Mazda News

China’s Changan has updated its range-extender hybrid (REEV) dual-cab ute for 2026 with more power and a larger battery.The Changan Hunter K50 is now available with a 43.47kWh lithium-ion battery pack which allows for a NEDC-claimed electric range of 192km and a total range of over 1000km.This is more electric range than any plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute currently on offer in Australia, including the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ford Ranger Hybrid.For context, the Hunter K50 is still offered with the previous 31.18kWh lithium-ion battery pack in certain variants which allows for 131km of NEDC-claimed electric range.Once the battery charge is depleted, it’s topped up by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that acts as a generator and doesn’t directly power the wheels.Instead there are either one or two electric motors sending power to the wheels. The former is rear-wheel-drive only, whereas the latter has one on each axle, providing all-wheel drive.The extended-range, dual-motor version now has a more powerful total system output of 240kW. The standard-range variant produces 200kW.Another tweak with this model year update includes more robust vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities at up to 22kW. This is up from 3.3kW.At this stage it’s unclear whether this extended-range version of the Hunter K50 will be offered outside of China, however the pre-update, standard-range version is already offered in South Africa.This means there is already a right-hand-drive version of this ute, which suggests a potential Australian launch could be made easier.Changan currently doesn’t sell any of its vehicles in Australia under its namesake brand, however its Deepal brand is currently imported and distributed by Inchcape.In fact, Changan sells a Deepal-branded version of this REEV ute in Thailand already, which is another right-hand-drive market.Additionally, Changan has already rebadged a number of its vehicles as Mazdas as part of its Changan Mazda joint-venture company. These include the Mazda 6e and CX-6e which are both launching in Australia soon.While neither company has confirmed this, a Mazda-branded version of this range-extender ute may be under development as a low-emissions equivalent or successor to the Isuzu D-Max-based Mazda BT-50, which is made in Thailand.It’s worth noting that while Isuzu has already detailed an electric version of the D-Max, Mazda hasn’t done the same with the BT-50. It’s still only diesel-powered.Mazda Australia executives recently shot down claims that it was working on a Mazda-badged version of the Deepal E07 electric ute/SUV.For now we’ll have to wait and see when and what form this ute takes if it comes to Australia.

Mazda is preparing a hybrid-led onslaught with a difference, starting with its most popular model in the world, the CX-5.The all-new, in-house-developed 2.5-litre SkyActiv-Z petrol-electric hybrid technology will be unveiled sometime later next year, ahead of an Australian launch in 2028, and will supplant the current, G25 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol/all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain, democratising the technology for the masses.Mazda has already signalled the high performance/low consumption dual capabilities of this Euro-7 emissions-meeting hybrid.This means it could potentially replace two powertrains that have already been retired in the new KM-series CX-5: the G35 2.5-litre turbo-petrol internal combustion engine (ICE) flagship, as well as the slow-selling D22 2.2-litre turbo-diesel that was dropped in 2023.But we now understand that the SkyActiv-Z’s thermal-efficiency and ultra-lean combustion breakthroughs suggest that it may not need to rely as much on heavy electrification tech like batteries, motors and inverters.It could end up being a lighter, simpler and more cost-effective solution to a traditional hybrid set-up like Toyota’s.This may allow for multiple versions and applications for the SkyActiv-Z tech, including one that could fill in for the discontinued G20 2.0-litre front-wheel drive powertrain in the 2028 CX-5 line-up as the series opener. That honour currently resides with the new G25 Pure AWD from $39,990 before on-road costs.According to Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi the intention is to make the CX-5 hybrid as competitive as it can be in the market so there will be no limitations placed in terms of accessibility or reach.“We haven’t locked down any specifications on front-wheel or all-wheel drive,” he explained to CarsGuide.“But I can confirm that we will have a more broad offering, as opposed to limiting (hybrid) to either the mid or high series (grades).