Articles by Tom White

Geely has announced it plans to double exports as part of a recent earnings call as it seeks aggressive global growth to escape the perils of an extremely competitive Chinese domestic marketLi Shufu, the chairman of Geely Group, which also controls Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Lynk & Co and Zeekr, said the company would achieve these goals not through increased Chinese domestic production, but by increased global production.He said this was because “the world is undergoing a historic shift toward de-globalisation”, in reference to an increase in tariffs across the world that are restricting global trade.Geely Group plans to export 920,000 vehicles for the next financial year, which is more than double the amount of units it shipped last year, as reported by Nikkei Asia.To combat the rise of global tariffs, the company plans to build more cars in Europe, including at a Ford plant in Spain, and at existing Volvo factories, rather than expand production capacity at home.In addition, the company has expanded closer to Australia, including knockdown assembly in Indonesia, a plan to build Zeekrs at Proton facilities in Malaysia, and is said to be in talks to follow its rivals GWM and Chery in setting up manufacturing in Thailand.“De-globalisation” is a major problem for Chinese automakers, which are increasingly seeking higher profits in global markets to escape razor thin margins and shrinking sales in the hyper-competitive Chinese domestic market.Zeekr in particular has been an overperformer for Geely, significantly raising the average sale price of their vehicles. The company said in its most recent financial results that the 9X had become the best-selling car above the equivalent of $100,000 in China, and the brand had nearly doubled volume year-on-year.Australia is perhaps the ideal model for the Chinese giant’s growth aspirations, with both Geely and Zeekr experiencing explosive growth over the past year.Despite a slowly-but-surely new model approach compared to rivals like BYD and Chery, Geely is up over 500 per cent year-on-year and has already surpassed Volkswagen and Honda to become nearly on-par with once-favourites like Subaru and Nissan.Its model range thus far only consists of the EX5 and the related Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid mid-sizers, as well as the new EX2 hatchback. The company will launch the Camry-rivalling Emgrand sedan and a larger SUV in 2027.Zeekr will also expand on its model range, adding the much-hyped 8X large SUV and 9X flagship, both with plug-in hybrid power over the course of 2027. The 7GT electric wagon will be added before the end of 2026. All are expected to add significant volume for the brand.Geely will need to double its volume to challenge its best-selling Chinese rivals in Australia. Chery and MG that have each sold nearly 30,000 vehicles so far in 2026, as well as GWM that has sold over 30,000 units and BYD has crested the 60,000 unit mark, but it is tracking ahead of other new rivals like GAC, XPeng and Omaoda Jaecoo.One thing is clear though. With relatively high margins, success in challenging established players, and a solid array of new products due over the next year, we’ll be seeing a lot more Geelys and Zeekrs on Australian roads.

Hyundai has thrown the covers off of its highly-anticipated next-generation Tucson in South Korea, although further local details on the key RAV4 rival are yet to be confirmed.The new model adopts a more radical design language than the outgoing car, with new angular ‘H-shape’ light fittings similar to the incoming i30 Sedan, which was revealed several months ago. Both cars feature the brand’s latest ‘Art of Steel’ design language.The side profile shows a boxy and upright design, moving the Tucson more towards a resurgent off-road trend, with strongly contoured bodywork protruding over the rear wheels while the rear light fittings also consist of strip-style H-shape LEDs.Inside, the Tucson gets a complete overhaul, syncing the model up with the more high-end feel of other recent models like the Palisade large SUV, using a deeper ‘three dimensional’ design theme.It scores a new steering wheel, small digital instrument cluster, large central multimedia touchscreen running the brand’s latest software suite, as well as extensive padded surfaces and ambient interior lighting across the dash. The centre console features an extended asymmetrical armrest piece, with two large bottle holders and space for a wireless phone charger, while a limited array of physical controls appear attached to the base of the central screen.A stalk-mounted shifter also helps to free the console area from controls.The brand also showed two separate models, a standard Tucson and XRT version, which gets a revised grille.Unlike some other models in the Korean brand’s line-up the XRT looks to be available from launch and will feature an array of exclusive trim pieces to enhance its “outdoor sensibilities”.The Korean market at least will have access to a new array of colours including white, grey in matte or metallic, orange matte and copper pearl.Meanwhile the interior will be available in black, grey two-tone, black and beige two tone and a black