SUV News

KGM, formerly SsangYong, has received a large investment from Chery as the Chinese giant looks to secure a long-term strategic presence in South Korea.Chery has pledged a US$75 million (over $107 million) investment in Korea’s third largest automaker, following on from a previously-announced deal to build a mid-size and large SUV using Chery platforms in South Korea.Both brands will also deepen collaborations on software, electrical architecture and autonomous driving features.The deal will grant KGM access to Chery platforms, which will give it a boost on the electrification front, and accelerate product development cycles. For Chery it will potentially open up a manufacturing base in South Korea, which can have several trade benefits, particularly to markets like Europe in the future.The previous strategic agreement between the brands will result in a co-developed vehicle (code-named SE-10) on the Chery T2X platform, which currently underpins the Tiggo 9 large SUV. The Tiggo 9 is currently Chery’s flagship offering in Australia.This platform will give KGM access to desirable plug-in hybrid tech, which is a notable omission from its current line-up.KGM said the SE-10 will be in the upper large segment and “continue the Rexton’s legacy”. It also said the joint-venture vehicle will launch in early 2027 globally and will be available both as a plug-in hybrid and 2.0-litre petrol turbo.It is unclear whether this model will live alongside the Musso-based Rexton, which KGM dubs “Korea’s only ladder frame SUV” or replace it entirely. The latter would mean no replacement Rexton based on the new-generation Q300 Musso.The Korea Times reports Chery said it was open to the idea of launching the Chery brand in South Korea, but for now was focused on its partnership only.Chery is not the only manufacturer eyeing South Korea as an important and globally strategic manufacturing base. Geely and Renault share resources and build cars at the former Renault/Samsung plant in Busan, including the new-generation Grand Koleos and Polestar 4.For KGM the investment is critical as it seeks to be more of a global player after years of financial turmoil under the SsangYong brand.The automaker languished under its previous owner Mahindra and for a long time struggled to find a buyer, which has had the knock-on effect of delaying new model roll-out plans. This is part of the reason the brand has long lived in the shadow of Korea’s most famous duo, Hyundai and Kia.Now owned by South Korean chemical and resource giant KG, the company has since paid its debts and launched a range of new models, including the mid-sized Torres and Actyon SUVs, and has spun-off its Musso ute range into a sub-brand, launching the Musso EV and next-generation Q300 diesel ute.Under the SsangYong brand, the Korean company had significant staying power in Australia despite a relatively small operation thanks to a cult following for its affordable and unassuming diesel Musso ute which continues to be its best-seller.While KGM has struggled with the rise of affordable Chinese rivals in the Australian market, it will no doubt be pinning its future sales success Down Under on the Q300 Musso which launches here later in 2026.Meanwhile Chery has surged up the charts locally, now ranking amongst Australia’s top-10 automakers thanks largely to the success of its ultra-affordable Tiggo 4 small SUV and Tiggo 7 mid-sizer.Chery also looks set to flood the market with its sub-brands building on the existing success of Omoda/Jaecoo (albeit largely via the Jaecoo J5 EV).Not only will it launch Lepas in Australia later this year, but the arrival of the off-road focused Jetour and blocky iCaur lifestyle brands are also expected.While many headlines are drawn to BYD, and SAIC (MG, LDV) has been established for longer in Australia, Chery is China’s largest vehicle exporter, sending 1,146,350 vehicles overseas, nearly doubling its tally from last year.Its deal with KGM is just one of a range of strategic investments, with others around the world including with Jaguar Land Rover (which has spawned a re-boot of Freelander as a new joint-venture brand) and also a memorandum of understanding with Indian giant, Tata Motors.It also plans to utilise part of Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK to build Chery models for the UK and Europe.

