Jeep CJ7 Reviews

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has declared war on sub-standard quality across the automotive giant’s portfolio of 14 brands. He says the strategy he has put in place to tackle the well documented problems many of the group’s high-profile nameplates have faced in recent years is starting to bear fruit. In an overnight presentation of Q3 2026 results from the company’s Amsterdam HQ, Filosa said, “During the quarter, we continued to make progress in the early execution of our FaSTLAne 2030 plan, launching new products, accelerating partnerships as planned and delivering meaningful improvements in manufacturing and quality.”    Speaking with Automotive News Europe in a post-presentation interview he referenced the roughly 80 ‘war rooms’ established across the business, including engineering, quality and manufacturing personnel working with the group’s suppliers to iron out long-standing issues. Recalls, including a global call back of over 1.3 million Jeeps in June this year for an imminent fire risk, have not only cost the company in terms of physical rectification, but brand reputation. That recall, where owners were advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures, put a massive dent in Jeep’s already fragile credibility, with over 9000 Wrangler and Gladiator models (built between 2020 and 2024) impacted in Australia. And the Automotive News Europe report included feedback from HSBC Analyst Michael Tyndall, who said. “There is no end in sight to (the) recalls.” “Stellantis had 18 more recalls in the third quarter, cumulatively impacting 3.4 million vehicles, with many requiring a dealer visit to be fixed.” The Stellantis Group houses European brands Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS, Fiat (+ Fiat Professional), Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot and Vauxhall with US nameplates including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram. Citing a specific problem with a 12-volt battery system that, among other things, caused the unit to drain and leave vehicles unable to start, Filosa said, “Fifteen months ago we were behind the competition. “In the next two months, the quality of this specific system, which is in every one of our cars in North America, will be top quartile.” Stellantis has built up its in-house engineering strength in recent years, adding thousands to the head-count, with the hiring campaign on-going. And on top of that, Filosa said AI (Artificial Intelligence) will be part of the company’s armoury to address vehicle issues that have raised expenses for repairs and warranties. Despite the still frequent recalls, Filosa said the group remains “very happy” with its brands, with none up for sale, adding, “We just need to put our heads down and work relentlessly on execution.”

An elaborate EV battery fire safety measure is in the works. Stellantis, owner of Alfa Romero, Jeep, Ram and more, has filed a patent for a system that can eject a car’s high-voltage battery during an emergency. The car would then use a small 12-volt battery to allow the vehicle to drive just far enough away from the ejected battery. Stellantis’ new patent filed in the United States is called the “High-Voltage Battery Quick Release System For Vehicle”. Someone must manually activate the quick-release switch or lever located in the cabin or in the boot for the system to activate. This will disconnect the high-voltage battery and decouple it from the vehicle, but it’s unclear exactly how this will happen. There looks to be a sliding-frame mechanism and a small explosion (“pyrotechnic features”) to free the battery and drop it onto the surface below.  The system could be used in situations where there is a fire risk or an otherwise dangerously-damaged battery after a crash.  Once the main battery pack has detached from the car, a 12-volt battery will power the wheels to move the car just far enough away from the damaged battery.  It’s expected this system could be fitted to any vehicle, but there is no official news on whether Stellantis is actually planning to use it. EV battery fires are rare, but self-sustaining thermal runaway causes cells to ignite sequentially, making them difficult to extinguish and very dangerous. In September 2025, Chery showed off its iCar 03T SUV with a mechanism that shot the battery out to the side of the car. The system copped heavy criticism online from users, who pointed out the potential consequences for other road users hit by the fast-moving and heavy battery.  Stellantis’ system does not appear to shoot out of the car at the same speed, rather it just drops onto the floor, but this could still be problematic for any cars travelling behind. 

