Articles by Tim Gibson

The once highly-promising hydrogen-powered car technology now appears to be faltering as it lags behind other new energy technologies, according to reports. Nikkei Asia has reported annual sales of hydrogen vehicles decreased by more than 80 per cent since 2021, with the supporting infrastructure available also decreasing.Hydrogen vehicles more commonly take the form of fuel cell vehicles (FCV), using compressed hydrogen gas to power a fuel cell, which converts hydrogen into electricity to power it. This method means only water is emitted into the atmosphere, while offering similar refuelling times and driving range to internal combustion vehicles, but with EV performance.This technology is only found in a few vehicles, such as the Toyota Mirai sedan and the Hyundai Nexo SUV. Honda was one of the first brands to explore the potential of hydrogen technology more than 20 years ago, with its FCX sedan. Toyota has been heavily investing in hydrogen-powered cars, recently focussing on a different angle: hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines. This system repurposes compressed hydrogen as an injectable substance into the combustion chamber without emitting CO2.Charging times for electric vehicles remain a key point of discussion in their viability for mass usage, which makes this alternative hydrogen technology an interesting prospect.It now looks like the refuelling benefits over EVs are becoming more of a moot point with the scarcity of hydrogen refuelling points and their limited uptake. Australia does not have a hydrogen model on sale to the general public, with only some available on leasing deals, including the Mirai and Nexo. There are less than 20 hydrogen refuelling stations currently in Australia.According to Nikkei Asia, new FCV sales in Japan decreased by 83 per cent last year in comparison to 2021, with only 431 units finding new homes.These stuttering sales numbers are causing major players to retreat in their hydrogen plans, including Stallantis that discontinued development citing "no prospects of mid-term economic sustainability."Honda and General Motors have also severed ties on their hydrogen joint-venture, which has been running since 2013 and included production of the CR-V e:FCEV. This does not mean hydrogen is off the cards, with Toyota and Hyundai still proceeding with FCV projects over the next two years. Hyundai in particular intends to double down on the technology, with a new-generation Nexo having already launched in its South Korean home market.

The Mazda 6e has just been priced in Australia, and will start from $49,990, before on-road costs.The all-electric sedan is due to hit Aussie roads in July of this year, as an important model for Mazda in Australia.It is priced in tight proximity to some of its key rivals such as the BYD Seal and the recently-launched Kia EV4.Both those cars have significantly more expensive high-spec models, with Mazda’s top-spec Atenza grade starting from $52,990.Mazda is offering a free upgrade to the Atenza grade for the first 300 customers to pre-order the GT variant.Both variants are powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor, which produces 190kW and 290Nm. Unlike some rivals, there is currently no all-wheel drive version of the 6e.The sedan has a 78kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, offering a driving range of 560km, according to the WLTP testing cycle.This means it has roughly 100km more WLTP range than the Kia EV4 and the BYD Seal.DC charging from 30 to 80 per cent takes 15 minutes for the 6e. The 6e is based on the Deepal L07 from Mazda's joint-venture partner, which is a Chinese-built model not on sale in Australia.On the inside, the 6e has a 10.2-inch digital driver display and 14.6-inch central touchscreen, with heated and ventilated front seats as standard.The GT variant can be optioned with a beige interior trim for an extra $1000.The 6e will be followed by the CX-6e SUV coming to Australia later in the year as an electric SUV.The CX-6e and the 6e will be Mazda's first electric models since the discontinued MX-30 in 2024, and the first Chinese-built Mazdas sold in Australia.2026 Mazda 6e pricing Australia2026 Mazda 6e electric motor and efficiency2026 Mazda 6e standard features19-inch alloy wheels14.6-inch central touchscreen10.2-inch digital driver displayKeyless entryTri-zone climate controlWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoHeated and ventilated front seatsAmbient lighting14-speaker Sony audio systemAtenza grade addsLeather and synthetic suede seatsTwo-tone leather steering wheelSynthetic suede dashboard and door trims 2026 Mazda 6e safetyThe Mazda 6e has not been crash tested by ANCAP. Standard safety features include:360-degree camera with see through viewBlind spot monitoringAuto emergency brakingVehicle exit alertLane departure warningLane keep assist2026 Mazda 6e dimensions The 6e forms an important part of Mazda's model strategy for dealing with Australia's new vehicle efficiency standards (NVES) which imposes increasingly tight C02 limits on each car brand's model range.Stay tuned later in the year when more information becomes available on the brand's CX-6e range which will no doubt sell in higher numbers.

