Articles by James Cleary

A determined push by Chinese carmakers towards large luxury SUVs offering a choice of pure-electric and range-extender hybrid power continues to gather momentum as the XPeng GX enters full global production.Exuding an unmistakable Range Rover vibe, the GX joins the Aito M9, BYD U8L, Denza N9, Li Auto L9, MG IM LS9 and Zeekr 9X as similarly sized, specified and priced (not to mention Range Rover-inspired) rivals in the Chinese domestic market.Breaking cover earlier this year, we now know the XPeng GX is a substantial six-seater, measuring close to 5.3m long, 2.0m wide and 1.8m tall with a lengthy 3115mm wheelbase. Kerb weight ranges between 2690kg and 2890kg.Offered in pure-electric (BEV) and range-extender hybrid (EREV) form, the BEV sends a combined 430kW and a solid 695Nm to all four wheels via dual motors and Xpeng’s 800-volt coaxial electric drive system.An 800V AI battery platform supports 5C ultra-fast charging capable of completing a full charge of an 80kWh pack in around 12 minutes.That said, battery sizes for the BEV are yet to be confirmed but claimed ranges across four grades are 635km, 665km, 720km and 750km.The EREV GX also features a dual-motor AWD set up delivering a combined 370kW and a claimed pure-electric range of 320km. A 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine acts purely as a generator to power a CALB-sourced 63.3kWh LFP battery, but not the wheels. No word from XPeng yet on the EREV’s combined range figure, but a number in excess of 1000km is likely.Specifications detailed by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) point to upper GX grades featuring front- and rear-steer-by-wire tech to assist slow speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. And Xpeng has already confirmed the GX will be equipped with four Turing AI chips boasting computing power in excess of 3000 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second).Design details include a split-opening tailgate (a la Range Rover), retractable door handles, a panoramic sunroof and an active front air intake. Wheel size varies between 21- or 22-inch, depending on the version, and the large SUV’s relatively tight front and rear overhangs are 980mm and 1170mm, respectively. Domestic pricing is expected to land between ¥400,000 – ¥500,000 (~$82,000 – $102,000).CarsGuide has previously contacted XPeng for its position on the GX’s potential for Australian sale with the company not making any comment at this stage.

Of the 113 primary and 173 sub-clause Australian Design Rule (ADR) standards for safety, anti-theft and emissions currently applied to new vehicles marketed in Australia one stands out as a regular sticking point for manufacturers.It’s ADR 34/03 - Child Restraint Anchorages and Child Restraint Anchor Fittings - originally gazetted in 1989 and most recently updated in 2017.It mandates a compliant ‘Upper Anchorage’ and ‘Upper Anchor Fitting’ (aka a top-tether point) for “each seating position in the ‘Second Row Seats’ equipped with an adult ‘Seatbelt Assembly’”.And this makes Australia a global stand-out. Although three top-tether anchorages are required in Canada and the USA, only two are mandated in Europe, and China has no specific demand for top-tether points. We strictly require a top tether anchor for all rear-seating positions, including the centre. In many markets, in concert with ISOFIX, use of the three-point seatbelt to help stabilise the seat and reduce twisting in a crash is deemed adequate.  But it sounds easy, right? Drill a hole in the parcel shelf or rear floor, bolt in a hook and the job’s done. Authorised restraint fitting stations do it all the time. Of course, it’s light years away from being that simple.The time, money and engineering focus required to homologate a centre rear top-tether for this market across a vast array of interior and rear seat arrangements is often a stumbling block for potential new model introductions.Specialised research and development required for certification of the strength and real world performance of reinforced mounting points will typically involve a full program including virtual and physical engineering as well as testing to destruction of rear seat modules or entire vehicles.Then there’s the time and cost of the compliance process, submitting required technical data  to the The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts that oversees the ADR regime.And a case-in-point is the Renault 5 E-Tech.Although it’s never been confirmed for local sale, Renault Australia has previously told CarsGuide it would “love to have the car here” as long as it “does the business case to get the investment for