Articles by Tim Gibson

The Leapmotor B10 and Zeekr 7X are among several models that have received top marks in their Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety tests. The B10 is an all-electric small SUV, which went on sale in November 2025. The BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Kona and Kia EV3 rival received some stand out results, including 93 per cent for adult protection and 95 per cent for child protection.Those two results equalled the highest score for those areas under ANCAP’s now outgoing 2023-2025 testing criteria.  The Zeekr 7X (the current 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year best medium SUV under $60,000), also received five stars and was awarded 91 per cent for adult protection and 87 per cent child protection. The 7X offers a new alternative to big sellers in the mid-size SUV market, such as the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7.Another car to receive a five-star rating was the Geely Starray EM-i, the second Geely model to launch in Australia after the EX5 SUV. The recently-introduced Kia EV4 has also been rated, receiving five stars. The all-electric sedan arrived in Australia this month, ahead of the hatch variants joining later this year. The other car to pick up a five-star rating, was the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe, which rated at 93 per cent for adult protection and 86 per cent for child protection. ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said this latest batch of ratings highlights the importance of maintaining car safety as more brands continue to be introduced to the market. “As more new models and emerging brands arrive on our roads, independent safety assessment remains critical,” Hoorweg said. “ANCAP testing provides consumers with clear, comparable information, and ensures vehicles meet the highest standards for protection, regardless of badge or price point.”ANCAP also announced that the MG HS small SUV’s five-star rating now extended to hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants in addition to petrol offerings.There was also an updated five-star rating for the Toyota bZ4X and its sister car the Subaru Solterra.This latest round of rest results will be the final set of cars tested under the previous criteria, with all new cars to be using the four-stage ‘Stages of Safety’ system. This will examine safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash, but a rating out of five stars will still be awarded for each car. 

GWM’s Cannon ute will get plug-in hybrid power in 2026 as a potential budget option to battle the BYD Shark 6.The Cannon PHEV has appeared in Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filings over in China, according to AutoHome. A spokesperson for GWM Australia said there was nothing to confirm at this stage about the Cannon PHEV’s future in Australia. It is likely the petrol-electric ute will arrive Down Under, as the plug-in hybrid ute market is expanding rapidly as emission regulations trample conventional ute options. Australia is also a major export market for GWM, which puts us at the front of the queue for new models.It will give GWM a second plug-in hybrid ute choice for buyers, which is likely to come in cheaper than competitors in the space. The more expensive Cannon Alpha ute already has a plug-in variant in Australia, which starts from $61,490 (drive-away). The Cannon PHEV’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and electric motor will produce 185kW, a far cry from the hot selling Shark 6's 321kW. We also know the ute will employ a lithium-iron-phosphate battery.  The Cannon PHEV measures up bigger than diesel Cannon, at 5653mm long compared to 5416mm and with a wheelbase of 3470mm as opposed to 3230mm.The Cannon PHEV will face some stiff competition if it comes here, with the BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute (the current 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year best ute). It is priced from $57,900 drive-away.If it comes to Australia it is likely the Cannon PHEV will be cheaper than the Shark 6, given the base dual-cab diesel variant starts from $35,990 (drive-away). Ford's Ranger PHEV is more expensive, but again offers more grunt and a 3500kg towing capacity.The Cannon PHEV could be following a similar trajectory to many other GWM products on their route to Australia. GWM Australia officially announced the Tank 300 PHEV soon after its official China unveiling last year. Based on this, it can be speculated we might see the Cannon PHEV hit Australian showrooms in the next few months.

