Hybrid News

The potential new generation of Hyundai’s popular i30 sedan is one step closer to Aussie shores. The brand has priced the new Avante sedan in its local South Korean market ahead of its Australian arrival in 2027.The current i30 sedan sold in Australia is called the Avante in South Korea, so this is likely to be the case for its new generation.It starts from 23,980,000 won (about $24,000), with prices ranging up to 31,520,000 won (roughly $32,000). There is also a high-performance Avante N variant that starts from $33,560,000 won (about $34,000). The i30 lines up as a sedan rival to the Toyota Corolla ($32,585) and Kia K4 ($32,090), both before on-road costs.The Avante is available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 111kW, and a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, making 117kW.It is expected the car will only be offered with the hybrid set-up here to appease stringent emissions regulations. The new-generation features a bold, outgoing design, with boxy proportions and distinctive body panel creases, matching up with Hyundai’s current design language. The car has a large central touchscreen and pop-up digital driver display instead of a traditional unit embedded into the dashboard. Hyundai confirmed its in-car software has undergone major changes, including Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, and a Gleo AI voice assistant for navigation and climate control. There is no official word from Hyundai on when the new Avante will launch in Australia as the next i30 sedan, but it is expected to arrive in the first half of 2027. There is likely to be more information about its Australian future towards the end of 2026.The i30 sedan currently starts from $30,000 (before on-road costs), but its predicted hybrid-only status will push that price up. Korean pricing can provide a rough indication on where it might land in Australia. Its 23,980,000 won (about $24,000) price tag will probably receive an extra 30 to 40 per cent bump here to account for shipping, import and distribution costs.This means it could be offered from the region of $35,000-plus. 

The Jaecoo J7 just got more expensive for Australian buyers. Jaecoo has trimmed its J7 variants from five to three, with the cheapest ‘Ridge’ petrol grade now $39,990, drive-away - a $5000 jump on the previous ‘Core’. However, petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power are both available from $39,990. The range-topping plug-in hybrid Summit is now the only grade available with a choice of two or all-wheel drive, starting from $47,990. The petrol and range-topping PHEV variants are available in showrooms now, with the mid-spec Track arriving in October. The J7 is the larger sibling of the smash-hit J5 small SUV.It takes on popular family SUVs like the petrol or conventional hybrid-powered Hyundai Tucson ($39,100) and petrol-powered Mazda CX-5 ($39,990), both before on-road costs. The base Ridge grade is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, making 137kW and 275Nm. The first of two PHEV set-ups uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and single electric motor to produce 205kW and 365Nm. The top-spec PHEV adds a rear electric motor, boosting total power up to 260kW and 490Nm. Both PHEV variants are equipped with an 18.4kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, with J7 capable of travelling as much as 100km on electric-only power. The J7 PHEV has a total driving range of up to 1200km when the battery is fully charged and the fuel tank is at capacity. DC charging from 30 to 80 per cent at 40kW takes 20 minutes. The J7 comes as standard with a 10.25-inch digital driver display, but other equipment depends on what grade you buy. The base and range-topping variants have a 14.8-inch central touchscreen, while the mid-spec PHEV has a 13.2-inch unit.You get synthetic leather seats in the Ridge petrol and Summit PHEV grades, with the front seats heated and ventilated. Those grades also receive an electrically operated panoramic sunroof and power tailgate as well. All grades ride on a variant of 19-inch wheels and feature Jaecoo’s waterfall grille as on all its petrol- and hybrid-powered models. 

Denza has confirmed a pure-electric version of its Range Rover-baiting N8L large SUV will launch in the Chinese domestic market this month, joining the existing plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, already offered across four grades.Denza Auto General Manager Li Hui confirmed the arrival timing, with documents already lodged with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) pointing to power for the luxurious six-seater coming from a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, sending 370kW to the rear wheels with a 130.2kWh LFP battery delivering a range of no less than 960km (to the more generous CLTC protocol).Overall dimensions are unchanged from the N8L PHEV, the pure-electric model measuring 5.2m long, a fraction under 2.0m wide and just over 1.8m tall with a 3075mm wheelbase. The front trunk measures 208 litres.Kerb weight is a sturdy 2900kg but claimed top speed is still an impressive 240km/h.Standard specification and pricing is yet to be confirmed but it’s likely the N8L EV will retain features from the PHEV including:Fast-charging capacity (taking advantage of parent company BYD’s rapidly expanding Flash Charging network)‘God's Eye 5.0’ (end-to-end large-scale reinforcement learning model)An extensive active safety suite and nine airbagsCrab parking capabilityDual-cavity air suspensionMotion sickness preventionNappa leather seat trimAuto-extending running boardsMultiple large-format entertainment, media and information screensHigh-end audioMulti-zone climate control The Denza N8L PHEV currently ranges in price from ¥299,800 to ¥349,800, which would translate to Australian prices of around $80,000 and $95,000, respectively. There is no word yet on whether the Denza N8L PHEV or EV will come to Australia but it’s clear BYD is aggressively expanding its high-end sub-brand’s line-up locally.The B5 large PHEV SUV, B8 upper-large PHEV SUV and D9 pure-electric people mover are already on-sale here with the high-performance Z9GT ‘arriving soon’.

