Coupe News

The new Toyota Celica has been confirmed by Toyota’s racing division ahead of an anticipated production car debut for the re-booted nameplate. Toyota Racing announced it would enter two teams and two cars in next year’s FIA World Rally Championship, including the GR Celica Rally1. Confirmation of the existence of the Celica comes after months of speculation and several production mules spotted testing in the wild. No details were confirmed for the new car, other than the version entered into the WRC would comply with the latest regulations. Toyota Racing simply said “drivers will be entrusted with the new GR Celica Rally1 car, returning one of the most iconic names in Toyota rally history to the WRC.” The brand also refrained from sharing images of its new Rally1 machine, leaving us to rely on existing images of the test mule that have been spotted in the wild. This has taken the form of a mysterious camouflaged sports coupe spotted testing in Portugal last year, adopting what appears to be a Yaris front-end with a coupe-style rear. Other prototypes recently seen in Japan also show a long-suspected mid-engine test mule on a test track. It follows on from the official GR Yaris M concept car, which Toyota showed at the Super Taikyu race series. While this car took the form of a race-ready GR Yaris from the outside, it featured a mid-mounted 2.0-litre engine producing up to 450kW in race form. At the time Toyota said the Yaris M concept was designed to remove the weaknesses of front-engined cars in “concentrating the load on the front tires during all driving operations. “In circuit environments this significantly affects tire wear and leads to a tendency to understeer.” Whether these are all Toyota developing the same car in a different form, or a Celica and long-rumored re-booted MR2 as separate vehicles is yet to be determined. Toyota is remaining tight-lipped. Regardless, while the latest WRC rules allow Toyota to move beyond the usual hatchback body style, it still requires the engine to be in the front. Toyota’s Gazoo Racing President Tomoya Takahashi has alluded to the production version of the sports car not materialising until closer to the end of the decade. All efforts are part of Toyota moving away from its ‘boring’ image and promising to continue to invest in “motorsport-bred” sports cars. This has meant continued investment in the 86, proper GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatchbacks, and the GR GT flagship. Toyota is also on the cusp of something fresh in its sports car department, as the Supra, which shared its platform with the BMW Z4 has been discontinued. The GR 86 will also evolve or morph for its next-generation, with the brand saying it will not continue the partnership with Subaru which lends the current car its flat four engine. Will Toyota really have room in its line-up for an 86, Celica, and an MR2? The company has the resources, but whether that makes commercial sense remains to be seen.

Ferrari’s ultra-controversial first electric car - the Luce - is a massive hit for the brand, according to its third quarter financial results. While the electric four-door GT is much maligned by combustion enthusiasts who see Ferrari’s lineage tarnished by a car with no enormously complex running gear, the brand literally can’t build enough Luces to meet demand. It is sold out for all of 2027 and the order book now extends into 2028, with the brand’s CEO saying current “geopolitical tensions” were not affecting Ferrari’s order book. Demand for the Luce is boosting revenues alongside Ferrari’s booming personalisation business. The company said over 21 per cent of its cars are now personalised, significantly boosting profit margins. As a result the brand has sailed past its previous forecasts now estimating its earnings (EBITDA) for the year to exceed three billion euros (A$4.8 billion). The company also pointed to its regular new model release cycle as a factor for its ongoing revenues, with 23 new models or editions added to the range since 2015, and two more new cars coming in 2027. On the flip side, the brand said its bottom line was hit by lower F1 revenues. The Luce also attracted commentary for its design, which strayed far from Ferrari’s usual offerings. The car was styled by LoveFrom - a creative agency founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive. This manifested in an avant-garde look, with integrated functional aero alongside rounded rear tail lights, which invoke past Ferrari models. Inside, the car featured an ‘industrial-inspired’ look, blending classic Ferrari motifs with modern, functionality-focused design and an array of high-quality materials to set it apart from the crowd. The car made an impact, but for what many consider to be the wrong reasons, with it featuring unconventional proportions as part of its two-part look with the colour-over-contrast finish and giant wheels. The whole design flies largely in the face of previous designs in being form following function rather than the other way around. Some saw the car as a reset for Ferrari in a stagnant supercar environment where the usual eye-popping performance numbers have been made redundant by the advent of fully electric passenger cars at mainstream pricing with supercar performance figures. Regardless, the Luce is an undeniable hit, with the initial allocation of units selling out instantly in the highly competitive Chinese market, which is a conquest arena for the Italian sports car marque. At the same time, it’s not as though Ferrari isn’t abandoning its core audience, with the sculpted Amalfi having its drop-top Spider version being phased in as a classic Italian tourer, and the 12 Cilindri receiving a limited-run Manuale edition which features a simulated six-speed gated manual gearbox to match with its raucous V12 engine. Locally, Ferrari is performing decently, ahead of Aston Martin and arch-rival Lamborghini so far in 2026, although it is slightly behind on its tally this time last year. It is worth noting that the Luce is yet to officially launch in Australia, with the first deliveries not due until late 2027. It is priced at $991,446 before on-roads.

