Articles by Tim Gibson

Two affordable EVs have learned their safety fate in Australia.  The Geely EX2 and Leapmotor B05 electric hatchbacks have provided buyers with some new options in the budget-focused electric car space.  They have now both been tested under the Australasian New Car Assessment Program’s (ANCAP) new 2026 protocols.   They are among the first to be tested using the revamped criteria that places a great focus on preventing accidents and safe driving.  The B05 is Leapmotor’s newest and most affordable model put on sale in Australia, starting from $35,990 (drive-away).  It achieved a five-star overall rating from ANCAP.  ANCAP emphasised the hatchback’s strong crash avoidance performance, heaping praise on its lane departure warning and auto emergency braking systems. The watchdog said Leapmotor needed to improve in scenarios involving pedal misapplication and driveway runover risks.  The B05 impressed with its crash protection, achieving a 92 per cent rating, with ANCAP highlighting a well-designed vehicle structure and restraints. ANCAP said the B05 demonstrated capability in the safe driving category, which evaluates driver assist features and hazard awareness, but it said there was room for improvement.  The Geely EX2 has already proven to be one of the most popular EVs so far, with the compact hatch amassing nearly 500 registrations in August, having only gone on sale in late July.  It is priced as one of the cheapest electric cars on sale, starting from just $26,490 (before on-road costs), putting it into competition with the BYD Atto 1 (from $23,990) and larger GAC Aion UT (from $31,990).  The EX2 was awarded a five-star rating from ANCAP, with the watchdog praising its monitoring system that detects occupants wearing their seatbelts incorrectly.  ANCAP also said its active safety software, including auto emergency braking and lane keep assist performed well, while it wasn’t so successful in some low-speed situations.  The EX2 provided good protection in front and side impact collisions despite an elevated risk of driver leg injury in frontal offset testing.  Pedestrian and other road user safety was impressive on the EX2, according to ANCAP, praising its small size and increased front crush space in the absence of an engine.  ANCAP’s Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said these results demonstrate cheaper EVs shouldn’t mean they are less safe.  “These results show that choosing a more affordable electric vehicle doesn’t have to mean compromising on safety, Ms Hoorweg said.” “The Leapmotor B05 and Geely EX2 have got the fundamentals right, delivering good crash protection, effective crash avoidance technology and important safety features as standard. “With more brands and models entering the Australian and New Zealand markets, safety is another area where manufacturers need to compete.”

Aussie car buyers can’t get enough of the Tesla Model Y right now. Tesla’s mid-size SUV topped the sales charts for August 2026, fending off three Toyota models in the latest set of data.  Total car sales held relatively steady in August, with plenty of the usual players occupying the top spots.  Electric cars are also making an impact Down Under. Four electric-only models made featured in the top 10 last month. The Tesla Model Y surged to the top of the monthly standings once again, with 6414 sales as its new three-row Model Y L experienced sustained popularity. Combining sales of its Model 3 sedan, Tesla was the third best-selling brand in the country.  Toyota’s near 20,000 sales was the best out of any brand, and saw it occupy second, third and fourth on the standings.  Its new RAV4 continues to impress (5470), followed by the Hilux ute (4833) that now holds a healthy lead over its arch rival the Ford Ranger (2440).  Sales numbers start to drop off after the HiLux, with the Prado’s 2475 rounding out the top four.  The Ford Ranger ute experienced another decline in August 2026, falling to fifth position on the standings (2440). The Ranger has been the best-selling car in Australia for the last three consecutive years, but sales decreased in August 2026 by more than 50 per cent compared to August 2025.   The next five cars were from Chinese brands as they increased their grasp over the Australian market.  The BYD Sealion 7 mid-size SUV finished in sixth place (2213), followed by the Chery Tiggo 4 small SUV (2012), with the Geely EX5 registering 1947 examples last month.  BYD may only have had one car in the top 10, but it was the second best-selling brand in Australia in August 2026. Key Tiggo 4 rival, the GWM Haval Jolion, sold 1891 units, while the Zeekr’s 7X sold 1748 units last month.  The Isuzu D-Max took out ninth spot for the month (1708), with the Hyundai Kona finishing off the top 10 with 1688 sales. 