“We will have a broad offering of the hybrid technology.”Whether the SkyActiv-Z hybrids render the remaining G25 2.5-litre unit obsolete remains to be seen.Given this has been the mainstay engine of the earlier CX-5 generations since 2013 in Australia (accounting for nearly 60 per cent of total volume last year), it will likely enjoy a stay of execution for some time yet to come.This is despite the big four-cylinder petrol engine’s advancing years and comparatively high emissions and the potential penalties that Mazda Australia will face keeping it on sale here due to the increasingly-stringent New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).“But, alongside (the coming CX-5 hybrids), we think there will be a market for ICE for a long period yet,” Bhindi added. “Pure ICE.“And the way we're looking at it is, when you look at Mazda's portfolio of what we offer and will offer in the medium SUV segment, we will cater for the three categories of customers that I think will generally be available in the marketplace.“There will be a category that will say, ‘what's the most efficient?’ And that'll be battery electric vehicle (EV), and our CX-6e will be a very compelling option in the marketplace.“On the other side, we will have CX-5 ICE along with the hybrid, and then we also will have CX-60, which is offered in four powertrains – a 2.5L petrol, the inline six-cylinder diesel, inline six-cylinder petrol, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).”Bhindi believes offering a wide spectrum of choice gives Mazda the unique opportunity to tailor the sort of hybrids that will work best for the CX-5.“The reason why we have asked the program team to design something different to what's available in the marketplace with a hybrid,” he explained.“Because we have that broad coverage, and we want something that will be… special for Mazda customers, and that takes time and resources for the engineers to work out.”While Mazda Motor Corporation CX-5 Program Manager, Koichiro Yamaguchi, declined to divulge specific details about the hybrid, he did reiterate how on-brand it will be.“We want to make sure that our hybrid system delivers excellent performance elements, but we want to make sure that this is a very uniquely Mazda signature hybrid system that you will enjoy driving,” he told CarsGuide via an interpreter.“It should be a fun-to-drive hybrid.”With a back catalogue that includes the RX-8 rotary grand-touring sports car, wildly-successful second-generation (BL-series) 3/Axela small car and well-received CX-30 small SUV, the hybrid is in good hands with the 34-year Mazda veteran.“The SkyActiv-Z engine will match the technology of the gasoline engines… and at low revs-per-minute driving situations an electric system will strongly support this engine, and make sure that the fuel economy of this engine will satisfy customer expectations,” Yamaguchi-san said.“And we’re also pursuing Mazda’s unique signature driving fun, as that is something we are sticking to.”Asked if SkyActiv-Z will be a traditional series-parallel hybrid set-up like Toyota’s, more of a range-extender EV set-up as per the Nissan e-Power hybrid, or an in-between arrangement like Honda’s e:HEV, Yamaguchi said it will be its own thing.“Our system will be similar to none of those,” he revealed.“We are trying to get similar characteristics to the series-parallel system. But we are also aiming to offer a hybrid that has a driver-focused feeling, with an instant connection that is very good for the driver.”

Audi RS5: Ready to enter the German ‘Big Three’ performance octagon with the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63S, the new Audi RS5, offered as a sedan and ‘Avant’ wagon, is a plug-in hybrid combining a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with a powerful single electric motor for outputs of 470kW/825Nm. Pricing is already confirmed from $179,900, before on-road costs. Read moreBentley Bentayga Speed: Swapping out the British brand’s epic (but emissions constrained) 6.0L W12 for a fearsome 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 has made this luxurious SUV even faster and louder. How about 478kW/850Nm and $525,000, before on-road costs, when it arrives here in the next couple of months?Read moreBMW iX3: Arriving in early July, BMW’s much-anticipated 'Neue Klasse' iX3 is an ultra-modern mid-size five-door SUV with a pure-electric powertrain initially launching with one model, the 345kW/645Nm 50 xDrive (109,900, before on-road costs). The 235kW/500Nm iX3 40 ($89,900, BOC), which slips under the Luxury Car Tax threshold, will follow in Q4.  