Australia’s free trade agreement with the European Union (EU) appears to be only a matter of time, according to reports and it could have some serious implications for the domestic car industry. The Luxury Car Tax (LCT), which has been in place for more than 25 years, has been one of many key points of discussion in negotiations with the EU. A new car imported from another country that exceeds a fuel efficiency of 3.5L/100km is subject to a 33 per cent tax on every dollar more than $80,567 in price. For vehicles with fuel efficiency 3.5L/100km or less, the tax does not kick in until $91,387. While European luxury vehicles are impacted by many other factors that contribute to their higher prices, such as import costs to Australia and other fees and taxes, the LCT is a significant component of its price. European luxury cars in Australia are priced at a significantly higher point compared to other markets. Removal of the LCT could increase the affordability of cars from major manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, as well as many models under the Volkswagen banner.The LCT was originally designed to protect Australia’s domestic car manufacturing industry from imported alternatives, but Australia stopped producing cars in 2017.It is worth more than $1 billion to the Federal Government each year, with European manufacturers a large contributor, meaning its abolition for Europe brands would need to be enticing.Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell and the EU commissioner's joint statement said talks were “constructive and positive”, allowing “the two sides to converge positions on a range of issues.”"Good progress was achieved in narrowing gaps on a small number of outstanding matters," the statement read. Whether the future of the LCT was one of those issues is unknown but the continued rumours regarding the potential for its abolition indicate the agreement is working towards that end. 

The Jaecoo J7 SUV has undergone a model reshuffle, with its cheapest petrol variant cut from the range.

Specifications for the updated 2026 Nissan X-Trail have just been released.Pricing was detailed in November last year, but the updated X-Trail will start from $38,140 before on-road costs before hitting $58,215 for the top-spec grade.It will be available in petrol or e-Power hybrid guise in front or all-wheel drive variants.The X-Trail’s hybrid and all-wheel drive grades see it shape up as a rival to the strong-selling Toyota RAV4 hybrid.The RAV4’s all-wheel drive grades start from $49,340, before on-roads, which is marginally more expensive than the cheapest X-Trail hybrid, with a starting price of $48,915.Hyundai’s Tucson hybrid is roughly $6000 cheaper than the X-Trail, but that model does not have an all-wheel-drive system.Nissan’s e-Power system operates differently to conventional hybrids, as the petrol engine never directly drives the wheels, only generating energy for the battery.The petrol variant of the X-Trail is slightly more expensive than the Mazda CX-5.The X-Trail comes in five-seater and seven-seater configurations.It is powered by either a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine or a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid set-up.The petrol-only unit produces 135kW and 244Nm, while the hybrid version has a total system output of 157kW of power.Inside, the X-Trail gets a 12.3-inch central touchscreen display as standard as well as a digital driver display, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality.New colours are also available, including ‘Deep Ocean Blue’ and ‘Everest White’, while there is a new ‘Chestnut’ interior on the Ti-L grade. 2026 Nissan X-Trail pricing Australia 2026 Nissan X-Trail engine and efficiency  2026 Nissan X-Trail standard features17-inch alloy wheels12.3-inch central touchscreenWireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay7.0-inch digital driver displayPowered and heated door mirrorsPaddle shiftersRain-sensing wipersLED headlightsST-L grade adds18-inch alloy wheelsLeather-accented seatsLeather-accented steering wheelPower adjustable seatsRemote engine start12.3-inch digital driver displayDual-zone climate controlHeated front seatsWireless phone chargerAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorTi grade adds19-inch alloy wheels10.8-inch head-up displayTri-zone climate controlMotion sensing power tailgateRear door sunshadesTi-L grade adds20-inch alloy wheels (hybrid model only)Bose premium 10-speaker audio systemHeated steering wheelHeated second-row outside seatsAmbient interior lightingMemory driver seat 2026 Nissan X-Trail safetyThe Nissan X-Trail has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, awarded in 2022. Standard safety featuresSeven airbags360 degree cameraLane keep assistAuto emergency brakingBlind spot warningAdaptive cruise controlRear parking sensorsST-L grade addsFront parking sensors3D surround view monitorTyre pressure monitoring system 2026 Nissan X-Trail dimensions  2026 Nissan X-Trail warranty and servicingThe Nissan X-Trail comes with a 10-year/300,000-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance when serviced at authorised Nissan dealers. The car has flat price servicing at $399 per year for the first five years. Intervals for servicing have changed from every 10,000km/12 months to a better 15,000km/12 months. 