Nissan is reportedly fast tracking the development of its new-generation X-Trail in order to claw back declining sales.As reported by Automotive News, this new mid-size SUV from the Japanese carmaker is set to launch in the US badged as the Rogue in November 2026. It was previously set to arrive in mid-2027.At launch a single, high-spec trim with the e-Power hybrid powertrain will reportedly be offered in the US. More variants, including versions with a standard petrol engine, will follow at a later date.This specific trim level has reportedly been strategically selected for volume and margin, however stock is expected to be slim.Nissan is set to initially import US-spec versions of the X-Trail/Rogue from Japan. This means these examples will attract tariffs in the US.However, the Japanese carmaker is reportedly set to begin domestic production of the petrol-powered variants at its US production facility in Tennessee in mid-2027.Domestic production of the e-Power hybrid variants is planned for early 2028.For reference, all Australian-specification versions of the new-generation Nissan X-Trail will come from Japan.Although the US launch of the new-generation X-Trail/Rogue has been fast tracked to November, it appears the Australian launch timing remains unchanged for now.CarsGuide understands the new-generation X-Trail will launch in Australia in late 2027.The Japanese carmaker is still rolling out versions of the outgoing X-Trail in Australia.There are new, two-wheel drive X-Trail e-Power hybrid variants coming in Australia, as well as a tough-looking Rock Creek trim level.Nissan revealed the new-generation X-Trail earlier in 2026 and it’s based on an iteration of the Renault-Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-CD platform that underpins the current model.Despite the carryover architecture, Nissan claims it reworked the structure and it’s much stiffer than before. Additionally it has completely reworked the suspension system with a wider track width.Under the bonnet is a new-generation e-Power hybrid that’s claimed to be quieter, smoother and more fuel efficient than the current version. A pure petrol powertrain will be offered globally, though it’s unclear whether it’ll be offered in Australia.It appears the glasshouse has carried over but with new body cladding and styling. At this stage the interior design hasn’t been revealed.

Geely’s Starray plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV will soon be available with all-wheel drive for Aussie buyers.The increasingly popular Chinese brand has confirmed it will add a new ‘Inspire’ AWD grade to its growing line-up. Starting from $44,990, before on-road costs, it will be $3500 more expensive than the top-grade two-wheel-drive variant. This means it will undercut the smaller Toyota RAV4 AWD PHEV by nearly $20,000.The new variant provides competition for the BYD Sealion 6 AWD ($52,990) and the 2WD-only Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV ($49,990, drive-away).It will arrive in dealerships in mid-September 2026 as the brand’s third Starray EM-i variant, with increased popularity encouraging the brand to broaden offerings.It went on sale in Australia in September 2025, following on from the fully electric EX5 earlier in the year.The AWD Starray uses the same 29.8kWh battery as the 2WD top grade, capable of travelling 130km (WLTP) on electric-only power. This is marginally less than the Inspire 2WD, but Geely has given the AWD a 60L fuel tank (up from 51L), boosting total driving range to 1065km from 996km. This variant boasts the most powerful set-up in the range.It adds a rear motor to compliment a front motor and 1.5-litre petrol engine, to make a combined 220kW and 412Nm.The new set-up means the car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds, down from 8.2 seconds.It is slightly more thirsty than its 2WD sibling, registering 1.7L/100km for fuel efficiency, as opposed to 1.6L/100km.  Geely has added a five-link rear suspension compared to the four-link unit on other variants for improved comfort and handling, according to the brand. It also has two new all-terrain-focused driving modes called ‘Snow’ and ‘Off-road’.

