Toyota News

Toyota has taken the covers off the next version of its critically-acclaimed GR Yaris hot hatch, dubbed the Type 26.This GR Yaris upgrade will hit dealers imminently in Japan and carries with it a host of tweaks, which Toyota says come directly from the car being used in motorsport applications. CarsGuide understands this suite of upgrades will be phased into the current model later in 2026 for export markets like Australia.The 2026 versions of the car include a completely new steering wheel, which Toyota says was developed by professional race drivers. It replaces the standard steering wheel that is simply a tweaked version of the mainstream Yaris steering wheel.The upgraded version makes a special point of moving the buttons closer to the centre of the wheel to make them easier to use with less chance of accidentally pressing a in motorsport scenarios. It also separates the functions out into separate buttons and adds illumination for easier usability in a variety of scenarios. It also has an overall reduced diameter.The power steering has also been tweaked alongside changes to torsion bar rigidity for better response with high-grip tyres, under braking, and when engaging in high-load cornering. The torque detection range has also increased to add assistance when cornering.Higher grade versions of the car have also had specially-developed Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres added to the car as standard which are said to improve control, stability, and performance. Toyota said it has also made optimisation tweaks to both the front and rear shock absorbers to maximise tyre performance.In addition, seat heating and steering wheel heating can now be optionally chosen on cars when selecting the vertical parking brake interior.The Type 26 maintains the same three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (224kW/400Nm) with either a six-speed manual transmission or the GR-specific eight-speed automatic transmission. It features both front and rear limited slip differentials to go with its all-wheel drive system and BBS-developed forged aluminium wheels.The current car costs from $55,490 for the GT manual with a six-speed manual, and reaches to $62,990 for the GTS Auto.The four-seater hot hatch received its last update as recently as 2025 in Australia, where it scored an aero package and overhauled interior layout also based on driver feedback, which further diverged it from the mainline Yaris hatch.Expect more information about when the GR Yaris updates will hit Australia later in the year.

Australia is the most competitive new-car market in the world, with more than 60 brands fighting for just over a million sales with hundreds of models. So surely we have enough choice, right? Right?We may already have a plethora of new cars to choose from, but more choice is always better than less. And with that in mind we have scoured the world looking for the cars we’re missing out on.But unlike so many of these lists that are typically driven by a motoring journalists’ desire for dynamic cars from exotic brands (or just wagons, because we all love wagons), this list is made up entirely of practical choices.All of the entrants on the list below are already available in right-hand drive and most are already on sale in the UK market, meaning there are less barriers for local sale (unlike left-hand-drive-only models that are focused on the North American and European markets).Ford ExplorerFord has a popularity problem. The Ranger is very popular and its Everest SUV spin-off is also a big hit - and both are powered by diesel engines. Which isn’t ideal at a time when the Federal Government is cracking down on emissions and incentivising electric vehicles.The Mustang Mach-E is struggling to find buyers thanks to its high asking price and confusing branding - is it a Mustang or is it an electric SUV? What Ford has great success with is big name models, with Ranger, Mustang and Transit at the heart of its Australian line-up. Which is why it would make sense to add the Explorer, which is both a well-known nameplate but also a mid-size electric SUV that has better potential than the Mach-E.While a direct like-for-like comparison is difficult and more nuanced, in the UK the Mach-E is priced from £42k while the Explorer starts at £35k, which means it has potential to be a more affordable EV option for Ford Australia.This would make more sense than the similarly-priced but smaller Ford Capri or the smaller Puma-E, which Ford Australia had previously considered but ruled out when it ran the numbers.The continued lack of Explorer in Australian showrooms, coupled with the reports that Chinese-made Bronco Basecamp hybrid/EV is headed our way, suggests that the