Mazda E2000 Reviews

Mazda has confirmed that other electric vehicles (EV) are in the pipeline for Australia in the near future – and it could wear the CX-4e name.To arrive sometime from next year at the very earliest, one of the most important models will likely be a smaller SUV than the CX-6e mid-sized SUV that will launch in September or October of this year.Like that, as well as the 6e mid-sized liftback, it will be based on an existing Deepal model from Chinese partner, Changan, and will also be built there exclusively for export to the rest of the world.Which model that will be is the big question.Speculation is rife that the model in question will be derived from the Deepal S05 that is also slated for Australia before the end of this year.However, another contender could be an EV based upon the Changan Nevo Q05, which was confirmed for launch in right-hand-drive guise for the Thai and UK markets late last year as the Changan E06.This opens up the door for distribution here.According to Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi, a number of options are on the table for Australia within the joint venture the Japanese brand has with Changan.“We’re looking at potentially other products out of the partnership,” he told CarsGuide.“Size, powertrains etcetera, it’s too early for us to confirm. But we think there is more opportunity for more products from the Changan joint venture.”Released in China in 2024, the Deepal S05 is a smaller version of the slow-selling S07 mid-sized SUV – which is what the CX-6e is built upon – released in Australia last year.The Changan Nevo Q05/E06 is an EV about the size of a Kia EV3, and is been specifically designed for European consumer tastes.Either model would be ideal candidates for Australia – and both may end up here anyway.Whichever smaller electrified crossover from Changan/Deepal ends up here, they would give Mazda its biggest volume potential in the hotly competitive small and medium SUV EV markets.Not only would they take on big sellers that are also from China, including the BYD Atto 2 and Atto 3, Jaecoo J5 EV, Geely EX5 and MG S5, but also the Kia EV3 from South Korea and Skoda Elroq from Volkswagen Group’s Czechia arm.A smaller SUV EV from China would sit alongside the long-anticipated replacement for the long-in-the-tooth CX-3, which is in its 11 year on sale in Australia and counting.“We are working on a CX-3 replacement and there will be replacements for other small cars,” Bhindi added.“It’s a bit too early on when or what they will look like.“In terms of priority CX-5 was the major one, because globally it a big segment offering that we have.“The next one after that is delivering on the Mazda hybrid system (due in Australia from 2028 in the much-anticipated CX-5 hybrid) and it will be quite amazing when it arrives.“And after that there are the other partnership cars like battery EVs from our partnership with Changan,“But then, within that, there is a priority list of smaller cars and sedans and SUVs. But that will evolve within the coming years and there will be more transparency.”Lots of words, and hopefully to be followed by a lot more action.Watch this space.

The Mazda CX-5 GT SP is the sporty spice in the mid-sized SUV range from Japan, with racier trim to go with higher equipment levels, a bigger body, roomier interior and larger cargo area.Kicking off from $51,990 before on-road costs, the GT SP does not gain any more performance over its siblings, but it does include little luxuries like adaptive LED headlights, specific grade lighting, a 360-degree monitor with under-car view, leather trim, a powered front passenger seat, heated rear outboard seats, a 12-speaker Bose audio upgrade, ambient lighting, rear USB ports, glossier trim and 19-inch alloys.These come on top of items like dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a powered driver’s seat with memory, a head-up display, heated windscreen, heated steering wheel, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch instrumentation cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a smartphone charger, heated/folding exterior mirrors, parking sensors all round, a powered tailgate and 19-inch alloys.The GT SP does not scrimp on safety either, with advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane support systems, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control and more.Keep in mind that while the GT SP features the same G25 132kW/242Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, those numbers rise to 138kW and 257Nm respectively with premium unleaded petrol.Drive is distributed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission and part-time AWD system that, in Sport mode, distributes torque more evenly for more grip.As with all CX-5s with the G25 powertrain, the combined average fuel consumption figure is 7.4 litres per 100km, for a carbon-dioxide emissions rating of 173g/km on the ADR 81/02 cycle. The engine is tuned to operate on 91 RON standard unleaded petrol.From 2028 the Mazda will gain its first strong hybrid, to better take on the Toyota RAV4 hybrid and Nissan X-Trail e-Power.It is a shame that the old G35 2.5-litre turbo engine is not offered in the GT SP.

