Adventure

Toyota's LandCruiser has gone electric! Not quite. But it has joined the ranks of the new wave of hybrid vehicles with a powertrain that combines a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and an electric motor. The 'i-Force Max' set-up, from the Tundra, produces substantial increases in power (up 114kW) and torque (up 90Nm), but is this Cruiser better off-road than its turbo-diesel stablemate?

BYD’s Shark 6 is about to have some company, with the brand locking in a new ute.It isn’t the little plug-in-hybrid BYD Mako, which was revealed in Brazil in August, but could be a more off-road focused version of the Shark 6.The Mako is based on the Sealion 6 SUV and uses a monocoque chassis rather than a ladder frame underpinning found on proper rugged utes such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and the BYD Shark 6.Now it appears the incoming new ute will be more like the Shark 6 than the Mako.BYD New Zealand General Manager Warren Willmot told New Zealand outlet Autotrader, the Mako was not suitable and another ute is in the works.“Not for NZ, we declined this.“Instead Aus/NZ are working on a more suitable workhorse ute for our market.”Earlier this year Group Vice President of BYD and General Manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division Liu Xueliang told CarsGuide a specific Aussie model was coming.“We have another special model, just for Australian customers,” Liu said via translator, but wouldn’t be drawn on further details.Chief Operating Officer of BYD Australia Stephen Collins said no more could be said yet, but the brand will “have more to say about that later in the year".It now appears this special model will be a ute and the year is fast running out so BYD might be preparing an announcement sooner rather than later.It is unclear whether this will be a totally separate model from the current Shark 6 or another variant.BYD has recently expanded its Shark 6 range with the addition of an entry-level cab-chassis variant and a more high-end Performance grade.The company could further expand the range with a proper off-road focused version of the Shark 6, with the ute’s 4WD ability one of its biggest weaknesses.A proper off-road ute makes the most sense and would fit the special model for Australia, with Aussie buyers snapping up tough 4WD utes such as the Ford Ranger Raptor, Toyota HiLux Rogue and Mitsubishi Triton Raider.It could borrow some of the learnings from the related Denza B5 to beef up the Shark 6's toughness.Other options include the tradie-focused smaller single cab variant, or going larger and match the GWM Cannon Alpha or even full-size US-style utes.

Xiaomi has put a price-tag on its flagship large three-row hybrid SUV in China, after an extended teaser campaign.The Xiaomi SkyNomad N90 Max is priced at the equivalent of A$56,000 in its home market. The top-spec camper version, the Explorer Edition, priced at the equivalent of A$62,000.It comes shortly after Xiaomi’s new SkyNomad division also announced pricing for the slightly smaller two-row N70, which comes in at a slightly more affordable price-point of around A$55,000.If the SkyNomad range were ever to reach Australia, this would indicate pricing in the late-$60k or early $70k bracket once the roughly 20 per cent additional cost is added by the time Chinese vehicles hit Australian shores.Xiaomi racked up 10,000 orders for the N70 and N90 in just four minutes when they went on sale in China, according to the brand.The N90 buys into the mega SUV trend taking over the Chinese new car market. The hybrid flagship measures in at 5285mm long 1998mm wide and 1825mm tall, with an enormous interior-space maxing wheelbase of 3080mm.The N90 offers a six-seat interior layout, with front seats which are able to turn 180 degrees to face the rear. The second row captain’s charis and third row can also fold fully flat to facilitate a bed set-up.Both the N70 and N90 are range-extender plug-in hybrids, equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine (112kW) and dual electric motors on each axle, producing 210kW at the front and 100kW at the rear. Xiaomi says it can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds despite its imposing size.Under the floor is an EV-sized 76kWh battery pack, which offers up to 464km of pure electric driving range according to the more lenient CLTC measuring protocol. Maximum combined range is said to be 1705km, and fuel consumption once the battery is drained is rated at 6.3L/100km.The single N90 Max variant is also equipped with air suspension and continuously variable shock absorbers. For off-road ability it has several traction control modes for various surface conditions. Its approach and departure angles of 17.7 degrees and 18.8 degrees don’t come close to the current wave of boxy off-roaders from many rival brands, like the GWM Tank 500 or incoming GAC Yue 7. It has a good wading depth of 750mm with the air intake integrated into the bonnet.Aside from its interesting interior layout with a rail system for the middle row and rotating front seats, the N90 Max also features Nappa leather interior trim, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.1-inch multimedia touchscreen, and a 20-inch holographic head-up display.There is also a nine-litre refrigerated compartment in the centre console, rear touchscreen control panel and a table fitting for the centre console. The Explorer Edition also scores a built-in pop-up roof tent, a 30-inch entertainment screen, a vanity cabinet built into the C-Pillar and underfloor heating with air conditioning ventilation for the roof tent section.Boot space measures 577-litres even with the third row deployed, or 1831L with it folded down.From the outside the N90 is available in seven colour choices, with three different 21-inch wheels.The N90 and its N70 relation take Xiaomi’s automotive arm in a new direction, opposite to the sleek performance of its smaller electric cars, the SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV. It is also a notably distinct direction from many rival brands, which have leaned more into the luxury SUV angle.In China at least, its primary rivals will include the XPeng GX, BYD Great Tang, and perhaps to a lesser degree, the Geely M9. It is at a lower price point than the more luxurious and performance-oriented Zeekr 8X/9X pair.With 10,000 orders in just four minutes, it seems the SkyNomad range will compound the brand’s production issues. While Xiaomi has had enormous success despite being limited to just China for the time being, delivering over 800,000 units so far, it has also attracted massive wait lists, sometimes measured in the hundreds of thousands of units.With new factory capacity coming online this year though, the company has managed to reduce its wait time from over a year to about 10 weeks for an SU7.According to Chinese media, wait times on SkyNomad orders at present are just one to five weeks with the brand building up stock to pre-empt a large initial order bank.In other recent Xiaomi news, the company has finally announced its plan to launch in markets outside of China, signing deals with dealer groups for a German launch in 2027.This gives the much-hyped brand a big step towards a more global footprint, although it remains to be seen whether this will include right-hand drive for markets like the UK and Australia.

