Articles by Tim Gibson

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz electric remake of the iconic Kombi will continue to be available with cheaper drive-away pricing until 30 April 2026. The cargo variant starts from $72,990, while the van starts from $79,990. These drive-away deals do not apply to the range-topping GTX. The discounted pricing was originally announced in mid-October and was only supposed to last until 31 December 2025.The ID. Buzz remains a cheaper alternative to the Mercedes-Benz EQV and eVito Tourer, as well as the Zeekr 009.  Most ID.Buzz models continue to be powered by a single electric motor producing 210kW and 560Nm. GTX units get a dual-motor set-up, which produces 250kW and 560Nm and comes with all-wheel drive, as opposed to rear-wheel drive.Driving range on the ID. Buzz varies between models, but all have more than 400km (WLTP).The extension of this drive-away pricing deal for the ID. Buzz aligns with recent comments from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Director Nathan Johnson, with the brand eager to see sales take off. “I think we’re really starting to see the growth now , which is probably a little bit later than I would have hoped for as a brand director and from a dealership network point of view,” Johnson told CarsGuide.2026 Volkswagen ID. Buzz pricing Australia2026 Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric motor and efficiency 2026 Volkswagen ID. Buzz standard features19-inch alloy wheelsHeated and power-folding door mirrorsHeated front seatsLeatherette steering wheelsHeated steering wheel10.0-inch central touchscreen displayNine speaker audio systemWireless phone chargingDigital driver display10-colour ambient lightingAuto-dimming rearview mirrorKeyless entry and startGTX grade getsPanoramic roof21-inch alloy wheelsBlack rooflinerPower-adjustable and memory front seatsHead-up display13-speaker premium Harman Kardon sound system30-colour ambient lighting 2026 Volkswagen ID. Buzz safety The Volkswagen ID. Buzz received a five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating in 2022. This rating only applies to the short-wheel base variant of the car. Standard safety featuresAdaptive cruise controlAuto emergency braking6 airbagsLane keep assistReversing cameraFront and rear parking sensors2026 Volkswagen ID. Buzz dimensions 2026 Volkswagen ID. Buzz warranty and servicingThe Volkswagen ID. Buzz comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Buyers can opt in for six-year capped price servicing, with services occurring every 30,000km/24 months. 

KGM's Actyon hybrid mid-size SUV has just been priced in Australia. It will start from $48,000, drive-away, seeing it priced competitively to many of its rivals.According to a KGM Australia spokesperson, this offer will last until at least March 2026, with the starting price scheduled to increase to $50,000 (drive-away) afterwards.The strong-selling Toyota RAV4, starts at $45,990, while a comparative Kia Sportage hybrid variant starts from $46,450, although these prices are before on-road costs.KGM already sells a petrol version of the Actyon in Australia, which currently starts from $47,000, drive-away, so hybrid pricing comes in $3000 more than a petrol alternative. The hybrid variant gets a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and dual electric motors, producing a combined system output of 150kW. The new transmission-mounted dual-motor set-up on the Actyon is the first of its kind for the brand.KGM says it can drive up 94 per cent of the time on pure electric power in urban environments.On the inside, there is an integrated 12.3-inch digital driver display and 12.3-inch central touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available. It comes as standard with leather seats, with the front seats and ventilated and the rear outside seats are also heated. Next from KGM is expected to be the dual-cabThe Actyon Hybrid is in dealerships now.2026 KGM Actyon Hybrid pricing2026 KGM Actyon Hybrid engine and efficiency 2026 KGM Actyon Hybrid standard features20-inch alloy wheelsLeather seatsHeated and ventilated front seatsHeated outer rear seats12.3-inch digital driver display12.3 central touchscreen displayApply CarPlay and Android AutoHeated leather steering wheelHeated and power-folding mirrorsRain-sensing wipersPower tailgateK60 grade getsPanoramic electric sunroofRear sun blindsWireless phone charging 2026 KGM Actyon Hybrid standard safety featuresEight airbagsAdaptive cruise controlAuto emergency brakingLane keep assistLane departure warningBlind spot assistForward collision warningRear cross traffic warningMulti-collision brakingFront and rear parking sensors  K60 grade gets360-degree camera2026 KGM Actyon Hybrid dimensions 2026 KGM Actyon Hybrid warrantyThe KGM Actyon comes with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. The high-voltage battery has a seven-year/150,000 kilometre warranty.

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MG has teased its new all-electric sedan, as per a report in Car News China.The car could be MG’s latest efforts to break into the electric sedan segment in China and export markets. The image shows a blurred shot of the car in purple paintwork, with four doors and a coupe-like sloping roofline.Its overall design is sleek and sporty, but eerily similar to many of its potential rivals.It looks very similar to the Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan, meaning it is likely to be a rival for that car, which is rumoured to be heading to Australia within the next couple of years. The design also resembles the MG7 sedan, which recently launched in Australia with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing 170kW and 380Nm. This lends weight to the possibility that this new sedan is an electric MG7 variant, as does eagle-eyed reporting that spotted a small badge on the side of the car, reading '07'.   There is no confirmed information about the car’s potential specifications or price, nor whether we might see it in Australia. If it does come to Australia, its closest rival will be the BYD Seal pure-electric sedan, with a starting price of $49,888, before on-road costs. It could also take on the China-built Tesla Model 3, which remains one of the best-selling EVs in Australia. MG currently has the electric IM5 on sale in Australia, starting from around $57,000, before on-road costs.So far, 164 examples of the IM5 have been sold Down Under, since it went on sale in June and it was one of the best-selling premium electric sedans in December. The IM5 competes with European electric sedan rivals like the BMW i5 and Porsche Taycan. MG is expected to bring across several new models in 2026, including the MG4 Urban, shaping as a more budget-oriented EV hatchback. 

