Articles by Tim Gibson

Chery has revealed its game-changing diesel plug-in hybrid ute will be called the Stockman when it lands in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year. The Chery Stockman, previously known as 'KP31', was confirmed today after the brand put a call out for names that prompted more than 20,000 submissions. The Stockman was one of nine names shortlisted among Bushwalker, Ironbark, Longreach, Mate, Orca and Outrider.Chery said the Stockman name reflects the capability, endurance and versatility of its first ute.The Stockman will join the Australian market as the first-ever PHEV diesel ute in what could shake-up the diesel-only dominant segment. It will also look to build on the work done by the BYD Shark 6 turbo-petrol PHEV, which has been one of the only few utes to experience sales growth in Australia over the past few months. The Stockman will be powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and electric motor duo said to produce substantial amounts of power and torque.Chery has claimed the ute will have a 1000kg payload and 3500kg braked towing capacity, matching much of its diesel-only competition Down Under. The brand has high expectations for its new ute model with Australian Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris telling CarsGuide earlier this year that it needs to be successful.“I believe that Chery has one chance to prove that we can build and deliver a highly-capable ute,” Harris said.“We are being a bit demanding. We want all of that diesel capability so that we can deliver what we say we want to deliver. But we also want the on-highway and the fuel efficiency benefits and the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) benefits of having super hybrid at the same time.”Chery will reveal more details about the Stockman closer to its launch Down Under.

An affordable 4WD has been given some special edition flair in Australia. Suzuki has confirmed the Jimny Rhino will launch Down Under as a special version of the XL five-door small off-roader.It will start from $44,990 (before on-road costs), which makes it $4000 more than the current range-topping five-door variant. The news comes after the brand opened an expressions of interest portal for the car last month.The Jimny Rhino features “Kinetic Yellow” exterior paint work, which is usually a $1345 option for the three-door variants of the car.The exterior look features painted black and grey stripes along the sides with an image of a rhino on the front doors.The roof is painted in a shiny black colour, giving a two-tone effect. The Jimny Rhino rides on 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, with a different design to other Jimny models. Satin silver panels and air vent surrounds continue the new design elements inside the cabin. There are black leather-wrapped door handles with yellow stitching and a ‘Rhino' logo.Customisable interior footwell lighting has eight different colours, including Kinetic Yellow.The Jimny Rhino further receives an upgraded premium Pioneer sound system.The car also comes with a range of accessories, such as a large portable speaker and metal presentation box for the key. It will continue to be powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 75kW and 130Nm. The Jimny Rhino will be available with a manual and automatic transmissions like the rest of the Jimny range. The Jimny is Suzuki’s best-selling model in Australia, offering a cheap and compact off-roading alternative to the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol.It lines up as a rival to the also budget-oriented GWM Tank 300, starting from $47,990 (drive-away). Suzuki’s Aussie special edition Jimny mirrors the brand's other global markets in introducing Rhino versions of its models. Order books for the Jimny Rhino are now open, with deliveries beginning on the 1st of July.  

