Articles by Tim Gibson

Skoda has added a mild hybrid variant to its Octavia sedan and wagon line-up, revealing its Australian pricing and specifications.It starts from $43,990 (drive-away), for the sedan, with the wagon unit an extra $2000, as a part of a launch promotion.Before on-road costs pricing is $2000 cheaper than the drive-away. Volkswagen Australia has confirmed this deal will stay in place until at least the end of the second quarter of this year. The Octavia’s new hybrid credentials see it shape up as a more comparable rival to the hybrid-exclusive and dominant player in the sedan segment, the Toyota Camry.Skoda’s Octavia hybrid is more than the Camry, while it comes in cheaper than up-spec versions of the Honda Accord hybrid.It's worth noting the Octavia only has a mild-hybrid system as opposed to the full-on hybrids found in the Camry and the Accord.The Octavia was previously a petrol-exclusive model, with most examples fitted with a 1.4-litre petrol engine. The petrol Octavia starts from $39,590, before on-road costs, so the hybrid represents a slight bump in price in comparison.The hybrid Octavia has the same power output as its petrol counterpart, producing 110kW and 250Nm.On the inside, there is a 13.0-inch central touchscreen and 10-inch digital driver display, with satellite navigation also standard.For an extra $6500, buyers can have 18-inch wheels, leather interior trim as well as power-adjustable front seats, with memory, message, and ventilating functionality. You also get a head-up display and LED headlights, among other things as part of the deal.The Octavia is the latest Skoda model to be given hybrid power, with other models in the lineup also offering plug-in hybrid variants.As part of the Octavia hybrid announcement, the brand unveiled a plug-in variant of the Superb sedan.The Octavia is part of a shrinking number of Skoda models, which do not have a plug-in hybrid option, meaning it could be on the horizon soon.While there is no plug-in hybrid variant currently on sale globally, it is something the brand would consider for Australia. The Octavia hybrid will arrive in Australia next month.2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid pricing Australia 2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid engine and efficiency2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid standard featuresOther standard features include:Leather-wrapped steering wheelKeyless entry and startSatellite navigationDual-zone climate controlHeated seatsElectric tailgate2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid safetyThe combustion range of the Skoda Octavia received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, but this does not include the hybrid. Standard safety features include:Eight airbagsAdaptive cruise controlFront cross-traffic assistFront and rear parking sensorsLane keep assistTraffic sign recognitionRear cross-traffic alert2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid warranty and servicingAll new Skoda models are covered with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Polestar has lowered the price of some grades of its updated Polestar 3 in Australia. The refreshed electric SUV starts from $116,700, before on-road costs, for the base single motor, which is more than $1700 cheaper than the previous model. The long-range variant is $1600 cheaper than last year’s pricing, while the top-grade Performance has increased nearly $2300, starting from $146,700 (before on-road costs).The Polestar 3 is a rival for the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE, which both have starting prices north of the $130K price bracket. The main change for the Polestar 3 is the addition of 800-volt architecture, which has improved charging times by more than 25 per cent, according to the brand. Neither the BMW or the Mercedes-Benz are built on an 800-volt platform, both have 400-volt architecture instead, meaning the Polestar offers faster charging times than its rivals. All variants can charge at more than 300kW, facilitating a 10-80 per cent charge time of 22 minutes across the range. The Polestar may charge faster, but driving range remains competitive between the trio. The 111kWh battery on the previous model is no longer available on the Polestar 3, due to compatibility with the new 800-volt platform.The base rear motor variant now comes with a 92kWh battery, which has a driving range of 604km, down from more than 700km. Dual-motor variants get a 106kWh battery. The cheaper dual motor has about the same driving range as before, while the Performance grade has seen its range increase to nearly 600km. The Performance grade also gets a power boost and now produces 500kW and 870Nm, with 0-100km/h taking 3.9 seconds. This is in part due to a newly-developed rear-mounted motor on all variants. As part of the changes for this year’s models, the car is fitted with a premium 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system and head-up display, among other features as standard. Otherwise, the cabin is much the same as the previous model but new zippy computer processing, provides a boost to tasks and safety performance.This upgrade will be available to existing Polestar 3 owners as part of a complimentary hardware retrofit. 2026 Polestar 3 pricing Australia2026 Polestar 3 electric motor and efficiency 2026 Polestar 3 standard featuresOther standard features includeHead-up displayFoldable boot floorAcoustic rear windowPower-operated steering columnSoft-close doorsUpgradeable features: 2026 Polestar 3 safetyThe Polestar 3 received a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Standard safety features360-degree cameraCurve speed assistLane change assistPark assistAdaptive cruise controlLane keep assist2026 Polestar 3 warranty and servicing The Polestar 3 comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and an eight-year/160,000-kilometre warranty for the battery. 

