Articles by James Cleary

The evolution of the current T6.2 Ford Ranger continues with the introduction of a two-seat version of the Double Cab in the UK.According to Ford, “The Ranger Double Cab 2-Seat features a robust bulkhead behind the seats, aluminium panels in place of glass windows, a new loadspace liner and heavy-duty floor with anchor points — creating an ideal storage area for toolboxes and work equipment.”It appears to be a work around for those who want more load capacity and might otherwise choose a single-cab ute from a competitor.And significantly, in April 2025 British tax law changed to classify double cab pick-ups as ‘cars’ rather than ‘vans’ which meant they became ineligible for a benefit-in-kind (BIK) concession.Ford said this new, even more commercially focused model is “engineered for the carrying of goods” which will allow customers to claim 100 per cent plant and machinery allowance and apply the flat rate company van BIK.And Ford isn’t alone in the creation of such specialist variants for UK consumption.Commercial ‘Hard Top’ versions of the Land Rover Defender are taxed at the heavily discounted flat van rate, as is a similar version of the Dacia Duster LPG Bi-Fuel.The Ranger Double Cab 2-Seat has launched in the UK in Wildtrak specification, which Ford UK said is “by far the most popular with customers” in PHEV and diesel form.It’s worth noting Ford claims Ranger has been Europe's best-selling pickup for 11 consecutive years and a launch statement added, “We have plans to broaden the (2-seat) offering later this year and beyond.“This new model is testament to our dedication to provide a Ranger for everyone and every use case, and our commitment to keep evolving the Ranger line-up to provide solutions that work hard for our hard-working customers — including models specifically configured for carrying goods,” it said.CarsGuide contacted Ford Australia for comment on whether the Ranger Double Cab 2-Seat is a prospect for local sale and a spokesperson confirmed it is a UK-only model.

Yet another about face on a new electric vehicle program has come courtesy of Toyota’s decision to discontinue development of the Lexus LF-ZC sedan.Unveiling the LF-ZC Concept in 2023 Lexus positioned it as “a symbol of Lexus' electrification journey, characterized by its sleek proportions, low center of gravity, spacious cabin, and an emotionally charged design that seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics.”But three years later the automotive world has changed thanks to a slower than expected market uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) globally and ongoing consumer preference for hybrid and pure-combustion models.At the same time, a combination of political factors including high US import tariffs and President Donald Trump's elimination of tax incentives for EV purchases, as well as the European Union’s revision of its ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 have also thrown a big spanner in the EV development works.Global players including Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Volvo, VW, and most recently Subaru, have also shelved multiple EV model programs. Volume Lexus LF-ZC production was scheduled to begin late this year at Toyota’s Tahara plant south-east of Nagoya, using large section ‘gigacasting’ techniques to split the vehicle’s alloy body into front, centre and rear sections for reduced complexity and cost as well as lighter weight and increased rigidity.Recently postponed to mid-2027, Nikkei Asia has reported Lexus will now discontinue development, to “instead focus on developing SUVs and other vehicles amid a global slump in EV sales.” Despite the cancellation Toyota and Lexus will continue research and development into gigacasting and battery technology as the LF-ZC was set to feature “advanced high-performance batteries made with a prismatic structure engineered to achieve approximately twice the range of conventional BEVs through improved aerodynamic integration and weight reduction.” A “compact powertrain” also helped deliver an ultra-low Cd (Coefficient of drag) value of approximately 0.20 for the car.