Read moreBMW M2 xDrive: New compact muscle coupe variant picks up all-wheel drive to put the 353kW/600Nm produced by its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder on the ground. Zero to 100km/h in 3.7sec with cost-of-entry at $172,900, before on-road costs when it arrives in Q4.Read moreBYD Atto 3 Evo: Prior to the all-new next-gen Atto 3 likely hitting Aussie showrooms sometime in 2027, the Evo version of the current model gives it rear-wheel drive. There’s also an all-wheel-drive flagship with 330kW available. Likely local touchdown in Q3.Read moreChery KP31: And you thought there wasn’t room for another ute in the Aussie market. The subject of a local naming contest (Orca is looking likely, as it tops BYD Shark) the Chery ‘KP31’ is scheduled for a Q4 launch, featuring a ladder chassis and a segment-first 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and electric motor hybrid powertrain. A petrol-electric hybrid will arrive in 2027.Read moreCupra VZ5: Fire-breathing mid-size SUV variant powered by an Audi RS3-sourced 2.5-litre turbo-petrol five-cylinder engine sending 287kW/480Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. Zero to 100km/h comes up in 4.2 seconds – 0.7 seconds quicker than the 228kW VZx, making it one of the fastest combustion-powered SUVs out there. Read moreDeepal S05: The Deepal S05 small-medium SUV joins the S07 mid-size SUV, likely offered in range-extender hybrid and/or pure-electric form. ADR compliance is locked in and pre-orders are open on the brand’s Aussie website.Read moreFerrari 849 Testarossa: Okay, the shopping list - milk, bread, eggs and a $932,648 Ferrari 849 Testarossa. Not for everyone, then. But what a car! Zero to 100km/h in 2.3sec courtesy of a twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain sending 611kW/842Nm to all four wheels. Coupe in Q4, with the roofless Spider arring in early ‘27.  Read moreGeely EX2: Set to arrive in the third quarter, this budget-focused electric compact SUV could start under $30K, before on-road costs. It has a single motor driving the rear wheels and two battery sizes are offered in China, providing 310km or 410km of range, respectively. Read moreGenesis GV60 Magma: Part of the upcoming next-gen GV60 line-up, the Magma is a performance-focused pure-electric powerhouse SUV riding on the same ‘E-GMP’ platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Dual electric motors for 478kW/790Nm, 0-200km/h in 10.9sec and maximum velocity of 264km/h. Arrives in July.Read moreGWM Wey G9: The Wey G9 (name yet to be confirmed for Australia) is a luxury plug-in hybrid people mover scheduled for Q4 with the V9X PHEV SUV spilling over into 2027. Its chunky 44.2 kWh battery provides a claimed pure-electric driving range of up to 170 km with a combined range of more than 1000km. Read moreHonda Super One: Super by name, super by nature, this pure-electric ‘kei’ car is guaranteed to put a smile on your face with a likely Aussie starting price around $35,000. A front-mounted electric motor produces 70kW/162Nm and Honda claims up to 274km of range.  Read moreHyundai Palisade XRT Pro: A tough looking Toyota LandCruiser rival with twin, chassis-mounted tow hooks as well as more ground clearance for useful approach, departure and breakover angles. Add a rear electronic limited-slip differential for better off-road capability as well as downhill brake control and new terrain modes for mud, sand and snow. Read moreIsuzu D-Max EV: One of the most popular utes in the county could get a pure-electric option powered by front- and rear-mounted electric motors, producing 140kW, with front motor torque at 108Nm and rear motor torque at 217Nm for a maximum 325Nm and full-time 4WD. A 67kWh battery offers a driving range of 263km (WLTP). No launch confirmation yet, but Isuzu Ute Australia says “it will continue to monitor local needs and evaluate the reception of BEVs”. Read moreJeep Compass: Potentially a Q4 arrival, the new Compass rides on the same ‘STLA Medium’ platform as Stellantis stablemates such as the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008. It will join the smaller Avenger in Jeep’s electrified line-up. There should be a choice of 106kW 48V eHybrid and 145kW plug-in hybrid powertrains, both likely based on the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine carried over from the current-generation. Read moreKGM Musso Q300: Dual-cab only, powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW/441Nm mated to a six-speed torque-converter auto transmission with 4WD and a locking rear differential. Coil- or leaf-spring rear suspension options with a payload of 500kg for the former and 700kg for the latter. Features a 12.3-inch digital dash and matching multimedia touchscreen.   