Ford and Geely could be about to team-up and use the Blue Oval’s European factory, according to a report in Reuters.The brands are reportedly in talks for Geely to use Ford factory space in Europe to produce vehicles to be sold on the continent, which would allow Geely to skirt tariffs placed on Chinese built cars. The pair discussed a potential framework for shared vehicle technologies, which included automated driving functionality.The talks are said to be at an advanced stage and have been going on for months.Delegations from both companies have traveled to their counterparts’ respective headquarters over the past few weeks. Innovation in car automation and seamless technology from Chinese brands has long been admired by CEO Jim Farley.Farley said back in 2024 that Chinese automakers presented an “existential threat” to the Western automotive industry.He has praised the Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan, which he admitted at the time he had been driving for months.Earlier this week, it was reported the Blue Oval was about to begin building electric cars with Xiaomi in the United States.It is now believed the joint-venture will not happen after both companies ruled out the move publicly. This differs from Ford’s response to these Geely rumours with the Blue Oval telling Reuters: “We have discussions with lots of companies all the time on a variety of topics. Sometimes they materialise, sometimes they don't."Geely did not comment on the potential of the partnership. Such a move would offer some benefits for Geely, with the company likely able to avoid the EV tariffs imposed by the European Union on Chinese car importers.Ford currently has manufacturing plants in Germany, Romania and Spain, which would allow Geely to tap into factories already built in the region. Other Chinese automakers have already made the jump to European manufacturing, including Leapmotor building cars in Stellantis’ Spain plant. Ford could also gain valuable EV technologies from Geely, with the brand already having several electric-only models on sale.This could be particularly important for Ford, as emissions standards continue to tighten around the world, especially in Australia. Australia’s tough New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) will see brands incur fines on vehicles that do not meet emissions standards. Selling electric vehicles accumulates credits for manufacturers, which can then be sold to other brands Down Under or mitigate against a its high-emissions vehicles. Geely technologies could assist Ford in gaining the electrified vehicle architecture for models, such as between Renault and Geely on models like the incoming Filante hybrid SUV.Ford Australia told CarsGuide earlier this year the brand is more focused on consumer demand rather than emissions limitations.Nearly all of Ford's models sold in Australia employ internal combustion engines, with models like the Ranger ute and Everest SUV being some of the most popular in the country.

The Geely Galaxy M7 plug-in hybrid SUV has just been unveiled in China with a staggering combined driving range of 1730km, according to CarNews China. It is unclear at this stage whether the Galaxy M7 will make its way to Australia, but it would be another rival in the crowded SUV segment. A spokesperson for Geely Australia said there is no news to share on the Galaxy M7's potential to launch in Australia.It is a little bigger than the EX5 all-electric SUV the brand currently has on sale in Australia. The EX5 proved to be one the most popular EVs in Australia in 2025 despite only going on sale in March. The Galaxy M7 is closer in size to the Haval H6 plug-in hybrid and Leapmotor C10 alternatives, which both start from under $50,000. The car has a 1.5-litre petrol engine which produces 82kW and an electric motor, with a top speed of 180km/h.It will employ a lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack, with 18.4kWh and 29.8kWh options, and an electric-only driving range of 225km. There are also DC fast charging capabilities.The car when fully charged offers fuel consumption of 3.35L/100km. The exterior design of it shows a sweeping overall look, a large sunroof and a light strip along the front of the car. On the inside, there is a separate digital driver display and large central touchscreen, along with 50W wireless phone charging.  Geely unveiled the Galaxy M9 large SUV in China in September 2025, which boasted a similarly spectacular range of 1255km. It was the first of Geely’s expanding Galaxy M-series range, now being joined by the M7. The brand has been working on other high driving range models, such as the Galaxy V900 people mover, which is also yet to be confirmed for Australia. 

The cheapest MG ZS grade has just been re-introduced, with the base Vibe back on sale in Australia.