It has taken nearly a decade of development, but Tesla has finally done it - they have made the world’s dumbest car. And, in true Tesla style, they have over-delivered on their promise (a decade in the making), making it incredibly dangerous, too.  I’m not mad at the world’s media, including many of my motoring colleagues, for falling for the hype, I’m just disappointed. Because there are some pretty major holes in what Elon Musk and his team at Tesla showed off last week. Of course, that was the point, show off some flashy gimmicks and make everyone pay attention to these wild stunts and not question the ‘how’ and the ‘why’, as well as the major safety issues it raises.  Let’s start with the obvious - it’s not a flying car. As Buzz Lightyear would say, it was “falling with style” rather than taking flight. As for its ‘flip’ over the rest of Tesla’s line-up, to say that it was ‘flying’ would be akin to saying skateboards can fly.  The demonstration, while unquestionably real and not AI and understandably attention-grabbing, was not a true reflection of what Tesla and Musk are promising. Evidence suggests it was basically a full-scale drone, with no human inside and it was seemingly just a simple ladder-frame chassis with a body on top and thrusters and fans underneath. Musk admitted that they didn’t have a human inside the car “to make sure we don't kill anyone!” Which is not particularly reassuring from a brand that has consistently ‘beta tested’ technologies on public roads with owners.  Musk also said: “Now I should say that this is not necessarily a safety optimised car, but it takes the fun meter to 11 out of 10.” I’m all for having fun with cars, but safety must come first. To be candid, most motorists have a hard enough time driving safely on the ground. Adding in the complexity of flight is simply a recipe for disaster. Tesla has said the ‘flying’ elements will be autonomous, but again, based on the autonomous functions already in cars not exactly working with a perfect track record, launching cars into the air with rocket thrusters just seems like a recipe for disaster.  It was able to climb the vertical ramp because it has a series of fans to suck it to the ground. But this is not new technology, it was introduced in Formula 1 in 1978 and more recently the McMurtry Sterling has demonstrated it too can hold itself in place upside down. Of course, no-one is actually going to drive upside down, that’s just more attention-seeking behaviour from Tesla, but it will help produce more downforce for the road and track. Lars Moravy, VP for vehicle engineering at Tesla, told US media that the car can produce so much downforce that: “When we’re accelerating, we can break the laws of tyre physics.”  Hopefully that means they’ll develop newer, stronger, physics-defying tyres. Or else I guess your tyres will be destroyed every time you accelerate too hard.  Tesla’s own disclaimer on the website makes it clear the Rocket version of the Roadster will not be available in all regions and will be “subject to each region's legal requirements and applicable laws”, which means each country will need to decide if it feels kick-flipping cars are something they want on the road.  Musk’s gloating about the car almost sounds like an admission that it will have very limited scope.  “This will be an actual car that's on the roads. I'm not sure it's necessarily legal in all jurisdictions, but there will be such a car that someone can own,” he said.  The Plan B, or perhaps it's actually Plan A, is for a purpose-built test track facility to be built at Tesla’s headquarters in Texas. That would allow those invited to own the Roadster Rocket (because it is ‘invite only’) to have their fun in a private space, leaving the roads for proper cars. Although, once again it demonstrates the cult-like pull of Tesla and its limitation. If the special Texas facility is the only place you can fulfil its full potential, what does that mean for owners who don’t live in Texas? It’s hard to imagine Porsche or Ferrari telling customers they can only drive their expensive supercar in one specific location on Earth. Finally, perhaps the most important element that has been overlooked is that what we saw was not a production car. Nearly a decade after taking US$250,000 deposits for the second generation Roadster, Tesla is still yet to actually fire up the production line. No other car company on the planet, not even Ferrari or Lamborghini, could get away with taking people’s money and not delivering a car for over a decade. Sure, they’ve said it will enter production by 2028, but they’ve said it was going into production in the near-future since 2017. The fact that this car looks nothing like the original 2017 concept is another thing only Tesla can get away with, with its blindly-loyal customers. I do feel like Tesla will eventually put the Roadster into production (although I’d only say I’m 60 per cent confident), but the fact they have focused on the Rocket version and revealed little in the way of details about the Performance and Thrust variants that people will actually be able to buy is yet another red flag. While the attention-seeking unveiling of the Roadster did what it set out to do, making headlines and distracting from the massive delays, ultimately this is a car that answers questions nobody asked. People were happy with the idea of a second-generation Roadster that wasn’t based on a Lotus Elise and felt like it was built in an industrial estate by hand (which is very much what the first generation Roadster felt like). Instead, in what has become his calling card, Musk has pushed Tesla into unchartered territory for the car industry - for better or worse. I hope I’m wrong, but it feels inevitable that we’ll be writing about the first death of a Roadster driver not long after it enters production - whenever that may be. I loved watching Back to the Future II and day-dreaming of a flying car as much as the next kid, but when I grew up I realised the pure impracticality of flying cars and the dangers they create. There’s a reason why getting your pilot’s licence takes a lot longer than getting your driver’s licence.  