Smart #1 Reviews

There are more and more Chinese car brands entering the Australian new car market seemingly every day, which can be overwhelming for buyers.Some, like GWM have stuck it out in the Australian market for decades with many familiar brands returning to Australian shores, including Chery and Geely. There are plenty of other newcomers many Aussies have never heard of.The following is a run down of all the Chinese car brands already established in Australia and their models currently on offer, as well as a heads-up on others set to touchdown shortly. Avatr is Chinese giant Changan’s premium brand aimed at Zeekr and MG's IM Motors and it has confirmed it will start taking orders on its 07L electric SUV in late 2026.The brand hasn’t revealed any local details of the large, five-seat 07L yet, but in China it’s available in two grades, with the Max+ version using a single 305kW electric motor to drive the rear wheels.The potent Ultra grades up the ante with three electric motors, one at the front and two at the rear, combining for 712kW. Both use a roughly 90kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery that delivers a driving range of up to 725km in the single motor version and 650km in the tri-motor grade.  BYD Atto 1For the time being, at $19,990 drive-away, BYD’s Atto 1 Essential is the cheapest new electric car available in Australia. It’s a city-sized, four-seat, pure-electric hatchback with big appeal for younger urban buyers given its cheaper than many internal-combustion alternatives like the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris Hybrid.The Atto 1 is offered in two grades, Essential and Premium, the former with a 30kWh battery for a claimed range of 220km and the latter with a 43.2kWh pack for a more useful 310km between charges.  BYD Atto 2The BYD Atto 2 is a small, five-seat electric SUV priced to challenge aggressively positioned rivals like the MG S5 and Leapmotor B10.It delivers easy, comfortable city motoring and despite a budget price, doesn’t feel cheap. There are two grades, Dynamic and Premium, both powered by a 130kW/290Nm front mounted electric motor with a 51.1kWh LFP battery delivering a range of 345km.BYD Atto 3The BYD Atto 3 is a compact electric SUV rival to the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia EV3 and Niro EV, MG S5 EV, Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X, among others.Following a 2025 model year update the Atto 3 range was positioned with the entry-level Essential ($39,990 before on-roads) and flagship Premium ($44,990, before on-roads) variants.The range is powered by a 150kW/310Nm front-mounted electric motor with either a 49.9kWh or 60.5kWh battery pack, depending on the trim level.BYD DolphinThe BYD Dolphin is a small electric hatchback that rivals the GWM Ora and MG4 and starts at $29,990, before on-roads. But for examples of the entry-grade Essential ordered between September 15 and December 15 and delivered by December 31, 2026 the price is $28,888, drive-away. The Dolphin is powered by either a 70kW electric motor with a 44.9kWh battery, or a 150kW electric motor with a 60.5kWh battery pack, depending on the trim level.BYD Seal The BYD Seal is an electric sedan rival to the Tesla Model 3, available in two trim levels - Premium and Performance. The Premium is a single motor, rear-wheel drive model delivering 230kW/360Nm and a 570km (WLTP) range while the dual-motor Performance pushes a stonking 390kW/670Nm to all four wheels and has a range of 520km (WLTP).BYD Seal 6The BYD Seal 6 is a ‘large’ medium petrol-electric hybrid sedan and wagon specified and priced to challenge the segment-leading Toyota Camry.Starting at a fraction under $35K before on-road costs, its range is the star attraction, with more than 1000km achieved in the real world, tested on just one tank and one charge from Sydney to Melbourne. BYD Sealion 5The BYD Sealion 5 is a plug-in hybrid medium SUV powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine working in concert with a single permanent magnet electric motor.With a sub-$35K entry price the base-grade Essential’s 12.9kWh battery is good for a pure-electric range of 71km, rising to 100km for the top-spec Premium thanks to a bigger 18.3kWh battery.  BYD Sealion 6The BYD Sealion 6 joined the local line-up in 2024 and was the first BYD model to feature plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.It’s currently available with two PHEV powertrains, one front-wheel drive and one all-wheel drive. Depending on the grade, it can travel up to 92km on electric power alone, according to NEDC testing.BYD Sealion 7The Tesla Model Y-rivalling Sealion 7 electric SUV is available in two trim levels - Premium and Performance, with pricing starting at $54,990, before on-road costs.There are two different electric powertrains available, and depending on the grade, it has an electric range up to 482km, according to WLTP testing.BYD Sealion 8The BYD Sealion 8 is a large, seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV offered in single-motor front-wheel drive and dual motor all-wheel drive form with its DM-i powertrain allowing the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine to assist and help drive the wheels at higher speeds.BYD claims a combined petrol-electric range in excess of 1000km and a pure-electric range of more than 100km for all variants.BYD Shark 6The BYD Shark 6 is a plug-in hybrid ute rival to the Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.Priced from $55,900, before on-road costs, the Shark 6 is now offered in Dynamic, Premium and Performance grades across cab chassis and pick-up body styles. It continues to be a hugely popular ute option and is BYD’s second-top seller in Australia.Changan Automotive has gone on a hiring spree in Australia, with several job ads appearing on LinkedIn during the past several months, as it prepares to launch Down Under.The state-owned company is one of China’s biggest automotive groups, and is of a similar scale to Chery or SAIC, the latter the owner of MG.The arrival of Changan spells bad news for Mazda, which has a partnership with the giant manufacturer and relies on it to source its new range of electric cars, including the recently launched Mazda 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV. Changan versions of these models will likely be cheaper than the Mazdas and more premium Deepal versions on sale in Australia. Chery C5The Chery C5 (formerly known as Omoda 5) was the brand’s first model when it came back to Australia in 2023. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine sending 108kW/210Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.A series-parallel (plugless) hybrid variant adds a single electric motor and high-voltage battery for a combined 165kW/295Nm. It remains front-wheel drive. Chery E5The pure-electric five-seat Chery E5 is powered by a single electric motor sending a solid 155kW to the front wheels.A September 2026 upgrade added four-way lumbar support, massage and ventilation to the already powered driver’s seat and a six-way power-adjust passenger seat (matching the driver’s) with ventilation included.In-cabin tech was also enhanced with the multimedia display increasing from 12.3 to 15.6 inches and an electrically operated charging-port cover and active grille shutter were added.Chery Tiggo 4Available in two trim levels - Urban and Ultimate - the Tiggo 4 starts from $23,990, drive-away, and extends to $26,990, drive-away.Both are powered by a (108kW/210Nm) 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with standard features including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ‘Hello Chery’ voice control, dual 10.25-inch