and brown two-tone.The new fifth-generation Tucson has expanded in dimensions, now 4700mm long, 1905mm wide and 1685mm tall, with the wheelbase expanded by 30mm and total width expanding by 40mm for what Hyundai claims is “best-in-class” interior space.While no further information about the key new mid-size SUV was offered, it is expected to follow in the footsteps of other recent Hyundai models.This means by the time it gets to Australia, it will be offered only as a hybrid, using a familiar 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and gearbox-mounted electric motor, as is used by the larger Santa Fe.The fifth-generation Tucson is due in Australia in 2027, with its official global debut slated to happen in America before the end of this year.The current Tucson has been a strong-seller for Hyundai, and currently ranks in second place amongst combustion and hybrid mid-size SUVs amassing 12,724 units so far this year. It remains behind the dominant Toyota RAV4 (21,115 units), but ahead of the Mitsubishi Outlander (12,189 units), Mazda CX-5 (12,378 units), and the related Kia Sportage (11,187 units).The mid-size SUV segment is in a state of flux, however, as electric options begin to storm the charts. The Tucson is being outranked, for example, by BYD’s Sealion 7 (15,064 units), and the best-selling Tesla Model Y (25,040 units).Hyundai’s fully electric Tucson alternative, the Elexio, made its debut on the charts last month with a respectable 692 units for July, although the brands march toward electric and hybrid only will need to continue if it plans to evade fines under the Australian Government’s new vehicle efficiency standards (NVES).Expect to learn more about the fifth-generation Tucson closer to its 2027 arrival in Australia.

Zeekr has shared details of its upcoming 7GT wagon ahead of its Australian arrival.Due before the end of 2026, the 7GT will be the brand’s next model following on from the success of the 7X mid-size SUV, and the brand has now confirmed it will bring the same three core trim levels available in China across to our market.This means the 7GT will be available in both standard and long-range versions, as well as a top-spec Performance all-wheel drive.The brand also hinted at an as-yet unknown fourth variant, which was said to be some kind of special edition.The 7GT has already been specified in Europe, where it is available in a base 75kWh Core RWD version with 310kW/440Nm. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds and travel 519km according to WLTP measuring standards. Next is a mid-spec 100kWh Long Range RWD version with the same power outputs and 0-100km/h sprint time despite its larger battery. Its range is boosted to 655km (WLTP).The top-spec Privilege AWD adds a second motor on the front axle, producing a combined output of 475kW/710Nm. It reduces the 0-100km/h sprint time to just 3.3 seconds, but also reduces driving range to 558km (WLTP).If the 7GT’s local price-tags remain relative to the cost of the 7X SUV in China, it will be a keenly-priced option locally. In China, the 7GT is priced lower than the 7X, with a conversion suggesting a starting figure of around $55,000, especially since the entry-level rear-wheel drive version is now confirmed. Expect the top-spec all-wheel drive version to top-out closer to $70,000.While specifications for right-hand drive Australian market cars are yet to be revealed, over in Europe the base car comes with the large 15.0-inch multimedia touchscreen and 13.0-inch digital dash, as well as built-in navigation and even panoramic sunroof. The mid-grade Long Range adds things like a 35.5-inch head-up display, while the top-spec Privilege AWD grade also adds active air suspension with adaptive dampers.Overseas, all three core 7GT variants are also available optionally with a range of interior packages, ranging from suede sports seats through to up-sized performance brakes designed to extend performance usage beyond what would otherwise be possible in cars with such heavy batteries.All versions of the 7GT are also equipped with an 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing a 10-80 per cent charge time between 13 and 16 minutes. All cars are also equipped with 3.3kW vehicle-to-load discharging and 22kW AC charging according to Euro specs.Inside, Euro spec cars get a choice of textile black, or Nappa leather interior trim in either charcoal or white. Chinese cars meanwhile are available with a wider array of interior trims including synthetic suede.The 7GT’s wagon body allows it a 456-litre boot capacity, while the frunk is 65-litres in rear-wheel drive variants or 32 litres in all-wheel drive variants. In Europe, the wagon is permitted to tow 1600kg, although whether this will carry over into the Australian market where regulations tend to be slightly different, remains to be seen.The 7GT was also recently awarded a maximum five-star EuroNCAP safety rating (which is expected to form the basis of a maximum five-star ANCAP rating).The sporty wagon will be Zeekr’s next launch in Australia, with the highly-anticipated 8X large SUV and 9X flagship due over the course of 2027, both of which will introduce plug-in hybrid power to the Chinese premium automaker’s line-up.