Jeep’s future in Australia is coming into focus - and it looks very different to its past. For decades the American off-road brand has built its reputation, for better or worse, on the back of its American-made SUVs. But it is now looking increasingly likely that its future models are likely to be built in China and not the USA. According to overseas reports, Jeep will introduce more European-focused vehicles rather than simply exporting what suits the American market. That’s driven by the fact Jeep is one of four ‘global brands’ that Setallantis will focus on (in its stable of 15), alongside Fiat, Peugeot, and Ram. Stellantis signed a partnership with Chinese automotive giant Dongfeng earlier this year and it is looking increasingly like this will be the source for the next wave of Jeep models to land in Australia. “The agreement announced by Stellantis and Dongfeng in May strengthens a long-standing global partnership and supports the development and production of future Peugeot and Jeep vehicles for China and other markets,” a Stellantis spokesperson told CarsGuide.  “We look forward to sharing additional details for Australia at the appropriate time.” Stellantis Australia isn’t ready to reveal exactly what sort of models will be headed our way, but reports indicate there will be two models and they will both be available by a choice of plug-in hybrid or fully-electric powertrains. They will also be built at Dongfeng’s Wuhan factory, which has a long history with another Stellantis brand, Peugeot, which pre-dates the latest partnership. Dongfeng has had a joint-venture with Peugeot-Citroen since 1992, so has plenty of experience building the French-badged cars in China. This also opens the door for Peugeot to make another run at the Australian market, with either a new independent distributor or under the Stellantis Australia umbrella. Chinese-built Peugeot and Jeep models would give both brands with mixed reputations for both value and quality a fresh start in Australia. Chinese made vehicles now dominate the Australian market with over 244,000 already sold in 2025, ahead of Japan and South Korea sourced cars. Meanwhile, American-built models have only amassed 14,810 sales in the same timeframe. Given the repeated recalls and quality issues that have plagued Jeep in recent years, along with the rise and rise of Chinese-built cars in this market, a switch of production bases could be the brand’s best hope.  Especially if Dongfeng and Jeep can ensure competitive pricing to correct course after an ill-conceived plan to try and pivot the brand more upmarket. Getting Jeeps more price-competitive again and with a higher quality standard is the only way for the brand to revive its fortunes in Australia. The days of the Grand Cherokee selling more than 30,000 examples every year are long gone - as is the Grand Cherokee. Jeep has managed to notch just 378 sales in the first eight months of 2026, which has led to the inevitable questions about its future. But it seems the move to more Chinese manufacturing has been in the works for some time and Jeep Australia will simply have to endure a bit more pain until it can try again with a refreshed range. This is likely the same scenario for Peugeot, as it awaits more Chinese-built options to reinvent itself in Australia. But China won’t be Jeep’s only option, with Europe set to play a bigger role as Stellantis management tries to give it a new chance alongside its more successful French, Italian and German brands like Peugeot, Fiat and Opel. Reports have said the new ‘STLA One’ modular platform will underpin a range of Stellantis small and mid-size models across multiple brands, including Jeep. Crucially, it will feature an 800-volt electrical system that will allow it to accommodate fully-electric, plug-in hybrid and conventional hybrid powertrains.  A small SUV to sit slightly above the new Avenger, as well as a larger model that will sit just below the Compass are speculated to be on the way. This would create the potential for a more comprehensive line-up of Jeeps in Australia, and one that potentially distances itself from its American heritage (at least in a production sense). Whether or not it succeeds or fails will depend on many factors, not least the price and positioning of each model. But for Jeep fans, or just anyone questioning why the brand hasn’t given up and left Australia already, it’s clear there is a plan to once again make Jeep a popular choice for Aussie SUV buyers.

What does it say about us humans that the most popular car colours globally are black, white, grey and silver? Where are all the properly colourful car colours at? Well, we found them. This started out seeming like an easy task, but ended up with me visiting the website of every car brand selling their wares in Australia and checking the colour options for their models. There brands offer vibrant colours, the rest will offer the usual white, black and silver. Most of these brands will also offer red and blue, while others offer more modern hues such as dark green and light brown, or even lilac. Yep, lilac appears to be trending. I’ve excluded the exotic car brands such as Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and so on, from this little project. All of them offer bespoke colours or will even match the colour of your car to that of your sofa, but it’ll cost you. Which is out of reach for most people. Here are the top 5 brands that aren’t afraid of loud or vibrant colours. Ford offers a surprisingly good range of vibrant colours thanks to models such as the Mustang, which comes in Orange Fury, Molten Magenta and Adriatic Blue; and the Ranger Raptor that gets Code Orange and Blue Lightning. The upcoming Bronco Basecamp SUV is expected to come in Flare Orange and other adventurous hues, too. Lepas is another of the many brands owned by Chinese auto giant Chery. It'll launch its first vehicle, the L6 EV, in October. What separates Lepas’ from Chery’s other sub-brands such as Omoda and Jaecoo is the bold colours of the models in its overseas ranges, which will follow the L6 over the coming 12 months. Right now, the  L6 offered in a very striking purple and orange. Mini knows exactly what it’s doing, and it’s doing premium quirkiness. Yes Renault and Peugeot can do quirky and premium, but Mini has really mastered the statement car thing, and of course a big part of that is colour. The Mini Cooper comes in 11 colours and while Sunny Side Yellow makes me want to own a car, which looks like a rubber duckie, the Ocean Wave Green is so sublime, I want a tin of it to paint my front door. GWM is currently doing a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to outrageous colours and I’m completely here for it. The Ora 5 small electric SUV launched in July and arrived in colours that would make most car company executives very uncomfortable. Flamingo Pink? Yes please. Cute Cyan? Absolutely. Emerald Green? Don’t mind if I do. Jeep’s the undisputed champion of colour offerings… and of vehicles with removable doors.  Just knowing the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon ute comes in bright purple, and the hue is called Reign, somehow makes me sleep better at night.  There’s also Mojito, which is a luminous monster green, a bright orange named Joose and a Gold named Goldilocks. Ah, thank you Jeep for keeping it irreverent and colourful.  