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Ineos Automotive has unveiled its new Grenadier four-wheel drive with some Australian-tuned upgrades.The Black edition Grenadier will sit at the top of range, with a starting price of $122,000, before on-road costs. The special edition upgrades are available on both the wagon and ute versions of the car. The rugged off-road capabilities and minimalist interior see the Grenadier line up as a rival to the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series.However, the French-built, British branded and German-engineered Grenadier is more expensive than the 70 Series, which starts from $79,200, before on-roads for the cheapest automatic variant. With a starting price of $105,000 for the double cab chassis, it is priced more similarly to the new-generation Land Rover Defender, which differs from the Grenadier’s ladder frame by resting on a monocoque frame.Ineos has said the new Black Edition has received some additional gear to give it some Australia-specific improvements. There are new specialist all terrain tyres from BFGoodrich, which are said to be more durable and offer consistent performance on a range of off-road surfaces. Plus, the Grenadier has undergone some other tuning, with a new variable-ratio steering system to aid sharp manoeuvring, especially on uneven terrain.The variable ratio steering box allows for a lower ratio around the central steering position, delivering "increased precision and responsiveness" according to the brand. It has some other comfort upgrades to improve long-distance cruising the car, in addition, the turning circle has also been reduced by around five per cent. The Black edition receives several blacked out elements on the body work of the car, such as the grille and skid plates.There are 18-inch black alloy wheels, privacy glass and lockable spare wheel storage. On the inside, the car gets a dark interior headlining and carpet flooring. The niche brand has said while there is no limit on volume, the car will have a limited production timeframe. The Black Edition Grenadier will be available with the same petrol and diesel choices as on the rest of the range. The BMW-sourced 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine produces 210kW and 450Nm, while the diesel has 183kW and 550Nm. Both engine choices are mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with a proper 4x4 transfer case.2026 Ineos Grenadier price

Toyota will offer steering locks as part of its battle to maintain security on its new vehicles.Late last year, 60 high-end Toyota vehicles were allegedly stolen, including LandCruiser four-wheel drive and LandCruiser Prado models, with a total estimated value of $9.0m.Many of these have individual starting prices at or above $100,000 mark.They are also some of the best-selling cars in Australia.Several were recovered in Melbourne and Queensland, before they were meant to be shipped overseas.Toyota Australia released a statement earlier this month and said security enhancements have been implemented. “Toyota is committed to continuously improving vehicle security and has progressively introduced advanced protective measures across its range. “In 2025, Toyota took further steps to enhance security on several models, including the New HiLux, LandCruiser 300 and LandCruiser Prado providing owners with even greater peace of mind,” the statement said.It looks like Toyota have now beefed up its physical prevention with the addition of a steering lock as an optional accessory.The steering locks are available as a genuine Toyota accessory on all models, and in the past few decades were used as a deterrent to car thieves.“Constructed from automotive-grade steel for strength and durability. An internal spring system ensures the arm extends smoothly with minimal effort, while the four-point contact technology delivers a secure and consistent grip on the steering wheel,” Sydney City Toyota’s website reads.“The locking system is designed with anti-tampering features to enhance security and reliability. The surface is coated with a soft resin finish that helps prevent scratches or damage during use.“The bright red body improves visibility and serves as a clear deterrent.”The steering lock is likely to be the first of several new features to be provided by Toyota for increased security.The brand is currently developing an additional engine immobiliser to combat the issue. 

The MG4 Urban electric hatchback has just been priced in the United Kingdom, offering a new budget option in the EV space. It will start from £23,495 (about $46,000), but it is expected to be significantly cheaper when it comes to Australia, potentially around $30,000.This MG4 Urban differs from the MG4 hatch Australia currently gets, particularly as it is front-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive, but is also noticeably bigger.The Urban measures at 4395mm long as opposed to 4287mm with the MG4 hatch.The MG4 Urban will offer MG a more affordable and more direct competitor to other budget EV hatch rivals, lining up with front-wheel alternatives such as the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora and the coming Geely EX2.With a current starting price of $36,990, before on-road costs, the current MG4 is more expensive than the Dolphin and the Ora, but this FWD Urban could close the gap.The MG4 was the ninth best-selling electric car in Australia in 2025, despite suffering a more than 50 per cent drop in sales year-on-year. We can expect the Urban to come to Aussie shores some time in 2026, but MG Australia did not state an official launch date when contacted for comment. "We do not speculate or comment on future models or product details. We are always evaluating and looking for different powertrain options across our line up - MG Motor Australia will update as models are formally confirmed," an MG Australia spokesperson said. The Urban features a neat interior, including a 15.6-inch central touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital driver display. In the UK, it comes with two single elector motor choices, producing 109kW and 117kW, respectively. It is expected Australia will get a different version of the car, which has a more powerful electric motor, producing 120kW and 250Nm. The UK variants either have a 43kWh battery, offering 323km of WLTP driving range or a 53.9kWh battery, extending the range to 415km.According to MG, the Urban’s battery can charge from 30 to 80 percent in 20 minutes. 

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