The Chinese luxury brand space is about to expand in Australia.Avatr, the luxury arm of Changan, is set for an Australian arrival imminently as the company goes on a hiring spree for Avatr Australia on LinkedIn.Whether the brand will launch at the same time as its mainstream arm Changan locally, and whether it will use the same sales model and dealer network, remains to be seen.Avatr serves as a rival to Zeekr (Geely’s premium arm), and MG’s IM Motors division, as well as other tech-forward Chinese brands not sold yet in Australia, including Nio.In Changan’s portfolio it sits above Deepal, which is already distributed in Australia via Subaru importer Inchcape.As to what to expect from the company, we can look at other right-hand drive markets for a clue.Avatr is already on sale in Thailand, where it sells two models in right-hand drive, the 07 and 11. Both are unusually-shaped models, with the Avatr 07 being a swoopy mid-size SUV, and the Avatr 11 adopting a crossover-styled liftback design, similar to the likes of the Polestar 4.This is just a fraction of the brand’s range available in China, which includes the 06 sedan and 06T wagon as competitors to the Zeekr 7GT, and the flagship 12 limousine.Avatr’s range is available both in fully electric and range-extender hybrid forms in China, although the 07 and 11 offered in right-hand drive for the Thai market are both electric only.The 07, which will go into battle with the overwhelmingly popular Zeekr 7X has a 82.16kWh LFP battery with 575km of driving range in base rear-wheel drive form, or 545km of driving range in top-spec AWD form, although both of these range figures are calculated to the more lenient NEDC methodology.The rear-drive version produces 252kW/365Nm able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds, while the AWD version produces a combined 440kW/645Nm, reducing 0-100km/h sprint time to just 3.9 seconds, according to the brand.The 07 has an 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing it to charge at a maximum speed of 420kW on DC for a charge time (quoted at 30 - 80 per cent) in 10 minutes.In Thailand, where Avatr is distributed rather than factory-backed, the 07 costs from the equivalent of $70,635 for the RWD to $79,150 for the top-spec AWD.They are priced at a little over half that in the Chinese domestic market. The reality for Australia is prices will likely being somewhere in-between, particularly if the 07 wants to take market share from the Zeekr 7X that is priced from $57,900 before on-roads.Meanwhile the unusually-styled 11 comes with a massive 116.79kWh NMC battery, allowing it a much longer driving range of 680km for the rear-drive version or 630km for the all-wheel drive version (also to NEDC figures).It produces 230kW/350Nm in RWD form with a 0-100km/h print for 6.9 seconds, while the all-wheel drive produces a combined 395kW/641Nm and reduces the 100km/h sprint to just 4.8 seconds.Its charging speed is less than the 07, rated at a maximum 240kW for a 30 - 80 per cent charge in 25 minutes.Both cars are able to output power via a vehicle-to-load system at 3.3kW, and both cars score continuously variable damping in all-wheel drive form.The Avatr 11 is built in Thailand, with the brand also planning to produce knock-down-kit versions of the 07.Plans for a further right-hand drive expansion for the Avatr brand are yet to be seen, but given the brand's recent rapid export-market expansion, we expect to see more soon.Changan as a group is also plotting a new product offensive across other right-hand drive markets in South East Asia ever closer to Australia like Malaysia, where it is contemplating other important products, including the affordable Nevo Q05 as a new rival to the Geely EX5, and even a range-extended hybrid dual-cab ute to be sold under the Changan marque.Stay tuned for more info on Avatr and Changan as their new model roll-out plans come to fruition.

A new rugged SUV destined for Aussie buyers has just been priced overseas.The Freelander 8 will launch in China on the 3 September 2026, as the Chery and Jaguar Land Rover partnership's first official model.It is a large boxy three-row SUV measuring 5118mm long, so it rivals the Denza B8 plug-in hybrid ($91,000, before on-road costs) and more budget-focused GWM Tank 500 ($66,490, drive-away).It will also provide competition for the GAC Yue 7 and Geely Galaxy Cruiser earmarked for launch Down Under in 2027.The 8 will differ from much of its competition, sporting an SUV monocoque chassis in contrast to traditional ladder-frame set-ups.It will start in China from 339,900 yuan (or roughly $71,000), with prices rising up to $429,900 (or about $90,000), though it will be 20 to 30 per cent more in Australia.Freelander is a joint venture between Chery and JLR to revive Land Rover’s former affordable SUV's name globally.The brand is focused on selling SUVs that boast off-roading capabilities and a luxurious on-road driving experience at an affordable price point.The 8 will be the first of six China-built models launched under the Freelander name in the next five years.The car is powered by a range-extender set-up that employs a 1.5-litre petrol engine, producing 115kW to charge its 60.3kWh battery.The engine is solely responsible for charging the 60.3kWh battery, while two electric motors provide 610kW to all four wheels, offering acceleration from 0-100km/h in less than five seconds.The Freelander 8 can travel for up to 310km on pure electric power, according to the more lenient CLTC standards.The car will be available in four trim levels in a 2-2-2 six-seat layout.All variants will feature a 46.3-inch panoramic display spanning the dashboard and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen.Despite rising on an SUV monocoque chassis, it boasts a front differential lock and a rear electric limited-slip differential.This is coupled with a 2000kg towing capacity.Chery has confirmed the Freelander sub-brand is coming to Australia in 2027, but there are no official details on what models will launch here or in what order.The Freelander 8 is expected to be the first model to hit Aussie shores in mid-to-late 2027. The brand is currently focused on introducing its Lepas lifestyle-focused sub-brand Down Under that is due to begin sales soon after a delay to launch plans.