It’s hard to think of a person more connected and invested in the Ferrari brand than Luca di Montezemolo, but even the man who led the company from 1991 to 2014 and was Enzo Ferrari’s personal assistant in the early 1970s can’t abide the Prancing Horse’s new all-electric model.Having viewed the Ferrari Luce’s unveiling at this week’s Confindustria public assembly in Rome, Montezemolo told Italian outlet askanews, “If I were to say what I think, I would be hurting Ferrari. “It risks destroying a legend, and I'm deeply sorry. “I hope they at least remove the prancing horse from that car."It is definitely a car that at least the Chinese won't copy," he said.One of Italy’s most high-profile business and sporting personalities, Montezemolo went from the world of Ferrari, including close management of its Formula 1 efforts, to become Chairman of Alitalia and now sits on the board of McLaren Group.And Montezemolo is not alone in fearing Ferrari’s iconic status may be eroded thanks to the Luce.Speaking on X, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister (and Transport Minister) Matteo Salvini commented on Montezemolo’s views.“Electric, incredibly expensive (€550,000!), and aesthetically speaking, it speaks for itself... “It looks anything but a Prancing Horse car. “And this is supposed to be "innovation"? “I wonder what Enzo Ferrari would say…," he said.Former iPhone designer Jony Ive, who was commissioned by Ferrari to develop the Luce through his LoveFrom consultancy, has seemingly raised the hackles of Ferrari Tifosi around the globe.CarsGuide’s own coverage of the newcomer’s arrival has drawn fierce commentary on social media with feedback like, “Obviously, the designers are not car enthusiasts. Fire the CEO! Better yet, fire them all.  As well as, “One million??? For that Roomba???? Enzo is spinning in his grave!”  And perhaps most cuttingly, “The Ferrari design that became a global laughingstock.” It’s also worth noting Ferrari’s share price plummeted more than six per cent from €309.20 on the morning of the Luce’s launch to €290.00 by the evening’s close and currently sits at €283.75.

The CLA coupe-style compact sedan has been a minor player in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car portfolio... until now. An all-new version offering hybrid and pure-electric power is designed to step out of the shadows and take the fight up to its premium Euro rivals.

Ram has confirmed production and launch timing for its much-anticipated ‘compact pick-up’ developed to challenge the popular Ford Maverick and reports out of the US overnight point to a North American introduction.Speaking at the 2026 Stellantis Investor Day in Detroit, Michigan, Group CEO Antonio Filosa and RAM management detailed plans for three new pick-ups within the next few years, the goal being 60 per cent global sales growth for the brand by 2030, from 517,000 units in 2025 to approximately 825,000 at the end of the decade.To be based on the Ram Rampage sold in South America (and retaining that name), a production site for what Automotive News reports will be a North American version of the new monocoque ute hasn’t been confirmed.The current Rampage is powered by a 147kW/450Nm version of the ‘MultiJet II’ four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine or the 200kW/400Nm ‘Hurricane’ turbo-petrol four, both driving all four wheels via a nine-speed auto transmission. US sales of Ford’s Maverick compact monocoque ute have exceeded 100,000 units for the last two years, with others, including Toyota, rumoured to be investigating an entry into the smaller pick-up segment in America.At the same time, the mid-size, body-on-frame Dakota has been scheduled to begin production in Toledo, Ohio (home of the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator) in 2028.Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said the goal is to make Ram “number two in trucks” in the USA by the end of the decade and is on the record positioning the new mid-size Dakota as an affordable “spiritual successor” to the full-size 1500 Classic.Late last year, Antonio Filosa confirmed he had seen clay development models of the Dakota in Ram’s Detroit design centre.As per Mopar Insiders Filosa said, “It was in our design center in Detroit, and I saw the (truck) itself, not only the sketches and designs but the clay model. And it’s just beautiful.“If you want to come to Detroit, we’ll show you without cellphones and cameras, and you will be, I believe, astonished,” he said.These new model confirmations arrive as part of the Stellantis Group’s ‘Fastlane 2030’ initiative which includes introduction of more than 60 new or redesigned vehicles globally by 2030 (23 in North America). The emphasis on North America is a clear rebalancing of the corporate scales at Stellantis, with former CEO Carlos Tavares widely perceived to have favoured the group’s European brands including Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Citroen, Opel and Peugeot, with his successor Filosa now leaning into its US nameplates - Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram.While it had no comment on the new Rampage’s potential for local sale, Ram Trucks Australia General Manager Jeff Barber previously told CarsGuide he had a strong appetite for a Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux baiting ute saying, “We would love a mid-size pick-up and we have always said we have our hand raised if ever such a vehicle were to become available for our market.”Right-hand drive availability for these newcomers, or the economics of local LHD to RHD reengineering are obvious factors in determining viability for sale in this market.