screens (multimedia and instruments), six-speaker audio and more.Chery Tiggo 7The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is offered in two 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol front-wheel drive variants - Urban and Ultimate. Pricing starts at $29,990 drive-away, and extends to $43,990 drive-away.The petrol-electric Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid is a plug-in model with a combined range claim of 1200km.Chery Tiggo 8This car is one of the cheapest seven-seat SUVs on sale in Australia, the (180kW/375Nm) 2.0-litre turbo-petrol starting at $38,990, drive-away, for the entry-grade Urban, rising to $43,990, drive-away, for the top-spec Ultimate.The plug-in Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with a claimed overall range of 1200km.Chery Tiggo 9 Super HybridThe Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is Chery’s flagship in Australia, offered in front-wheel drive Elite form as well as all-wheel drive Ultimate trim.Both are powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with the Elite tipping in a 19kWh battery for a pure-electric range of 90km, while the Ultimate ups the battery to 34kWh for a 170km EV range.Deepal S05This entry-level compact electric SUV has been ‘set to arrive in Australia’ for some time; initially, the third quarter of 2025, but we’re still waiting. It’ll rival the BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3 when it eventually goes on sale.Overseas this car is available as an EV with up to 510km of CLTC range, or an range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) that pairs an electric motor with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts as a generator.Deepal S07The Deepal S07 was the brand’s first model in Australia and is a Tesla Model Y rival.Available in a single grade, priced from $53,900, the S07 is powered by a single electric motor producing 160kW and 320Nm.Following local feedback, Deepal updated and recalibrated the S07’s advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) and extended service intervals from every 10,000km to 20,000km.Deepal E07This electric ‘multi-truck’ is an SUV/ute mash-up priced from $64,900, before on-road costs, for the single-motor rear-wheel drive version, and $73,900 before on-roads for the flagship dual-motor all-wheel drive model.Unlike many other SUVs, the E07 has a coupe-like roofline that electrically retracts to reveal a cargo section that’s like a ute tray. This area only has a 300kg payload, however.Denza B5The Denza B5 is a large, luxurious and off-road capable plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV featuring a unique powertrain combining dual electric motors and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, the latter only driving the wheels from 80-130km/h. The rest of the time it acts as a generator charging the 31.8kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery.Two grades - B5 and B5 Leopard - are highly specified five-seaters boasting 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds and an overall range in excess of 850km.   Denza B8The Denza B8 is an upper large six- or seven-seat SUV aimed squarely at established players like the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser 300.It’s a premium plug-in hybrid powered by the combination of dual electric motors and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine for four-wheel drive. Despite a 3.3-tone kerb weight it’s capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Denza D9The Denza D9 is a luxurious, pure-electric seven-seat people mover boasting a sky-high standard specification across front- and all-wheel drive versions.More than 5.2 metres long and close to 2.0m wide, it’s a substantial machine with a top-shelf standard specification tailor-made for high-end hotel transport, prestige transfer operators and fussy families. Quick, too, with the AWD variant running 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds.Farizon V7EFarizon pitches the pure-electric V7E as a “nimble commercial van designed for urban work.” It has a cargo capacity of just under seven cubic metres, a 1338kg max payload and a range of up to 328km.Load length is 2.86 metres and the load height is just 510mm. There are two models - Standard Range with a 50kWh LFP battery, and Extended Range with a 66kWh battery, both powered by a 110kW/230Nm motor driving the front wheels. Farizon SVThe Farizon SV is a pure-electric rival to the likes of the LDV eDeliver 7 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo, and is available in a wide range of different body configurations.Max cargo space is 11.23 cubic metres, maximum gross payload is 1300kg and range is up to 376km. Farizon F3EThe Farizon F3E is a pure-electric light commercial now available in cab chassis, trayback and Cargo Box form with a maximum payload capacity of 1705kg and range of up to 314km.It’s powered by a single 110kW/260Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels, carries a 72.8kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery and features V2L (Vehicle to Load) functionality.Forthing Taikon 5Forthing's first model in Australia is called the Taikon 5, a mid-size SUV offered in electric (EV) and range-extender hybrid (REEV) guises with pricing that undercuts the likes of the BYD Sealion 6, Geely EX5, Jaecoo J7 PHEV, Leapmotor C10 and Starray EM-i.The standard equipment list is long and the EV has a single 150kW/340Nm front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels while the range-extender features a rear-mounted 120kW/240Nm for rear-wheel drive.The latter also carries a 75kW 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine which acts purely as a generator. and never drives the wheels. Foton Tunland V7The Tunland V7 is powered by a 120kW/450Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance and is available in 4x2 and 4x4 both featuring leaf spring rear suspension.Braked trailer towing capacity is a category competitive 3500kg and payload is over one tonne. Tech includes a 14.6-inch multimedia screen and a digital instrument display. Foton Tunland V9 The Tunland V9 is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 48V mild-hybrid assistance as its V7 sibling although this model picks up a BorgWarner selectable electronic 4WD system and a multi-link suspension set-up at the back.The tub is the same size as the V7 but the price you pay for a smoother ride is payload dropping to 995kg. The L has a rear diff lock while the S has diff locks front and rear as well as other included features like a panoramic sunroof, roof rails and privacy glass.EmzoomThe Emzoom is a small (4.4m long) five-seat SUV powered by a 125kW/270Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.While the entry-level Premium grade and top-spec Luxury are the same mechanically, the latter picks up extra features including 18-inch rims (up from 17s), electric door handles, power adjust for the driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera view, extra safety tech and more. Aion UTThe Aion UT is a roughly Corolla-sized hatch and one of the most affordable new EVs on the Aussie market, starting from $31,990, before on-road costs, for the entry-level Premium grade.The Aion UT has a front-mounted electric motor producing 150kW/210Nm with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.3 seconds. It has a 60kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which grants it a WLTP-certified 430km of driving range. Aion VThe five-seat Aion V is GAC’s mid-size, all-electric SUV offered in base Premium and flagship Luxury grades, both powered by a 150kW/210Nm electric motor driving the front wheels.The