the unique Australian ADRs”.Having started European deliveries in late 2024, the R5 E-Tech is still a possibility for this market, but it’s a much longer shot than it was thanks in part to ADR 34/03.Speaking at this week’s launch of the Scenic E-Tech, Renault Australia General Manager Glen Sealey confirmed the R5 E-Tech was originally going to be a four-seater but a European tax change mid-way through the car’s development cycle saw it morph into a five-seater (thanks to additional subsidies for three seats in a rear bench).Suddenly, the need to homologate a top tether for the middle rear position threw a big spanner in the works for the car’s Australian market potential. Sealey estimates the prospective compliance cost at around 3 million ($4.9M).Also speaking at the launch, Renault S.A. Country Manager, Oceania Arnaud Mourgue confirmed Australia is now plugged into the brand’s relevant new model programs from day one, which minimises the chances of ADR compliance roadblocks. But other recent ADR 34/03-related hiccups include a temporary pause on sales of the Deepal E07 Multitruck to rectify a missing child seat restraint anchor in the rear.The Tesla Model 3’s 2024 update was paused early that year because of a rear-centre top-tether compliance issue and BYD Atto 3 deliveries were briefly paused in 2022 in light of child seat anchor point issues.There are other instances and who knows how many interesting EVs from China and elsewhere have been ruled out for Australian sale   A spokesperson for The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts told CarsGuide, “ADR 34/03 is likely to remain in force in its current form for the foreseeable future.”Which, depending on your perspective, means kids in capsules and car seats in Australia are doubly protected. Or onerous ADRs mean Aussie new car buyers are potentially missing out on exciting new products from around the globe.   

At the end of 2020, after 160 years in existence, owner General Motors made the decision to retire the Holden brand following the US automotive giant’s move to discontinue supply to right-hand drive markets.Due in no small part to the then Australian Government’s call in 2013 to end ‘co-investment’ with local car manufacturers and the brand’s consistently shrinking market share, after close to 69 years and nearly 7.7 million cars built, local Holden production had finished in 2017.With former GM brands Opel and Vauxhall having already been acquired by PSA Group earlier in 2017, long-term ‘in-house’ access to a RHD imported (ZB) Commodore donor, via the Opel Insignia, was also to become a dead end, while potential alternatives from Buick and Chevrolet were deemed cost prohibitive.General Motors was digging itself out of a financial hole around this time, and with Holden sales struggling across its now pure-import range, on February 17, 2020 the official announcement was made that Holden would be no more from October that year.So, who were the key players within Holden at that tumultuous and emotional time when the ‘Football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars’ music stopped and where are they now?David ButtnerDavid Buttner AM, raised eyebrows across the Aussie automotive industry when, after more than 30 years with Toyota Australia (the last three and half as President), he came out of retirement to take on the role of Holden’s Chairman and Managing Director in August 2018.At the time Buttner was bullish about Holden’s prospects as a pure-importer, telling CarsGuide in late 2018, “The facts are we can draw on a fantastic stable of SUVs and trucks.”But just over a year later he had pulled the pin on his time at Holden, according to a GM statement for “personal reasons”. But a 30 per cent year-on-year slump in sales (Holden had dropped out of the top 10 sellers list) may well have played a part.And surely by the end of 2019 Buttner had a clear take on what was to come down the pipe from Detroit only a couple of months later.Today he’s a freelance mentor and coach, positioning his work under the banner ‘Coaching from Experience’, leaning into his strategic ability and appetite for innovation.Kristian AquilinaKristian Aquilina was Holden Australia’s final Executive Director of Marketing, taking over the role in April 2018. Following David Buttner’s departure (see above) and the announcement that General Motors was axing the Holden brand, Aquilina served as interim Managing Director, overseeing the transition to closure, leaving the position on November 1, 2020.At the time he said, “The brand will work towards a dignified wind down of operations”, which is arguably what happened.After stints as Managing Director of Cadillac