This feels like the automotive equivalent of Google Glasses or Apple Vision Pro, technology designed by billionaires in Silicon Valley for millionaires in Silicon Valley (or, in this case, Texas) and that makes it as dumb as it is dangerous. But, after all this, if you’re still looking to buy a Tesla Roadster so you can jump over traffic or drive up walls, don’t spend your money yet because I have some magic beans to sell you…

China’s automotive industry is facing an unexpected speed hump on its road to relentless global expansion, and it is from an unlikely place. As highlighted by this week’s Paris Motor Show, Europe’s biggest and busiest in years, carmakers have started looking back to move forward, with a number of affordable yet evocative production or near-production concept models leaning heavily into post-modern – or retro - realms. Most are electric or electrified, and all major on emotional design to lure consumers in. With little to no history, tradition or heritage for Chinese manufacturers to also lean upon, it seems that France and Italy especially are mining their back catalogues for their next big hits – and the world is hungry for it. In essence, European marques are leveraging their single biggest asset – brand character and national identity – to survive today. In fact, the key, recurring message from nearly every European manufacturer during their new-model press conferences and presentations at the Paris event could be distilled down to five words: “Made in Europe, for Europe!” The aim is to send the world in general and China in particular a loud and clear message that European manufacturers are not taking the actual and existential threats from rivals like BYD, Zeekr, XPeng, MG and GWM lying down. Not on their own turf at least. Making waves is Stellantis, with its brands Peugeot and Citroen from France and Alfa Romeo and Fiat from Italy, all putting on the rose-coloured glasses. But it was immediately apparent on the first press day that arch rival Renault – the 127-year old carmaker from Boulogne-Billancourt that predates even Ford – created the biggest stir, and a home-ground one at that. In what turned out to be one of the show’s genuine surprises, it presented no fewer than five retro-inspired models, which, in turn, attracted probably the longest and most sustained attention from the assembled media on press day. The stunning Renault E-Space people mover ushered in the revival least expected in today’s SUV age. Harking back to the avantgarde 1984 Espace original, it would return Renault to the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) class it helped pioneer but is nowadays scarce for choice (barring the Kia Carnival and some electrified Chinese MPVs). But only the green light is given. This one’s a firm maybe. More importantly, a production E-Space could sit on the Renault Group’s coming next-gen electrified skateboard platform. Dubbed RGEV Medium 2.0, it follows China’s lead as a software-based EV-first architecture. Highlights include up to 750km of EV battery range or over 1000km with a range-extender powertrain, along with an 800-volt electrical setup for ultra-fast charging. Referring to China, as Renault Group CEO, François Provost, put it: “… we are not afraid of anyone.” Widely regarded as Europe’s best small EV, it was only a matter of time before the R5 E-Tech would receive the Turbo treatment. In 80s Renault-speak, and for motorsport homologation purposes, that meant stuffing the front-drive supermini with a powerful 1.4-litre turbo engine out back, driving the rear wheels. That necessitated massive biceps in the form of bulging arches, creating an instant classic in the process. Fast-forward to today and the EV is set to score a similar makeover, this time switching to an Alpine-tuned chassis with twin rear electric motors out back, to create a new breed of electric hyper hatch. Just 1980 of them will be built from 2028. Now largely forgotten in Australia, the original Renault 8 of the early 1960s was a small four-door rear-engined sedan, with the Gordini being Europe’s rally special sporty edition. Based on the R5 E-Tech’s flexible EV architecture, the reimagined R8 Gordini is a beguiling visual throwback that also conjures up other period classics with similar crisp styling – the Ford Escort, Datsun 1600 and BMW 2002 to name a few. A real knockout. As an exercise of intent, this is breathtaking. Will Renault build it? Time will tell. For a hot minute in the early ‘80s, the Alpine A310 V6 looked like it could become a serious Porsche challenger. Handsomely angular with gorgeous flared wheelarches giving it a total supercar stance, the Dieppe-based tuner of humdrum Renaults seemed on the same trajectory as AMG and M were with Mercedes and BMW respectively. Tragically, that