Articles by James Cleary

XPeng has announced pricing and launch specification for its coupe-style L03 mid-size SUV in Europe, ahead of a likely Aussie arrival.The newcomer is offered initially as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV), with a Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV) version joining the line-up before the end of the year.Given order books are already open in China (where the car is called Mona L03) and examples have been spotted testing in Australia, the L03 is a likely 2027 arrival here, the Chinese maker already confirming it will “be available in 64 countries and regions”.With customer deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year and priced from €35,600 (~$58,250), the German L03 range consists of five models, two rear-wheel drive (RWD) single-motor BEVs, a pair of dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) electric variants and a single range-extender option.It would likely be cheaper in Australia due to our close proximity to China and the existence of a free trade agreement.The REEV version features a plug-in hybrid powertrain with the wheels driven exclusively by an electric motor, with a (70kW) 1.5-litre internal combustion engine (ICE) acting as a generator only to recharge the 37.3kWh LFP battery while driving. Claimed WLTP range is 1000km on a single tank of fuel and full battery charge, with a pure-electric range in excess of 200km.The single-motor, RWD version of the BEV is claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds with combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) energy consumption of 11.9kWh/100km.German pricing:  It’s important to note these German prices include 19 per cent VAT (Value Added Tax) and as with most Chinese new arrivals, you can generally expect the L03 to be significantly more affordable when it lands in Australia.The L03 is priced from between the equivalent of $31,000 to $34,000 in electric form in China (where there are nine models on offer) and a local entry-grade is likely to be more in line with base versions of the BYD Atto 3 (from $39,990), GAC Aion V (from $42,590) and Geely EX5 (from $41,990).Developed by a global team led by former Ferrari Head of Exterior Design Juanma López, the L03 measures 4.65 metres long, a fraction over 1.9m wide and 1.6m tall with a 2850mm wheelbase. Drag coefficient is a slippery 0.23.All Euro L03 grades feature full LED exterior lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels (20s on the flagship Ultra BEV), Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, electrically adjustable, folding, and heated exterior mirrors, nine-speaker audio (with two speakers integrated into the driver's seat), built-in navigation, dual-zone climate control, and three screen displays - an 8.9-inch digital instrument cluster, 15.6-inch central touchscreen and a 26.8-inch head-up display.The boot boasts a decent 367-litre volume and there’s an 89-liter ‘frunk’ up front.Safety includes seven airbags and “more than 13 driver assistance systems” bundled under the name ‘XPILOT’, including AEB (Auto Emergency Braking), blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert adaptive cruise control and more.CarsGuide has contacted XPeng Australia for comment on the L03’s potential for local sale and likely arrival timing.

Until the late 1970s, when a car’s fuel needle began to slip towards empty, Aussies were still pulling into a service station to receive just that… service.An attendant would approach the driver’s window and ask how much fuel a customer wanted, the most common reply being, fill ‘er up!That helpful person duly filled the car, checked the oil and water, cleaned the windscreen, received the appropriate amount of cash, brought back the change and waved a happy motorist on their way.But then, the dominance of that wholesome exchange was blown away by the arrival of self-service petrol stations.All of a sudden the forecourt attendant was unceremoniously kicked to the kerb and a ripple of nervous trauma passed through the broader populace.The onus was on drivers to pull up and fill the car themselves. Second nature now, a revolution then.And with the rising popularity of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) we’re facing a similarly unsettling scenario with the switch from the familiar petrol bowser to intimidating charge pylons.No hose and nozzle, rather a thick cable and bulky connector plug. No panel operator to process your purchase, you’re on your own with a smartphone app or swipe card to get the job done.And arguably an even bigger shift is the ability to top up your car at home and/or where you work. It’s still unfamiliar territory for many, so for the EV curious worried about the process of charging an electric vehicle, never fear CarsGuide is here with a pre-flight checklist to help you get to grips with the brave new world of public or home charging. The first thing we’d recommend is a subtle mindset shift. Don’t think of an EV as you would a car powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE). Think of it more like your phone; a case of top-up rather than fill-up.The current crop of high-voltage lithium-ion EV drive batteries respond best to being kept between 20 and 80 per cent charged.Keeping that 20 per cent minimum in mind is helpful because driving an EV until the battery is close to depletion means you run the risk of failing to proceed before you can reach a charge point. Who needs the strain of pushing into the range anxiety zone?That mid-range charge band reduces the heat stress on a pack’s individual cells, which can accelerate chemical degradation and impact the battery’s effectiveness and longevity.To