Hybrid News

JAC Australia has announced pricing and standard specification for its much-anticipated Hunter ute, with sub-$50K cost-of-entry for the petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) dual cab sure to put the cat among the pigeons in an increasingly crowded ute segment.Starting at $49,988, before on-road costs it’s just over $6000 cheaper than the Shark 6 PHEV and appreciably more affordable than similarly specified 4WD dual cab utes like the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Toyota HiLux.Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and dual electric motors, the Hunter delivers a stonking 360kW and 1010Nm of combined power and torque with official combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel efficiency of 1.6L/100km (NEDC). That consumption claim equates to a combined range in excess of 1005km, although it’s important to note the lab-derived efficiency number is predicated on keeping the Hunter’s traction battery consistently charged. Claimed EV-only range is “up to 100km.”Braked trailer towing capacity is a category-competitive 3500kg and payload is rated at 915kg.The Hunter is offered in two grades, the Pro 4x4 at $49,988 and the top-spec X 4x4 sitting at $54,844, both before on-road costs.And despite its aggressive price positioning the entry model’s standard equipment list includes JAC’s ‘Super E-Hybrid’ 4x4 system boasting five terrain modes (Snow, Sand, Mud, Rock & Off-Road Crawl Control), a chrome styling package (with body-coloured exterior mirrors), leather-accented interior, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-way adjustable power driver’s seat, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy rims (plus a full-size steel spare), keyless entry and start, tailgate with Lift Assistance, steering wheel reach and rake adjustment plus multifunction steering wheel controls.The Hunter X adds front and rear diff locks (optional on Hunter Pro), a black styling package (including black roof rails), heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, 360-degree camera view, front parking sensors, power-folding exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, welcome puddle lamps and a rear 220V accessory socket.According to JAC, “Before the first customer drives home in a Hunter, it will have already completed more than 100,000km of testing on Australian roads: durability runs, towing, load-carrying, hot weather, and on- and off-road evaluation. “Vehicle dynamics were overseen from day one by Michael Barber, the respected Australian vehicle dynamic tuning engineer whose past work includes some of the country's most demanding local vehicle programs,” it said.And introducing the new ute, JAC Motors Australia Managing Director Ahmed Mahmoud said, “This isn't a trade-off between price and capability. It's proof that premium performance, advanced hybrid technology and genuine capability don't have to come with a premium price tag. We didn't build Hunter to undercut the market. We built it to disrupt it and reset what Australians should expect from a PHEV ute," he said.Vehicles are scheduled to hit showrooms from next month with registrations of interest already open. And to sweeten the deal for early adopters JAC is offering the first 1000 buyers who reserve a Hunter their choice of a free home EV charger or $500 JAC accessories voucher on delivery.

BYD has confirmed the pricing and specifications for the new Dolphin G DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) hatchback for the UK ahead of first arrivals in September.There are four trim levels available, Active, Boost, Comfort and Sport. Pricing starts at £23,990 (~A$46,350) and extends to £29,490 (~A$56,990).The entry-level Dolphin G DM-i is £6005 (~A$11,600) more affordable than the entry-level Sealion 5 DM-i. For context, the entry-level Sealion 5 in Australia is priced from $33,990 before on-road costs.If the Dolphin G DM-i comes to Australia it could slide under $30,000, making it the new cheapest PHEV. This title currently goes to the aforementioned Sealion 5.At this stage BYD hasn’t confirmed whether the Dolphin G DM-i is due for an Australian launch.The entry-level Dolphin G DM-i Active is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors with a total system output of 129kW.It features a 7.4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that allows for up to 39km of electric range, according to WLTP testing. Claimed total range is 1018km.The battery pack can only be AC charged at rates up to 3.3kW.The rest of the line-up is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors with a slightly higher total system output of 155kW.They have a larger 18.3kWh LFP battery that allows for up to 104km of electric range, according to WLTP testing. Claimed total range is 1039km.The battery pack can be AC charged at rates up to 6.6kW, plus it offers DC fast-charging capabilities at rates up to 39kW.As standard the entry-level Dolphin G DM-i Active comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen multimedia system, a four-speaker sound system and fabric upholstery.Stepping up to the Boost gains a larger 12.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system, 15W wireless phone charger, eight-speaker sound system, interior ambient lighting, synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, two 18W USB-C ports in the rear, electrically folding side mirrors and privacy glass.The Comfort gets larger 18-inch alloy wheels, Google Built-in multimedia operating system, fabric and synthetic leather upholstery, power adjustable driver’s seat, as well as a surround-view camera.Lastly the Sport gets black 18-inch alloy wheels and synthetic suede upholstery finished in black with either orange or blue accents.BYD hasn’t confirmed whether the Dolphin G DM-i will be coming to Australia, but the related Atto 2 DM-i has been approved for local sale.These types of government approval filings usually come a few months before a new model is confirmed for local sale. However, it isn't always a guarantee.If the BYD Atto 2 DM-i does launch in Australia it will complement the all-electric trims that launched late last year.