An uncamouflaged version of the new Nissan Patrol Y63 has been spied on the city streets of Melbourne, Victoria ahead of an expected launch in either late 2026 or early 2027.The only thing covered up on this vehicle are the Nissan badges front and rear, though it’s very clearly a new Patrol.The vehicle is clearly right-hand drive and appears to be a high-spec example due to the large alloy wheels. In the UAE this trim level is called the LE Platinum City.It’s expected this Patrol is a test and evaluation prototype. It appears to have been out on gravel or dirt roads as the back and sides are dirty.The Y63 Patrol most notably ditches the Y62’s 5.6-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine for a V6 petrol.Globally there are two V6 petrol engines available, a 3.8-litre naturally aspirated V6 and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. The latter engine is what’s expected to be offered in Australia.In standard form, the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine produces 317kW and 700Nm, which is 19kW and 140Nm more than the outgoing Y62’s V8. However, the high-performance Nismo version bumps power to 369kW.There is still a nine-speed automatic transmission and drive is sent through a full-time four-wheel drive system.Compared to the outgoing model, the Y63 Patrol is built on a new platform, is slightly larger and has a boxier look, plus there are larger screens inside and the capability for higher-tech advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).Nissan Australia hasn’t confirmed official details or specifications for the Y63 Patrol just yet.However, given the spied prototype appears to show a high-spec model, it’s likely to come Down Under.The current Y62 Patrol is available in Ti, Ti-L and Warrior trim levels in Australia. The latter receives a number of special touches from Melbourne-based engineering firm, Premcar.At this stage it’s unclear whether Nissan plans to engage with Premcar to create a hardcore version of the new Y63 Patrol.However, there is an off-road-focused Pro-4X version available globally and that may come to Australia. It may form the basis of the new Warrior eventually.Nissan confirmed that production of the outgoing Y62 Patrol is set to cease globally in August, with the Aussie-tuned Warrior version wrapping up soon after.“The Patrol has been a constant presence in Australian motoring, and the Y62 has played a defining role in that legacy,” said Nissan Oceania Managing Director Steve Milette in June 2026.“Its 5.6-litre V8 is part of what has made this generation so beloved by enthusiasts, families and adventurers alike.“As we look ahead to the all-new to Australia Y63 later this year, the run-out of the Y62 represents a genuine ‘last chance’ moment for Australians who want to add a new V8 Patrol to their garage.”More details on the upcoming Y63 Patrol are expected to drop imminently ahead of its Australian launch either in late 2026 or early 2027.

In 2016 the global bosses at Range Rover laughed when I asked if the brand famous for SUVs would ever do a car - you know a saloon or wagon. Now here we are a decade later and Range Rover has just revealed its first car - the GT.So, was I onto something top secret they already had planned? Did they know Jaguar would completely stop production in 10 years and saw an opportunity to produce saloons? Or could something else be happening?The laughter still rings in my ears. It was at the 2016 Paris Motor Show and myself and two other journalists were squashed into a tiny interview room with Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) senior global executives. You’d think I’d cracked the most hilarious joke ever, but all I asked was if Range Rover would ever make a car and would I be right in thinking this would happen?JLR’s Global Sales Operations Director Andy Goss laughed the hardest but something told me there was more to it.“I can’t see that happening. But then again Jaguar does have an SUV,” Goss said through his guffawing. Goss has now left JLR and Range Rover has just revealed the GT, and while not quite a saloon it is the most car-like vehicle the brand has ever produced.The official images released last week show a four-door wagon style vehicle with a coupe-like swooping roofline.And yes it’s is more of a crossover vehicle in that it’s a bit of a mash up between an SUV and wagon, and while the dimensions are yet to be confirmed, the GT looks to be about 1.5m tall or about the same height as a BMW 3 Series Touring station wagon, although wider and sleeker.If anything the GT looks very much like Jaguar’s Type 01. And that’s controversial.The Type 01 was to be the mould-breaking new vehicle to reboot Jaguar as it entered a brave new era that completely re-imagined the brand’s approach to its design, technology and philosophy. Jaguar revealed the Type 01 in May after a long teaser campaign that brought us images of hulking great saloons with cartoon proportions. The Type 01 stayed true to the bold concepts with its giant bonnet, low stance, beefy rear haunches and coupe roofline. While it looked very different to what we were used to seeing from Jaguar it was also easy to see the styling to be an over enhanced take on Jaguar’s most iconic car, the E-Type.Under the Type 01’s chiselled