Articles by John Law

The Australian Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard will begin to bite from July 1, 2025, and some manufacturers feel legislation has moved faster than Australia’s sluggish type approval process allows.

While electric cars and traditional hybrids have exploded in popularity, plug-in hybrids have remained a relatively niche alternative. By the middle of 2024, though, sales are up 130 per cent, from 3582 sales in 2023 to 8223 thanks to more models becoming available and improved vehicle supply. Driven by the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and new BYD Sealion 6, the plug-in hybrid landscape is only going to become more populous in the coming months, including when BYD launches the first PHEV ute to be sold in Australia. Plug-in hybrids offer a unique combination of electric mobility but without range anxiety. Their battery packs, typically between 10-20kWh in capacity, offer between 50-150km of electric-only range, matching early electric cars. There is the added benefit of a combustion engine that can kick in when you run out of battery. This means long distance road trips, like Sydney-Melbourne, require less charge stop planning than in a battery electric car. The technology is only improving, too. Manufacturers are fitting larger battery packs, more efficient motors and adding DC fast-charge capability to their plug-in hybrids. BYD is heavily invested, releasing its fifth-gen Dual Motor intelligence (DM-i) system in China with claims of 2100km total driving range and nearly 200km from the battery alone. It is not a perfect solution. Owners need to be diligent with charging to get anywhere close to the official fuel consumption ratings, typically below 3L/100km. Dragging the extra battery weight around often means similar fuel consumption to a petrol vehicle when out of charge, too. In its first month on sale, the new BYD Sealion 6 medium SUV notched up a healthy 482 registrations – it’ll be quick to challenge the established Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2422) and Eclipse Cross PHEV (1482, both year-to-date).Following the mainstream nameplates come some more premium options, including the Mazda CX-60 (460 to end of May), Volvo XC60 (390), Cupra Formentor (313), MG HS Plus EV (307), Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid (304), Audi Q5 (301), Lexus NX (175) and Mercedes-AMG C63 (163).Expect plug-in hybrid sales to easily reach beyond 15,000 this year. That’s still a long way off projected electric car (100,000) and hybrid (160,000) sales, but it is a big increase for the powertrain style. Also helping to drive sales are the current FBT exemptions for novated leasing on plug-in hybrid vehicles making them more attractive to buyers. This benefit will end on April 1, 2025. Hybrid hero Toyota sells a selection of plug-in hybrid models overseas, including the RAV4 and Prius Prime. Having committed to a 100 per cent hybrid or electric passenger car line-up (excluding GR) in Australia, Toyota may also join the fray. “As we evolve and battery technology evolves, there will be certain benefits that PHEV can offer that will also fit into those top three categories. Eventually, we'll have plug-in hybrids. What variants? We will have to decide,” Toyota Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley told CarsGuide in May.

Volkswagen is offering discounts on its flagship T-Roc R sports SUV and petrol-powered Amarok Aventura TSI452 until September 30.Combining a $64,990 national drive-away price and $3000 factory bonus for the MY23 T-Roc R effectively brings its ask down by $7000, to $61,990 out the door.The Amarok Aventura TSI452, meanwhile, has a $3000 factory offer applied at time-of-sale. The Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger rival remains priced at $79,990 before on-road costs.The T-Roc R uses a version of the Golf R hatch's 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powertrain outputting 221kW and 400Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.It has 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, Nappa leather-upholstered heated front seats, digital cockpit and 9.2-inch multimedia touchscreenThe MY24 T-Roc R, which adds a Beats sound system and power tailgate, is reduced less to $66,990 drive-away with a further $1500 factory bonus on top.“The ability to deliver an even higher number of T-Roc Rs means that we are able to offer even greater value as supply increases," said Head of Product, Passenger Vehicles Michelle Rowney.Australia continues to be the biggest market globally for the T-Roc R, which could be considered an alternative to the similarly priced Golf GTI and Hyundai i30 N.As for the Amarok, the cashback applies to both MY23 and MY24 examples in Aventura TSI452 trim.The only petrol Amarok features a 222kW/452Nm 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder and 10-speed automatic (yep, the same found in a Ford Mustang) and retains a 3.5-tonne towing capacity.Huge 21-inch alloy wheels are complemented by Matrix LED headlights, Aventura exterior parts and electronic roll cover, 10-way power-adjust heated 'Savona' leather-upholstered seats, leather-look dash, digital driver's display and vast 12-inch portrait touchscreen.“Although we are on target for our 10,000 annual sales allocation, Volkswagen understands that a higher numbers of customers desire the flagship Aventura", said Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles National Manager of Product and Marketing Nathan Johnson.To the end of June, Volkswagen has delivered 4924 Amaroks. The Amarok Style TDI600 diesel V6 ($73,740, before on-road costs) with 184kW and 600Nm continues to be the most popular accounting for more than half of Volkswagen's ute sales.