A camouflaged prototype of what appears to be the production Nissan Terrano SUV has been spied ahead of its imminent reveal.The images were posted to Instagram by nissanarabian and show the white-painted production-specification prototype with varying levels of camouflage.What is clear is the Nissan badge on the front grille and the Terrano badging on the tailgate, clearly marking it as the production version of the new Nissan Terrano.Virtually all of the vehicle’s boxy SUV looks and design cues have carried over from the Terrano PHEV concept that was revealed in China earlier this year.One particular photo that shows under the bonnet indicates this Terrano features a combustion engine, indicating it’ll likely have a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) set-up, like the concept.It’s understood the Terrano will share a lot of components and its body-on-frame platform with the Frontier Pro/Navara Pro dual-cab ute.The PHEV set-up in the Frontier Pro/Navara Pro marries together a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor with total system outputs of 300kW and 800Nm. Depending on the battery pack, it can offer up to 135km of electric range, according to the lenient CLTC test cycle.It’s unclear whether any other powertrain options will be available in the Terrano. For reference, the Frontier Pro/Navara Pro is also offered with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.Beyond the boxy SUV exterior of the new Nissan Terrano, a photo of the vehicle’s interior can be seen.There is a large central touchscreen multimedia system, as well as the digital instrument cluster.There also seems to be a series of physical buttons on the centre console and the steering wheel.This version of the Terrano has what looks like a high-spec brown-and-black interior colourway. Other colours are also expected.While the Terrano nameplate has a long history with Nissan, this new version has been developed and will be manufactured in China with the Dongfeng Nissan joint venture.Many of these Dongfeng Nissan vehicles, like the Frontier Pro/Navara Pro ute, NX8 SUV and N7 sedan, have been developed with the Chinese market in mind. However, Nissan is currently ramping up the export of these Chinese-made models.At this stage Nissan hasn’t confirmed which of its Dongfeng Nissan models will be coming to Australia, however vehicles like the Frontier Pro/Navara Pro and NX8 have been earmarked.Nissan has confirmed the new Terrano is “intended for selected global markets”, however it’s unclear whether Australia is on the list. If it does come to Australia it will slot under the Y63 Patrol and be a more rugged successor to the US-made Pathfinder.

Say what you like about the new Chinese brands infiltrating every volume market sector right now. Because love them or hate them, they are pushing down the price of admission to those segments. The plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute segment might be a relatively new one, but it's already a hotly contested battleground. And with the Australian-ised JAC Hunter PHEV now rolling in, it just got hotter.