A new affordable European 4WD has just been revealed.Renault-owned Dacia has announced it will launch an off-road capable model called the Striker and it is expected to go on sale in Europe later this year.The Toyota RAV4-sized SUV will come with an affordable price tag of under 25,000 euros (about $41,000).This pits it against the much-anticipated Toyota FJ LandCruiser that went on sale in Japan recently.It is unclear whether the Striker will make its way to Australia.It will be launched in the United Kingdom, meaning it is available in right-hand drive so that could smooth an arrival path. Dacia models are rebadged under the Renault name in Australia, so expect it to be called the Renault Striker if it gets here.Renault Australia has been contacted for comment to see if the Striker will launch in Australia. It will be available with two separate mild hybrid set-ups for two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variants. The 2WD variants are powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 81kW, along with an electric motor, producing 37kW, and a high-voltage starter-generator.This set-up is paired with a 1.4kWh battery.The 4WD combines a front-mounted 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 103kW and 230Nm with a rear-mounted electric motor, producing 23kW and 87Nm.The pair combine to produce a total 110kW and 230Nm, and are complimented by a smaller 48-volt battery.  Dacia said this 4WD hybrid set-up can drive on just electric power for 60 per cent of driving time in and around cities.At 4620mm long, the Striker measures up closely to the FJ LandCruiser, but it is much shorter at 1530mm, enabling a sleek coupe-like design.Dacia has made the Striker an eager off-roader.It has 200mm of ground clearance and five different driving modes catering for surfaces like snow, mud, sand and general off-roading. The car gets 17-inch steel wheels as standard that are upgraded to alloys further up the range.On the inside, there is a 10.1-inch central touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital driver display.Higher grades of the Striker swap to 18-inch alloy wheels, while adding a panoramic sunroof and a 10-inch digital driver display.Dacia’s Striker move is driven by the brand's desire to increase sales in the SUV space.The brand unveiled its Bridger concept earlier this year, which is also a smaller SUV. It will initially target the Indian market.