that end, DC fast-charging slows to a snail’s pace once the battery hits 80 per cent, anyway. So, better to save time and unplug at that point.That’s why so many car manufacturers quote a 10-80 or 20-80 per cent DC charge time for the EVs they’re hoping to land in your driveway. If you need every last kilometre of potential range for a road trip, by all means go to 100 percent on DC, but best not to make it a habit.If you’d like to dig deeper into the characteristics of different EV battery types, and there are several, we’ve got you covered here.But what about those two letters - DC, not to mention their related cousins - AC?If you were paying more attention than I was in high school physics you’ll know they stand for Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC).Without getting into the weeds on the differences, the main things you need to know are DC is high-voltage while AC is generally lower output as found in typical household three-pin outlets.  And rechargeable EV batteries can only store DC electricity, which means they need an onboard charger to convert AC to DC. It’s a long way to the top if you want to charge a car.Home or work charging is by far the most common means of juicing up an electric vehicle with AC the dominant form.The highest output you’ll find in a home charger currently in Australia is 22kW, which matches the AC capacity of the Porsche Taycan, its Audi e-tron GT corporate sibling and several others.This will require a three-phase upgrade, as will a slightly lesser 11kW charger, which is why many EV owners opt for a 7.2kW (single-phase) set-up. You’ll still need a registered sparky for the installation and charge times will be longer but you don’t run into the heat-related issues fast-DC charging brings, plus there’s less fuss and expense. And if you have solar and a storage battery, you're laughing.Or, simplest of all, use an adaptor cable that plugs straight into house power. Charging takes an age but that might be fine for you.There are a multitude of home wallbox-style chargers available. Even that massive hardware chain with the local primary school sausage sizzle out the front has multiple options available.You may have also noted council-provided AC chargers on a nearby telegraph pole. Free to use, they will range from 7.2 to 22kW output.The Australian Federal Government, as well as several state governments continue to invest in EV charging infrastructure, so the number of public chargers is set to continue growing steadily in years to come.  And it’s worth noting an EV can only take in as much energy as its AC/DC convertor will allow. Plug 22kW AC into a 7.2kW car and your maximum charge rate is… 7.2kW.When it comes to plugging in, that’s the process. Open the flap to the EV’s charge port, push the cable into the connector and press go on your charging device of choice.Only a few years ago there was VHS vs Betamax (for younger readers, they were competing video tape formats) style confusion over Type 2 and CHAdeMO connectors.Happily, the Type 2 style appears to have won the arm wrestle, which keeps things simple at home or when using a public charger.The car will indicate its battery’s state of charge as the electricity goes in, as will a readout on the charging cable, wall box or public pylon.Keep an eye on the number if you’re fast-charging but you can set-and-forget for a low-output overnight AC charge (potentially taking advantage of off-peak energy rates in the process). Simply switch off and uncouple when you’ve reached your desired level.To give you an example on time and charge rates, the pure-electric Renault Megane E-Tech is fitted with a 60kWh (kilowatt hour) lithium-ion battery, which Renault says will charge from 15-80 per cent, on a 130kW DC fast charger, in around 30 minutes.Switch to AC and the Megane’s 7.4kW capacity means you’re looking at a little over nine hours for a full (0-100 per cent) charge.   Using domestic 10-amp, single-phase power the wait time is 30.5 hours for a full charge.PHEVs are quicker to charge given their smaller batteries and ICE power onboard.   If you want to fast charge on a public DC pylon from providers like Chargefox and Evie Charging, one of the motoring clubs like RACV or NRMA or the Tesla Supercharger network, here’s how it goes.For reference, DC EV charge pylons in Australia will typically range from 50kW to 350kW output with a handful of 400kW Ampol Amplify sites now in place. Best to start by downloading the relevant app and setting up an account for the option that works best for you.Once that’s in place, using Evie as an example, the app has a location map showing where your nearest charging site is, how many plugs are available, $/kWh (dollars per kilowatt hour) rate, the maximum power of the charger and more.As you would at home, extract the (in this case, hefty) cable from the pylon, open the car’s charge port door and plug in. The pylon readout screen will tell you a connection has been made and encourage you to press start.A swipe card to use on the pylon’s payment mat is another option to get things underway.Once the charge has started the pylon will keep you updated on the rate of charge and the battery filling up can be monitored in the same way you would at home.Press stop when you’re ready, the charge will subside and the machine will allow you to take out the connector cable and replace the plug. Job done.And if you’re wondering how much it costs to charge your EV at home versus a public outlet, we’re recently done the arithmetic here.That’s about it. Good luck on your EV charging adventure.Drop questions in the comments section below. And EV old-hands, feel free to add your two bob’s worth in the comments, as well.