Motoring journos spend a lot of time in all manner of cars, and with the increasing pace of change brought on by technology, new brands and electrification, we’re constantly reassessing what a good car should be. The fundamentals stay the same, of course, but car brands are increasingly trying new things. Sometimes they work, sometimes they should go back to the drawing board. Some of these are widespread, and some remain rare oddities, but it would be great if all of them vanished. I need to get this one out of the way first because if I don’t mention how driver assists are ruining the driving experience in some cars, I’ll be called out in the comments. In a lot of cases I actually think driver assists are becoming better tuned and brands are realising we would like easy ways to turn them off, but there are still lane-keeps and driver monitors that would drive a saint to swear. The traditional method of pulling a lever down to ‘drive’ has always worked well, everyone quite naturally knows how to do it. I’ll even concede that the return of column-mounted shifters is a nice way to clear-up space in the centre console, as long as the direction you need to pull the shifter follows logic. But ever since a gear selector dial in a Ford Focus ST-Line wagon caught me off guard in 2019, I’ve seen more odd shifter methods creeping in.  From individual buttons on the dash (Jeep Avenger) to the swipe on the screen for each direction (Tesla), these methods are annoying to use in a hurry. If you’re in the middle of a three-point turn and you have to look at what you’re doing with your hands to get the car into reverse, a designer somewhere has failed. The biggest culprit for weird and unintuitive door handles is, to most people, Tesla. Many have commented on being confused when faced with entry to a Model 3 Uber that’s pulled up to the kerb for a pick-up. Tesla is not alone in this, however. On the inside, the current Ford Ranger and Ford Everest have ‘squeeze’ handles, many new EVs have buttons to open, and other new car doors have handles that open incongruently with how your arm moves as you open the door to exit. On the outside, the Zeekr 7X has exterior buttons on the b-pillars to open the doors electrically, some cars have retractable handles so they sit flush with the door, and others have similar frustrating handles that you must first ‘press’ to pop-out before you can open the door. Not only is it frustrating for your passengers, but it can also be unsafe in an emergency. RFID (short for ‘radio frequency identification’) or NFC (near field communication) functions are pretty handy for plenty of things: contactless payments, building access fobs, even your toll pass or data transfer. More specifically, NFC has been adapted by some brands to cards used to unlock and even start new cars, like the Volvo EX30 or the Leapmotor B10. Tap the card in the right place (like the b-pillar or the driver wing mirror) and the car unlocks, then place the card in the centre console slot and the car starts. No fobs with buttons for unlocking your car on approach or unlocking it from a distance. Inconvenient? Very. Annoying? Yes. And it means you have to find somewhere to keep the card rather than just having the fob on your keyring. The implementation of the central touchscreen in new cars has become an anathema to convenience. It’s now an easy way for designers to create ‘sleek’ environments and for engineers to save money on buttons. It’s also now allowing some manufacturers (Volvo, you again) to move some otherwise out-of-the-way controls to a digital home. The electric seat adjustments that used to sit on the side of the seat or on the door, the side mirror adjustment controls that could once be found by the window, and in some cases the steering column adjustment controls - all now on-screen controls as far as Volvo is concerned. It’s not alone, as some new Chinese brands are doing the same, but it’s especially disappointing from the brand that once made the three-point seatbelt design public domain in the interest of safety over profit. I think cars that make sounds on unlock and lock, akin to a PC or old Macintosh startup sound, are more embarrassing than actually annoying but they’ve made the list nonetheless. I don’t need my car to chime away when I unlock it in the car park at work, especially not when people are already looking at the car and trying to figure out what it is. I’m looking at you, Zeekr and now GWM. Some of them are loud, some of them can be disabled, all of them are unnecessary.

