Adventure

GWM is rolling out its new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine imminently in Australia, but it’s already exploring electrification to further reduce emissions in the future.This electrified 3.0-litre diesel engine may take the form of either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or both.It is expected to launch locally around 2028 to offset tightening emissions standards.“Fuel consumption has a direct relation to emissions, and we've been able to get low enough to pass the current emission standard without needing AdBlue,” said GWM ANZ Product Planning Manager Timothy Leong to CarsGuide.“In about 2028, that's when it's going to change. But even then, we haven't decided whether it's AdBlue or hybrid or what other technology we might be putting in.”It’s understood GWM is working on more diesel hybrids and PHEVs beyond the ones based on the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.This likely includes electrified versions of GWM’s existing 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines.It’s understood these electrified diesel engines will be used in body-on-frame vehicles in both the Hi4-T and Hi4-Z PHEV configurations. The former is more off-road focused and retains a mechanical four-wheel drive system, while the latter is more on-road focused motor and prioritises electric performance.The GWM Cannon Alpha, Tank 500 and Tank 300 are already offered with both Hi4-T and Hi-4Z petrol-electric set-ups globally. Only the Hi4-T versions are offered in Australia.It’s understood these future electrified diesel engines may be used in a transverse orientation in other two-wheel drive vehicles across GWM’s line-up.It appears the main reason why GWM is exploring electrified diesel engines is to further reduce CO2 and NOx emissions.The forthcoming GWM Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha with the regular 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine are claimed to consume 7.1L/100km and 7.3L/100km, respectively, according to ADR 81/02 testing.Claimed CO2 and NOx emissions figures for the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine haven’t been published yet.Another potential benefit GWM may be targeting with its electrified diesel engines is additional performance. Electric motors are known for producing peak torque from a standstill and this may improve initial acceleration and low-speed response.GWM won’t be the only carmaker to be offering electrified diesel engines if it does roll them out in 2028.Chery is launching the Stockman dual-cab ute in Australia before the end of 2026 with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel PHEV. It’s claimed to have total system outputs of 350kW and 800Nm and offer up to 100km of NEDC-claimed electric range.A petrol-electric PHEV version of the Stockman will follow and will rival the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4-T PHEV and Ford Ranger Hybrid.Audi, BMW, Mazda and Mercedes-Benz, among others, currently offer diesel mild-hybrid powertrains.Mercedes-Benz does offer diesel PHEV powertrains globally in a number of models, but none have ever been offered in Australia.

Nissan has confirmed its incoming Y63 Patrol will have six variants to choose from in Australia.The carmaker confirmed the line-up after it accidentally sent placeholder information live on its public website but has since been taken down, according to a Nissan Australia spokesperson.Images of the six-tier line-up were shared on social media showing the potential choices.“While the content was not intended for public release and included placeholder information used during website development, we can confirm the all-new Patrol will be offered in six well-specified grades in Australia,” said a Nissan spokesperson.“The grade names may not be exactly as shown in the screenshots, and some of the information is placeholder content rather than final product details. “We'll share the official model lineup and key specifications later this month.”It is no coincidence that it matches the six-tier Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, with the two expected to go toe-to-toe for Australian 4WD customers.The Patrol appears to top out with a luxury focused version, with the more off-road focused Pro-4X variant one rung down.This flips the script on the LandCruiser, which tops its line-up with the rough-and-tumble GR Sport grade with the full fruit Sahara ZX next variant down.There is no Nismo version, which is available in the US and the Middle East, shown in the leaked line-up. And Australia is expected to gain a Warrior version created by local outfit Premcar in time.CarsGuide spotted an uncamouflaged version of the Patrol was spotted driving through Melbourne CBD this week ahead of its early 2027 launch date.This is after numerous sightings of covered-up versions undertaking local testing ahead of its on sale date.The brand confirmed order books for the new 4WD will open before the end of August, with prices and full specification to be reveal then.Nissan swaps out the Y62’s 5.6-litre eight-cylinder petrol unit for a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol making 317kW and 700Nm, or 19kW and 140Nm more than before.The Y63 Patrol is built on a new platform and is bigger in almost every way. It is now 5205mm long (+35mm), 2030mm wide (+35mm), though the 1955m height remains unchanged.It’s also bigger in the third row, thanks to the rear section and boot being 30 per cent wider than in the Y62.It’s got some high-tech suspension too, with the air suspension system allowing the car to raise up an additional 70mm. This helps improve approach and departure angles when tackling properly tough terrain.

