedia operating system, fabric and synthetic leather upholstery, power adjustable driver’s seat, as well as a surround-view camera.Lastly the Sport gets black 18-inch alloy wheels and synthetic suede upholstery finished in black with either orange or blue accents.BYD hasn’t confirmed whether the Dolphin G DM-i will be coming to Australia, but the related Atto 2 DM-i has been approved for local sale.These types of government approval filings usually come a few months before a new model is confirmed for local sale. However, it isn't always a guarantee.If the BYD Atto 2 DM-i does launch in Australia it will complement the all-electric trims that launched late last year.