battery is 75.2kWh lithium-phosphate type, which provides a claimed WLTP range of 510km. GAC claims it can accept up to 180kW charging speeds, which will get the battery from 10-80 per cent in 24 minutes. M8The GAC M8 is a three-row luxury people mover powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain to rival other relative newcomers like the LDV Mifa 9, XPeng X9 and Zeekr 009, not to mention the hybrid version of the segment-leading Kia Carnival.It features everything from power-adjustable, heated and ventilated seats in the first two rows to top end materials including nappa leather trim on the top-spec Luxury version.Geely EX2The Geely EX2 is a city-sized pure-electric hatch which has BYD’s Atto 1 squarely in its sights, its biggest advantage being that it seats five rather than the tiny BYD’s four passengers.There are two grades - Complete and Inspire - with power for both coming courtesy of a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, producing 60kW in the entry-level car and 80kW in the higher spec. Maximum torque is 150Nm for both. Range is 252km and 345km, respectively.Geely StarrayThe Geely Starray EM-i is a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV offered in two grades - Complete and Inspire - powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder non-turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor, which combine for 193kW.A hybrid transmission sends power to the front wheels, and a circa-18kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery delivers a pure-electric driving range of up to 83km.Geely EX5The Geely EX5 mid-size SUV is a pure-electric rival to the likes of the Leapmotor C10 and Tesla Model Y, offered locally in two trim levels - Complete and Inspire - starting from $41,990, before on-road costs.It’s a single-motor front-wheel drive with snappy 0-100km/h acceleration in the mid seven-second bracket, a WLTP range of up to 475km and includes V2L (Vehicle to Load) capability for charging or powering electronic devices.GWM Haval JolionThe GWM Haval Jolion is the brand’s small SUV rival to the Chery Tiggo 4 and MG ZS.Available with petrol and hybrid powertrain options, the Jolion has been the brand’s top-seller for some time.Pricing starts at $26,990 drive-away, and extends to $38,990 drive-away.Haval Ora 5 SUVThe Ora 5 pure-electric SUV takes over from the previous Ora hatch with similar pricing but updated tech, more features and an Australian ride and handling tune.Offered in Ultra and Lux models, propulsion is via a single motor mounted at the front axle sending 150kW and 260Nm to the front wheels.Claimed range is 435km from a 58.3kWh battery with DC fast-charging (at 120kW) taking about 30 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent.GWM Haval H6The GWM Haval H6 is the brand’s rival to the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 among countless other mid-size SUVs.Available in petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, the H6 boasts a strong standard equipment list across Lux and Ultra grades in all three powertrain forms and a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.GWM Haval H6 GTThe GWM Haval H6 GT is a ‘coupe’ SUV version of the regular H6 offered locally in petrol and PHEV powertrain options.The latter is capable of travelling up to 180km on electric power alone, according to NEDC testing, but can also do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.Pricing starts at $46,990 drive-away and extends to $52,990 drive-away.Haval H7This mid-sized SUV is intended to be slightly more rugged than the related Haval H6, but not quite as butch as the Tank 300 off-roader.Built on the same platform as the Haval H6 and Haval H6 GT, complete with MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, the 1.5-litre turbo hybrid Haval H7 differs with a locking rear differential and a ‘light off-road cruising mode’.Get in quick, because there’s a new version coming soon.Haval Tank 300Available in petrol, hybrid and turbo-diesel form, the body-on-frame Tank 300 was the brand’s first model from its Tank sub-brand in Australia.The whole range now offers a braked towing capacity of 3000kg thanks to recently introduced tweaks.Pricing starts at $47,990 drive-away, and extends to $59,990 drive-away.Haval Tank 500The GWM Tank 500 is currently the brand’s flagship offering in Australia and has just been upgraded with the option of a 170kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.A body-on-frame seven-seat SUV rival to the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado, among others, its pricing starts at $65,990, drive-away, and extends to $79,990, drive-away.Haval CannonThe GWM Cannon is a ladder frame four-wheel drive dual cab ute powered by a 135kW/480Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with an in-house developed nine-speed auto transmission.A new single-cab chassis version is the entry-point to the range. It’s a Premium trim level with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and 4x2.Pricing starts at $35,490 drive-away and extends to $50,990 drive-away.Haval Cannon AlphaLike the Tank 500 SUV the Cannon Alpha ute has just been upgraded with the option of a 170kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine although a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid option remains.The PHEV powertrain rivals the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV. It offers up to 115km of electric range, according to NEDC testing, and has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.Pricing for the Cannon Alpha line-up starts at $61,490 drive-away, and extends to $67,990 drive-away.The latest brand to hit Australian shores from Chery Group, iCaur (pronounced ‘eye-car’), has just made its public debut, and here’s what you can expect from the unusual new brand.The brand’s first product is the V25 mid-size SUV. It wears boxy 4WD styling, although it isn’t as adventure capable as some rivals. It will also launch early next year in fully electric form and a range-extender hybrid version will arrive at a later date.Performance is as high as 335kW/505Nm, according to Chinese specifications.The hybrid version will launch first in its domestic market and will be equipped with a 1.5-litre engine producing 115kW paired to a 33.68kWh battery good for a 150km electric driving range.Specs for the fully electric V25 which we'll see in early 2027 are yet to be revealed, even overseas.JAC T9The JAC T9 dual-cab ute was the brand’s first vehicle in Australia. It’s being distributed by LTS Auto and sold at over 60 dealerships nationwide.Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and following many revisions it now has a braked towing capacity of 3200kg.This budget dual-cab ute rival to the GWM Cannon and LDV T60 Max is only offered in two trim levels locally. Pricing starts at $38,990, before on-road costs, for the Tradepro dual cab chassis.JAC HunterThe Hunter PHEV is essentially a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid version of the T9 turbo-diesel ute and a direct rival to the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.Power comes from a 2.0-litre petrol engine and dual electric motors producing system outputs of 385kW and 1000Nm. It’s also capable of travelling more than 100km on electric power alone.Jaecoo J5Chinese carmaker Chery loves a sub-brand and its Jaecoo nameplate arrived here in the second half of 2025 as a more premium option relative to its already established Omoda sibling.Think of Jaecoo as a mainstream Hyundai, Kia and Toyota alternative and the J5 as a sharply-priced small SUV challenger to the Kona, Seltos and Corolla Cross.There’s a choice of combustion, (series-parallel) hybrid and pure-electric models spanning a roughly $10K (drive-away) price band between $25,990 and $36,990.  