Alfa Romeo is at a crossroads with the famous Italian carmaker’s upcoming mid-size SUV critical to its on-going viability.Currently owned and managed by giant auto conglomerate Stellantis, Alfa’s global year-on-year sales dropped 21 per cent for the first half of 2026, with Australian registrations down 51 per cent (to just 139 units) on a less than stellar 2025 H1 result.Arresting that downward slide is addressed in the group-wide Stellantis Fastlane 2030 initiative, which positions Alfa Romeo as a ‘regional brand’ focused primarily on Europe with two significant new models coming down the product pipeline - a C-segment (medium) SUV to replace the current Tonale and a new ‘Bottega Fuoriserie’ project, likely a compact hatch to compete with the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.The Alfa Romeo Bottega Fuoriserie is a bespoke, limited-production division created in partnership with Maserati to “revive classic Italian coachbuilding.”    Speaking at the National Automotive Industry Roundtable organised by the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), Stellantis Chief Operating Officer of Enlarged Europe Emanuele Cappellano has shown a teaser image of the new Alfa C-SUV showing a rear design detail.Cappellano confirmed the C-SUV is based on the group’s STLA Medium platform, will feature “multi-energy powertrains and will be introduced to compete in the heart of the market”.He added the new model has been designed at the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo in Turin, is set to be built at the Melfi plant in southern Italy and is scheduled to be officially unveiled in the fourth quarter of 2027.The new car is part of the Stellantis strategy for Enlarged Europe, the company targeting 15 per cent revenue growth and expanded portfolio coverage with a “C-segment offensive" underpinned by widescale use of the STLA One platform.There are 14 core brands under the Stellantis umbrella - Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall.  The company has said Fastlane 2030 is aimed at sharpening management practices, investing in global platforms, powertrains and tech as well as optimising the company’s manufacturing footprint while raising product quality.Designed to focus on core strengths it positions Jeep, Ram, Peugeot and Fiat as global brands with Chrysler, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall defined as regional brands.