Volvo is reportedly working on a next-generation version of its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology and it’s understood it will be applied to a series of vehicles.While it’s virtually guaranteed that this new Volvo PHEV system will make its way into a number of SUVs, new information indicates that it may power a successor to the S60 sedan.Tentatively dubbed the S70, a heavily camouflaged prototype has been spied in China. It’s understood to be based on the Lynk & Co 10.Official details are few and far between for now, but it’s understood it could be revealed before the end of 2026 and may initially be for the Chinese market, like the XC70 SUV.Based on this, digital artist Sugar Design has whipped up some renders of this forthcoming PHEV sedan.The digital renders of the forthcoming, so-called Volvo S70 show it has some design similarities with the XC70 PHEV SUV.There’s a faux front grille, large diamond-cut alloy wheels, flush door handles, as well as an elliptical tail-light design.Another notable design point is the LiDAR mounted on the roof which indicates that the car may have some level of semi-autonomous driving capabilities.No renders of the interior have been made yet, however a spied prototype showed it will have a central roller and button cluster like the new XC70, EX60 and ES90.At this stage we’ve only seen a sedan version of this forthcoming Volvo, however Sugar Design has mocked up what a wagon counterpart would look like.Tentatively dubbed the V70, it looks virtually identical to the S70 renders, but has a longer roofline, as well as a more upright tailgate and tail-lights that look more like the XC70.It’s unclear whether Volvo actually intends to produce a wagon version of the forthcoming S70.If it does, it could be a successor to the V60 which was axed during 2025.No official details about what may power the Volvo S70 and V70 have been confirmed yet, however PHEV power is likely.Given reports have indicated that the Lynk & Co 10 may form the basis of these cars, this potentially points to what may be on offer.The Lynk & Co 10 is powered by a PHEV set-up combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors. Total system output is 390kW.The electric motors are fed by either an 18.4kWh or 38.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, allowing up to 100km or 192km of CLTC claimed electric range, respectively.It’s understood that the forthcoming Volvo S70 sedan could be revealed before the end of 2026.Like the Volvo XC70, it’s expected the S70 will likely be aimed primarily at the Chinese market where sedans are still popular. However, export markets may be on the cards.While the S70 seems closer to production reality, it’s unclear whether Volvo actually plans to produce a wagon counterpart. No spied prototypes have been caught yet.If Volvo does plan to launch a new electrified sedan and wagon, the pair would form as successors to the S60 and V60.

