Articles by Tom White

LDV’s Chinese domestic division, known as Maxus, has revealed a deeply upgraded version of its budget-oriented T60 ute.The new version of the T60 appears to be a deep facelift, maintaining the same chassis and core components, but introducing a completely re-styled front and rear, with a tougher and more contemporary overall vibe.Interestingly, the old 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, which was notable for being one of the most powerful in its class with 160kW/500Nm, has been replaced by the brand’s new 2.5-litre single-turbo diesel which is found in the new larger Terron 9 dual-cab.This engine produces 163kW/520Nm and, at least in the case of the Terron 9, is mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission with a four-wheel-drive system and low-range transfer case.It is offered with two cargo box sizes, either 1485mm or 1800mm long.Interestingly, the old-style T60 also continues in China as a budget-oriented workhorse option, featuring a 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine producing 100kW/350Nm, with upgrades to this model for 2026 including a re-ratioed rear axle. It features a six-speed manual also mated to a 4x4 system with an auto-locking rear differential.While the T60 Max continues to be offered in Australia, its sales dropped significantly in 2025, with the once-popular budget option finishing 31.8 per cent down for the year with 4301 units sold.While it received several important upgrades in 2024, it is facing tough competition from the likes of the GWM Cannon, JAC’s new T9, and defending segment stalwart, the KGM Musso.LDV’s local importer, Ateco, intends to continue selling the T60 for now alongside the new Terron 9, but it's unclear if it will introduce further updates like this one. The importer has been approached for comment.Australia’s ute segment is being shaken up by aggressive new offerings from China. This doesn’t just include the aforementioned budget players, but also the overdue introduction of electrification technology to the space.BYD’s Shark 6 plug-in hybrid has made a significant impact on the stale segment, luring buyers looking for something with lower fuel consumption.It managed an incredible 18,073 sales in 2025, more than the Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, or Mazda BT-50 in a massive warning sign for traditional players.Now more brands are turning their focus to their segment to defend their position. GWM has introduced its plug-in hybrid Cannon Alpha, while Nissan is looking into the possibility of offering its China-built Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid as a potential low-emissions option to sell alongside its recently-launched Triton-based new-generation Navara.Meanwhile, both Toyota and Isuzu are pitching fully electric versions of their current strong-selling dual cabs in the HiLux and D-Max respectively.

GWM teases new hybrid system for its flagship 4x4 - but will it come to Australia?

Honda's segment-bending ZR-V scores important tweaks in its home-market, but will these upgrades change its fortunes locally?

Nissan’s Pathfinder large SUV will return to its 4x4 roots after years as a more plush family-oriented model, as part of a new-generation overhaul before the end of the decade.Industry publication Automotive News has reported sources familiar with the program have claimed the Pathfinder nameplate will be split in two, with an updated version of the current car co-existing with a new version, which will return to a more hardcore ladder-frame chassis.The Pathfinder nameplate has a history of dipping in and out of ladder-frame construction, with the first-generation version in 1985 being body-on-frame, the second-generation in 1995 being monocoque, then returning to a ladder frame shared with the Navara in 2004 for the third-generation.Since then, the fourth and current fifth-generation vehicles have been on a monocoque chassis, positioned as the brand’s three-row rival to the likes of the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.According to the Automotive News report, the upcoming ladder-frame Pathfinder will share its underpinnings with the revived US-market Xterra off-roader and next-generation Frontier ute, both of which are expected to feature a petrol V6 engine to go with their 4x4 hardware.The updated monocoque Pathfinder and its ladder-frame alternative are expected to launch around 2029 as a two-prong large SUV offering from the brand.As this plan seems specifically targeted at reviving Nissan’s ailing fortunes in the US, it raises questions of the future of the Pathfinder nameplate for Australia.Two competing factors may affect it. Firstly, current US policy to stimulate vehicle exports has forced Nissan to consider exporting currently left-hand-drive only vehicles from America to Japan, which would necessitate right-hand-drive conversion, and therefore make them theoretically available to Australia, too.On the other hand, Australia’s recently-implemented New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) which closes the vice on high-emitting engines (like a petrol V6) under threat of fines, would seem to rule out or limit the appeal of importing US models with V6 engines, such as the Pathfinder or US-market Frontier.The second factor is Nissan’s increasing Chinese presence. Its joint-ventures are producing models that could be essential additions to its line-up locally, both from an emissions and sales potential stand-point. The company’s Australian division has expressed interest in the Chinese-built Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid ute as part of a similar two-prong ute strategy, with the Chinese model serving as a BYD Shark 6 or GWM Cannon Alpha rival, and the Mitsubishi Triton-based version serving as a traditional diesel workhorse.The US-built Pathfinder has struggled for sales in Australia against stiff competition.While it was up 40 per cent year-on-year by the end of 2025, it amassed just 732 units which pales in comparison to rivals like the Toyota Kluger (8098 units), Mazda CX-80 (3851 units), Kia Sorento (8745 units) and Hyundai Santa Fe (6264 units).Nissan’s Australian sales dropped 21.6 per cent over the course of 2025 as buyers turn to more keenly priced and largely hybrid-powered competitors as well as more affordable new arrivals from China.The Australian situation is not unique and Nissan has promised a wide-ranging turn-around strategy dubbed Re:Nissan, which involves leaning more heavily into its Chinese and US manufacturing, renegotiatiating its alliance with Renault, reorienting its entire model line-up and closing underperforming factories.

