Mazda B4000 Reviews

Mazda's long-awaited 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid engine won't just power the CX-5, but will find its way into the brand's larger products, like the CX-70 and CX-90, when the in-house-developed Skyactiv-Z hybrid set-up arrives next year. Mazda has been chasing its own hybrid solution globally for some time – in the US, the CX-50 Hybrid used a system borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 – and the launch is finally nearing, with 2027 earmarked for the engine to arrive. The first port of call will be the already-confirmed Mazda CX-5 Hybrid, but new reports suggest the engine will then be quickly fitted to other Mazda SUVs, including the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90. In Australia, those models can be had with a choice of 3.3-litre petrol or diesel, both fitted with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. And both models have struggled for sales traction in Australia this year – the 70 has found just 182 buyers, while the 90 has found 470 homes. The CX-5, for contrast, has sold 15,273 units. The CX-60 (3566 sales) and CX-80 (1,931 sales) both offer the additional option of a 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain. That sales result is reflected overseas, and especially in America, where fresh reports have emerged that those models could now borrow the CX-5's powertrain to boost sales. The brand has flagged the expansion in its latest Integrated Report, where its English translation reads: "We will also expand HEVs to four models", before later revealing a roadmap for its in-house hybrid that says it is "considering deployment of component technologies to large models". Mazda has previously flagged the importance of developing its own technology, including in the EV space, rather than relying on partnerships. "If we don't do anything at all...we're going to end up becoming a company which will purchase technology. If we do that, we'll have no value as a Mazda brand," Hiroshi Ozawa, Mazda's Technological Strategy Officer, has told CarsGuide.

Mazda has just updated two of its most popular models in Australia. The Mazda CX-30 small SUV will now start from $34,760, $400 more than before, while the Mazda 3 sedan/hatchback is $300 more expensive from $31,910, both before on-road costs. The CX-30 is the most popular petrol-only small SUV, competing with petrol variants of the Hyundai Kona ($33,700). It’s still cheaper on retail pricing than hybrid-only rivals like the incoming Kia Seltos ($37,990) and the Toyota Corolla Cross ($36,480). The Mazda3 is also competitive with rivals the Kia K4 ($31,990) and Toyota Corolla ($31,110). The new models are available for order now, with deliveries beginning in late October 2026. All Mazda CX-30 and Mazda3 models now come as standard with a 10.25-inch multimedia screen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The brand has also updated its brake support system to detect motorcycles, vehicles turning across traffic and oncoming head-on collisions. It also features collision avoidance assist. Buyers can now choose from an Aero Grey metallic exterior paint, with Ceramic and Zircon Sand metallic colours no longer available. Mazda has added two new grades to the CX-30 line-up, which are the G25 Evolve SP ($42,360) and G25 GT SP ($45,860). They are $5600 and $9100 more than the base grade of the car with the Vision Pack selected. The Vision Pack adds Mazda’s suite of advanced safety features, including a 360-degree camera view and front parking sensors, among other things. The Evolve SP boasts black cloth seats with red stitching, armrest centre console and dashboard, along with a black finish on the 18-inch alloy wheels, mirrors, roof rails and badges. The GT adds a glass sunroof, black leather interior, heated and power-adjustable front seats, as well as 18-inch silver alloy wheels, roof rails and more. Both cars are offered with either a 2.0-litre (G20) or 2.5-litre (G25) naturally-aspirated petrol engine. The G20 produces 114kW and 200Nm, while the G25 makes 139kW and 252Nm. The range-topping G25 Astina ($49,460) is the only grade in the CX-30 line-up to be offered with AWD, while there is no AWD option on the Mazda3.