numbers simply don’t add up (probably due to its German production). Which is a shame for both the brand and local buyers looking for a family-friendly electric SUV from a proven brand. Hyundai Santa Fe PHEVHyundai has been one of the most proactive brands when it comes to electrification, jumping in early into the hybrid and all-electric markets with a variety of models. But the obvious missing piece is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model.Thankfully, Hyundai UK already has the Santa Fe PHEV available, with a claimed fuel economy rating of just 1.6L/100km and up to 55km of electric-only range. While that’s off-the-pace of its Chinese rivals, which offer more EV range, the addition of a PHEV powertrain to the Santa Fe seems like an obvious choice given the shifting market dynamics.There’s only one other model that arguably makes more sense to be a PHEV in Hyundai’s line-up, which you can read about below… Hyundai Tucson PHEV The Tucson PHEV has been available in the UK for a few years now, back at a time when the technology was proving unpopular in Australia. But since then times have changed dramatically, but Hyundai Australia hasn’t taken advantage of the situation.Toyota won’t introduce a RAV4 PHEV until later in the year and Mazda is still coy on when the CX-5 will join the PHEV party, so there was a golden opportunity for the Tucson to steal sales in the interim.On paper the 67km claimed EV range is behind the nearly-triple-digits offered by some Chinese competitors, but the 1.1L/100km fuel consumption rating would no doubt attract attention from local buyers looking to cut their fuel bill but not ready to make the electric switch.Toyota Prius PrimeOne of the most talked about Toyotas in years is the new Prius.Surprisingly, after years of polarising opinions, the new-generation model launched in 2022 was an immediate hit with not only those looking to save on their fuel bills but genuine car fans. It wasn’t hard to see why, with its sleek and stylish looks.But as I said at the time, it was hard to justify bringing it to Australia as a ‘hybrid hero’ when Toyota was already selling thousands and thousands of hybrid Camrys, RAV4s, Corollas, etc.However, as Toyota prepares to unleash the RAV4 PHEV, the plug-in hybrid Prius Prime would make sense as a technology showcase just like the original Prius did. In the same way the Prius made hybrid approachable and understandable, leading to its expansion across the range, so too can the Prius Prime.And at a time when PHEVs are becoming more common, it wouldn’t hurt Toyota to flex its muscle and remind everyone who was the pioneer in this space more than two decades ago.Jetour TravellerWhile some might argue we already have enough car brands, Chery’s off-road spin-off, Jetour, makes a strong case for Australia with its Traveller SUV. This Santa Fe-sized SUV has a genuinely rugged off-roader look to it that would have appeal to Australian buyers.Officially, Chery Australia hasn’t confirmed Jetour will arrive in Australia, which isn’t a big surprise as it’s already busy establishing the Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo brands.The good news is, the Traveller (or T2 as it’s known in some markets) is already available in right-hand drive, so that obstacle is overcome. And it comes with both petrol and PHEV powertrains, so it would be well-suited to the current market demands.If and when Chery decides to bring it, this super-sized Suzuki Jimny lookalike would likely find an audience in Australia.

Nearly 35,000 examples of the current-generation Toyota Kluger are being recalled over an issue with the second seating row.According to the Federal Government’s vehicle recalls website, because of a design issue, the second-row seat recliner mechanism might not fully engage when adjusting the seat back. As a result, the seat back could move inadvertently.“In the event of an accident or hard braking, if the second-row seat recliner mechanism is not fully engaged and the seat back moves inadvertently, it could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants,” the recall notice says.All up, 34,370 examples of the 2021 to 2023 Kluger are being called in for a fix and it covers all model grades - GX, GXL and Grande in petrol front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive and hybrid.Toyota will contact owners of impacted vehicles in writing and encourage them to make an appointment at their local dealer for a fix that will be free of charge.Despite its age, the Current Kluger is still a popular model for family buyers. Last year it was the third best selling monocoque-based large SUV in Australia, with 8098 sales. But it was beaten by the Subaru Outback (8384) and Kia Sorento (8745).