GAC has revealed a new and more affordable variant of its Emzoom small SUV.The brand announced the new entry-level Emzoom Premium is available from just $22,990, drive-away, undercutting the Tiggo 4 Urban ($23,990) and Haval Jolion Premium ($26,990), whilst also being the same price as the MG ZS Vibe ($22,990), all prices drive-away.The new variant is $3000 more affordable than the now-top-spec Emzoom Luxury, which continues to be priced at $26,990, drive-away.Unlike the Tiggo 4, Jolion and MG ZS however, all of which have pricier but desirable hybrid variants, the Emzoom is only available with combustion power.This consists of a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine for both trim levels. It produces 125kW/270Nm and is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels.The new base Premium grade forgoes the Luxury grade’s opening panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, 360-degree parking camera and blind spot view system, downgrades the number of parking sensors and downsizes the 18-inch wheels to 17s.It also loses the Luxury grade’s auto-folding wing mirrors, electric rear door handles, ambient interior lighting, ventilation and power adjust for the driver’s seat, the centre armrest and USB port for rear passengers and even the pre-tensioners for the seat belts.However, GAC points out the Emzoom maintains its large 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside the main suite of active safety items, as well as being available with a competitive seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.GAC says the new Premium variant will hit dealerships in September.A relatively new challenger to the segment-dominating Chery Tiggo 4, the Emzoom is also currently GAC’s best-selling car, ahead of the Aion V electric mid-sizer, however it plays in one of the most congested parts of the Australian new car market.GAC also offers the budget-focused Aion UT electric hatch (from $31,990) which competes in the entry part of the electric market alongside the BYD Dolphin and just-launched Geely EX2.While it is still in its infancy in Australia, GAC has a long way to go to challenge its more successful contemporaries, with Geely in particular surging ahead in the sales charts. However, it has managed to already surpass Leapmotor which, by comparison, has struggled for traction against a crowd of new brands.GAC has promised a larger hybrid SUV will arrive in 2027, and a ute is also high on its list of priorities as it boldly aims for a top-10 position in our market by 2028.

Mitsubishi has thrown the covers off its long-awaited electric crossover, dubbed the ASX VR-e.The new ASX, built in Taiwan in partnership with electronics giant Foxconn, will continue to be sold alongside the French-built and Renault Captur-based combustion ASX which launched locally late in 2025.The new model’s VR-e name is a reference to the Galant VR-4 from Mitsubishi’s past, said to be earned through the new car’s “sporty performance and responsive handling.”The brand said that it has undergone extensive local testing and tuning by both global and regional teams.Mitsubishi didn’t confirm any technical details on the car at this time, other than it will arrive in four familiar variants, LS, Aspire, Exceed, and GSR.However, specifications for the Foxtron Bria on which it is based can give us an idea of what to expect.Overseas this car is equipped with a single 57.7kWh LFP battery option in either rear- or all-wheel drive layouts. The RWD versions produce 171kW, while the AWD version produces 299kW. The latter can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds according to Foxtron.Range is 516km for RWD variants or 466km for the AWD variant although this is to the more lenient NEDC measuring standard. All cars can charge at a max rate of 134kW on DC for a roughly 30 minute 10-to-80 per cent charge.On the styling front the car shares largely the same key elements as the Foxtron Bria, but has unique lighting signatures as well as Mitsubishi badgework and wheel designs.Inside is also said to feature unique Mitsubishi touches, while featuring a large central touchscreen and small digital instrument cluster, alongside a floating centre console and other contemporary design motifs.The ASX VR-e will be added to the brand’s local line-up in the fourth quarter of 2026. Expect more detailed local pricing and specifications closer to its launch window.The new EV, Mitsubishi’s first pure electric model since the experimental i-MiEV city car which launched in 2010, will be crucial for the brand in helping it keep on top of potential penalties under Australia’s new vehicle efficiency laws.Its line-up continues to be heavily combustion-weighted, currently consisting largely of the Triton ute and Outlander mid-size SUV.The highly anticipated return of the Pajero nameplate, slated to arrive at a similar time to the ASX VR-e, is expected to be diesel powered at launch although recent news that the company is investing in upgrades for the Thai plant at which it is built suggests electrification may be on the way.

