Articles by Tim Gibson

There is a new key detail of the soon-launching Toyota RAV4 hybrid, with fuel efficiency figures of the SUV now public.The car offers a combined fuel efficiency of 4.5L/100km for the front-wheel drive variant (4.6L/100km on all-wheel drive), which is better than the outgoing front-wheel drive model at 4.7L/100km and 4.8L/100km for the all-wheel drive.This increases the RAV4’s fuel efficiency lead over hybrid models of the Hyundai Tucson (4.8L/100km) and Kia Sportage (5.3L/100km).Urban fuel consumption sits at 4.2L/100km, while extra urban fuel consumption is at 4.7L/100km. The all-wheel drive’s figures are 0.2L/100km higher than the front-wheel drive. The new generation of the Toyota RAV4 is still being eagerly awaited in Australia, with the brand already running out of stock on the previous model. This has caused a substantial downturn in sales for the Australian branch to the tune of 25 per cent year-on-year up to March 2026.  The new RAV4 will roll out into Australian showrooms this year with hybrid variants too far away and plug-in variants coming in the third quarter. All variants will feature a 2.5-litre petrol engine, and come in front-wheel and all-wheel drive choices. The hybrid produces 143kW, while the plug-in hybrid boosts power to 227kW. It will start from $45,990 (before on-road costs) when it lands in Australia within the next few weeks. This means it will be more expensive than the cheapest Tucson and Sportage hybrid models. The RAV4 is a key contributor to Toyota’s sales as their biggest seller, which is more than the HiLux ute and roughly twice as many as the Prado large SUV. Toyota will continue to add more electrified models to its lineup this year, including an electric version HiLux ute. 

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the updated range of its GLE SUV.The car has received upgrades to performance and interior design for the latest edition of Mercedes’ high-end SUV. The current GLE on sale in Australia starts from $144,900 (before on-road costs), and is one of the brand’s best-selling models, outselling the C-Class sedan. Its range currently only consists of petrol and diesel, meaning it is likely a PHEV will join the Aussie lineup next. It appears the brand has cut the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine from the lineup, in favour of more electrified options. This will likely result in a substantial price jump for the new cheapest variant of the lineup, the GLE 350d, which was not on sale in Australia previously. There is a revamped six-cylinder petrol engine, which has been refined to add further torque at 560Nm, with a new plug-in hybrid variant spawning out of the engine.The range-topping GLE 580 comes with a juiced up V8 engine, producing 395kW and 750Nm. Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed the new GLE will hit Australian showrooms some time in 2027. It is a rival to other luxury large SUVs such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Volvo XC90. The Q7 and XC90 sit at the cheaper end of the luxury scale, while the X5 is about $5000 cheaper than the current Mercedes (before on-road costs). On the inside, there is a panoramic digital display across the dashboard, which comprises three 12.3-inch screens. There are also updates for the AMG performance variants of the GLE, which come with petrol and plug-in hybrid set-ups. The PHEV variant offers an increased output of 430kW and 750Nm, which can shift the car from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds. 

Euro carmaker Renault has slashed the price of its Megane E-Tech electric hatch in Australia.The car will now start from $49,990 (drive-away), representing a more than $15,000 decrease on its original launch price.When it arrived the E-Tech started from $64,990 (before on-road costs) in late 2023.Renault’s small SUV is a European rival to the likes of the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia EV3, with this latest deal undercutting both. It also comes in cheaper than the Mini Countryman EV, which starts in the low $60K bracket. The deal will run until the 30th of June 2026, while stocks last. It only applies to models with solid white paintwork and a black roof, with metallic paint costing an extra $400 and alternate two-tone paint adding an extra $800.Renault sold 207 examples of the Megane E-Tech in 2025, which represented a drop on 2024 numbers. It trails the EV3 and Kona on the sales charts, with Chinese rivals such as the Zeekr X also besting it. The car has experienced a couple previous price cuts since it went on sale, and was available from $54,990 (drive-away), before this latest cut.The base variant of the Megane E-Tech has a single electric motor set-up, producing 125kW and 280Nm, with its 60kWh battery, offering 454km of driving range (WLTP). On the inside, the car has a 12.3-inch digital driver display and 12.0-inch central touchscreen. The Megane E-Tech is one of several electrified models forming part of Renault’s ‘International Game Plan 2027’ for overseas markets.The brand recently brought across its Scenic E-Tech SUV to Australia earlier this year, with the plug-in hybrid Filante also a possibility Down Under at some stage.