Jaecoo J7The J7 mid-size SUV led the brand’s launch in Australia and it’s available with either petrol or PHEV powertrain options.It’s a rival to the likes of the BYD Sealion 6 and GWM Haval H6, among others.Pricing starts at $34,990 drive-away and extends to $47,990 drive-away.Jaecoo J8The Jaecoo J8 is a larger SUV than the J7 but doesn’t offer a third row of seating despite being bigger than a Kia Sorento.Pure-combustion and series-parallel hybrid powertrains are available and pricing starts at $49,990 drive-away and extends to $54,990 drive-away.Earlier this year JMC (short for Jiangling Motors Corporation) confirmed it will be relaunching in the Australian market before the end of 2026. The Chinese carmaker was previously in Australia from 2015 to 2018 with a single vehicle, the Vigus dual-cab ute, and left due to poor sales.The return will be led with an all-new version of the Vigus and JMC Motor Australia CEO Danny Lenartic is spearheading an expansion of the dealer network.The Vigus is powered by a 3.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine sending 118kW to an all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission. LDV G10The LDV G10+ van is one of the brand’s older models, but it offers a one tonne payload and 5.2 cubic metres of load space. Power comes from a 118kW/375Nm 2.0L turbo-diesel engine driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed auto transmission. Pricing starts at $37,884, drive-away, and extends to $41,642 drive-away.LDV eDeliver 5The eDeliver 5 is a pure-electric van sized for city and suburban work. It boasts a 1.2-tonne payload, a minimum 6.6 cubic metre cargo space and a 335km range.Offered in Short wheelbase, Long wheelbase Low roof and Long wheelbase High roof form it goes head-to-head with the Ford Transit Custom Electric, Kia PV5 Cargo and VW ID. Buzz Cargo. LDV Deliver 7 / eDeliver 7The LDV Deliver 7 is a modern equivalent to the ageing G10+ van, offering an all-electric version called the eDeliver 7.Pricing for the Deliver 7/eDeliver 7 range starts at $44,726 drive-away, and extends to $73,674.LDV Deliver 9 / eDeliver 9The LDV Deliver 9/eDeliver 9 is the brand’s largest commercial van offered locally.Available in turbo-diesel and electric versions, this van can be had in many different body configurations.Pricing starts at $51,568 drive-away, and extends to $118,836 drive-away.LDV T60 MaxThe LDV T60 Max will continue to be sold in Australian showrooms alongside the newer Terron 9.It received an update last year that saw it receive autonomous emergency braking (AEB) across the range, and the braked towing capacity increased to 3500kg. Power comes from a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine.LDV Terron 9 LDV’s latest ute is a tough turbo-diesel aimed at the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering 3.5-tonne towing. It’s four-wheel drive with ‘Terrain Mode’, a rear diff lock and towbar standard.Inside is a world of screens with dual 12.3-inch displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as 360-degree camera view.LDV D90LDV’s cut-price rival to the likes of the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Prado is powered by a 184kW/410Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. It’s well-equipped with an impressive safety suite and pricing is sharp, starting at $43,674 drive-away, and extends to $51,568, drive-away.LDV Mifa / Mifa 9The LDV Mifa/Mifa 9 is currently on a temporary ‘sales hiatus’ in Australia due to modest demand. It’s not formally withdrawn from sale but there are no cars coming for a while so you’ll have to hunt for examples held in dealer stock.Like a number of other LDV models, there is an electric version of this car that sits alongside the combustion version.If you can find one, pricing starts at $46,971 drive-away, and extends to $129,000 drive-away.Leapmotor B05This is Leapmotor’s VW Golf-sized pure-electric hatch due in local showrooms before the end of 2026.It’s roomy and surprisingly sporty thanks to a rear-mounted 160kW/240Nm motor driving the rear wheels and suspension fine-tuned at Alfa Romeo’s Balocco Proving Ground in Italy (like Leapmotor, Alfa is a member of the Stellantis brand family).  A launch deal is set from $35,990, drive-away.Leapmotor B10The Leapmotor B10 is a BYD Atto 3-rivalling small pure-electric SUV offered in Style and Design Long Range grades.The former has a claimed (NEDC) range of 442km (from a 56kWh battery) and the latter 516km (from a 67kWh battery). Power is 160kW for both models is 160kW and 30-80 per cent DC charge time is approximately 20min. Leapmotor C10The Leapmotor C10 is a mid-size five-seat SUV rival to the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.It’s offered in electric and range-extender powertrain configurations with prices starting at $43,888, before on-road costs, and extends to $49,888, before on-roads.Yet another Chery Group sub-brand is touching down in Australia. The Lepas L6 mid-size electric SUV will arrive in showrooms before the end of 2026 but the budget electric Lepas L4 small SUV, previously set to launch Down Under in 2026, won’t be available until the first half of 2027.MG3The MG3 has been the brand’s entry point to its line-up for years now.A small hatchback rival to the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris, it offers 1.5-litre pure petrol and a hybrid option, the latter built around the same four-cylinder engine.Pricing starts at $21,990 drive-away, and extends to $30,990 drive-away.MG5The MG5 is the brand’s budget rival to the likes of the Hyundai i30 Sedan and Kia K4.It’s loaded with included features for the money and powered by a 119kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine.Pricing starts at $24,888, drive-away, and extends to $28,990 drive-away.MG4The MG4 electric hatchback was the brand’s first model built on a dedicated electric architecture.Available in a range of electric powertrain and battery configurations, a performance-oriented XPower variant is the flagship of the line-up.Pricing starts at $31,990 drive-away, and extends to $47,990, drive-away.MG7The MG7 is a sleek 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powered fastback sedan offered in a single Essence grade.It’s front-wheel drive and the standard equipment list includes leather seats, a 360-degree camera view, 19-inch alloy rims and more. MG CybersterThe MG Cyberster electric convertible joined the local line-up during late 2024 as a new flagship for the brand.As well as its dramatic design, which includes swing up ‘scissor’ doors, it boasts up to 375kW of power and a range of between 426 and 507km. There are rear- and all-wheel drive versions sitting either side of the $100K mark.MG ZSThe second-generation MG ZS is a small SUV rival to the GWM Haval Jolion.There are (81kW) petrol, (125kW) turbo-petrol and (158kW) hybrid options, however an electric version left the line-up some time ago (the MGS5 EV replacing it).Pricing starts at $22,990 drive-away, and extends to $33,888 drive-away.MG S5 EVThe MGS5 EV is the brand’s pure-electric successor to the MG ZS EV and is a rival to the BYD Atto 3, among others.Available in multiple trim levels, the S5 EV can be had with a 49kWh or 62kWh battery pack for WLTP ranges of 335km and 450km, respectively. Pricing starts at $41,990, drive-away.MG HSThe MG HS is the brand’s mid-size SUV rival to the Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4, among countless others.It’s offered in pure-combustion turbo-petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions with a 1.5-litre engine and