Volkswagen’s new ID. Era 9X range-extender luxury three-row SUV has reportedly begun mass production in China, and will launch this month.It is unlikely the ID. Era 9X will come to Australia, given it is currently targeted towards the Chinese market. The luxury range-extender segment has been growing rapidly in China, with several major local manufacturers launching models.The ID. Era 9X is similar in size to the Zeekr 9X SUV, which is also uses an electrified powertrain and launched in China in late 2025. It is expected we will see the 9X in Australia some time this year, sitting in the $100k-plus bracket.VW’s new SUV will also take on BYD’s Great Tang large luxury SUV, the launch of which in China was delayed until the second quarter of 2026, with the brand further refining the car as competition in the space intensifies. The ID. Era 9X is a product of a partnership between VW and Chinese juggernaut SAIC, which also owns MG and LDV. The car comes in single and dual electric motor variants in the currently sought-after range-extender hybrid layout.The single motor version is rear-mounted and produces 220kW. The top-spec version has two electric motors, which combine to produce 380kW. There are two battery choices, which are 51.1kWh and 65.2kWh, with the latter offering an electric-only driving range of up to 340km (WLTP).Combined driving with the bigger battery is more than 1000km, keeping the car in line with many other range-extender rivals. All variants of the ID. Era 9X are fitted with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing 105kW, which solely charges the battery as opposed to driving the wheels. With high-end technology and specifications a key point of difference for these luxury SUVs in China, VW’s car features some standout features. There is a 21.4-inch TV-like roof-mounted display, along with dual 15.6-inch displays mounted on the dashboard.The six-seat layout of the car is in 2-2-2 configuration, swapping the middle seats for extra rear passenger room to give an increased luxury and roomy feel.The ID. Era 9X will be one of Volkswagen's largest cars globally, and could potentially serve as a replacement for the Touareg if it headed for export marekts. The German brand has been vocal about expanding the use of range-extender plug-in hybrid powertrains for larger vehicles which aren't as well suited to being fully electric.The company's upcoming off-roaders for the US market from its Scout subsidiary will also use range-extender hybrid powertrains.

Mercedes-Benz has announced sharp drive-away pricing for a limited edition variant of its popular GLC mid-size SUV. Pricing will start from $89,000 (drive-away), until the 30th of April, and is limited in numbers according to the brand. This is a special version of the GLC 200 known as the ‘Avantgarde Edition’, not to be confused with the base ‘Avantgarde’ variant.This deal makes the GLC 200 more price competitive with some of its key mid-size SUV rivals, including the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5.The Avantagarde starts from $90,200, before on-road costs, so the deal on the Avantgarde Edition represents a solid saving for buyers, but it comes with some compromises. The Avantgarde Edition swaps 19-inch alloy wheels for 18-inch ones, with the car's lower sills and side-steps also getting a less flashy design. It is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 150kW and 320Nm. Like its rivals, the car comes with all-wheel drive as standard.On the inside, the Avantgarde Edition keeps much of the gear found in other models, including an 11.9-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver display. There are also power-adjustable front seats, which have a memory function. The GLC-Class was Mercedes-Benz’s most popular model in 2025, topping the sales numbers of other big hitters in the line-up such as the the GLA-Class compact SUV. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition pricing Australia2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition engine and efficiency2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition standard featuresOther standard features include:Metallic paintAutomatic climate controlPower seats with memory functionKeyless entry and start2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition safetyThe Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class received a five-star ANCAP safety rating.Standard safety features2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition dimensions2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition warranty and servicingThe Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.Mercedes-Benz offers three-year, four-year and five-year capped price servicing plans GLC models, with intervals occurring every one year or 25,000km. Capped-priced servicing plans:

