Adventure

A very busy 12 months approaches for GWM, with 14 new car launches planned for 2027. One of those launches will see the company’s Wey brand launch, a premium offering to rival BYD’s Denza or Geely’s Zeekr. The Wey G9, a people mover positioned against the Denza D9 and Xpeng X9, will likely be first with SUVs to follow. With Wey joining Haval, Tank, Ora and Cannon in GWM’s line-up, the brand insists it won't follow rival Chery and saturate the market with sub-brands, according to GWM Australia Managing Director Andrew Gao. “We insist on ‘one GWM’,” he CarsGuide. “Our strategy is different… We will not have five or six or seven or 10 networks. No.” Head of Communications and Marketing Steve Maciver added some clarity around branding - everything will still fall under the GWM banner and in the GWM  “We’re trying to base everything around a structure which is GWM.  “We're trying to build an identity and a role to each of those sub brands which makes sense, gives us delineation, but also connects back to GWM. And there's still some work to be done on that.” After the Wey G9, it’s likely we’ll see the Wey V9X SUV land, though timing on that is unclear.  At 5.3m long and with a six-seat configuration, the V9X is focused on moving passengers in top-level comfort. In other large model news, GWM is also set to bolster its line-up with a new large, seven-seat SUV, likely the Haval H10 that was described as “very appealing” as a prospect for Australia by Maciver. The new Haval H7 is also available as a seven-seater, though its mid-size categorisation would limit GWM’s extra market share. The Ora brand is also set to expand with new models based on the Ora 5’s platform - a larger SUV (confirmed as the Ora 5 Plus) and likely a smaller hatch will join the small SUV. GWM has also confirmed a new mid-size SUV in the form of the Jolion Max, which is on the smaller end of the category and will be available in EV or PHEV guise. That will arrive in Q1 along with the Ora 5 Plus. GWM’s aims to become a top-five brand in terms of sales volume in Australia, and eventually top-three, aren’t based in dominating any single segment - despite GWM’s five mid-size SUVs in the line-up from 2027. “Regardless of who we're taking share from, if we want to become the top-five and then the top-three brand that we aspire to be, we're going to have to take share from those above us,” said Maciver. “We're not targeting domination in any one segment. We think we've got a chance to take much more share in many segments.  “If you think about medium SUV and you think about dual-cab ute, if we want to be, ultimately, a top-three brand… driving share in those two segments is absolutely crucial. “We think we've got the right weapons, the right value, and the right tech to deliver volume there. But that's on us.  “We haven't delivered and realised that volume yet, and that's one of the big tasks for us for next year.”

Zeekr insiders have spoken to Chinese media, saying the brand is plotting a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen rival to debut before 2030. According to Chinese outlet Sina, the insider said the company was currently sourcing suppliers for the project and the design had not yet been finalised. They also said the current timeline would have what will presumably be a boxy 4WD arriving in 2028 or 2029. It will apparently have a “semi-monocoque chassis” with independent electric motors. At this stage, whether the Zeekr 4x4 shares its underpinnings with its parent company Geely’s Battleship 700 remains to be seen. This development builds on comments Mars Chen, Vice President of Zeekr International, made to CarsGuide in May of 2026. “Hardcore off-road is definitely one direction - we’re doing the research but whether we create a G-Wagon style, you know, box SUV, for now that’s unclear. If we cannot create enough differentiation, of course we won’t do it,” he said. He ruled out the idea of any export-only offerings, as the successful BYD Shark 6 was for BYD for a period of time. “For Zeekr, I think we’re going to consolidate more. Every model needs to be global. It makes no sense to customise models just for one country. Even in China,” said Chen. Chen pointed out how the traditional luxury large SUVs were on the downswing globally, but the Defender and G-Wagon continue to perform on the sales charts. “What’s the most interesting option? Number one - G-Wagon, number two Defender.” “Audi is declining a lot, Cadillac almost moving out, even Range Rover is not doing that well.” “But Defender is really strong.” “So if we want to be in that segment, we have to be a global product.” On the topic of 4x4s and pick-ups, Chen said Zeekr wouldn’t bother unless they could “redefine" the segment. “We’ll definitely be checking how disruptive we can be if we enter,” he said. Despite promising signs, like quad motor capability, Zeekr will face tough barriers to entry. Not only will it have to compete with such storied traditional offerings, from the Defender and G-Wagen to the Toyota LandCruiser, it will also face its ambitious contemporaries who are already in the ‘boxy’ SUV space. The obvious example is the Denza B5 and B8, which share their hybrid running gear and ladder frame with the BYD Shark 6, but Zeekr will also have to compete with GWM and its new flagship range. Based on its latest ‘GWM One’ platform, the brand now offers an array of high-end off-roaders in China, including the Haval H10 and Wey Blue Mountain 4x4 flagships. Both are offered with plug-in hybrid power. Other box-style off-roaders are also on the way from GAC and potentially new luxury entrant HongQi. All these new offerings are part of a major push by Chinese automakers to offer more high-end products, as they seek better profit margins outside of their domestic market where sales have been shrinking and a brutal price war amongst brands have harmed the balance books. Things are particularly looking up for Zeekr though. Geely’s luxury arm has been well received in Australia (and other markets) and is looking at the real possibility of being our market's top luxury brand by the end of next year.  That is, if it can overcome potential production bottlenecks to fulfil its volume plans for the upcoming 8X and 9X large hybrid SUVs. Demand for which, the brand says, is exceeding its expectations.