Facing intense competition from emerging Chinese brands, the impact of US tariffs and increased manufacturing costs in Europe, the Volkswagen Group’s current financial trauma is well documented with a minimum cut of 50,000 jobs (likely 100,000) by 2030 and closure of four production plants in Germany already flagged.And now, as part of its Future Plan presentation, the Group’s executive board has said, “The (group) model lineup will be gradually concentrated on the most attractive market segments and streamlined by up to 50 percent; offering complexity will be reduced by up to 75 percent.”Which means key models currently sold by brands including Audi, Cupra, Skoda, Porsche and VW are set for early discontinuation, the latest by 2030, with the number of available options slashed by three quarters and annual production capacity dropping from 10 to nine million vehicles.Question is, which models are headed for the chop first and German publication Bild believes it has the inside scoop with a "concrete list” of 10 cars headed for extinction.Here’s the Bild VW Group product hit list.Audi: The Q5 Sportback and Q6 e-tron Sportback are unlikely to be replaced. And interestingly, even though the Porsche Taycan is marked for extinction (see below) its Audi e-tron GT twin under the skin isn’t.Cupra: The list marks the Cupra Raval (which hasn't even launched in Australia yet) as headed for the exit after a single generation.Porsche: In unsurprising news the underperforming Taycan is set to retire after the current model reaches the end of the road and the internal-combustion (ICE) Cayenne Coupe is gawn.Sadly for sports car devotees Bild’s mail is that even though Porsche’s ‘strategic realignment’ from late last year pointed to internal combustion power for flagship versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman, that plan is kaput with the roadster and coupe again lining up as EV only.Skoda: The Bild report puts the Skoda Fabia small car on the chopping block, although there’s no mention of its closely-related Seat Ibiza and VW Polo siblings.Volkswagen: The Jetta compact sedan, now primarily sold in North America, and the Taos crossover-style SUV, currently offered in global markets including North America, South America and Russia (and marketed as the Tharu in China) look unlikely to make a next-gen iteration.No mention of Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini or Seat although Bentley has already shelved its plan to go pure-electric by 2035 and Lambo’s put production of its first EV firmly on the back burner.Bild estimates VW Group savings of up to €6.5 billion (~$10.7 billion) by 2031 by finishing up these 10 cars but even that’s far from a 50 per cent reduction in the across-the-board model count.Stay tuned for more VW Group model obituaries surely coming soon.

Geely’s new model roll-out in Australia continues to gather pace with the formal introduction of the Chinese maker’s pure-electric EX2 city car, priced and specified to challenge the recently introduced BYD Atto 1.Offered in two grades, the Complete at $26,490, before on-road costs and Inspire at $30,990 before on-roads, the new five-door hatch is scheduled to arrive in dealerships late this month.The Complete is powered by a rear-mounted 60kW/150Nm electric motor fed by a 35.3kWh LFP battery for a relatively modest WLTP range of 252km, while the Inspire ups motor outputs to 85kW/150Nm with a 47.1kWh LFP battery extending range to 345km (WLTP). Maximum DC charging speed is 60kW for the Complete and 80kW on the Inspire with AC rated at 6.0kW for both.Geely has already claimed the EX2 as the world’s best selling small EV and China’s top-seller domestically in 2025 and said a pre-release dealer roadshow has been “generating significant expressions of interest and pre-orders” here.Underpinned by the same Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) platform as the Geely EX5 EV SUV and larger Starray EM-i PHEV SUV, the EX2 is just over 4.1m long, 1.8m wide and a bit less than 1.6m tall with a 2650mm wheelbase.Suspension is a strut front, multi-link rear set-up tuned “in collaboration with Geely Technology Europe (formerly Lotus Tech Innovation Centre GmbH) to better meet the preferences of European and Australian drivers.”So, not a specific Aussie calibration, but Geely is keen to emphasise the multi-link rear end’s superiority over the torsion beam arrangement more commonly found in this type of compact car. Turning circle is a usefully tight 9.9 metres.The EX2’s compact dimensions put it in light EV territory with the BYD Atto 1 (from $23,990), while taking pot shots at small EVs like the BYD Dolphin (from $29,990) and GAC Aion UT (from $31,990) - all prices before on-road costs.  Both grades feature a 14.6-inch central multimedia touchscreen (with built-in nav), an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and power front seats as well as LED head and tail-lights, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.Audio is a four-speaker system and the 16-inch wheels are steel on the Complete, with a six-speaker stereo, alloy rims, a power tailgate, wireless phone charging, heated front seats and 256-colour ambient lighting added to the top-spec Inspire.Geely Connected Services will be active from August for the Geely EX2, with access included for 24 months and an updated Geely App will provide remote access to functions including door and window control, climate control, vehicle status and scheduled charging.Able to seat five, the EX2’s compact power unit makes room for a generous 375-litre boot, plus there’s a 70L frunk, 28L of under-seat storage and a 10L ‘drawer-style’ glove box.Despite the car’s diminutive size active (crash-avoidance) safety includes Auto Emergency Braking (AEB), front and rear collision warning, front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, driver monitoring, adaptive cruise control, Auto Lane Change Assist (ALC) and more with a 360-degree camera view standard on the Inspire.An EX2 limited time launch package (July 12 to August 31, 2026) includes a finance offer, free 7.0kW home EV charger and premium paint upgrade.2027 Geely EX2 pricing 