Mazda has seemingly confirmed its new-generation CX-3 small SUV will feature a mild-hybrid powertrain. This comes as the Japanese carmaker released its latest report outlining initiatives for the medium-to-long term. On a slide indicating the rollout of new Mazda models, the new-generation CX-3 is in the column for mild-hybrids and plug-in hybrid (PHEVs). It’s specifically not in the Skyactiv-Z column, which is Mazda’s forthcoming in-house-developed hybrid powertrain. No details about this mild-hybrid powertrain have been confirmed yet. It’s unclear if the new CX-3 will be mild-hybrid only, but it’s likely pure petrol engines will also be available. Mazda has previously confirmed it will build the new-generation CX-3 exclusively in Thailand. The outgoing model is already produced there, as well as in Japan and Mexico. According to the report, the new CX-3 is in the ‘Phase 2’ section of Mazda’s product roll-out, which is set between 2025 and 2027. This likely means it will be revealed in 2027, given 2026 is almost over. The new CX-3 will reportedly become Mazda’s new entry-level model, replacing the Mazda2. This will likely elevate the entry price to the Mazda line-up. In Australia it’s currently $27,290, before on-road costs for the entry-level Mazda2 G15 Evolve hatchback. The Mazda CX-3 is currently one of the Japanese carmaker’s oldest vehicles and when it’s replaced with the new-generation model it will be 12-years old. Mazda revealed the Vision X Compact concept at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show and it gave some indications of what the new CX-3 will look like. There are elements that are reminiscent of the Chinese-produced Mazda 6e and CX-6e, plus the slab-like body cladding looks like an iteration of the current Mazda 3, CX-30 and CX-5. We’re yet to get an indication of what the new-generation CX-3 will look like, but a number of digital renders have been created.

The Mazda CX-6e Azami tops the electric SUV range in Australia, listing at $56,990. That’s only three grand more than the GT($53,990), but that’s because you don’t get a whole bunch more stuff. Both models get the following as standard: LED lights Panoramic glass roof Black Maztech trim Heated and ventilated front seats A massive 26.45-inch multimedia screen Head-up display Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 21-speaker stereo You do get bigger 21-inch alloys on the Azami, which we like, and digital wing mirrors, which we don’t, so we think the cheaper GT is the better bang-for-bucks purchase here.   There’s a single motor at the rear axle, making 190kW and 290Nm, while its 78kWh LFP battery, producing a WLTP driving range of up to 484kms. The CX-6e is covered by Mazda’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is a little underwhelming by today’s standards, though the battery is covered for eight years or 160,000kms.

The long-awaited hybrid powertrain for the new Mazda CX-5 will be as electrified as the brand's best-selling model gets, with executives confirming there is no plan to develop plug-in hybrid technology for the popular family SUV. The strategy sits in contrast to the Toyota RAV4 – Australia's second-best-selling vehicle last month – which went all hybrid at its last update, and has since been joined by plug-in hybrid power that is available in a number of trim levels. Mazda will instead split its power options across different models essentially occupying the same vehicle category, with the CX-5 retaining petrol-power and eventually conventional hybrid, the CX-60 delivering plug-in hybrid as well as diesel grunt, and the new CX-6e the all-electric option. The CX-6e has already attracted in excess of 2000 expressions of interest from potential Mazda customers. "I can't confirm timing, but as soon as Mazda Corporation launches the (hybrid engine) to the globe, we will get our production allocation slot, and it will arrive," says Mazda Australia MD, Vinesh Bhindi. "But if you look at the market numbers, hybrids have sort of flatlined in terms of percentage...actually battery electric is where the game's at." The local executive confirmed there was no plan to develop a plug-in hybrid solution for the CX-5 – or to allow the recognisable nameplate to borrow a powertrain from another of its SUVs – instead suggesting Mazda's menu-like approach still delivered choice to its consumers. "No (plug-in hybrid) in the CX-5. We've got it in the CX-60," he says. "I suppose if you just look at the segment this car competes in, we are lucky enough and fortunate enough to have three products. And depending on the customer needs, either on powertrain or price or size, we will have options for them. "So we've got a highly efficient internal combustion engine in the new generation CX-5, and we'll have a hybridisation at some point. We've got a battery EV CX-6E. "And then in CX-60, we've got four options, from ICE to hybrid to plug-in hybrid. So we think we are very fortunate to cover it all."