The new Nissan Patrol Y63 has given Aussie 4WD buyers some serious thinking to do. Nissan recently revealed pricing and key specifications for the new-generation Patrol.There are some huge changes for the Patrol in 2026, but Nissan has done its best to trump the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.So, how does it shape up to its sparring partner on the numbers?2026 pricing (before on-road costs)Pricing is pretty close, with both models skirting on the edge of the $100,000 mark to start, despite the Patrol being about $2500 more expensive than its outgoing V8 sibling. The Patrol undercuts the LandCruiser across the range, with Nissan’s 4WD kicking off from $350 less.The biggest gap comes in the sport-focused variants, where the Patrol Pro-4 X is more than $10,000 cheaper compared to the GR Sport grade of the LandCruiser. Hybrid LandCruisers are the most expensive, with a near $11,000 gap on the most expensive Patrol variant.  This round goes to the Patrol, but there might not be much in it for buyers on base price.Nissan made the big decision to ditch its much-loved naturally-aspirated 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine for a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 unit.The good news is the Patrol’s petrol V6 boasts even more power than the V8, producing 317kW, compared to 298kW on the outgoing model. This blows the LandCruiser 300’s twin-turbo diesel V6 engine out of the water on power because it only produces 227kW.It's debatable how much difference this will make in the real world as torque often proves more important for 4WDs when it comes to off-roading and towing capacity.Both the Patrol and LandCruiser 300 pack 700Nm in a dead heat.The LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid edges the Patrol, making 341kW and 790Nm, although it does come at a price premium as covered above. The Patrol’s engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the LandCruiser 300 uses a 10-speed unit. Nissan claims its new Patrol can tow 3700kg, which is 200kg more than the industry standard and what is offered for its Toyota rival. Nissan has not revealed the fuel efficiency of the Patrol, so it cannot be compared with the LandCruiser 300's 8.9L/100km. The Patrol’s fuel tank is 13L smaller than the LandCruiser 300, and is a noticeable step down on the Y62 model, impacting how far it can travel between fill-ups.Fuel efficiency will be an important point to compare, especially with fuel prices continuing to surge.The Y62 returned claimed fuel consumption of more than 14L/100km, so the Y63 will need to offer a substantial improvement to remain competitive.The Patrol trumps in power numbers and has superior lugging capacity, so it is the winner on the figures for now.The Patrol features much of the equipment and interior luxuries available on the LandCruiser 300 as standard.All variants are equipped with a joint 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver display.By contrast, buyers need to upgrade to higher grades of the LandCruiser to receive a 12.3-inch digital driver display. The Patrol also rides on 18-inch wheels as standard, compared to the LandCruiser 300's 17-inch examples.The Patrol edges the LandCruiser 300 when it comes to standard equipment, but there’s not much in it again.Nissan’s 10-year/300,000 conditional warranty is hard to go past, but services must be completed at an authorised Nissan dealership to be eligible. Toyota offers a similar deal, adding an extra two years of warranty for the car’s engine and driveline when serviced at dealerships. Nissan offers capped price servicing at $499 per visit for the first five appointments, working out roughly $2000 less than the LandCruiser over its first five years. Without authorised dealer servicing, the Patrol’s warranty reverts to a five-year/unlimited kilometre promise, which matches the LandCruiser’s standard one.Nissan’s stacks up a better deal than Toyota’s seven-year engine and driveline alternative, and it’s also cheaper.If buyers don’t opt for capped price servicing, the pair can’t be separated.  Nissan has put forward a compelling proposition for its Y63 Patrol. It’s cheaper, more powerful and better equipped as standard than the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series. The Patrol’s real test will be whether it can match the LandCruiser’s reliability record, but a 10-year/300,000km conditional warranty shows Nissan is backing its 4WD to do the business. Only time will tell whether the Patrol can provide a serious threat to Toyota’s iconic name. It’s undeniable it's already doing so on paper. 

Plug-in hybrids aren’t the future - they’re the present.That’s the view of one car company leader, which is backed up by new car sales data from the first half of the year. Audi Australia Director Jeff Mannering believes the time is right for plug-in hybrids (PHEV) to take over from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. It has started already, with Mannering pointing to the latest A5 Avant, with the PHEV accounting for 85 per cent of all sales of the wagon.“ So the consumers answered your question,” Mannering told CarsGuide. “They're actually moving to that car because it’s a better customer outcome.” Industry-wide, PHEV sales are up 118 per cent in the first half of 2026 with more than 64,000 sold.Unsurprisingly, and despite Audi’s positivity, it is the Chinese brands leading the way.BYD, Chery, GWM and Geely lead the way in terms of PHEV volume sold. BYD has the three best-selling PHEV models - the Shark 6 ute followed by the Sealion 8 and Sealion 6 SUVs. Mannering is also seeing a change at the top end of the market. Audi Australia has also achieved price parity between its latest Q5 ICE and PHEV models, showing the closing gap between the two technologies.Mannering admitted the petrol-engined Q5 is likely to be dropped in the near-future, as it no longer makes as much sense to customers when you can by a more powerful but more efficient PHEV for the same money.One of the primary reasons for this is the impact of the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES), which has pushed car makers to offer more affordable low emissions vehicles, like PHEVs and electric vehicles (EVs).“ Yeah and that's why we fought for the price parity, and it was with NVES because we, as a brand, want to be NVES compliant because we don't want to be in a position of paying fines; it's not a great look,” Mannering said.“And we've got our directive to be compliant, and currently, because the levels go down it will automatically change. Now, what happens in the next five years with the government, who lobbies the government on if there's any changes to, what the level is, will determine the mix of all the segments or the mix of the powertrains.”Audi will also continue to push its EV offerings, with the refreshed Q4 SUV to launch in Australia in September.