Mazda RX-3 Reviews

The Aussie EV switch is in full swing. Electric car sales have skyrocketed in Australia in 2026, and it has seen some record-breaking figures.  Electric cars outsold petrol- and diesel-powered cars individually for the first time in a single month in August 2026. EVs repeated that success in September 2026, but only bested petrol in October after diesel surged back ahead. Plenty of EVs have jumped up the sales charts in 2026, so here is a look at the 25 best-selling EVs through 10 months of the year. The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling EV in the world, and Australia is no exception.  The mid-size SUV is approaching the 40,000 sales mark for 2026, which is nearly 5000 more than the Toyota RAV4 (35,927) has managed. The BYD Sealion 7 claimed second place on this list with more than 22,000 units sold up to October 2026.  BYD’s mid-size SUV is the brand’s most successful model and has provided competition for the Model Y, boasting year-on-year growth of almost 130 per cent.  The Geely EX5 is currently sitting in third place at more than 14,500 sales, while the Zeekr 7X rounds out the top four with 12,241. The Jaecoo J5 EV is currently occupying fifth position (10,266), while the sixth-placed BYD Atto 2 small SUV (9126) is followed by the Tesla Model 3, which is one of only three sedans in the top 25.  Kia’s EV5 (5175) and EV3 (5045) SUV duo take up eighth and 10th spot, with the BYD Atto 3 sandwiched between the pair (5070).  The EV3 and EV5 have been crucial to Kia’s increased EV presence in Australia, because the rest of its electric line-up hasn't reached 1000 units sold collectively so far in 2026. The BYD Atto 1 became Australia’s cheapest new car on sale, currently available with a drive-away deal of $19,990 until December 15, 2026.  It's sold nearly 5000 examples up to October 2026. Geely’s EX2 hatchback is another ultra-affordable EV option, and hit the Australian market in August 2026, already proving popular with Aussie buyers.  The EX2 recently surpassed one million cumulative global sales in October 2026, and it has had a similar impact in Australia, already registering more than 4300 sales.  The MG4 Urban also joined the Australian market early in 2026 as a cheaper, front-wheel drive alternative to the MG4. MG has shifted 4233 examples of the MG4 Urban in 2026 so far, which is more than the BYD Dolphin (3894).  The BYD Seal is another electric sedan putting up competitive sales numbers, registering 4167 sales, as one of few sedan models to experience growth in 2026. Further down the list is Toyota’s bZ4X (3333), followed by the MG4 (2711), with the MG S5 next up (2670).  Chery’s E5 has managed 2056 sales, while the XPeng G6 (1673) is doing better under the brand’s new factory-backed operation Down Under.  Zeekr dropped the price of its X small SUV in April 2026, and it has seen a strong sales response, with 1635 units sold, equating to a 167.6 per cent increase year-on-year compared to October 2025. Hyundai’s Kona EV has shifted 1567 examples, while the European-built Volvo EX30 (1558) and Volkswagen ID.4 (1440) also sneak into the top 25.  The Mazda 6e has been the 25th best-selling car so far in 2026, with 1390 sales, as the Japanese brand looks to turn around impending fines under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard.   