Geely revealed a right-hand drive (RHD) version of its Radar RD6, known as the Riddara, three months ago and is gearing up for an official release.The electric ute's latest update comes from Thailand, where the RHD model will be officially unveiled to the public at the Thailand International Automobile Expo in November. Thailand is one of the world’s ute heartlands and produces Australia’s two current favourite vehicles, the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. Ute sales account for around 40 per cent of the Thai new-car market compared to roughly 20 per cent in Australia.Geely has all-but confirmed it will launch in Australia with the Riddara RD6, after using LinkedIn to tease the right-hand drive model and advertise for an Australian Marketing Director role.In China the RD6 is priced from the equivalent of about $38,000, which undercuts the majority of diesel powered utes in Australia.Unlike the dominant utes in Australia that use a body-on-frame construction, the Geely Riddara sits on an adapted passenger car platform, just like Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon and Subaru Brumby car-based utes of old and the current Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. Hyundai has found success in the North American market with its Santa Cruz and buyers have lapped up the excellent new Ford Maverick.The next-generation Santa Cruz is believed to be headed to Australia.The Riddara will launch in Thailand in rear-wheel drive using a single 200kW/384Nm electric motor driven by either a 63kWh or larger 86kWh battery pack, for between 385-517km driving range according to China’s lenient CLTC standard (expect closer to 320km and 440km in WLTP figures). A twin-motor all-wheel drive version, upping outputs to 315kW/594Nm, was revealed in China but is not yet confirmed for a Thai market release. If Geely is serious about targeting Australian buyers, this will need to be included in the local range. The rear-drive Riddara RD6 has reasonable specs, getting from rest to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds and replenishing 30-80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes.Towing is rated at 2500kg while the payload maxes out at 755kg. Though the Riddara has a monocoque platform, the electric ute is still generously sized measuring 5260mm long, 1900mm wide and 1865mm with a 3120mm wheelbase.The Riddara RD6 has a long rear overhang, which means its load is longer (but narrower) than a Ranger dual cab. It measures 1520mm long, 1450mm wide and 540mm deep. Suspension configuration is front struts with a multi-link independent rear axle. The Riddara’s Multiplex Attached Platform (MAP) is said to be derived from the Geely group’s Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) and been subjected to three years and over a million kilometres of development. If the Riddara comes to Australia it will be less rugged than other Chinese electric utes, such as the promised JAC T9 and mining-focused LDV eT60, with its eye set on lifestyle-oriented buyers. Geely/Riddara’s parent company, Geely Zhejiang Holding Group, is also an owner of Volvo, Polestar and Lotus. Its high-end Zeekr brand has locked-in a local launch for the end of this year with its Zeekr X SUV and 009 people mover. The Riddara ute could be followed by a number of Geely models, including the Galaxy E5 electric Tesla Model Y rival that has been confirmed as right-hand drive. 

After the locally converted Ford F-150 was removed from sale in Australia to address non-compliance issues, the Department of Infrastructure has officially released a series of recalls for the American-built pick-up truck. The recalls concern lighting features and the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system. Owners will be contacted and can then organise the issues to be rectified at Ford dealerships.Those who took delivery of, or were contracted before, May 6, 2024 are being offered compensation in the form of a five-year/75,000km servicing package. According to the recall notices, the total number of affected vehicles is 2070. Industry sales data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries shows 1085 F-150s have been registered since going on sale in October 2023. Ford promises all vehicles sold from now on at dealers will be fully compliant with Australian Design Rules (ADRs), with the Chevrolet Silverado, RAM 1500 and Toyota Tundra rival now installed back on the Ford Australia website. Each recall concerns one of the four F-150 variants on sale: XLT standard ($106,950) and long wheelbase ($107,945) models along with the Lariat in both wheelbases ($139,950 and $140,945, all before on-road costs).For lighting, the F-150 is not compliant with ADR 06/00-Direction Indicators and ADR 13-Installation of Lighting and Light-signalling Devices. The recalls list issues with the ‘fog lamps’, ‘daytime running lamps’ and ‘indicators’.Ford’s website notes that the ‘rear centre high-mounted white courtesy lamps’, ‘tailgate courtesy lamp’ and ‘side mirror mounted indicator lamps (LWB only)’ have been disabled on the XLT, while the Lariat also has its ‘lower daytime running lamps’ turned off. Additionally, the F-150 was determined in breach of ADR 98-Advanced Emergency Braking for Passenger Vehicles and Light Goods Vehicles. The issue being that the AEB function “may not reactivate after an ignition cycle as per the requirements set out under ADR 98”.A Ford spokesperson told CarsGuide “Repair instructions relating to vehicles impacted by the Stop Sale are now being made available to enable dealers to complete work on impacted units. After the rectification work is completed on each vehicle, it can be delivered to the customer.”So far, the F-150 has been hit by three product safety recalls and two sales pauses in less than 12 months. US-built F-150s are converted locally by partner RMA automotive. RAM and Chevrolet products are also swapped to right-hand drive and revised for Australian standards locally by Walkinshaw, while Toyota is running an extended evaluation program on its Tundra pick-up. The facelifted F-150 went on sale in its United States home market in September 2023 and is expected in Australia by the end of the year. 