International Operations and Cadillac Middle East, Aquilina joined GM Canada in early 2024, serving as President until his appointment as Global Vice President of Cadillac late last year. Based in Detroit, it’s the position he holds currently.Richard FerlazzoA key player in Holden’s design team for more than three decades, Richard Ferlazzo was the brand’s Design Director for seven years from late 2013 to closure.Ferlazzo is best known to many as the father of Holden’s dramatic Efijy concept car that dropped jaws around the world in 2005. But his work on global design projects and GM advanced concepts was even more significant.Having had input into the Commodore line-up from VN in the late 1980s, his time as Chief Designer included a lead position on exterior design for the breakthrough VE Commodore, as well as fine-tuning the next-generation VF, which proved to be the best and last locally made Holden.Today, Richard Ferlazzo Design Consulting works across multiple disciplines including transport (which takes in military vehicles), architectural concepts and product design.Peter KeleyAt the time of the closure announcement Holden had 185 dealers in Australia, 31 in New Zealand and Peter Keley (former MD of Holden NZ) was the brand’s Executive Director of Sales.Of course, unpicking that historical retail knitting would have been traumatic and potentially a legal minefield.With around 1.6 million Holdens still on the road, shell-shocked dealers were offered the option of becoming an authorised service and parts outlet and over 90 per cent of them had finalised compensation and separation packages by mid-2020.Today, Keeley is still in the motorised four-wheeler business as Victoria General Manager for Melbourne Tractors, retailing New Holland and other brands through multiple outlets across the state, with a focus on construction and agricultural equipment. Rob TrubianiRob Trubiani was Lead Vehicle Dynamics Engineer at GM Holden, and famously the guy who punted a VF SS-V Redline Ute around the Nurburgring in mid-2013, setting a new commercial vehicle record for the iconic German circuit at an indecently rapid 08:19.47. Over a 15-year career at Holden he achieved guru status, tuning the final-generation VE/VF Commodore’s Zeta platform to such a fine point that it could hold its head confidently high globally.Continuing his focus on brake, chassis, vehicle dynamics and technical integration he worked through the import-only era, tweaking the Opel Insignia-based ZB Commodore and other models before departing as waves of staff redundancies began in early 2020.After a stint as Senior Mechanical Engineer at global automotive engineering specialist Segula Technologies, Trubiani joined GWM Australia in early 2025 as, you guessed it… Product Engineering Manager.George SvigosWith the benefit of 20/20 hindsight it was probably telling that when Holden’s Director of Communications, Anna Betts resigned in late 2018, it was George Svigos, then GM International’s Director of Communications for Asia-Pacific, took on the accountability.From that point the Holden comms team in Melbourne reported to Svigos who operated out of GM’s regional office in Bangkok, Thailand.But almost in parallel with the closure announcement in early 2020, Anna Betts’ predecessor as Holden Director of Communications and then Director of Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience, GM Southeast Asia, Sean Poppitt stepped in to take on the tricky role of managing corporate comms as the company moved towards shutdown. For the record, Anna Betts (now Anna Tassone) is Associate Director, Communications - Operations at RMIT University, Sean Poppitt is Executive Director - Global Buick & GMC and GM Global Design Communications in Detroit and George Svigos is Executive Director Communications, Global Markets General Motors, also based in Detroit.Lang Lang Proving GroundOpened in 1957, the 877-hectare Lang Lang Proving Ground, located roughly 85km south-east of Melbourne, was part of GM’s global research and development network for over 60 years.Retained by GM beyond the end of local Holden manufacturing in 2017 it was ultimately sold to Vietnamese EV manufacturing specialist Vinfast in late 2020.The iconic circular track, ride & handling loop, as well as various specialist off-road trails and test labs remain intact with Chinese giant GWM securing ‘permanent resident’ status in a long-term agreement finalised in July, 2025.Which of course means Rob Trubiani (see above) will once again be drifting around the skid pan and generally making best use of the facility to adapt the dynamic performance of Havals, Tanks, Cannons and Oras for local conditions. 