Electric vehicles are hot. Last month, almost one in four registrations were EVs. That’s more than three times the rate from the previous October. Whether it is because of soaring fuel prices, more government incentives, greater choice or better charging infrastructure, Australia currently sits in seventh place for EV sales, up from 19 last year. But not everybody wants a BYD Atto 1 Essential, even at $19,990 drive-away. And not everybody can afford (or wants) a Tesla Model Y (from $59,000), Zeekr 7X (from $58,000), BYD Sealion 7 (from $55,000) or Geely EX5 (from $42,000). Luckily, the early adopters from the first half of this decade that took the plunge when sales of EVs were just a trickle have moved to newer pastures, presumably with bigger batteries and better range. Here are our top six cheap used EV buys under $25,000. Note that while all can be had with fewer than 80,000km, none come with a spare wheel. Boo! Don’t laugh. The MX-30 makes a great used-car buy, especially if you’re seeking something different, refined and luxurious. Revealed in 2019, the MX-30 was essentially a coupe version of the far-more successful CX-30 small SUV. The thinking behind the E35 EV version was sound: a small, “right-sized” battery that traded long-distance range for faster charging, lighter weight for optimised efficiency and better driveability. With just 200km of WLTP range as a result, buyers stayed away. Barely more than 100 units were said to be sold in Australia. Low-range aside, the Mazda stands out with off-beat styling, featuring clap-hand doors, RX-8 sports car style. With a motor up front driving the front wheels, the MX-30 EV’s performance is modest but ultra-smooth, the steering’s sweet and the ride is supple. And there’s even decent practicality in the beautifully crafted interior, once you get past the fiddly rear-hinged back doors and hemmed-in (though sufficiently spacious) back seat. The boot is reasonably roomy, too. All local MX-30 E35 models are in Astina specification, meaning high equipment levels, including Bose audio, sat-nav, a leatherette/suede-like upholstery with beautiful textile trim, a head-up display, sunroof and a full suite of driver-assist safety for a five-star crash-test rating. Most people bought the far-cheaper G20e instead, with fewer frills and a conventional 2.0-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine version. Today, with a $25,000 budget able to secure a clean, fairly low-kilometre example of Mazda’s first global EV, the smart money’s on the MX-30 E35. A quality, quirky curio whose time has finally come. Still arguably one of China’s most accomplished cars, the MG4 was designed and engineered in the UK for European tastes, and it shows. Leagues ahead of the brand’s awful original ZS EV SUV, this small five-door hatch isn’t just about sleek good looks. Underneath is a sophisticated, dedicated EV architecture, with the electric motor over the back axle, driving the rear wheels. At our price point, battery sizes will be either the base 51kWh (350km WLTP) or mid-spec 64kWh (452km WLTP). Clever aerodynamics really help with efficiency here. In keeping with the MG’s sporty past, acceleration is punchy, the steering sharp, the handling direct and the ride firm but forgiving. This is a spirited car to chuck around. The big interior is pared back but functional, though the climate control’s lack of physical buttons is frustrating, while the back seat is fairly basic. Yet, falling within our budget, the MG4 is a smart, fun drive that has yet to be matched by newer Chinese alternatives. Great value from about $22,000. Sadly not the ground-breaking Ioniq 5, but the earlier, five-door hatchback series that looked like a 2010s Toyota Prius. Available in a hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and Electric guises, the original Ioniq was a taster of the formidable global presence that the Hyundai Motor Group would become heading into this decade. Though the Series 1 Electric was only launched in Australia in late 2018 (two years after the rest of the world), we’re only interested in the Series II facelift from late 2019, since it gained substantial improvements, including a water-cooled battery pack than the earlier air-cooled item, promising dramatically better longevity. Range from a larger battery (up from 28kWh to 38.3kWh) jumped up from 204km to 311km WLTP, aided by single-pedal regenerative braking driving, whilst performance aspects were also updated, along with a now far-more modern interior. Unexciting to look at and smooth but dull to drive, the AE2 Ioniq Electric nonetheless makes for an accessible, versatile, dependable and low-cost EV runabout. Prices start from about $20,000. Much the same applies to the related first-gen Kona Electric small SUV of the same era. However, the small SUV brought a larger, 64kWh extended range battery option, which pushed the WLTP figure out to a 449km in the first versions and a handy 484km in the facelifted Series II models from mid-2021. That typically adds about 20 per cent to the price, just making our budget cap. Cheaper as a used car nowadays than the older BMW i3 that donated some of its progressive EV technology, the Cooper SE is a cracker of a runabout. A gutsy (135kW) electric motor delivers plenty of power to the front wheels, while the terrific little chassis (derived from the petrol previous-gen Mini) is tuned for zippy agility and fun. Underneath is a compact 32.6kWh battery, providing a sufficient 233km of WLTP range. As with all BMW-era Mini three-door hatchbacks, the Cooper SE’s snug four-person interior is a mish-mash of ‘60s-era retro pastiche and high-tech luxury, with bucket seats up front, a tight second row and tiny boot area. This is about as enjoyable as EVs get at our price point, starting from about $23,000 nowadays. Building on from the historic ZE0 original that became history’s first modern production EV (as well as its best-ever seller until the Tesla Model 3 usurped it by the end of last decade), the second-gen Leaf drives better than its homely styling suggests. Nissan’s experience and smarts translates to an easy, friendly and likeable EV. WLTP range is reasonable at 270km, but the sportier and better equipped Leaf e+ ratchets that up to 385km. It’s a shame that the battery remained air-cooled, meaning it may suffer from premature degradation in hot climates. Yet, from comfortably under $20,000 for a low-kilometre example, the Japanese EV deserves a look-in if it’s a cheap EV you seek.