MG has released a teaser of its new HS ahead of a full reveal at this month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 11, 2024. The Australian release of the MG HS mid-size SUV is not locked in but the new car will very likely arrive in early September.Though we have no full images of the HS, we have a fairly good idea of what to expect from the Toyota RAV4, GWM Haval H6 and Nissan X-Trail rival thanks to various compliance documents that hint at its design and features. The nameplate appeared in Australian compliance documents as the ‘AS33’ update, which suggests a pair of engines including a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with a dual-clutch auto transmission and a new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with nine-speed automatic transmission.Additionally, three trim levels – abbreviated COM, DEL and LUX – appear in the documents.  MG has promised an HS plug-in hybrid in the UK press release. Using the China-market Roewe RX5 (on which the HS is based) as an indicator, a 20kWh-plus battery pack could offer up to 135km electric-only driving range with outputs approaching 180kW and 570Nm.Distinguishing it from the RX5 is the MG Hs’s heavy styling update reminiscent of the MG3 hatch. Interior design is yet to be revealed but expect a decently-sized touchscreen, digital driver’s display and a layout similar to the MG4 and MG3. The current model starts at $29,990, drive-away, and we expect the new car to climb in price, likely in excess of $5000 if the MG3 is anything to go by.A new HS mid-size SUV would boost sales. The current HS was the brand's lowest selling model in May (279 registrations) a long way shy of segment leaders like the Toyota RAV4 (5517) and Mitsubishi Outlander (2500).MG Senior Product and Strategy Manager Akshat Ahuja told CarsGuide, "With new products coming through, especially really important products such as new HS and ZS, we definitely focused on providing those great offerings to the market."MG is lining up for a big 18 months. The Cyberster electric sports car hopes to rekindle some of the brand’s history, with volume models including a new ZS small SUV and as-yet-unseen seven-seat SUV expected, too.

BMW has revealed a second mid-life update  for its iconic 3 Series sedan, with more range for plug-in hybrid models, new technology and extra grunt for M models.

Joining the two-strong CLE coupe range is the new CLE 300 convertible from Mercedes-Benz.The new nameplate replaces both C-Class and E-Class two door models, with the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 in its sights.As the flagship model, the four-cylinder CLE 300 4Matic convertible is the dearest in the Australian range at $135,900 (before on-road costs) – an $11,000 increase over the coupe.It has bespoke 'Aircap' and 'Airscarf' features to minimise toupée ruffling and neck freezing, respectively. Other convertible specifics include the 11.9-inch touchscreen's ability to tilt, minimising sun glare, and clever leather designed to stay cooler in the sun.The CLE convertible keeps the coupe's 60:40 split-fold rear seats. It has a 295L boot capacity with the soft top stowed, up 50L over the old C-Class drop-top.Standard specification includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a 17-speaker Burmester sound system, navigation, heated seats, dual-zone climate control and wireless charging.A 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with 48-volt mild-hybrid system develops 190kW/400Nm.The electric ISG makes 17kW/205Nm and helps cut turbo lag and boost performance. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a nine-speed automatic.The CLE 300 convertible is available to pre-order now with sales beginning July 17.2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE pricingPrices are before on-road costs.