Mazda has added two new model grades to its Australian BT-50 ute line-up.The first is the flagship Thunder, powered by the BT-50’s top-shelf 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, sending 140kW/450Nm to all four wheels via a six-speed auto transmission.A returning model grade, for $78,400, before on-road costs, it includes all of the premium GT variant’s standard equipment and adds a single hoop bull bar paired with Lightforce Beast driving lights, reinforced anti-slip side steps, a steel sports bar and a manual roller tonneau cover. Car-spotters should also look out for gloss black door handles and ‘Thunder’ graphics.And in case anyone on the job site is confused about who’s running the show, the BT-50 Boss is a new model grade, again a 4WD powered by the 3.0L turbo-diesel engine.This time, base standard equipment is equivalent to the XT grade with the addition of gloss black door and tailgate handles, gloss black exterior mirrors and a black steel sports bar. The Boss also picks up a tub liner and side steps.Standard price is $60,220, before on-road costs but Mazda has set an introductory price of $58,990, BOC. At the same time a 360-degree camera system is now standard on the XTR, GT and SP pick-up variants.2026 Mazda BT-50 pricing2026 Mazda BT-50 engine/powertrain and efficiencyPower options (varying by model) are a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 120kW/400Nm and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four delivering 140kW/450Nm. Both are matched with a six-speed automatic transmission sending drive to the rear or all-four wheels.Official combined-cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel efficiency for both powertrains is 7.1L/100km.2026 Mazda BT-50 standard featuresAside from included safety tech, standard feature highlights across all grades are:Android Auto & Apple CarPlayReversing camera8.0-inch colour multimedia touchscreenDigital radioAdaptive cruise control XT and above:Alloy wheelsLED headlightsHigher grades:9.0-inch multimedia screenSatellite navigationFolding exterior mirrorsSide stepsLeather-trimmed steering wheelLeather seat trimRemote engine startPower-adjustable driver’s seat 2026 Mazda BT-50 coloursStandard: ‘Ice White’.Optional ($695):‘Red Earth Metallic’‘Sailing Blue Metallic’‘True Black Mica’‘Geode White Pearl’‘Concrete Grey Mica’‘Ingot Silver Metallic’ Interior:Black clothBlack leatherBlack & ‘Terracotta’ synthetic leather & cloth2026 Mazda BT-50 safetyThe current Mazda BT-50 received a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment from testing in 2022:Adult occupant protection - 86 per centChild occupant protection - 89 per centVulnerable road user protection - 67 per centSafety assist - 84 per cent2026 Mazda BT-50 warranty and servicingService interval - 12 months / 15,000 kmWarranty - Five years / unlimited kmFive-year roadside assist2026 Mazda BT-50 dimensionsLength: 5320mm - 4470mmWidth: 1870mm - 1942mmHeight: 1785mm - 1800mmWheelbase: 3125mm

Honda has made the tough financial decision to cancel three electric vehicle programs in the face of a slower than expected global transition to EVs.The Honda 0 SUV, 0 Saloon and Acura RSX were all scheduled to be produced in North America, but in a statement the Japanese maker said it "determined that starting production and sales of these three models in the current business environment where the demand for EVs is declining significantly would likely result in further losses over the long term."The statement added, "As a result, in the consolidated financial results for the current fiscal year, (it) expects to record 1) operating expenses of ¥820 billion ($7.2B) to ¥1.12 trillion ($9.9B) and 2) a share of the loss of investments accounted for using the equity method of ¥110 billion ($975M) to ¥150 billion ($1.3B)."Moreover, Honda expects to record special losses of ¥340 billion ($3.0B) to ¥570 billion ($5.0B) in the non-consolidated financial results for the same fiscal year. "Combined with the losses to be recorded in the current fiscal year, the total amount of losses is expected to be a maximum of ¥2.5 trillion ($22.2B)," it said. Yikes!In summary, the statement confirmed, "The profitability of Honda automobile business is currently declining due primarily to 1) the unfavorable impact of changes in U.S. tariff policies on the gasoline and hybrid