Driving range is the biggest talking point with electric cars. Range anxiety remains a prevalent road block to potential EV buyers, despite ever-increasing claimed figures.Figures are measured using many different testing cycles, which all have varying degrees of perceived accuracy.  The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) is viewed as the most accurate standard available.Its testing figures often come in noticeably lower than the older New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) and the even more generous China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). As much as these systems do their best to mirror real-world driving, they can never be truly accurate because of the different ways people use their cars.The Australian Automobile Association’s Real-World Testing Program has done the ground work to see just how accurate these figures are when they are put to the test on the roads. The testing was completed in Victoria, with each vehicle travelling a route of 93km.We’ve compiled the most- and least-accurate EV driving ranges, according to what is reported and what they actually did on the road.The figures used for this data are the quoted Australian Design Rules figures used for sales approval.Brands base these figures on the various testing standards, and this means the difference in accuracy between reported and actual figures may not be as dramatic as portrayed by the raw numbers. This is particularly apparent for Chinese brands that register a more lenient testing method (NEDC) than other brands, which represents an exaggerated difference compared to real-world figures than what WLTP would show. Topping the list for the most inaccurate figure is the 2023 MG4 all-wheel drive hatchback. The quoted figure for this car is 405km, but it was more than 100km off that calculated in the real world. It only managed 281km, which was a 31 per cent difference. The MG4 has a WLTP range of 350km, making it a less egregious roughly 19 per cent inaccuracy. The theme of Chinese brands continues down the list, with three of the other four cars in the top five all being made by BYD. The BYD Seal sedan has a claimed driving range of 650km, but in the real world it only reached 488km, resulting in a 25 per cent decrease, but that dropped to 14 per cent based on WLTP figures. BYD’s Dolphin hatchback had a 24 per cent drop-off on its ADR figure of 410km, only capable of travelling 313km, but that was only an eight per cent decrease based on WLTP. The Kia EV6 mid-size SUV registered an eight per cent shortfall on its WLTP figure, travelling 484km instead of 528km. Kia's EV5, EV6 and EV9 SUVs also represent 11 per cent shortfalls on their WLTP range figures. The BYD Atto 3 small SUV was also in the top five and had a 20 per cent shortfall on its ADR figure of 410km, only reaching 328km. That was only a 5 per cent decrease based on its WLTP figure. Finally, the Tesla Model 3 had a 14 per cent drop off on what was expected based on WLTP numbers. The Kia EV5 is joined by the Tesla Model Y, with ADR and WLTP figures only representing a three per cent difference at the other end of the scale.The BYD Sealion 7 is one of the more dramatic examples of the inaccuracy of the NEDC system. Its 17 per cent shortfall based on NEDC standards is reduced to just three per cent when based on WLTP. While this data demonstrates how EVs perform in real life, it also provides important insight into how differing testing standards can dramatically alter driving range expectations. WLTP figures remain the most accurate mainstream testing regime, with NEDC and CLTC testing exaggerating potential driving range.

The Leapmotor C10 Long-Range electric family SUV has just been given a serious overhaul in Australia as it looks to hunt down the Geely EX5 in Australia. The 'Design' grade will continue to be priced from $49,888 (before on-road costs), sitting at the top of the standard C10 range. The C10 has undergone some big changes in Australia, including the addition of the special edition performance variant targeting Tesla Model Y.It comes after the C10 was updated in China to receive a redesigned exterior and cabin, including elements like a panoramic head-up display and 17.3-inch central touchscreen.These updates are not included as part of the model year improvements for the Design grade in Australia.A spokesperson for Leapmotor Australia confirmed this more significant update was only for the Chinese market, for the time being.The main change for the updated Australian C10 is the addition of a bigger 82kWh battery, boosting driving range to 510km, according to WLTP standards. This is a step up on the rest of the standard C10 range, with its 70kWh battery offering 425km. This is the same battery as what is found in the special edition AWD variant of the C10, starting from $53,888. It is also now able to charge at 180kW via DC fast charging, with a 30 to 80 per cent juice-up taking roughly 22 minutes, courtesy of an 800-volt platform. Its electric motor set-up has also received a tweak, with power increased to 220kW from 160kW, while torque is now at 360Nm from 320Nm. The sprint from 0 to 100km/h now only takes 6.2 seconds. The car now also rides on Yokohama sport tires to improve handling and grip, with two entry key cards coming as standard instead of one as was previously the case. Interior options now include a ‘Camel’ brown interior as well as a black colour.The C10’s main competitos is Geely’s EX5 (starting from $41,990), which has experienced a strong sales run in 2026 and was the third best-selling EV for May in Australia. The EX5 is cheaper than this updated C10, but the latter has a better driving range than Geely’s example as well as better performance. The C10 will also tackle the BYD Sealion 7 (starting from $54,990) and rivals from more traditional brands like the Kia EV5 (starting from $56,770). It continues to be available in range-extender hybrid and fully-electric set-ups.

China is bringing sedans back, and this latest one is an exciting prospect for Australia. The Geely Galaxy TT is a Toyota Camry-sized electric sports sedan expected to launch in China soon. A spokesperson for Geely Australia said there was no news on the Galaxy TT from an Australian perspective yet.The Galaxy TT is more evidence sedans are back on the agenda, potentially curbing the SUV dominance of recent years. It will directly tackle the hugely popular Xiaomi SU7 in China, which has continued to see order numbers surge.It could join an increasingly busy sedan segment in Australia, which is fast proving the new battleground for Chinese brands in Australia. The Toyota Camry hybrid has been the main player of the segment for the past few years, but it is now finding itself with more company, particularly from China.Geely’s Emgrand plug-in hybrid will be the brand’s first sedan model launching in Australia in 2027, with a fully-electric version of the car coming later. Geely is playing catch-up on rival Chinese brands like BYD that has already introduced its Seal 6 PHEV and Seal EV sedans.The Tesla Model 3’s resurgence is also challenging the Camry’s stronghold in the sedan market.The Galaxy TT is generally bigger than many of its sedan rivals like the Seal and Model 3, meaning it could complement the smaller Emgrand in Geely’s portfolio. It is roughly the same size as the BYD Seal 7 plug-in hybrid sedan that was recently approved for sale in Australia. The Galaxy TT will be available with a single rear-mounted electric motor, producing 245kW and a dual electric motor all-wheel drive variant, with 425kW.It has three battery choices, which are 52kWh, 64kWh and 75kWh, with a driving range of up to 725km, according to generous CLTC standards. Other details on the car remain scarce, but we can expect more information in the coming months.  