Holden versus Ford was the rivalry that defined the Australian car industry for decades. Whether it was in the driveways around the country or on the racetrack, like this weekend’s Bathurst 1000, for generations Aussies picked a side - red or blue. But while Ford and General Motors (via Chevrolet) are still competing at Mt Panorama, the fire has well and truly gone out of the contest between the two sides. While Ford remains a popular brand, with Holden gone and General Motors now fragmented into Chevy, Cadillac and GMC, there’s no direct competition. So what is Australia’s new car rivalry? There are several options, but in an ever-shifting new car market it can be tricky to pin down just one specific head-to-head battle. So here are a list of our contenders for the replacement of Holden v Ford - let us know your favourite (or suggest your own) in the comments or join the debate on social media. The Holden v Ford contest was defined by Commodore against Falcon, at least it was for decades. These days the two most popular new vehicles have traditionally been the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, so it makes sense to pit these two against each other. Ford’s Everest also gives Toyota’s Prado a hard time in the battle for Australian SUV buyers looking for adventure. And the Mustang and GR Supra are now rivals on track, competing against each other in the Supercars. But, the argument against this being the new Aussie grudge match is Ford simply doesn’t have enough competition against the rest of Toyota’s expansive range. Ford sales have fallen off notably in 2026 (down 14 per cent at the end of September), while Toyota remains on top. Even before Holden’s demise, Toyota had emerged as the benchmark in the Australian car industry. Such was its dominance, capturing nearly a quarter of the new car market each year, that it seemed nobody could challenge it for top spot on the sales charts. But in 2026, BYD has emerged as the surprise new contender, not only for a top five spot, but actually the clear number two brand - ahead of Kia, Ford, Mazda and all the rest. BYD sales have more than doubled in ‘26, as its line-up of electric and plug-in hybrid models clearly hits the spot with what Australian buyers are looking for. Perhaps even more so than Toyota’s limited all-electric and conventional hybrid offerings. Toyota remains comfortably ahead, as in nearly double the amount of sales ahead. So it may take a few more years for Toyota to get nervous about losing the sales lead, but it seems like BYD is the most likely challenger for the crown. If we’re looking to the future perhaps this will come to be the defining contest for the hearts and purchases for Australians in years to come. The pair have locked in a battle for the best-selling electric vehicle in recent years, although the American brand looks to comfortably claim that honour this year thanks to the boom in Model Y sales. But as Australians seemingly embrace electrification, these two brands have clearly impressed plenty of buyers with what they are offering. Whether or not they can both become best-selling brands, especially Tesla with its limited line-up, remains to be seen and that will define how far into the Australian psyche this rivalry ingrains itself. While it’s clearly not the same as the Holden v Ford contest of one brand against another, there is very clearly a new divide in Australia between the so-called ‘legacy brands’ and the new order of Chinese car makers. The likes Toyota, Kia, Mazda and Hyundai have been the Aussie favourites since the Holden/Ford dominance faded - and, in fact, the rise of these brands undoubtedly played a role in the downfall of Holden. But in recent years, especially 2026, they have come under pressure. BYD, GWM, Chery and MG have now cemented themselves in the top 10 selling brands, pushing the likes of Mitsubishi, Subaru, Nissan and Volkswagen down the sales charts. As I’ve previously written, Australians are more brand agnostic than ever before and have embraced these new Chinese brands remarkably quickly. But there are clearly still many who prefer to stick to brand names they know and have experience with. This divide, between those that appreciate the establishment and those who are happy to try the new, could very much come to define the next decade of car culture in Australia. What do you think is the new Holden v Ford? Let us know in the comments or join the debate on social media.

The Mazda CX-6e range opens with the GT, which lists at $53,990 before on-road costs, and is — in our opinion — the pick of the two-grade line-up. That’s because, aside from bigger alloys and annoying digital wing mirrors, it gets the same and pretty generous equipment as the flagship Azami. That includes things like: 19-inch alloys LED lights Panoramic glass roof Black Maztech trim Heated and ventilated front seats A massive 26.45-inch multimedia screen Head-up display Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 21-speaker stereo There’s a single motor at the rear axle, making 190kW and 290Nm, while its 78kWh LFP battery, producing a WLTP driving range of up to 484kms.

The CX-6e is the second model to arrive in the Mazda's recent EV push, and it gives the brand a model to go head to head with top-selling EVs like the Tesla Model Y and the Zeekr 7X. And, like both those rivals, the CX-6e is produced in China, through Mazda's partnership with Changan. We put it to the test at is Australian launch to see how it measures up.