Buyers still love 4WDs in Australia.  It remains a big-selling segment, but some of its biggest hitters are suffering losses. China is starting to get a foothold in the market with budget offerings posing a serious threat to established regulars. Emissions-heavy vehicles such as 4WDs are also coming under fire from increasingly stringent rules in Australia. Here is the rundown of the best-selling 4WDs up to June 2026.  The Ford Everest large SUV is up front with more than 11,000 sales in 2026 so far, despite a near 10 per cent year-on-year drop.  It is based on the Ford Ranger, which is the best-selling ute in Australia. The Toyota Prado takes second place with more than 9000 sales so far this year, but it has experienced an even sharper drop of nearly 42 per cent year-on-year. The Prado is a scaled down version of the LandCruiser 300 Series, using a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, as opposed to the more powerful V6.  Isuzu’s MU-X is third, making 7564 sales up to June, but it too experienced a more minor slump of 3.2 per cent.  The LandCruiser 300 Series is currently fourth on the standings, and is the only car in the top five to have experienced a substantial growth in sales.  Its 6451 sales constitutes a 26.3 per cent rise compared to first six months of 2025. Toyota also released a performance petrol hybrid V6 variant earlier this year. The Suzuki Jimny rounds out the top five as a much smaller and cheaper competitor to those above it.  Priced from $31,990, before on-road costs, the Jimny is down 11.1 per cent compared to this time last year, while still amassing 3882 sales.  The Nissan Patrol is down nearly 25 per cent compared to its sales result up to June 2025, with 2843 sales so far in 2026.  The current Y62 petrol V8 Patrol will cease production next month, and order books for a new twin-turbo V6 will open later.   GWM’s Tank 300 mid-size SUV off-roader has continued to surge up the sales charts in 2026, with 2759 sales so far. The Tank 300 is available in petrol, diesel, plug-less hybrid and plug-in hybrid set-ups - more varied than any of its competitors.  BYD’s Denza sub-brand is another Chinese rival experiencing a solid sales return in Australia. Its B5 plug-in hybrid SUV has already accumulated 1445 sales this year, having only gone on sale in December 2025. Its bigger sibling the B8 is also approaching the 1000-unit mark midway through this year.  The ultra-luxury GMC Yukon Denali from the United States is starting to pick up momentum in Australia.  The V8-powered eight-seater Yukon Denali went on sale in the middle of last year, but 2026 has seen sales explode by nearly 190 per cent.  It remains a low-volume model with only 202 sales, as it carries a $174,990 price tag.  The 4WD segment is about undergo some serious changes in the next few months, including an influx of new models. The Mitsubishi Pajero will return to Australia, along with several new Chinese competitors likely to join it over the next 18 months. The anticipated Geely Galaxy Cruiser is slated for a UK launch, meaning Australia could its next step, while the GAC Yue 7 also seems to be on the way.  

Jeep is on the receiving end of a big push back into the European market with potential flow-on benefits for Australia. As part of the Stellantis group’s Fastlane 2030 strategy, which includes introduction of more than 60 new or redesigned vehicles globally by the end of the decade, Jeep says it is committed to expanding its European range to six models within that timeframe. There are 14 core brands under the Stellantis umbrella - Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall.  Stellantis has confirmed it will collaborate with its “historical partner” in China, Dongfeng to create a 51 per cent Stellantis-owned European joint-venture - Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile (DPCA) - incorporating distribution, engineering, sourcing and capacity sharing. Among new models for other Stellantis subsidiaries, the Stellantis/Dongfeng JV will produce two small Jeeps underpinned by the ‘STLA One’ platform for sale in China and other regions. That regional focus in Europe will be supported by production at the Stellantis Rennes plant in Eastern France, with domestic examples and other exports covered by the existing Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën facility in Wuhan, China.  Thanks to ever-tightening emissions standards in the eurozone, larger Jeeps like the Grand Cherokee SUV and Gladiator pick-up were dropped there in 2024, with the Wrangler departing last year to leave the Avenger compact electric SUV (Jeep’s best seller in Europe) and Compass internal-combustion and hybrid crossover as the only models offered. Speaking at a media roundtable last week, Stellantis Head of Jeep, Ram and Dodge Brands - Enlarged Europe Fabio Catone said, “Small SUVs have been Jeep’s strength in Europe since we launched the Renegade in 2014, and we will expand with two additional models that will be larger than the Avenger.”  Catone confirmed that before the Euro manufacturing ramp-up begins, next year Jeep will launch the Mexican-built mid-size Recon EV SUV (just released in the USA) in Europe. It will be followed in 2028 by the first co-developed newcomer, a small plug-in hybrid SUV.  