never happened, as every consequent Alpine never looked as sensuous. But as Renault’s in-house special-vehicles department, reviving one of the sexiest models in the back-catalogue would be a no-brainer. Right now, Renault is saying this won’t be built, concentrating on the coming A110 EV first instead. But, this is the exactly the car that people think of when they hear the word Alpine. That and a pack of ciggies, but that’s another story. Enjoying a rapturous international motor show debut in Paris, the Twingo must have struck enough terror in compatriot Citroen’s heart when revealed last year for the latter to come up with its own beloved retro baby, the 2CV. More on that later. The Twingo is a tiny four-seater EV with looks evoking the 1992 original that influenced a generation of quirky city cars, most notably the 1999 Toyota Echo (Yaris outside of Australia and the US). This time around, it’s all-electric, of course, has won several car-of-the-year awards, and costs from about $31,000, or around $24,000 apres EV incentives. There’s economy of scale at play here, too, with Nissan (Pivo) and Dacia (Spring II) versions also being produced. Citroen’s twin-chevron logo literally denotes advancement. Going retro seems the opposite of what the brand used to stand for. But the world has changed since the pre-war design/post-war productionised 2CV put France on wheels. This one may look cartoonishly twee up front, but – like the original – this one promises to be an ultra-affordable (low-$20,000 AUD) urban EV with clever engineering for maximum efficiency at minimum cost. So, Citroen’s heart is in the right place. And, at the show, the boss promised that it will be built. Plus, China seems to have already cornered the avantgarde cheap-EV market already with models like the BYD Atto 1, so why not look back. Just don’t get into the habit, Citroen. PS. The van version, the Fourgonnette that nobody anticipated at the Paris show, is achingly cool. That’s the one we’d have. What you’re looking at is another reinterpretation of an ‘80s motorsport homologation special, and this time, there’s a mainstream affordable next-generation supermini lurking underneath. Peugeot’s e-T16 is an incredibly spot-on reimagining of the famous 205 T16 from 40 years ago, balancing retro themes with progressive design that makes us eager for the production e-208 coming next year. And the best news is, Peugeot is contemplating making an e-T16 hyper hatch like what you see here too! Just hurry up and sort out your Australian distribution mess, Stellantis. This could be the rebirth of cool, Peugeot-style. This is based on a cheap electric quadricycle originally marketed by Citroen as the Ami in 2020, though the Fiat Topolino version is prettier and truer to the Italian brand’s heritage for slow and cramped city cars that are barely any larger than a Smart ForTwo. The Multiplina is the four-seater version, with more space inside and greater performance, capable of hitting about 90km/h. And, evocative of the 1956 Fiat 600 Multipla (that was actually briefly sold in Australia), it’s super cute to boot. As far as retro revivals go, bringing back the RCZ seems a bit premature, given the last one was made as recently as 2015. But there aren’t enough 2+2-seater sporty coupes nowadays, so we’re glad that Peugeot is contemplating returning to the segment with this slick and slinky all-electric beauty. Especially as the Audi TT is no more.

Tesla has built a literal Batmobile that can hang upside down, fly and land, with edgy aggressive styling. This is the long promised Roadster, almost a decade after it was first shown in concept form. At a cult-like event at SpaceX's facility in Texas, Tesla's supremo Elon Musk, Head of Design Franz von Holzhausen and Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy put on a show of the "world's best driver's car". The Roadster can hang upside down due to extreme downforce, which Musk said makes it the best car to corner and will “crush every record”. Tesla demonstrated the Roadster flying, doing a barrel roll, or kick-flip as Musk called it, and landing successfully with the help of actual rocket thrusters. Tesla has harnessed the power of Musk’s rocket company SpaceX to build the Roadster. It doesn’t use rocket fuel to undertake its airborne acrobatics, instead it uses compressed air for its thrusters. “It can fly like a rocket, can roll, do gymnastics and takes the fun metre to 11 out of 10,” said Musk. Musk said the Roadster was “unlike any car you’ve seen before” and ”better than any James Bond car”. It is a two-seater, seats are built into the chassis and it uses steer-by-wire. Lars Moravy said it is meant to be the best driver’s car, and the company had broken the laws of physics and it can corner at more than 2.0G. Thanks to its compressed air thrusters it can break the speed of sound and can hit 60mph (96km/h) in under one second. It did it in 0.81 seconds during a live test. “This will be long-term the only manually-driven car that Tesla makes,” Musk said. “If you are going to have only one manually-driven car let’s take it way past the limits." It was first revealed in concept form back in 2017, along with the Tesla Semi truck. One of those is already on the road. Those who have put down a deposit on the Roadster, which cost more than $75,000 in Australia, only have a little bit longer to wait, with Musk revealing the start of production. “(It will) enter production in 2028... actually,” said Musk.