Read moreKia Seltos: Coming in Q4, We’re expecting a front-wheel drive version with outputs to be approximately 113kW/265Nm, plus an all-wheel drive with 131kW, though its rear wheels will be powered by an electric motor and not mechanically connected to the front wheels. The all-new Seltos should start around $30K, before on-road costs. A specific Australian suspension tune is already in the works.  Read moreLeapmotor B05: Lobbing in Q4, the Leapmotor B05 is a five-door, electric, rear-wheel drive, hot-ish hatch with 180kW/320Nm in the flagship Ultra variant. A choice of 56.2kWh or 67.1kWh battery, delivers a range of 500km or 600km (CLTC) and we’d be shocked if it wasn't among the cheapest warmed-over hatch offerings in the local market.   Read moreLexus ES: Electric versions of the striking all-new Lexus ES have been approved for Australian sale, the dual-motor, all-wheel drive ES500e flagship producing 252kW. The ES350e is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor delivering 170kW. However, the brand has confirmed hybrid powertrains will eventually be offered locally.  Read moreMazda CX-6e: Set to challenge the Tesla Model Y on price, the Mazda CX-6e is likely to land with a starting price around $54K. A 78kWh battery delivers a 450km (WLTP) range, the rear-mounted 190kW/290Nm electric motor drives the rear wheels and 0-100km/h comes up in 7.9sec. Its 195kW DC charging capacity is good for a 10-80 per cent top-up in under 25 minutes.Read moreMercedes-Benz GLB: Launch line-up of the pure-electric small SUV will be single-motor rear-wheel drive (200kW/335Nm) GLB250+ or dual-motor all-wheel drive (260kW/515Nm) GLB350. Its 800-volt architecture allows an ultra-rapid DC charging rate of up to 320kW. Three hybrid powertrains will be added later in front- or all-wheel drive all using a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt assistance. Read moreMG QS PHEV: Launched in plug-in hybrid form in the UK with an Aussie introduction likely this year. Plug-in hybrid uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor for around 220kW combined. A 24.7kWh battery pack grants it a WLTP-certified electric range of 100km.Read moreMitsubishi Pajero: One of the year’s most significant arrivals comes with the return of the Mitsubishi Pajero, with sights set on the upcoming Y63 Nissan Patrol and current Toyota LandCruiser 300. Most likely powertrain is an updated version of the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel powering the current Triton range (150kW/470Nm). Looking like a Q4 launch.Read moreNissan Patrol: Nissan Australia has confirmed orders for the new ‘Y63’ Patrol will “open in coming months” with vehicles on the ground at the end of the year or very early next. Its 3.5-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine is derived from GT-R’s and produces 317kW/700Nm, dwarfing the 298kW/560Nm outputs of the soon-to-be-defunct V8 of the Y62 Patrol. Read moreOmoda 4: New entry-level model for the brand with edgy, angular looks and a choice of internal-combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric power in the domestic Chinese market. Riding on Chery’s ‘T1X’ platform, the Omoda 4 is a likely Toyota Corolla Cross competitor.Read morePolestar 5: Headed our way in Q3, the 5.1m long ultra-slippery (Cd 0.24) Polestar 5 offers the performance, comfort and touring ability of the Porsche Taycan and its Audi e-tron GT sibling at an appreciably lower price. Two versions coming, both powered by dual motors - the Dual Motor (550kW/812Nm) at $171,100 and the Performance (650kW/1015Nm) at $193,100 (both before on-road costs).Read morePorsche Cayenne Electric: Dropping in Q3, as the name implies, this is a pure-electric beast with even the entry-grade (of three) Cayenne Electric ($167,800, before on-road costs) featuring dual motors, all-wheel drive and producing 325kW. The flagship Turbo accelerates from 0-100km/h in hypercar-equalling 2.5sec thanks to its stonking 850kW/1500Nm outputs.  Read moreRenault Symbioz: On course for a July touchdown, the Symbioz is a Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross rival with an entry-level mild-hybrid 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine powertrain producing 104kW/245Nm. A 1.8L full-hybrid boosts that to 116kW/265Nm. Pricing starts from $36,990. Read moreSmart #5: It’s been a long time in the offing but the Smart #5 plug-in hybrid SUV is a likely Aussie arrival in the second half of the year. It offers up to 252km of pure-electric range and up to 320kW of total power from its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine and three-speed hybrid transaxle motor powertrain. Claimed fuel economy is as low as 4.4L/100km (when its battery is depleted). Read moreToyota RAV4 PHEV: Another significant new entry. FWD variants of the RAV4 PHEV will be powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and front-mounted electric motor, producing 201kW. AWD variants add a rear-mounted motor, increasing power to 227kW. Pricing will start from $58,840, before on-road costs, making it roughly $15K more expensive than the car's base standard hybrid variant ($45,990).  