Chinese carmakers like BYD, Chery and Geely must now play by new rules in export markets like Australia.  The Chinese government is cracking down on alleged anti-competitive behaviour from its automakers overseas, according to reports.  The European Union has imposed extensive tariffs on Chinese electric cars imported and sold in the region over the past few years. The EU made this move to stop suspected Chinese government subsidies from heavily undercutting local carmakers in showrooms. Export markets have become crucial for Chinese carmakers, with an oversaturated local market squeezing out profits.  Chinese brands have relied on low prices to establish global market share, which has left some domestic automakers scrambling to survive. These rules are designed to ensure Chinese brands won't be pushed out of export markets by tariffs and other penalties from domestic governments. It could also make new markets like the United States more open to Chinese brands. The Chinese government wants to prevent price wars for its brands in overseas markets that harm its reputation.  Carmakers must price cars based on production costs and market dynamics, not aggressive price cuts to drive out established competitors They should avoid steep or frequent price fluctuations, like heavy discounts that destabilise foreign markets They must avoid activities that trigger trade disputes or damage the image of Chinese brands  They must not force overseas dealers to set a certain price for cars, instead creating clear price gradients for different model grades.  They must follow host-nation regulations and implement anti-corruption safeguards All marketing and advertising must be truthful, with no misleading claims on vehicle specifications or performance Carmakers must follow local information protection and privacy laws  These new rules set out clear obligations for Chinese carmakers in their export markets, including Australia.  It is unclear if the rules will have a material impact in Australia in the short term. Australia does not have a domestic car industry to protect, so it doesn't need to impose the same heavy tariffs as Europe. This is one reason there are now so many new automakers drawn to Australia. The new rules could potentially see prices of Chinese cars increase, with many models on sale some of the cheapest on the market currently, and extremely competitive with established brands. However recently Chery, one of the most aggressively priced Chinese brands in Australia, dismissed the idea that its pricing was based on outside support, with local boss Lucas Harris saying its current price structure is "sustainable" and that the brand wasn't engaging in activities like dumping cars into our market. "I'd love to see some actual evidence" he said, "I'd love a subsidy, it would really help us out."

The potential new generation of Hyundai’s popular i30 sedan is one step closer to Aussie shores.  The brand has priced the new Avante sedan in its local South Korean market ahead of its Australian arrival in 2027. The current i30 sedan sold in Australia is called the Avante in South Korea, so this is likely to be the case for its new generation. It starts from 23,980,000 won (about $24,000), with prices ranging up to 31,520,000 won (roughly $32,000).  There is also a high-performance Avante N variant that starts from $33,560,000 won (about $34,000).  The i30 lines up as a sedan rival to the Toyota Corolla ($32,585) and Kia K4 ($32,090), both before on-road costs. The Avante is available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 111kW, and a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, making 117kW. It is expected the car will only be offered with the hybrid set-up here to appease stringent emissions regulations.  The new-generation features a bold, outgoing design, with boxy proportions and distinctive body panel creases, matching up with Hyundai’s current design language.  The car has a large central touchscreen and pop-up digital driver display instead of a traditional unit embedded into the dashboard.  Hyundai confirmed its in-car software has undergone major changes, including Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, and a Gleo AI voice assistant for navigation and climate control.  There is no official word from Hyundai on when the new Avante will launch in Australia as the next i30 sedan, but it is expected to arrive in the first half of 2027.  There is likely to be more information about its Australian future towards the end of 2026. The i30 sedan currently starts from $30,000 (before on-road costs), but its predicted hybrid-only status will push that price up.  Korean pricing can provide a rough indication on where it might land in Australia.  Its 23,980,000 won (about $24,000) price tag will probably receive an extra 30 to 40 per cent bump here to account for shipping, import and distribution costs. This means it could be offered from the region of $35,000-plus. 