With fuel prices surging to around two dollars a litre nationally, and more that three dollars a litre in some regional areas, now is one of the best times to consider switching to a fully electric vehicle.Price was once one of the biggest deterrents for buyers wanting to make the switch, but now that gap has well and truly closed.To highlight this we’ve pulled together the most popular cars from last year in each mainstream car category, and the fully electric alternatives you can now buy for the same money.Seeking a practical small SUV? Top of the charts last year was the Hyundai Kona, and one of its most popular variants is the entry-level Kona Hybrid which starts from $36,950.To be fair here, the Kona Hybrid is a great choice anyway, as one of the most fuel-efficient small SUVs you can buy, but if you’re looking to wean yourself off fuel altogether, a great alternative is the Jaecoo J5.Surprisingly spacious and swish-looking, the J5 starts from just $35,990 before on-roads and offers a 402km (WLTP) range with a 155kW/288Nm electric motor driving the front wheels. It can even charge relatively quickly with its 130kW DC peak speed taking it from 20 - 80 per cent in just over half an hour.Read our Jaecoo J5 review hereYou actually can’t buy the popular GXL hybrid front-wheel-drive version of the Toyota RAV4 anymore, because production ended in the lead up to the launch of the new-gen version. The bad news is, the new one will cost even more than the outgoing car, which started from $45,810 before on-road costs.The RAV4 has earned its place as Australia’s most popular mid-size SUV through its family-friendly design, practical size and interior, and its no-nonsense approach to pretty much everything. The brand’s 2.5-litre 160kW hybrid system remains one of the most user-friendly hybrid systems on the market, too.What can you get as an EV for the same money? Quite a few options these days, as it turns out, and one of the most appealing is the just-updated Geely EX5 Extended Range, which is priced from $45,990 before on-roads.This relatively straightforward EV also provides a spacious interior and practical dimensions, but even combines it with more modern luxuries than the RAV4 offers in equivalent guise. It features synthetic leather interior trim, bigger screens with more connected technology, and its most recent upgrade brought with it a boost in driving range to 450km (WLTP). No wonder this one is storming up the sales charts.Read our Geely EX5 review hereFord’s big Everest off-roader is the most popular option in the large SUV space, and buyers tend to splash a bit more, reaching for the upper mid-grade Sport variant, which wields a 3.0-litre diesel V6 paired to a full-time 4WD system.This car wears a before-on-roads price-tag of $75,990, so what can you get as an EV instead?How about the just-released Tesla Model Y L? Starting from $74,900, sporting six-seats, and expanding in every dimension, this new take on the best-selling electric car in Australia offers more than you might expect.Sure, it’s not a big off-road oriented 4x4, but if it’s a fuel-free family hauler you’re looking for, you could do worse. With 378kW/580Nm it’s rapid, too, and with a huge battery offering up to 681km of range, it’s one of the furthest-travelling EVs on sale in Australia.Plus, it’s much more affordable than truly large electric SUVs, like the Kia EV9, which starts much higher at $97,000 before on-roads.Read more about the Tesla Model Y L hereThe Toyota Corolla continues as a perennial favourite among Australian buyers, and with the popular Ascent Sport hybrid starting from $32,110, why wouldn’t it?The swish little hatch offers Toyota’s perennial 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain in a front-wheel-drive layout, sporting a modest combined 103kW. There’s no denying that as far as cars with combustion engines go, it’s pretty fuel efficient, officially consuming 4.0L/100km, but what if you could forgo fuel altogether?The obvious answer for some time has been BYD’s Dolphin Premium. Starting from $36,990 before on-roads it carries a slight price premium over the most popular Corolla variant, however, the Dolphin also brings with it a long electric driving range of 490km (WLTP), and a punchier 150kW/310Nm electric motor.It also scores a much more contemporary and screen-laden interior, with bonus luxuries like synthetic leather seats, plus it undercuts the nearest equivalent MG4 by a decent margin.Read our BYD Dolphin review hereKia’s Picanto soldiers on as a hold-out in an embattled city car segment, which, despite ever-rising fuel prices, Australians have turned their back on. It’s still a great option, offering both manual and automatic transmissions, although its 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine feels its age.Starting from $20,790 before on-road costs in automatic form, the Picanto is solid value, and while its wheezy engine produces just 62kW/122Nm it’s hardly the fuel sipping hero you might need, still managing to consume 6.0L/100km.This is where BYD’s Atto 1 comes into play. Now Australia’s most affordable electric car, the sharply-styled city hatch is slightly more expensive than the Picanto, as it starts from $23,990 in base Essential form.This entry-level Atto 1 is about even with the Kia on power, producing just 65kW, but it gets a boost in the torque department, with 175Nm. It also scores a middling 220km of range from its small 30kWh battery, but in a city runabout, do you need more?The smallest BYD also scores spec bonuses over its combustion Kia rival, with synthetic leather interior trim, a more contemporary interior design, and even a vehicle-to-load power distribution system.Read more about the BYD Atto 1 here

