2018 MG GS Reviews

There are more and more Chinese car brands entering the Australian new car market seemingly every day, which can be overwhelming for buyers.Some, like GWM have stuck it out in the Australian market for decades with many familiar brands returning to Australian shores, including Chery and Geely. There are plenty of other newcomers many Aussies have never heard of.The following is a run down of all the Chinese car brands already established in Australia and their models currently on offer, as well as a heads-up on others set to touchdown shortly. Avatr is Chinese giant Changan’s premium brand aimed at Zeekr and MG's IM Motors and it has confirmed it will start taking orders on its 07L electric SUV in late 2026.The brand hasn’t revealed any local details of the large, five-seat 07L yet, but in China it’s available in two grades, with the Max+ version using a single 305kW electric motor to drive the rear wheels.The potent Ultra grades up the ante with three electric motors, one at the front and two at the rear, combining for 712kW. Both use a roughly 90kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery that delivers a driving range of up to 725km in the single motor version and 650km in the tri-motor grade.  BYD Atto 1For the time being, at $19,990 drive-away, BYD’s Atto 1 Essential is the cheapest new electric car available in Australia. It’s a city-sized, four-seat, pure-electric hatchback with big appeal for younger urban buyers given its cheaper than many internal-combustion alternatives like the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris Hybrid.The Atto 1 is offered in two grades, Essential and Premium, the former with a 30kWh battery for a claimed range of 220km and the latter with a 43.2kWh pack for a more useful 310km between charges.  BYD Atto 2The BYD Atto 2 is a small, five-seat electric SUV priced to challenge aggressively positioned rivals like the MG S5 and Leapmotor B10.It delivers easy, comfortable city motoring and despite a budget price, doesn’t feel cheap. There are two grades, Dynamic and Premium, both powered by a 130kW/290Nm front mounted electric motor with a 51.1kWh LFP battery delivering a range of 345km.BYD Atto 3The BYD Atto 3 is a compact electric SUV rival to the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia EV3 and Niro EV, MG S5 EV, Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X, among others.Following a 2025 model year update the Atto 3 range was positioned with the entry-level Essential ($39,990 before on-roads) and flagship Premium ($44,990, before on-roads) variants.The range is powered by a 150kW/310Nm front-mounted electric motor with either a 49.9kWh or 60.5kWh battery pack, depending on the trim level.BYD DolphinThe BYD Dolphin is a small electric hatchback that rivals the GWM Ora and MG4 and starts at $29,990, before on-roads. But for examples of the entry-grade Essential ordered between September 15 and December 15 and delivered by December 31, 2026 the price is $28,888, drive-away. The Dolphin is powered by either a 70kW electric motor with a 44.9kWh battery, or a 150kW electric motor with a 60.5kWh battery pack, depending on the trim level.BYD Seal The BYD Seal is an electric sedan rival to the Tesla Model 3, available in two trim levels - Premium and Performance. The Premium is a single motor, rear-wheel drive model delivering 230kW/360Nm and a 570km (WLTP) range while the dual-motor Performance pushes a stonking 390kW/670Nm to all four wheels and has a range of 520km (WLTP).BYD Seal 6The BYD Seal 6 is a ‘large’ medium petrol-electric hybrid sedan and wagon specified and priced to challenge the segment-leading Toyota Camry.Starting at a fraction under $35K before on-road costs, its range is the star attraction, with more than 1000km achieved in the real world, tested on just one tank and one charge from Sydney to Melbourne. BYD Sealion 5The BYD Sealion 5 is a plug-in hybrid medium SUV powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine working in concert with a single permanent magnet electric motor.With a sub-$35K entry price the base-grade Essential’s 12.9kWh battery is good for a pure-electric range of 71km, rising to 100km for the top-spec Premium thanks to a bigger 18.3kWh battery.  BYD Sealion 6The BYD Sealion 6 joined the local line-up in 2024 and was the first BYD model to feature plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.It’s currently available with two PHEV powertrains, one front-wheel drive and one all-wheel drive. Depending on the grade, it can travel up to 92km on electric power alone, according to NEDC testing.BYD Sealion 7The Tesla Model Y-rivalling Sealion 7 electric SUV is available in two trim levels - Premium and Performance, with pricing starting at $54,990, before on-road costs.There are two different electric powertrains available, and depending on the grade, it has an electric range up to 482km, according to WLTP testing.BYD Sealion 8The BYD Sealion 8 is a large, seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV offered in single-motor front-wheel drive and dual motor all-wheel drive form with its DM-i powertrain allowing the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine to assist and help drive the wheels at higher speeds.BYD claims a combined petrol-electric range in excess of 1000km and a pure-electric range of more than 100km for all variants.BYD Shark 6The BYD Shark 6 is a plug-in hybrid ute rival to the Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.Priced from $55,900, before on-road costs, the Shark 6 is now offered in Dynamic, Premium and Performance grades across cab chassis and pick-up body styles. It continues to be a hugely popular ute option and is BYD’s second-top seller in Australia.Changan Automotive has gone on a hiring spree in Australia, with several job ads appearing on LinkedIn during the past several months, as it prepares to launch Down Under.The state-owned company is one of China’s biggest automotive groups, and is of a similar scale to Chery or SAIC, the latter the owner of MG.The arrival of Changan spells bad news for Mazda, which has a partnership with the giant manufacturer and relies on it to source its new range of electric cars, including the recently launched Mazda 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV. Changan versions of these models will likely be cheaper than the Mazdas and more premium Deepal versions on sale in Australia. Chery C5The Chery C5 (formerly known as Omoda 5) was the brand’s first model when it came back to Australia in 2023. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine sending 108kW/210Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic tarnsmission.A series-parallel (plugless) hybrid variant adds a single electric motor and high-voltage battery for a combined 165kW/295Nm. It remains front-wheel drive. Chery E5The pure-electric five-seat Chery E5 is powered by a single electric motor sending a solid 155kW to the front wheels.A September 2026 upgrade added four-way lumbar support, massage and ventilation to the already powered driver’s seat and a six-way power-adjust passenger seat (matching the driver’s) with ventilation included.In-cabin tech was also enhanced with the multimedia display increasing from 12.3 to 15.6 inches and an electrically operated charging-port cover and active grille shutter were added.Chery Tiggo 4Available in two trim levels - Urban and Ultimate - the Tiggo 4 starts from $23,990, drive-away, and extends to $26,990, drive-away.Both are powered by a (108kW/210Nm) 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with standard features including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ‘Hello Chery’ voice control, dual 10.25-inch screens (multimedia and instruments), six-speaker audio and more.Chery Tiggo 7The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is offered in two 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol front-wheel drive variants - Urban and Ultimate. Pricing starts at $29,990 drive-away, and extends to $43,990 drive-away.The petrol-electric Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid is a plug-in model with a combined range claim of 1200km.Chery Tiggo 8This car is one of the cheapest seven-seat SUVs on sale in Australia, the (180kW/375Nm) 2.0-litre turbo-petrol starting at $38,990, drive-away, for the entry-grade Urban, rising to $43,990, drive-away, for the top-spec Ultimate.The