The Jaecoo J7 just got more expensive for Australian buyers.  Jaecoo has trimmed its J7 variants from five to three, with the cheapest ‘Ridge’ petrol grade now $39,990, drive-away - a $5000 jump on the previous ‘Core’.  However, petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power are both available from $39,990.  The range-topping plug-in hybrid Summit is now the only grade available with a choice of two or all-wheel drive, starting from $47,990.  The petrol and range-topping PHEV variants are available in showrooms now, with the mid-spec Track arriving in October.  The J7 is the larger sibling of the smash-hit J5 small SUV. It takes on popular family SUVs like the petrol or conventional hybrid-powered Hyundai Tucson ($39,100) and petrol-powered Mazda CX-5 ($39,990), both before on-road costs.  The base Ridge grade is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, making 137kW and 275Nm.  The first of two PHEV set-ups uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and single electric motor to produce 205kW and 365Nm.  The top-spec PHEV adds a rear electric motor, boosting total power up to 260kW and 490Nm.  Both PHEV variants are equipped with an 18.4kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, with J7 capable of travelling as much as 100km on electric-only power.  The J7 PHEV has a total driving range of up to 1200km when the battery is fully charged and the fuel tank is at capacity.  DC charging from 30 to 80 per cent at 40kW takes 20 minutes.  The J7 comes as standard with a 10.25-inch digital driver display, but other equipment depends on what grade you buy.  The base and range-topping variants have a 14.8-inch central touchscreen, while the mid-spec PHEV has a 13.2-inch unit. You get synthetic leather seats in the Ridge petrol and Summit PHEV grades, with the front seats heated and ventilated.  Those grades also receive an electrically operated panoramic sunroof and power tailgate as well.  All grades ride on a variant of 19-inch wheels and feature Jaecoo’s waterfall grille as on all its petrol- and hybrid-powered models. 

Geely’s Starray plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV will soon be available with all-wheel drive for Aussie buyers. The increasingly popular Chinese brand has confirmed it will add a new ‘Inspire’ AWD grade to its growing line-up.  Starting from $44,990, before on-road costs, it will be $3500 more expensive than the top-grade two-wheel-drive variant.  This means it will undercut the smaller Toyota RAV4 AWD PHEV by nearly $20,000. The new variant provides competition for the BYD Sealion 6 AWD ($52,990) and the 2WD-only Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV ($49,990, drive-away). It will arrive in dealerships in mid-September 2026 as the brand’s third Starray EM-i variant, with increased popularity encouraging the brand to broaden offerings. It went on sale in Australia in September 2025, following on from the fully electric EX5 earlier in the year. The AWD Starray uses the same 29.8kWh battery as the 2WD top grade, capable of travelling 130km (WLTP) on electric-only power.  This is marginally less than the Inspire 2WD, but Geely has given the AWD a 60L fuel tank (up from 51L), boosting total driving range to 1065km from 996km.  This variant boasts the most powerful set-up in the range. It adds a rear motor to compliment a front motor and 1.5-litre petrol engine, to make a combined 220kW and 412Nm. The new set-up means the car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds, down from 8.2 seconds. It is slightly more thirsty than its 2WD sibling, registering 1.7L/100km for fuel efficiency, as opposed to 1.6L/100km.   Geely has added a five-link rear suspension compared to the four-link unit on other variants for improved comfort and handling, according to the brand.  It also has two new all-terrain-focused driving modes called ‘Snow’ and ‘Off-road’.

Toyota is getting serious about its EV plans. The Japanese carmaker will build a new-generation electric car in China using a revolutionary manufacturing process, according to a report in Nikkei Asia. The SUV model will be sold under Toyota’s luxury division Lexus and will be built in the company’s new plant in Shanghai. This marks a huge shift for Toyota - a brand that has historically developed its new technology for vehicles in Japan before exporting globally. This time it will develop the technology in China and then potentially bring it back home. China is a hub for EV manufacturing, with local and now legacy brands. Toyota is the latest example, although only a small scale at this stage. Gigacasting is a game-changer for EV production because it makes cars lighter, stronger and cheaper to build. Electric cars are heavier than petrol- and diesel-powered equivalents, so reduced weight boosts driving range significantly.  Gigacasting is a process where a large die-casting machine moulds the body components of a car into a single piece, rather than welding many individual steel parts.  It could reduce the overall body weight by as much as 20 per cent, while also being cheaper to build overall. Tesla and Xiaomi were early adopters of the technology, with other brands like Toyota now exploring it.   Many Tesla Model Y’s feature gigacasting on front and rear underbody elements, while the rear underbody of the very popular Xiaomi SU7 is also produced using a single piece.  This new EV could be the production version of Lexus' LF-ZL Electric SUV concept revealed in 2023. Lexus also revealed a sedan concept called the LF-ZC at the same time. Lexus said at the time both models were designed to be built using gigacasting. Toyota will begin production of its new Lexus-badged electric car in the first quarter of 2027.  The brand plans to produce 1000 units each month for the first year, before expanding to tens of thousands per year by 2028.  If Toyota is successful with its gigacasting project in China, it is likely to be brought back to Japan for mainstream use on its cars to save the company money and time. Don’t expect to see this Lexus EV in Aussie showrooms any time soon, because Australia is more likely to receive other Toyota vehicles built with gigacasting in the coming years. 