Mitsubishi means business with its new Pajero 4WD priced to thrill.Buyers will be able to choose from three grades when the Pajero arrives in Australian showrooms this December.Buyers have already been lining up to get their hands on the new rough-and-tumble machine, with Mitsubishi recording more than 3000 pre-orders from before the reveal yesterday.It’s a head-turner with butch, boxy and rugged looks and a plush interior to pamper.Prices kick off at $68,490 (before on-road costs) for the entry-level GLS with five seats, or $69,990 with seven seats.The mid-tier Exceed jumps up to $79,990 and the range-topping GSR starts at $84,990. Both variants are only available with seven seats.All come in substantially cheaper than the equivalent Toyota Prado, but just a little bit more than the Ford Everest powered by the V6 diesel.Mitsubishi’s deal is sweetened with a conditional 10-year/200,000km warranty, which requires owners to complete every logbook service at a Mitsubishi dealer or it reverts to a five year/100,000km guarantee.Mitsubishi offers up to 10 years of capped-price servicing with scheduled workshop visits required every 15,000km or 12 months.The new Pajero shares its underpinnings with the current Triton ute, which means it uses a rugged ladder-frame chassis that is found underneath serious off-roaders. This is a break from recent tradition with the past few Pajero generations using a car-like monocoque chassis. Mitsubishi has done some serious work to the Pajero to make it more refined and composed compared to the more workman-like Triton.The chassis is stiffer with greater use of high-quality steel, which increases its stability during cornering but also improves its durability and reliability to better handle the rough stuff.The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up to make it more composed on the road.The engine is a 2.4-litre diesel four-cylinder with a single variable geometry turbocharger, which is an evolution of the bi-turbo unit found in the Triton. Mitsubishi has been able to squeeze a little more torque to boost outputs to 150kW and 480Nm.Mitsubishi has ditched the six-speed automatic transmission and installed a new eight-speed unit, which will smooth out the drive experience and lower fuel consumption.It also uses AdBlue to help lower emissions and improve efficiency.The Pajero can play with the big boys with it rated to tow up to 3500kg.It comes with Trailer Load Assist that enhances stability while towing by detecting if the trailer is swaying and can adjust power and braking to each wheel to get the rig back under control.Owners can load up to 300kg of static load, or 100kg dynamic, on the roof, which further boosts its adventure credentials.It is ready to rumble off-road thanks to the company’s Super Select 4WD-II tech.It delivers part-time four-wheel drive for on-road driving, full-time four-wheel drive for all conditions and a rear differential lock and a low range transfer case for heading off the beaten track.There are seven selectable drive modes including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.Rally-bred tech such as Active Yaw Control (AYC) is standard. AYC helps manage the torque delivery to left and right wheels to increase stability when cornering. It is paired with active stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes to help the Pajero manage slippery surfaces.Mitsubishi has put a lot of thought into the third row, with it designed for adults.The third row is able to slide up to 150mm and has a tumble mechanism for easy access to the last pew.Mitsubishi has thought about people actually using the last row, with what it claims is plenty of headroom and room for feet under the seats in front.With the third row folded down the boot can hold 519 litres, which is well below that found in the Prado and EverestThis is the most modern-looking Mitsubishi interior by far.Dual 14.3-inch screens - one for the multimedia and the other for the driver’s instruments - dominate the dash.The central screen also houses what the brand calls a Multi Meter, which is a modern, digital version of the old triple meters from previous generations.The new digital readouts will show altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles and left and right torque distribution.GLS grade come with:18-inch dark grey alloy wheelsWaterproof black fabric seat trimManual driver and front passenger seat adjustment (slide, recline, height)Electric seat lumbar support adjustment (driver and front passenger)Dual 12.3-inch displaysSix-speaker stereoWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoSteering wheel heater and paddle shiftersTyre pressure monitoring systemAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorDusk-sensing headlamps and rain-sensing wipersKeyless entry and startElectric tailgatePrivacy glassFront dual-zone automatic air conditioningRear automatic air conditioning system12.3-inch full digital meter clusterPhone wireless chargerTwo USB-C ports in every row Exceed grade adds:20-inch alloy wheelsBlack leather seat trimElectric adjustment for driver and front passenger seatsFront and rear seat heating functionDual 14.3-inch screens12-speaker Yamaha stereoRefrigerated console boxGSR grade adds:20-inch black alloy wheelsTwo-tone camel and black leather seat trimFront-seat ventilation functionFront-seat adjustment memory functionSteering wheel and door mirrors adjustment memory functionPanoramic front sun visors with LED lampsBlack headliningIlluminated front scuff platesFront grille LED lightFront and rear light animation patternFront and rear dark bumpersDark grey side stepsBlack door mirrorsBlack wheel-arch mouldingsBlack panoramic roof with sunroofAdaptive Driving Beam systemDigital rear-view mirrorAir conditioner with nanoe X air purifier