Reports out of the US overnight point to a significant delay in the start of production for the all-new, pure-electric Toyota Highlander large SUV, marking another faltering step in the Japanese giant’s shift towards broader adoption of battery-electric models.According to American automotive marketplace Cars.com, a Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) spokesperson told it the company is making “additional adjustments to the vehicle prior to launch.” Toyota uses the name Highlander in the USA and selected export markets while the Kluger nameplate is well established in Japan and Australia, with local Klugers coming out of Toyota’s Princeton, Indiana plant.The top-spec all-wheel drive 2027 Highlander has two electric motors, producing 252kW/438Nm and there are two battery options - 77kWh for a 462km range and 96kWh for 515km between charges. Initially set to launch in North America before the end of the year, a “minimum eight week delay” to production ramp up means the new-generation battery electric vehicle (BEV) may not hit showrooms there until early 2027.With no confirmation of revised launch timing for the new Highlander, TMNA also advised the current 2026 model will stay in production through to the end of the year.It’s worth noting while the Kluger is hybrid-only in Australia, the current Highlander is offered in pure-combustion and hybrid form in the States and US Highlander sales are currently strong, especially for hybrid variants. In fact, Cars.com has theorised part of Toyota’s motivation for holding back the new model is to “enjoy some extra profits on the fast-selling, top-dollar Highlander hybrids to keep that cash machine ringing while RAV4 production continues to slowly ramp up.”There’s no doubt a production extension for the current car will be welcomed by Toyota Australia, its dealers and Kluger buyers. Local sales for the first half of this year were down 46.3 compared to the same period in 2025, but additional supply could add a much needed boost.The new-gen Highlander EV is currently off the agenda for Australian consumption, with a Toyota Australia spokesperson previously telling CarsGuide there are no current plans to add a Kluger version to the range Down Under.But we’ve heard that line before, so don’t write off the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90 competitor for Australia just yet.On side note, the hold up will surely upset launch plans for the Lexus TZ, the Highlander’s premium counterpart and the Subaru Getaway, based on the upcoming model’s platform and basic architecture, both initially planned for 2026 introduction.After single-mindedly sticking to its long-term hybrid-led new energy vehicle (NEV) strategy Toyota has gradually moved towards EVs, introducing the bZ4X and more recently the bZ4X Touring and Electric HiLux locally, with the C-HR+ EV locked in for 2027.The plug-in hybrid RAV4, just-released in Australia, is on the same TNGA-K platform as the 2027 Highlander, which also opens the door to a future EV version.

JAC Australia has announced pricing and standard specification for its much-anticipated Hunter ute, with sub-$50K cost-of-entry for the petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) dual cab sure to put the cat among the pigeons in an increasingly crowded ute segment.Starting at $49,988, before on-road costs it’s just over $6000 cheaper than the Shark 6 PHEV and appreciably more affordable than similarly specified 4WD dual cab utes like the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Toyota HiLux.Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and dual electric motors, the Hunter delivers a stonking 360kW and 1010Nm of combined power and torque with official combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel efficiency of 1.6L/100km (NEDC). That consumption claim equates to a combined range in excess of 1005km, although it’s important to note the lab-derived efficiency number is predicated on keeping the Hunter’s traction battery consistently charged. Claimed EV-only range is “up to 100km.”Braked trailer towing capacity is a category-competitive 3500kg and payload is rated at 915kg.The Hunter is offered in two grades, the Pro 4x4 at $49,988 and the top-spec X 4x4 sitting at $54,844, both before on-road costs.And despite its aggressive price positioning the entry model’s standard equipment list includes JAC’s ‘Super E-Hybrid’ 4x4 system boasting five terrain modes (Snow, Sand, Mud, Rock & Off-Road Crawl Control), a chrome styling package (with body-coloured exterior mirrors), leather-accented interior, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-way adjustable power driver’s seat, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy rims (plus a full-size steel spare), keyless entry and start, tailgate with Lift Assistance, steering wheel reach and rake adjustment plus multifunction steering wheel controls.The Hunter X adds front and rear diff locks (optional on Hunter Pro), a black styling package (including black roof rails), heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, 360-degree camera view, front parking sensors, power-folding exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, welcome puddle lamps and a rear 220V accessory socket.According to JAC, “Before the first customer drives home in a Hunter, it will have already completed more than 100,000km of testing on Australian roads: durability runs, towing, load-carrying, hot weather, and on- and off-road evaluation. “Vehicle dynamics were overseen from day one by Michael Barber, the respected Australian vehicle dynamic tuning engineer whose past work includes some of the country's most demanding local vehicle programs,” it said.And introducing the new ute, JAC Motors Australia Managing Director Ahmed Mahmoud said, “This isn't a trade-off between price and capability. It's proof that premium performance, advanced hybrid technology and genuine capability don't have to come with a premium price tag. We didn't build Hunter to undercut the market. We built it to disrupt it and reset what Australians should expect from a PHEV ute," he said.Vehicles are scheduled to hit showrooms from next month with registrations of interest already open. And to sweeten the deal for early adopters JAC is offering the first 1000 buyers who reserve a Hunter their choice of a free home EV charger or $500 JAC accessories voucher on delivery.