Stellantis Head of Jeep Product Marketing - Enlarged Europe Fabio Carli said the two small SUVs will have multiple powertrains including full-hybrid four-wheel drive variants. Previous reports suggest the large Wagoneer S electric SUV won’t appear in Europe with the smaller, likely Hemi V8-powered, Scrambler ute (due to bow in North America in 2028) also a scratching thanks to its predictably high emissions. The new SUVs could prove a boon for Jeep in Australia with local sales currently confined to the Avenger, Gladiator and Wrangler (with the last examples of the long-discontinued Grand Cherokees currently trickling out of showrooms). Not only are year-on-year sales down a massive 66.2 percent to just 296 units to the end of May (and the same period in 2025 was in turn down 20.8 per cent on 2024), tightening New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) targets will continue to impact the brand’s internal-combustion models and overall profitability. Smaller electrified SUVs sourced out of China would surely release some NVES pressure and offer potential Jeep buyers cleaner, more affordable options. 

In the post-Holden era no brand is safe, if the Lion brand can be snuffed out then no brand, regardless of sales or heritage is ever truly safe in the Australian car market. In that context, the recent Investor Day presentation from Stellantis is potentially the beginning of a new era for some of Australia’s most iconic brands - or the beginning of the end. Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Peugeot and more are all facing a radically different future, and not for the first time. The headline figures are great, Stellantis is investing €60 billion into its product range, introducing 60 new vehicles and 50 updated models across its expansive portfolio of brands. But you should expect nothing less from a presentation to investors, Stellantis needs their support to fund this ambitious plan. The problem is, we’ve seen this before, multiple times, from many of these brands and yet these big name brands continue to struggle. It’s clear now the previous leadership pushed too hard, too soon down an electrification strategy, which has hurt sales, particularly for Jeep. As we have previously written, Jeep is a brand that should be thriving in this age of sky-high SUV sales, and yet it is limping along both in Australia and its North American heartland. I won’t get bogged down in the details of Stellantis’ plans (with 110 new or refreshed models it would take some time) but there are some key elements to look at and the impact that they could have on the organisation’s long-term future. Starting with Jeep, there is a clear focus on ‘course correcting’ from its heavy push towards electric vehicles (EVs) with the Recon EV to get a petrol powertrain, while there will also be a new Compass as well as refreshed Grand Cherokee, Wrangler and Gladiator. That’s all positive news, but the first step is to actually execute that plan and then get those cars into the market. The challenge for Jeep in Australia is it has sadly burnt most of its brand equity. Whether it be customers feeling unhappy about recalls, the decision to drop the more premium and more expensive Grand Cherokee or something else, Jeep sales have been in decline for almost a decade. To make matters more difficult, Stellantis Australia also has to contend with the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will likely lead to hefty fines if the brand completely abandons its electrified models. It’s a Catch-22 for Jeep, and so many other brands: give the people what they want and cop the fines? Or avoid the fines with less-popular models? Which leads to the awkward but fair question to ask: does Jeep have a long-term future in Australia? Officially the company line is it remains committed to Australia, but General Motors was committed to Holden until it wasn’t. No brand is immune from declining sales and at a certain point it no longer becomes viable to remain in the market, as we’ve already seen with Dodge and Chrysler. Jeep sales are down more than 66 per cent in the first five-months of 2026, which puts the brand on course to sell approximately 700 vehicles this year. That is an unsustainable sales volume for a non-ultra-luxury brand. But it’s not just Jeep that has serious question marks over its future in Australia. So many of Stellantis’ brands are struggling - Alfa Romeo is down 46.8%, Fiat is down 24.3% and Peugeot has taken a 35% hit. And all of those are coming off a low result in 2025 too, so the numbers simply don’t look good. Even the ‘great electric hope’, Leapmotor, is struggling compared to its fellow Chinese EV brands. Leapmotor sales are up over 112 per cent, but a total of 529 sales year-to-date in May put it well behind other new Chinese brands. For context, Denza only arrived in showrooms this year and has already chalked up more than 1600 sales. The harsh reality remains that the Australian new car market is only so big and as more new brands come in and take more share of those sales, it means other brands lose out. Stellantis needs to ensure these new generation of Jeep, Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and other brands really make a compelling case to would-be buyers or else it will become increasingly difficult to survive.