front-wheel drive common to all of them.Pricing starts from $33,990 drive-away, and extends to $55,990 drive-away.MG S6 EVThis is a pure-electric mid-size SUV offered in single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive form. Both carry a 77kWh battery for a claimed range of 530km in the FWD and 485km in the AWD.Performance is strong with the FWD running 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds and the AWD lowering that to just 5.1 secondsMG QSThis large seven-seat SUV is aimed at the Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger with two grades - Excite and Essence - powered by a 153kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine driving the front wheels in the former and all four in the latter.Pricing starts at $46,990 drive-away, and extends to $50,990 drive-away.MG U9The MG U9 ute is essentially a rebadged version of the LDV Terron 9, the big difference being the MG’s coil spring rear suspension compared to the LDV’s traditional leaf spring set-up.It features turbo-diesel power, 3.5-tonne towing, and a three lock 4WD system. A pure electric version is due to hit local showrooms any minute.MG IM5The IM5 is a pure-electric, mid-size, five-seat luxury sedan to rival the likes of the Tesla Model 3.It’s offered in single-motor rear- and dual-motor all-wheel drive versions with a WLTP range of up to 655km.Standard specification and safety are sky-high, with pricing starting at $60,990, drive-away.  MG IM6The IM6 is a premium, five-seat medium EV SUV rival to the Tesla Model Y.It’s a twin-under-the-skin to the IM5 sedan meaning it’s offered in single-motor rear- and dual-motor all-wheel drive versions with a WLTP range of up to 555km.Like the IM5, it’ll be sold in MG dealers around Australia with an identical price structure to the IM5.BYD could soon have some serious company in Australia because Chinese brand Nio has launched its Firefly, a BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2 rivalling pint-sized electric car, in Thailand (a fellow right-hand drive market), with a starting price of the equivalent to $35,000 in Australia.The Firefly was approved for sale in Australia by the federal regulator back in August 2025, which is often the final hurdle before a vehicle goes on sale.Those federal government filings were updated late last year when right-hand drive production was confirmed and pre-production cars have been spied on Australian roads.Homologation details show two variants will be offered in Australia with power coming from a single 105kW/200Nm electric motor fed by a circa-42kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery that provides a WLTP driving range of up to 330km.Omoda 9The Omoda 9 Virtue SHS is a five-seat plug-in hybrid SUV sitting in a size band between medium and large. It combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with three electric motors - two at the front, integrated into the transmission package and one at the rear.Combined output is 395kW, allowing this family-friendly SUV to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds. A 34kWh battery allows the 9 to drive up to 145km (WLTP) on electric power alone and combined (combustion/electric) range is around 1100km.Standard specification is extensive, including 14-speaker Sony audio, ambient lighting, 20-inch alloys, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, a panoramic sunroof and heaps more.Skyworth BE11The Skyworth BE11 (formerly known as the Skywell EVA 5) was due to launch in the third quarter of 2025 but rollout plans have been paused by its importer to focus instead on commercial vehicles (although the brand’s website still encourages potential buyers to ‘register interest’).The BE11 is a mid-size electric SUV to rival the likes of the Leapmotor C10, Tesla Model Y and XPeng G6, with two grades in prospect  - Comfort and Luxury. Battery size is 86kWh and quoted (WLTP) range is 489km. Smart #1Smart is a Geely / Mercedes-Benz joint-venture in China and the #1 (pronounced ‘hashtag one’) is a small electric SUV rival to the likes of the Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X, which are also based on the same Geely platform.Available in three variants, the flagship Brabus version is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain producing a total system output of 315kW.Smart #3Slotting above the #1 is the slightly larger #3, which is based on the same Geely platform.The #3 is powered by the same electric motor and battery configurations as the #1, and also features a Brabus flagship trim level.Smart #5The Smart #5 is a mid-size pure-electric SUV and although the brand had not officially revealed performance output figures for Australia at the time of writing, in the UK its standard single electric motor provides up to 267kW and 373Nm to the rear wheels.The AWD Brabus adds an additional motor, increasing performance to 475kW and 710Nm. This dual motor set-up means the car can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds. Smart Australia has confirmed the car is equipped with a 100kWh battery, offering a driving range of 590km, according to WLTP standards.The first model from GWM’s premium sub-brand, Wey, has been approved for sale in Australia ahead of its expected launch in the fourth quarter of 2026.According to government approval documents, the GWM Wey G9 people mover has been approved for local sale in hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) guises. At this stage GWM hasn’t officially announced the Wey G9 will be launching in Australia, but if it does it will form as a rival to the likes of the BYD M9, GAC M8 and Kia Carnival, among others.The hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors. Total system output is 263kW. The PHEV powertrain pairs a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors. Despite having a smaller engine, it has a higher total system output of 325kW. Wuling, a joint-venture between MG’s SAIC parent company and General Motors, is on its way to the Australian market with the Eksion 560 mid-size SUV approved for local sale. It is produced in petrol, plug-in hybrid and EV form, but at this stage only the latter has been given federal government approval for Australia.It is 4745mm long, making it similarly-sized to the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X, but it’s a size up on the popular Toyota RAV4 hybrid. Australian sales approval information confirmed the car has a single front-mounted electric motor that produces 150kW and it’s expected to offer the same 310Nm as in Indonesia (a fellow right-hand drive market) where it is already in showrooms.XPeng G6The G6 was the brand’s first vehicle on sale in Australia. It’s a mid-size, five-seat, coupe-style electric SUV rival to the BYD Sealion 7, Leapmotor C10 and Tesla Model Y among others.There are currently two variants on offer, the Standard Range and Long Range. Claimed range is 435km and 570km, respectively, according to WLTP testing.Pricing starts at $51,800 before on-roads, and extends to $66,800 before on-roads.XPeng L03The L03 mid-size coupe-SUV is priced and specified to undercut the Geely EX5, Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X. There are three pure-electric and one range-extender (EREV) L03s to choose from, with prices starting at $41,900, before on-road costs, for both the Standard Range EV and Power X EREV. Standard Range electric versions use a circa-58kWh LFP battery that provides a WLTP rated driving range of up to 445km. Power comes from a single electric motor sending 163kW/280Nm to the rear wheels.The Power X EREV features a 1.5-litre petrol engine used purely as a generator to charge the 37kWh