Falling diesel sales and a contracting, and increasingly competitive, ute market won't deter Mazda from launching an all-new BT-50 in Australia, with the brand confirming a new ute is coming. That puts Mazda on a collision course with its traditional rivals, the Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max, as well as newcomers the BYD Shark 6 and Chery Stockman. Asked if Mazda still needed a BT-50, given the increased competition now fighting for smaller total sales, the brand's local MD, Vinesh Bhindi, replied: "yes". Asked if that meant a new one was coming, likely around 2028, he again replied: "yes". CarsGuide spoke to the chief designer of the new CX-6e, Eiji Kimoto, who also designed the current BT-50 and is working on its replacement. Asked if the new model would be a significant design departure from the current model, Mr Kimoto was guarded in his response. "I am not allowed to speak much about the future product, but I can tell you, please look forward to it," he said. Mazda essentially has two options for the next BT-50. The first is the continuation of its partnership with Isuzu, with the current BT-50 a twin under the skin of the D-Max. That would almost certainly lock in diesel as the powertrain, with Isuzu confirming work is still under way on future electrified powertrains through the company's Earth Lab, but no final direction has been decided and is in its infancy. The second option would be an expansion of Mazda's relationship with China's Changan, which it sources the all-electric 6e and CX-6e. That could give it access to the Changan Hunter K50 - a petrol-plug in hybrid ute fitted with a 43.47kWh lithium-ion battery pack, promising an NEDC-rated range of 192km (estimated 150km WLTP), and a total range of over 1000km. It is a REEV, rather than a traditional plug-in hybrid, meaning its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is used only to recharge the battery or provide power to the electric motor, rather than drive the wheels themselves.

If you’re an EV buyer in 2026, you need to know about this.  The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has revealed the state of play for electric and plug-in hybrid cars in Australia in 2026.  This is the 10th year of the ‘State of EVs’ report as more buyers bought EVs than ever before Down Under.  The report analysed the 2025-26 financial year, and how buyer trends and infrastructure, among other things, have changed in that time.  It called for several policy reforms, including targeted equity-based policy to assist economically-disadvantaged Aussies reap the benefits of EV driving. Australia’s charging landscape is diverse, it is also complex and fragmented and needs major investment, according to the report.  In June 2026, there were 4268 public charging locations, which is 235 per cent more than June 2025 There were 11,602 public charge points in June 2026, up 175 per cent compared to June 2025 The EVC said there needs to be more research into how owners charge EVs and where they need them most.  “Australia still needs substantial public charging investment, but the task is not as simple as just installing more fast chargers,” the report reads.   “Most charging happens where vehicles already park—at homes, apartment buildings, workplaces, destinations, kerbsides and depots.” The report calls for a nationally-coordinated charging roadmap and scaled infrastructure deployment. This news comes after NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury told CarsGuide in December 2025 Australia’s charging infrastructure was lagging behind.  “We’re nowhere near. We’ve got nowhere near enough public charging,” NRMA spokesperson Khoury said.  “There are lots of areas that don’t have energy that comes from outside the energy grid so you’ve got to create energy sources at those locations.” The EVC is calling for the government to implement a range of new rules in Australia.  It wants a targeted equity-based policy to help all Australians use EVs and take advantage of the cost savings with EV adoption. The report states that EVs have lower running costs than petrol- and diesel-powered cars, with less maintenance, seeing a typical driver saving roughly $3000 per year.  The EVC said this figure did not include the substantial increases to fuel prices in 2026, with savings calculated today even higher.  It said the federal government needs to implement an updated New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) for cars sold beyond 2029 to align with 2035 emissions reduction targets.  NVES is a set of emissions rules that imposes fines on cars sold that emit high levels of CO2 into the atmosphere.  Developing a car takes a brand several years to complete, meaning carmakers need to know the rules these models will need to follow. It also said there should be a national road-user charge that does not deter EV uptake. This would differ from the current system proposed by the New South Wales government from 2027 that the EVC said would slow EV sales. The New South Wales government wants a road user charge to make up for lost fuel excise revenue and ensure all road users contribute to maintenance.  The EVC found a fully-electric or PHEV car was bought every 100 seconds on average in the first half of 2026, with one in four new car sales using an electric powertrain. The report reads cost-of-living pressures, soaring fuel prices and greater EV choice has contributed to a sharp increase in electric car uptake in 2026.  Fully-electric and PHEV sales accounted for 25.8 per cent of new car sales up to June 2026, increasing from 12.1 per cent up to June 2025 There are 196 combined full EV and PHEV models on sale, compared to 153 models in 2025 There were 157,957 electric and PHEV sales in H1 2026, up 177 per cent from H1 2025 Australia’s EV uptake is now in line with the global average, according to the International Energy Agency “So, at a time when fuel prices are fluctuating and cost-of-living continues to bite, it’s no surprise that EVs have become a popular choice,” the report states.  “As of June 2026, drivers have never had a greater choice of EVs in Australia.” Australia recently got its new cheapest electric car in the BYD Atto 1 that is being offered from $19,990 (drive-away) until December, 15 2026.