Alfa Romeo’s stylish and refreshed hybrid SUV is here. The brand has announced pricing and specifications for its updated Tonale small SUV in Australia. It will be offered as a petrol mild hybrid, with prices starting from $64,990 9before on-road costs), which is the same as before. Plug-in hybrid power is now an extra $1500, with prices starting from $78,990.The Tonale is similarly priced to the BMW X1 that is available in petrol ($66,700) and PHEV ($79,500) set-ups. It will also tackle the revamped Cupra Formentor that just got a sizeable $7000 price cut in Australia ($53,990). PHEV variants of the Formentor are $4500 cheaper than the comparative Tonale, starting from $74,490. The petrol mild hybrid Tonale is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 128kW and 240Nm, supplemented by a small electric motor and 48-volt battery.The PHEV also has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, but adds a larger electric motor to boost power to 198kW and 270Nm, along with an all-wheel drive system.Its 15.5kWh battery has an all-electric driving range of 59km, according to WLTP standards. The car has received a new sharpened design as part of its refresh, including a re-thought front grille and new 19-inch alloy wheels. It also has several new interior features as standard.Seats are covered in a synthetic leather, and the front ones are electrically adjustable, with heating, ventilation and memory function. The steering wheel and windscreen washer nozzle are also heated. Elsewhere in the cabin, there is a 12.3-inch digital driver display and 10.25-inch central touchscreen, along with a wireless phone charger.It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.There other convenience features like an electrically operated tailgate with hands-free function, and keyless entry and start. Alfa Romeo has introduced special edition variants of its Tonale and Junior SUVs, called the Ibrida Sport Speciale. The Junior is priced from $51,990, while the Tonale starts from $68,990, so they are both more expensive than base versions of their respective models. The Junior is a compact SUV, powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid system, producing 107kW and 230Nm. It sits under the Tonale in Alfa Romeo’s range. The special edition flair to these models adds synthetic leather and Alcantara seats, as well as a sunroof and a glossy black body kit. 

We are halfway through the year, and what a half it has been for the Australian new-car market.The biggest story of the year has been the superstar rise of BYD, and the fall of a few Japanese stars.Electric car and plug-in hybrid sales have surged on the back of sky-high petrol prices and the growth of affordable options.And Australians continue to fall out of love with utes.So what’s in store for the rest of the year? These are our predictions.BYD had a monster June selling 18,881 vehicles, but despite that monster effort it was still 243 sales behind Toyota. That epic result for BYD was fuelled by the arrival of its own car carriers packed to the gills with BYDs and Denzas.It coincided with Toyota struggling to get production of the RAV4 and HiLux up to steam.Toyota has said it has now secured an additional 20,000 vehicles to arrive in the second half of this year, with the majority being RAV4s and HiLuxes.It is now predicting it will sell 230,000 vehicles for the full year. That means it will sell 22,500 vehicles every month for the rest of 2026.That kind of volume puts BYD’s challenge to bed … for this year at least.Toyota's former Head of Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley called it a few years ago, but the data now backs it up — ute sales have peaked.Sales of the volume - and profit making - four-wheel-drive utes are down 11 per cent for the year. And crucially they were down 14 per cent in June, which is typically one of the strongest months for ute sales as the End of Financial Year wraps up.This is despite a range of new models dropping in the past 12 months, including an updated Toyota HiLux, Kia Tasman, MG U9 and a next-generation Nissan Navara, among others. None have lit the sales charts on fire.Not even BYD’s plug-in hybrid Shark 6 can save the segment, with its sales down about nine per cent this year.That’s bad news for carmakers planning a ute assault in the coming months.Chery’s ballyhooed diesel hybrid Stockman is headed our way this year and could replicate the Shark 6’s success.Hyundai is already keeping its options open. Hyundai Australia CEO Don Romano told CarsGuide recently there were lots of variables that could affect the timing of the new ute."It's definitely going to happen. The timing is really the issue, because if it's built in the US... and if the FX (foreign exchange rate) is favourable, it would be sooner. But if it's not, we don't need another ute that's priced too high," said Romano."I'd say we're still looking at between now and 2030. There's a timeframe, but even that isn't a guarantee and it would be subject to us saying 'that's the right ute for Australia', and I haven't got to that point yet that anything we're doing at this stage is a guaranteed right vehicle for Australia."It appears a ute is no longer the guaranteed success it once was.The rise of BYD, Chery, GWM and MG has forced a few long-time big sellers to the back of the pack.It is hard to see Subaru, Nissan and Mitsubishi turning it around. All have had their lunch cut by cheaper, and flashier, Chinese alternatives.All have few electric or plug-in hybrid options, which means they will likely be slugged with fines under the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).This will likely lead to higher car prices, which will further erode their position against cut-price Chinese brands with a high level of electrification across the range.Even the mighty Mazda isn’t immune after a tough June, and Aussies will have to wait another 18 months at least to get their hands on a hybrid version of the CX-5, its most popular model.Mazda does have a range of EVs coming from its Chinese partner Changan.Nissan will follow a similar path with EVs and plug-in hybrids from its Chinese partner, Dongfeng, after denying Aussies the new Leaf and Juke EVs.Mitsubishi has paired up with Taiwanese brand Foxconn, which is a sub-division of the company that produces iPhones, to make its electric cars, with little to no plans to make EVs themselves.Subaru has a bunch of EVs co-developed with Toyota, but has walked back plans to make some of its own.EV sales boomed in the past three months off the back of high fuel prices caused by the Iran war.Most carmakers are claiming inquiries have returned to normal after a bumper few months.It is still unlikely that we will see a return to sub-10 per cent market share for EVs as more and more options become available across all price pointsGeely is about to launch its EX2, which is the most popular EV in China, and more brands are focusing on the volume-selling segments as the cost of making EVs drops.So we won’t see the massive surge from the past month, but there will be real sustainable growth in the next six months.