Cold water has just been poured over the immediate future of solid-state car battery technology.Solid-state batteries have been spoken about as the silver bullet to range anxiety on electric cars, offering more than 1000km of driving on a single charge.It was thought that solid-state technology might be just around the corner, with brands moving closer to commercialisation, but it now looks like it may be further off than first anticipated.Chinese Academy of Sciences Professor at Tsinghua University Ouyang Minggao said solid-state batteries may require up to 10 years to reach one per cent market share.Minggao had previously estimated an earlier adoption time for the technology, but has now cautioned the potential for an imminent arrival.This lines up with comments from some major manufacturers, such as United States based General Motors (GM).“Solid state is still years away,” GM Vice President - Battery, Propulsion, and Sustainability Kurt Kelty said.There are also now questions about the safety of these batteries, with Minggao stating they are not “absolutely safe” as fine tuning continues. Increased safety of solid-state was one of the key advantages over other conventional batteries.Next year is a big year for solid-state, particularly in China, with several manufacturers introducing prototypes.Chery has been making the most noise about solid-state batteries, and has already announced two models to feature the technology.In addition to the Exeed ES8 is scheduled for a 2026 launch, the brand’s Exeed Liefeng will be introduced in 2027. It will come with a Rhino S battery which is targeting an energy density of 600Wh per kilogram, taking driving range to 1500km.BYD will begin small-batch production of its solid-state batteries next year, but it has not confirmed if any cars will be fitted with the battery.Geely is another Chinese brand pursuing solid-state, with its first in-house solid-state battery concept to debut this year.

The demise of the diesel ute is approaching.The walls are closing in on the conventional ute as diesel fuel prices soar and the federal government's National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) starts to bite, signalling the days of the diesel ute might be numbered.The ute is the last refuge for diesel engines in the Australian car industry, with most brands already shifting to petrol, hybrid and electric in other segments.Electrified utes have been gathering momentum in recent years as they look to take the place of traditional diesel power.Here is a list of those which could take diesel's ute crown.BYD Shark 6 PHEVThe Shark 6 has already proven its threat to the diesel ute since it went on sale in late 2024, seeing surging sales.Its sharp price tag at $57,900 (before on-road costs) makes it a cheaper option as a plug-in hybrid ute, and it is competitive with some diesel utes.The Shark 6 uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid set-up, meaning it is far cheaper to run than its diesel rivals (so long as you keep the battery charged).It also packs 321kW and 650Nm, despite modest towing and carrying capacity.It has made a solid impression in its time in Australia, being BYD’s best-selling car in 2025 - form it has carried into this year.Chery KP31 diesel PHEVAustralia will be one of the first markets to see the KP31 when it launches Down Under this year.Technically, the codenamed KP31 is still a diesel, but it does come with plug-in hybrid assistance, and there is a petrol plug-in coming in 2027.Diesel adds a different flavour to the PHEV game in Australia, with it overcoming the lugging and carrying limitations of petrol PHEV models such as the Shark 6.While there is no official news on the power output of the 2.5-litre turbo-charged engine and electric motor, Chery has confirmed it will have a 3500kg braked towing capacity and a 1000kg payload.There will also be multiple locking differentials for rugged off-road ability, which is something missing from the Shark 6.GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and GWM Cannon PHEVGWM will be the only brand to have two plug-in hybrid utes on sale in Australia by the end of this year.It already has the Cannon Alpha PHEV on sale, with a starting price of $61,490 drive-away. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol set-up produces 300kW and 750Nm.The smaller Cannon PHEV recently revealed in China is not too far away, and will offer the brand a cheaper alternative to the larger and more premium Alpha.While the Cannon PHEV keeps a 3500kg towing capacity, its 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and electric motor only produces 185kW.Ford Ranger PHEVThe best-selling Ford Ranger received a plug-in variant in the middle of 2025 in Australia, and starts from $71,990 (before on-road costs).The 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid set-up pumps out 207kW and 697Nm, with maximum payload of 973kg depending on the variant. It has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.Its hefty comparative price tag means diesel sales still far outweigh their electrified sibling.KGM Musso EVThe KGM Musso EV is one of the only new electric utes on sale in Australia, with a drive-away price of $60,000.It comes in two-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, producing up to 266kW and 630Nm.Its 81kWh battery offers a maximum all-electric driving range of 380km, with 10-80 per cent fast charging taking 36 minutes.It only comes with a payload of 905kg and a braked towing capacity of 1800kg.Toyota HiLux BEVAn electric version of the HiLux is a highly-anticipated new model of Toyota’s lineup, with potential to build on the success of the diesel HiLux in a new electrified era.Initial numbers don't paint a pretty picture. It has a provisional 2000kg braked towing capacity, less than the 3500kg on diesel alternatives, including the HiLux. It also only has a payload of 715kg.The other potential drawback on the electric HiLux is that it has a driving range of just 240km from its 59kWh battery, according to WLTP testing.Expect to see the HiLux BEV in Australia soon.MG U9 EVThe U9 electric ute has just been approved for sale in Australia and will hit showrooms in the near future.It comes with a total system output of 325kW from a dual motor set-up and offers 430km of driving range (WLTP), from its 102kWh battery.It also has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, so it will be in line with its key diesel rivals.Nissan Frontier Pro PHEVThe Frontier Pro is Nissan’s first plug-in hybrid and like many on this list is built in China, and there is strong potential for it to soon be available in Australia.It has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and electric motor, producing 300kW and 800Nm, and is also expected to have a 3500kg braked towing capacity.