Toyota’s highly-anticipated RAV4 plug-in hybrid has launched in its home market of Japan, with the brand revealing more core specifications, as well as details of what sets the PHEV apart from the rest of the variants in the range.While the new-generation RAV4 will arrive in Australia soon in popular plugless hybrid guise, the plug-in hybrid is still slated for the third quarter of 2026. Local pricing has already been revealed for the two Australian PHEV variants, the front-wheel drive XSE ($58,840) and top-spec all-wheel-drive GR Sport ($66,340), but thanks to new Japanese specs we have an idea of what makes the plug-in version special.Also arriving in two grades in Japan (the Z and GR-Sport), the RAV4 PHEV is equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors. Locally, the power outputs are confirmed at 227kW for the AWD and 200kW for the FWD version.According to preliminary Japanese specs, the EV driving range for the PHEV is approximately 150km, an increase on what Toyota Australia was expecting (around 100km on the WLTP cycle), thanks to a 22.7kWh battery pack.The car is confirmed to have 50kW DC fast charging capability (which should allow a top up in around half an hour) and an 11kW AC slow-charging capability (for a full charge in around two hours).Some of the biggest news out of Japan include the RAV4 PHEV’s vehicle-to-load system, which allows power output from the battery either via the external charging port, or via an internal household outlet plug in the boot.The brand says the system can output up to 1500W, and has a dedicated power supply mode which can provide 6.5 days of power at a load of 400W if the vehicle has a full charge and tank of petrol, or up to seven days in supply priority mode.In addition, Toyota revealed new details for the top-spec GR Sport RAV4 PHEV which has several upgrades on top of its more aggressive styling.For example, the GR Sport flagship features functional spoiler pieces for increasing downforce front and rear, performance dampers and brace reinforcement in the suspension, as well as a bespoke power steering tune to make it more responsive than the standard RAV4.The new-generation RAV4 rides on the same platform as the outgoing car, although significant changes have been made to improve software and the cabin layout.Toyota expects the RAV4 will be Australia’s best-selling vehicle in 2026, although prices have increased slightly across the board for the new-generation version.While the Japanese juggernaut is still by far the best-selling brand Down Under, it is facing a renewed push by aggressive Chinese rivals which have shaken up the list of Australia’s top-10 favourite automakers.BYD has made no illusions about its intent to challenge Toyota’s dominance, plotting a podium finish in 2026 and declaring it needs to have a vehicle in all the market segments Toyota does if it wants to take a “leadership position” in Australia.GWM has also secured a position in the top-10 rankings, while MG will be defending its position in 2026 as it struggles to lure its buyers into the higher price points of its new-generation offerings.It seems inevitable that Chery will also be giving Australia’s favourite brands a run for their money as it surges up the sales charts off the back of a wide-ranging array of well-priced products.While the RAV4 will be key to Toyota’s continued success, it also recently released its new-generation HiLux which will also be challenged across the board by a changing ute landscape.In response to the arrival of new electrified rivals, Toyota said it is plotting more plug-in hybrids and more electric vehicles for Australia to be announced imminently.

The Denza B8 large plug-in hybrid off-roader and Hyundai’s Elexio mid-size EV SUV are the latest pair of vehicles to be awarded a maximum five ANCAP stars.

KGM, formerly known as SsangYong, has fully detailed its next-gen ‘Q300’ Musso ute in its Korean home market, ahead of its expected mid-2026 Australian launch.