In the same way sharks must keep moving forward to breathe, BYD needs Australia to keep its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute alive for global consumption.At least that’s the proposition put in an overnight CarNewsChina (CNC) report noting a significant year-on-year export volume decline for the petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) dual cab.The report references Chinese industry data pointing to a 25.8 per cent drop in Shark 6 exports to 20,037 units for the first half of 2026 (down from 26,988 in H1 2025).Although BYD has regularly stated its intention to sell the Shark 6 in the Chinese domestic market, so far it’s an export-only proposition, currently on sale in Brazil, Chile, Iraq, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE and critically, Australia.Of that first half volume number, Australian sales (9493 units) accounted for more than 47 per cent.That’s despite increased competition lowering local January to June Shark 6 sales by 8.9 per cent from 10,424 for the same period in 2025.According to CNC, BYD exported 11,038 examples of the Shark 6 in its 2024 launch year, rising to 39,466 units in 2025, although sales slowed appreciably in the second half of last year (26,988 units Jan-Jun / 12,478 units Jul-Dec).In June 2026, BYD recorded 4000 Shark 6 exports with 3398 units (85 per cent of that number) sold within the month in Australia, CNC positioning the ute as “becoming a hostage to one market”.It also makes the point “the BYD Shark 6 is facing intensifying competition in the segment as GWM, Geely, Changan, and other Chinese carmakers introduce their plug-in hybrid, range-extended, and fully electric trucks to the global market”. The upcoming diesel plug-in hybrid Chery Stockman received special mention.It’s also worth noting the potential impact of the smaller BYD Mako ute, scheduled to launch initially in South America in September this year.The front- or all-wheel drive 1.5-litre unibody PHEV dual cab looks set for introduction in other markets with a likely Australian release running the risk of further diluting Shark 6 sales.Could the global Shark 6 slowdown put this ground-breaking ute in peril? Stay tuned.

