Articles by John Law

Chinese electric car brand Zeekr has unveiled its mid-size SUV called the 7X.The Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E rival was teased last week and the Geely-owned Zeekr brand can confirmed production of the 7X, previously codenamed CX1E.Unlike the Zeekr X, which is closely related to the Volvo EX30, the 7X is the Chinese luxury brand's own creation.Final details, including its Australian arrival, are yet to be confirmed.Zeekr is chiefly using LinkedIn to promote its activities in Australia with the brand recently taking lifestyle media to China for a sample of the X small SUV confirmed for our market. It also shared images of the 7X to the social media platform.It has apparently been designed with nature's 'golden ratio' in mind and while it isn't the ugliest car to be revealed this year, we don't think it quite matches a Jaguar E-Type for beauty.There is a hint of Mustang Mach-E to the proportions yet the 7X's full-width LED running lights (that are apparently 'interactive') with headlights snuggled below are a distinctive design feature.Another full-width LED signature can be found around the rear while Geely celebrates the inclusion of Lidar (in conjunction with cameras) with a roof-mounted pod – something Tesla says is not necessary.We are yet to see official images of the interior but expect a similar look to the 007 on which it's based.Speaking of, the PMA2+ – derived from Geely's 'Sustainable Electric Architecture' (SA) – is allied with Geely's 'Golden Brick' lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery.It is the same chemistry as used in BYD's 'Blade' batteries though the Zeekr's 800-volt electrics allows faster charging, with the 7X claimed to add 500km of driving range in 15 minutes.More powerful versions get more common nickel-manganese cobalt lithium-ion batteries produced by battery giant CATL. Outputs are expected to mirror the 007 relation, think 310kW single motor and 475kW twin motor options.Electric driving range is in excess of 700km in its home market's CLTC, typically more optimistic than WLTP. We'd imagine 600km would be possible, though.The 7X is taller but shorter than the sedan, measuring 4825mm long, 1930mm wide and 1656mm tall with a 2925mm wheelbase.Zeekr is looking to expand in Australia with the X small SUV and 009 people mover confirmed for market launch. A logical next step would be the 7X, with it playing in Australia's most popular non-commercial market segment.Sharp pricing will aid the 7X's success. It is tipped to cost between 240,000 and 350,000 yuan in China, which is equivalent to A$48,812-A$71,185.

From July 1, 2024, Nissan’s range of SUVs and utes increased in price by between $500-$1000.

Subaru has mildly tweaked its affordable sports car

The obsession with ever-larger SUVs and dual-cab utes is not compatible with electric cars.

After arriving in Australia in September 2022, the Toyota GR86 has come in for another mild update headlined by a special edition. The revised sports coupe will arrive in Q4 this year.The GR86 Limited Edition – known as the Ridge Green Limited in Japan – is a familiar formula, with uprated Sachs dampers and four-piston Brembo front brake calipers distinguishing it from the GTS.Limited to 86 examples, it also wears an exclusive Forest Shadow Green paint colour matched with bronze painted 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there are black and tan synthetic suede and leather-accented upholstery and trim features.“For those looking for an even more exclusive GR86, the new Limited Edition is a standout with its exclusive exterior colour, wheels and interior trim and high-performance suspension and brake package,” said Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley.There are a few small changes for all GR86s, though none of them cosmetic. Refined damper settings and sharper throttle and brake pedal responses start things off.Toyota has also revised the electric power steering tune for better experience on track – specifically: "an improved steering sensation at the upper limits of performance."Finally, each transmission (manual and automatic) gets a few unique changes. The throttle is now more responsive for easier downshift blips in manual cars.Automatic models will allow downshifts at higher rpms at feedback from customers who use their vehicles on track.Otherwise, the GR86 remains unchanged with a 174kW/240Nm 2.4-litre flat-four engine.There will be two regular variants, the GT and GTS, sold alongside the Limited Edition of the Mazda MX-5 and Nissan Z rival.Pricing changes are yet to be confirmed however expect small increases over the GT's current $43,240 before on-road costs start. The latest update follows Toyota and Subaru applying safety systems as standard to GR86 and BRZ manual vehicles last year.It is not known if Subaru will roll out similar updates for its BRZ twin.The latest update comes ahead of an expected facelift for the GR 86, with Japanese sources suggesting the GR Corolla's 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine could be on the cards for the coupe's mid-life refresh.

The first Magma product from Genesis will enter production in the third quarter of next year. 

Having pioneered the mass-market electric car in late 2010 with the introduction of the Leaf, Nissan could be left without any EVs to sell in Australia for a period of 2025.

JAC confirmed its re-entry into the Australian market with the T9 ute in March 2024.

Ineos has revealed a selection of Grenadier and Quartermaster concept vehicles at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed and none are electric. 

Walkinshaw has announced its plans to deliver a “state of the art” 100,000 square metre production, engineering and office facility in Dandenong by the end of 2025.