plug-in Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with a claimed overall range of 1200km.Chery Tiggo 9 Super HybridThe Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is Chery’s flagship in Australia, offered in front-wheel drive Elite form as well as all-wheel drive Ultimate trim.Both are powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with the Elite tipping in a 19kWh battery for a pure-electric range of 90km, while the Ultimate ups the battery to 34kWh for a 170km EV range.Deepal S05This entry-level compact electric SUV has been ‘set to arrive in Australia’ for some time; initially, the third quarter of 2025, but we’re still waiting. It’ll rival the BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3 when it eventually goes on sale.Overseas this car is available as an EV with up to 510km of CLTC range, or an range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) that pairs an electric motor with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts as a generator.Deepal S07The Deepal S07 was the brand’s first model in Australia and is a Tesla Model Y rival.Available in a single grade, priced from $53,900, the S07 is powered by a single electric motor producing 160kW and 320Nm.Following local feedback, Deepal updated and recalibrated the S07’s advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) and extended service intervals from every 10,000km to 20,000km.Deepal E07This electric ‘multi-truck’ is an SUV/ute mash-up priced from $64,900, before on-road costs, for the single-motor rear-wheel drive version, and $73,900 before on-roads for the flagship dual-motor all-wheel drive model.Unlike many other SUVs, the E07 has a coupe-like roofline that electrically retracts to reveal a cargo section that’s like a ute tray. This area only has a 300kg payload, however.Denza B5The Denza B5 is a large, luxurious and off-road capable plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV featuring a unique powertrain combining dual electric motors and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, the latter only driving the wheels from 80-130km/h. The rest of the time it acts as a generator charging the 31.8kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery.Two grades - B5 and B5 Leopard - are highly specified five-seaters boasting 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds and an overall range in excess of 850km.   Denza B8The Denza B8 is an upper large six- or seven-seat SUV aimed squarely at established players like the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser 300.It’s a premium plug-in hybrid powered by the combination of dual electric motors and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine for four-wheel drive. Despite a 3.3-tone kerb weight it’s capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Denza D9The Denza D9 is a luxurious, pure-electric seven-seat people mover boasting a sky-high standard specification across front- and all-wheel drive versions.More than 5.2 metres long and close to 2.0m wide, it’s a substantial machine with a top-shelf standard specification tailor-made for high-end hotel transport, prestige transfer operators and fussy families. Quick, too, with the AWD variant running 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds.Farizon V7EFarizon pitches the pure-electric V7E as a “nimble commercial van designed for urban work.” It has a cargo capacity of just under seven cubic metres, a 1338kg max payload and a range of up to 328km.Load length is 2.86 metres and the load height is just 510mm. There are two models - Standard Range with a 50kWh LFP battery, and Extended Range with a 66kWh battery, both powered by a 110kW/230Nm motor driving the front wheels. Farizon SVThe Farizon SV is a pure-electric rival to the likes of the LDV eDeliver 7 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo, and is available in a wide range of different body configurations.Max cargo space is 11.23 cubic metres, maximum gross payload is 1300kg and range is up to 376km. Farizon F3EThe Farizon F3E is a pure-electric light commercial now available in cab chassis, trayback and Cargo Box form with a maximum payload capacity of 1705kg and range of up to 314km.It’s powered by a single 110kW/260Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels, carries a 72.8kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery and features V2L (Vehicle to Load) functionality.Forthing Taikon 5Forthing's first model in Australia is called the Taikon 5, a mid-size SUV offered in electric (EV) and range-extender hybrid (REEV) guises with pricing that undercuts the likes of the BYD Sealion 6, Geely EX5, Jaecoo J7 PHEV, Leapmotor C10 and Starray EM-i.The standard equipment list is long and the EV has a single 150kW/340Nm front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels while the range-extender features a rear-mounted 120kW/240Nm for rear-wheel drive.The latter also carries a 75kW 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine which acts purely as a generator. and never drives the wheels. Foton Tunland V7The Tunland V7 is powered by a 120kW/450Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance and is available in 4x2 and 4x4 both featuring leaf spring rear suspension.Braked trailer towing capacity is a category competitive 3500kg and payload is over one tonne. Tech includes a 14.6-inch multimedia screen and a digital instrument display. Foton Tunland V9 The Tunland V9 is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 48V mild-hybrid assistance as its V7 sibling although this model picks up a BorgWarner selectable electronic 4WD system and a multi-link suspension set-up at the back.The tub is the same size as the V7 but the price you pay for a smoother ride is payload dropping to 995kg. The L has a rear diff lock while the S has diff locks front and rear as well as other included features like a panoramic sunroof, roof rails and privacy glass.EmzoomThe Emzoom is a small (4.4m long) five-seat SUV powered by a 125kW/270Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.While the entry-level Premium grade and top-spec Luxury are the same mechanically, the latter picks up extra features including 18-inch rims (up from 17s), electric door handles, power adjust for the driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera view, extra safety tech and more. Aion UTThe Aion UT is a roughly Corolla-sized hatch and one of the most affordable new EVs on the Aussie market, starting from $31,990, before on-road costs, for the entry-level Premium grade.The Aion UT has a front-mounted electric motor producing 150kW/210Nm with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.3 seconds. It has a 60kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which grants it a WLTP-certified 430km of driving range. Aion VThe five-seat Aion V is GAC’s mid-size, all-electric SUV offered in base Premium and flagship Luxury grades, both powered by a 150kW/210Nm electric motor driving the front wheels.The battery is 75.2kWh lithium-phosphate type, which provides a claimed WLTP range of 510km. GAC claims it can accept up to 180kW charging speeds, which will get the battery from 10-80 per cent in 24 minutes. M8The GAC M8 is a three-row luxury people mover powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain to rival other relative newcomers like the LDV Mifa 9, XPeng X9 and Zeekr 009, not to mention the hybrid version of the segment-leading Kia Carnival.It features everything from power-adjustable, heated and ventilated seats in the first two rows to top end materials including nappa leather trim on the top-spec Luxury version.Geely EX2The Geely EX2 is a city-sized pure-electric hatch which has BYD’s Atto 1 squarely in its sights, its biggest advantage being that it seats five rather than the tiny BYD’s four passengers.There are two grades - Complete and Inspire - with power for both coming courtesy of a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, producing 60kW in the entry-level car and 80kW in the higher spec. Maximum torque is 150Nm for both. Range is 252km and 345km, respectively.Geely StarrayThe Geely Starray EM-i is a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV offered in two grades - Complete and Inspire - powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder non-turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor, which combine for 193kW.A hybrid