Lithium-ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery. A 178kW/280Nm single electric motor drives the rear wheels.XPeng G9LThe XPeng G9L is confirmed for Australian launch in early 2027. It’s a big five-seat SUV at just over 5.1 metres long.It is available with a pure-electric or range-extender hybrid (REEV) set-up. The latter uses a small petrol engine as a generator to charge the battery, with only the electric motor(s) driving the wheels.Both electric and EREV versions will be available in two- or all-wheel drive. The 2WD EV has a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 270kW, while the AWD adds a front-mounted 160kW motor for a combined 430kW.XPeng X9The XPeng X9 is the brand’s seven-seat electric people mover rival to the plush Zeekr 009.The Standard Range sends 235kW of power and 450Nm of torque to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission, but the Performance AWD ups the ante with 370kW and 640Nm. These are combined outputs, thanks to a second motor on the rear axle. The X9’s 800V architecture allows for up to 542kW of DC charging capability. The Standard Range features a 94.8kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery pack, providing a WLTP range of 542km, while the Performance AWD switches to a 110kWh Nickel Cobalt Manganese Lithium-ion battery pack, upping WLTP range to 580km.Zeekr XThe Zeekr X is a highly-specified small electric SUV which shares its underpinnings with the Volvo EX30, Volvo being a fellow Geely Group brand.A rival to the likes of the Tesla Model Y, and of course the Volvo EX30, among others, the Zeekr X is available in two versions – RWD and AWD.Pricing now starts at $48,900 and extends to $57,900, before on-road costs.Zeekr 7XThe Zeekr 7X line-up spans three variants - Standard Range, Long Range RWD and the dual-motor Performance AWD.Its value-for-money focus means even the entry-grade Standard Range includes features like a power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, big screens, 10-speaker audio, tri-zone climate control and much more.Zeekr 7GTThe Zeekr 7GT is a sporty station wagon designed to take aim at the likes of the Audi S5  BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It’s on track to land here in late 2026 or early 2027.Powertrain choices in China include a rear-wheel-drive version offering a whopping 370kW/545Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds, or an all-wheel drive with 585kW/812Nm and 0-100km/h sprint in just 2.85 seconds (faster than a Porsche Taycan Turbo).The 7GT starts from the equivalent of around A$42,000 and tops out at around $52,000 in China, suggesting a range of around A$55,000-$70,000 here.  Zeekr 009The Zeekr 009 is available in six- or seven-seat configurations and is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up producing a total system output of 450kW.Amazingly, despite its upright stance it boasts a low 0.27 drag coefficient and the interior is as spacious as it is luxurious.Pricing starts from $115,900 before on-roads, and extends to $139,900 before on-roads.Zeekr 9XAt a whopping 5239mm long with a wheelbase of more than three metres, the three-row Zeekr 9X will be Australia’s first ultra-luxury car from China when it arrives in late 2026. Propulsion comes courtesy of 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 base two variants, or 1030kW/1410Nm for the top-spec car, as well as between 300 and 380km of fully electric driving range without even needing the engine.The all important 0-100km/h sprint time? As low as 3.1 seconds. Not bad for a three-tonne SUV.

Aussie buyers have a new electric SUV to choose from in Australia.The Smart #5 is a mid-size SUV from a Geely and Mercedes-Benz joint venture in China.It will start from $58,900, so it’s identically priced to the Tesla Model Y ($58,900) and $1000 more expensive than the Zeekr 7X ($57,900), all before on-road costs.Its more expensive than its #1 hatch ($54,900) and #3 coupe siblings ($57,900).The ‘Premium+’ variant of the #5 starts from $63,900, while the range-topping all-wheel drive Brabus edition is available from $73,900.Deliveries for the Smart #5 begin in November 2026 and will be distributed through LSH Auto's dealer network that have showrooms in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.The brand has not officially revealed performance output figures for Australia yet, but in the UK its standard single electric motor provides up to 267kW and 373Nm to the rear wheels.The AWD Brabus adds an additional motor, increasing performance to 475kW and 710Nm.This dual motor set-up means the car can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds. Smart Australia has confirmed the car is equipped with a 100kWh battery, offering a driving range of 590km, according to WLTP standards.Riding on an 800-volt platform, it is capable of DC fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 18 minutes. The platform also offers vehicle-to-load capabilities, enabling devices and tools to be powered directly from the car. The #5 has a well thought out suspension system that includes a front double-wishbone and rear five-link set-up for comfort and versatility.Smart said the car has been styled by Mercedes-Benz’s global design team, featuring boxy external proportions, and is dimensionally a size-up on the Toyota RAV4 hybrid.The #5 is fitted with plenty of technology as standard, including a single 13.0-inch OLED central display and smaller digital driver display.Up-spec variants add a 13.0-inch passenger display and a premium 20-speaker audio system.The car also features an automatic three-way camping layout for added adventuring potential.

Smart, the electric brand formed by automotive power couple Mercedes-Benz and Geely, is hinting that the arrival its smallest car the #2 is near as colour murals appear around the world including Australia.Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Melbourne have all seen advertisements in the form of hand painted murals pop up in their cities recently.Melbourne’s version features the small red two-door hatch against a backdrop of the city’s landmarks including Flinders St Station and a tram with the tagline “It’s back #2.”The only Smart models currently available are the #1 small SUV and the #3 mid-sized SUV. The “It’s back” tagline is referring to the original Smart Fortwo tiny hatch which was popular in Australia when the brand first landed here more than 20 years ago.The Smart #2 is only 100mm longer than the original Fortwo at a diminutive 2792mm end-to-end and also has just two seats but this time around it will be a bench seat which the company says creates more cabin room.The little city hatch will be fully electric and is expected to have a 35kWh battery and about 300km of driving range from a full charge. Fast DC charging from 10-80 percent will take just 20 minutes, Smart says.Smart Global CMO Kang Yi, said the Smart #2 was designed to express individuality and playfulness.“The Smart #2 is the evolution of a revolution,” he said “We designed this vehicle to bring playfulness, premium sophistication, and effortless agility back to the modern urban jungle. By teasing our defining halo product through this unconventional artistic exposure, we are building immense anticipation for its return and showcasing our commitment to creating vehicles that are not just means of transportation, but true expressions of individuality.”The Smart #2 will make its global debut at the Paris motor show in October.As for its arrival locally despite the marketing proclaiming the Smart #2 to be back in Melbourne, Smart's Australian distributor told CarsGuide the vehicle was not confirmed for our market.If it was to launch here it wouldn't be until 2027.