Toyota flexes its muscles as it dominates the top of the sales charts in October. Australians bought a little more than 100,000 new cars in the past month, but one in five of them wore a Toyota badge. The Toyota HiLux was the best selling vehicle with 5954 examples finding a new home and the RAV4 was the third best seller with 4718 registrations. These two bookended the Ford Ranger (4841). Tesla Model Y was the best of the rest with 3105, followed by the electric BYD Sealion 7 (2524), Toyota Prado (2397), Chery Tiggo 4 (2178), BYD Atto 2 (1943), BYD Shark 6 (1843) and Geely EX5 (1789). Toyota is still the dominant force in Australian new cars, but there is no other Japanese or Korean model in the top 10 sellers list. Outside of Tesla, the rest of the top 10 were Chinese brands, with BYD mimicking Toyota with three entrants in Australia’s favourite new car list. BYD sold more than 10,000 vehicles in the past month, which was a feat usually reserved for Mazda or Ford at their peak. The October sales also showed Australia’s love affair with utes and SUVs was stronger than ever, with those two body shapes making up the entirety of the top 10 list. China also maintained its top position as the biggest source of new cars in Australia. More than 35 per cent of all new cars sold were imported from China, followed by Japan (22.3 per cent), Thailand (17.9 per cent) and South Korea (9.2 per cent). Almost one in four new cars sold in October was electric, which is about three times higher than it was in the same month last year. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries boss Tony Weber said electric car sales were driven by high fuel prices and government subsidies such as the FBT tax exemption. “Consumers are making rational choices and are attracted to options that reduce their costs. Despite continuing pressure on household budgets and higher borrowing costs in 2026, the October result shows there is extraordinary resilience in new vehicle demand," said Weber. “This increase in new vehicle demand, especially BEVs, must be supported by reliable and accessible charging infrastructure that keeps pace with demand.”

Ford has confirmed a new ute for international markets that will be cheaper than the Ranger. “Next year, we will be launching our affordable mid-size pick-up for international markets,” said Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley at the company’s third quarter earnings event. “We expect the base material cost for this truck to be 20 per cent lower than today's Ranger. “Just as Maverick has done in the US, this truck is designed to bring new customers into the Ford truck lineup internationally at a cost structure that allows us to compete, in this case, with the Chinese.” At this stage Ford hasn’t given any indication of what this “affordable mid-size pick-up” will be yet but given it will launch next year, a reveal is expected to be imminent. It appears it won’t be a new version of the Maverick and also likely won’t be an international version of the forthcoming Fathom electric ute. Given it’s a mid-size pick-up, this likely means it will be a similar size to the current Ranger. Farley’s comment on this forthcoming ute being priced to compete with Chinese-made utes, floats the potential of it also being made in China. Ford already has joint-venture partnerships with Geely, Changan and JMC. The latter partnership has already spawned the Ford Bronco Basecamp and Transit City, which are both launching in Australia. Given Farley specifically said this forthcoming ute is for international markets, it means an Australian launch may be on the cards. We’ve reached out to Ford Australia and will update this story once we hear back. Locally the Thai-made Ranger and Ranger Super Duty, as well as the US-made and locally converted F-150 utes are the only Ford utes offered. There hasn't been a ute smaller than the Ranger since the car-based Falcon ute was discontinued in 2016.