Lexus Australia has confirmed pricing and specification for the new eighth-generation ES sedan, with a choice of petrol-electric, and for the first time, pure-electric power.That EV power costs only $2000 more than the hybrid version, which is similar to Toyota's old jump up from petrol to hybrid power, and brings EV price parity closer than ever.Underpinned by an evolution of the global ‘GA-K multi-pathway platform’ the new ES breaks the design shackles with a sweeping fastback-style profile while retaining a conventional boot.Inside, a new 12.3-inch driver’s display joins a centrally mounted full-HD 14.0-inch multimedia touchscreen running a more powerful Arene operating system with a shift-by-wire Electro-Shiftmatic toggle shift lever controlling the transmission.Longer (+170mm), wider (+55mm) and taller (+110mm) than the car it replaces, with an expanded wheelbase (+80mm), the new ES offers a choice of two BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) powertrains.The line-up launches with the ES 350e, powered by a single electric motor sending 165kW to the front wheels only, while the dual-motor ES 500e distributes a combined 252kW to all four wheels.The BEVs 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged at up to 150kW DC for a 10 to 80 per cent fill “in as little as 28 minutes” while 22kW AC charging capacity is also onboard.Scheduled to arrive later in the year, series-parallel hybrid models feature a newly developed sixth-generation powertrain combining a (105kW/227Nm) 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with a new ‘eAxle’ incorporating a (150kW/270Nm) permanent magnet synchronous motor generator, inverter and Power Control Unit in the transaxle(s) for a combined output of 144kW.Claimed combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel economy is 4.5L/100km for a theoretical range of around 1200km.Standard equipment on the entry-grade ES 300h includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats (with eight-way power adjustment), smart entry and start and 10-speaker audio.Step up to the ES 300h Luxury + EP and the list of included features adds ventilated front seats, multi-colour ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, wireless device charging, a 360-degree view and 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio.The battery-electric ES 350e Sports Luxury tips in 21-inch alloy wheels, high-definition adaptive high-beam headlights, easy-close doors, semi-aniline leather accented seat trim, 10-way driver’s seat adjustment, driver and front passenger radiant heating, dual wireless smartphone chargers, rear door sunshades and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).Then, the flagship ES 500e Sports Luxury adds the extra motor with all-wheel drive as well as Interactive Manual Drive and unique 21-inch alloy wheels.

BYD is a serious sales threat to Toyota in Australia.The giant Chinese carmaker sold 243 fewer cars than Toyota, which has dominated the Aussie charts for decades.There is one particular segment BYD is chasing Toyota in that isn't getting the attention of the others.Sedans have generally been on the decline in Australia, with SUVs climbing the charts in their place.The Toyota Camry has owned the sedan segment for many years, and has recently seen a huge boost in sales.It has faced little competition from European rivals like the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Passat.BYD is now showing promise where those models haven't made an impression.The brand has introduced two sedans in Australia so far: the Seal EV and Seal 6 plug-in hybrid. The Seal is one of few fully-electric sedans on sale in Australia, with the Kia EV4 and Mazda 6e providing further competition in recent months.It has proven to be one of the best-selling electric sedans since it launched in late 2023, trailing only the Tesla Model 3 on the sales charts this year.The Camry remains the outright leader of the sedan segment, but the Seal’s sales trump every competitor but the Camry and the Model 3. It is also the sedan that has experienced the most growth in 2026, up nearly 65 per cent. The Seal isn’t the only sedan providing a threat to the Camry from BYD, with the Seal 6 PHEV also now on sale.It has managed 249 registrations since it went on sale in April.BYD’s sedan push doesn’t stop there.The Seal 7 has recently been approved for sale in Australia.It will size up similarly to the Camry, compared to the smaller Seal and Seal 6.It could be an appealing alternative for fleets and ride share drivers, as it may be available in both plug-in and fully electric forms.Those sales remain an important component of the Camry’s success in Australia.