exterior was a fully electric powertrain with a massive 120kWh battery, 800V architecture and four electric motors making more than 735kW.It seemed like Jaguar was on the way back to finding its mojo and equipped properly for a new age of electric vehicles.Until Range Rover crashed the party with the GT - the car it may not have been supposed to do and the one that will also be underpinned by the same electric platform as the Type 01.It’s a seriously unusual move for Range Rover to steal Jaguar’s possible last chance to make a comeback. Because of course the Range Rover version will sell better than the Jaguar.It’s almost as if Range Rover doesn’t want Jaguar around any more because it truly does want to branch out into passenger cars and hasn’t been able to because until now.So maybe, just maybe, all the way back in 2016 when I asked those JLR executives about the prospect of Range Rover making a car, they actually were in the early stages of planning one. After all, a completely new vehicle can take from eight to 10 years to go from an idea to production.It’s very possible also that JLR’s senior executives knew Jaguar might not survive the next 10 years given the sales struggles it had been through. The F-Pace SUV was selling well and so was the F-Type sportscar, but a bad decision to invest big in diesel engines, an underwhelming attempt to challenge Tesla with its i-Pace electric SUV, Brexit and saloons that weren’t anywhere near as appealing to buyers as they were in the 1980s saw Jaguar eventually discontinue operations entirely by the end of 2025.The Land Rover side of the business was keeping the lights on with sales of Range Rovers and the Defender proving relatively lucrative, but even that is not enough to survive and so we’ll now see the introduction of cars like the GT.Nobody wants to see Jaguar disappear, nor Land Rover, and I’m well aware of the dangers in journalists speculating about this kind of thing.JLR’s parent company Tata Motors needs to see things pick up and without having been in the room where the discussions take place it appears that every option is being executed from tearing up Jaguar and starting again, building and selling Range Rover electric saloons and wagons and even Chinese joint ventures that allow brands like Chery to use JLR intellectual property, such as the Freelander name.You’re watching JLR pull out all the stops in real time.And that’s my very long way of saying 10 years later, I was right Andy, wasn’t I?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in Australia as people transition from owning combustion- or hybrid-powered vehicles.One major consideration that many people have when considering which EV to buy is how much range it offers, but another factor that should be considered is how quickly the battery can be charged.EV and battery technology is continually evolving, but here is a rundown of the 11 EVs with the highest DC fast-charging rate that are either already on sale or confirmed for a launch in Australia.It’s worth noting that the fastest DC fast-chargers in Australia currently are 400kW and these are operated by AmpCharge. However, Denza has confirmed that it’s rolling out its 1500kW ‘Flash’ charging network at its dealers by late 2026 or early 2027.The forthcoming Denza Z9 GT electric shooting brake will launch in Australia in either late 2026 or early 2027, alongside the ‘Flash’ charging network.Final specifications have yet to be locked in, but peak DC fast-charging is up to 1500kW. This allows a 10 to 97 per cent charge in nine minutes.The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door, which is due in Australia during 2027, offers a peak DC fast-charging rate of 600kW.This allows the 111kWh lithium-ion battery pack to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 11 minutes. It offers up to 460km of WLTP-claimed range.The XPeng X9 electric people mover has a peak DC fast-charging rate of up to 542kW. This allows for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 12 minutes.Two versions are available, the FWD Standard Range and AWD Performance.The former has a 94.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with up to 535km of WLTP-claimed range. The latter has a larger 110kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery with up to 580km of WLTP-claimed range.The recently revealed BMW iX5 will launch in Australia around mid-2027 and will follow after the launch of the new, petrol-powered X5 variants later this year.The iX5 60 xDrive is the only variant to be detailed so far and it offers a peak DC fast-charging rate of 460kW.It has a 141kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 10 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 23 minutes. It offers up to 845km of WLTP-claimed range.The updated version of the XPeng G6 with the larger 80.8kWh LFP battery has a peak DC fast-charging rate of 451kW. It’s currently the highest in Australia.A 10 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 12 minutes.In RWD Long Range form there’s up to 525km of range and in AWD Performance form there’s up to 510km, according to WLTP testing.While the entry-level G6 RWD Standard Range with its smaller 68.5kWh can only DC fast-charge at rates up to 382kW, it’s still claimed to take 12 