Solid-state is often viewed as the holy grail of electric-vehicle battery technology.It promises to offer unprecedented driving ranges, faster charging and a safer overall set-up. Solid-state differs from other more conventional EV batteries because it uses a solid mechanism to transfer energy. Conventional batteries, such as lithium-iron, often contain a gel or liquid electrolyte to do so.It enables far greater energy density than other batteries.With the technology developing and brands edging closer to production, here is a look at some of the latest developments.CheryChery appears to be the brand with the most advanced solid-state strategy, having already announced two models which will feature the technology.The first was announced in December 2025, called the Exeed ES8, with its solid-state battery having a drive range of 1000km. It is scheduled to launch this year in China.More details were recently revealed about Chery’s second model, the Exeed Liefeng, with its Rhino S solid-state battery packing 600Wh per kilogram, bumping up the driving range of 1500km.While the Exeed brand name remains a China-exclusive premium arm of Chery, there is potential for it to make its way to Australia. Chery Australia COO Lucas Harris said he wants to have Exeed models Down Under. “I really like the Exeed product, and I think they make some really cool, really high end, actual luxury specification vehicles,” Harris told CarsGuide. “If I could make a wish tomorrow and it would come true, that would probably be what I would ask for.”BYDBYD is another brand considering solid-state batteries.In early February, it was reported the brand was targeting small-batch production of its batteries by 2027.There are limited other details on BYD’s solid-state battery, with no vehicles confirmed to be installed with it. It is expected it will use an oxide-based chemistry which is viewed as having greater commercial viability than sulphide electrolytes. This is down to easier manufacturing and benefits such as faster and safer charging. FAWFAW (First Auto Works - one of the oldest car manufacturers in China) has taken a different approach to solid-state, with its ‘hybrid’ solid-state battery. This is not to be confused with a traditional internal-combustion and electric-motor set-up. Hybrid refers to the make-up of the battery itself. As mentioned above, most solid-state batteries have a mechanical separator that has liquid qualities.FAW’s battery is different, because the mechanical separator substance is a slurry, meaning it is semi solid-state. The battery has a capacity of 142kWh, with an energy side of 500Wh per kilogram and a driving range of more than 1000km.The brand has installed this battery into a car, but there is no news on potential full-scale production.Mercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz unveiled a prototype solid-state powered version of its EQS sedan in September 2025, which travelled 1205km on a single charge.The car completed a journey from Stuttgart in Germany to Malmo in Sweden without a charging stop, and still had more than 130km of range left when it arrived.Chief Technology Officer Markus Schafer said Mercedes-Benz is targeting production of the battery by 2030. “Our goal is to bring innovations like this into series production by the end of the decade and offer our customers a new level of range and comfort,” Schafer said in a statement.SAICSAIC is another manufacturer targeting a 2027 launch date for its solid-state battery.It has reportedly completed its production line, with sample production beginning late last year.SAIC has stated the battery will have an energy density of 400Wh per kilogram.There is no news yet on whether the battery has been fitted to a car yet or when we might see go into full production.SAIC-owned MG has fitted a semi solid-state battery to its new-generation MG4 in China, but we are unlikely to see it in Australia.ToyotaToyota is aiming to launch a car with a solid-state battery in 2027-2028.The brand has teamed up with mining company Sumitomo Metal Mining to mass produce solid-state battery components.The partnership will produce cathode material needed to make the batteries.Toyota first announced its solid-state plans in 2021, but has not yet produced a prototype.CATLCATL is the world's biggest electric car battery maker, and is expected to have small scale production of its solid-state batteries in 2027.The battery is sulfide-based and its energy density is 500Wh per kilogram.Large scale production is not anticipated until 2030.ConclusionWhile brands, particularly from China, are stepping up their push towards solid-state batteries, it remains a technology in its infancy. There is still substantial opposition to the technology, including from some of the world’s largest automakers such as General Motors (GM). Other battery technologies are also showing promise, which could spell challenges for the development of solid-state.GM has been investigating the potential of silicon alternatives. Silicon graphite blend batteries store more lithium ions to achieve greater battery density, and is rumoured to be closer to commercialisation than solid-state.In addition to BYD's solid-state initiatives, the carmaker recently unveiled its all-electric Denza Z9 GT with 1036km of driving range. It uses a traditional 122kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, which might be on its way to Australia.It should be noted that this figure was established using lenient CLTC testing as opposed to more stringent methods such as WLTP.Solid-state remains an exciting future technology in the EV space but, development and production expenses, other battery solutions and technology improvements mean it is still up in the air as to whether we will see it on a commercial scale.