The Mazda CX-5 Touring is the mid-spec version of the third generation of the series, and presents a compelling premium value proposition that should prove popular with consumers.Priced from $47,490 before on-road costs, the Touring is well specified, with AWD, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, artificial leather/suede trim, powered driver’s seat with memory, a head-up display, heated windscreen, rear-seat air vents, a reverse camera, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch instrumentation cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a smartphone charger, heated/folding exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry/start, a powered tailgate, heated steering wheel, roof rails and 19-inch alloys.It also comes with a long list of standard safety equipment, including advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane support systems, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control and more.Like all KM-series CX-5s, the Touring is larger, roomier and heavier, and so is fitted with Mazda’s G25 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, rather than the smaller G20 powertrain.It delivers 132kW of power and 242Nm of torque. It drives all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission and part-time AWD system.Want more performance? Try using the premium unleaded petrol pump next time you fill, since power rises to 138kW and torque to 257Nm.The Touring returns 7.4 litres per 100km, for a carbon dioxide emissions rating of 173g/km, on the ADR 81/02 cycle, and can run on 91 RON standard unleaded petrol.A new hybrid model is coming from 2028 for those who demand lower fuel consumption.Along with the G20 engine, the G35 2.5-litre turbo-petrol and D22 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder units have been discontinued.

China’s Changan has updated its range-extender hybrid (REEV) dual-cab ute for 2026 with more power and a larger battery.The Changan Hunter K50 is now available with a 43.47kWh lithium-ion battery pack which allows for a NEDC-claimed electric range of 192km and a total range of over 1000km.This is more electric range than any plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute currently on offer in Australia, including the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ford Ranger Hybrid.For context, the Hunter K50 is still offered with the previous 31.18kWh lithium-ion battery pack in certain variants which allows for 131km of NEDC-claimed electric range.Once the battery charge is depleted, it’s topped up by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that acts as a generator and doesn’t directly power the wheels.Instead there are either one or two electric motors sending power to the wheels. The former is rear-wheel-drive only, whereas the latter has one on each axle, providing all-wheel drive.The extended-range, dual-motor version now has a more powerful total system output of 240kW. The standard-range variant produces 200kW.Another tweak with this model year update includes more robust vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities at up to 22kW. This is up from 3.3kW.At this stage it’s unclear whether this extended-range version of the Hunter K50 will be offered outside of China, however the pre-update, standard-range version is already offered in South Africa.This means there is already a right-hand-drive version of this ute, which suggests a potential Australian launch could be made easier.Changan currently doesn’t sell any of its vehicles in Australia under its namesake brand, however its Deepal brand is currently imported and distributed by Inchcape.In fact, Changan sells a Deepal-branded version of this REEV ute in Thailand already, which is another right-hand-drive market.Additionally, Changan has already rebadged a number of its vehicles as Mazdas as part of its Changan Mazda joint-venture company. These include the Mazda 6e and CX-6e which are both launching in Australia soon.While neither company has confirmed this, a Mazda-branded version of this range-extender ute may be under development as a low-emissions equivalent or successor to the Isuzu D-Max-based Mazda BT-50, which is made in Thailand.It’s worth noting that while Isuzu has already detailed an electric version of the D-Max, Mazda hasn’t done the same with the BT-50. It’s still only diesel-powered.Mazda Australia executives recently shot down claims that it was working on a Mazda-badged version of the Deepal E07 electric ute/SUV.For now we’ll have to wait and see when and what form this ute takes if it comes to Australia.

The Mazda CX-5 Evolve is the second least-expensive third-generation version of the KM-series mid-sized SUV.