Read moreVolkswagen T-Roc: Sleeker looking and bigger, with a more premium vibe, VW’s small SUV also features new powertrains. A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid in two states of tune (85kW and 110kW) for FWD versions and a more powerful 2.0L mild-hybrid arriving later. A T-Roc R is confirmed to follow, too.  Read moreXPeng G9: As the legal cage fight between previous XPeng importer True EV and the XPeng factory continues, the priority is getting G6s back into showrooms. But the luxury G9 electric SUV is a possible addition. Rear- or all-wheel drive with two battery options, a driving range of up to 680km and loads of included features for an estimated starting price in the region of $70K.Read moreZeekr 8X: Upper mid-sized, plug-in hybrid luxury SUV to sit above the mid-size fully electric 7X and below the flagship three-row 9X. Pairs a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine (205kW/410Nm) with dual electric motors for a combined 660kW/935Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds. A 55kWh or 70kWh battery pack with a 900-volt architecture allows ultra-fast charging and either a 320km or 410km EV driving range. Probable starting price in the $80K band.Read moreZeekr 9X: Ultra-luxury, upper-large, three-row SUV offering 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 two lower variants, or 1030kW/1410Nm for the top-spec car, as well as between 300 and 380km of fully electric driving range. Standard equipment and features are suitably extensive. Expect a starting price just over $100K.Read more

Mazda has taken more steps away from electric cars, announcing a trial for its biodiesel fuel in Japan, and it could be a game-changer in Australia.Biodiesel is considered a renewable fuel made up of vegetable and used cooking oils, among other organic materials.The trial will take place towards the end of 2026.It will be conducted between the brand’s Hofu, Nishinoura district plant and Nakanoseki finished vehicle yard - a distance of 12km.It will assess fuel efficiency, performance and operational challenges to collect insights with a view to further expansion. The transport trailers used in the trial will operate under conditions equivalent to conventional diesel fuel, which includes maintenance and inspection practices. Mazda is already considering the logistics of a full integration for the fuel system, working with distributors in Japan to develop supply systems and infrastructure. It said it is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality across its range by 2050, with these plans coming at an important time for the brand in Australia.The brand finds itself behind in the electrified vehicle race, which has seen it on the cusp of copping substantial emissions-related fines.It has sought to rectify this with the introduction of the fully-electric Mazda 6e sedan and Mazda CX-6e SUV Down Under.This biodiesel fuel push is further evidence of Mazda's recent venture into non-EV clean emissions alternatives.It recently confirmed the push back of its own electric car plans in favour of hybrids.It is too early to tell whether biodiesel will become an established part of Mazda's lineup, but a trial shows there is potential.Mazda Australia has been contacted for comment to see if there are any plans for biodiesel technology to be introduced and what impact this could have on EVs. Mazda currently offers diesel set-ups in some of its bigger SUVs such as the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90, as well as the BT-50 ute. A fully-integrated biodiesel-powered BT-50 could give Mazda the edge over conventional diesel rivals. These diesel powerhouses have experienced challenges in maintaining towing and carrying capacities with cleaner set-ups.Ford recently announced its Ranger utes have biodiesel capacity, including a fleet of units that run on this fuel at Melbourne Airport. The Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid has had a tepid sales response with its lesser payload, while the incoming Hilux EV will only have a driving range of less than 300km

BYD has finished second in Australia's new-car sales race for the second consecutive month, delivering more vehicles than long-standing household names like Ford, Kia, Hyundai and Mazda, and trailing only Toyota in terms of total sales.