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent. It offers up to 480km of WLTP-claimed range.The entry-level Zeekr 7X RWD with its 75kWh LFP battery can DC fast-charge at rates up to 450kW. It offers up to 480km of WLTP-claimed range.The 7X Long Range RWD and Performance AWD, on the other hand, with its larger 100kWh NMC battery can charge at rates up to 420kW. WLTP-claimed range is 615km and 543km, respectively.Mirroring the Zeekr 7X SUV, the forthcoming, entry-level version of the 7GT electric shooting brake has a peak DC fast-charging rate of 450kW. It has a 75kWh LFP battery and can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 13 minutes.Other versions of the 7GT have a larger 100kWh NMC battery that can charge at rates up to 420kW.The top-spec BMW iX3 50 xDrive has a peak DC fast-charging rate of 400kW.It has a 108.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 10 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 21 minutes. It offers up to 805km of WLTP-claimed range.The entry-level iX3 40 with its slightly smaller 82.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack has a peak DC fast-charging rate of 300kW. Despite this, a 10 to 80 per cent charge is still claimed to take 21 minutes. It offers up to 635km of WLTP-claimed range.The MG IM5 Platinum RWD and Performance AWD have a peak DC fast-charging rate of 396kW.They both have a 100kWh NMC battery pack and WLTP-claimed range of 655km and 575km, respectively. A 30 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 15 minutes.The entry-level IM5 Premium RWD, on the other hand, has a peak DC fast-charging rate of 153kW. It has a 75kWh LFP battery, up to 490km of WLTP-claimed range and a 30 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 20 minutes.The MG IM6 Platinum RWD and Performance AWD have a peak DC fast-charging rate of 396kW.They both have a 100kWh NMC battery pack and WLTP-claimed range of 555km and 505km, respectively. A 30 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 15 minutes.The entry-level IM5 Premium RWD, on the other hand, has a peak DC fast-charging rate of 153kW. It has a 75kWh LFP battery, up to 450km of WLTP-claimed range and a 30 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 20 minutes.The forthcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric offers a peak DC fast-charging rate of 390kW.It has a 113kWh lithium-ion battery pack and up to 542km of WLTP-claimed range. A 10 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 16 minutes.While Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models on the E-GMP platform, like the Ioniq 5, EV6 and GV60, among others, display a claimed 10 to 80 per cent charge time when plugged into a 350kW DC fast-charger, a common misconception is they have a peak DC fast-charging rate of 350kW.However, this is not the case. None of the aforementioned Hyundai Group brands quote an official peak charging rate, but real-world data indicates it’s around 240kW.

BYD’s latest model to go on pre-sale in the UK previews a model likely coming to Australia in the form of a large plug-in hybrid SUV.The 2027 BYD Ti7, also called the FangChengBao Ti7 in China, isn’t officially on the cards for Australia, but a right-hand drive version launching in the UK and the existence of trademark filings for the model name here in Australia point to a strong possibility.The BYD Ti7 is now available to order in the UK with a starting price of £47,995 drive-away (A$92,000). It would likely be significantly cheaper if it arrives in Australia, due to our proximity to China and generally lower prices compared to the UK.It's a large SUV with plug-in hybrid power and a boxy silhouette that, due to its FangChengBao origins, departs slightly from BYD’s established design language.BYD says the first deliveries will take place from January 2027. The large SUV is a seven-seater with a turbo-petrol 1.5-litre engine helping power three electric motors with one at each axle for all-wheel drive. There’s also an all-electric version, though that’s not available in the UK for now.A 35.6kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery provides an electric driving range of 119km, and with its 300kW output, it can hit 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.Importantly, it’s the first BYD to launch in the UK with the brand’s DM-p powertrain. This means two electric motors at the front axle and one at the rear, though the brand says a balance of efficiency and performance rather than pure performance is the focus of the powertrain.In-cabin tech like a 15.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver display, as well as adjustable seats in the middle row and standard leather upholstery mean the Ti7 should be a convincing luxury SUV as far as the showroom impression is concerned.Despite the trademark, BYD Australia has told CarsGuide the Ti7 isn’t currently on its radar.If it does launch here, the Ti7 will likely come in a high-spec grade even at entry, though pricing is hard to predict.It would also likely be sold under the BYD brand, rather than as a Denza here even though it fits the more rugged design vibe.UK outlet Autocar was told it’s sold as a BYD because its underpinnings are more on-road focused than the Denza B5, which is a FangChengBao Bao 5 in China.