GAC has slapped a price tag on its upcoming Denza B5 rival over in China ahead of its anticipated launch in Australia in the future.The GAC Yue 7, which was revealed at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, starts from the equivalent of just A$37,342 for its most entry-level 2WD Pro variant, with Chinese prices stretching to nearly A$50,000 for the top-spec 4WD Ultra.It is available in China in four variants, the base 2WD Pro, mid-spec Max in both 2WD and 4WD, and the top-spec Ultra only as a 4WD.All variants get a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (125kW/245Nm) paired with a front transmission-mounted electric motor (205kW/360Nm), or in higher grades with the addition of a rear motor (220kW/385Nm).Total combined power is quoted at 205kW for the 2WD version, or 425kW/1000Nm for the 4WD.The GAC Yue 7 is only available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with two battery sizes, either a smaller 28.3kWh version (161km of CLTC-claimed electric range), which is only available on the base Pro 2WD, or a larger 46kWh battery on every other variant, which delivers 261km electric range in 2WD or 259km of electric range in 4WD.Combined range is up to 1352km, while the fuel consumption with the battery drained (a required disclosure in China) comes to 6.2L/100km.Unlike some rivals, the over five-meter long SUV rides on a monocoque platform rather than a ladder-frame, although it maintains a full-size spare wheel mounted to the swing-open tailgate.As for its off-road abilities, the Yue 7 has a 34.5 degree approach angle, 36.2 degree departure angle, 310mm of ground clearance, with a wading depth of up to 780mm. It can lock its front and rear hardware differentials, although there is no driveshaft connecting the engine and hybrid transmission in the front with the rear axle. This makes the GAC Yue 7 closer in its design to the Denza B5 than the GWM Tank 500. Regardless, GAC says the Yue 7 can emulate a central locking differential with software and has nine software-based terrain modes to deal with various terrain conditions.The Yue 7 has independent suspension all-round with the top-spec ultra scoring dual-chamber air suspension and continuously variable dampers.Other notable features the Yue 7 has includes two 220-volt vehicle-to-load (V2L) power outlets in the cabin, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen with a three-screen digital instrument cluster and separate 1.1-meter long panoramic information display across the top of the dashboard.Overseas the GWM Tank 500 in hybrid form is priced from nearly A$70,000 (in Australia from $75,990), while the 4WD we know as the Denza B5 is priced from A$60,170 (in Australia from $77,185). The upcoming Geely Battleship 700 is yet to be priced, even in China.While the Yue 7 hasn't been confirmed for an Australian launch, the Chinese pricing suggests it would be competitively priced compared to its natural rivals if it did. With the usual 20 per cent additional pricing that cars from China tend to receive, this would place it at roughly A$52,000 for the entry-level 4WD Max grade in Australia.It is highly unlikely our market would receive the particularly sharply-priced 2WD versions, particularly if GAC wants to make a splash in the off-road space with its first large SUV offering.GAC is nowhere near alone in the launch of its trendy 4WD, with other options headed to Australia including from Chery’s Jetour and iCaur brands.Both of which have recently launched Australian divisions, as well as a likely local launch of Geely’s Battleship 700.This will make for an increasingly crowded off-road space in Australia next year and beyond.Existing options include disruptors like the GWM Tank 500 and Denza B5, alongside more traditional and predominantly diesel-powered nameplates like the Toyota LandCruiser, Nissan Patrol, and upcoming new-generation Mitsubishi Pajero.

Volkswagen has finally launched the new version of its Walkinshaw-tuned Amarok ute, the W600. At its media drive in Tasmania, we test the so-called ‘ultimate driver’s ute’ on the very roads it was developed on!