Lexus launched its first fully-electric car in Australia back in 2023, but it’s fair to say the RZ has hardly made an impact on the electric car scene.Cursed at the time by high pricing, low driving range and a lack of features many EV adopters were looking for, the RZ seemed destined to sit at the bottom of the electric pecking order.Determined to turn its fortunes around, Lexus has refreshed the RZ for 2026 with drastically lower pricing and tweaked specs which it hopes will grant it a second look in the eyes of buyers.Does it have what it takes? I took a top-spec RZ 550e F-Sport for a week to find out.First things first, pricing. Lexus has slashed prices from the RZ range for its latest update to the point where this sporty top-spec one at $105,000, before on-road costs, is now more affordable than the base variant (which cost over $123,000!) when it first arrived in 2023.As a dedicated EV which shares its underpinnings with the Toyota bZ4X, the RZ’s closest rival is the Genesis GV60 from Korea, although comparisons are now difficult, because the GV60 in rear-drive form is $88,000. To get AWD like this RZ 550e you need to splash for the higher-performance GV60 Magma ($130,000).It also needs to face-off against the Audi Q4 e-tron (AWD from $99,818), BMW iX3 ($109,900 in AWD guise) and most problematically for Lexus, the smash-hit Zeekr 7X from China which costs from just $72,900 in Performance AWD trim.While the price-cut is welcome, and this top-spec car gets a bigger battery than before, it still feels like a let-down on range which remains a key consideration for many electric car buyers.Officially this higher-performance 550 e F-Sport version has 437km of driving range according to the WLTP measuring standard, on the back of an official 18.9kWh/100km energy consumption and a slightly larger 77kWh battery pack.My real-world test had the car’s computer reporting 410km of range, with the trip computer showing my most efficient trip being 18.8kWh/100km. It’s within a reasonable margin of error to the claim, but still disappointing in a market where many rival EVs will do 460km+ in the real world.There are other improvements. While the RZ maintains its somewhat middling 150kW DC charging capability for a half hour (10-80 per cent) charge on a compatible station, AC charging capacity has doubled from 11kW to 22kW.Power has also taken a jump, with total outputs now hovering at 300kW combined power for this 550e F-Sport. Unfortunately, though, all RZs are all-wheel drive, so range is a persistent issue no matter which variant you pick.On the styling front, the changes are also subtle, with this luxury mid-sizer maintaining a similar futuristic look to the pre-update version, complete with a grille-free face, and spiky aero coupe rear with twin protrusions on the roof and an interesting split spoiler atop the tailgate.The elephant in the interior is of course the 550 e F Sport’s yoke steering wheel. It’s strange to look at and bizarre to use.We’ll get to that in a moment, but the rest of the interior continues the futuristic theme with the asymmetrical stepped dash design, high beltline for the doors and weird little button door handles.The multimedia screen is a good size at 14 inches, and there’s a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster sunken into the dash complemented by a holographic head-up display for the driver.Despite its tech overload in the interior one advantage this Lexus maintains is physical dials for the dual-zone climate control and even an audio volume dial, with a handful of shortcut buttons, too.The steering wheel also features an array of initially very confusing buttons and controls which you get used to.Software in the RZ is pretty basic. While it isn’t burdened by some of the gimmicks of Chinese rivals, it’s also a bit too simple for a modern EV, not featuring some of the genuinely useful innovations of some of its rivals like pet mode or detailed energy consumption data screens.The back seat, while offering plenty of space behind my own (182cm) driving position, feels devoid of specific luxuries. The dark trim makes it feel small, but there are air vents and USB ports on the back of the centre console along with rear seat heating.The boot is a decent but not stellar 522 litres and there’s no spare wheel. Nor is there a vehicle-to-load system.Where this 550e variant shines, though, is behind the wheel, but it will take some getting used to.The yoke steering can’t turn a full 360-degrees, so the steer-by-wire control makes the wheels turn to full lock after just half a rotation.This, combined with almost zero feedback from the front wheels, is a confusing feeling. Even after a week, I couldn’t get used to the steering ratio. I found myself constantly having to correct after steering too far or too little.Take it on a bendy back road though and you’re in for a treat. The all-wheel drive system and brilliant torque management on offer in the RZ give this swoopy EV cat-like reflexes, mind-bending amounts of grip and healthy dollops of power despite relatively modest on-paper figures.This car highlights where Japanese automakers still maintain an advantage over their Chinese rivals. It’s brilliant to drive in unexpected and delightful ways.Like other Lexus products, the supple suspension and gentle cabin ambiance makes for a serene place to be and the safety tech proved refreshingly non-invasive.An important consideration is the Lexus ownership piece which is pretty good.A five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty is middling these days, but Lexus’ Encore ownership club, which you get five years' membership to as part of your service also includes things like loan cars at service time, as well as invites to events and track days and a range of deals with partner organisations.Service for the RZ is required once a year or every 15,000km and for the first five years it's fixed at $395. This is good for any car, but great for a luxury brand.