Mercedes-Benz is bringing two new V8-powered rides to Australia. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and GLS 63 S SUVs have both been detailed overseas ahead of their local launch. There are no confirmed launch timings for the cars, but Mercedes-Benz Australia has been contacted for comment to get a better idea of when we can expect them. These large luxury SUVs will be rivals to the V8-powered BMW X6 and X7 as well as the Audi SQ7 and SQ8. Both of Mercedes’ updated models use a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, producing 450kW and 850Nm, which are the same figures as the current model. The GLE 63 S can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds, while the GLS 63 S takes 4.2 seconds, with both going on to a top speed of 280km/h. The pair are equipped with Mercedes’ all-wheel drive system and have a 48-volt mild hybrid set-up, providing a small boost of power. There is a newly-developed performance exhaust system fitted to the cars, allowing for different settings of noise from the V8 engine. The car has been given a new exterior look that shows off larger air intakes and a rethought headlight design.Wheels are offered in sizes up to 22 inches on the GLE 63 S and 23 inches on the GLS 63 S. There is a range of Nappa leather seat colours, with carbon and aluminium elements elsewhere in the cabin. The car’s suspension can be raised by as much as 20mm, depending on road conditions and speeds.There is no official news on price yet, but the GLE 63 S currently starts in Australia from $266,900 (before on-road costs), so expect a slight price increase on that number. The GLS 63 S starts in Australia from $299,900, meaning this new model could break the $300,000 barrier. 

The return of an Audi wagon favourite is on the cards for Australia.The Audi A6 Allroad could return to the brand’s Aussie showrooms for the first time since 2024.The A6 Allroad remains a strong prospect for Australia, but the local branch was unable to confirm its arrival just yet."This model is currently under evaluation for the Australian market," a spokesperson for Audi Australia said."This model is highly appealing, and we would welcome it for Australia."It comes after the car appeared in Australian sales approval documents earlier this year, hinting a confirmation is not too far away.There is potential for A6 Allroad to launch as soon as the end of this year.It will again be available with a V6 diesel engine, but Audi has also introduced a plug-in hybrid set-up to the range for the first time. The A6 Allroad doesn't have any direct rivals in Australia.It will have to compete with the much cheaper BYD Seal 6 Touring PHEV wagon, starting from $34,990 (before on-road costs).Pricing details have not been revealed yet, but it is expected to sit above the sedan variant currently on sale, starting from $123,600 (before on-road costs). The A6 Allroad's 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel has more power than its predecessor, boasting 220kW and 580Nm , while the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol PHEV set-up boosts power to 270kW and 500Nm. The diesel variant is marginally faster from 0-100km/h than the PHEV at 5.4 seconds. Audi said the PHEV has an all-electric driving range of 95km from its 26kWh battery. It offers fuel consumption of as little as 2.6L/100km, when the battery is fully charged. The car does not have DC charging capabilities, but AC charging at 11kW takes around 2.5 hours. All A6 Allroad models come with all-wheel drive as standard. On the inside, there is an 11.9-inch digital driver display and 14.5-inch central touchscreen, along with four-zone automatic air conditioning. There is also a panoramic sunroof available with a dimmable setting as opposed to a conventional shade. 