It was only a matter of time before Volkswagen introduced a factory camper version of its ID. Buzz pure-electric van, and now it’s arrived in the shape of the ID. California Cruise.Offered in short- and long-wheelbase form, the adventurous newcomer is equipped with a host of lifestyle-focused extras, including:2.0m x 1.2m (by 9.0cm thick) folding mattress extending out across the rear seatsLightweight folding table and chair set housed above the mattressVentilation grillesWindow black-out coversOptional panoramic sunroof with light-proof coverNo ‘pop-top’ roof or kitchen unit at this stagePower is supplied by the same rear-mounted single electric motor as the ID. Buzz Pro and Pro+ models, sending 210kW/510Nm to the rear wheels with a 79kWh lithium-ion battery in the SWB and 86kWh pack in the LWB likely to deliver similar range figures of 422km and 452km, respectively.But the electric California Cruise’s signature campsite party trick will surely be its V2L (Vehicle to Load) functionality with up to 3.6kW output to power equipment like lighting, cooking gear or a fridge/freezer box that would typically require a petrol generator.Another special feature up the new camper’s sleeve is ‘California Mode’, which keeps the air-conditioning or heating system as well as interior lighting and USB sockets up and running for 48 hours.Volkswagen has positioned the ID. California Cruise as “an important milestone towards an entirely new generation of all-electric campervans, which will be introduced step by step through to 2028.” Pricing is confirmed in the new model’s German home market at €60,761 (~A$98,300) with deliveries scheduled to start in early 2027.For reference, the current local ID. Buzz line-up starts with the SWB Pro at $75,990, before on-road costs and tops out with the LWB-only dual-motor GTX at $106,990, BOC.  CarGuide contacted Volkswagen Australia for comment on the ID. California Cruise’s potential for local sale and a spokesperson told us, "We are continually reviewing our product portfolio for the Australian market."While we recognise the interest in the Volkswagen ID. California Cruise, we are unable to confirm local availability or timing at this stage for Australia." 

Three new cut-price challengers are on the way to hunt down some of Australia’s favourite dual-cab utes.These newcomers pack some enticing gear with plug-in hybrid power, rugged off-road capability and likely sharp prices in their arsenal to put Ford Ranger, BYD Shark 6 and Toyota HiLux on the menu.Success isn’t guaranteed.Some recent big names such as the Kia Tasman and MG U9 have failed to fire, but these three have a red hot chance.The Chery Stockman is due to arrive at the end of this year, and is the first ute to pack a diesel plug-in hybrid set-up.The Stockman combines a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with an electric motor to deliver 350kW and 800Nm to all four wheels.It can drive up to 100km under electric-only power, but this is calculated via the more lenient NEDC test cycle. Expect closer to 80km when tested to the benchmark WLTP protocol.This combo will be ideal for off-roading and load-lugging, two areas plug-in hybrid workhorses often struggle with.It will have a 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked towing capacity. Chery has not revealed payload yet.Chery has also previously said it would have front, centre and rear diff locks and it should have low gearing for proper off-roading.Chery has had remarkable success in Australia thanks to its sharp pricing, expect no different from the Stockman. This will be backed up by a rapidly expanding dealership network.It also looks mean. Watch out big boys.The Indian brand’s follow-up to the much-maligned Pik-Up has just been revealed and it is a shoe in to come to Australia, with a late 2027 arrival date likely.It is based on a new ladder frame platform, which means it'll be built for hard work.Mahindra hasn’t revealed any official details on the new ute, but it is likely it’ll share a fair bit with the rugged Scorpio SUV.This means a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, six-speed automatic and part-time four-wheel drive are likely.Inside will be plush, with plenty of hi-tech features and top-end finishes.In India it will launch with a starting price of less than 1.98 million Indian Rupee (A$29,300), which is more expensive than the Scorpio, but expect it at less than $50,000 drive-away in Australia.Nissan is going all-in on rugged 4WDs and utes in the next few years, and a big chunk of them will be sourced from China and its partner Dongfeng.The Nissan Frontier Pro ute hasn’t been confirmed for Australia, but it is highly likely the ute will arrive next year to sit alongside the recently launched new Navara.Former Nissan Oceania Managing Director Andrew Humberstone suggested to CarsGuide last year both models would be sold here.It is also believed the Frontier Pro will be called Navara Pro when it lands, following on from its recent reveal in the Philippines.It uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a transmission-mounted electric motor producing a potent 320kW and 800Nm combined. The EV-only range is around 100km WLTP.There is a chance it could spin-off an SUV, so watch out Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.