At the 2026 Paris motor show Plenty of brands provided a preview of what’s to come for buyers . Some of the world’s biggest carmakers put their work on display from ultra-affordable EVs to retro reboots of past successes.  Here is some of the biggest news to come out of the show.  Smart has revealed a new compact EV called the #2.  Boasting a two-door and two-seat layout, it’s roughly 1200mm shorter than a BYD Atto 1 and slightly bigger than the original Smart ForTwo.  It has a 330km driving range, according to WLTP standards and can DC fast charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes.  BYD sub-brand Denza has unveiled its answer to big hitters like Ferrari and Lamborghini with its Z electric sports car.  A close rival to the Mercedes-Benz SL Class, the Z is BYD’s first full-on performance model.  It will use a three electric motor set-up, producing 880kW, with a 0-100km/h time of less than two seconds.  Another Chinese brand is destined for Aussie shores.  Ultra-luxury brand Avatr showed off its T09 large plug-in hybrid SUV concept for the first time. It is due to launch in Australia in 2028 or 2029.  Citroen’s electric 2CV successor has landed.  The compact EV is due for launch in 2028, at 3760mm long shaping up slightly shorter than its petrol predecessor but still boasting a roll-top fabric roof.  It’s expected to be offered from a very affordable price point in Europe, but we’re unlikely to see it Down Under.  Fiat has revealed a bold new concept called ‘multiplay’, which can transform between a people mover, SUV and ute.  Measuring 4450mm long, the car shares a similar footprint to the BYD Atto 3. It features a sliding rear roof and C-pillar to enable conversion from a three-row family car, to a ute or an SUV depending on its specific requirements.  Alfa Romeo has given its iconic V6 engine a hybrid twist. Its Cuorerosso concept uses a conventional hybrid set-up, comprising a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine as well as some electric motor assistance.  The Italian brand developed the concept to show off the future direction of its Quadrifoglio sedan.  Renault unveiled two futuristic EV concepts.  The E-Space concept is an electric reboot of the Espace van and people mover.  The E-Space is similarly sized to the current Espace van on sale, but uses a fully-electric set-up and features a standout sleek design.  The French brand also showed off its radical Renault 5 Turbo 3E that is a limited-run production EV version of the Renault 5 Turbo.  Its electric motor set-up produces 410kW, while riding on a fast-charging 800-volt platform.  Renault will only build 1980 examples of the car to pay homage to the original birth year of the Renault 5 Turbo.  Peugeot provided a look into its future.  The rally-inspired E-T16 concept is a nod to the 1980s 205 T16 Group B rally car, and its three electric motor set-up, makes around 600kW. Its aggressive styling and blacked out accents are said to be a showcase into future styling for Peugeot.  The RCZ Vision concept is an electric sports car based on the original 2+2 sports coupe.  It features plenty of cutting-edge technology, including a solid-state battery with 10 to 80 per cent fast charging in under 10 minutes.  The car’s electric motor set-up produces 373kW, while a curved ‘double bubble’ roof is a reflection of the original design. 

The brand may be in limbo in Australia but Peugeot has made a big statement at this week’s Paris Motor Show with the unveiling of a new-generation RCZ Vision sports coupe concept. And the big news under the four-seat GT’s svelte exterior is what the French maker states is a 110mm thick solid-state battery sitting within a 1000-volt electric architecture. Developed in collaboration with US energy specialist, Factorial Energy, Peugeot said the car’s solid-state cells have been tailored to deliver high energy density with “outstanding” charging and power capabilities.  Although its configuration isn’t detailed, Peugeot said the concept’s pure-electric powertrain is good for around 375kW with energy consumption of 11.5kWh/100km, while the battery’s state of charge is capable of rising from 10 to 80 per cent in just 10 minutes. Design highlights include the latest interpretation of Peugeot’s ‘Three Claws’ head- and tail-light signature, a ‘double-bubble’ roof echoing the original production RCZ’s (offered globally from 2009-2015) and a ‘future-generation’ version of the i-Cockpit instrument and steering wheel layout, the latter including transparent Micro LED displays. Underpinned by the Stellantis Group’s modular, multi-energy STLA One platform, scheduled to roll out in production form for B, C, and D segment models from 2027, the sleek concept features active aero, 21-inch front and 22-inch rear rims and a mix of top-shelf materials throughout the cabin, including Alcantara, recycled leather, machined aluminium and frosted glass. The dashboard clock, designed by French watchmaker, Serica, is in the form of the brand’s Parade watch, a floating centre console unites multiple functions including driving modes and climate control, while the air vents are mobile and can disappear into the dash when not in use. Unveiling the car, Peugeot CEO Alain Favey said, “With Peugeot RCZ Vision, we are setting out our vision with a car firmly focused on the future, dedicated to delivering the ultimate driving pleasure.   “With emotion at its heart, this manifesto embodies the boldness of Peugeot and shows that design and technology can work together seamlessly to create an experience that is instinctive, refined and intensely desirable,” he said.