Mitsubishi will soon reveal its new Pajero off-road SUV, but there is a whole family of Pajero models coming.The Japanese carmaker first announced this intention as part of its ‘Mid-Long Term Vision’ presentation in May 2026. All three Pajero models were teased with their boxy, upright silhouettes revealed.Broadening the Pajero nameplate follows a similar ethos to what Toyota is currently doing with the LandCruiser. There is the full-size LandCruiser 300 Series, the iconic LandCruiser 70 Series, the LandCruiser Prado and now the smaller LandCruiser FJ. Even more LandCruisers are planned in the future, including an electric one.Mitsubishi has historically offered many versions of the Pajero to supplement the full-size version.Up until recently it offered the Pajero Sport/Challenger as a Thai-produced SUV counterpart to the Triton ute. There has also been the Pajero Mini kei car, as well as the Pajero Junior and Pajero iO small SUVs.As reported by Nikkei Asia, the second Pajero model will be a mid-size model to rival the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, or possibly the new FJ LandCruiser.Sales are reportedly due to begin in Japan around late 2028 or early 2029. It’s unclear if it will be exported to other countries yet, but mid-size SUVs are incredibly popular in Australia.This mid-size Pajero will reportedly be manufactured in Japan and be built on a dedicated platform, while sharing componentry with the Outlander. It’s unclear if this means it’ll be built on a more rugged ladder-frame or road-going monocoque platform.It will reportedly be differentiated from its rivals by offering electronically controlled four-wheel drive. There will also reportedly be a hybrid powertrain.Tougher exterior styling is expected to differentiate it from the Outlander.Mitsubishi has teased a third Pajero model is in the pipeline and it will reportedly be a compact version that may slot into kei car regulations in Japan.If this is the case, this means the compact Pajero will need to be no longer than 3400mm, no wider than 1480mm and no taller than 2000mm. It must also have an engine no larger than 660cc that can produce up to 47kW.This compact Pajero will reportedly be produced in Japan and be a key rival to the likes of the Suzuki Jimny, among others.It won’t be the first Mitsubishi model to also spawn a kei-car version. The Japanese carmaker currently offers the Delica Mini as a smaller companion to the Delica D:5, plus it historically offered the Pajero Mini from 1994 to 2012.It’s unlikely this compact Pajero will be offered in other markets outside of Japan. Mitsubishi has previously explored introducing kei car-sized vehicles in Australia but found the required engineering work to pass local design and safety regulations would make them too costly.The new, full-size Mitsubishi Pajero is reportedly set to be unveiled on September 2 and will be on sale in Australia before the end of 2026. This comes roughly five years after the previous model was discontinued locally.Unlike previous Pajeros, this new model will be produced in Thailand and adopt its ladder-frame chassis from the Triton ute. This is more like the previous Pajero Sport/Challenger as the Pajero has historically been its own model.It’s expected the new Pajero will share a version of the 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine with the current Triton.However, recent investment in Mitsubishi’s Thai manufacturing facility hinted that a hybrid version of both could be fast-tracked.

Nissan has finally shared when its highly anticipated seventh-generation (Y63) Patrol will hit Australian shores.The brand confirmed the new 4WD will arrive in the first quarter of 2027 with the order books opening before the end of August.It is the first new Patrol since the long-serving Y62 debuted globally in 2010, before arriving in Australia in 2013.Headlining the changes for the new-generation SUV is the move to a new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, which replaces the renowned but thirsty 5.6-litre V8 in the outgoing Y62.Producing 317kW/700Nm though, the new powertrain makes the Y63 the most powerful Patrol yet (with an additional 19kW/140Nm compared to the V8) and is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission.Nissan confirmed the new-generation Patrol will have air suspension on some variants for the first time, which will have benefits both in its raised clearance for off-road ability, and a lowered height for entry and egress. The brand also says the suspension can automatically lower the vehicle at highway speeds for better fuel economy.Inside there are new features including dual 14.3-inch screens for the multimedia and digital instrument cluster, as well as a head-up display for the first time.It will be backed by a new 12-speaker, 600W, Klipsch-branded audio systemThere's also a new ‘Biometric Cooling’ feature, which Nissan says automatically adjusts the climate system by detecting passenger temperatures, and so-called ‘Zero Gravity’ reclining massage seats for both the front and rear positions.The incoming Nissan Patrol is built on a new platform and is bigger in almost every dimension, measuring 35mm longer and 35mm wider, with the same height, bringing total dimensions to 5205mm long, 2030mm wide, and 1955mm tall.Updates on the Y63 Patrol come shortly after Nissan confirmed last call on the outgoing V8 model. Japanese production is set to end this month.Australia will be one of the first right-hand drive markets to score the new Y63 Patrol. It launched in left-hand drive markets in 2024.The impending launch of this right-hand drive Y63 Patrol has even resulted in pre-production versions being spotted by CarsGuide in Melbourne.The Y63 Patrol will not only have to do battle with its historic rivals like the Toyota LandCruiser (now available with a plugless hybrid system), and the hotly-anticipated next-generation Pajero, but it will also have to face newcomers like the GWM Tank 500 and Denza B8.On top of that, the emerging 4WD enthusiast trend in China has seen an explosion of new plug-in hybrid options headed for this space, including from GAC and Geely.There is no word yet on Nissan’s ongoing tie-up with Premcar, which has seen the new Navara get Australian-specific suspension, and the outgoing Y62 Patrol get a halo off-road focused Warrior variant.Expect to learn more about the 2027 Y63 Nissan Patrol closer to its launch date in early 2027.