Subaru has confirmed the details of its new Uncharted small electric SUV ahead of its mid-year launch.There is no official news on pricing yet, but we can expect it to be cheaper than Subaru’s other EV on sale in Australia, the mid-size Solterra SUV, which starts from $63,990, before on-road costs.The Uncharted is based on the Toyota C-HR+, which is due to launch Down Under in 2027.It will rival the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV3 and be a more affordable alternative to the premium Volvo EX30. It will also take on key Chinese competitors such as the Zeekr X.The car comes with Subaru’s all-wheel drive system as standard, so it could have a leg up over its competitors.It has a 252kW dual electric motor set-up, which enables a 0-100km/h time of five seconds. It is equipped with a 75kWh battery from Chinese specialist CATL and initial Subaru estimates suggest it will have a driving range of 525km (WLTP). This is more driving range than the Kona Electric or base model EV3. A DC fast charge at 150kW will juice up the car from 10-80 per cent in around 30 minutes. The car comes with 211mm of ground clearance, lending all-terrain capability. On the inside, the Uncharted features neat technology including a 14-inch central touchscreen display along with a raised digital driver display. The car has dual wireless phone chargers with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. It also has 1500W vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, meaning large devices can be powered directly from the car. The Uncharted's exterior design features sharp creases in the bodywork, along with a sloping roofline, with the car riding on 20-inch wheels. The Uncharted is the latest of Subaru’s SUVs as the brand battles increasing National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) pressures and relative recent sales decline. Along with the already on sale mid-size Solterra, the Uncharted will launch around the same time as the large Trailseeker.Subaru has sold around 5000 cars in Australia up to February 2026, compared to nearly 6500 this time last year. 

Zeekr has revealed an updated version of its 7GT electric wagon over in China, and it is scheduled to land in Australia next year.The current model is only on sale in left-hand drive markets, including China, as well as Germany, the Netherlands and other European markets.The 7GT has already been shown off in Australia, but it remains down the line for the brand, with several models launching before its speculated 2027 arrival.It will be a rival to other popular family EVs including the Tesla Model Y and the BYD Sealion 7, looking to build on the early success of the 7X SUV.The big change on the updated 7GT is the addition of a 900-volt platform, up from 800-volt to give it even speedier charge times.Official charging and driving range figures have not been revealed yet.The current 800-volt platform is capable of charging from 10-80 per cent in around 10 minutes, so expect a bump on that figure.The previous model of the 7GT offered a driving range of more than 800km, according to the generally more lenient China Light-Vehicle testing cycle (CLTC).The 7GT comes in rear- and all-wheel drive variants, which have both received a boost to power.The single rear-mounted electric motor variant produces 370kW, while the dual electric motor adds a 215kW front-mounted unit.It can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in less than three seconds.It measures up at 4858mm long, 1900mm wide, 1445mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2925mm, making it generally bigger than the Model Y, but more similarly sized to the Sealion 7.The 7GT is expected to launch in China in the second quarter of this year, before heading Australia next year.Zeekr's 2026 Australia plans include an updated version of its X small SUV, and the introduction of the 009 people mover and 8X large premium SUV.