vehicle business and 2) a decline in the competitiveness of Honda products in Asia due to the impact of the allocation of more resources to EV development."Expected to arrive in the second half of 2026, the dual-motor AWD Acura RSX was "a dramatically styled premium, performance SUV" noted at the time of the concept version’s unveiling at last year’s Monterey Car Week as “a significant next step in the performance brand's electrification strategy.Honda said it was also "The first model engineered in-house on the new Honda-developed EV platform and the first EV produced at the Honda EV Hub flexible manufacturing facility in Ohio."Shown for the first time in prototype form at the CES in 2024, as it was "being developed for a North American market launch in 2026", the Honda 0 Saloon was positioned as the flagship model of the Honda 0 Series.In 2024 Honda said it would be "based on the newly developed dedicated EV architecture and feature a number of next-generation technologies that embody the ‘Thin, Light and Wise’ development approach" including "highly reliable Level 3 automated driving technology.”"Also presented as a concept at the 2024 CES in Las Vegas, the oddly-proportioned Honda O SUV, also set for a 2026 introduction in North America, was a mid-size five-seater featuring “high-precision attitude estimation and stabilization control based on 3D gyro sensors”, technology that came out of Honda’s original robotics program.Worth noting Honda retired its iconic humanoid robot, ASIMO in early 2022 after a 22-year development focus.Honda said it will now direct electrification investment into hybrids with a new hybrid powertrain and automated driving system under development for commercialisation after 2027. 

In 2026 it appears two ‘new’ new challenger brands have overtaken a pair of ‘old’ new challenger brands in the Aussie new car market.Two of the earliest automotive disrupters from China, LDV and MG, have been heading backwards in terms of year-on-year sales performance in recent months while relative newcomers BYD and Chery continue to grow at a spectacular rate.For context, MG suffered something of a false start here with the MG6 in 2013, distributed by private importer Longwell Motor (operating as MG Motor Australia).But the MG brand (re)launched here as a SAIC factory subsidiary in 2016, with the first cars registered - a bunch of elderly MG6s as well as the new MG GS and MG3 - in early 2017.MG’s SAIC Motor Corporation cousin LDV entered the Aussie new vehicle market way back in 2013. At first, the focus was the V80 van range before independent importer/distributor Ateco Group broadened the brand’s scope with the addition of the G10 van, T60 ute and D90 SUV through 2017.And looking at the annual sales volumes for these brands from 2017, the parallels are striking, with both growing impressively thanks to increasing awareness, new models and sharp positioning, until they reach a turning point in 2024.MG went from 600 registrations in 2017 to no less than 58,346 in 2023; perilously close to a 10,000 per cent rise in six years! Meanwhile, LDV rose from 2580 to 21,298, an increase of only 725 per cent for the same period.So, what happened in 2023? Two words… Chery and BYD (well, four if you include Build Your Dreams).Chery had re-started its Aussie efforts as a factory subsidiary after a less than stellar run with the J1 hatch and J11 compact SUV from 2011-2015 (with Ateco as distributor).And BYD had landed with the Atto 3 compact electric SUV which made an immediate impression on the sales charts.Since then, each has added more and more new model options that have found their way onto a huge number of Aussie driveways.  As MG sales softened 29 per cent from 58,346 units in 2023 to 41,298 in 2025, LDV followed suit dropping 34 per cent from 21,298 sales to 14,108 in the same period.So far in 2026, to the end of February, MG is down 14.7 per cent year-on-year (6377 vs 7479), while LDV is 9.4 per cent lower (2125 vs 2346).And the current superstars? Chery is up 91.2 per cent (7718 vs 2875 - hello, Tiggo 4) and BYD is a staggering 161 per cent ahead (10,324 vs 3956). Nothing like competition to shuffle the new car pecking order. And it will be fascinating to see how Chery and BYD fare as even more newcomers like Denza, Forthing, JMC, Lepas, Wey and others make their mark in the near future.