The Mazda CX-5 Pure is the least expensive version of the third-generation mid-sized SUV from Japan.Kicking off from $39,990 before on-road costs, it is more than $3000 more expensive than the previous CX-5 Maxx front-wheel drive it replaces, but sweetens the deal with a larger and significantly roomier body, bigger engine, all-wheel drive (AWD), improved safety and more comfortable suspension.The Pure AWD comes standard with a 12.9-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch electronic instrumentation cluster, wired only Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse camera, cloth trim, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloy wheels with a space-saver spare wheel.On the safety front it features a host of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), front as well as rear cross-traffic alert, lane support systems, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control and more.However, compared to the old CX-5 Maxx, the Pure loses a wireless phone charger, wireless connection for the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto system and a head-up display.The Pure swaps out the old Maxx’s G20 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and front-wheel drive for the larger G25 2.5-litre engine/AWD combination. That makes 132kW of power and 242Nm of torque, and drives all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.If you put in premium petrol (95 RON or above), those outputs jump to 138kW and 257Nm respectively.Though it weighs at least 60kg more than the previous CX-5 AWD equivalent, the Pure boasts an identical ADR 81/02 combined average fuel consumption figure of 7.4 litres per 100km, for a carbon dioxide emissions rating of 173g/km. It can run on standard 91 RON unleaded petrol.Want better economy? You’ll have to wait, since a new-generation strong hybrid system is slated for the CX-5 from 2028. As with the rest of the KM-series range, the Pure offers no other powertrain options, meaning the D22 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and G35 turbo-petrol engine alternatives are no more.

Mazda is preparing a hybrid-led onslaught with a difference, starting with its most popular model in the world, the CX-5.The all-new, in-house-developed 2.5-litre SkyActiv-Z petrol-electric hybrid technology will be unveiled sometime later next year, ahead of an Australian launch in 2028, and will supplant the current, G25 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol/all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain, democratising the technology for the masses.Mazda has already signalled the high performance/low consumption dual capabilities of this Euro-7 emissions-meeting hybrid.This means it could potentially replace two powertrains that have already been retired in the new KM-series CX-5: the G35 2.5-litre turbo-petrol internal combustion engine (ICE) flagship, as well as the slow-selling D22 2.2-litre turbo-diesel that was dropped in 2023.But we now understand that the SkyActiv-Z’s thermal-efficiency and ultra-lean combustion breakthroughs suggest that it may not need to rely as much on heavy electrification tech like batteries, motors and inverters.It could end up being a lighter, simpler and more cost-effective solution to a traditional hybrid set-up like Toyota’s.This may allow for multiple versions and applications for the SkyActiv-Z tech, including one that could fill in for the discontinued G20 2.0-litre front-wheel drive powertrain in the 2028 CX-5 line-up as the series opener. That honour currently resides with the new G25 Pure AWD from $39,990 before on-road costs.According to Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi the intention is to make the CX-5 hybrid as competitive as it can be in the market so there will be no limitations placed in terms of accessibility or reach.“We haven’t locked down any specifications on front-wheel or all-wheel drive,” he explained to CarsGuide.“But I can confirm that we will have a more broad offering, as opposed to limiting (hybrid) to either the mid or high series (grades).“We will have a broad offering of the hybrid technology.”Whether the SkyActiv-Z hybrids render the remaining G25 2.5-litre unit obsolete remains to be seen.Given this has been the mainstay engine of the earlier CX-5 generations since 2013 in Australia (accounting for nearly 60 per cent of total volume last year), it will likely enjoy a stay of execution for some time yet to come.This is despite the big four-cylinder petrol engine’s advancing years and comparatively high emissions and the potential penalties that Mazda Australia will face keeping it on sale here due to the increasingly-stringent New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).“But, alongside (the coming CX-5 hybrids), we think there will be a market for ICE for a long period yet,” Bhindi added. “Pure ICE.“And the way we're looking at it is, when you look at Mazda's portfolio of what we offer and will offer in the medium SUV segment, we will cater for the three categories of customers that I think will generally be available in the marketplace.“There will be a category that will say, ‘what's the most efficient?’ And that'll be battery electric vehicle (EV), and our CX-6e will be a very compelling option in the marketplace.“On the other side, we will have CX-5 ICE along with the hybrid, and then we also will have CX-60, which is offered in four powertrains – a 2.5L petrol, the inline six-cylinder diesel, inline six-cylinder petrol, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).”Bhindi believes offering a wide spectrum of choice gives Mazda the unique opportunity to tailor the sort of hybrids that will work best for the CX-5.“The reason why we have asked the program team to design something different to what's available in the marketplace with a hybrid,” he explained.“Because we have that broad coverage, and we want something that will be… special for Mazda customers, and that takes time and resources for the engineers to work out.”While Mazda Motor Corporation CX-5 Program Manager, Koichiro Yamaguchi, declined to divulge specific details about the hybrid, he did reiterate how on-brand it will be.“We want to make sure that our hybrid system delivers excellent performance elements, but we want to make sure that this is a very uniquely Mazda signature hybrid system that you will enjoy driving,” he told CarsGuide via an interpreter.“It should be a fun-to-drive hybrid.”With a back catalogue that includes the RX-8 rotary grand-touring sports car, wildly-successful second-generation (BL-series) 3/Axela small car and well-received CX-30 small SUV, the hybrid is in good hands with the 34-year Mazda veteran.“The SkyActiv-Z engine will match the technology of the gasoline engines… and at low revs-per-minute driving situations an electric system will strongly support this engine, and make sure that the fuel economy of this engine will satisfy customer expectations,” Yamaguchi-san said.“And we’re also pursuing Mazda’s unique signature driving fun, as that is something we are sticking to.”Asked if SkyActiv-Z will be a traditional series-parallel hybrid set-up like Toyota’s, more of a range-extender EV set-up as per the Nissan e-Power hybrid, or an in-between arrangement like Honda’s e:HEV, Yamaguchi said it will be its own thing.“Our system will be similar to none of those,” he revealed.“We are trying to get similar characteristics to the series-parallel system. But we are also aiming to offer a hybrid that has a driver-focused feeling, with an instant connection that is very good for the driver.”