A new rugged SUV destined for Aussie buyers has just been priced overseas. The Freelander 8 will launch in China on the 3 September 2026, as the Chery and Jaguar Land Rover partnership's first official model. It is a large boxy three-row SUV measuring 5118mm long, so it rivals the Denza B8 plug-in hybrid ($91,000, before on-road costs) and more budget-focused GWM Tank 500 ($66,490, drive-away). It will also provide competition for the GAC Yue 7 and Geely Galaxy Cruiser earmarked for launch Down Under in 2027. The 8 will differ from much of its competition, sporting an SUV monocoque chassis in contrast to traditional ladder-frame set-ups. It will start in China from 339,900 yuan (or roughly $71,000), with prices rising up to $429,900 (or about $90,000), though it will be 20 to 30 per cent more in Australia. Freelander is a joint venture between Chery and JLR to revive Land Rover’s former affordable SUV's name globally. The brand is focused on selling SUVs that boast off-roading capabilities and a luxurious on-road driving experience at an affordable price point. The 8 will be the first of six China-built models launched under the Freelander name in the next five years. The car is powered by a range-extender set-up that employs a 1.5-litre petrol engine, producing 115kW to charge its 60.3kWh battery. The engine is solely responsible for charging the 60.3kWh battery, while two electric motors provide 610kW to all four wheels, offering acceleration from 0-100km/h in less than five seconds. The Freelander 8 can travel for up to 310km on pure electric power, according to the more lenient CLTC standards. The car will be available in four trim levels in a 2-2-2 six-seat layout. All variants will feature a 46.3-inch panoramic display spanning the dashboard and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen. Despite rising on an SUV monocoque chassis, it boasts a front differential lock and a rear electric limited-slip differential. This is coupled with a 2000kg towing capacity. Chery has confirmed the Freelander sub-brand is coming to Australia in 2027, but there are no official details on what models will launch here or in what order. The Freelander 8 is expected to be the first model to hit Aussie shores in mid-to-late 2027.  The brand is currently focused on introducing its Lepas lifestyle-focused sub-brand Down Under that is due to begin sales soon after a delay to launch plans.

Kia has teased its electric Carnival alternative overseas.  The brand has provided a glimpse at its new PV7 van ahead of an official debut on 14 September 2026 at the IAA Transportation.   The PV7 is the bigger sibling of the PV5 that launched in Australia this year.  It will tackle the Ford E-Transit Custom van as well as the Hyundai Staria Electric people mover.  It would shape up as a cheaper alternative to luxury Chinese competition such as the Denza D9 and Zeekr 009 in Australia.  Details are scarce at this stage, with Kia only providing a preview before it receives an official unveiling next month.  The PV7 is expected to be available in both cargo and passenger configurations, as Kia stated it is adaptable across commercial and lifestyle applications.  The PV7 concept was nearly 5.3m long, which is a little longer than the diesel- and hybrid-powered Carnival. From the outside, it sports a rounded front look, similar to the PV5, while it also features an angular headlight design. Its rear headlights are assembled in a vertical shape, with a chrome-look rear bumper.  It will be the brand’s second model to use its dedicated all-electric E-GMP.S platform, following the PV5.  Kia has not confirmed what will power the PV7, but the PV5 employs a single electric motor producing 120kW and 250Nm.  More details will be revealed in the coming weeks.  There is no official word on the PV7 in Australia, but it seems likely Kia would be eager to add another electric people mover to its line-up.  The PV7 will launch in the UK next year, so it will be built in right-hand drive, smoothing its potential launch here. Kia recently launched the smaller PV5 Down Under, with the cargo variant arriving first followed by the people mover that has just been approved for local sale. An Australian arrival for the PV7 would come after it launches globally in 2027. We can expect more concrete information around the PV7’s Australian future when it’s officially unveiled next month.