This has been a bumper year for super-exciting models strutting the automotive world stage.With competition from China more intense than ever, legacy carmakers are leaning in big time on their unique experiences and strengths to keep consumers interested.But, for reasons both annoying and disappointing (mostly due to prohibitively expensive and anachronistic design rules), not all are destined for Australia.Here are the all-new 2026 all-stars we won’t be seeing in 2027 (or beyond). More’s the pity.The previous Telluride has been a runaway smash hit in its native USA since launching in 2019, and has comfortably outsold its Hyundai Palisade cousin.Kia has long wanted this large three-row SUV for Australia, but a lack of right-hand drive (RHD) and limited factory capacity have thwarted plans past and present.This includes those for the recent boxier redesign, featuring turbo-petrol and hybrid powertrains, extra space and heaps more tech.While VW hasn’t publicly ruled this out for Australia, the first all-electric version of the evergreen Polo may end up costing too much for it to be a worthwhile exercise.Which is sad, because the ID. Polo appears to be a real return to form for a brand that has been in the doldrums for most of a decade.Unrelated to the continuing, sixth-gen Polo that’s almost a decade old, highlights include pleasing aesthetics and a classy cabin offering plenty of surprise and delight features including near-Golf levels of interior space.Plus, the German supermini’s advanced EV architecture should re-establish VW as a technological tour-de-force.And that’s even before considering the coming GTI version.Initial reaction in Europe has exceeded expectations, meaning the ID. Polo is shaping up to be one of this year’s comeback kids.Renault is on a massive roll right now, riding high on electric vehicle (EV) success with the award-winning Megane crossover, Scenic SUV, 4 and 5 E-Tech models.But arguably the cutest, the Twingo city car, won’t make it as far as Australia, despite being offered in RHD for UK buyers, as there’s just no market for tiny city cars.No matter how much critics rave about its styling, efficiency, ride comfort and driving pleasure, this Renault is a Twin-no-go. Such a shame.Built in Morocco on a trick new modular electrified platform shared across several Stellantis nameplates including Opel and Citroen, the Kia Seltos-sized Grizzly is a small crossover/SUV charged with making the world fall in love with Fiat again.Offered in two handsome body styles and three powertrains (petrol, hybrid and EV) choices, it promises to be affordable first and foremost, as well as practical and fun.Sounds perfect for Australia, then, but with Fiat sales on hold for now, who knows if we’ll ever see this intriguing newcomer here.Designed expressly for European markets, the EV2 is the brand’s entry-level electric city car that puts the funk in functionality.But, being sourced from Slovakia means importing it to Australia would be expensive, so Kia remains undecided. Hyundai’s struggle selling the smaller yet premium-priced Inster EV here highlights the risks.That said, the EV2 is usefully larger, looks more sophisticated and offers larger battery choices with decent range. If it’s as polished, efficient and capable as the EV3 and EV4, then perhaps the cute little Kia might find a big audience locally.Revealed in the US back in February, the Highlander goes all-electric for its fifth-generation outing, with production expected to commence in Kentucky before 2027.Closely related to the similar Lexus TZ and Subaru Getaway, as well as the just-released eighth Lexus ES sedan series, it will be Toyota’s first tilt at a full-sized three-row EV SUV.But, in contrast to its comely predecessor that is still being produced and imported successfully to Australia as the Kluger hybrid, we’re unlikely to see the slicker Highlander EV here.This is due to RHD unavailability, though Toyota also probably fears insufficient demand, which is fair given how poorly the exceptional Kia EV9 sells.Great news if you’re missing the old Subaru Outback since the latest version abandoned the crossover wagon template it pioneered 30 years ago.Except if you’re living in Australia, that is, because Renault importers Ateco may not import the conceptually similar Striker that has only just had its global unveiling.A high-riding hybrid wagon with 4x4 availability that would make Volvo XC70 Cross Country owners green with envy, it comes courtesy of Renault’s Romanian sub-brand, Dacia.This guarantees chunky styling, a smart yet utilitarian interior with acres of space, and a tough, go-anywhere attitude that is designed to last for years.That’s the Subaru Outback formula, and there’s probably a market hungry for a non-SUV crossover. But Ateco seems unsure at this stage.