Volkswagen Australia is adding two new V6 turbo-diesel variants to the dual cab ute’s local line-up, with the 2026 model year range becoming an almost exclusively 3.0-litre V6 offering.Volkswagen says it has been “guided by feedback from owners, dealers and enthusiasts in placing stronger emphasis on V6 powertrains, while simplifying the range to make choosing an Amarok clearer and more intuitive than ever.”But it’s worth noting, as with its co-developed Ford Ranger ‘twin-under-the-skin’, the 154kW/500Nm 2.0L twin-turbo diesel four from the Amarok Life and Style models has been squeezed out of existence by tightening emission regulations.And, unlike Ford Australia, VW has also made the call to phase out the 125kW/405Nm 2.0L single-turbo four-cylinder diesel, currently offered in the entry-grade Amarok TDI 405 Core.To help pick up the slack, the first of the Amarok’s new 184kW/600Nm 3.0L turbo-diesel entries is the Dark Label V6.Limited to 200 examples, it adds visual drama and a lengthy standard equipment list to the VW ute formula, including:20-inch ‘Matte Black’ ‘Bendigo’ alloy wheelsLED matrix headlights (with black surrounds)Darkened tail-lightsBlack sports bar, side steps, rear bumper, door handles and mirrorsFront bumper ‘X‑design’ in blackBlack front skid plateMatte Black B‑pillar foilRoof rails in Matte BlackSpray‑in tub linerBlack tonneau coverDark Label sticker pack (bonnet, doors, tub sides, tailgate) Pricing and exact arrival timing are yet to be confirmed, but it’s likely to hit showrooms before the end of 2026.Then, in the second quarter of this year, the Amarok W600 special edition will deliver another premium performance option.Locally-developed by Walkinshaw Automotive Group in Melbourne and based on the TDI600 Style, it features the 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 as well as a multitude of dynamic upgrades including a bespoke Koni suspension set-up, 20-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, a full-width LED light bar and (lots) more.Volkswagen believes it will “reinforce Amarok’s position as a leader in driving feel and performance within the dual‑cab segment.”And finally, the 222kW/452Nm 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder powered Amarok Style TSI452 replaces the previous Aventura TSI452 with spec upgrades including: Permanent all‑wheel driveSix drive modesOptional 20-inch ‘Bendigo’ alloy wheelsFor reference, the current Amarok Aventura TSI452 is priced at $79,990, before on-road costs.Volkswagen’s Australian Amarok line-up for MY26 (with pricing yet to be confirmed) will be:Amarok Style 2.3 TSI452Amarok Style 3.0 TDI600Amarok Style (w/ Tray) 3.0 TDI600Amarok PanAmericana 3.0 TDI600Amarok Aventura 3.0 TDI600Amarok Dark Label 3.0 TDI600Amarok W600 3.0 TDI600

MG has released official images and basic specifications for its pure-electric MG4X compact SUV, including the new model’s ‘liquid-solid state’ battery system.Underpinned by the same ‘Modular Scalable Platform’ and featuring the same ‘E3’ electronic architecture as the upcoming, second-gen version of its MG4 sibling, the MG4X SUV shares the hatch’s 2750mm wheelbase but its crossover-style design looks to add additional length, width and height.Due to ramp up to full production in the second quarter of this year, it also shares what MG positions as “the world’s first mass-produced semi-solid-state” battery.The battery, which was unveiled at last year’s Chengdu Auto Show, is a 53.95kWh semi-solid manganese-based lithium-ion unit which delivers a claimed 530km range in the MG4 to the more lenient CLTC test protocol. Claimed 30-80 per cent charge time is 21 minutes.Broadly similar in looks to the MG4 hatch, the MG4X brings a unique front fascia treatment with reshaped headlights, a full-width DRL strip and broad two-tier grille below the bumper.A generous glasshouse sits above smoothly sculpted flanks with a rear roof spoiler topping a tailgate that sprouts a pronounced deck in the centre section.While no interior pics have been released, it’s safe to assume the MG4X will feature a version of the MG4’s ‘smart cockpit’ co-developed with global smart device specialist Oppo.In the case of the MG4 hatch, a digital instrument