Ford Australia has recalled some of its Ranger and Everest units, according to a Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication, Sports and the Arts filing. It concerns 244 units affected in the 2022 model year relating to a low battery level causing the transmission to shift into the Park setting at low speeds. “Due to a software issue, under certain circumstances if the battery level drops below a critical threshold, the transmission may shift into Park when the vehicle is travelling at speeds below 6 km/h,” the notice reads. “This may cause a sudden stop without the rear brake lamps illuminating as intended."A sudden stop whilst driving at low speed and the rear brake lamps not illuminating as intended, could increase the potential risk of an accident, causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.”This recall notice related to an issue that affected nearly 5000 Ranger and Everest models from the 2021-2023 model year back in 2023. Units affected by this latest recall must still be fixed even if works were performed under this previous recall notice. Ford Australia said it is conducting a sweep to identify any vehicles that were not confirmed as addressed in the initial recall.The brand will contact owners affected by the issue in writing requesting for an appointment at their preferred dealership to have the work carried out free of charge. Nearly 3000 Everest and Ranger units were also recalled in late 2025 due at ARB Solis light wiring harness manufacturing defect leading a potential vehicle fire.

Ford has adjusted the prices of its Ranger and Everest models in Australia as it phases out the popular twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engines, and introduces more V6 variants.The pair were two of the best-selling cars in Australia in 2025. The Ranger was the overall best seller last year, while the related Everest just pipped the Toyota Prado as Australia's favourite large SUV.It means that the single-turbo variants come in cheaper than the outgoing twin-turbo units.The 2.0-litre Sport grade has had a sizeable increase of $2200, now starting from $71,190. The V6 variants on the more premium Everest models have gone down in price. The Sport is now $1000 cheaper at $75,990, while the Tremor and Platinum are roughly $1500 cheaper, starting from $78,440 and $82,990, respectively. Ford has also introduced an Active variant, replacing the previous range-opening Ambiente, and it gets the V6 engine, starting from $66,990, before on-road costs. This makes it the cheapest V6 Everest available.  2026 Ford Everest pricing Australia The Ranger has also undergone an extensive price shuffle across most of its variants. Among the bigger increases for the ute is the single-cab cab-chassis 2.0-litre variant, which is now $2630 more expensive than it was. The 2.0-litre Black Edition pick-up is now $2500 more.Some V6 variants have also received a hike in price, such as the XLT double-cab now starting from $69,090. The double-cab cab-chassis 2.0-litre is now $770 cheaper, with a starting price of $49,230. All other high-end and plug-in hybrid variants of the Ranger have stayed the same. Comparing the pick-up variants of other major ute brands, the Ranger’s cheapest V6 model at $57,900 is only a few thousand more expensive than the four-cylinder base Nissan Navara.2026 Ford Ranger pricing Australia 

Will Chery go hybrid only?

