Adventure

BYD is on an absolute tear, revealing new models at break-neck speed. The latest vehicle is from its FangChengBao (FCB) range, which will be branded Denza in Australia.

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid has been confirmed for Australia, with a 2026 launch locked in.Details revealed on United Arab Emirates spec vehicles, show the fitment of hybrid tech to the model's twin-turbo petrol V6 engine would make it one of the most powerful vehicles in Australia, with total system output a sizeable 340kW and 790Nm.Those numbers far outshine the outputs on offer from Australia's diesel LandCruiser, with its 3.3L twin-turbo V6 producing 227kW and 700Nm.According to Toyota in the UAE, the new model boasts "powerful performance, legendary capability, and reimagined efficiency to conquer what’s next."That engine remains paired with a 10-speed automatic, with Toyota in the UAE promising fuel use of 10.9L/100km. In the UAE, the LandCruiser Hybrid is offered both as a regular VXR model, but also as a GR Sport."For generations, the LandCruiser has mastered every terrain. Now, the legend has evolved to lead a new era," the brand said in a statement."Introducing the New Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid - boasting powerful performance, legendary capability, and reimagined efficiency to conquer what’s next."Under the hood, a 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid Engine delivers 457 horsepower and 790 Nm of torque. Inside, a cabin crafted for comfort and control surrounds you with advanced technology and refined detail."Toyota has also moved to quell fears that electrification will impact capability, saying in a statement:"The LandCruiser HEV’s hybrid system has been designed with true off-road reliability in mind. Even in the unlikely event of hybrid unit failure, the vehicle can continue operating solely on the combustion engine, ensuring peace of mind in remote areas. The hybrid battery area has been specially waterproofed to maintain the LandCruiser’s famed fording ability, allowing it to tackle rivers and water obstacles with confidence. Additionally, the vehicle also offers a third-row seat and cargo layout specifically optimised for the addition of the HEV system, ensuring no compromise in versatility or interior space."A hybrid LandCruiser has been of part of Toyota Australia's strategy to electrify its model lineup by 2030."There are no plans to announce today, but we have a goal and that is to reduce our carbon footprint by 90 per cent on 2010 levels. So, to achieve those types of results globally, we have to play a role, and of course at some point over the next decade all our models, well maybe not all, but the majority will have some form of electrification," Toyota Australia's Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley, told CarsGuide previously.But the company executive has long-vowed that capability and dependability will remain at the core of the LandCruiser story, no matter what is powering it.“What I would say to our loyal LandCruiser owners is one thing they can be sure of whatever we do with LandCruiser in the future is we will make sure that car is every bit as capable and lives up to the legend that is LandCruiser in the future regardless of powertrain,” he said.“We will move as we have to move, but we will never bring a LandCruiser to market that is not capable of doing the things that people want it to do – because LandCruiser is an icon. One thing we’ve learnt is don’t mess with the LandCruiser.”

Chery has detailed its first ‘global’ ute offering, the Rely 08 in China which seems destined for export markets like Australia.

Corporate mea culpas are an exceptionally rare phenomenon, but recently installed RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis has come up with one for the ages.

The R-Line sits at the top of the third-generation Tiguan range with sportier intentions.

The Elegance is the mid-grade in the third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan range.

The long-awaited Kia Tasman ute will finally land in customer hands in July of this year, arriving locally with a single 2.2-litre diesel engine option.

There are more and more Chinese car brands entering the Australian new car market seemingly every day.

Here’s a little peek behind the curtain for you. During a media launch event for a new car, journalists will often be presented with information about the new model and given the opportunity to ask questions of engineers and executives.

Now in its 15th year since production commenced, the Y62 Patrol still has a story to tell, gaining modern multimedia tech and improved safety as part of a MY25 update. It's also likely the last change before the all-new Y63 arrives, and also the V8 petrol's last hurrah. With all that in mind, the changes improve a large, powerful, spacious and very off-road capable 4WD family wagon.