Subaru has joined the lengthening list of global carmakers pushing black plans to produce new-generation EV models, with the Japanese maker preferring to take an initial financial hit through program rescheduling to benefit from what it believes will be longer-term savings.Global players including Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Volvo, VW, and most recently Honda, have shelved multiple EV model programs in the face of slower than expected market uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and ongoing consumer preference for hybrid and pure-combustion models.Now, as reported by Automotive News, Subaru Corporation is delaying its independently developed electric vehicle to be produced in Japan, a move that comes in the face of the company’s dramatic 90 per cent fall in operating profit for the (Japanese) financial year ended March 31, 2026.Speaking at Subaru’s most recent Board of Directors meeting in Tokyo, President and CEO Atsushi Osaki confirmed Subaru operating profit plummeted from ¥405.3 billion ($3.58 billion) in 2025 to ¥40.1 billion ($350 million) this year.He said US tariffs on new vehicle imports alone had wiped out ¥226.9 billion ($2.00 billion) from earnings with “EV-related write-downs and impairments” accounting for another ¥57.8 billion ($510 million).“In the US, our key market, the pace of BEV adoption has slowed due in part to the easing of environmental policies. “Given this, the timing of our BEV market introduction will be pushed back.“We want to begin a comprehensive reevaluation of the entire strategy, including which models to bring to market.“We will continue developing the core components of BEVs, but we will significantly reduce the resources allocated to this effort,” he said.An all-new, in-house developed EV was scheduled to be produced at the brand’s new Oizumi plant in Gunma Prefecture, north-west of Tokyo, which is scheduled to open in 2028.But that solo strategy departs from the relative cost-effectiveness of co-production with Toyota on current electric models including the Solterra (bZ4X), Uncharted (C-HR+) and Trailseeker (bZ4X Touring).And as noted by Osaki-san, more than 70 per cent of Subaru’s global sales come from the US, with half of them imported from Japan and subsequently levied with a 15 per cent tariff.Despite a recent uptick in demand for the Solterra, Uncharted and Trailseeker in America, deliveries fell 3.2 percent to 641,000 vehicles, with the new-generation Outback in particular failing to hit the target with prospective buyers who openly state a preference for the wagon-like configuration of prior models rather than the chunkier SUV shape of the latest iteration.As to when the Oizumi EV program will be reenergised, Osaki said, “We intend to finalize the exact launch timing of our in-house BEV models after carefully monitoring market conditions. It is still too early to say a specific timeline at this point.“We are revising our introduction strategy to anticipate when the US market enters the BEV adoption phase.”Looking ahead, Subaru forecast coming year sales to increase 4.9 per cent to 940,000 vehicles, with North America up 3.9 per cent to 736,000 vehicles and Japan up 4.9 per cent to 108,000.It’s worth noting Australian Subaru sales dropped 3.9 per cent for the 2025 calendar year (39,005 vs 40,604 units) and were down 19.3 per cent year-to-date at the end of April 2026 (9737 vs 12,067 units).