One of the biggest car makers in the world has reportedly forked out billions in warranty claims over the past year.  Stellantis, parent company of brands like Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot and Jeep has paid out the equivalent of more than $10 billion in global warranty expenses for the 2025/26 financial year.  This tough reliability run has seen Stellantis begin a complete reset of its processes to get on track.  The big news out of this reset is that the brand will launch its first model riding on its new STLA One platform next year.  The brand said the platform will underpin up to 30 new vehicles in the small and mid-size SUV categories.  This will equate to more than two million sales annually by the time 2035 comes around.  Stellantis also said it is targeting improvements to quality even before this new platform gets underway.  “If we do the right things earlier in the program, that means that when we get closer to launch we’ll have fewer problems,” Stellantis propulsion systems testing and analysis lead Mark Christie told Auto News.   “The product life target for powertrain components is 10 years and 150,000 miles (about 240,00km).” The brand is plotting the launch of 23 new and updated models in the next four years across its portfolio.  It has been a turbulent time for Stellantis in recent years with the departure of Chief Executive Officer Carlos Tavares and subsequent appointment of Antonio Filosa. The brand reported a $37 billion net loss earlier this year. Reports indicate focus will shift to Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot and Ram, but other brands in the group will benefit from the technology acquired. Peugeot recently unveiled its all-new E-208 GTI fully-electric hot hatch in what will be an early test for Stellantis' change of direction.  

Audi RS5: Ready to enter the German ‘Big Three’ performance octagon with the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63S, the new Audi RS5, offered as a sedan and ‘Avant’ wagon, is a plug-in hybrid combining a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with a powerful single electric motor for outputs of 470kW/825Nm. Pricing is already confirmed from $179,900, before on-road costs.  Read more Bentley Bentayga Speed: Swapping out the British brand’s epic (but emissions constrained) 6.0L W12 for a fearsome 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 has made this luxurious SUV even faster and louder. How about 478kW/850Nm and $525,000, before on-road costs, when it arrives here in the next couple of months? Read more BMW iX3: Arriving in early July, BMW’s much-anticipated 'Neue Klasse' iX3 is an ultra-modern mid-size five-door SUV with a pure-electric powertrain initially launching with one model, the 345kW/645Nm 50 xDrive (109,900, before on-road costs). The 235kW/500Nm iX3 40 ($89,900, BOC), which slips under the Luxury Car Tax threshold, will follow in Q4.   Read more BMW M2 xDrive: New compact muscle coupe variant picks up all-wheel drive to put the 353kW/600Nm produced by its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder on the ground. Zero to 100km/h in 3.7sec with cost-of-entry at $172,900, before on-road costs when it arrives in Q4. Read more BYD Atto 3 Evo: Prior to the all-new next-gen Atto 3 likely hitting Aussie showrooms sometime in 2027, the Evo version of the current model gives it rear-wheel drive. There’s also an all-wheel-drive flagship with 330kW available. Likely local touchdown in Q3. Read more Chery KP31: And you thought there wasn’t room for another ute in the Aussie market. The subject of a local naming contest (Orca is looking likely, as it tops BYD Shark) the Chery ‘KP31’ is scheduled for a Q4 launch, featuring a ladder chassis and a segment-first 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and electric motor hybrid powertrain. A petrol-electric hybrid will arrive in 2027. Read more Cupra VZ5: Fire-breathing mid-size SUV variant powered by an Audi RS3-sourced 2.5-litre turbo-petrol five-cylinder engine sending 287kW/480Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. Zero to 100km/h comes up in 4.2 seconds – 0.7 seconds quicker than the 228kW VZx, making it one of the fastest combustion-powered SUVs out there.  Read more Deepal S05: The Deepal S05 small-medium SUV joins the S07 mid-size SUV, likely offered in range-extender hybrid and/or pure-electric form. ADR compliance is locked in and pre-orders are open on the brand’s Aussie website. Read more Ferrari 849 Testarossa: Okay, the shopping list - milk, bread, eggs and a $932,648 Ferrari 849 Testarossa. Not for everyone, then. But what a car! Zero to 100km/h in 2.3sec courtesy of a twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain sending 611kW/842Nm to all four wheels. Coupe in Q4, with the roofless Spider arring in early ‘27.   