At first sight, the Jaguar Type 01 EV has that rare power to stop you in your tracks. With a dramatic stretched bonnet and oversized wheels, it sits long, wide and low to the ground in a way that makes it difficult to fathom that the Type 01 is real but it is and will be on sale in Australia in the second half of next year, priced from around $300,000, plus on-roads. Delivering on almost all the promises made by last year's Type 00 concept, the new bold and daring four-door Jaguar GT has been created to snare buyers usually attracted by everything from a Porsche Taycan EV to a Bentley Continental GT. Developed to major in luxury, replicating its styling was so demanding it required an entirely new JEA platform. The underpinnings will eventually go on to support a large SUV that the reborn British brand desperately needs to survive. The low-volume GT, meanwhile, will serve as a brash statement of intent, repositioning the brand as a pukka Bentley rival, rather than an alternative to any BMW or Benz, the brand used to compete against.In the flesh, the sheer dimensions of the Jaguar are jaw-dropping, measuring in at 5235mm long, while standing at just 1403mm tall – which is lower than if you placed two of its enormous 23-inch wheels on top of one another. Overcoming a bluff front end, but tiny tweaks, active aerodynamics and a three-stage deployable spoiler, plus countless hours of virtual and physical wind tunnel testing have created the most slippery Jaguar ever with a low 0.23Cd drag coefficient. That figure has been crucial to achieving a 720km range (WLTP-verified) from its 118kWh battery. That distance is comprehensively humbled by the latest BMW i3 (900km), but is said to enable the brand's current customers to complete 99.7 per cent of all their journeys. Without being burdened by an old or outdated platform, Jaguar has been able to use its latest EV tech that benefits from all the knowhow earned from the I-PACE, Formula E and developing the new Range Rover twins. That explains why the Type 01 arrives with powerful 850-volt electrics that provide for fast DC charging up to 350kW and a 22-minute 10 to 80 per cent top-up. For those in a rush, after 13 minutes as much as 321km can be added using a fast DC charger – none of these figures set new standards, but in Australia even using our ageing 400-volt charging poles, the battery pack can still operate beyond 250kW. AC charging is 22kW, as standard, with dual AC charging ports on both sides to aid home top-ups. As well as looking the part and featuring the most up-to-date tech, engineers have ensured that the Type 01 drives like a proper Jaguar. We've already driven a prototype version and came away impressed, and the Brit brand has now confirmed the production car sports total of 757kW that's combined with an equally epic 1365Nm torque. That enables a 0-100km/h dash of around 3.2 seconds – which is brisk but lags the very quickest all-electric sedans out there, but the triple-motor powertrain has been designed to continue to deliver its relentless surge well above three figures, with 100-180km/h taking just 4.0 seconds. Catering for the keenest drivers the Type 01 has been designed to feature an optimum 50:50 weight distribution and an ultra-low centre of gravity. The dual-chamber air suspension and twin-valve active dampers, meanwhile, are said to achieve the aim of offering high levels of comfort one moment, and impeccable body control over the toughest of roads the next, with the system capable of monitoring the road ahead 500 times a second to pre-arm the chassis for what lies ahead. Rear-wheel steering and advanced torque vectoring afforded by having twin-motors driving the rear axle promise high levels of agility and engagement, if you're in the mood to play. When you're not, you can take delight in the look and feel of the Type 01's cossetting cabin, but might vent frustration with the lack of rear space. The new Jaguar isn't a svelte alternative to a Mercedes S-Class, with access to the second row being tight – blame a slim aperture and an imposing wheel arch that needs to be big enough to house those super-sized rims. Once seated, the biggest thing you'll notice is what's missing. There's no full-width cinema-like screen across the dash, with designers only adding a small seven-inch screen for ventilation and the seats that are mounted on a striking central spine that runs through the car. Ahead of the driver is a large 24-inch screen that incorporates both the instrument cluster and infotainment. With an almost complete absence of physical buttons, the driver will have to rely on the touchscreens, natural speak voice control or stab the buttons that adorn the seventies-inspired steering wheel. Compensating for the lack of a rear screen is a digital rear-view display that is mounted low within the dash, like an E-Type. Built into the dash is a large, almost full-width sound bar made up of 13 individual speakers which are combined with a further 25 speakers dotted out of sight around the cabin to provide the full immersive surround sound experience. By splitting the battery pack into two, engineers have cleverly been able to mount the front row seats low within the car while carving out space for added foot room in the rear. The former creates a sportscar-like driving position that helps set the mood for the drive. We've already mentioned the central spine, that features neat brass detailing and provides useful stowage and cupholders. While the front two gain 12-way heated and cooled adjustable massage seats, the rear seats are both heated and cooled and fold flat, boosting the modest (for such a big car) 450-litre luggage area. Highlights include fine attention to detail and the admirable resistance of the car-maker to rely on wood and leather, preferring a mix of unusual fabrics and textiles for a much more contemporary take on luxury materials. In the future, a five-seat variant will be offered, but even though leg and headroom are adequate, other similarly-sized limos offer more space to lounge back and enjoy the ride. Ensuring it will banish memories of any patchy reliability, the new Type 01 has undergone millions of kilometres of real-world testing, and torture testing that included plunging the hot battery pack into an ice-cold water bath to ensure it can cope with rapid changes in temperature. Keeping it safe on the roads is Jaguar's next generation of driver-assist tech that includes 10 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and five radars that promise a sophisticated semi-autonomous cruise control. On sale in Europe within the first half of 2027, Australian deliveries are tipped to begin late that year. It's too early for pricing and full specifications, local bosses claim, but it's expected the Jaguar Type 01 will be priced from $300,000 (plus on-road costs), with the 60-run Chromatic Moments launch edition painted in London Red or French Ultramarine blue both commanding a sizable premium.