Toyota launched the Performance Hybrid version of its LandCruiser 300 Series in Australia earlier this year and it’s claimed to only be making up a small portion of overall sales. So far diesel versions of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series are claimed to be outselling the petrol-electric Performance Hybrid trims almost seven-to-one. Toyota says the amount of LandCruiser 300 Series Performance Hybrid sales is what it expected. “Yeah, it’s going well,” said Toyota Australia Vice President national sales, marketing and franchise operations John Pappas to CarsGuide. “The Performance Hybrid is sitting where we thought it would be, which is roughly at around 15 per cent of our sales of the overall LandCruiser .” Toyota sold a total of 9787 LandCruiser wagons through the first nine months of this year, which is up 10.1 per cent year-on-year. A small portion of these sales include the LandCruiser 70 Series wagon and troop carrier. Toyota doesn’t split out sales and instead only reports it as LandCruiser wagon and LandCruiser pick-up/cab-chassis. Part of the LandCruiser wagon’s recent sales success is due to the runout of the Y62-generation Nissan Patrol. The new Y63 Patrol is due to launch in early 2027. This improvement in LandCruiser wagon sales defies Toyota’s overall sales so far in 2026. It sold a total of 152,944 vehicles until the end of September, which is down 15.9 per cent year-on-year. Toyota is still on track to be the best-selling carmaker in Australia in 2026. This will make it the 31st consecutive year. As it stands, both the diesel and Performance Hybrid versions of the LandCruiser 300 Series are above the threshold for ‘Type 2’ vehicles under the Australian Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). The threshold for ‘Type 2’ vehicles in 2026 is 180g/km and the LC300 diesel and Performance Hybrid are claimed to emit 235g/km and 220g/km, respectively. This theoretically means each LC300 imported into Australia attracts an NVES fine of $2750 and $2000, respectively this year. Toyota may not need to pay this fine if it can import other vehicles under the CO2 thresholds, or purchase credits from other carmakers. Toyota has previously warned that price rises may occur, especially on models that are high-emitting. “Due to the challenging NVES targets for commercial vehicles from 2027 onwards, we cannot rule out price increases,” said Pappas. The LandCruiser 300 Series Performance Hybrid is dubbed the most powerful LandCruiser sold to date in Australia. It has a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with an electric motor for total system outputs of 341kW and 790Nm. This is 114kW and 90Nm more than the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel. Only two versions of the LC300 Performance Hybrid are offered in Australia - Sahara ZX and GR Sport. They’re priced from $156,740 and $156,990, before on-road costs, respectively. This is roughly $9000 more than the equivalent diesel-powered version. While the LC300 Performance Hybrid can still tow 3500kg, it only offers five seats and is claimed to consume more fuel than the diesel.