cluster is paired with a central multimedia screen ranging up to a 15.6-inch display, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip.A ‘Hand-Car Interconnection’ system is designed to establish a smooth, lag-free smartphone to vehicle connection with high-speed ‘Navigate on Pilot’ and automated parking functions also onboard.Domestic pricing for the MG4X is yet to be confirmed, but the semi-solid-state battery Anxin Edition version of the new MG4 hatch is positioned at ¥102,800 which equates to around A$20,818 on a direct currency conversion.Add import and distribution costs as well as extra standard specification likely for the Australian market and a before on-roads cost in the mid-$30K bracket is more likely. That would position the car below the MG S5 (from $40,490, drive-away) and in line with the BYD Atto 2 (from $31,990, before on-road costs), Chery E5 (From $36,990, BOC) and recently released Leapmotor B10 (from $38,990, drive-away).When contacted for comment on the MG4X’s potential for local sale an MG Motor Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide, "We do not speculate or comment on future models or product details. "We are always evaluating updates across our line up to ensure we offer the best possible experience for customers and will provide further information once future models are formally confirmed," they said.But with the second-gen MG4 hatch (dubbed the MG4 Urban) due here within the next few months it’s highly likely the MG4X will join it in local showrooms before the end of the year.

Having launched the pure-electric version of its Cayenne large SUV late last year, Porsche Cars Australia has released details of a new all-wheel drive S Electric model, positioned between the existing entry-grade Electric and top-spec Turbo Electric.Scheduled for arrival in the third quarter of this year, the the Cayenne S Electric is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor on each axle producing 400kW (up to 490kW with launch control) which is a mid-point between the base model’s 325kW and the Turbo’s 630kW (850kW with Launch Control).Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time is a seriously rapid 3.8 seconds and a 113kWh (gross capacity) drive battery delivers combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) range of 635km (WLTP).With a charging capacity of up to 400kW Porsche says the Cayenne S Electric can be charged from 10-80 per cent in 16 minutes at that rate.And as per the Cayenne Turbo Electric, the Cayenne S Electric uses direct oil cooling for the rear-axle electric motor to dissipate heat directly from the current-carrying components.Car spotters should look out for specific front and rear aprons finished in ‘Volcano Grey Metallic’, body colour on selected inserts and the rear diffuser as well as 20-inch ‘Aero’ rims.2026 Porsche Cayenne pricing2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric powertrain and efficiencyThe Cayenne S Electric is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor on each axle producing a combined 400kW (up to 490kW with launch control).Combined cycle energy consumption is between 21.7–19.2kWh/100 km with range at 635km (WLTP).2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric standard featuresAside from included safety tech, standard feature highlights are:20-inch ‘Aero’ alloy wheelsPrivacy glassParking Entry Package (with ‘Surround View’ and ‘Self-Steering ParkAssist’)Digital radioExterior colour - up to and including the ‘Dreams’ range as no-cost options14-way electric comfort seats with memory packageBose ‘Surround Sound System’Panoramic roof systemSeat ventilation (front)Four-zone automatic climate controlOptions:Porsche Torque Vectoring PlusPorsche Active Ride suspensionPorsche Ceramic Composite Brake (with yellow-painted brake callipers)2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric coloursExterior colour options (standard): WhiteChromite Black MetallicVanadium Grey MetallicCarrara White MetallicDolomite Silver MetallicMystic Green MetallicMadeira Gold MetallicAlgarve Blue MetallicNapali Blue MetallicOptional ($7370):Oak Green Metallic NeoPale Blue MetallicSlate Grey NeoMonteverde MetallicInterior