transmission sends power to the front wheels, and a circa-18kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery delivers a pure-electric driving range of up to 83km.Geely EX5The Geely EX5 mid-size SUV is a pure-electric rival to the likes of the Leapmotor C10 and Tesla Model Y, offered locally in two trim levels - Complete and Inspire - starting from $41,990, before on-road costs.It’s a single-motor front-wheel drive with snappy 0-100km/h acceleration in the mid seven-second bracket, a WLTP range of up to 475km and includes V2L (Vehicle to Load) capability for charging or powering electronic devices.GWM Haval JolionThe GWM Haval Jolion is the brand’s small SUV rival to the Chery Tiggo 4 and MG ZS.Available with petrol and hybrid powertrain options, the Jolion has been the brand’s top-seller for some time.Pricing starts at $26,990 drive-away, and extends to $38,990 drive-away.Haval Ora 5 SUVThe Ora 5 pure-electric SUV takes over from the previous Ora hatch with similar pricing but updated tech, more features and an Australian ride and handling tune.Offered in Ultra and Lux models, propulsion is via a single motor mounted at the front axle sending 150kW and 260Nm to the front wheels.Claimed range is 435km from a 58.3kWh battery with DC fast-charging (at 120kW) taking about 30 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent.GWM Haval H6The GWM Haval H6 is the brand’s rival to the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 among countless other mid-size SUVs.Available in petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, the H6 boasts a strong standard equipment list across Lux and Ultra grades in all three powertrain forms and a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.GWM Haval H6 GTThe GWM Haval H6 GT is a ‘coupe’ SUV version of the regular H6 offered locally in petrol and PHEV powertrain options.The latter is capable of travelling up to 180km on electric power alone, according to NEDC testing, but can also do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.Pricing starts at $46,990 drive-away and extends to $52,990 drive-away.Haval H7This mid-sized SUV is intended to be slightly more rugged than the related Haval H6, but not quite as butch as the Tank 300 off-roader.Built on the same platform as the Haval H6 and Haval H6 GT, complete with MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, the 1.5-litre turbo hybrid Haval H7 differs with a locking rear differential and a ‘light off-road cruising mode’.Get in quick, because there’s a new version coming soon.Haval Tank 300Available in petrol, hybrid and turbo-diesel form, the body-on-frame Tank 300 was the brand’s first model from its Tank sub-brand in Australia.The whole range now offers a braked towing capacity of 3000kg thanks to recently introduced tweaks.Pricing starts at $47,990 drive-away, and extends to $59,990 drive-away.Haval Tank 500The GWM Tank 500 is currently the brand’s flagship offering in Australia and has just been upgraded with the option of a 170kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.A body-on-frame seven-seat SUV rival to the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado, among others, its pricing starts at $65,990, drive-away, and extends to $79,990, drive-away.Haval CannonThe GWM Cannon is a ladder frame four-wheel drive dual cab ute powered by a 135kW/480Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with an in-house developed nine-speed auto transmission.A new single-cab chassis version is the entry-point to the range. It’s a Premium trim level with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and 4x2.Pricing starts at $35,490 drive-away and extends to $50,990 drive-away.Haval Cannon AlphaLike the Tank 500 SUV the Cannon Alpha ute has just been upgraded with the option of a 170kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine although a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid option remains.The PHEV powertrain rivals the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV. It offers up to 115km of electric range, according to NEDC testing, and has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.Pricing for the Cannon Alpha line-up starts at $61,490 drive-away, and extends to $67,990 drive-away.The latest brand to hit Australian shores from Chery Group, iCaur (pronounced ‘eye-car’), has just made its public debut, and here’s what you can expect from the unusual new brand.The brand’s first product is the V25 mid-size SUV. It wears boxy 4WD styling, although it isn’t as adventure capable as some rivals. It will also launch early next year in fully electric form and a range-extender hybrid version will arrive at a later date.Performance is as high as 335kW/505Nm, according to Chinese specifications.The hybrid version will launch first in its domestic market and will be equipped with a 1.5-litre engine producing 115kW paired to a 33.68kWh battery good for a 150km electric driving range.Specs for the fully electric V25 which we'll see in early 2027 are yet to be revealed, even overseas.JAC T9The JAC T9 dual-cab ute was the brand’s first vehicle in Australia. It’s being distributed by LTS Auto and sold at over 60 dealerships nationwide.Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and following many revisions it now has a braked towing capacity of 3200kg.This budget dual-cab ute rival to the GWM Cannon and LDV T60 Max is only offered in two trim levels locally. Pricing starts at $38,990, before on-road costs, for the Tradepro dual cab chassis.JAC HunterThe Hunter PHEV is essentially a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid version of the T9 turbo-diesel ute and a direct rival to the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.Power comes from a 2.0-litre petrol engine and dual electric motors producing system outputs of 385kW and 1000Nm. It’s also capable of travelling more than 100km on electric power alone.Jaecoo J5Chinese carmaker Chery loves a sub-brand and its Jaecoo nameplate arrived here in the second half of 2025 as a more premium option relative to its already established Omoda sibling.Think of Jaecoo as a mainstream Hyundai, Kia and Toyota alternative and the J5 as a sharply-priced small SUV challenger to the Kona, Seltos and Corolla Cross.There’s a choice of combustion, (series-parallel) hybrid and pure-electric models spanning a roughly $10K (drive-away) price band between $25,990 and $36,990.  Jaecoo J7The J7 mid-size SUV led the brand’s launch in Australia and it’s available with either petrol or PHEV powertrain options.It’s a rival to the likes of the BYD Sealion 6 and GWM Haval H6, among others.Pricing starts at $34,990 drive-away and extends to $47,990 drive-away.Jaecoo J8The Jaecoo J8 is a larger SUV than the J7 but doesn’t offer a third row of seating despite being bigger than a Kia Sorento.Pure-combustion and series-parallel hybrid powertrains are available and pricing starts at $49,990 drive-away and extends to $54,990 drive-away.Earlier this year JMC (short for Jiangling Motors Corporation) confirmed it will be relaunching in the Australian market before the end of 2026. The Chinese carmaker was previously in Australia from 2015 to 2018 with a single vehicle, the Vigus dual-cab ute, and left due to poor sales.The return will be led with an all-new version of the Vigus and JMC Motor Australia CEO Danny Lenartic is spearheading an expansion of the dealer network.The Vigus is powered by a 3.