Mazda is gearing up to reveal a new-generation version of its popular CX-3 small SUV.The Mazda CX-3 has been one of the Japanese carmaker’s best-selling vehicles in Australia for years now, though it’s firmly reaching the end of its lifecycle.The current model dates all the way back to 2014 and is based on the same platform as the Mazda 2 hatchback and sedan.After 12 years and rumours of discontinuation, Mazda finally confirmed a new CX-3 is on the way soon. The following is a rundown of everything we know so far.When will it be revealed?Mazda has confirmed it will launch the new-generation CX-3 in 2027, initially in Thailand.This means it could be revealed before the end of 2026, though this is unclear.Where will it be produced?This new Mazda CX-3 will be produced in Thailand at the Auto Alliance production facility in Bangkok. It’s co-owned by Mazda and Ford.This production facility already produces the current CX-3, as well as the Mazda 2, for Australia among other Mazda and Ford models.At this stage it’s unclear where Mazda has plans to produce the new CX-3 in other countries around the world. The current CX-3 is also produced in Japan and Mexico.What will be under the bonnet?Mazda hasn’t confirmed exactly what will power the new CX-3 just yet, but it has previously said it’s planning to expand its hybrid offerings.Beyond the CX-50 Hybrid, which uses a Toyota-developed hybrid powertrain, the first in-house-developed hybrid will be the new CX-5. It’s expected the new CX-3 will receive a downsized version of this forthcoming Skyactiv-Z hybrid engine.It’s also likely that a pure petrol powertrain will be offered globally.What will it look like?At this stage Mazda hasn’t given us any official look at what the new CX-3 will look like in production guise yet.However, the Japanese carmaker revealed the Vision X-Compact concept last year at the Tokyo Motor Show and this will likely form as an indicator for the new CX-3’s design.When will it launch in Australia?At this stage Mazda hasn’t given a definitive date of when the new CX-3 will launch in Australia. Given it’s set to launch in Thailand in 2027, this could mean it’ll arrive as soon as next year.

Sedans used to be the staple of many brands in Australia, from the Holden Commodore to the Toyota Camry, but the SUV boom has seen numbers drop off significantly.Ten years ago, in 2016, the Toyota Camry was the fifth best-selling car in Australia, followed by the Commodore sedan in sixth.Fast forward to 2025, Toyota's sedan was the 35th best-selling car in the country, and the Commodore was nowhere to be seen.In 2026 there have been less than 10,000 mid-size sedan sales in Australia so far compared to mid-size SUVs, where almost 100,000 have already been sold. The Camry is still the dominant player in the sedan-only segment, owning nearly 70 per cent, but it looks like China’s next battleground in Australia will be a shot at shaking its dominance.BYD has led the way in this respect and it already has a fully-electric Seal and the just-launched plug-in hybrid Seal 6 on the market.The Seal in particular made some successful inroads into the sedan space. It accounts for the majority of sales outside of the Camry and the Tesla Model 3.The brand is not stopping there, with a larger Seal 7 plug-in hybrid sedan now approved for sale in Australia.MG is another brand focussing on sedans, having already brought in its MG5 a few years ago and the MG7 in 2026, both to middling levels of success so far.It’s not just BYD and MG that are getting in on the sedan act, however, with Geely confirming its Emgrand sedan next year initially in plug-in hybrid form, but possibly also plugless at a later date.Additionally the China-built Tesla Model 3 remains one of the best-selling EVs in the country.There are also 'legacy' brands pinning their hopes on a strong-selling sedan. Mazda recently launched its fully-electric 6e sedan, which is based on the Deepal L07 (not yet sold in Australia) - another China-made model. The 6e is a crucial model for Mazda as it looks to turn around extensive fines incurred under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) due to its predominantly petrol-powered range.The electric 6e saw its initiative pre-order allocation run out very quickly, starting from $49,990 (before on-road costs), highlighting early signs of it achieving its potential.Korean brands Kia and Hyundai have also seen solid sales from its hatch/sedan models, with the K4 and i30 plugging along with a decent amount of registrations, which will be bolstered thanks to the arrival of desirable plugless hybrid versions of both.As usual, price is a key factor where Chinese sedans are providing an enticing alternative, bucking the trend of sedans becoming more expensive as buyers focus on SUVs.While the Mazda 2 is the most affordable sedan on sale at just $28,490, it is the sought-after hybrid tech luring buyers to newer options.The plug-in hybrid Seal 6, for example, starts from $34,990, which is $5000 more affordable than the plug-less hybrid-only Camry, and it is both larger and offers genuine EV range over the barely more affordable Hyundai i30 plugless hybrid (from $33,250). It will no doubt be a similar story for Geely's Emgrand EM-i which is set to launch in 2027.While SUVs remain the biggest seller in Australia, this new wave of affordable and electrified sedans could see the once bustling segment reignited.The question remains whether this array of new options will just fragment a shrinking part of the market, or whether buyers are now looking for something different from the SUV trend.