The Ineos Grenadier range has undergone some substantial changes. The steering has been tweaked and the driver-assist tech upgraded as has the air-con system. This body-on-frame 4WD has live axles, a dual-range transfer case and a stack of other features aimed at turning any driver into an off-road expert. The Grenadier in Trialmaster spec even has front, centre and rear diff locks.

GAC’s forthcoming ute is expected to forego diesel power in favour of electrification.Rather than trying to compete with the established internal combustion engine (ICE) offerings in Australia’s ute scene like the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton, the as-yet unnamed GAC ute will only be offered as an electrified model.GAC Australia CEO Kevin Shu confirmed the ute’s powertrains at the recent announcement of GAC’s sponsorship of Melbourne City FC.“We're focusing on the new energy I think, rather than the traditional engine,” he told CarsGuide.‘New energy’ is a term largely used by Chinese carmakers that refers to electrified drivetrains like hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery electric.When pressed on what that meant for the ute specifically, Shu said: “Plug-in hybrid or REEV.”REEV refers to a range-extender electric vehicle (sometimes called EREVs, or extended-range electric vehicles), which uses an internal combustion engine to generate power for an electric motor. Leapmotor’s C10 is an example of this, while fellow Chinese challenger XPeng is also planning to roll out the technology.He added that while a number of traditional rivals stick with pure internal combustion power for utes, GAC would chase new demand.“Competitors focus on diesel, petrol. We have to use customer demand.”The runaway success of the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6, also from China, suggests this could be a smart strategy from GAC. The BYD is currently the third best-selling 4x4 pick-up in Australia, according to January to June sales figures.Chery has also confirmed its diesel-electric plug-in hybrid Stockman ute for a late 2026 launch.Shu reiterated that GAC is planning a further four new models for Australia next year. One of those could well be the Yue 7 SUV that will share underpinnings with the as-yet unnamed pick-up. However, it could push into early 2028.As reported by CarsGuide, the Yue 7 is a five-seat SUV that counts rivals including the Toyota Prado and Denza B5. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 125kW, with dual electric motors (one on each axle) for a total system power output of 400kW.It will be fitted with a 46kWh battery pack allowing for an EV-only driving range of 188km on the lenient CLTC standard. There’s also a smaller 28.3kWh battery, with 116km of driving range.GAC says it stands apart from its rivals as it offers buyers four different powertrain options - pure internal combustion (ICE), hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle.Shu also dismissed spinning off sub-brands from the GAC parent brand.In the UK, for example, Aion is its own sub-brand. In some markets it also offers Hyptec, while Trumpchi is a China-market brand. There’s also the recent tie-in with Huawei, called Qijing in China or Aistaland internationally.Shu said the reason for maintaining GAC in Australia rather than launching so many sub-brands was because of ease of communicating GAC’s offer.One of GAC’s main competitors in China and Australia is Chery, which, famously, has multiple sub-brands and more on the way. They include Omoda Jaecoo, Lepas, Jetour, iCaur and Freelander.

A new luxury-pitched ute is about to hit Aussie showrooms. The Volkswagen Amarok W600 is a dual-cab ute that will arrive in showrooms next month, with deliveries beginning in September.The Amarok W600 will start from $91,990, before on-road costs, which is more than $9000 extra compared to the previous range-topping variant and nearly $20,000 more than the base car. It is also $1300 more than the off-road-focused Ford Ranger Raptor performance ute.The W600 is Volkswagen’s new flagship ute developed in collaboration with prominent Australian performance company Walkinshaw, which was known for tuning fast Holdens.It gets versatile Kona suspension that adjusts the dampers based on road vibrations as well as a newly-developed 22mm rear anti-roll bar. It rides on 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with specialist Michelin sports tyres to compliment enhanced steering response and cornering stability. There is a different front grille and light bar design, along with electrically deployable side steps and dual side exhausts. The Amarok shares many of its underpinnings with the Ranger, including the T6 ladder-frame chassis, 3.0-litre turbo-diesel 184kW/600Nm V6 engine, and 10-speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 3500kg and carry up to 954kg.The car's interior features heated and electrically adjustable front seats, with all seats covered in Savona leather, along with a premium Harmon Kardon audio system.  It offers plenty of safety technology such as adaptive cruise control, trailer assist and a 360-degree camera.  Volkswagen recently dropped its four-cylinder diesel engines for the Amarok to focus on V6 units instead.The Amarok battles in the high-competitive ute segment, where it seeks to make up ground on four-cylinder rivals the Kia Tasman and Nissan Navara. 