Stepping into another person’s shoes is never easy. But a motoring journo is doing that at least 90 per cent of the time. I, James Cleary, may not be in the target market for a compact electric city car, but when I’m behind the wheel of a BYD Atto 1 or Geely EX2 I do my best to inhabit the mindset of someone who is. Similarly, a Lamborghini Temerario may be well beyond my pay grade and appear hugely expensive relative to my bank balance. But to someone lining up to add that tasty wedge of Italian exotica to their collection, it almost certainly won’t be. And that ‘getting into the customer mindset’ thing occurred to me in a slightly different way over the course of a recent week with the Mazda CX-6e Azami. Careful management has helped Mazda build an enviable reputation in this country over six decades, focusing on a top-shelf, customer-focused retail network handling the sales and service of an ever-improving range of price-competitive, quality products. To the point where I’ve attended events in other parts of the world where senior execs from rival brands have sidled up and asked me why Mazda’s been so successful in Australia (while it hasn't always been elsewhere). Which brings us back to the CX-6e. The 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV mid-size pure-electric siblings are the product of Mazda’s 50:50 joint-venture with Chinese giant Changan. Imported from China, aside from anything else, they’re an expedient, Deepal-based way to get on the EV wave and help Mazda grapple with the impacts of the federal government’s NVES (New Vehicle Efficiency Standard) scheme. To a loyal Mazda customer, keen to go EV for the first time, either would appear to be the perfect choice. They're sleek, well equipped, sharply priced relative to alternate options like the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y and most importantly, they wear the Mazda logo on the nose. So, put yourself in the shoes of that Mazda loyalist. You trust the dealer because they’ve always been good to you. You’re happy after the routine test drive, you’re up to speed on the whole charging thing and you decide to treat yourself by opting for the top shelf CX-6e Azami at $59,990, drive-away. The new car smell is intoxicating, as always. But once that starts to fade, the realisation hits. Despite everything that drew you to this car in the first place, it’s not as enjoyable as you thought it would be. For a start, the ride is firm. Like, really firm. Every little imperfection in the road surface makes it through to your backside. Cresting a decent speed bump causes major upheaval. Much as you want to, you can’t un-notice it. The suspension appears to be tuned to manage the CX-6e's just over 2.1-tonne weight without enough attention paid to compliance. The family isn’t happy. Then other niggles start to emerge. The flush door handles that pull out at a roughly 35-degree angle are an ergonomic challenge; an issue compounded by surprisingly heavy doors. The camera-based mirrors, interior and external, that seemed so novel and high-tech at first have become more trouble than they’re worth. With no natural depth of field, the interior rearview always takes your eyes half a beat to pull focus on, while the screens in the front doors for the side views also lack depth and feel like tech for tech’s sake. The broad, offset-to-the-left multimedia screen looks impressive, but almost as soon as your eyes leave the road to focus on the in-screen ventilation controls or audio set-up you receive a curt rap over the knuckles from the car telling you to pay attention and keep your eyes on the road. That’s annoying, so you decide you want to turn that function off, as well as the incessant over-speed warning and overly attentive fatigue warning. And you can, after shuffling through screens, but the system defaults them back to on. After. Every. Drive. And speaking of the climate control system. On a hot, late spring day it takes its sweet time to cool the cabin or respond to auto temperature inputs. What on Earth is going on? The more you live with it, the less the CX-6e feels like a Mazda. The interior layout, even details like the typefaces used across the car and in the screens don’t align with the rest of the Mazda range or the examples you’ve previously owned. You’re confused and starting to fall out of love with the CX-6e. And despite the positive experiences you’ve had with Mazda over a long period, your affection for the brand is in jeopardy, too. And that’s the ‘customer mindset’ thought that struck me during a week-long stint in the CX-6e. How bad would it feel to sense you intensely dislike a car you thought you’d love? And are this model’s shortcomings enough to turn even loyal customers off buying another Mazda? Could what seemed like a clever short-cut to EV options in the local Mazda line-up be a damaging misstep in terms of brand reputation? That’s a tough one to answer at this stage. But put it this way, as a LARP Mazda CX-6e owner I’m in post-purchase regret mode after just one week.