Japan is getting serious about car battery recycling. The Japanese government has drafted a report outlining a policy that would require carmakers to collect used electric vehicle batteries, according to AutoNews.Ministries will "consider policy solutions and timing for the establishment of a recycling system” for EV batteries.Battery recycling initiatives have gathered steam globally in recent years as e-waste becomes a bigger consideration. There will be more EV batteries degrading and becoming unusable as the numbers of EVs on the road increases.Car batteries are often only covered by eight-year warranties, leaving questions to what happens to them after this time.Batteries cannot be recycled in the conventional way because they often contain toxic chemicals, requiring an extensive process to disassemble them safely.Opportunities for recycling car batteries have increased significantly as carmakers and governments seek solutions to the issue. There is already a voluntary scheme in Japan, where up to 22 carmakers participate in collecting used EV batteries, including Toyota and BYD.AutoNews said roughly 13,000 batteries were recovered through the initiative in the 2024 financial year.Japan will use battery recycling initiatives to move away from heavy reliance on rare resource imports.Japan isn't the only place where battery recycling is being pushed.There are increasingly stringent European Union regulations that set recycling mandates for all companies.Under the EU Battery Regulation, there are stricter year-on-year recycling targets. In 2030, 70 per cent of lithium-based batteries must be recycled. Lithium batteries are commonly used in electric cars, so Europe’s rules are designed to directly target the car battery issue. EV batteries and the materials in them can be used for other purposes and are capable of forming part of home set-ups or powering alliances and tools.In Australia, Nissan is using nine NMC batteries from its first generation Leaf small car to power elements of its Victorian part manufacturing plant.Importantly these batteries have not undergone an extensive refurbishment process, meaning their repurposing is cheaper than conventional recycling choices. NMC batteries are more likely to be the target of recycling initiatives than lithium-based alternatives because they contain more rare and expensive metals. 

Mini's biggest car is getting a smaller range, as the updated model comes with less options.The Mini Countryman small SUV will also come with a mild hybrid set-up. The 2027 Countryman will start from $54,490 (before on-road costs), but was previously available from just under $50,000 in Australia.The cheapest AWD grade starts from $60,490, while the range-topping petrol variant starts from $75,490. The mild hybrid Countryman is cheaper than the Volvo XC40 ($54,990). Electric variants of the Countryman have also increased in price, with it now $4000 more expensive for the base car (from $68,990), while the top of the range is now an extra $1000 (from $73,990). This means the Countryman is even more expensive than before compared to the rival Renault Megane E-Tech, which recently saw its price dropped to $49,990 (drive-away).Base mild hybrid variants of the Countryman have received a boost to performance, with its 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine now producing 125kW and 280Nm. There is also more power for the AWD grade, with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 160kW and 360Nm.The new mild hybrid system has not resulted in better fuel efficiency for the Countryman, but it does appease more stringent emissions requirements in Europe.EV variants of the Countryman have received a subtle increase to driving range. Two-wheel drive variants offer 501km (WLTP), while AWD has 467km. The updated Countryman has become available in Australia after debuting in Europe earlier this year.2026 Mini Countryman pricing Australia  

New Chinese brand Lepas is gearing up to take on the Australian market in 2026, starting with an electric family SUV.Chery Group has officially announced its Lepas brand will launch in Australia with the L6 mid-size electric SUV in the fourth quarter of this year. The L6 is roughly the same size as the popular Toyota RAV4, but at this stage the L6 will only be available with a fully electric setup. There is a plug-in hybrid variant available overseas that will be made available in Australia in 2027.The L6 EV will contest the most popular segment of the Australian market in the mid-size SUV, facing off against the BYD Atto 3, Zeekr 7X and Geely EX5. It will also provide competition for conventionally popular petrol competitors like the Mazda CX-5.The L6 has a single electric motor, producing 160kW and 275Nm, while offering a driving range of 450km (WLTP) from its 67kWh battery. Lepas Australia said more details on the incoming L6 will be revealed closer to its local arrival in Q4. It comes after plans for Lepas in Australia were pushed back from mid-year to the end of this year. Lepas models have a different design language from other models in the Chery Group, with the brand targeting “lifestyle-focused” buyers.The brand said it will appeal to a different buyer than what Chery and Omoda Jaecoo does.This means the L6 is likely to be more expensive than the Jaecoo J5 EV small SUV that starts from $36,990 (drive-away). The L6 is expected to start from around the $40,000-plus mark when it goes on sale. While it offers exterior styling tweaks compared to other Chery Group models, it seems to share the same 13.2-inch central touchscreen and 8.8-inch digital driver display as found on the J5. The L6 will be followed by the L4 small electric SUV and the larger L8 plug-in hybrid, both due in 2027.Lepas is the latest in a growing number of sub-brands under the Chery Group in Australia.Omoda Jaecoo launched roughly a year ago, with Lepas to be followed by the Freelander brand in 2027. Off-road brand iCaur is also on the agenda for Australia.