A little peek behind the CarsGuide curtain. At least once a week the whole team gets together to talk about cars. Well, it’s actually to shape the week’s news lists, but it’s also because, unsurprisingly, we all like to get together to talk about cars.Anyway, a recent one of these catch-ups occurred not long after the Beijing show. Now full disclosure, I wasn’t at what might well be the most important show on the calendar these days (but I was in China at the same time, just somewhere else and with another brand, another sign of the significance of that market).Those who were there tell me much the same thing — not only were they shocked by the number of brands, and the number of vehicles unveiled, they were equally surprised at how many of the legacy brands were displaying Chinese-built models.The vehicles in question wore familiar badging, but were also unfamiliar, in that they were mostly produced in partnership with homegrown Chinese brands, sometimes with the latter doing most of the heavy lifting.Or to paraphrase a colleague in the aforementioned car chat, some don’t really look and feel like they belong to the manufacturer on their badge. They look like they’re Chinese cars in fancy dress, or like Aldi groceries — close, but not quite right.There are now lots of legacy brands drawing down on Chinese partnerships to produce cars. Mazda with its 6e and CX-6e (produced with Changan Automobiles). Nissan with a whole bunch of stuff, including the Frontier Pro (produced with Dongfeng). Honda, which has pushed back its in-house EV ambitions to draw on Chinese-developed models instead. Toyota with the bZ7 (developed with GAC), VW with the 9X (produced with SAIC).And to be fair, I’m yet to see, sit in or drive any of them. Some of these cars are destined for Australia, some aren’t. But it does beg the question – what truly makes a manufacturer’s car their car. Is it the badge? The design? The technology? The dynamics? All of the above?And the bigger question is, can legacy brands really hang on to all of the things that make them special if they’re not just built in China, but built in partnership with Chinese brands?Just last week I wrote that legacy brands partnering with China could be a long-term masterstroke, pairing decades of engineering know-how with China’s high-speed, low-cost manufacturing expertise could give traditional marques a real boost. But then two things happened this week that made me ask another question. The first was a chat with VW Australia, and specifically its very knowledgeable Head of Passenger Cars, who told me that the driving dynamics and engineering of its vehicles are what sets them apart from the often-cheaper Chinese competition. And the second was that CarsGuide car chat.And both got me wondering about the impossible choices being faced by some legacy brands in this more-hostile-than-ever environment. Do nothing and face possible oblivion, or dial up their Chinese partnerships for global markets and risk losing their identity.People paid lots more than me will be tasked with answering that. After all, I just like to chat about cars.

The car landscape has dramatically changed in the past 10 years, with new brands entering the fray and dynamic market conditions shifting buyer wants.Data from 2016 shows how different the cars were captivating the attention of Aussies only a decade ago.The Toyota HiLux led the way, and the Ford Ranger was not far behind, but there was a theme of hatchbacks dominating the other top places. The Toyota Corolla took out second place, while the Hyundai i30 was in third and the Mazda3 sat in fifth. Toyota continued to feature down the list with the Camry sedan, followed by the Australian built Holden Commodore. Further down list, the SUV revolution can be seen to take shape in Australia, starting with the Mazda CX-5. After the Mitsubishi Triton ute in ninth place, there were three SUVs in the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-3.The best-selling brands in 2016 has changed a lot compared to today. Toyota is still parked up at the top of the charts, but several big names have now been replaced by Chinese carmakers.Mazda and Hyundai occupied second and third, while Holden secured fourth. The Japanese duo of Mitsubishi and Nissan followed next, with Volkswagen being the only European brand in the top 10 after that. Subaru came ninth in the standings, with Kia finishing in 10th, highlighting the brand’s rapid development in Australia. Top selling cars 2016 Top selling brands 2016 In 2021, there were clear changes to the market, but also some consistent themes.The HiLux and Ranger duopoly was in full swing at the top of the standings, with Toyota’s ute still edging Ford’s.Third position showed SUVs were taking over as the RAV4 picked up a huge chunk of sales.There were still examples of a past market, with the i30 and the Toyota Corolla hatches sandwiching the D-Max ute.Further down, SUVs increase their presence further, with the Mazda CX-5, Toyota Prado and