colour options:Partial leather - Black - Black/Chalk BeigeLeather - Black - Black/Lavender - Black/Magnesium Grey - Black/Sage Grey - Black/Bordeaux Red - Black/Chalk Beige - Black/Chalk BeigeSynthetic leather - BlackClub leather - Espresso - Bramble2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric safetyThe Porsche Cayenne has not been assessed by ANCAP but standard safety features include:‘ParkAssist’ (front and rear) including reversing camera3D Surround View with Active Parking Support (Self-steering Park Assist)Warning and Brake Assist incl. Pedestrian protectionDriver Awareness DetectionLane Change Assist - Blind-spot monitoring and Rear AssistLane Keeping AssistTraffic sign recognitionAirbags - front, front side (thorax), side curtain (covering both rows) and knee airbags for driver and front passenger2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric warranty and servicingService interval - 12 months / 15,000 kmWarranty - Three years / unlimited km (including paint)Battery warranty - Eight years / 160,000km12-year rust warrantyRoadside assist - Three years2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric dimensionsLength - 4991mmWidth - 1980mmHeight - 1674mmWheelbase - 3023mm

Cupra Australia has confirmed the arrival of the VZ5 performance flagship version of its new Formentor SUV in the fourth quarter of this year.Powered by a retuned version of the Audi RS3’s 2.5-litre, turbo-petrol, five-cylinder engine, it sends 287kW and 480Nm (Audi RS3 294kW/500Nm) to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and sophisticated all-wheel drive system.With ever-tighter (EU7) emissions regulations in the background, a limited run of just 4000 units (in left and right-hand drive) will likely see the final showing of its exotic in-line five.Scheduled to enter production this quarter, fewer than 100 units are currently allocated for the Australian market and cost-of-entry just under $95K means the hot SUV will go up against some heavyweight Euro competition like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Intensa, Audi SQ5, BMW X4 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC43.Cupra Australia said it will "continue working with global teams to explore additional volume should early customer demand exceed expectations".2026 Cupra Formentor pricing2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 engine/powertrain and efficiencyPower comes from a 2.5-litre, in-line five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine sending 287kW and 480Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and all-wheel drive system with ‘integrated torque splitter’ diff tech. Official combined-cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel efficiency is 10.1L/100km.2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 standard featuresAside from included safety tech, standard feature highlights are:20-inch alloy wheels (in ‘Copper’)Aero body kit elements (extended front splitter, tweaked bumpers, wider arches)Sabelt 'Cup' bucket seatsDCC adaptive suspensionAkebona six-piston performance front brakesQuad diagonal copper exhaust tipsAmbient interior lightingPremium Sennheiser audioPanoramic sunroofOptions:Premium paint ($790)Matte paint ($3300)2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 coloursExterior colour options include: ‘Midnight Black’, ‘Dark Void’, ‘Magnetic Tech Matt’, ‘Century Bronze Matt’ and ‘Enceladus Grey Matt’Interior colour:Black leather/synthetic suede upholstery with copper stitching and accents 2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 safetyThe current Cupra Formentor range received a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment from testing in 2022:Adult occupant protection - 93 per centChild occupant protection - 88 per centVulnerable road user protection - 68 per centSafety assist - 80 per cent2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 warranty and servicingService interval - 12 months / 15,000 kmWarranty - Five years / unlimited kmFive-year roadside assistFive-year paint warranty12-year corrosion warranty 2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 dimensionsLength - 4451mmWidth - 1839mmHeight - 1505mmWheelbase - 2681mm