Mercedes-AMG has made the bold decision to remove the internal combustion engine from its CLA45 coupe-style compact performance car and replace it with a trio of electric motors derived from those found in the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupé.Boasting 500kW/1759Nm and 0-100km/h acceleration in a blistering 2.7 seconds, the new CLA45 4Matic+ is powered by two axial flux motors on the rear axle and one on the front with adaptive suspension and active aero standard across sedan and Shooting Brake (wagon) variants.The obvious elephant in the room is engine noise, or by definition, the lack of it, with prior iterations of AMG 45 models known and loved by owners for their rasping engine sound and throaty exhaust note.Mercedes-AMG believes it has that significant base covered with the AMGForce S+ setting.Positioning it as “combustion engine emotion at the touch of a finger”, the engineering boffins in Affalterbach say this driving mode “delivers an authentic, AMG typical combustion engine experience with the characteristic sound of a high-performance AMG four-cylinder engine.”“Coupled with a haptic, immersive experience, including interruption of traction during simulated gear changes, the result is a driving experience that makes performance intensely tangible,” the car’s launch statement said.Which sounds similar to Hyundai’s N e-Shift system that virtually simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission in its Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 N models.Mercedes-AMG is at pains to point out “the sound of an original Mercedes-AMG A 45 S four-cylinder engine was meticulously documented using 13 microphones positioned in different locations recording more than 1600 detailed measurements, inside and outside.”The AMG Dynamic+ track-focused package is onboard as is AMG Track Pace which is claimed to “turn every visit to the racetrack into a professional training session.”In terms of day-to-day practicality an 800-volt architecture allows fast-charging of the 94kW lithium-ion battery at up to 330kW (22kW AC) and claimed range is over 670 or 640 kilometres (WLTP) depending on the model. Combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) energy consumption is between 18.7 and 16.5kWh/100km, again depending on model.Active aero includes a rear spoiler on the sedan and roof-edge unit on the wagon. In Eco, Comfort and Sport driving modes, the speed threshold for their activation is 145km/h, while in the AMGForce S+ and Race settings they raise immediately.Standard rims in Germany are 19-inch shod with 245/40 Z-rated rubber at the front and 265/40 at the rear. It’s likely Aussie versions will come with the optional 20s wearing fatter  255/35 and 275/35 tyres.Inside there are four seats only and the latest-gen MBUX multimedia operating system is included. Standard upholstery combines synthetic leather and synthetic microfibre with genuine leather and AMG Performance seats available.Mercedes-Benz Australia told CarsGuide the new CLA45 is set to arrive here in the first half of 2027 with the Sheeting Brake "under consideration" for local sale.For reference, the now superseded 310kW/500Nm internal-combustion CLA45 AMG 4Matic+ was priced at $126,500, before on-road costs.