MG ZS all making up the top 10, along with the Triton ute. Pure internal combustion power remained a dominant player, with best-sellers such as the RAV4 and Corolla still yet to make its full hybrid transition. Top selling cars 2021 Toyota was still on top as a brand in Australia, while Mazda and Hyundai continued their holding in the top three. Ford was hot on the heels of Hyundai, followed by Kia which had surged up the sales charts in five years to claim a spot in the top five. Mitsubishi and Nissan still occupied high places in the standings as did Volkswagen. The big shift was the appearance of the only Chinese brand in the top 10, in MG. This foreshadowed what we see today where BYD is fast approaching a potential top-two finish in Australia.Subaru picked up a 10th place finish. Top selling brands 2021 Fast forward to 2026, and only three top 10 sellers from 2016 remain. The Ranger and HiLux continue their battle at the top of the standings, but they are in decline.Some unfamiliar names a few years ago are emerging as top choices for Aussie motorists.The Chery Tiggo 4 small SUV has emerged as the best-selling SUV in 2026 to date.Hyundai's Kona is next on the list followed by the D-Max Ute.Mitsubishi's Outlander large SUV is sitting sixth, while the long-awaited launch of the new Toyota RAV4 has resulted in a burst of sales for the popular family car.The Mazda CX-5 remains a regular feature at the top of the sales charts, with GWM's Haval Jolion sitting in ninth currently.Rounding out the top 10 is Ford Everest.This data only represents the first four months of the year, but it does show the general trends of where the market is headed.Top selling cars 2026 (up to April)Top selling brands 2026 (up to April)There are no surprises in the top four best-selling brands so far, with Toyota out in front, followed by Mazda, Kia and Ford.A monster month from BYD has pushed the Chinese giant brand into fifth, overtaking Hyundai. This is despite the brand not having a single car in the top 10 best sellers.The final four highlight the success of Chinese brands in Australia as GWM, Chery and MG are all present, along with Mitsubishi.Former mainstays Nissan, Subaru and Volkswagen are gone, and Holden has closed up shop completely.

Mazda is walking back its electric car plans as it shifts resources to hybrid vehicles.The Japanese brand’s CEO Masahiro Moro said the company will move the launch of its dedicated electric vehicle platform back to 2029, according to Autonews.Instead Mazda will redirect staff to focus on its new range of hybrid vehicles powered by its in-house developed 'Skyactiv-Z' setup, which will debut in the new CX-5 SUV late next year.“Regarding internal man-hours, we are shifting resources back from electric vehicle-related work to internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles,” said Moro.“When paired with the Skyactiv-Z, our in-house hybrid system creates an excellent combination with an engine that offers exceptional performance and efficiency.”Mazda told CarsGuide during a briefing at its research and development centre in Tokyo in 2025 it will have its own electric car platform, which was to bear fruit by 2028.The company was going to use the next few years to transition to electrification with a focus on battery tech development and procurements before the first dedicated electric car rolls off the production line.Mazda is developing a new way of producing cars that would allow one production line to make internal-combustion engined vehicles, hybrids and electric vehicles depending on demand.This would help it adjust to lulls in EV demand without having to mothball production lines, which has impacted other major makers such as Ford and Volkswagen.Mazda’s partnership with Chinese carmaker Changan has bought it some time to get its own in-house developed vehicles up to speed.The 6e sedan will launch in Australia in the coming months, followed by the CX-6e SUV. Mazda also has plans for at least three more vehicles from the partnership.Moro also announced the company was reducing its EV sales target from as much as 40 per cent of sales to just 15 per cent by 2030.Mazda will instead focus on hybrids, which have also experienced strong growth, especially in the US, which is Mazda’s biggest market by some margin.Mazda fans can expect the new hybrid tech to be fitted to a wide range of vehicles.The company said the hybrid engine will be the core power source for its line-up in the electrification era over the next decade.Mazda hasn’t committed to what models will use the hybrid, but said it could be introduced to any model and it could become mainstream.That means we could see a next-generation CX-30 or Mazda3 hybrid in the coming years, as Mazda’s Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Guyton, said the next-generation small cars were the next priority after the brand finishes its hybrid development.Mazda also confirmed a new CX-3 SUV, which is due in 2027 and could be the next model to go hybrid.