Articles by Samuel Irvine

The trend of range-extender hybrids is showing no signs of slowing down in China, with Chery – under its sub-brand Exceed – the latest automaker to join the party.It’s called the Exlantix ET and it's a full-sized family SUV built on Chery’s brand new E0X platform which is set to underpin a suite of future hybrid and electric vehicles, including some from Jaguar Land Rover.This particular model uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with a peak power of 115kW/220Nm and a 41.16kWh battery pack.Together, they provide current to two electric motors positioned on the front and rear axle which deliver 150kW/324Nm and 195kW/324Nm, respectively.The hefty power outputs see the Elantix ET rocket from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 195km/h. Not bad for a nearly two-and-a-half-tonne car.Total range is claimed at 1500km, 240km of which is available in pure-electric mode, according to the lenient CLTC cycle.The Exlantix's 400-volt architecture reportedly delivers a charge time from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 17.5 minutes.Measuring up at 4955mm long, 1975mm wide, 1698mm tall and with a wheelbase of 3000mm, the Elantix ET is larger than a Kia Sorento but not quite as vast as a Hyundai Palisade.We don’t know at this stage whether it will compete Down Under with those South Korean rivals, particularly as Chery gears up to launch its more off-road focused Jaecoo sub-brand in early 2025.CarsGuide has contacted Chery for comment to determine if and when we might see the offshoot locally. An update to the story will follow with a response.In terms of design, the Elantix ET screams Chery Omoda E5 at the front, evidenced by its thin LED headlights and larger fog lamps on the lower bumper.Given its bigger size, though, the rest of the body appears to be more Range Rover influenced, particularly in its sleek body panelling and retractable door handles.There’s also a bit of Porsche Cayenne about the rear three quarter, particularly in the rear fastback styling and LED lightbar.Inside, the Elantix ET gets a 10.25-inch floating digital driver’s display and a 15.6-inch central multimedia touchscreen, a 23-speaker sound system and 256 ambient lighting colours.There is a huge panoramic sunshade and AI voice assistant controls, while the front and rear passenger seats are heated and ventilated.According to CarNewsChina, Prices will commence at 239,800 Yuan ($51,765) for the bottom-spec Max, 269,800 Yuan ($58,241) for the mid-range Ultra and 289,800 Yuan ($62,588) for the top-spec Premium.

The Toyota RAV4 is about to cement its status as Australia’s second most popular vehicle after a bumper year of sales in 2024, so why are we still without the performance version?Despite being sold in Europe in plugless and plug-in hybrid guises, where the model doesn’t even crack the continent’s top 25 best-selling vehicles, the RAV4 GR Sport sadly isn’t on Toyota Australia’s radar.“We are always looking at opportunities to enhance our model line-up, but we have nothing to announce regarding RAV4,” a Toyota spokesperson told CarsGuide.Toyota hasn't said why it has chosen not to offer the variant here, although it feels very much like a 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' strategy, particularly as sales boom.It’s a shame because the plug-in hybrid variant genuinely is a more souped-up version of the standard hybrid we get in Australia, and something our very sensible line-up is lacking, regardless of its sales success.Take its 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid system, for example, which adds a much bigger 18.1kWh battery pack.Not only does it deliver 75km of WLTP-rated electric range, it gets a sizeable bump of 62kW/49Nm in power and torque over the standard hybrid's peak 163kW/221Nm.That translates to a total output of 225kW/270Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.0 seconds flat, which is at least 2.0 seconds quicker than the top-spec Edge AWD sold locally and about as quick as a Volkswagen Golf GTI.Fuel consumption is significantly better, too, at just 1.0-litre/100km compared to 4.8-litres/100km on the Edge.It's also better than Australia’s two top-selling plug-in hybrid models, the BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, both of which deliver a minimum fuel consumption of 1.1-litres and 1.5-litres, respectively.Carbon emissions are low at just 22g/km, which is also an improvement on both of those models.In terms of features, the GR Sport variant gets the bulk of the Edge’s equipment list in Europe as well.There’s 19-inch alloys, a 12.5-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.5-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and a drive mode selector.But on top of that there are also paddle shifters, synthetic leather and suede seats with ‘GR’ badging, which also extends to the steering wheel and rubber floor mats.GR badging adorns the exterior, while its front end looks far more aggressive thanks to a sportier front grille and bumper.Lets not forget the exclusive five-double-spoke GR Sport rims either, which come decorated with a neat pinstripe pattern. It's the sort of makeover that would stand Toyota's mid-sizer out further against the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson.Mitsubishi is reportedly working on a high-powered Ralliart version of its Outlander with three electric motors and 285kW.Toyota Australia sells GR Sport versions of various models in Australia already, including the C-HR and Yaris Cross (both trim levels with no performance benefits) as well as the pumped up HiLux GR Sport.Outside Japan, Australia is also the only market to get full-fat GR versions of both the Yaris and Corolla hatchbacks — we really do love souped-up cars Down Under.For now, we can only dream of a more performance-oriented RAV4 arriving in Australia under the current generation, which enters its sixth year on the market in 2025.But hopefully Australia’s steadfast support of the RAV4 translates to something a little bit more thrilling in the next-generation offering (which is set to arrive in 2026), because if there’s any market that deserve it, it’s us.