Chery has just lowered the price of entry to its Omoda 5 small SUV range by $6000 with a cheaper FX variant.Pricing starts from $27,990, drive-away, undercutting the rest of the Omoda 5 range and many big-brand rivals.It maintains a similar level of equipment and the same engine as Chery's other non-GT Omoda 5s.Cloth-faced upholstery with synthetic leather trimmings, 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker sound system and halogen headlights are standard.The FX still gets twin 10.25-inch screens – one touch for multimedia and the other a digital driver's display – along with 'hello Chery' voice recognition.It's $6000 cheaper than the mid-spec BX which gets acoustic glass, synthetic leather upholstery, soft touch door cards, dual-zone climate control, an eight-speaker stereo and a wireless charger.The EX moves to LED headlights, larger 18-inch alloy wheels in conjunction with heated seats and steering wheel, a power tailgate and 360-degree surround-view camera for $36,990, drive-away.All non-GT grades use a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder developing 108kW/210Nm. It drives the front wheels via a CVT auto.The GT and GT AWD get a larger 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder developing 137kW and 275Nm mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. All-wheel drive is optional.The whole Omoda 5 range is covered by an ANCAP five-star safety rating under 2022 protocols.While the new Omoda 5 FX undercuts the base model Mitsubishi ASX GS (about $28,490, drive-away), it remains dearer than base MG ZST Core ($25,490) and new-look GWM Haval Jolion Premium ($26,990, both national drive-away prices).So far, Chery has sold 2456 Omoda 5s this year, lagging behind the Jolion (5826) and MG ZS (1841). Chery will be expecting the new cheaper entry-grade to boost Omoda 5 sales.2024 Chery Omoda 5 pricingAll prices listed are drive-away

The Subaru Forester is gearing up to launch in Japan next year with a ‘strong hybrid’ powertrain. The new Forester was revealed in November 2023 with sales of US-produced models in North America already in full swing. There, it is equipped with a revised 2.5-litre flat-four engine with no hybrid boost. According to Japanese publication Best Car which has strong industry sources, the Forester will launch in Q2 2025 with a Toyota-sourced hybrid powertrain. The latest update comes off the back of Toyota, Subaru and Mazda’s announcement that development of the combustion engine is far from over.A concept Crosstrek small SUV featuring a Subaru flat-four engine with a Toyota-sourced hybrid system was on display. This is what's expected to feature in Japan-built Foresters. A Crosstrek version is also coming but timing is unconfirmed.Final details are yet to be announced but Subaru Chief Technical Officer Tetsuro Fujinuki told Best Car the Forester’s system will be series-parallel – just like Toyota’s – as opposed to the old e-Boxer parallel-only set-up. The current Subaru Forester Hybrid features a mild-hybrid powertrain that drops fuel economy by 0.7L/100km in the ADR combined cycle. It is also 26kW less powerful than the 2.5-litre four-cylinder powertrain.To rival the Toyota RAV4 (4.8L/100km), Nissan X-Trail (6.1L/100km) and Kia Sportage (4.9L/100km) hybrids, the new Forester’s system will need to be stronger. The brand says the new hybrid system will maintain ‘Subaru character’, meaning the flat-four ‘boxer’ engine layout will continue. As for maintaining Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, that could be a little more complex. The all-wheel drive RAV4 would not rival a Forester in technical and muddy conditions. It sends drive to the rear wheels via a 40kW rear electric motor, not a mechanical connection to the combustion engine like the Forester.Maintaining all-terrain capability in the new hybrid forester will be crucial for Subaru. It is understood a full-electric model of the Forester is also in development, though it will come later. The mid-size SUV market has shown its appreciation for hybrids here, with Toyota committing to 100 per cent hybrid RAV4s sales after the mix naturally climbed beyond 90 per cent. Subaru will also need the hybrid to navigate Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) coming soon. Announcement of the new Forester Hybrid from Subaru Japan is expected in Australian spring time, with sales starting in Japan by the second quarter of 2025. Then Subaru Australia Managing Director Blair Read – who has since moved to another role within Subaru's importer Inchcape and been replaced by Scott Lawrence – spoke to CarsGuide about the hybrid Forester at the Solterra's local media launch. "We're very excited about that - I've always said with next-gen Forester it's our number-one selling model in Australia, so we need to put our best foot forward - we believe that strong hybrid technology will be a big shot in the arm. Alongside some other things which we'll keep under wraps until the launch," Read said."Our plan at this stage is to launch with both petrol and hybrid - there will be a short period, a gap in deliveries, as we change over to the new model," added Read.