Fresh updates have emerged about Hyundai’s long-awaited ute for Australia. Last week, the brand revealed the as-yet unnamed answer to the Ford Ranger, BYD Shark 6, Toyota HiLux and Chery Stockman has been whittled down to a choice of two upcoming global models. Both options may end up coming to Australia, serving two different ends of the segment, with the more-premium entrant also including a 4WD wagon to take on the new Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Prado and Ford Everest. According to Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) Chief Operating Officer Gavin Donaldson the ute (and likely any SUV offshoot) could be either the American proposal as loosely previewed by the Boulder SUV concept… or something based upon something else. "There is a lot of discussion," he told CarsGuide. "We've kept two options open, because we think both could technically work. We won't shut the door on one and then maybe (want the other). We've maintained two options that we have kept it open for." Asked if the Boulder Concept is the front runner, Donaldson said it is in with a strong chance. “Whilst we can't confirm, we will probably say if (Hyundai internationally) is looking at something from the (United) States, we could still consider that one, because that's definitely on the drawing board," he revealed. "And then there’s other one. I would just say the only other option is if we wanted to bring speed to market quicker… there's probably only one other option.” While Donaldson declined to elaborate on that, it is believed that he is referring to an updated version based on the Kia Tasman. He also hinted that Australia is having input into development. “There's a lot of discussions, a lot of recommendations,” he said. “We're putting through all the different style of pickup we would want. We've made it very clear what we want. “We make it very clear what powertrain want, and now we're just working through the process of what's achievable and what’s not.” This could mean that the Tasman would come first to speed things up, as the Boulder concept-derived ute and SUV will not likely arrive until near the end of the decade at the earliest. Fuelling this speculation is Donaldson’s comments about having to settle for something other than the preferred petrol-electric hybrid powertrain – which immediately puts to mind the Hyundai Motor Group’s long-lived 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine as found in the Tasman. “Ultimately, we're saying we think we probably need a hybrid engine of some sort,” he said. “But we'll never say never to any powertrain at the end of the day, because if something means it can come along quicker with a different powertrain, then we would say yes. “But for us, we think it's a hybrid powertrain is what we need.” Whichever ute comes first to Australia, it is clear that HMCA is considering a two-pronged attack on the market. “(With the Boulder Concept-based ute), we're trying to simplify a very complex internal business discussion,” according to HMCA product planning manager, Tim Rodgers. “It’s got multiple layers and paths and options…” Watch this space.

The current, cool and confident Land Rover Defender has been a big success for the iconic British brand. But for some, its shift to monocoque construction took away an element of ultimate toughness inherent in a body-on-frame four-wheel drive. So, if you're hankering for the good old days of a ladder-chassis Defender, complete with the boxy, upright design made famous over close to 80 years, your (nearly) new car has arrived. The Defender Classic V8, hand‑built using re-engineered and upgraded original Solihull‑produced 2012-2016 donor vehicles, is now available for commission in Australia. Defender Classic is an official factory division of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), housing expert craftspeople with the restoration knowledge and skills required to deliver what the brand said is “the ultimate expression of customisation” with every vehicle made to an individual specification. Powered by a genuine 298kW/515Nm 5.0‑litre naturally aspirated Land Rover V8 with eight‑speed automatic transmission, the Classic V8 is available in a range of 90 and 110 body styles, priced from £209,000 (~A$398,000), plus “applicable delivery and local taxes.” Three body styles - 90 Station Wagon, 90 Soft Top and 110 Station Wagon - will be followed by more variants soon with extensive customisation available, including “exterior colour palettes, hood colours and styles, interior materials and lifestyle accessories.” Options include Heritage, Standard or Adventure grille designs, black or silver exterior packs, 16-inch ‘Wolf’ steel wheels (finished in Black or Limestone) or 18-inch ‘Sawtooth’ alloy wheels (in Gloss Black or Diamond-turned with Black contrast finish). The Defender Classic V8 features upgrades including LED headlights, four-piston Alcon brakes, pistol shifter gear selector as well as premium leather across the dashboard, seats, door panels and roof lining. Subtly integrated modern tech includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation and digital radio managed through a 4.8-inch multimedia touchscreen. Options include Premium seats (with performance-focused Recaros available on certain models), a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen system (integrated within a custom fascia), an Explorer Pack (including a Ply Guys Camper Conversion) and a Suspension Upgrade Kit with revised Eibach coil spring rates and anti-roll bars and Bilstein dampers. Introducing Australian availability of the Defender Classic V8, Defender Classic Director Dominic Elms said, “Since its introduction, our Works Bespoke program has become the ultimate expression of Defender Classic ownership, with clients commissioning highly individual vehicles tailored to their personal tastes and lifestyles.  “The program has enabled our teams to showcase extraordinary levels of craftsmanship, creativity and attention to detail, with every Defender Classic V8 handcrafted to an individual’s specification.  “As we expand into new markets, we look forward to helping new clients bring their vision to life through a truly custom commissioning experience,” he said.

