Articles by Tim Gibson

Ford has beefed up its rugged Ranger Raptor.

Another competitor is about to enter the competitive Aussie SUV market. Chinese brand GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) has applied to sell a mid-size SUV, the EMZOOM, a Department of Infrastructure filing confirms. This is the third addition to GAC's launching range in Australia, with a starting price is still to be confirmed. Details are scarce, but we know it’s powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 125kW, driven by a seven-speed auto to the front wheels.This is the same engine as the popular GS3 EMZOOM that is on sale in South East Asia, so from this, the Australian variant will likely complete the 0-100km/h sprint in roughly eight seconds. The EMZOOM is listed as a five-seater SUV, with dimensions of 4410mm in length, 1850mm in width, 1600mm in height and a 2650mm wheelbase.This means it will face fierce competition from big sellers such as Chery Tiggo 4, MG ZS and Kia Seltos.The car features a sporty look with a coupe-style design and sharp lines on the body panels. It will have 18-inch wheels, coming as standard with a sunroof and semi-autonomous tech. The EMZOOM is the latest in a now three-strong Aussie lineup promised by GAC that includes the M8 people mover and Aion V SUV. The M8 is GAC’s luxury seven-seater people mover that comes as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which is a point of difference with alternatives in Australia. The 2.0-litre turbo PHEV set-up produces a combined 174kW and 660Nm and shifts the car from 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds. The Aion V is a mid-size SUV option soon to be offered in Australia by GAC, but it is fully electric. The Thai variant of the Aion V has a single-motor that produces 150kW and 240Nm, while offering a generously claimed NEDC range of 602km.The Aion V will be a direct competitor to BYD’s all-electric Sealion 7. The Sealion 7 has been a raging success in the SUV market, fending off other electric options and also eating into ICE market share.GAC’s launch plans in Australia were scheduled for mid-2025, but it's rumoured it will still launch before the end of the year. 

More rumoured details have been revealed about Toyota’s FJ LandCruiser. Japanese newspaper Chukei News, from Toyota's hometown Nagoya, is now reporting the mini four-wheel drive will be built in Thailand and will be introduced to the Japanese market next year.According to Japanese magazine Best Car, the FJ will start from 4 million Yen (about $40,000) when it goes on sale in Japan. The FJ LandCruiser would sit at the smaller end of Toyota’s SUV/4WD range, under the RAV4, featuring an angular, boxy shape.With rumoured dimensions of roughly 4500mm long, 1830mm wide and 1850mm tall, it would sit in close proximity to the Corolla Cross or Hyundai’s Kona SUV.Several engine options have been floated, including the 2.0-litre petrol engine available in the South-East Asian exclusive HiLux Champ. At this stage the larger four-cylinder 2.7-litre petrol engine seems likely according to reports.The FJ LandCruiser is rumoured to inherit more of its 250 counterpart’s gear, such as the robust limited-slip-differential system. This coupled with a 210mm ground clearance would give it ample off-road capabilities to rival similar market alternatives.To contrast, it won’t be built on the sturdy TNGA chassis underpinning the recent Prado and LandCruiser 300 Series, but the IMV-O version found on the HiLux Champ. This chassis set-up could be problematic in bringing the LandCruiser FJ across to Australia. If it follows a ute-to-SUV chassis transfer, as seen with Ford’s Ranger ute and Everest SUV, it probably won’t meet local design and safety regulations. With a reported early 2026 release date in Japan, it remains unclear whether this smaller LandCruiser will be offered in Australia, especially given potential approval issues. However, Australia is one of the countries Toyota has registered the ‘LandCruiser FJ’ trademark in.Adding to the speculation, Toyota has submitted a patent to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), which includes an image of a potential production version for the FJ. This was originally filed in January 2024 before being published in March 2025.The LandCruiser has proven a popular choice for Aussie buyers, with its wagon variant selling more than 1100 examples up to September 2025 - holding nearly 70 per cent of the large SUV market, excluding luxury options.

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A new all-electric SUV is edging closer to Australia.

Denza has announced its range for the Australian market. The BYD subsidiary will bring across two off-road capable plug-in hybrid vehicles in the form of B5 and the B8. Denza Australia Chief Operating Officer Mark Harland said entering Australia will offer greater options for buyers. “This is a landmark moment in the Australian automotive industry,” he said.“DENZA will offer a whole new range for consumers wanting a slice of luxury and the latest in innovation. “It’s built for explorers, pioneers, and leaders. For those who see roads as invitations, not boundaries, we know DENZA will be one of the most exciting premium brand launches to date.”The B5 uses a 145kW 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, one on each axle.This makes for a combined power and torque output of 505kW/760Nm. Thanks to the 31.8kWh BYD ‘Blade’ lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP), the B5 has an electric-only range of 100km (WLTP) and a combined petrol-electric range of 1200km.The seven-seater B8 combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with dual-electric motors to produce 550kW and 760Nm, allegedly achieving 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.The dual-electric motors are powered by a 36.8kWh LFP battery, which has a claimed WLTP range of 100km. Pricing and more detailed specifications will be revealed closer to the launch date. 

Buyers now have another coupe-style SUV to choose from.

A US pick-up has joined the brewing warranty war.Chevrolet has announced a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty across its Silverado range to boost buyer confidence.This new warranty scheme offers a two-year increase from the previous three-year warranty. It applies to all three Silverado models sold from 1 October 2025, which includes the base 1500 LTZ to the 1500 ZR2 and the top-of-the-range 2500 HD.It also comes with five years 24/7 roadside assistance.The changes coincide with a price rise of $4500 to the Silverado 1500.The Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium now kicks off at $134,500 (before on-road costs) and the Silverado 1500 ZR2 now starts at $144,900.There is no equipment change for the LTZ Premium, but the ZR2 gets new exterior paint options and front park assist tech.The Silverado has been a popular choice in the high-end ute market with more than 2500 sales of the 1500 up to August 2025.Once imported to Australia, the American-built ute is adapted to right-hand drive in a Melbourne factory.A five-year warranty brings the Silverado into line with many of its competitors including Ford’s F-150 and the Toyota Tundra. It beats RAM’s pick-up range, which offers three years/100,000km.The Silverado’s warranty isn't groundbreaking and is now considered industry standard.Warranties are becoming an ever-more valuable selling point for car companies, with many brands advancing their schemes. Kia and Hyundai now offer seven-year warranties, while MG, Nissan and Mitsubishi has a ten-year conditional option. These conditional warranties are often subject to factors such as on-time and regular dealer-based servicing for them to apply.The increased warranty represents greater trust from Chevrolet for its hard-working ute that is used in a variety of environments from off-roading to long-distance cruising.Managing Director of GM Australia and New Zealand Jess Bala said a longer warranty fits the multi-purpose nature of the vehicle.“We know how our owners love to use their Silverado, both during the working week and on the weekends, so introducing an unlimited-kilometre warranty is something we know they will love,” she said.“The Silverado is a vehicle with a reputation forged by strength, durability and trust, and its passionate owners know they can rely on their truck to get the job done, no matter how tough. This change cements that reputation even further.”

A new electric SUV will hit the market in Australia.