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine sending 118kW to an all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission. LDV G10The LDV G10+ van is one of the brand’s older models, but it offers a one tonne payload and 5.2 cubic metres of load space. Power comes from a 118kW/375Nm 2.0L turbo-diesel engine driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed auto transmission. Pricing starts at $37,884, drive-away, and extends to $41,642 drive-away.LDV eDeliver 5The eDeliver 5 is a pure-electric van sized for city and suburban work. It boasts a 1.2-tonne payload, a minimum 6.6 cubic metre cargo space and a 335km range.Offered in Short wheelbase, Long wheelbase Low roof and Long wheelbase High roof form it goes head-to-head with the Ford Transit Custom Electric, Kia PV5 Cargo and VW ID. Buzz Cargo. LDV Deliver 7 / eDeliver 7The LDV Deliver 7 is a modern equivalent to the ageing G10+ van, offering an all-electric version called the eDeliver 7.Pricing for the Deliver 7/eDeliver 7 range starts at $44,726 drive-away, and extends to $73,674.LDV Deliver 9 / eDeliver 9The LDV Deliver 9/eDeliver 9 is the brand’s largest commercial van offered locally.Available in turbo-diesel and electric versions, this van can be had in many different body configurations.Pricing starts at $51,568 drive-away, and extends to $118,836 drive-away.LDV T60 MaxThe LDV T60 Max will continue to be sold in Australian showrooms alongside the newer Terron 9.It received an update last year that saw it receive autonomous emergency braking (AEB) across the range, and the braked towing capacity increased to 3500kg. Power comes from a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine.LDV Terron 9 LDV’s latest ute is a tough turbo-diesel aimed at the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering 3.5-tonne towing. It’s four-wheel drive with ‘Terrain Mode’, a rear diff lock and towbar standard.Inside is a world of screens with dual 12.3-inch displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as 360-degree camera view.LDV D90LDV’s cut-price rival to the likes of the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Prado is powered by a 184kW/410Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. It’s well-equipped with an impressive safety suite and pricing is sharp, starting at $43,674 drive-away, and extends to $51,568, drive-away.LDV Mifa / Mifa 9The LDV Mifa/Mifa 9 is currently on a temporary ‘sales hiatus’ in Australia due to modest demand. It’s not formally withdrawn from sale but there are no cars coming for a while so you’ll have to hunt for examples held in dealer stock.Like a number of other LDV models, there is an electric version of this car that sits alongside the combustion version.If you can find one, pricing starts at $46,971 drive-away, and extends to $129,000 drive-away.Leapmotor B05This is Leapmotor’s VW Golf-sized pure-electric hatch due in local showrooms before the end of 2026.It’s roomy and surprisingly sporty thanks to a rear-mounted 160kW/240Nm motor driving the rear wheels and suspension fine-tuned at Alfa Romeo’s Balocco Proving Ground in Italy (like Leapmotor, Alfa is a member of the Stellantis brand family).  A launch deal is set from $35,990, drive-away.Leapmotor B10The Leapmotor B10 is a BYD Atto 3-rivalling small pure-electric SUV offered in Style and Design Long Range grades.The former has a claimed (NEDC) range of 442km (from a 56kWh battery) and the latter 516km (from a 67kWh battery). Power is 160kW for both models is 160kW and 30-80 per cent DC charge time is approximately 20min. Leapmotor C10The Leapmotor C10 is a mid-size five-seat SUV rival to the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.It’s offered in electric and range-extender powertrain configurations with prices starting at $43,888, before on-road costs, and extends to $49,888, before on-roads.Yet another Chery Group sub-brand is touching down in Australia. The Lepas L6 mid-size electric SUV will arrive in showrooms before the end of 2026 but the budget electric Lepas L4 small SUV, previously set to launch Down Under in 2026, won’t be available until the first half of 2027.MG3The MG3 has been the brand’s entry point to its line-up for years now.A small hatchback rival to the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris, it offers 1.5-litre pure petrol and a hybrid option, the latter built around the same four-cylinder engine.Pricing starts at $21,990 drive-away, and extends to $30,990 drive-away.MG5The MG5 is the brand’s budget rival to the likes of the Hyundai i30 Sedan and Kia K4.It’s loaded with included features for the money and powered by a 119kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine.Pricing starts at $24,888, drive-away, and extends to $28,990 drive-away.MG4The MG4 electric hatchback was the brand’s first model built on a dedicated electric architecture.Available in a range of electric powertrain and battery configurations, a performance-oriented XPower variant is the flagship of the line-up.Pricing starts at $31,990 drive-away, and extends to $47,990, drive-away.MG7The MG7 is a sleek 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powered fastback sedan offered in a single Essence grade.It’s front-wheel drive and the standard equipment list includes leather seats, a 360-degree camera view, 19-inch alloy rims and more. MG CybersterThe MG Cyberster electric convertible joined the local line-up during late 2024 as a new flagship for the brand.As well as its dramatic design, which includes swing up ‘scissor’ doors, it boasts up to 375kW of power and a range of between 426 and 507km. There are rear- and all-wheel drive versions sitting either side of the $100K mark.MG ZSThe second-generation MG ZS is a small SUV rival to the GWM Haval Jolion.There are (81kW) petrol, (125kW) turbo-petrol and (158kW) hybrid options, however an electric version left the line-up some time ago (the MGS5 EV replacing it).Pricing starts at $22,990 drive-away, and extends to $33,888 drive-away.MG S5 EVThe MGS5 EV is the brand’s pure-electric successor to the MG ZS EV and is a rival to the BYD Atto 3, among others.Available in multiple trim levels, the S5 EV can be had with a 49kWh or 62kWh battery pack for WLTP ranges of 335km and 450km, respectively. Pricing starts at $41,990, drive-away.MG HSThe MG HS is the brand’s mid-size SUV rival to the Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4, among countless others.It’s offered in pure-combustion turbo-petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions with a 1.5-litre engine and front-wheel drive common to all of them.Pricing starts from $33,990 drive-away, and extends to $55,990 drive-away.MG S6 EVThis is a pure-electric mid-size SUV offered in single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive form. Both carry a 77kWh battery for a claimed range of 530km in the FWD and 485km in the AWD.Performance is strong with the FWD running 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds and the AWD lowering that to just 5.1 secondsMG QSThis large seven-seat SUV is aimed at the Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger with two grades - Excite and Essence - powered by a 153kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine driving the front wheels in the former and all four in the latter.Pricing starts at $46,990 drive-away, and extends to $50,990 drive-away.MG U9The MG U9 ute is essentially a rebadged version of the LDV Terron 9, the big difference being the MG’s coil spring rear suspension compared to the LDV’s traditional leaf spring set-up.It features turbo-diesel power, 3.5-tonne towing, and a three lock 4WD system. A pure electric version is due to hit local showrooms any minute.MG IM5The IM5 is a pure-electric, mid-size, five-seat luxury sedan to rival the likes of the Tesla Model 3.It’s offered in single-motor rear- and dual-motor all-wheel drive versions with a WLTP range of up to 655km.Standard specification and safety are sky-high, with pricing starting at $60,990, drive-away.  MG IM6The IM6 is a premium, five-seat medium EV SUV rival to the Tesla Model Y.It’s a twin-under-the-skin to the IM5 sedan meaning it’s offered in single-motor rear- and dual-motor all-wheel drive versions with a WLTP range of up to 555km.Like the IM5, it’ll be sold in MG dealers around Australia with an identical price structure to the IM5.BYD could soon have some serious company in Australia because Chinese brand Nio has launched its Firefly, a BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2 rivalling pint-sized electric car, in Thailand (a fellow right-hand drive market), with a starting price of the equivalent to $35,000 in Australia.The Firefly was approved for sale in Australia by the federal regulator back in August 2025, which is often the final hurdle before a vehicle goes on sale.Those federal government filings were updated late last year when right-hand drive production was confirmed and pre-production cars have been spied on Australian roads.Homologation details show two variants will be offered in Australia with power coming from a single 105kW/200Nm electric motor fed by a circa-42kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery that provides a WLTP driving range of up to 330km.Omoda 9The Omoda 9 Virtue SHS is a five-seat plug-in hybrid SUV sitting in a size band between medium and large. It combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with