GWM has revealed some minor changes to its Haval H6 GT range ahead of its new plug-in hybrid variant scheduled to arrive next year.

Off the back of its SU7 electric sedan, Chinese tech company turned electric carmaker Xiaomi is showing no signs of slowing down, with the brand set to launch its first SUV in China early next year.

The GWM Cannon Ute range is in runout with sales of between $2000 and $6000 for private buyers – and even larger discounts for ABN holders – as the brand readies its next-generation model.

Audi has revealed its facelifted A3 and S3 hatch and sedan range with some design and performance upgrades, but with steeper pricing across the range.Scheduled to arrive from early 2025, the new A3 range kicks off at $54,800, before on-road costs, for the base Sportback 35 TFSI S line, representing an increase of $4200 on the pre-facelift version.It is still $1700 cheaper than the BMW 118 and $2100 cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz A200 hatchbacks, though.The sedan version, meanwhile, starts at $57,800 (before on-road costs), a rise of $4600 over its predecessor but still $600 cheaper than the A200 sedan.The more powerful 40 TFSI Quattro all-wheel drive variant, has been cut from the range for now, meaning customers are left with a single-variant front-wheel drive A3 lineup.CarsGuide has contacted Audi Australia to determine whether it plans to add it to the lineup in the future.In return for the higher price point, Audi has equipped the A3 with S Line packaging, which adds an S roof spoiler (hatchback only) and sportier S Line front and rear bumpers.There are also high-gloss exterior styling highlights such as anodised aluminium window strips and a blacked-out Audi emblem.Inside, Audi has reconfigured the A3’s cockpit with new air-conditioning vents, a bigger 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen and a fully-integrated gear shifter.S Line packaging adds sports front seats with integrated headrests and four-way lumber support, as well as heating and ventilation functions.Headlining comes in black with aluminium inlays, while there are stainless steel sports pedals and a multifunction steering wheel with the 'S' emblem and perforated leather stitching.A ten-speaker audio system remains standard as well as a wireless charging pad.Power is still derived from an 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which is paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system.Together it delivers 110kW/250Nm to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.The S3 has seen its power upped by 17kW/20Nm on its punchier 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine to 245kW/420Nm. The S3 rockets from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds with a limited top speed of 250km/h.The rise in power comes thanks to the addition of an RS3-derived torque splitter and new dynamic plus driving mode. Both features work together to distribute torque to the rear wheels more efficiently, while improving handling and agility.Braking performance has also been improved with larger perforated front brake disks fitted with new two-piston callipers, while a new Akrapovic sports exhaust with a titanium silencer adds a more distinct exhaust note.Inside, the S3 further differentiates itself from the A3 with Nappa leather upholstery that includes diamond stitching with 'S' embossing, black microfibre inlays and an auto-dimming interior mirror.There are selectable daytime running light signatures on the A3’s matrix LED headlights, along with ambient interior lighting and three-zone climate control.The S3 range will start at $3400 more for the S3 sportback and $4427 for the sedan.Both models carry a five-star ANCAP safety rating and are covered by a five-year/unlimited km warranty.All prices are at before on-road costs

BYD’s off-road sub-brand Fang Cheng Bao has revealed its second Toyota-rivalling electric family SUV. Dubbed the Titanium 3, the car will headline a new product series for the brand called “Tai” (literally translating to Titanium) after the ‘Bao’ lineup. Plans for outside the Chinese market are unclear at this stage, although we know the brand is officially under consideration for Australia after BYD trademarked the “Bao” moniker earlier this year.The larger Bao 5 plug-in hybrid is expected to launch in Australia next year, but will likely be called the BYD Leopard 5.A BYD representative has been approached for further comment on if and when we might expect an Australian release for the Bao 3 Titanium.For now, though, we know the Titanium 3 will launch in China in the first half of 2025 at 4605mm long, 1900mm wide, 1702mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2745mm.  That’s roughly the same size in all directions as popular family SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5, which all compete in Australia’s competitive medium SUV market. Unlike those models the Titanium 3 eschews hybrid power for a fully-electric all-wheel drive set-up, with power derived from BYD’s flagship Blade battery, as is utilised on the BYD Seal, Atto 3 and Dolphin models.Range and total power outputs are yet to be revealed, but for now we know that the dual-motor setup includes a front-axle rear motor with 110kW of power and a rear-axle motor that delivers an additional 200kW. According to Chinese homologation filings, approach/departure angles are listed at 25-degrees and 28-degrees, while two curb weights of 2170kg and 2265kg were listed. That means it will be considerably heavier than its rivals due to a larger battery pack, although departure angles are much stronger than a Toyota RAV4's, which is 17.5-degrees and 20-degrees for approach/departure. Interior details are yet to be revealed, though we do know what the Titanium 3’s exterior will look like, with boxy styling and hard-wearing off-road trims.Two key design standouts are the rooftop and tailgate cargo areas, the latter of which gives the impression of a classic 4WD rear tyre mount. Pricing in China will reportedly commence from 200,000 yuan ($43,198), according to CarNewsChina. 