BYD has detailed its upcoming Racco city car as it gears up for debut in Japan.Designed expressly to meet Japanese Kei car regulations, the Racco represents BYD’s greatest market-specific attempt to shake the hold of local automakers, and serves a symbolic threat to Japan’s dominant carmakers on their own turf.The boxy battery electric is confirmed to be front-wheel drive only with two battery capacities (20kWh or 30kWh) allowing for either 200km or 300km of driving range, respectively.The brand has now revealed the car’s interior, which it did not show at its reveal at the Japan Mobility Show last year, and has confirmed it is targeting a mid-2026 launch date for the diminutive city car.On the exterior, the Racco sticks to BYD’s ‘Ocean’ design theme, while blending in the space-efficient boxy profile usually only worn by domestically-built Japanese Kei cars like the Mitsubishi eKX, Suzuki Spacia or Daihatsu Tanto.Meanwhile the interior features many familiar themes from other BYD models, including a digital instrument cluster and  central multimedia touchscreen perched atop the dash, a central control panel housing various buttons and dials. Interestingly, it features a shift stick rather than the dial-based toggle selector as seen on the Australian-delivered Atto 1, or the stalk-mounted shifter as seen on many newer BYD models.The brand says this central control console was deliberately designed to be familiar to the cabin ergonomics of other Kei-class vehicles to suit the tastes of Japanese buyers.The interior images also confirm at least one grade of the Racco will feature heated front seats, and split-bench style seating as is common on Japanese city cars.It will also feature dual sliding doors like other Kei-class vehicles, and is designed to fit a bicycle in the boot.As part of a new pre-launch web portal for the Racco in the lead-up to its Japanese launch, BYD says it assembled a specialized research team in-house to travel Japan and study how buyers used Kei-class vehicles.BYD is targeting a starting price of around the equivalent of $23,000 for the Racco.Elsewhere BYD’s range in Japan mirrors that of the models available in the Australian market, likely due to its fellow right-hand drive configuration. The brand markets the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal and Sealion 7, although is yet to offer some of the newer vehicles in our market, like the Atto 1, Atto 2, Sealion 6, or Sealion 5.It is interesting that BYD is focusing on EVs for the Japanese market, rather than plug-in hybrids, as it aims to carve out a niche in a country where Chinese cars are yet to be accepted.The brand’s commercial division also intends to launch a Japan-specific T35 compact cab chassis vehicle for the Japanese audience.Other Chinese brands are also eyeing a Japanese debut, including Geely and Xiaomi.As for the Australian market, BYD’s executives have previously indicated to CarsGuide we’re unlikely to see the Racco, as the model is made specifically for the Japanese audience. It is likely instead the Atto 1 will play this role in the compact hatch segment alongside the likes of the Kia Picanto, Fiat 500, Hyundai Inster, and incoming Honda N-One based Super-One.

Volkswagen has finally announced pricing for key plug-in hybrid versions of its strong-selling Tiguan mid-size SUV, and its larger Tayron spin-off.The German giant has made the new ‘eHybrid’ versions of each car available in two variants at two power levels for the mid-grade Elegance and top-spec R-Line.The eHybrid system consists of a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine, mated to an electric motor for combined outputs of either 150kW for the Elegance grade or 200kW for the R-Line.The system uses a 19.7kWh battery pack, which grants either car a fully-electric driving range of between 113-117km according to the usually more accurate WLTP measuring standard.On top of that, the Tiguan and Tayron eHybrids are equipped with DC charging at a maximum speed of 40kW allowing a charge time of around half an hour on a fast connector.Starting from $64,590 before on-road costs for the Tiguan 150TSI eHybrid Elegance grade, the plug-in hybrid represents a $3000 hike over the equivalent 150TSI 2.0-litre turbo-petrol AWD version or a $13,500 hike over the base 110TSI Elegance 1.4-litre FWD version.Meanwhile both the mid-size plug-in hybrid SUVs are available with a similar list of optional equipment as their combustion equivalents.The Tiguan eHybrid offers 490 litres of boot capacity, a significant reduction on the combustion version’s 652L capacity, while the Tayron’s boot capacity is reduced from 885L to 705L.See full pricing in the table below for the Tiguan and Tayron range but with pricing between $64,590 and $76,550, both mid-sizers are a way off the more affordable end of the spectrum, which is largely populated by newer Chinese brands.BYD, for example, offers its Sealion 5 from just $33,990, before on-roads, while the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid can be had from $39,990.However, the pair of plug-in hybrid Volkswagens will present more of a problem for more traditional brands, like Mitsubishi with its (outgoing) Outlander PHEV starting from $57,290, and Kia with its Sorento PHEV starting from $71,130.The PHEV mid-size space will also be shaken up later in 2026 with the highly anticipated arrival of the plug-in hybrid RAV4. It is also priced competitively for a mainstream brand, with the XSE 2WD from $58,840 before on-roads.Volkswagen was embattled locally over the course of 2025, ending the year down 20.6 per cent on 2024. It is facing increased competition from its traditional rivals as well as rising Chinese semi-premium and premium brands. The German giant was also awaiting many model updates over the course of the year which saw demand wane for outgoing versions of some of its most popular models.2026 Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron eHybrid price (before on-roads)

BYD details the next-generation version of its best-selling mid-sizer, but what's the catch for Australia?