three electric motors - two at the front, integrated into the transmission package and one at the rear.Combined output is 395kW, allowing this family-friendly SUV to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds. A 34kWh battery allows the 9 to drive up to 145km (WLTP) on electric power alone and combined (combustion/electric) range is around 1100km.Standard specification is extensive, including 14-speaker Sony audio, ambient lighting, 20-inch alloys, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, a panoramic sunroof and heaps more.Skyworth BE11The Skyworth BE11 (formerly known as the Skywell EVA 5) was due to launch in the third quarter of 2025 but rollout plans have been paused by its importer to focus instead on commercial vehicles (although the brand’s website still encourages potential buyers to ‘register interest’).The BE11 is a mid-size electric SUV to rival the likes of the Leapmotor C10, Tesla Model Y and XPeng G6, with two grades in prospect  - Comfort and Luxury. Battery size is 86kWh and quoted (WLTP) range is 489km. Smart #1Smart is a Geely / Mercedes-Benz joint-venture in China and the #1 (pronounced ‘hashtag one’) is a small electric SUV rival to the likes of the Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X, which are also based on the same Geely platform.Available in three variants, the flagship Brabus version is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain producing a total system output of 315kW.Smart #3Slotting above the #1 is the slightly larger #3, which is based on the same Geely platform.The #3 is powered by the same electric motor and battery configurations as the #1, and also features a Brabus flagship trim level.Smart #5The Smart #5 is a mid-size pure-electric SUV and although the brand had not officially revealed performance output figures for Australia at the time of writing, in the UK its standard single electric motor provides up to 267kW and 373Nm to the rear wheels.The AWD Brabus adds an additional motor, increasing performance to 475kW and 710Nm. This dual motor set-up means the car can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds. Smart Australia has confirmed the car is equipped with a 100kWh battery, offering a driving range of 590km, according to WLTP standards.The first model from GWM’s premium sub-brand, Wey, has been approved for sale in Australia ahead of its expected launch in the fourth quarter of 2026.According to government approval documents, the GWM Wey G9 people mover has been approved for local sale in hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) guises. At this stage GWM hasn’t officially announced the Wey G9 will be launching in Australia, but if it does it will form as a rival to the likes of the BYD M9, GAC M8 and Kia Carnival, among others.The hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors. Total system output is 263kW. The PHEV powertrain pairs a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors. Despite having a smaller engine, it has a higher total system output of 325kW. Wuling, a joint-venture between MG’s SAIC parent company and General Motors, is on its way to the Australian market with the Eksion 560 mid-size SUV approved for local sale. It is produced in petrol, plug-in hybrid and EV form, but at this stage only the latter has been given federal government approval for Australia.It is 4745mm long, making it similarly-sized to the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X, but it’s a size up on the popular Toyota RAV4 hybrid. Australian sales approval information confirmed the car has a single front-mounted electric motor that produces 150kW and it’s expected to offer the same 310Nm as in Indonesia (a fellow right-hand drive market) where it is already in showrooms.XPeng G6The G6 was the brand’s first vehicle on sale in Australia. It’s a mid-size, five-seat, coupe-style electric SUV rival to the BYD Sealion 7, Leapmotor C10 and Tesla Model Y among others.There are currently two variants on offer, the Standard Range and Long Range. Claimed range is 435km and 570km, respectively, according to WLTP testing.Pricing starts at $51,800 before on-roads, and extends to $66,800 before on-roads.XPeng L03The L03 mid-size coupe-SUV is priced and specified to undercut the Geely EX5, Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X. There are three pure-electric and one range-extender (EREV) L03s to choose from, with prices starting at $41,900, before on-road costs, for both the Standard Range EV and Power X EREV. Standard Range electric versions use a circa-58kWh LFP battery that provides a WLTP rated driving range of up to 445km. Power comes from a single electric motor sending 163kW/280Nm to the rear wheels.The Power X EREV features a 1.5-litre petrol engine used purely as a generator to charge the 37kWh Lithium-ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery. A 178kW/280Nm single electric motor drives the rear wheels.XPeng G9LThe XPeng G9L is confirmed for Australian launch in early 2027. It’s a big five-seat SUV at just over 5.1 metres long.It is available with a pure-electric or range-extender hybrid (REEV) set-up. The latter uses a small petrol engine as a generator to charge the battery, with only the electric motor(s) driving the wheels.Both electric and EREV versions will be available in two- or all-wheel drive. The 2WD EV has a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 270kW, while the AWD adds a front-mounted 160kW motor for a combined 430kW.XPeng X9The XPeng X9 is the brand’s seven-seat electric people mover rival to the plush Zeekr 009.The Standard Range sends 235kW of power and 450Nm of torque to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission, but the Performance AWD ups the ante with 370kW and 640Nm. These are combined outputs, thanks to a second motor on the rear axle. The X9’s 800V architecture allows for up to 542kW of DC charging capability. The Standard Range features a 94.8kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery pack, providing a WLTP range of 542km, while the Performance AWD switches to a 110kWh Nickel Cobalt Manganese Lithium-ion battery pack, upping WLTP range to 580km.Zeekr XThe Zeekr X is a highly-specified small electric SUV which shares its underpinnings with the Volvo EX30, Volvo being a fellow Geely Group brand.A rival to the likes of the Tesla Model Y, and of course the Volvo EX30, among others, the Zeekr X is available in two versions – RWD and AWD.Pricing now starts at $48,900 and extends to $57,900, before on-road costs.Zeekr 7XThe Zeekr 7X line-up spans three variants - Standard Range, Long Range RWD and the dual-motor Performance AWD.Its value-for-money focus means even the entry-grade Standard Range includes features like a power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, big screens, 10-speaker audio, tri-zone climate control and much more.Zeekr 7GTThe Zeekr 7GT is a sporty station wagon designed to take aim at the likes of the Audi S5  BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It’s on track to land here in late 2026 or early 2027.Powertrain choices in China include a rear-wheel-drive version offering a whopping 370kW/545Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds, or an all-wheel drive with 585kW/812Nm and 0-100km/h sprint in just 2.85 seconds (faster than a Porsche Taycan Turbo).The 7GT starts from the equivalent of around A$42,000 and tops out at around $52,000 in China, suggesting a range of around A$55,000-$70,000 here.  Zeekr 009The Zeekr 009 is available in six- or seven-seat configurations and is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up producing a total system output of 450kW.Amazingly, despite its upright stance it boasts a low 0.27 drag coefficient and the interior is as spacious as it is luxurious.Pricing starts from $115,900 before on-roads, and extends to $139,900 before on-roads.Zeekr 9XAt a whopping 5239mm long with a wheelbase of more than three metres, the three-row Zeekr 9X will be Australia’s first ultra-luxury car from China when it arrives in late 2026. Propulsion comes courtesy of 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 base two variants, or 1030kW/1410Nm for the top-spec car, as well as between 300 and 380km of fully electric driving range without even needing the engine.The all important 0-100km/h sprint time? As low as 3.1 seconds. Not bad for a three-tonne SUV.