The Toyota Celica could be revived with a hybrid set-up.The Celica revival project at Toyota began in 2024, when it was announced by now former Vice President Yuki Nakajima. It has now been confirmed the car is likely to utilise a hybrid set-up, which could be either plug-less or plug-in, and it will have four-wheel drive, according to UK publication Autocar.It has been rumoured this hybrid set-up could deliver a whopping 300kW.Gazoo Racing marketing manager Mikio Hayashi said there are still many variables at play as the Celica crawls towards launch.“The displacement size of 1.6 litres , for example, cannot meet emission regulations. So we have to consider the possibility of a 2.0-litre,” Hayashi told AutoCar."We are thinking about various sizes, but we are not at a stage where we can tell you exactly what size it is. Nothing has been decided yet about whether it will be a standard hybrid or plug-in hybrid.”It seems like the 2.0-litre engine could be winning the race at the moment, with progress being made according to Hayashi. “We are continuing to develop that. We have high expectations,” he said. "We cannot point to a timeline but can say we are making steady progress.”The news comes after Toyota’s potential entrant for the 2027 World Rally Championship was spotted undergoing testing, featuring in a Celica-style shape. This appears to be a clear indication of the brand moving away from the GR Yaris for its rallying competition.It also improves the chances we will see the return of two iconic Toyota names, with the MR2 also seemingly nearing a return. The brand has filed intellectual property filings in both Australia and Japan for ‘MR2’ and ‘GR MR2’, respectively. It has been confirmed this car will also feature a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol hybrid all-wheel drive set-up and is rumoured to produce 370kW and 550Nm.Despite these details, it still looks like the Celica and the MR2 remain several years away from production.

MG’s new range-extender Range Rover rival has just been given a sharp price in China, with the IM LS8 nearing an official launch in the middle of next month. It will start from the equivalent of around $50,000, as part of an introductory pricing deal. The car will come in five- and six- seat configurations, across four variants. The range-topping six-seater variant will start from the equivalent of nearly $70,000 after the initial launch offer. There is no official news on whether the LS8 will launch in Australia, but it is part of IM Motors, MG's luxury arm which already has two models on sale Down Under. MG Australia when contacted for comment said it is always evaluating updates across its lineup, but would not confirm the LS8's future in Australia.If the large SUV does come to Australia, expect a decent price jump on those Chinese figures, but it would still be a cheaper alternative to the likes of the Audi Q8 and BMW X7. The LS8 is the latest in a growing segment of high-end luxury electrified SUVs launching in the Chinese domestic market. Its rivals include the Denza N9, Leapmotor D16 and Zeekr 8X. The LS8 comes with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, which powers the battery, and front- and rear-mounted electric motors. The set-up produces 390kW and 670Nm and gives it an astonishing 0-100km/h time of four seconds. It has a CATL-sourced lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, offering an electric-only driving range of 430km, and contributing to a whopping overall range of 1605km. The LS8 is built on an 800-volt platform, which enables a 30-80 per cent fast charging in 12 minutes. On the inside, the car has a 27.1-inch digital driver display and a separate 15.6-inch in-built passenger display. There is also a 21.5-inch screen for rear passengers that drops down from the roof of the vehicle. 

A rebirth of the iconic Freelander is edging closer. The incoming Chinese-built Freelander SUV has been spotted in Euro NCAP crash testing, with images published in publication MyDrivers. The original Land Rover Freelander was a monocoque off-roader produced from 1997, with the last model year being 2015. The new Freelander is a product of the partnership between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, and will first launch in China before being exported overseas. There has been a long line of Chinese cars that have drawn heavy inspiration from Land Rover's design, such as the Land Wind X7, but this lookalike is all above board.Despite the cars featured in the images being heavily damaged, we can see some details about the Freelander. The exterior adopts some of the elements of the original LandRover example, including a similar light design and the same boxy shape. The new Freelander shapes as a substantially bigger car than the original, and will be a three-row SUV laid out in a six-seat configuration.On the inside, there is a large central touchscreen display sitting in a floating tablet position, along with a panoramic dashboard display. It is also being reported the Freelander will be built on Chery’s T1X platform, featuring an electrified set-up. The platform is found on other SUV models such as the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8, as well as the Jaecoo J7 and J8.The Freelander has also already been spotted undergoing road testing in China under camouflage. It was confirmed by the brand in a public tender invitation in January it would launch its first Freelander model this year in the Middle East. It will be the tie-up’s first model sold outside of China. There are no confirmed plans for the Freelander to launch in Australia, but it will initially be available in left-hand drive only, meaning it is likely not an immediate priority. The Freelander should not be ruled out for Australia, with it expected to be positioned as a more premium offering, so it would not collide with other Chery products Down Under.Chery Chief Executive Officer Lucas Harris has said there is more room for additional sub-brands in Australia.“Why not?” Harris told CarsGuide earlier this year. “Chery is the brand where you never say never.”More details about the Freelander will be revealed at its official launch scheduled for the end of this month.