The new Nissan Patrol Y63 has given Aussie 4WD buyers some serious thinking to do.  Nissan recently revealed pricing and key specifications for the new-generation Patrol. There are some huge changes for the Patrol in 2026, but Nissan has done its best to trump the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series. So, how does it shape up to its sparring partner on the numbers? 2026 pricing (before on-road costs) Pricing is pretty close, with both models skirting on the edge of the $100,000 mark to start, despite the Patrol being about $2500 more expensive than its outgoing V8 sibling.  The Patrol undercuts the LandCruiser across the range, with Nissan’s 4WD kicking off from $350 less. The biggest gap comes in the sport-focused variants, where the Patrol Pro-4 X is more than $10,000 cheaper compared to the GR Sport grade of the LandCruiser.  Hybrid LandCruisers are the most expensive, with a near $11,000 gap on the most expensive Patrol variant.   This round goes to the Patrol, but there might not be much in it for buyers on base price. Nissan made the big decision to ditch its much-loved naturally-aspirated 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine for a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 unit. The good news is the Patrol’s petrol V6 boasts even more power than the V8, producing 317kW, compared to 298kW on the outgoing model.  This blows the LandCruiser 300’s twin-turbo diesel V6 engine out of the water on power because it only produces 227kW. It's debatable how much difference this will make in the real world as torque often proves more important for 4WDs when it comes to off-roading and towing capacity. Both the Patrol and LandCruiser 300 pack 700Nm in a dead heat. The LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid edges the Patrol, making 341kW and 790Nm, although it does come at a price premium as covered above.  The Patrol’s engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the LandCruiser 300 uses a 10-speed unit.  Nissan claims its new Patrol can tow 3700kg, which is 200kg more than the industry standard and what is offered for its Toyota rival.  Nissan has not revealed the fuel efficiency of the Patrol, so it cannot be compared with the LandCruiser 300's 8.9L/100km.  The Patrol’s fuel tank is 13L smaller than the LandCruiser 300, and is a noticeable step down on the Y62 model, impacting how far it can travel between fill-ups. Fuel efficiency will be an important point to compare, especially with fuel prices continuing to surge. The Y62 returned claimed fuel consumption of more than 14L/100km, so the Y63 will need to offer a substantial improvement to remain competitive. The Patrol trumps in power numbers and has superior lugging capacity, so it is the winner on the figures for now. The Patrol features much of the equipment and interior luxuries available on the LandCruiser 300 as standard. All variants are equipped with a joint 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver display. By contrast, buyers need to upgrade to higher grades of the LandCruiser to receive a 12.3-inch digital driver display.  The Patrol also rides on 18-inch wheels as standard, compared to the LandCruiser 300's 17-inch examples. The Patrol edges the LandCruiser 300 when it comes to standard equipment, but there’s not much in it again. Nissan’s 10-year/300,000 conditional warranty is hard to go past, but services must be completed at an authorised Nissan dealership to be eligible.  Toyota offers a similar deal, adding an extra two years of warranty for the car’s engine and driveline when serviced at dealerships.  Nissan offers capped price servicing at $499 per visit for the first five appointments, working out roughly $2000 less than the LandCruiser over its first five years.  Without authorised dealer servicing, the Patrol’s warranty reverts to a five-year/unlimited kilometre promise, which matches the LandCruiser’s standard one. Nissan’s stacks up a better deal than Toyota’s seven-year engine and driveline alternative, and it’s also cheaper. If buyers don’t opt for capped price servicing, the pair can’t be separated.   Nissan has put forward a compelling proposition for its Y63 Patrol.  It’s cheaper, more powerful and better equipped as standard than the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.  The Patrol’s real test will be whether it can match the LandCruiser’s reliability record, but a 10-year/300,000km conditional warranty shows Nissan is backing its 4WD to do the business.  Only time will tell whether the Patrol can provide a serious threat to Toyota’s iconic name.  It’s undeniable it's already doing so on paper.