The MG U9 Explore Pro is the top-shelf variant in MG’s ute line-up. It has plenty of onboard features, as well as a variety of drive modes and – most importantly if you’re a keen off-roader – it has front and rear diff locks as standard. But, how does this MG ute perform off-road? 

EV prices are at an all-time low for Aussie buyers. The BYD Atto 1 is available from $19,990 (drive-away) until 15 December 2026, making it the most affordable new car on sale in Australia. This makes it cheaper than the petrol-powered Kia Picanto hatch that previously held the title.While the Kia Picanto’s retail $19,190 price is lower, this does not include on-road costs that push its drive-away cost in excess of the $20,000 mark.Other budget-focused players are also gathering steam like the Geely EX2 ($26,490), MG4 Urban (from $29,990 as a limited offer) and the incoming GAC Aion UT Standard Range.It's not just affordable EVs getting cheaper, SUV segments aren't far behind.Fuel prices have driven EV demand, but government rules are having a different sort of impact. The Australian federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has brands seriously thinking about what models they introduce to the market Down Under. This is because cars sold that emit high levels of CO2 now incur significant fines, and count towards each brand's fleet total.Pure combustion cars, whether they are petrol or diesel powered, generally fall foul of emissions regulations which has seen brands remove those models from their line-up in favour of hybrid or fully-electric alternatives. Head of the EV Council and Origin Energy E-mobility GM Chau Le told CarsGuide NVES was driving competitive pricing for electric vehicles in Australia. “Thanks to the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, we now have over 100 EV models in Australia and across quite a number of segments from affordable, smaller cars all the way to larger SUVs,” Le said. “In each of these segments, EVs are becoming competitive, but we're not quite there yet in some of the segments. “We're still a bit out, but with more EV models coming in and improvement in battery technology, it's only a matter of time until we're competitive across all segments.”Kia Australia’s General Manager Marketing Dean Norbiato told CarsGuide in May 2026 the Korean brand was pivoting its popular Seltos SUV to hybrid-only due to potential NVES fines. The outgoing Seltos SUV is sold in Australia with both petrol- and hybrid-powered set-ups. “You just have to look at the penalties for NVES on a petrol vehicle versus a hybrid vehicle," Norbiato said. “For us to be a sustainable OEM in this market, hybrid obviously makes sense from that standpoint.”Kia's sister brand, Hyundai, has also signalled its intent to switch much of its incoming range of next-generation vehicles to hybrid-only.Expanding EV options doesn't automatically boost buyer demand, according to Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Chief Executive Tony Weber. “The impact it has had has been on the supply of vehicles. And we now are in a market in Australia where there's 132 EVs on sale in the country, and there's 80 plug-in hybrid models,” Weber told CarsGuide. “What NVES doesn't do is address the demand issue. And therein lies the challenge for the industry.”Electric car sales are not surging in all areas of the market, and the ute segment is still dominated by diesel-powered options.  The popular Ford Ranger had a slow August 2026 due to an ongoing recall preventing deliveries. It was still the sixth best-selling car in the country, while the Toyota HiLux held a place in the top three. The plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6 has been a game-changer for the segment in Australia, and it has been one of the few utes to see sales growth in the last 12 months. Even though the Shark 6’s sales have grown significantly, buyers are still primarily choosing diesel options. BYD’s ute has sold only roughly a third of the units compared to the Ranger in 2026. Weber said demand is not driven by NVES, but external factors like the price of petrol and the subsidisation of EVs.He said the technology needs to be available before buyers make the jump.“Now, you can argue, and quite rightly, that NVES has had an impact, say in the ute market, because we're now seeing plug-in hybrids,” Weber said. “The question I have is whether those products would have come to the market anyway, because what also drives change in markets is competition."I think people will buy the car that meets their needs and wants and until the technology can actually satisfy those people in those segments, that will limit what they buy. “This is one of the great barriers as we move forward on that pathway to zero-emission vehicles.”Electric cars outsold petrol- and diesel-powered cars for the first time in a single month in August 2026.The SUV segment has been the latest to see a surge in EV sales, with three of the top 10 for August 2026 being fully-electric. SUVs show how technology reaches an enticing level to boost buyer demand. Many models now boast driving range exceeding 450km and there are now three-row options at more price points. Utes remain a difficult segment for fully electrics to crack, with towing and driving range key aspects of a buyer’s decision.  The BYD Shark 6 initially launched with a 2500kg braked towing capacity - short of the industry standard 3500kg. BYD has since introduced a performance grade that reaches the 3500kg, but it is the most expensive in the range, starting from $62,900. The Toyota HiLux BEV launched in May 2026. It only offers a 240km (WLTP) driving range and a 2000kg towing capacity, despite being the most expensive variant in the range ($74,990).The recently-revealed MG U9 will launch in Australia the fourth quarter of 2026 with a 3500kg towing capacity and 430km driving range, but it carries a $78,990 price tag.It costs buyers noticeably more money to drive out of the showroom with an electric ute than a diesel-powered one.As technology improves and demand picks up, this gap will shrink. 

Aussie buyers will soon have a new fully-electric ute to choose from.The MG U9 EV will be the latest in a limited, but expanding set of electric utes in Australia.Prices for the MG U9 EV will start at $78,990 (before on-road costs).Its main competition will be the KGM Musso EV and the low-volume targeted Toyota HiLux BEV.The Musso EV is about $20,000 cheaper than the U9 EV, and the HiLux BEV is in the same ballpark.The U9 EV joins its diesel sibling that has been available in Australia since September 2025.The MG U9 is powered by two electric motors, making 325kW and 700Nm.This is substantially more performance than the Musso EV (152kW/339Nm) and the HiLux BEV (144kW/468Nm).It has the industry standard 3500kg braked towing capacity and a 685kg payload.It’s equipped with a sizeable 102kWh battery that offers a driving range of 430km, besting the HiLux BEV (240km), both according to WLTP standards.DC charging at 115kW from 20 to 80 per cent takes 42 minutes.The car has all-wheel drive and a four-wheel electric air suspension system.The U9 EV can charge and power external devices directly using its vehicle-to-load system.Its external outlet operates at 6.6kW, with three 2.2kW outlets available in the cabin. Elsewhere inside, there is a 12.3-inch digital driver display and 12.3-inch central touchscreen as well as a wireless phone charger.The ute has an eight-speaker JBL audio system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.Front seats are wrapped in leather and are heated, while the driver seat is ventilated and has massage functionality.The U9 EV's technology includes a 360-degree camera and hands-free automatic tailgate.The U9 EV will be shown in the metal for one of the first times on September 18, 2026 at the Everything Electric event in Sydney as it edges closer to an official launch.Australia will be the first market to launch the U9 EV globally, which is expected to happen before the end of 2026 or early 2027.Pricing will be revealed closer to U9 EV’s arrival, but it will need to be competitive with the KGM Musso EV ($60,000, drive-away) and the Toyota HiLux BEV ($74,990, before on-road costs).Buyers can expect it to be more expensive than the diesel variant that starts from $52,990, drive-away. 