Driving range is the biggest talking point with electric cars. Range anxiety remains a prevalent road block to potential EV buyers, despite ever-increasing claimed figures.Figures are measured using many different testing cycles, which all have varying degrees of perceived accuracy.  The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) is viewed as the most accurate standard available.Its testing figures often come in noticeably lower than the older New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) and the even more generous China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). As much as these systems do their best to mirror real-world driving, they can never be truly accurate because of the different ways people use their cars.The Australian Automobile Association’s Real-World Testing Program has done the ground work to see just how accurate these figures are when they are put to the test on the roads. The testing was completed in Victoria, with each vehicle travelling a route of 93km.We’ve compiled the most- and least-accurate EV driving ranges, according to what is reported and what they actually did on the road.The figures used for this data are the quoted Australian Design Rules figures used for sales approval.Brands base these figures on the various testing standards, and this means the difference in accuracy between reported and actual figures may not be as dramatic as portrayed by the raw numbers. This is particularly apparent for Chinese brands that register a more lenient testing method (NEDC) than other brands, which represents an exaggerated difference compared to real-world figures than what WLTP would show. Topping the list for the most inaccurate figure is the 2023 MG4 all-wheel drive hatchback. The quoted figure for this car is 405km, but it was more than 100km off that calculated in the real world. It only managed 281km, which was a 31 per cent difference. The MG4 has a WLTP range of 350km, making it a less egregious roughly 19 per cent inaccuracy. The theme of Chinese brands continues down the list, with three of the other four cars in the top five all being made by BYD. The BYD Seal sedan has a claimed driving range of 650km, but in the real world it only reached 488km, resulting in a 25 per cent decrease, but that dropped to 14 per cent based on WLTP figures. BYD’s Dolphin hatchback had a 24 per cent drop-off on its ADR figure of 410km, only capable of travelling 313km, but that was only an eight per cent decrease based on WLTP. The Kia EV6 mid-size SUV registered an eight per cent shortfall on its WLTP figure, travelling 484km instead of 528km. Kia's EV5, EV6 and EV9 SUVs also represent 11 per cent shortfalls on their WLTP range figures. The BYD Atto 3 small SUV was also in the top five and had a 20 per cent shortfall on its ADR figure of 410km, only reaching 328km. That was only a 5 per cent decrease based on its WLTP figure. Finally, the Tesla Model 3 had a 14 per cent drop off on what was expected based on WLTP numbers. The Kia EV5 is joined by the Tesla Model Y, with ADR and WLTP figures only representing a three per cent difference at the other end of the scale.The BYD Sealion 7 is one of the more dramatic examples of the inaccuracy of the NEDC system. Its 17 per cent shortfall based on NEDC standards is reduced to just three per cent when based on WLTP. While this data demonstrates how EVs perform in real life, it also provides important insight into how differing testing standards can dramatically alter driving range expectations. WLTP figures remain the most accurate mainstream testing regime, with NEDC and CLTC testing exaggerating potential driving range.

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

Ahead of this week's Beijing motor show, Smart has previewed the Concept #2 which the brand is positioning as “a reinvention of the iconic two-seater city car".The ‘iconic’ model that statement refers to is the Smart fortwo, which, as the name implies, is a tiny two-person urban runabout powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that was sold in Australia from around 2009 to 2016.This time around power is pure electric and although battery, motor and drive specs are yet to be confirmed, Smart says it envisions an electric range of close to 300 kilometres and DC fast-charging delivering a 10 to 80 per cent fill in under 20 minutes.Now a joint-venture operation between Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Holding Group, Smart said it expects the production Smart #2 to debut at the Paris motor show this October.Riding on the brand’s new ‘ECA’ platform and developed by the Mercedes-Benz global design team, the Smart Concept #2 is aimed at delivering “uncompromised urban capability” measuring just 2792mm end-to-end and boasting a ludicrously tight 6.95m turning circle.Introducing the car, Mercedes-Benz Head of Design for Smart Kai Sieber said, “We believe a city car should be more than a problem solver; it should spark joy. “Carrying the heritage of the fortwo's iconic design, the Concept #2 translates our bold personality into a new era where 'Function becomes Fashion.'"It is not only about clever practicality but serves as a true extension of personal identity, “he said.Launching globally with the Smart #1 (hashtag one) compact electric hatch and Smart #3 small crossover-style EV SUV, the brand’s line-up will expand to five models in 2026 with the #5 mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV unveiled in late 2025 (it’s due in Australia later this year) and the China-focused (Merc E-class size) #6 sedan and the #2 city car in production by the end of the year.Smart Australia has confirmed there are no plans for the #2 to launch domestically at this stage.

The iconic Smart car has been spied in camouflage ahead of its return in China.The Smart #2 is a tiny electric two-seater city car, and will be the closest thing to the iconic Smart ForTwo made by the brand since.The original Smart ForTwo was on sale in Australia in the mid-2000s, equipped with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.It is expected to be officially unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show later this month, with a European launch scheduled for 2027.Smart Australia has confirmed there are no plans for the car to launch domestically at this stage, with an immediate focus on Chinese and European markets.If it ever did come to Australia, it would have to be one of the most affordable electric cars in the country to be competitive. It would need to challenge the BYD Atto 1, which has a starting price of $23,990 (before on-road costs). The budget EV space has been growing in Australia, with more offerings representing competitive deals around the $30K bracket.The incoming MG4 Urban and just-launched GAC Aion UT both start from $31,990, while the Chery QQ3 is anticipated to launch with a similar, if not cheaper, price tag. However, the Smart #2 is even smaller than these rivals. This means it would almost be in a league of its own if it were to launch Down Under.There is limited other confirmed information available about the car, but it is rumoured to have a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 30kW, according to CarNews China. It measures up at less than three metres long, with a wheelbase of less than two metres. The #2 is the latest of the brand's reboot, which has seen several vehicles spawn as the product of a joint venture between Geely and Mercedes-Benz. Smart currently has two models on sale in Australia which are the #1 hatchback and the #3 crossover. The more rugged #5 SUV is expected to join the range later this year.