Nissan has teased yet another Chinese-built SUV as part of its tie-up with Dongfeng, which could serve as a cut-price replacement for the Ariya.Dubbed the NX7, Nissan shared a single teaser image of the new model on its Chinese social media channels ahead of its reveal.In line with the naming practices used on cars in China, the NX7 will serve as a mid-size SUV, a segment below the five-meter long NX8 which has just hit the market overseas.While no details of the car are available yet, the shadowy teaser shows a car with similar design traits to the NX8, with split light clusters, a filled-in front panel and an illuminated Nissan badge. Its lower light fittings are distinct from the strip-style lights featured in the NX8’s design, while traditional wing mirrors and a Lidar cluster on the roof also feature.If it follows in the footsteps of the NX8, expect the NX7 to be offered with both a purely electric (EV) and range-extender (REEV) hybrid option.The NX7 will build on the success of Nissan’s Dongfeng joint venture, which has thus far produced the Frontier Pro PHEV ute as a BYD Shark 6 rival (expected to be called the Navara Pro in Australia), as well as the N6 and N7 sedans, which join the NX8 as important wins for Nissan as it experiences a shrinking footprint elsewhere in the world.While the company had a head start in the electrification space with the pioneering Leaf hatchback, it has struggled to remain competitive since the rise of Tesla and cut-price Chinese alternatives.To that end, under the leadership of relatively new CEO Ivan Espinosa, Nissan has stated it will lean more heavily into its successful Chinese joint venture to leverage ‘China Speed’ product development for the global market.The NX7 is the next in what the company said will be 10 new Chinese models to be revealed by 2027. To our count, the brand is up to five new models, or seven if you include the recently updated combustion models from the joint venture, the Teana sedan and Pathfinder large SUV.Locally, the NX7 could be more price competitive than the car which Nissan already offers in this mid-size space, the Ariya.Starting from $55,840, before on-roads, the Ariya goes head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y (from $58,900), BYD Sealion 7 (from $54,990) and Toyota bZ4X (from $55,990), although all of those rivals offer a longer driving range in their most basic forms.This leaves Nissan without a car to compete at the entry level of the mid-size SUV space, with the likes of the Geely EX5, GAC Aion V, and Leapmotor C10, all from the mid-$40k mark.It would also open the door to Nissan offering a REEV model to compete with the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BYD Sealion 6 at a competitive price.Nissan has been approached for comment on the new model’s chances for an Australian launch. While the company has alluded to exporting the Frontier Pro PHEV and NX8 to Australia in the past, it is yet to confirm timing for the models.

The extent of Mazda’s transforming business has been made evident in its latest quarterly financial report which details global sales up until March of 2026.Key takeaways from the report include Mazda pinning much of its future global growth on the launch of its Chinese-built electric duo of the Mazda 6e liftback and CX-6e SUV, with the incoming next-generation CX-3 also predicted to be a big driver for markets like South East Asia and Australia in 2027.The brand also noted strong demand for the plugless hybrid CX-50 in North America. While this model isn’t headed to Australia, it bodes well for the future CX-5 hybrid which is due in Australia in 2028.The company spent minimal time on the results for its large platform vehicles (CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90) which were previously a big investment for Mazda in moving to a semi-premium price space, debuting a new rear-drive architecture and family of inline-six engines.The CX-70 and CX-90 were both down significantly in the North American market they were expressly designed for.The company said the CX-60, however, had been performing notably well in Australia, up 13 per cent year-on-year, against the backdrop of a 22 per cent decline year-on-year.Mazda’s global operation described Australia as a “tough environment” citing strong demand for “low-priced battery EVs and HEVs amid rising fuel prices,” alluding to cut-price Chinese rivals leaping up the sales charts.Again, the company called out the 6e and CX-6e as a particular vector for “expanding sales” in Australia as models which meet “market demand and environmental regulations.”Australia has long been one of Mazda’s strongest markets globally, although our market’s influence looks to be waning as the Japanese brand’s share shrinks in the face of said “tough” conditions.For the first quarter of 2026, which this global report details, Mazda’s sales in Australia amounted to 19,000 units, down 22 per cent, while the brand’s sales in China were headed in the opposite direction, up one per cent to 18,000 units year-on-year.Meanwhile in Europe, which also depends