MG is temporarily giving $2000 cash back on its MG4 Urban electric hatchback so it now starts under $30,000.Until September 30, the MG4 Urban line-up is priced as follows:MG4 Urban Essence 43: $29,990MG4 Urban Essence 54: $32,990All prices are drive-awayThis promotional drive-away pricing for the MG4 Urban Essence 43 makes it more affordable than the GAC Aion UT Premium and puts it on par with the entry-level BYD Dolphin Essential.However, it’s worth noting the Geely EX2 and BYD Atto 1 are both available for cheaper, but they offer less range.MG Motor Australia has also announced it will have a stall at the Everything Electric show in Sydney from September 18-20.If you place an order for an MG4 Urban you’ll also get a $500 charging card in addition to the cash back offer.Beyond this, if you put down a $1000 deposit at the show for an MG IM5 sedan or IM6 SUV, you’ll get access to a $5000 cashback. This adds the existing $3000 cash back offer with an additional $2000 Everything Electric cash back offer.This will price the MG IM models as follows:MG IM5 Premium: $55,990MG IM5 Platinum: $62,990MG IM5 Performance: $72,990MG IM6 Premium: $55,990MG IM6 Platinum: $62,990MG IM6 Performance: 72,990All prices are drive-awayThe MG4 Urban is the Chinese carmaker’s newest entry-level electric vehicle (EV) and it sits below the standard MG4.It launched locally earlier in 2026 as a more city- and budget-focused offering to compete against the likes of the BYD Dolphin, GAC Aion UT and Geely EX2, among others.All versions of the MG4 Urban are front-wheel drive, unlike the rear-wheel drive MG4, and there are two different battery packs available, a 43kW and a 54kWh unit. They offer up to 316km and 405km of WLTP-claimed electric range, respectively.Until the end of August a total of 2604 MG4 Urban examples were sold. Over this same time a total of 3838 BYD Atto 1 examples, 3068 BYD Dolphin examples, 1753 Geely EX2 examples and 572 GAC Aion UT examples were sold.

It has never been cheaper for buyers considering an EV in Australia. Increased demand and more efficient development processes have reduced the prices of electric cars in Australia significantly. Carmakers continue to battle it out to go cheaper than their rivals, with options now appearing below the $30,000 mark.Some affordable EVs are even cheaper than traditional petrol-powered budget examples. The BYD Atto 1 has maintained its title as the cheapest electric car in Australia.The compact SUV starts from $23,990, with top-spec models costing $27,990, both before on-road costs. Until the end of the year, the BYD Atto 1 Essential grade is just $19,990 drive-away, making it not just the cheapest EV but the cheapest car in Australia.The Atto 1’s single electric motor only produces 65kW and 175Nm as standard, while its 30kWh battery is good for more than 200km of driving range (WLTP). The newest member of the below $30,000 club is the Geely EX2, which has already surged towards the top of the sales charts in Australia. The rear-wheel drive EX2 starts from $26,490, with the range-topping variant priced from $30,990, both before on-road costs. The base variant has 60kW and 150Nm from a single electric motor, along with a 35kWh battery offering 252km.GAC will launch a short-range version of its Aion UT in late 2026 that is expected to be less than $30,000, as well. The Atto 1 and Geely EX2 use before on-road costs pricing, so buyers will have to spend an extra up to $5000 on registration and other costs to drive it out of the showroom. The MG4 Urban is the cheaper front-wheel drive sibling of the MG4, available with a sharp drive-away price of $31,990.Its 110kW and 250Nm as standard bests its cheaper competition, while its more than 316km of driving range is hard to look past at its price point. While GAC’s short-range Aion UT is not here yet, the current ‘Premium’ grade starts from $31,990 (drive-away). The Aion UT boasts an electric motor that makes 150kW and 210Nm, besting the MG4 Urban with a quoted riving range of more than 400km from its 60kWh battery.The GWM Ora 5 SUV is available from $33,990, drive-away, as a new cheaper replacement for the Ora hatch.The Ora 5 makes 150kW and 260Nm from its single electric motor.BYD’s affordable EVs continue down the list, with the Dolphin hatchback ($29,990) and the bigger Atto 2 small SUV ($31,990), both before on-road costs. Leapmotor’s B05 is the brand’s cheapest car on sale, and currently is available with a $35,990, drive-away price until 30 September 2026. The B05 is a smaller SUV compared to mid-sized Leapmotor’s B10 with its fully-electric variant kicking off from $38,990, drive-away, also until 30 September 2026. The Jaecoo J5's proportions are on the larger end of the small SUV scale, making it a compelling proposition at $36,990, drive-away. The J5 has had a strong start to life in Australia, and the best-selling small SUV for May 2026. 