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 BYD Changan Chery Deepal Denza Farizon Forthing Foton GAC Geely GWM iCaur JAC Jaecoo JMC LDV Leapmotor Lepas MG Nio Omoda Skyworth Smart Wey Wuling XPeng Zeekr 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 1 For 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 2 The 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 3 The 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 Dolphin The 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 6 The 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 5 The 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 6 The 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 7 The 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 8 The 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 6 The 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 C5 The 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 transmission. 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 E5 The 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 4 Available 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 7 The 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 8 This 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 Hybrid The 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 S05 This 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 S07 The 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 E07 This 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 B5 The 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 B8 The 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 D9 The 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 V7E Farizon 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 SV The 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 F3E The 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 5 Forthing'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 V7 The 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. Emzoom The 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 UT The 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 V The 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.  M8 The 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 EX2 The 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 Starray The 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 EX5 The 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 Jolion The 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 SUV The 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 H6 The 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 GT The 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 H7 This 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 300 Available 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 500 The 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 Cannon The 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 Alpha Like 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 T9 The 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 Hunter The 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 J5 Chinese 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 J7 The 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 J8 The 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 G10 The 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 5 The 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 7 The 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 9 The 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 Max The 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 D90 LDV’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 9 The 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 B05 This 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 B10 The 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 C10 The 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. MG3 The 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. MG5 The 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. MG4 The 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. MG7 The 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 Cyberster The 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 ZS The 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 EV The 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 HS The 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 EV This 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 seconds MG QS This 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 U9 The 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 IM5 The 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 IM6 The 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 9 The 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 BE11 The 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 #1 Smart 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 #3 Slotting 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 #5 The 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 G6 The 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 L03 The 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 G9L The 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 X9 The 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 X The 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 7X The 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 7GT The 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 009 The 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 9X At 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.