Is Mitsubishi cooking up one of the great automotive surprises with the launch of its new Pajero? Reports make that a distinct possibility, with news the brand is rushing a hybrid powertrain to market for its Triton ute.The brand has kept tight-lipped on the specifics of the Pajero's powertrain, but solid reporting has long pointed to the reborn icon sharing its engine and gearbox with the Triton ute.That would mean hybrid power is coming to the Pajero, too. The only question is when. And with the new Pajero set for its global unveiling as soon as next month, we'll soon find out whether it is to be equipped with the current Triton's 150kW, 470Nm four-cylinder diesel engine, or with something a little more spicy.The plan was announced by Mitsubishi Motors chairman and CEO, Takao Kato, who told the Thai prime minister the brand would be investing the equivalent of $681m in turning its manufacturing facilities into electrified vehicle hubs, with a core focus on the Triton and Pajero Sport.Ostensibly the investment will focus on upcoming Triton models, with the brand already producing some hybrids there, like the XForce and Xpander, both pair a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a small electric motor – a powertrain solution that's no chance of making it into a Pajero anytime soon.Will the new Pajero launch with a hybrid option, or introduce one down the track. Unless the brand has a real surprise coming up, the latter is still far more likely. But that would see the new halo vehicle launch with a smaller diesel engine that wouldn't match the outputs of LC300 Hybrid (341kW/790Nm), the Nissan Patrol Y63 (317kW/700Nm), or the Denza B8 (425kW/760Nm). That would suggest a new hybrid powertrain would be a matter of urgency for both the Triton and the Pajero.A matter of when, not if. The only question is exactly when.

This budget electric SUV was supposed to launch in Australia last year, but we still haven’t seen it yet.The Deepal S05 is a Toyota RAV4-sized electric Chinese SUV has just received a big update.  Deepal is a subsidiary of giant Chinese car manufacturer Changan that has joint ventures with Ford and Mazda.It previously confirmed the S05 would hit Aussie shores in the second half of 2025, but it still hasn’t launched as we head into the second half of 2026.It rivals other affordable electrified SUVs like the Leapmotor B10 and BYD Atto 3.It is closely related to its bigger S07 sibling that has been on sale in Australia since late 2024. So, where is it?The Deepal S05’s upgrades include a more powerful EV model, featuring a single rear-mounted electric motor, producing 200kW, compared to 175kW. Acceleration from 0-100km/h now takes as little as 6.3 seconds. From the outside, there is a new more flowing body, more chrome trim pieces, frameless windows and re-designed 18-inch wheels.It also gains a new 15.6-inch central touchscreen and 256-colour ambient lighting, with wood-grain panels featuring throughout. The EV continues to be offered with a 56kWh battery, with a 10km boost to driving range at 520km, according to lenient CLTC standards, as well as a 69kWh unit with 620km.DC charging from 30 to 80 per cent continues to take around 15 minutes. The brand has also made significant changes to the driver assistance systems in the car, with 26 high-perception sensors and more than 90 driving functions like automated parking.Deepal has not provided any official reasons for why the SO5’s launch has been delayed, but the brand is likely hoping for a better market introduction than the S07.The S07 was plagued by frustrating and invasive active safety technology that forced the brand to make wholesale software changes just months after it went on sale. The car’s driver attention monitor function, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control all came under serious scrutiny.Deepal has stated the S05 is being subject to extensive testing, hinting that this could be the reason behind its delayed arrival. The brand worked swiftly to rectify these issues with a spokesperson telling CarsGuide in 2025 it would undertake more extensive local testing. “We will do more real-world tests in Australia and will make Australian driving scenarios entries into our software data bank and adjust to those live scenarios,” they said. “And that will test all of the system set-ups and that gives us time before we bring the car to market to launch to make sure that sensitivities, system set ups and everything is conditioned to the expectation of the Australian consumer.”The Deepal S05’s original planned launch date is long in the rearview mirror, but the brand remains adamant the car will hit showrooms soon. The S05 launched in the United Kingdom in March 2026, a fellow right-hand drive market. It was also cleared for sale by the Australian government regulator in February this year.A spokesperson for Deepal Australia could not confirm whether the car would arrive in 2026 or 2027, but did reveal the car is undergoing extensive testing in Sydney, with more details coming "very soon". "We're incredibly excited about the Deepal S05, with planning now in its final stages ahead of its Australian launch,” they said."We've already completed more than 100,000km of local testing using engineering vehicles, including extensive software validation and calibration work, to ensure the S05 delivers the best driving experience for our market.”With the car in its final stages of preparation, there is scope for it to go on sale before the end of the year or early 2027. There is no indication of Australian pricing yet, but the new model will be available from 120,000 yuan in China, which is roughly $25,000.Chinese cars usually cop a 20 per cent hike when put on sale in Australia, so it is more likely to start around the $30,000-plus mark.