Read more Geely EX2: Set to arrive in the third quarter, this budget-focused electric compact SUV could start under $30K, before on-road costs. It has a single motor driving the rear wheels and two battery sizes are offered in China, providing 310km or 410km of range, respectively.  Read more Genesis GV60 Magma: Part of the upcoming next-gen GV60 line-up, the Magma is a performance-focused pure-electric powerhouse SUV riding on the same ‘E-GMP’ platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Dual electric motors for 478kW/790Nm, 0-200km/h in 10.9sec and maximum velocity of 264km/h. Arrives in July. Read more GWM Wey G9: The Wey G9 (name yet to be confirmed for Australia) is a luxury plug-in hybrid people mover scheduled for Q4 with the V9X PHEV SUV spilling over into 2027. Its chunky 44.2 kWh battery provides a claimed pure-electric driving range of up to 170 km with a combined range of more than 1000km.  Read more Honda Super One: Super by name, super by nature, this pure-electric ‘kei’ car is guaranteed to put a smile on your face with a likely Aussie starting price around $35,000. A front-mounted electric motor produces 70kW/162Nm and Honda claims up to 274km of range.   Read more Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro: A tough looking Toyota LandCruiser rival with twin, chassis-mounted tow hooks as well as more ground clearance for useful approach, departure and breakover angles. Add a rear electronic limited-slip differential for better off-road capability as well as downhill brake control and new terrain modes for mud, sand and snow.  Read more Isuzu D-Max EV: One of the most popular utes in the county could get a pure-electric option powered by front- and rear-mounted electric motors, producing 140kW, with front motor torque at 108Nm and rear motor torque at 217Nm for a maximum 325Nm and full-time 4WD. A 67kWh battery offers a driving range of 263km (WLTP). No launch confirmation yet, but Isuzu Ute Australia says “it will continue to monitor local needs and evaluate the reception of BEVs”.  Read more Jeep Compass: Potentially a Q4 arrival, the new Compass rides on the same ‘STLA Medium’ platform as Stellantis stablemates such as the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008. It will join the smaller Avenger in Jeep’s electrified line-up. There should be a choice of 106kW 48V eHybrid and 145kW plug-in hybrid powertrains, both likely based on the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine carried over from the current-generation.  Read more KGM Musso Q300: Dual-cab only, powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW/441Nm mated to a six-speed torque-converter auto transmission with 4WD and a locking rear differential. Coil- or leaf-spring rear suspension options with a payload of 500kg for the former and 700kg for the latter. Features a 12.3-inch digital dash and matching multimedia touchscreen.    Read more Kia Seltos: Coming in Q4, We’re expecting a front-wheel drive version with outputs to be approximately 113kW/265Nm, plus an all-wheel drive with 131kW, though its rear wheels will be powered by an electric motor and not mechanically connected to the front wheels. The all-new Seltos should start around $30K, before on-road costs. A specific Australian suspension tune is already in the works.   Read more Leapmotor B05: Lobbing in Q4, the Leapmotor B05 is a five-door, electric, rear-wheel drive, hot-ish hatch with 180kW/320Nm in the flagship Ultra variant. A choice of 56.2kWh or 67.1kWh battery, delivers a range of 500km or 600km (CLTC) and we’d be shocked if it wasn't among the cheapest warmed-over hatch offerings in the local market.    Read more Lexus ES: Electric versions of the striking all-new Lexus ES have been approved for Australian sale, the dual-motor, all-wheel drive ES500e flagship producing 252kW. The ES350e is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor delivering 170kW. However, the brand has confirmed hybrid powertrains will eventually be offered locally.   Read more Mazda CX-6e: Set to challenge the Tesla Model Y on price, the Mazda CX-6e is likely to land with a starting price around $54K. A 78kWh battery delivers a 450km (WLTP) range, the rear-mounted 190kW/290Nm electric motor drives the rear wheels and 0-100km/h comes up in 7.9sec. Its 195kW DC charging capacity is good for a 10-80 per cent top-up in under 25 minutes. Read more Mercedes-Benz GLB: Launch line-up of the pure-electric small SUV will be single-motor rear-wheel drive (200kW/335Nm) GLB250+ or dual-motor all-wheel drive (260kW/515Nm) GLB350. Its 800-volt architecture allows an ultra-rapid DC charging rate of up to 320kW. Three hybrid powertrains will be added later in front- or all-wheel drive all using a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt assistance.  