Earlier this month, Audi unveiled a retro-inspired small electric vehicle that is a homage to a car that failed a quarter of a century ago. Spectacularly. Chances are the timely and handsome new A2 will succeed where the overpriced and oddly styled original from 2001 could not, but referencing a flop seems risky. It’s like Ford reviving the AU Falcon (though to be fair it is having a moment), or General Motors exhuming Holden with an ode to the ZB Commodore. Or Epica. Which has us thinking: this isn’t the first time that nostalgia, perhaps served with a side plate of delusion, has led to some confounding decisions. Whether they sold or were received poorly, we outline five resurrections that flopped. And if you disagree, let us know why in the comments below. How the millennial Monaro came about requires context. Holden enjoyed two golden eras: the early years, and for half a decade from 1997, after the then-new VT Commodore became a runaway smash hit. And the next year’s Australian International Motor Show in Sydney was pivotal. Codenamed Monica, the 1998 Holden Coupe Concept – essentially a VT with two doors, a slightly more-rakish windscreen and four (lower) seats – stole the show like no other car ever had before or since. At the time, Holden wasn’t even planning to build it. After all, coupe shelf lives are notoriously short. The original HK Monaro of 1968 proved popular initially, but its HQ-HX successors from 1971 struggled. The Coupe Concept utterly overshadowed Ford’s debuting AU Falcon at the Sydney show, made national news and created a buzz that helped bolster the brand. It was nothing short of sensational. Journalists immediately dubbed it Monaro, something Holden was understandably wary of. Despite what some articles today state, the resulting V2 Monaro failed to meet internal sales expectations when it arrived far later than scheduled, in November, 2001. Priced beyond most buyers’ reach from nearly $95,000 adjusted for inflation today, it went on to account for only a fraction of Commodore volume, at 4274 versus 88,478 units, putting it at 47 spot. From there, sales never improved, and the US-market Pontiac GTO export version of 2004 also failed to find a large-enough audience. By then, GM was floundering as the world moved away from sedans and coupes, in favour of SUVs, with the planned next-generation VE Monaro promptly canned, save for the 2008 Coupe 60 Concept to celebrate Holden’s 60 Anniversary. The Datsun 1600 is regarded as one of Japan’s earliest greats. Launched in 1967, it combined elegant styling with European-style chassis sophistication, to create a brilliant little sedan that dominated world rallying as effortlessly as it won over owners’ hearts. However, the larger and heavier 180B and 200B replacements of 1972 and 1976 respectively completely lacked the 1600’s sporty charm. Stung by widespread criticism, Datsun attempted to recreate the magic with the Stanza in 1978. But, built down to a price, it sorely lacked the fun and finesse that endeared so many owners to the old 1600. Critics were ruthless in their reviews. And though relatively popular and successful in motorsport, the Stanza couldn’t replicate the old 1600’s greatness and lasted only a single generation in Australia. By all objective means, any NSX is a masterpiece. Be it the exquisite 1990 NA1 original that became the first mid-engined supercar in history to love you back, or the NC1 tri-electric motor petrol/hybrid AWD successor of 2016 that was a breathtaking technological showcase, the name signifies engineering mastery. However, while neither generation achieved the sales volumes Honda required, the original has enjoyed a glorious afterlife as one of the all-time sports car greats. But the latter? Sadly, the second – or American – NSX remains misunderstood as being too advanced, and not “analogue” enough for drivers to truly connect with. That Honda cancelled it early (except in Japan) has not helped. Maybe the NC1 was just a decade before its time. Still an amazing achievement. One of Japan’s earliest Volkswagen Golf clones, the Pulsar became a beloved small-car staple in Australia over 25 years and six generations from 1980. That was until Nissan was forced to switch to a smaller replacement with awkward styling, ambitious pricing and a silly name. Inevitably, the 2006 Tiida tanked, even as Australians were clamouring towards smaller cars in the wake of soaring fuel prices. This was the era where the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla were king, but Nissan missed the party completely. The reason why the Pulsar ended was that it never properly challenged the Golf, so instead Nissan devised the Qashqai crossover, which immediately became a sales phenomenon. Somehow, Nissan Australia convinced a reluctant Japan to allow the redesigned Tiida hatch of 2012 to be rebadged Pulsar, along with the Thai market Sylphy sedan. Hopes were high of a sales revival but neither interloper possessed the required sophistication or appeal to lure local consumers back. Both Pulsar iterations never saw out their model cycle. The rear-engined air-cooled Beetle, which changed comparatively little between 1937 and 2003, remains the world’s best-selling vehicle of all time, at 21.5 million units. In contrast, the Toyota Corolla regenerated 12 times to date for it to find 50 million buyers. The re-imagined New Beetle, released globally in 1997 and 2000 in Australia, based on the versatile Golf IV architecture and built inexpensively in Mexico, sold strongly at first. But demand tapered off markedly as per most fashion statements, especially when BMW’s Mini reset the bar for retro remakes from 2001. However, after nearly 1.2 million units, VW’s third attempt, officially known as the “The Beetle”, struggled from the outset in 2012, despite featuring significantly more sophisticated drivetrains. Gone by 2019, barely 550,000 units were produced worldwide.