Cadillac has released two new luxury all-electric SUV models in Australia, which are the mid-size Optiq and the large three-row Vistiq. The Optiq will start from $80,000, before on-road costs, while the Vistiq will start from $116,000, before on-road costs. This means it is substantially cheaper than the sportier Porsche Macan as well as the luxury-oriented Genesis GV60. Meanwhile, at $116,000 the Vistiq sizes up as a rival to other big luxury electric SUVs, such as the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90. The Vistiq is around $10,000 more than the all-wheel drive EV9, while the EX90 starts from over $120,000. As part of the announcement, the Lyriq coupe EV already on sale in Australia will be available with a drive-away offer of $95,000. This equates to a substantial discount on the $122,000 base asking price, before on-road costs. Both cars get dual electric motors, with the Optiq’s producing 224kW and 448Nm, while the Vistiq boasts 459kW and 880Nm. Shifting from 0-100km/h takes just 4.2 seconds for the Vistiq. They also both have driving ranges of more than 400km, which is in the ballpark of other key rivals.Both models are all-wheel drive only. On a DC fast charge, Cadillac claims the Optiq can add 94km in roughly 10 minutes, while the Vistiq can add 104km in around the same time. Cadillac’s new EVs feature a standout 33-inch display, which spans across much of the dashboard and both have lavish sound systems, with 19 speakers in the Optiq and 23 in the Vistiq. Elsewhere, the luxury SUVs have heated, ventilated and messaging seats, which are electrically operated with memory function, among other high-end luxury add-ons. Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq2026 Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq engine and efficiency 2026 Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq standard features 2026 Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq safetyThe Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq have not been crash tested in Australia yet. Standard safety features 2026 Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq dimensions 2026 Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq warrantyEvery Cadillac comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, as well as an eight-year/160,000-kilometre warranty. 

Denza, the luxury arm of BYD, has unveiled an updated version of its earmarked-for-Australia Z9 GT, with a staggering driving range in excess of 1000km.The Denza Z9 GT electric wagon boasts a driving range of 1036km, from its 122kWh battery, which makes it one of the longest-range EVs in the world. It should be noted that this figure is using the CLTC testing system, which is known for being significantly more lenient than other testing methods. Even using a more stringent testing method, the Z9 GT still has an eye-catching driving range in the EV space, as Chinese automakers compete for the biggest number in each category.The Xiaomi SU7, for instance, has seen its driving range also upgraded to more than 900km, according to CLTC testing.For reference, the longest range EV sold in Australia as of publishing is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range, which has a driving range of around 750km on a single charge, although this is to the more accurate WLTP testing cycle.The Z9 GT could be set for an Australian launch, given it has already been confirmed for right-hand drive production. Denza Australia Chief Operating Officer Mark Harland also recently told CarsGuide the car could make its way to Australia within the next year. "If you look to Europe, they have launched the Z9 GT, and that will be available in right-hand drive as well," Harland said. "We haven't confirmed that, but that is one of the cars that is available to me within the next 12 months. And that's a car where if we go 'we see some volume in Australia', which I think there is, then that's definitely the car that I can get here."In Australia it would shape up as a rival for the Porsche Taycan or Audi e-Tron GT.The battery used in the Z9 GT is one of BYD's signature 'Blade' batteries, which means it is made in-house has a lithium-iron-phosphate make-up. It was previously thought that a new type of battery technology was needed to achieve such high driving ranges, such as solid-state or semi solid state, which not only BYD, but Chery and others have announced projects in. The LFP battery from BYD demonstrates 1000km-plus driving ranges are possible without the use of solid-state, which have proved costly to implement. It is not clear which variants of the Z9 GT might be available in Australia, but in China, there are rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variants.Along with the 122kWh battery, there is a smaller 102kWh battery, with driving range sitting in the 800km bracket according to CLTC numbers. The rear-wheel drive variant has a single electric motor, producing 370kW, while the all-wheel drive has three motors, producing a combined 850kW.There is also a plug-in hybrid version available in China.Stay tuned for more on Denza's range expansion imminently. Currently the brand offers the B5 and B8 off-road plug-in hybrid SUVs, and has just announced pricing for its D9 luxury people mover.It plots five models on sale (meaning two more to be confirmed) before the end of 2026.

BYD's global sales numbers are in trouble as Geely makes up ground in a changing Chinese market, making export locations like Australia more important.