If technical approvals issued by the Federal Government are any indication BYD is about to make two additions to its local line-up in the shape of the M9 luxury hybrid people mover and V9 large pure-electric commercial van.Badged BYD Xia in its Chinese domestic market, the seven-seat M9 is essentially a dressed-down version of the pure-electric Denza D9 people mover.It's set to be introduced in two grades here both using the same ‘DM-i’ Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV) powertrain combining electric propulsion with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine operating as a battery generator only. Drive goes to the front wheels only via single-speed auto transmission.A substantial machine, measuring more than 5.1m long, close to 2.0m wide and more than 1.8m tall with a 3045mm wheelbase, its arrival will surely rattle the cage of premium electrified rivals like the GAC M8, Zeekr 009, XPeng X9 and Lexus LM, not to mention its recently released Denza D9 corporate cousin.The base M9 features a 20.4kWh LFP battery and 191kW version of the generator engine for a 100km electric-only range according to the more lenient CLTC protocol. While the top-spec version ups battery capacity to 36.6kWh and engine power to 218kW with a CLTC EV range of 218km. Official fuel consumption for the flagship is 4.9-5.0L/100km and claimed combined (petrol-electric) range is 1163km.  With the M9 priced between ¥206,800 (A$42,300) and ¥269,800 (A$55,200), standard features in China include 128-colour ambient lighting, a fragrance system, up to 28-speaker audio, a 15.6-inch central multimedia display, 12.3-inch instrument screen and a 26-inch head-up display with a 12.3-inch passenger entertainment screen optional.The seat arrangement is ‘2+2+3’ with the front power seats heated and ventilated with a massage function. Second-row captain’s chairs feature extending leg support, folding tables, ventilation and integrated audio while the reclining third row can be folded electrically and the boot measures a useful 470 litres with all seats up. Meanwhile, the BYD V9 van (badged E-Vali in other export markets) is powered by a 150kW/550Nm electric motor, measures a fraction under 7.0m long and close to 2.8m tall with a 4550mm wheelbase for a cargo volume of up to 17.9 cubic metres. So, big EV rivals like the Farizon SV, Ford Transit BEV, LDV eDeliver 9, VW e-Transporter and even the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter will be in its sights.A gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4250kg and a tare weight of 2920kg translate to a total load capacity of 1330kg and braked trailer towing capacity is a useful 1.5 tonnes.The battery is likely a 126kWh LFP unit with the van boasting a maximum 188kW charge capacity.BYD Australia has been contacted for comment on the M9 and V9’s potential launch timing, price and local specification.

Volkswagen global CEO Thomas Schäfer has confirmed an electric version of the German giant’s next-gen Golf 9 will appear much later than its originally scheduled 2028 launch date.As recently as March this year CarsGuide reported that VW AG Chairwoman of the General and Group Works Council Daniela Cavallo had flagged a mid-2027 shift of production of the internal-combustion Golf from Wolfsburg in Germany to the company’s Puebla plant in Southern Mexico.And Ms Cavallo was keen to reassure the Wolfsburg plant employees she represents that the move was designed to make way for a ninth-generation, pure-electric ID.Golf produced in Germany, showing a teaser silhouette image of the upcoming Golf 9.But speaking overnight at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit in London, CEO Schäfer has pointed to the end of the decade as the earliest launch point for a Golf EV.“We have a fantastic line-up now that we do not need an electric Golf in 2028. We are well set with what we have in our portfolio with our vehicles," he said.One of a panel of close to 90 speakers at the summit, including Stellantis CEO Antonia Filosa, Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa and Ford Europe President Jim Baumbick, Mr Schäfer went on to give a progress update on the VW Group’s all-new 800V Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) set (according to VW Group CEO Oliver Blume) to bring price parity to ICE and EV models.In a pointer to a timing pushback for the ID.Golf, Schäfer said, “SSP, we will roll it out across the brands. We will start with the premium brands first. It will start with Audi, then Porsche, then us and on and on.“It sounds like we take so long (with SSP), but for us we are looking at scale and you have to have scale in this game or you'll never make margin parity,” he said. The rescheduling may also reflect Blume’s reported announcement in February this year of a planned 20 per cent reduction in costs across all VW Group brands by the end of 2028.As detailed by Manager Magazin, in response to falling profits caused by higher input costs, a softening Chinese vehicle market, increasing competition from Chinese brands outside their domestic market and US tariffs, Blume and group CFO Arno Antlitz presented a "massive" savings plan at a closed-door meeting with the company's top executives in Berlin in mid-January.Manager Magazin quotes one insider predicting even more radical steps than those recently taken by VW, in which around 35,000 jobs are to be cut by 2030.“It will also involve plant closures,” they said. 