on electric sales of the Chinese-built electric models, sales were up significantly to 43,000 units, more than doubling the brand’s tally in Australia over the same time period.With Mazda’s China operation soon to overtake Australia, and its European operation in significant growth, the company may shift its priorities away from our market as it senses growth to be had elsewhere.The USA, which is Mazda’s largest market, is also up but largely due to the domestically built CX-50 hybrid which does heavy lifting in dodging a challenging tariff environment and coming with an in-demand plugless hybrid drivetrain.After the launch of the CX-6e in Australia imminently which is priced from a competitive $53,990, before on-road costs, Mazda will bridge the gap to the long-awaited CX-5 hybrid with the next-generation CX-3 small SUV.The company reiterated in its financial results that CX-3 production will begin in Thailand before the end of the year and will go on sale in markets like Australia in early 2027.As to Mazda’s larger models, the brand acknowledged the need to put them back on track if it wants to replicate the success of models like the CX-7 and CX-9 which they replaced at a more premium price-point.The company’s North American CFO said the large SUV situation is “not acceptable” in comments reported by industry source Automotive News, adding deeper upgrades would be on the way to make the CX-70 and CX-90 specifically more competitive.Details on what these upgrades may include or when they might arrive for the Japan-built pair are yet to be confirmed.Locally, the CX-60 is down 7.0 per cent year-on-year according to more recent local VFACTs numbers, with Mazda introducing price tweaks and a new base G25 four-cylinder variant to the range in order to increase its appeal.The CX-80, the smaller of the two three-row options in the range is also performing decently after a significant price cut earlier this year, while the CX-70 and CX-90 are also languishing in our sales charts despite also receiving price adjustments.

Nissan has finally shared when its highly anticipated seventh-generation (Y63) Patrol will hit Australian shores.The brand confirmed the new 4WD will arrive in the first quarter of 2027 with the order books opening before the end of August.It is the first new Patrol since the long-serving Y62 debuted globally in 2010, before arriving in Australia in 2013.Headlining the changes for the new-generation SUV is the move to a new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, which replaces the renowned but thirsty 5.6-litre V8 in the outgoing Y62.Producing 317kW/700Nm though, the new powertrain makes the Y63 the most powerful Patrol yet (with an additional 19kW/140Nm compared to the V8) and is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission.Nissan confirmed the new-generation Patrol will have air suspension on some variants for the first time, which will have benefits both in its raised clearance for off-road ability, and a lowered height for entry and egress. The brand also says the suspension can automatically lower the vehicle at highway speeds for better fuel economy.Inside there are new features including dual 14.3-inch screens for the multimedia and digital instrument cluster, as well as a head-up display for the first time.It will be backed by a new 12-speaker, 600W, Klipsch-branded audio systemThere's also a new ‘Biometric Cooling’ feature, which Nissan says automatically adjusts the climate system by detecting passenger temperatures, and so-called ‘Zero Gravity’ reclining massage seats for both the front and rear positions.The incoming Nissan Patrol is built on a new platform and is bigger in almost every dimension, measuring 35mm longer and 35mm wider, with the same height, bringing total dimensions to 5205mm long, 2030mm wide, and 1955mm tall.Updates on the Y63 Patrol come shortly after Nissan confirmed last call on the outgoing V8 model. Japanese production is set to end this month.Australia will be one of the first right-hand drive markets to score the new Y63 Patrol. It launched in left-hand drive markets in 2024.The impending launch of this right-hand drive Y63 Patrol has even resulted in pre-production versions being spotted by CarsGuide in Melbourne.The Y63 Patrol will not only have to do battle with its historic rivals like the Toyota LandCruiser (now available with a plugless hybrid system), and the hotly-anticipated next-generation Pajero, but it will also have to face newcomers like the GWM Tank 500 and Denza B8.On top of that, the emerging 4WD enthusiast trend in China has seen an explosion of new plug-in hybrid options headed for this space, including from GAC and Geely.There is no word yet on Nissan’s ongoing tie-up with Premcar, which has seen the new Navara get Australian-specific suspension, and the outgoing Y62 Patrol get a halo off-road focused Warrior variant.Expect to learn more about the 2027 Y63 Nissan Patrol closer to its launch date in early 2027.

Subaru's first foray into the electric small SUV segment does a lot right, but might make one critical mistake.