The small car segment, especially on the premium and luxury end of the spectrum, has been very tumultuous over the last few years with hatchback and sedan sales plummeting, while SUV sales have climbed astronomically.In order to combat this, as part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, we’ve combined small premium passenger cars and SUVs into this segment.It’s worth noting that each shortlisted small premium car mentioned below is inclusive of the entire line-up, though its entry price must be under $80,000 before on-road costs for this particular category.The following is a rundown of our top 10 sub-$80K small cars in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Note Mercedes-Benz's current A-Class, CLA and GLA were ineligible as they were unavailable for review.While many brands are fleeing this segment of the car market, this German small hatch and sedan is still offered in Australia in a wide range of trim levels and variants. Beyond the normal A3 variants, there’s the sporty S3 and the fire-breathing RS3.It notably made this shortlist due to the latter which is still offered with an iconic five-cylinder engine. However, we do wish it made just a bit more noise like the older models did.Beyond this, CarsGuide reviewers praised the A3 line-up for its capable and engaging driving dynamics, as well as its luxuriously equipped and premium-presenting interior.While the A3 hatch and sedan may be newer, the Audi Q3 small SUV has been soldiering on for a couple of years now without any major updates.The current model is reaching the end of its lifecycle and is set to be replaced by a new-generation model during 2026.Despite this, CarsGuide reviewers liked how the Q3’s exterior design is ageing, even in the polarising Sportback body style, plus the on-road manners are both elegant and fun.The new-generation version of the BMW 1 Series hatchback launched locally late in 2024, offering everything from everyday commuter trims to the M135 xDrive hot hatch.CarsGuide reviewers were impressed with its driving dynamics and outright performance, though fuel efficiency took a hit as a result.Additionally we liked the new and modern front-row layout, however the exterior design, especially at the front, likely isn’t for everyone.The X1 small SUV is the most popular BMW in Australia currently and for good reason.It launched locally in new-generation guise in 2022 to popular fanfare, then the all-electric iX1 variants joined the line-up in 2023, cementing its status as a benchmark small SUV.CarsGuide reviewers praised X1/iX1’s on-road manners, as well as the modern and high-tech exterior and interior designs. However, common European quibbles like tyre roar and suspension bumps can intrude into the cabin.The X2 is a swoopy ‘coupe’ SUV counterpart to the X1 small SUV and still notably offers both petrol and electric (iX2) powertrain options.While its exterior design is polarising and not for everyone, CarsGuide reviewers appreciated how polished the drivetrains feel from behind the wheel. The X2/iX2 is also affordable when compared to premium rivals from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.The few dislikes were centred around the X2 M35i xDrive’s firm ride due to its large (and thankfully optional) 21-inch alloy wheels, as well as the slight reduction in boot capacity over the X1/iX1.This spicy Spanish small crossover SUV is the clear front-runner for Cupra in Australia. Arriving in 2022, the Formentor is offered in a range of variants from warm to hot, plus even a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offering.CarsGuide reviewers appreciated the lifted hatchback looks and the smile-inducing driving dynamics, however some found the multimedia system to be a little finicky and the ride a little too far on the firm side.An oft-forgotten entrant in the small SUV segment, this quirky French electric SUV impresses with its sleek design, maximised interior space and reactive driving feel.There is currently only one trim level of the Megane E-Tech offered in Australia, the Techno EV60, and it’s limited by its 7.4kW maximum AC charging rate, plus the lack of features like connected services that are available overseas.A huge step away from the iconic Fortwo of the early ‘00s and ‘10s, the Smart #3 is the brand’s largest car in Australia to date.With unique looks and a premium cabin feel, the #3 impresses though the driver-assist features can be a little overbearing and the panoramic glass sunroof has no sunshade.More sore points are the average warranty coverage of five years or 150,000km, as well as the hefty servicing costs for an electric vehicle.While a number of these shortlisted vehicles are high-tech or electrified offerings, the Subaru WRX stands out as a purist sports car.Still featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine and a manual transmission in certain trim levels, the WRX is offered in sedan and wagon body styles.CarsGuide reviewers praised the WRX’s dynamism, practicality and even value when compared to rivals with similar amounts of power. However, the WRX Sportswagon only comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and doesn’t look as sporty as the standard WRX sedan.This vibrant and quirky Volvo electric SUV stands out on the road thanks to its stunning exterior design with boxy proportions.The interior also stands out, but sometimes not in the best of ways. CarsGuide reviewers found too many of the key features are tucked into menus on the central touchscreen, plus the lack of a proper instrument cluster was grating.

Feel like there’s suddenly a whole lot of new car brands with logos you don’t even recognise.

Smart is poised to return to its roots with an ultra-compact city car, according to new spy images.Smart's fifth model since its Mercedes-Benz and Geely re-boot, the #2 has already been teased in Chinese social media as the ForTwo’s successor, but new ‘spy pictures’ shared via the brand’s official channels confirm it will even follow the original Smart car’s aesthetic and proportions.Built on a new platform dubbed ECA (Electric Compact Architecture), and equipped with just two doors, the #2’s design will be be led by the Mercedes-Benz design team. Smart confirmed the car would be built in China and is targeting global export markets.Specifically, the brand teased the #2 at the Munich motor show, with a European release slated for 2027.Due to its ultra-compact dimensions, Chinese media is speculating a battery size of roughly 30kWh, equivalent to other ultra-compact vehicles sold in Australia like the BYD Atto 1 (From $23,990, 30kWh, 220km range) or Hyundai Inster (From $39,000, 42kWh, 327km range).Smart’s reboot looks to continue full steam in Australia, with the brand following up on the #1 crossover and #3 small SUV with the recently-revealed-in-Australia #5 mid-sizer, which is likely to be the first Smart offered in Australia as a plug-in hybrid.It is unclear whether Australia will see the recently-revealed #6 sedan, which looks to be a hybrid-first proposition equipped with a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid drivetrain.The two-seat #2 which returns the brand to its low-cost and ultra-compact origins may be a perfect fit for markets like China, Japan, Korea and Thailand, but it is unclear whether the brand will take another shot at the poorly-served city car segment in Australia.Generally, cars with ultra-compact dimensions are difficult to comply with Australia’s stringent design laws, and many brands often don’t want to roll the dice with such a car receiving a sub-five-star ANCAP safety rating.However, the segment has again received more interest locally, as brands look to exploit an under-served space that's well suited to electric vehicles. BYD’s Atto 1 recently bucked the trend of associating low safety with ultra-compact vehicles, scoring a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.BYD’s affordable offering is yet to put its first runs on the board, but Hyundai’s more expensive Inster has thus far chalked up 426 registrations in Australia. Meanwhile, Smart is not a member of the FCAI and its sales numbers do not appear in the VFACTs industry report.The original Smart ForTwo was sold in Australia between 2004 and 2007 equipped with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. Its line-up expanded over time to include the ForFour hatch and even a roadster model.