Buyers are about to get their first look at the next wave of EVs coming to Australia. The 2026 Everything Electric Sydney event will showcase many of the latest EVs headed Down Under, and will have a record number of new examples on show.Many affordable Chinese plug-in hybrid and fully-electric cars will be available to look at, as well as some of the most anticipated new cars on their way to Australia. There will be plenty of new models put on show for the first time by Chery. Chery’s European-styled sub-brand Lepas will have two of its new models about to hit Aussie showrooms on display. The Lepas L6 electric mid-size SUV will be the brand’s first car put on sale in Australia, due in October 2026. Lepas will also show off its smaller L4 electric SUV that is expected to arrive Down Under in 2027. Chery’s adventure-focused sub-brand iCaur will introduce its V25 rugged SUV for the first time.The V25 is scheduled to arrive in early 2027 with a range-extender hybrid set-up to rival the plug-in hybrid Denza B5. Chery and Omoda Jaecoo will debut new models at the show as well, with more details to be revealed closer to the event. Zeekr will unveil its hugely-anticipated 7GT electric wagon publicly for the first time. The 7GT takes aim at Europe’s elite luxury models the Audi S5, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Earmarked for a late 2026 or early 2027 arrival, the 7GT will be the popular Chinese brand’s fourth model on sale Down Under. Geely will continue its new model surge in Australia, with the introduction of two SUVs to its line-up. The brand has not revealed any more specific details about what the models are. They will join the mid-sized fully-electric EX5 and plug-in hybrid Starray EM-i that have both experienced a positive sales return so far. Geely is on the up in Australia, with its methodical approach to introducing models seeing it claim solid sales results.GWM is another brand to have a strong presence at Everything Electric. The brand’s new-generation Haval H7 mid-size SUV will be on show, scheduled to launch Down Under later in 2026. It is expected to be available in both five- and seven-seater configurations, giving it a wider family appeal. GWM will also have a more affordable PHEV ute on display. The GWM Cannon PHEV is pitched as a cheaper and smaller sibling to the Cannon Alpha PHEV, and could undercut the confidently-selling BYD Shark 6. The Cannon PHEV is expected to officially launch in Australia in October 2026. MG’s U9 electric ute will be on display for the first time in New South Wales at the show. The U9 is one of few electric utes targeting the Australian market, along with the low-volume Toyota HiLux BEV. MG’s luxury sub-brand IM will put its LS9 large SUV on display. The LS9 is a six-seater SUV that provides competition for the popular Zeekr 9X. It could launch in Australia in later 2026 or early 2027. Hyundai will present its Staria Load Electric van for the first time in Australia. The Staria Load EV will join diesel- and hybrid-powered variants of the car already on sale. It will battle in an increasingly competitive electric van segment against the Kia PV5 and affordable Chinese rivals, including the LDV eDeliver 7. Forthing will show off an electric people mover that will launch in 2027. Forthing currently only sells its Taikon 5 mid-size SUV in Australia, available as a range-extender hybrid or fully-electric. Cadillac’s new Lyriq V performance SUV will be on show. It is the brand’s first of its V-Series, boasting as the fastest Cadillac ever. It will join the standard Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq SUVs Down Under in early 2027. Cadillac Lyriq-VChery and Omoda Jaecoo new models Forthing electric people moverTwo Geely SUVsGWM Haval H7 and Cannon PHEVHyundai Staria Load ElectriciCaur V25IM LS9Lepas L6 and L4MG U9 EVZeekr 7GT

Latest sales data shows buyers now prefer cheap EVs to budget petrol hatchbacks in Australia.More affordable EV models have hit the Aussie market in the last year, with Chinese brands putting forward competitive propositions.Cheap petrol-powered hatchbacks the Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris used to be staples for first-car buyers, but it looks like that's starting to change.The electric-only BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2 are affordable routes into the electric car market for buyers, and its showing on the sales charts in 2026.The petrol- and hybrid-powered MG3 is the best-selling light car in Australia this year, but it's attracting competition from electric Chinese rivals. The Geely EX2 has had a bumper start to life in Australia since it went on sale in late July 2026.It's approaching nearly 2000 examples sold in a little over a month, compared to the MG3’s roughly 5500 across the year so far.In August alone, the EX2 held nearly 38 per cent of the market share in the light car segment. It was close to doubling the MG3’s August total, while it was confidently ahead of the petrol-only Mazda2. Its success is in part due to the fulfilment of extensive pre-orders.Geely's Director of Product Planning and Marketing Andrew Tuitahi recently told CarsGuide small EVs like the EX2 were showing promising signs of reigniting interest in the light car segment.“So a lot of the compromises that you typically make if you were going to buy a b-segment or a light hatchback - things like drivetrain, power, performance, safety, style, you know, space - a lot of those things are solved with a battery electric platform," Tuitahi said.“So I think consumers are able to prioritise maybe some features by sacrificing a segment, but still getting that same space.”It’s not just EX2 that is shaking up the established affordable car segment. The BYD Atto 1 is still the cheapest electric car on sale in Australia, and owns nearly 20 per cent of the light car segment in 2026 so far. The Atto 1 and EX2’s rise has been at the expense of its petrol competition.The MG3’s August represented a more than 80 per cent increase on July, but it was still a way off the EX2. Its sales so far in 2026 are down nearly 11 per cent compared to August 2025. The Toyota Yaris hybrid has experienced a near 30 per cent decline year-to-date in AustraliaThe new wave of affordable EVs are also beating its petrol competitors on price. Buyers may have previously felt priced out by the extra money an EV cost, but the tides are turning.The Atto 1’s $23,990 price tag undercuts the Mazda2 ($27,290) and Toyota Yaris ($29,190), all before on-roads.In addition to fast and cheap EV production cycles from China, brands must contend with fines for petrol-powered models under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).Mazda increased the price of its entire range, including the Mazda2 earlier this year, while the Toyota Yaris became a hybrid-only model in 2024, ditching cheaper petrol variants. MG is currently offering the MG3 with a $19,990 drive-away deal, with it previously available from $21,990. If buyers want a hybrid variant of the MG3, it costs an extra roughly $8000, making it more expensive than the fully-electric Atto 1 and EX2.  

As more manufacturers chase buyers looking for an accessible entry into EV ownership, the challenge is no longer simply getting the price down. It's finding an electric car that doesn't make too many compromises along the way. That's what the updated MG4 Essence 64 is promising. But does it deliver?

It has never been a better time to buy an SUV with seven-seats, with a range of options across all price ranges.But if you're looking for a seven-seater, but don’t want to spend any more than about $45K? We’ve got you covered.Here are the five most affordable seven-seater SUVs on sale in Australia.The MG QS is last on our list for affordability but first on our list for practicality thanks to its giant five-metre length, which offers more third-row room than the others here. The QS is a proper larger SUV, while the others here are on the smaller side of large.The price of $46,990 is a drive-away offer too, so the value is still outstanding. We have tested the MG QS and liked the roominess, the hefty list of standard features and the 10-year warranty.  Things we didn't like include the fairly small petrol engine, which has to work hard to carry this big car around. We also felt the cabin stying looks great, but some of the materials felt a bit cheap. The Mitsubishi Outlander has been around for decades and has been a stalwart in driveways of Aussie families. A low list price of $42,540 for this entry grade is also good to see. We tested the Outlander and liked its value for money and good looks, but found the third row to be cramped and the CVT transmission to offer lacklustre performance. The Nissan X-Trail is not only one of the original mid-sized SUVs that’s been around for more than 25 years but for a long time it was one of just a few that offered seven seats.The new X-Trail is one of the best SUVs here and it's wonderful to see it priced so affordable at a list price of $41,305.Of course we have tested it and liked the ride comfort and good handling, but we noted that the spare wheel is under the third row seats and little things like the sound system quality weren’t as good as some rivals.Chery has returned to Australia with an array of excellent vehicles and the Tiggo 8 is no exception. At just over 4.7m long the Tiggo 8 is classed as a large SUV, although that’s still not huge.We’ve tested it and liked the quality of the interior, the amount of features for this $41,990 drive-away price and the good ride. We prefer the super hybrid version of this SUV, which offers better fuel economy although the price tag is more than this petrol version.Indian car maker Mahindra makes a pretty compelling proposition here with the XUV 700, which is our cheapest seven-seater SUV at $36,990 drive-away for the AX7 entry grade.The AX7 is considered a mid-sized SUV at just under 4.7m long.We’ve tested it and liked the punchy 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, the mountain of standard features for the price, but felt the interior quality could be better and the ride and handling wasn’t exactly great.