Read more MG QS PHEV: Launched in plug-in hybrid form in the UK with an Aussie introduction likely this year. Plug-in hybrid uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor for around 220kW combined. A 24.7kWh battery pack grants it a WLTP-certified electric range of 100km. Read more Mitsubishi Pajero: One of the year’s most significant arrivals comes with the return of the Mitsubishi Pajero, with sights set on the upcoming Y63 Nissan Patrol and current Toyota LandCruiser 300. Most likely powertrain is an updated version of the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel powering the current Triton range (150kW/470Nm). Looking like a Q4 launch. Read more Nissan Patrol: Nissan Australia has confirmed orders for the new ‘Y63’ Patrol will “open in coming months” with vehicles on the ground at the end of the year or very early next. Its 3.5-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine is derived from GT-R’s and produces 317kW/700Nm, dwarfing the 298kW/560Nm outputs of the soon-to-be-defunct V8 of the Y62 Patrol.  Read more Omoda 4: New entry-level model for the brand with edgy, angular looks and a choice of internal-combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric power in the domestic Chinese market. Riding on Chery’s ‘T1X’ platform, the Omoda 4 is a likely Toyota Corolla Cross competitor. Read more Polestar 5: Headed our way in Q3, the 5.1m long ultra-slippery (Cd 0.24) Polestar 5 offers the performance, comfort and touring ability of the Porsche Taycan and its Audi e-tron GT sibling at an appreciably lower price. Two versions coming, both powered by dual motors - the Dual Motor (550kW/812Nm) at $171,100 and the Performance (650kW/1015Nm) at $193,100 (both before on-road costs). Read more Porsche Cayenne Electric: Dropping in Q3, as the name implies, this is a pure-electric beast with even the entry-grade (of three) Cayenne Electric ($167,800, before on-road costs) featuring dual motors, all-wheel drive and producing 325kW. The flagship Turbo accelerates from 0-100km/h in hypercar-equalling 2.5sec thanks to its stonking 850kW/1500Nm outputs.   Read more Renault Symbioz: On course for a July touchdown, the Symbioz is a Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross rival with an entry-level mild-hybrid 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine powertrain producing 104kW/245Nm. A 1.8L full-hybrid boosts that to 116kW/265Nm. Pricing starts from $36,990.  Read more Smart #5: It’s been a long time in the offing but the Smart #5 plug-in hybrid SUV is a likely Aussie arrival in the second half of the year. It offers up to 252km of pure-electric range and up to 320kW of total power from its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine and three-speed hybrid transaxle motor powertrain. Claimed fuel economy is as low as 4.4L/100km (when its battery is depleted).  Read more Toyota RAV4 PHEV: Another significant new entry. FWD variants of the RAV4 PHEV will be powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and front-mounted electric motor, producing 201kW. AWD variants add a rear-mounted motor, increasing power to 227kW. Pricing will start from $58,840, before on-road costs, making it roughly $15K more expensive than the car's base standard hybrid variant ($45,990).   Read more Volkswagen T-Roc: Sleeker looking and bigger, with a more premium vibe, VW’s small SUV also features new powertrains. A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid in two states of tune (85kW and 110kW) for FWD versions and a more powerful 2.0L mild-hybrid arriving later. A T-Roc R is confirmed to follow, too.   Read more XPeng G9: As the legal cage fight between previous XPeng importer True EV and the XPeng factory continues, the priority is getting G6s back into showrooms. But the luxury G9 electric SUV is a possible addition. Rear- or all-wheel drive with two battery options, a driving range of up to 680km and loads of included features for an estimated starting price in the region of $70K. Read more Zeekr 8X: Upper mid-sized, plug-in hybrid luxury SUV to sit above the mid-size fully electric 7X and below the flagship three-row 9X. Pairs a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine (205kW/410Nm) with dual electric motors for a combined 660kW/935Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds. A 55kWh or 70kWh battery pack with a 900-volt architecture allows ultra-fast charging and either a 320km or 410km EV driving range. Probable starting price in the $80K band. Read more Zeekr 9X: Ultra-luxury, upper-large, three-row SUV offering a dual- or tri-motor plug-in hybrid system, backed by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a massive battery pack. The result is either 660kW/935Nm of combined power for the two lower variants, or 1030kW/1410Nm for the top-spec car, as well as between 300 and 380km of fully electric driving range. Standard equipment and features are suitably extensive. Expect a starting price just over $100K. Read more