Mazda has announced it will end production of the CX-70 large SUV for the US market imminently, and will instead offer a five-seat version of the more popular CX-90 to cover the gap in its line-up. It comes amid a shake-up for Mazda’s large SUV range, which has been languishing in the sales charts both globally and locally. However, despite this huge blow for the CX-70 nameplate, Mazda Australia told CarsGuide the large five-seat SUV was set to continue on for the foreseeable future, as it aims to offer its customers as much choice as possible. Contrary to Mazda's official position, sources with knowledge of the situation have said to CarsGuide the car will leave the Australian market in the near future. While Mazda is embattled on the sales front in Australia, with economic troubles burdening buyers and an ultra-competitive market from new and established rivals, things are worse for the brand in the USA, where the Japanese-built CX-70 is also facing an additional 15 per cent tariff. With the lucrative US market now off the table due to this re-oriented range, it puts the viability of the entire nameplate in doubt globally. In the meantime, the incoming upgraded CX-90 promised as part of sweeping changes to the large SUV range will include a higher towing capacity for the five-seat variants, which is potentially appealing for Australia. Australia is still the only market to offer all four of Mazda’s Large Architecture SUVs, from the five-seat CX-60 and CX-70, to the three row CX-80 and CX-90. All were part of a daring push by Mazda to move its large SUVs into more premium territory pricing-wise, introducing more sophisticated inline six-cylinder turbocharged engines and plug-in hybrid powertrains along the way. The CX-70 is also embattled in the Australian market, as the least popular of the lot, amassing just 182 units so far in 2026. A Mazda Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide the two row still has a small but loyal fanbase, which it would continue to cater to. Meanwhile, the CX-90 has amassed 470 sales this year and the CX-80 is up to 1931. The most popular offering in the brand’s big SUV range, the CX-60, has managed 3566 units this year.  All have reported significant year-on-year declines, with Mazda’s Global operation calling out Australia as a particularly “tough environment” in its last quarterly financial report. The brand acknowledged strong demand for “low-priced battery EVs and HEVs amid rising fuel prices” was core to success of rivals in our market. While going upmarket might have seemed like a brilliant move at the time for the once-dominant Mazda, this combination of factors, as well as a raft of issues with the CX-60 from launch from a jerky transmission to harsh rear suspension, has hemmed the brand’s luxury market ambitions. These issues have been addressed multiple times for new and existing CX-60 owners, while learnings from early cars have been incorporated into the CX-70 and CX-90 which arrived later. Mazda is down 16.2 per cent for the year, with its best-selling CX-5 mid-size SUV in the midst of a generational change-over, and missing its important plugless hybrid variant, which isn’t due until 2028. Meanwhile the popular CX-30 and ageing CX-3 continue to be the brand’s other two performers, amassing over 9000 sales each so far in 2026. The CX-30 in particular has just received a model year update, with Mazda turning its global attention to its next-generation small car family for the future of the CX-3. In the interim, the brand is testing the Australian market’s taste for Mazda-branded electric vehicles, with the 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV based on platforms and technology sourced from its Changan partner in China.

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.