Toyota’s undisputed hybrid dominance continued in the past year but with new emissions laws closing in, more brands are vying for a slice of the fuel-sipping hybrid market.The biggest success story so far appears to be Hyundai, which has moved to electrify some of its top-selling nameplates. The Korean juggernaut now ranks second in Australia for total hybrid sales, amassing 28,819 hybrids registered in 2025.While this still trails Toyota’s total of 116,635 hybrid units by a significant margin, it’s a reasonably rapid rise for Hyundai, which has managed to double its hybrid tally year-on-year.This is thanks to the roll-out of key hybrid variants for its most popular nameplates, like the Kona small SUV (now 46 per cent hybrid by sales), Tucson mid-sizer (52 per cent hybrid), the Santa Fe, which launched as a hybrid (hence its whopping 82 per cent hybrid sales mix), and the recently-launched Palisade hybrid, which made up 32 per cent of the large SUV’s sales (this figure combines the previous model as well).Hyundai is perhaps a victim of its own mainstream success in that its total for 2025 was still only 37 per cent hybrid, 60 per cent combustion, and just two per cent electric. The brand therefore still managed to attract a penalty under Australia’s tough New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), despite its hybrid growth.Hyundai’s hybrid strategy has managed to outfox its traditional Japanese rivals Honda and Nissan thanks to the widespread availability and affordability of its hybrid options.The Kona, for example, is available as a hybrid in base form, priced at $36,950 before on-road costs, while the most affordable Nissan Qashqai e-Power ST-L is priced at $45,640 (before on-roads), and the cheapest Honda ZR-V hybrid is priced at $54,900 (drive-away).The same can be said across the range, with the Santa Fe a plugless hybrid success when measured against its Kia Sorento sibling, which was previously only available as a hybrid in top-spec GT-Line form. Kia has now expanded its hybrid offering to include the base S at $59,630 before on-roads. In comparison, the base Santa Fe Hybrid can be had from $57,650.However, there are storm cells on the horizon for Hyundai. Not only does its two per cent EV volume mean the more affordable Chinese-built Elexio mid-size SUV must help out on the sales front in 2026, but the next brand down for hybrid sales, BYD, has rapidly caught up despite fielding only two hybrid (albeit, plug-in hybrid) offerings.The Shark 6 ute is undeniably one of the biggest success stories of 2025, shifting 18,073 units, but the mid-sized Sealion 6 is also a force to be reckoned with, achieving 9055 registrations in the same period.In total, these two plug-ins bring BYD’s tally to 27,128 units, just shy of Hyundai’s total for the year, and by far leading the charts for plug-in hybrids specifically.In addition, the market-leading Toyota will put pressure on Hyundai’s line-up with the introduction of its next-generation RAV4 and its plug-in hybrid variants imminently. Toyota sold 51,869 units of just the RAV4 hybrid in 2025.The Japanese giant has also transitioned most of its passenger car and non 4x4 line-up to hybrid only, with a strong proportion of Corolla Cross, Corolla, and Camry making up its yearly total.Meanwhile Kia, whose hybrid total for 2025 came to 9401 units, is doubling down by not only adding additional hybrid variants of the Sorento, but it will soon launch a more heavily hybridised next-generation Seltos.Kia’s key advantage over its sibling is its relative dominance in the EV space, with its line-up of the EV3, EV5, EV6, EV9 and outgoing Niro accounting for 8131 units in 2025, eclipsing its hybrid total, accounting for 10 per cent of its total sales, and putting it firmly in the positive column for NVES credits which will pay dividends in the coming years.

A plug-in hybrid ute from Toyota might be in the works as the brand looks to expand its electrified ute line-up.According to a report by CarBuzz, Toyota has recently filed two patents of a plug-in hybrid ute in the United States.They were first filed in Japan in 2022, and the report suggests the PHEV idea is still on the cards for future development.One of the key details exposed by the patents is that the battery pack will be stored under the tub, which is the same as on the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid. This differs from the set-up on the BYD Shark 6, which has the batteries integrated into the chassis.The patents show batteries underneath the rear seats as well as under the tray for bigger ute models. Beyond these patents, there are no further details on which models would receive a PHEV set-up or when it might come to fruition.Toyota has already been taking big steps to electrify its range, including its ute models in Australia.Toyota will bring in a fully electric version of its HiLux this year, which will be a first from the Japanese brand. It has faced criticism for the electric HiLux’s driving range of 240km (WLTP) and its lower towing capacity compared to diesel-only rivals. Toyota claims this model will be targeted at fleets and mining companies rather than private buyers.A hybrid-only V6 Tundra full-size pick-up is also available Down Under.A PHEV HiLux might give Toyota the best of both worlds, and the capacity lean into the success of other brands that have introduced the powertrain.The BYD Shark 6 is the most notable example of this, having achieved a bumper year of sales since its Australia launch.It could ensure Toyota's ute has strong towing and load carrying capacity, while adding electrification.A potential route for Toyota could be a plug-in hybrid diesel engine for its HiLux ute, similar to what Chinese brand Chery is launching in Australia this year. It might also solve the increasingly prevalent issue of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will soon impact the diesel HiLux. 