The incoming new-generation Nissan Navara is mechanically identical to the Mitsubishi Triton, but carries a sizeable price jump in comparison.It adds another rival to a compact ute market, so how does the more expensive Navara shape up to its cheaper Triton sibling? Nissan said money and time has been invested into its ute’s suspension, receiving assistance from Australian specialists Premcar.The brand said this local tuning offers improvement to driving and handling with and without load. The Navara has three different suspension set-ups across the range, with lower grades tuned for carrying loads, while SUV-like suspension is fitted to higher grades. Nissan’s ute also has a locking rear differential as standard on all grades, unlike on the Triton. Here is a breakdown of the difference between the Navara and the Triton.Pricing Australia (before on-road costs) Noting the Triton’s current drive-away offering, it comes in substantially cheaper than the Navara across the range. DimensionsBoth have the same braked towing capacity of 3500kg. Things start to change when we look at payload, with the Triton offers superior carrying capacity across the range. When it comes to cargo bed size, the pair share the same-sized space.  Engine and efficiencyThe Navara and Triton are nearly mechanically identical and use the same engine and transmission, so there is no difference between the two. Standard featuresNext grade adds or replaces: Next grade adds or replaces: Next grade adds The Navara does have more standard equipment than the Triton in a comparison between the pair.As standard, the Navara gets a digital driver display, unlike on the Triton, while it also gets a bigger central touchscreen. There is digital DAB+ radio, LED lighing front and back, tailgate assist and a rear diff lock as standard on the Navara, while that is only available on higher grade Tritons. There are areas where the Triton matches the Navara, including all-terrain tires and basic cloth trimmed manually adjustable seats.On the top-spec grades, the Triton has bigger alloy wheels, but they both have leather seats. The Navara’s top grade has a towbar fitted, but the Triton does not.Safety The Nissan Navara adopts the same five-star ANCAP safety rating awarded to the Mitsubishi Triton in 2024. Both get all the safety gear you would expect, such as eight airbags, lane keep assist and auto-emergency. As standard, both cars get a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors. VerdictThe Mitsubishi Triton appears to be the value buy here as it gets most of the gear as on the Navara, but for a cheaper price. The Triton's special drive-away price makes it more compelling for now, but the price gap will close once that offer is removed.The Triton may be the budget pick, but the Navara’s benefits are not obvious from the spec sheet. Its Aussie-tuned suspension and rear-differential lock could give it the edge on the off-roading scene, while also aiding the on-road driving experience. 

Honda has become the latest brand to be affected by the underperformance of its electric vehicles, according to reports.The brand’s EV write-offs and expenses for developing its EVs increased to nearly $2.5 billion in the nine months up to the end of 2025.Honda also saw its global EV sales halve in the past quarter, falling to 15,000.Its auto making business suffered a more than $1.5 billion operating loss for the first three quarters of this financial year.It is the fourth-straight quarter the brand has recorded an operating loss in its auto making department, with losses expected to blow out to more than $6 billion for the full year.Honda was targeting up to 2 million electric vehicle sales in 2030, but it is now expected it will only get to about 750,000.The brand has been forced to comprehensively shake-up its EV plan, which was foreshadowed by CEO Toshihiro Mibe in May 2025.“We intend to significantly revise our future EV strategy,” he said.There will be more details on Honda’s new EV strategy at the start of the upcoming financial year, which gets underway in April.The news comes after Ford reported heavy losses in the fourth quarter of this financial year, headlined by EV asset value decreases.It is unclear what this news could mean for Honda in Australia, with the brand having no EV units on sale yet.Honda Australia Director of Automotive Robert Thorp told CarsGuide in August 2025 that net zero emissions by 2050 is one of the company's objectives, with hybrid set-ups central to its approach.All five of Honda’s models sold in Australia have hybrid choices as well as petrol, but it is not known yet, whether that will be enough to satisfy the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).The brand has confirmed its Super-One city car will launch Down Under in the second half of 2026 as the first fully-electric model in its Aussie lineup.Honda sales grew more than nine per cent in Australia in 2025, with its CR-V and HR-V SUVs leading the way.