The small and light passenger car segments have been dwindling for years in Australia, but new offerings are helping to revive the affordable new car.These cars are the BYD Atto 1, MG3 and MG4 Urban. They’re all from Chinese carmakers and offer electrified power options.In June BYD sold a total of 871 examples of the Atto 1. It’s only been on sale for a few months and it’s the most affordable electric vehicle (EV) in Australia with a starting price of $23,990 before on-road costs.It was only pipped at the post in terms of monthly sales by the MG3 with a total of 898 examples sold. This is down 1.8 per cent compared to June 2025.The MG3 is now one of the only cars that's available for less than $20,000. It’s offered with both petrol and hybrid power.The Kia Picanto is the only other new car that’s available for less than $20,000 and it’s even smaller than the MG3. The South Korean carmaker sold 626 examples during June, which is down 13.3 per cent over the same month last year.MG also had some sales success with its new MG4 Urban small electric hatchback in June with a total of 1015 examples sold during the month.This almost outsold the venerable Toyota Corolla which shifted 1037 units. This is down 28.6 per cent compared to June 2025.Looking at the year-to-date (YTD) sales figures, BYD has sold a total of 3254 examples of the Atto 1 despite only being on sale for a few months.The Chinese carmaker has been going from strength to strength in terms of sales in Australia. It’s now the second best-selling brand in Australia behind only Toyota, which has held the crown for the last 20 consecutive years.MG sold a total of 3917 examples of the MG3 to the end of June which was down 25.9 per cent year-on-year. For context, MG sold a total of 8984 examples of the related ZS small SUV over the same period, an 11.7 per cent drop.MG sold a total of 1424 examples of the MG4 Urban up to the end of June. It’s only been on sale for a few months now and it appears full supply is coming on tap and backorders are being fulfilled.Forecasting for the rest of the 2026, it will be interesting to see how much of this renewed interest in certain small cars carries on as the segments as a whole continue to decline.Light and small SUV sales continue to boom and don’t look like they’re slowing down anytime soon. The overall sales volume for the segments are much higher than the respective passenger car segments too.Chery sold a total of 13,638 examples of the Tiggo 4 small SUV until the end of June, which is up 70.6 per cent year-on-year. It also makes it the fifth best-selling car in Australia overall.The best-selling passenger car currently is the Toyota Corolla in 22nd place for YTD sales. Every vehicle with a higher sales volume is either an SUV or ute.

XPeng’s new segment-bending Mona L03 SUV has been caught testing in Australia just after going on sale in China.Spotted by CarsGuide’s own Byron Mathioudakis on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, the SUV remains heavily camouflaged but still identifiable as the L03 thanks to its partially exposed signature front headlights, tail-lights that form part of its rear spoiler piece and partially exposed alloy wheels with XPeng logos.Glimpses of a steering wheel on the right-hand side can be identified, which is the first time the L03 has ever been spotted in this configuration.The L03 sits below XPeng’s only current model in Australia, the G6 mid-sizer SUV, which competes with the Tesla Model Y. The L03 will compete with more affordable SUVs such as the Geely EX5 (from $41,990), BYD Atto 3 (from $39,990) and GAC Aion V (from $42,590).It shares a familiar minimalist interior treatment to many of its Chinese contemporaries, with modern touches like a large central multimedia touchscreen, oval steering wheel and floating central console, with its key differentiator being its slinky fastback-style rear.The L03 is available overseas in electric form, with a 183kW/280Nm rear-mounted motor and either a 56kWh or 69kWh battery pack for up to 625km of range, according to lenient Chinese standards.A range-extender hybrid model will follow, using a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a 37.2kWh battery pack.The L03 was spotted alongside another unknown XPeng model, which appears to be a hatchback or crossover. It could be a third member of the Mona family, with the L03 being an SUV and the M03 being a sedan.It stands to reason that XPeng would launch a hatchback as the brand has been active in the European market for some time. It would follow in the footsteps of the original MG4, Leapmotor's B05 hatchback, both created specifically for the European market, or BYD and its Euro-focused plug-in hybrid derivatives of the Atto 1 and Atto 2.The M03 sedan has been previewed in Australia in left-hand-drive form under XPeng’s previous distributor, and has gone on to become a popular low-cost vehicle in China, but it is unclear whether XPeng’s new factory-backed operation will follow through with plans to launch it in Australia now the company’s model range has evolved overseas.The freshly spotted car seems to have more in common with the SUV design, featuring a bar-style tail-light rather than the individual light clusters of the M03 sedan, while its hatch-style tailgate is a new profile for the brand.CarsGuide understands the L03 is due in Australia in 2027, and the spotted SUV is likely undergoing validation testing for the Australian market.The hatchback model is likely undergoing initial testing and will launch further down the track.XPeng is seeking to get its business back on track in Australia amid an ongoing legal stoush with its former distributor TrueEV.The now factory-backed brand currently only offers the updated G6 on its website, with the X9 people mover listed as coming soon.It is yet to comment locally on the L03 and CarsGuide has sought clarity on the hatchback model.