Just weeks after launching its Tesla Model Y competitor in Australia, the S07 electric range extender SUV, Deepal is already prepping its larger-sized sibling.Coined the Deepal S09, the family-sized model has been revealed in homologation filings submitted to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and published by CarNewsChina.Measuring 5205mm long, 1996mm wide, 1800mm tall and with a wheelbase of 3105mm, the S09 is a three-row large SUV that would dwarf a Hyundai Palisade, Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger.CarNewsChina is reporting that it will boast a carrying capacity of six people, with two range-extender powertrains.Range extenders seem to be China's latest frontier. Taking batteries that are larger than your typical plug-in hybrid but smaller than a battery EV, a small petrol engine is included to provide charge for the battery, though not to drive the wheels.There is a single electric motor version, with a curb weights of 2510kg and 2590kg listed and a dual-motor version, with curb weights of 2668kg and 2690kg listed.Single motor versions have a 231kW electric motor on the rear axle, while dual-motor versions will add an additional 131kW electric motor driving the front wheels. Both versions will be capable of a top speed of 205 km/h.CATL will supply a lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery pack on both models, though size nor range have been listed.Deepal’s ‘Blue Whale’ 1.5-litre petrol can supply 110kW to charge the battery.Images of the S09’s interior haven’t been provided either, although exterior shots show what appears to be an S07 silhouette with much larger proportions.It gets a thin LED headlight bar, along with large fog lamps and a small air intake on the car’s lower bumper. A Lidar unit sits above the top windscreen, as is becoming increasingly common with Chinese cars.Along the side, the profile is relatively clean with retractable door handles and chrome-coloured window trims.There is the option of 20-inch or 21-inch wheels with at least four different designs, while a LED light bar is replicated at the rear.While it is unclear whether the S09 will arrive in Australia at this stage, a local spokersperson said that it was in contention. “Future product that may be available for the Australian market from Deepal globally is of course under consideration for the local market," the spokesperson said. The Deepal S09 expected to arrive in China in the first half of 2025 with a starting price of 300,000 yuan ($64,191).

This is our first offical glimpse at the new Hyundai Palisade.Leaked images shared by Autospy have given us a look at the next-generation large SUV, which is scheduled to arrive in showrooms next year as the bold Hyundai Santa Fe's big brother, as well as a Toyota Kluger, Nissan Pathfinder and Kia Sorento rival.Notwithstanding its move to a new platform that will accommodate hybrid power for the first time in the model’s history, it has been completely redesigned inside and out.Leaked images show a bold new front end, with a new rectangular front grille and thick, vertically-striped LED headlights.The entire design appears larger and boxier than before, with sharper lines and bonnet creases giving it the feel of a super-sized American family SUV, such as the GMC Yukon Denali.So too does its brand new multi-spoke alloy wheels.Previous reports have suggested the Palisade could adopt a nine-seat configuration, suggesting that the dimensions will indeed be larger for 2025.A top-down image shows the option of dual sunroofs, as was offered on the previous generation, along with roof rails.Inside, the Palisade appears more opulent than before, with the cabin clad in brown leather upholstery and ambient lighting with metallic and wooden-look trims.The twin-screen setup for digital-driver’s displays and the multimedia touchscreen is integrated into the leather-clad dash, while physical buttons remain for climate controls.As has become standard on modern Hyundais, the gear shifter is situated on the steering column, freeing up space for a floating centre console, a cupholder and what looks to be a storage area for a mobile phone or wireless charging pad.From what engine the next-generation Palisade will source its power from is unclear at this stage, however, it is all but certain that the 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated V6 will be dropped from the range.Speculation suggests the Palisade will run with a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, paired to a single electric motor for a hybrid version.Pricing is still well off, but the current Palisade starts at a list price of $66,800, before on-road costs.

Mazda has detailed pricing for a limited edition variant of its cult-favourite MX-5 model.