The BYD Song Ultra electric mid-size SUV has just been teased in China, according to CarNews China.The Song name has been used on several models for BYD, one of those being the Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid variant found in Australia.This means the Song Ultra is likely to be an all-electric version of the Sealion 6, which has just been phased out in China.At 4850mm long, 1910mm wide and 1670mm tall, it is bigger than the Australian-sold Sealion 6 and closer to the size of the Sealion 7 EV. This means it would be a direct rival to Mazda's incoming CX-6e, which will launch in Australia this year. It could also be an alternative to the recently-introduced, and China-built, Hyundai Elexio, which has an introductory starting price of $59,990 drive-away.There is no official news yet on whether the BYD Song Ultra will head over to Australia, but with the brand continuing to push models, it is a possibility.The Sealion 6 and Sealion 7 have been two of BYD’s most successful models Down Under, only trailing the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute. The picture BYD has teased of its new car shows a similar outline to the Sealion 6.It falls under the Dynasty series for BYD, which has previously been reserved for hybridss, but the Song Ultra will be the first fully-electric model under the series. We got our first look at the Song Ultra late last year when it appeared in Chinese regulator documents as it edged closer to a domestic launch.The car comes in two variants, the first of which is a single electric motor, producing 239kW, while the up-spec model has dual electric motors for a combined 270kW. The more powerful version of the car has a top speed of 210km/h,We also know the car has a lithium-iron-phosphate battery, but there are no details yet on driving range or charging times. 

Mazda has raised the prices of its CX-5 and CX-3 SUVs, among other models as part of increases across the range for 2026. Mazda’s two most popular models have seen price hikes, with the CX-5 up $500, now starting from $37,240, while the smaller CX-3 has gone up $300 to $30,670.The CX-3 remains marginally cheaper than the rivalling Toyota Yaris Cross. It is worth noting the CX-3 is petrol-only, while the Yaris Cross is hybrid-exclusive.The CX-5 is also still cheaper than many of its competitors, such as the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. While many Mazda models remain available at a more affordable price point, there are limited hybrid options across the range, with rivals adding alternatives regularly. A new-generation CX-5 will launch in 2026, although it will launch with a combustion engine, with a hybrid drivetrain arriving later to better compete with the Tucson, Sportage and Toyota RAV4 all of which have strong-selling hybrid variants.Most Mazda models have increased by $300, such as on the Mazda2 and Mazda3 passenger cars, which now start from $28,190 and $31,310 (before on-road costs), respectively. The BT-50 ute is another to experience an increase, up $500 to $38,400, meaning it is now more than $2000 more than the closely-related Isuzu Ute D-Max at $36,200. The MX-5 two-door sports car now costs $500 more at $42,140, while the CX-30, costs $300 more, starting from $34,360.The CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 are all up $500 for 2026.Some models have had more substantial increases, with the CX-90 large SUV up $650, with a starting price of $69,300. A spokesperson for Mazda Australia said these price increases are a reflection of impacts from market changes, raw materials, production costs and currency fluctuations.The latest pricing data also revealed the Mazda 6 sedan has been cut from the range, as the China-sourced 6e gears up to enter the fray as its electric replacement. A CX-6e electric SUV on the same platform is also scheduled for a 2026 arrival.Toyota has also introduced similar price increases across some of its popular models, such as on the Prado SUV and LandCruiser 4x4.

Kia has just launched a cheaper hybrid version of its popular Sportage family SUV.A Sportage hybrid can now be bought in the entry-level S grade, with the front-wheel drive variant starting from $44,450 (before on-road costs), while the all-wheel drive starts from $47,450. The brand has been rolling out hybrid variants across its Sportage range since mid-2025, with this latest S grade hybrid completing the set.Hybrids have become an increasingly popular choice for buyers in Australia, as many manufacturers move add them to product lineups. The Sportage S hybrid gives Kia a more affordable rival to the other big-hitters of the hybrid segment. The most affordable hybrid before the new S grade was the SX, which is $2000 more expensiveThe hybrid Sportage is now cheaper than a comparative Toyota RAV4, which is one of the best-selling cars in Australia, starting from $45,990, before on-roads. A Sportage hybrid is still more expensive than its sister car, the Hyundai Tucson, with its hybrid variant starting from $42,850 (before on-roads). The Sportage trails the outgoing RAV4 and the Tucson in the sales charts.  The Sportage hybrid employs a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and electric motor, producing 169kW and 350Nm. The hybrid variants of the Sportage offer a big step up on fuel economy, with the FWD offering 4.9L/100km, while the AWD sits at 5.3L/100km.The Sportage was recently updated in Australia, resulting in a noticeable price increase across the range. Other purely internal-combustion options available on the Sportage are a 2.0-litre petrol, 1.6-litre turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines. This latest Sportage update, has been part of a broader push from Kia to introduce hybrid offerings across its product lineup. Late last year, Kia unveiled several new hybrid models for its Sorento SUV. The incoming Seltos will feature a hybrid set-up for the first time when it launches in late 2026. 2026 Kia Sportage hybrid pricing Australia (before on-road costs)