KGM has launched the new, second-generation version of its Musso ute in the UK, bringing right-hand drive production online and providing a preview of the turbo-diesel dual cab before its Australian arrival this October.Named Musso Rhino in standard trim (musso is Korean for rhinoceros) and Musso Rhino+ in lengthened form, the UK introduction confirms basic specs and gives an insight into likely standard features for Australia.Under the bonnet, the Musso is powered by a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine sending 149kW (at 3800rpm) and 400Nm (from 1400 to 2800rpm) to a selectable 4WD system via an Aisin-sourced six-speed auto transmission.For reference, the base Ford Ranger’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel delivers 125kW/405Nm while the entry-level Toyota HiLux (manual) sits at 150kW/420Nm. Combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel consumption is 7.9L/100km with CO2 emissions of 252g/km. The drivetrain incorporates 2WD high-range, 4WD high-range and 4WD low-range settings with hill start assist and hill descent control onboard.Off-road credentials include a 30.9-degree approach angle and 27.8 degree departure angle for the standard Musso, with the long version at 30.6 degrees and 24.5 degrees, respectively. Minimum ground clearance is 248mm.Speaking of differences between the two versions, the standard Musso’s load bed is 1300mm long, offers a 1011-litre capacity and a payload of 1090kg with a 6750kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) and enough width to accommodate a Euro-pallet.The long bed model increases those stats to 1610mm, 1262 litres, 1200kg and 6900kg, respectively. Tray width (1570mm) and depth (570mm) are the same for both versions.Both models also feature a standard load bed liner, eight tie-down anchors, a wide opening tailgate, an LED load bed light and rear bumper corner steps.Maximum braked trailer towing capacity is a category-competitive 3.5 tonnes, with trailer sway control, a rear-view camera, Clear Sight View (uses the front camera to create a composite view of what's directly under the nose) and a 360-degree surround view camera system standard. Other standard equipment includes LED projection headlights, 18-inch brushed chrome alloy wheels, silver side steps, black and silver roof rails, Nappa leather seat trim, power-adjustable and ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control (with dial controls and rear vents), a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreenAlso included are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, rear USB-C ports, digital radio, keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers and adaptive cruise control.UK pricing positions the Musso Rhino at £38,995 (~$75,350) and the Musso Rhino+ at £39,995 (~$77,300), before VAT (Value Added Tax), but as with most cars, expect it to be significantly more affordable when it lands in Australia.

In the same way sharks must keep moving forward to breathe, BYD needs Australia to keep its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute alive for global consumption.At least that’s the proposition put in an overnight CarNewsChina (CNC) report noting a significant year-on-year export volume decline for the petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) dual cab.The report references Chinese industry data pointing to a 25.8 per cent drop in Shark 6 exports to 20,037 units for the first half of 2026 (down from 26,988 in H1 2025).Although BYD has regularly stated its intention to sell the Shark 6 in the Chinese domestic market, so far it’s an export-only proposition, currently on sale in Brazil, Chile, Iraq, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE and critically, Australia.Of that first half volume number, Australian sales (9493 units) accounted for more than 47 per cent.That’s despite increased competition lowering local January to June Shark 6 sales by 8.9 per cent from 10,424 for the same period in 2025.According to CNC, BYD exported 11,038 examples of the Shark 6 in its 2024 launch year, rising to 39,466 units in 2025, although sales slowed appreciably in the second half of last year (26,988 units Jan-Jun / 12,478 units Jul-Dec).In June 2026, BYD recorded 4000 Shark 6 exports with 3398 units (85 per cent of that number) sold within the month in Australia, CNC positioning the ute as “becoming a hostage to one market”.It also makes the point “the BYD Shark 6 is facing intensifying competition in the segment as GWM, Geely, Changan, and other Chinese carmakers introduce their plug-in hybrid, range-extended, and fully electric trucks to the global market”. The upcoming diesel plug-in hybrid Chery Stockman received special mention.It’s also worth noting the potential impact of the smaller BYD Mako ute, scheduled to launch initially in South America in September this year.The front- or all-wheel drive 1.5-litre unibody PHEV dual cab looks set for introduction in other markets with a likely Australian release running the risk of further diluting Shark 6 sales.Could the global Shark 6 slowdown put this ground-breaking ute in peril? Stay tuned.