Mitsubishi in Australia says it has its hand in the air for an expanded Pajero family as it plots a new model line that it hopes will elevate it to the upper echelon of off-road brands in this market.

Work has begun on Kia Tasman 2.0, with componentry already undergoing testing in Australia as the brand prepares a mid-life facelift that will likely touch everything from design to powertrains and dynamics.

GWM has revealed pricing and specifications for its completely overhauled and hybrid-only H7 mid-size SUV range. Arriving in two powertrains across two trim levels, the boxy SUV is a completely different model to the one it replaces. Swapping out its basis on the Chinese-market Haval ‘Big Dog’ and instead opting for the larger and tougher Raptor, the H7 nameplate has scored a significant glow-up for Australia. Offered as either a plugless hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), pricing starts from $46,990 for the base H7 Lux HEV, stretching to $53,990 for the Vanta PHEV. See full pricing for the range below. The HEV pairs a 1.5-litre engine to dual electric motors for total outputs of 182kW/670Nm, while the plug-in hybrid version ups power even further to 320kW/670Nm. All are all-wheel drive, featuring the brand’s signature Hi4 system, which features a front-mounted hybrid transmission and “enhanced” traction systems consisting of eight drive modes as well as a locking rear differential. The large 33.7kWh battery pack in the plug-in hybrid allows up to 137km of pure EV driving range. The brand claims the PHEV can travel up to 844km in combined driving conditions. PHEV versions also come with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) discharging system. The H7 sits above the more traditional H6 family mid-sizer in the brand’s range, whilst also positioned below the more hardcore ladder-frame based Tank 300 in the wider GWM line-up. Standard features on the Lux (HEV or PHEV) include: 19-inch alloy wheels LED headlights, tail lights, and DRLs Synthetic leather seat trim 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen Wireless phone mirroring Eight-speaker audio 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Front and rear USB C and USB A ports as well as dash camera port Six-way power seat adjust for the driver, four way manual adjust for front passenger Wireless phone charger Push-button start, keyless entry, electronic park brake Full-size spare wheel The Vanta grade (HEV or PHEV) adds: Memory mirror functions Contrast gloss black trim Rear privacy glass Heated steering wheel Auto dimming rear vision mirror Inbuilt sunshades in rear windows Eight-way power adjust for the driver Four way electric adjust for front passenger Heated and ventilated front seats Ambient interior lighting Head up display 10-speaker premium audio All versions score the same active safety suite, and array of seven airbags, complete with adaptive cruise control. HEV versions get black 19-inch wheels, while PHEVs get two-tone designs. There are five colours to pick from in the H7 range including: Emerald Green Velvet Black Storm Grey Mystic Grey Hamilton White Mystic Grey can only be chosen on Vanta grades. In terms of performance, the plugless hybrid variant can sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.0 seconds, while the PHEV can complete the same sprint in 4.9 seconds despite weighing in at nearly 200kg more. All versions have an approach angle of 25 degrees, a departure angle of 32 degrees and a breakover angle of 20 degrees. They can wade up to a depth of 580mm and the H7 is capable of towing up to 1500kg braked regardless of variant. The SUV’s swing-open tailgate with rear-mounted spare reveals a luggage capacity of 586-litres regardless of powertrain, with 1404L when the second row is folded flat. The H7 is designed to offer a more adventurous SUV in Haval’s line-up, compared to the more family-focused H6, and sporty H6GT. At launch, the H7 is also offered with a drive-away pricing incentive, with the Lux HEV costing $45,990 D/A and the Lux PHEV priced at $49,990 drive-away. This pricing puts the H7 up against the likes of the Subaru Outback (AWD only, from $48,990 before on-roads), Nissan X-Trail (e-Power HEV AWD from $49,080 before on-roads), or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (AWD only, from $58,990 before on-roads). The H7 is part of yet another fresh product offensive from GWM as it aims for a top-five position in Australia's new car market, despite newer rivals like Chery closing in. The brand is confident the array of choice it offers from its five sub-brands, Ora, Haval, Tank, Cannon and Wey will bolster its chances.