Polestar global CEO Michael Lohscheller has shed fresh light on the upcoming new-generation Polestar 2, confirming launch timing, bodystyle and positioning within the Swedish EV maker’s line-up.Asked when the much-anticipated newcomer will hit showrooms, Lohscheller told CarsGuide, “The middle of 2027, which is super fast considering we just announced it.“We started in the first quarter of last year, right? So, that’s speed which is not common in the industry,” he said.And on the subject of the new 2’s body shape he added, “Look, obviously it will be a complete new car. “There will be new technology in there but why change a winning team because Polestar 2 was very, very successful.“For us, it’s the basis of our brand. I mean, it’s a bit like Golf was for VW back in the day.“We have more than 200,000 people driving Polestar 2 and we want to keep them. Therefore the (sedan) bodystyle will be similar,” he said.When it comes to positioning for the next-gen car, Lohscheller gives a thumbnail outline of the brand’s emerging line-up.“It depends on whether you look at size or price, but I would say the Polestar 7 is a compact SUV (also due in 2027) and the 2 is a larger sedan. Those to me are the two entries into the range price-wise.“Some prefer SUVs, some sedans but this is how you come in. Then we have the Polestar 4, which is a bit bigger, also a bit more expensive. Then you have the Polestar 3 and up to the Polestar 5. Our numbers don’t align. We are like Apple. “People ask me will you call (the new 2) the Polestar 8 and I say no, no way, it’s a 2,” he said.Lohscheller was also at pains to point out that although the company will always look for synergies within its Geely parent’s product portfolio, the new Polestar 2 will stand apart from Geely, Volvo or Zeekr models that may ultimately use its EV-specific platform.“It will be a very different car and the reason is we start obviously with the design here (in Sweden) and we put our Polestar DNA into the car.“There are things only Polestar will have - chassis tuning, some of the driving characteristics and that is ‘us’. We are not giving that away.“There are other areas where we will use things together, and it’s very beneficial that we have access to the best technology in the world.“But we will do Polestar, with Polestar DNA,” he said. And it’s worth noting Polestar Australia Managing Director Scott Maynard supports Mr Lohscheller’s position, previously telling CarsGuide, "The 2 will be a dynamic looking car, but it won't take on a full SUV platform. That gong goes to Polestar 7 which we see a bit later on."We'll get access to it as soon as the rest of the world does. So we'll be online when Europe is.“It just takes a little bit of time to get them here. So we're hopeful to see them on the ground in 2027," Maynard said.

Nissan Australia has shown just how good hybrid cars are after completing a 1300km lap of Tasmania on a single tank of fuel in its Qashqai e-Power hybrid.It’s a shot across the bows of $40-55K hybrid rivals the Honda HR-V e:HEV, Hyundai Kona Hybrid, MG ZS Hybrid, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and Toyota Corolla Cross, which all deliver a driving range of 1000km or less.  The Qashqai e-Power is a Range Extender Electric Vehicle (EREV), with its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine operating as a battery generator only.Its official fuel consumption figure of 4.1L/100km and 55-litre tank convert to a theoretical range of 1341km, so the Tassie lap confirms that distance between fills as a real-world possibility.Nissan said the journey began with the car brimmed in Geelong, Victoria before boarding the Spirit of Tasmania car and passenger ferry for the trip to Devonport on Tasmania’s north coast.According to Nissan no ‘hypermiling’ techniques were applied, with the subsequent fuel stop-free clockwise lap including a mix of open road running, urban congestion “and a number of challenging hillclimbs” all covered in accordance with posted speed limits.Highlights included Launceston, the Bay of Fires and Freycinet to the state’s capital Hobart, the Huon Valley on the southern tip and a return to Devonport via the wild west coast.The Qashqai e-Power’s trip meter sat at 1209.2km when it arrived back in Geelong and ultimately travelled 1303km before refuelling. Indicated average fuel consumption was 4.5L/100km (which can vary from an actual pump-to-pump figure).Commenting on the exercise, Nissan Oceania Managing Director Steve Milette said, “This trip isn’t laboratory testing, this is the real world and real conditions.“Now more than ever Australian drivers are looking for fuel efficiency that doesn’t compromise driving enjoyment, and this 1300km real-world journey shows the Nissan Qashqai e-Power delivers,” he said.