Articles by John Law

Ford promises naturally aspirated V8s and manual transmissions are set to continue.

What is the answer to lowering global tailpipe emissions? It doesn't seem to be fines for manufacturers, but incentives for buyers mixed with broader choice of hybrid, plug-in and future propulsion options.

Mitsubishi has spent a lot of energy talking about its ‘Momentum 2030’ business plan, with a pivot to more profitable markets such as the United States. Talk is all well and good but the only way for a carmaker to turn its fortunes around is with new, exciting and relevant products. 

Mazda’s electric car offensive seems to be gathering steam.  The brand applied to trademark the name ‘CX-6e’ with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) earlier this month, as discovered by Autoguide.

Sitting at the top of the MG HS tree is the Essence which bears a $4000 premium over its mid-spec Excite sibling.

GWM and its Haval SUV sub-brand are on a product offensive. The Chinese brand launched Australia's first hybrid ute earlier this year and is now looking to shore up its local range with more models. Leaked details suggest the Prado-rivalling GWM Tank 300 off-roader will score a diesel engine. 

The latest Nissan Pathfinder is a massive improvement over its predecessor yet it's struggling to find homes in Australia. This new ST-L trim brings the options of front-wheel drive for a sub-$60K starting price. But is that enough to shift more units of this practical, slick-driving eight-seat family SUV?

MG's mid-spec family SUV is the Excite and this petrol front-drive medium SUV has its sights set on the GWM Haval H6 and Mazda CX-5.

Nissan revealed the 2026 Patrol in LandCruiser 300 Series GR Sport-baiting Pro-4X trim in the United States this week. The Pro-4X is the first of its name in the 'Y63' Patrol line-up but is the same variant name that forms the basis of Premcar and Nissan Australia’s Navara Warrior ute. In the States, the Pro-4X can be identified by a tough-looking body kit, standard 275/60R20 all-terrain tyres and a metal skid plate to improve off-road capability. Changes under the skin include an electronically controlled locking rear differential as well as air suspension that can raise up to 55mm over the standard ride height. It’s said to give 245mm ground clearance, approach angle of 33 degrees and 25.4 degree departure angle.The Pro-4X also gets eight modes, including Tow, Rock, Mud-Rut and more, influencing the response of the engine, gearbox, differentials and air suspension. It is the perfect jumping off point for Australian-based Premcar to once again work its magic on a global Nissan product. Speaking to CarsGuide back in June, Premcar Partner and Engineering Director Bernie Quinn promised he knew nothing about the Y63 Patrol but that is keen to get stuck into a program. “I not only hope so, I expect so,” Quinn said of Premcar’s continued involvement in producing more capable, Aussie-friendly versions of Nissan’s off-road products. “This has worked for everyone. The counter to that is, if we get it wrong the whole thing can fall apart. We’re doing everything that’s within our control to make as successful as possible, so that we keep on doing them,” Quinn added. Some of the differences between the current Patrol Ti and Aussie-modded Warrior include a 50mm body lift for 323mm ground clearance, re-engineered suspension, underbody protection, bespoke 18-inch cast alloy wheels and bellowing side-exist bi-model exhaust. There are shades of Patrol Warrior in the Y63 Pro-4X’s exterior, with ‘Lava Red’ paint highlighting functional tow hooks, ‘D-pillar’ accent and lettering on the wheel caps. There’s more black too, including the mirror caps, roof rails, grille and fender flares. Aside from the Pro-4X model, the new Patrol is an even better starting point with the fresh underpinnings boosting torsional rigidity by 25 per cent and lateral stiffness by 57 per cent.The body is 35mm wider and longer, further boosting grip and stability, while the new Patrol also features electronic power steering and a quicker steering ratio. Using a slightly detuned version  of the Infiniti QX80’s engine, the Patrol’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 pushes its 317kW and 700Nm through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Patrol’s V6 has featured — albeit in a slightly different state — in sports cars such as the GT-R and Z and should be easier to screw a few extra kilowatts from than the current Patrol’s naturally-aspirated V8.In the States, the Armada is certified to tow up to 3800kg (8500lbs) which bodes well for a Toyota LandCruiser and Ford Everest-matching 3500kg when the Patrol arrives in Australia. There are massive changes inside, too, with huge twin 14.3-inch screens running Google automotive software and much classier appointments. Pricing will, naturally, climb with the Middle East’s luxury Range Rover-targeting top spec lists at around A$160,000. With all the technology, bigger footprint, stronger chassis and punchier powertrain, though, it’s hard to imagine the Y63 was ever going to match the current Ti-L’s $100,600 price. Unfortunately for us, right-hand drive will not kick off for another two years, a similar story to when the Y62 patrol launched in Australia. For now, the venerable Y62 V8 will continue to be produced for our market. Expect the first Australian Y63 deliveries to land in the fourth quarter of 2026, with a Warrior version — if it is happening — to follow later. 

BYD has shown the first official photos of its Sealion 05 plug-in hybrid SUV.