Mazda's CX-5 has become a mid-sized SUV favourite since launching in 2012, setting high standards for sportiness, quality, ease and reliability. Now there's the third-generation model that's usefully larger, roomier, safer, smoother and comfier than before. But it also lacks a hybrid, costs more, offers fewer choices and ditches buttons for a touchscreen display.

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 moreBentley 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 moreBMW 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 moreBMW 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 moreBYD 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 moreChery 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 moreCupra 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 moreDeepal 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 moreFerrari 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 moreGeely 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 moreGenesis 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 moreGWM 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 moreHonda 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 moreHyundai 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 moreIsuzu 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 moreJeep 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 moreKGM 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 moreKia 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 moreLeapmotor 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 moreLexus 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 moreMazda 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 moreMercedes-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 moreMG 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 moreMitsubishi 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 moreNissan 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 moreOmoda 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 morePolestar 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 morePorsche 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 moreRenault 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 moreSmart #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 moreToyota 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 moreVolkswagen 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 moreXPeng 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 moreZeekr 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 moreZeekr 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

Mazda has taken more steps away from electric cars, announcing a trial for its biodiesel fuel in Japan, and it could be a game-changer in Australia.Biodiesel is considered a renewable fuel made up of vegetable and used cooking oils, among other organic materials.The trial will take place towards the end of 2026.It will be conducted between the brand’s Hofu, Nishinoura district plant and Nakanoseki finished vehicle yard - a distance of 12km.It will assess fuel efficiency, performance and operational challenges to collect insights with a view to further expansion. The transport trailers used in the trial will operate under conditions equivalent to conventional diesel fuel, which includes maintenance and inspection practices. Mazda is already considering the logistics of a full integration for the fuel system, working with distributors in Japan to develop supply systems and infrastructure. It said it is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality across its range by 2050, with these plans coming at an important time for the brand in Australia.The brand finds itself behind in the electrified vehicle race, which has seen it on the cusp of copping substantial emissions-related fines.It has sought to rectify this with the introduction of the fully-electric Mazda 6e sedan and Mazda CX-6e SUV Down Under.This biodiesel fuel push is further evidence of Mazda's recent venture into non-EV clean emissions alternatives.It recently confirmed the push back of its own electric car plans in favour of hybrids.It is too early to tell whether biodiesel will become an established part of Mazda's lineup, but a trial shows there is potential.Mazda Australia has been contacted for comment to see if there are any plans for biodiesel technology to be introduced and what impact this could have on EVs. Mazda currently offers diesel set-ups in some of its bigger SUVs such as the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90, as well as the BT-50 ute. A fully-integrated biodiesel-powered BT-50 could give Mazda the edge over conventional diesel rivals. These diesel powerhouses have experienced challenges in maintaining towing and carrying capacities with cleaner set-ups.Ford recently announced its Ranger utes have biodiesel capacity, including a fleet of units that run on this fuel at Melbourne Airport. The Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid has had a tepid sales response with its lesser payload, while the incoming Hilux EV will only have a driving range of less than 300km