Geely has updated its EX5 small SUV, with it now featuring a bigger battery and more driving range. It will start from $1000 more than the previous model at $41,990, before on-road costs. The up-spec grade of the car has also increased by $1000, starting from $45,990. The EX5 is significantly cheaper than one of its key rivals in the Hyundai Elexio, which starts from $58,990, before on-road costs. The Elexio features a more high-end level of trim than the EX5, but Hyundai will launch a new entry-level Elexio landing in Australia in Q2 2026, with a sharper price point.The EX5 remains more expensive than the BYD Atto 3, which has a starting price of $39,990, before on-road costs. The EX5 offers a more affordable price point, and its newly-upgraded 68.39kWh battery and 475km (WLTP) driving range adds to the package.It continues to offer more driving range than the base Atto 3's 50kWh battery and 345km (WLTP), while the Elexio bests it with a 88kWh battery offering 546km. On the power front, the EX5 is about on par with the Atto 3 and the Elexio, producing 160kW and 320Nm from a single front-mounted electric motor. Other changes to the latest EX5 include a faster charging cable and a cargo blind as standard, while the popular jungle green colour is now available as a premium paint option.The EX5 had a strong first year in the Aussie market, as one of the best-selling EVs for 2025, beating that of the Atto 3. It will look to chase down the Kia EV5 in 2026, which was the best-selling small EV SUV last year, with a starting price of $56,770, before on-road costs.  2026 Geely EX5 pricing Australia 2026 Geely EX5 electric motor and efficiency 2026 Geely EX5 standard features Other standard features includeHeated front seatsPowered front seatsKeyless entry and startRain-sensing wipersSatellite navigationInspire grade adds19-inch alloy wheels16-speaker premium audio system13.4-inch head-up displayPower tailgateAmbient lightingVentilated front seatsMassaging front seatsMemory driver seat  2026 Geely EX5 safetyThe Geely EX5 has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.  Standard safety features: Rear parking sensorsAuto emergency brakingAdaptive cruise controlFront cross-traffic alertRear cross-traffic alertLane keep assistTraffic sign recognitionLane change assistBlind-spot assistEvasive manoeuvre assist  2026 Geely EX5 dimensions2026 Geely EX5 warrantyThe Geely EX5 comes with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and eight-year/unlimited-kilometre battery warranty. There is also up to seven years of roadside assistance available. 

BYD is one of three Chinese brands which have broken into the world’s top 10 best-selling automakers, according to end-of-year financial figures.The brand finished up in sixth place on the list, selling more than 4.6 million units in 2025. BYD was not the only brand to make serious sales progress last year, with SAIC and Geely also pushing into the top 10 for global sales.Chinese brands’ successes globally have come at the expense of established players, such as Ford, with the Blue Oval dropping to eighth overall, and Honda just holding onto 10th position.BYD has had other success, including surpassing Tesla at the top of the electric car sales charts for the world at more than 2.2 million in 2025.The Chinese giant has experienced a similar sales increase in Australia, being the eighth best-selling brand in 2025, with more than 52,000 vehicles sold.The brand narrowly trailed rival Chinese carmaker GWM last year, which has been in Australia for much longer, while having around 10,000 units more sold than MG.It lines up with BYD’s ambitions to be "around top-three" in Australia by the end of this year, according to Chief Operating Officer Stephen Collins.Among the best sellers for the brand Down Under are its all-electric Sealion 7 SUV and plug-in hybrid Shark 6 ute.BYD will strengthen its position further in the Australian market over the coming years thanks to its strong New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) position, compared to fellow big sellers such as Mazda.It will bring across several new models in 2026, such as the soon-approaching B5 and B8 off-roaders under its luxury arm Denza, as well as what appears to be the Seal 05 plug-in hybrid sedan and wagon pair.It is a different story for BYD in its home market of China, where the brand suffered a drop in sales year-on-year, as competitors grew.These challenges are likely to increase for BYD and other big brands in China, following the Chinese government’s recent banning of below-cost car sales domestically in order to end a years-long bruising price war.This will give smaller brands an opportunity to contest with larger automakers on price, which theoretically creates further competition.

Thousands of the recently-updated Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series have been recalled due to a transmission issue.A Department of Infrastructure notice confirms the recall relates to 11,019 examples from all variants of the 2025 model year LandCruiser 300 Series. “Due to a Transmission Control Module (TCM) programming issue, the transmission may rev faster than intended causing a loss of motive power and transmission fluid to leak,” the notice reads. “A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a vehicle fire whilst driving.“A loss of motive power whilst driving and/or a vehicle fire could increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and/or damage to property.”A spokesperson for Toyota Australia said the recall was part of a global mandate from Toyota, with no incidents reported Down Under yet. Toyota will contact affected owners in writing to organise an appointment at a Toyota dealership to rectify the issue free of charge. The LandCruiser 300 Series recently had its price increased by $1000 across the range, with the starting price, before on-road costs, now $99,340 for the base GX variant.The updated model impacted by this recall was launched in the middle of 2025, with a hybrid model launching in Australia next month.A recall is also out for 569 examples of the Lexus LX500 and LX600 four-wheel drives in the 2025 model year.The Lexus LX is built on the same platform as the LandCruiser and shares many of its mechanical elements.