The LDV Deliver 7 van will be available with dual sliding doors, a 360-degree camera and 16-inch alloy wheels at no additional cost until 31 March. The option pack including these features normally costs $1500, but LDV are throwing in the extra gear for free.With the options, the Deliver 7 now starts at $46,305 for the short-wheel base, and $48,411 for the long-wheel base.The deal only applies to the diesel Deliver 7, not the all-electric eDeliver 7. A comparative automatic long-wheel base Toyota HiAce starts from more than $59,000 (drive-away), with an additional left sliding door also available at no extra cost. The Deliver 7 also comes in cheaper than the Ford Transit Custom, which has a starting price of more than $63,000 (drive-away) and dual rear sliding doors cost an extra $1000. LDV's offering has a superior payload to many of its rivals as well at 1290kg, including the HiAce and the Transit Custom.Another part of the package is a 360-degree camera in addition to the standard reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors. The van also gets 16-inch alloy wheels as part of the upgrades, as opposed to the steel wheels which it normally comes with. The Deliver 7 launched in Australia in November 2024, joining the eDeliver 7 which launched earlier in the year.It has a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, producing 124kW and 390Nm. It is matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. LDV has been offering discounts on several of its vehicles in the past month, including the D90 SUV and the Terron 9 ute.

The revived Fiat Scudo van has just been priced in Australia.The short wheel base van starts from $48,490 (before on-road costs), while the long wheel base starts from $50,490.It is cheaper than the long-wheel base exclusive Toyota HiAce, which starts from $53,880 for the base automatic variant.It is a rival for the Hyundai Staria Load, with a starting price of $46,990, before on-road costs. The Scudo was last seen in Australia more than 10 years ago. It is a rebadged version of the Peugeot Expert, which is already available in Australia from $500 more than the Scudo.The Scudo has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, producing 110kW and 370Nm, which is less powerful than the 2.8-litre engine found in the HiAce (130kW/450Nm).It is also under-gunned compared to the Staria Load, which has a 2.2-litre engine, with 130kW and 430Nm. The Scudo has a payload on 1347kg, which represents a noticeable step up on the van's previous generation, and rivals such as the HiAce.Inside, the Scudo has a 10.0-inch digital driver display and 10.0-inch central touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality as standard. Keyless entry and start is available on the up-spec version of the Scudo, along with wireless phone charging. 2026 Fiat Scudo pricing Australia2026 Fiat Scudo engine and efficiency   2026 Fiat Scudo standard featuresHeated driver seatHeated steering wheel10.0-inch central touchscreen10.0-inch digital driver displayApple CarPlay and Android AutoHeated electric folding mirrorsRain-sensing wipersPrimo grade addsKeyless entry and startWireless phone chargerLED headlightsDual-zone climate control 2026 Fiat Scudo standard safety features The Fiat Scudo has not been crash tested.6 airbagsLane keep assistTraffic sign recognitionBlind spot assistDrive attention assistIntelligent speed assistFront fog lamps2026 Fiat Scudo dimensions and practicality  2026 Fiat Scudo warrantyThe Fiat Scudo comes with a five-year/200,000 kilometre warranty.