A deadly 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Japan has halted production at multiple facilities across two major domestic car brands, Toyota and Nissan.As it currently stands 13 people have been killed in the earthquake and, as reported by Automotive News, production output of more than 5000 vehicles could be lost due to the facility shutdowns.One of the affected production facilities is Toyota’s Miyata assembly plant, which produces many Lexus vehicles. These include the ES sedan, as well as the UX, RX and NX SUVs.One shift was reportedly suspended at the Miyata production plant on July 28, following the earthquake. Production then restarted in the morning of July 29, but was suspended again in the afternoon.A decision was reportedly made to suspend production until July 31."Lexus Australia is currently assessing the impact of the recent Kumamoto earthquake in Japan on production and supply of vehicles for the Australian market," said a Lexus Australia spokesperson."While this is still an emerging issue, we can confirm that currently production for NX, UX, ES and RX has been suspended since 28 July, 2026 pending safety assessments and supplier impact."Lexus is currently studying the impact of this suspension and in the process of developing a recovery plan."Two facilities that manufacture components for Toyota vehicles reportedly suspended production following the earthquake.This reportedly includes Aisin Kyushu, which produces suspension components for Toyota vehicles, as well as engine components and doors. Ahrestry Corporation is also reportedly affected and it is an automotive diecast component maker.At this stage neither company has reportedly given a clear indication of when production output will resume at full capacity.Nissan partially suspended production at its Nissan Shatai Kyushu and Nissan Motor Kyushu facilities following the earthquake.The former produces the Nissan Patrol/Armada and Infiniti QX80 SUVs, as well as the Elgrand people mover.The latter, on the other hand, produces the Kicks and X-Trail SUVs, as well as the Serena people mover.“I can confirm that Nissan Motor Kyushu and Nissan Shatai Kyushu have partially suspended production this week due to earthquake-related parts supply delays,” said a Nissan Australia spokesperson.“At this stage, we have not received any information to suggest there will be any interruption to the supply of vehicles destined for Australia. However, the situation remains fluid, and we will continue to monitor developments closely.”

Xiaomi’s highly-anticipated ultra-luxury SUVs have landed.Skynomad is the smartphone maker’s high-end car sub-brand and will debut with N70 two-row and N90 three-row SUVs in China. The brand will compete in the increasingly popular flagship SUV space, with rivals like the Australia-bound Zeekr 8X and 9X as well as GWM’s Wey V8X and V9X.These luxury Chinese SUVs boast countless outlandish features, and Skynomad is no different, with its interior more like a lounge room than a car cabin.The front seats can swivel around to face the second row, with a table resting on the centre console for playing cards or sharing a meal between passengers.The interior also features a 16.1-inch central touchscreen, an 8.88-inch digital driver display and a TV-like 21.4-inch roof-mounted monitor.The N70 and N90 are powered by range-extender hybrid set-ups.A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder 112kW engine charges the battery powering the electric motors driving the wheels.The smaller N70 starts with a single rear motor producing 210kW, with a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant adding an extra 100kW. The full-size N90 has two electric motors that combine to produce 310kW as well.Both cars can accelerate from 0-100km/h in under six seconds despite their significant sizes.The cars can be optioned with either a 52kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) or 76kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery.The N70 has a total driving range of up to 1461km, with an electric-only range of 505km, while the N90’s total range is 1705km, with 464km on EV power.These figures are according to the more generous CLTC regime, so don’t expect this efficiency in the real world.DC charging in the N90 from 20 to 80 per cent takes 18 minutes, with the car capable of adding 285km of electric range in just 15 minutes. The N70 is priced from 260,000 yuan (or about $55,000), while the N90 starts from 300,000 yuan (or roughly $63,000) in China.  Chinese cars are usually 20 per cent more expensive in Australia than China, which means they could lob for about $65,000 and $75,000 (before on-road costs) if they ever come here.Xiaomi rose to fame through its SU7 electric sedan that has proved hugely popular in China, while also garnering global attention, including from Ford boss Jim Farley.The brand is scheduled for a European launch in 2027, with arrivals in other markets like Australia not out of the question in the coming years.