What's the difference?
GWM’s second attempt at launching the Ora brand in Australia seems much better planned than the first.
While the electric Ora hatchback wasn’t expensive, divisive styling and some messy ergonomics plagued what felt like an undercooked model both in terms of dynamics and packaging.
So this, the 2026 GWM Ora 5 SUV, is ‘take two’.
It arrives with similar pricing but updated tech, more features and an Australian ride and handling tune.
Can this ensure GWM’s cutesy electric car brand is taken seriously and help it catch up to its cousins Haval, Tank and Cannon?
We drove a Flamingo Pink example from inner-Melbourne out into the scenic Yarra Valley for its Australian launch to find out.
If you think you know Nissan and haven’t driven one of its impressive e-Power models, you might be in for a surprise.
Be it the latest-generation X-Trail from Japan or the related smaller Qashqai out of the UK, this plugless petrol-electric hybrid powertrain is one of the best crossovers at any price point.
Now, barely a year after the facelift appeared in Australia, the Qashqai scores another round of changes.
We take a close look at the up-spec Ti-L to see if they make one of the best small SUVs even better (or worse).
While the Ora 5 still has a relatively divisive design that will turn off a chunk of those looking for a small electric SUV, the improvements made when compared to the hatch launched years ago make it worth a second look.
The interior is much more user-friendly, there are more features and a more sensible variant line-up, and the ride and handling localisation means you might actually want to drive it out of the city on occasion.
Regardless, the Ora 5 needs to be a lot more competitive than the Ora hatch was, because the market is so much busier with affordable rivals now. Fortunately, the value proposition is indeed much better than before, especially given the Ultra is only $3000 more than the Lux.
Now e-Power-only, the 2026 Qashqai Ti-L range walks a fine line between mainstream value-for-money and premium European class, providing an attractive, enjoyable and comfortable small SUV experience that also doubles up as a capable and practical family car.
We’d probably ditch this grade for either the Ti below and save a bit of money in the process, or stretch a little more for the flagship N-Design, as both provide the peace of mind of a spare wheel.
Otherwise, for its economy, agility, luxury and smarts, the latest Qashqai Ti-L e-Power is a wildly underrated Nissan that deserves more love.