With the hammer predicted to drop on EV subsides in the coming weeks, there are growing calls to instead shine the spotlight on Australia's ute segment, where similar tax breaks exist for "commercial vehicles."

Which car brands have the most models on sale in Australia?

Australians are still buying cars at a rapid rate but should we be more patient?Some of the most exciting new models are still months away from hitting showrooms. In this article we’ll reveal the five newcomers that should have you staying calm and holding steady for a few more months.Toyota RAV4 PHEVThe new RAV4 is headed into showrooms very shortly, but the brand is saving the most important new variant until later in the year. That would be the new, long-awaited RAV4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which will come in the final months of the year to push back against the rising tide of PHEV rivals.While Toyota may be a latecomer to this PHEV party, the specifications sound promising. The RAV4 PHEV will offer a 227kW, all-wheel drive variant with up to 150km of electric-only driving range for the flagship GR Sport model. There will also be a 200kW, front-wheel drive XSE variant.Toyota Australia has already revealed pricing for the pair, with the XSE starting at $58,840 and the GR Sport from $66,340. So if that sounds appealing, all you have to do now is wait…Mazda CX-5Sure, it won’t have a hybrid option initially, but the arrival of a new CX-5 is still something worth waiting for. The brand has taken an evolutionary approach to this new model, which is a good thing considering its long-running popularity.While the turbocharged engine has been dropped and the hybrid won’t arrive until 2027, the new CX-5 will have a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, stylish looks and a roomy cabin. But will that be enough to ward off the challenges from the RAV4, BYD Sealion 6 and 7, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage? That remains to be seen, but if you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV in ‘26 you will want to wait and see what the CX-5 offers before you make your decision.Chery UtePlug-in hybrid utes are all the rage at this moment in time and you could choose to jump into a Ford Ranger PHEV, BYD Shark 6 or GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV right now. Or you could wait until the end of the year when Chinese brand Chery launches the first turbo diesel PHEV ute.Previewed as the KP31 concept already, the new ute should look the part and by combining the preferred diesel power with the new PHEV technology it could be a gamechanger for the ute market.Obviously a lot of its success will be dependent on its price, but Chery has already earned a reputation for being one of the most aggressive brands when it comes to pricing. Which means this could be worth the wait for anyone looking for both a fuel efficient and affordable new ute.Honda PreludeIf you’re looking for a new sports car, like a Ford Mustang EcoBoost, Nissan Z or even a Honda Civic Type R, you may not want to rush in. That’s because Honda is due to reintroduce the famous Prelude nameplate to Australia by the end of the year.Making its return after more than 25 years in the wilderness, the Prelude picks up where it left off. The new version remains a stylish coupe based on a front-wheel drive platform, in this case the same underpinnings as the Honda Civic.While not based on the red hot Civic Type R, the Prelude is expected to have a version of the hybrid powertrain from the Civic e:HEV - a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to an electric motor for 149kW of power.While it may not be as potent as the Type R, the Prelude will turn heads with its sleek looks. Which is why it could be worth waiting for if you want to stand out from the pack.BMW iX3Finally, for anyone considering a premium electric vehicle in 2026, the BMW iX3 is probably worthy of consideration - even if it’s not due here until later in the year.While EVs are in a precarious position at the moment, the German brand has poured all of its latest and greatest technology into the new model to give it its best chance of success. This is the first model of the so-called Neue Klasse platform of vehicles, which will spawn the next-generation 3 Series too.It also features the next revolution of BMW design, with a bold new look that will undoubtedly polarise opinions when it arrives.More importantly, BMW claims this electric SUV will have up to 805km of range and will arrive with the punchy 345kW/645Nm iX3 50 xDrive variant that can sprint 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds.