SUV News

Ripples from Toyota Australia’s mid-2024 decision to move all of its hybrid-available model lines to pure hybrid continue to radiate with a price rise applied to the three-row, seven-seat Kluger hybrid as pure combustion models are officially deleted from the price list.

The Land Rover Defender will gain more V8 options for the 2026 model year (MY26) as the British firm moves to rejuvenate the much-loved off-roader with design and tech updates.

This could be the luxury electric SUV to rule them all.

Volkswagen will give its ID.4 mid-size electric SUV a major update in late 2026, according to reports.

Overnight Nissan revealed the new, Y63-generation version of its high-performance Patrol Nismo ahead of an imminent launch in the Middle East.

Toyota’s European bosses are blaming the styling of the Corolla Cross for the small SUV’s struggling sales, despite the vehicle selling well in Australia and other markets.

Toyota says just 100km of electric driving range is enough, as rivals are targeting more than 200km of range for their plug-in hybrids.

Before I talk about how Super Cruise — the hands-off self-driving system that’s being used by hundreds of thousands of Americans every day in GM and Cadillac vehicles — almost killed me, I’d like to say how impressed I was by its work.

BYD is part of a growing list of car brands that conduct testing and calibration work in Australia to ensure its models are better suited to the conditions.

After eight years in market Volvo’s mid-size, five seat XC60 SUV has been upgraded with slicker multimedia, a cosmetic refresh, new wheel designs and extra colour options.Late last year the Swedish maker shifted its goal of being fully electric by 2030 to “90 to 100 per cent of its global sales volume by 2030 to consist of electrified cars” (BEV and PHEV).So, with more than 1.5M units sold worldwide, an update for this evergreen five-seater, offered here in mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid form, makes sense as the brand continues to massage its global line-up.The main focus of the revamp is a faster multimedia system that’s “more focused and personalised than its predecessor” with additional Google services built-in, accessed via a larger 11.2-inch central touchscreen.In fact, Volvo claims pixel density is increased by 21 per cent and thanks to the ‘Snapdragon Cockpit Platform’, developed by US specialist Qualcomm Technologies, the system is more than twice as fast as the one it replaces with 10 times faster graphics generation. At the same time an exterior makeover includes a revised grille, new wheel options and darker tail-lights. Three new colours - ‘Forest Lake’, ‘Aurora Silver’ and ‘Mulberry Red’, have also been added to the available palette.Inside, highlight inlays have been given a glow up with trim materials including quilted synthetic leather also added. In terms of practicality, there’s additional cabin storage, new cupholders and a reworked wireless phone charger as well Volvo’ current-gen air purification tech.The refreshed Volvo XC60 is on sale now, offered in two 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol mild-hybrid grades - Plus B5 Bright and Ultra B5 Dark - with two 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrids beside them - Plus T8 Plug-in Hybrid Dark and Ultra T8 Plug-in Hybrid Dark. All are all-wheel drive.