A chunky little SUV with more-than-usual off-road capability has achieved something few have ever been able to achieve consistently – attract more genuinely new customers than returning ones.The Renault Duster has cracked the sales conquest code that is considered the Holy Grail by every manufacturer, with up to three-out-of-four buyers for the little off-roader new to the carmaker in Australia.According to Renault Australia General Manager, Glen Sealey, this turns the usual ratio on its head, meaning the small SUV will bide well for the longevity of the product in this country.“With Duster it’s almost all conquest,” he revealed to CarsGuide.“For Symbioz (a larger mid-sized SUV coming to Australia in the final quarter of this year to act as an indirect replacement to the now-discontinued larger Koleos SUV), we see greater loyalty.“That’s because the Renault customer of the last 10 years is expecting a higher level of premium, whereas Duster customers are happy with what they've got.”This reflects the series’ massive success in Europe since the original Duster was launched to acclaim as a tough, basic crossover in 2010, where it is built and sold by Renault’s Dacia value brand from Romania using many off-the-shelf parts (namely from the Clio) to keep prices down.Sealey admits that the Duster still has some way to go, with only around 300 units sold in Australia so far this year, compared to well-over 10,000 registrations for the similarly priced Hyundai Kona.“It's going to take some time for that vehicle to find its place in the marketplace,” he concedes.“But we do see the people that didn't buy Duster would buy Symbioz. It's all conquest. More than any other car we've got. Which is a good thing. Brings new people to the brand.”Reasons for the Duster’s broad appeal is its accessible pricing, chunky styling, versatile and hardy interior, handy extra ground clearance and off-road-enhancing technology in the optional 4WD model.This positions this Renault model halfway between every other small SUV like the Chery Tiggo 4 and tough, proper off-road mini 4WD Suzuki Jimny – something that the French brand has been keen to exploit.“I'd say we're not unhappy with Duster,” Sealey added. “We're very conscious that Duster walks into a very competitive market.“If I look at (the Suzuki) Jimny, it took 21 years before it actually started to sell any volume. Duster is a new nameplate for a smaller brand in a very crowded market place.“We think Duster will continue to grow and we think it’s going to find its space,” Sealey believes.“And what we've seen, from every person who's bought one, is that they love it. They love the fact that it's fun to drive. It delivers a very honest and unique driving experience. Absolutely, and that (sales growth) will happen like that. But and it will be osmosis.”

We all secretly knew it, but now it's official: Ute and four-wheel-drive owners rarely use their vehicles as intended.Utes and rough-and-tumble 4WDs are some of the best-selling vehicles in the country, and if you have ever spent any time on the road you'll see it is dominated by Ford Rangers, Toyota HiLuxes and Pradoes and a range of newer vehicles such as the BYD Shark 6, GWM Tank 300 and Denza B5.Now new data from Continental tyres shows most high-riding and rough-road-ready vehicles rarely make it out of the suburbs.The survey polled 2000 Australian ute and 4WD owners across the country aged 18-years-old and above.Only 18 per cent of those surveyed said they had used their vehicle’s off-road capabilities frequently, while 22 per cent said they never went 4WDing.A further 21 per cent said they had gone off-road once or twice, and shockingly two per cent said they weren’t even aware of their car’s off-road ability.Of the drivers surveyed, 33 per cent said they take their vehicle off-road every few months, while 22 per cent said they never take their ute or 4WD off-roading. Twenty one per cent said once a year and only six per cent said every weekend,Surprisingly only 22 per cent of respondents said they bought their ute or 4WD for its off-road ability, with towing capacity (21 per cent) and space for the family (20 per cent) also the main reasons for the purchase.But if people aren't going off-road regularly, what are they using them for?The most common use of the vehicle was for grocery runs, with 57 per cent of those polled stating they do that on a weekly basis.This was followed by commuting to work (52 per cent) and weekend getaways (41 per cent).Only 20 per cent said they used the vehicle for camping or off-roading weekly.And the most common off-roading use in suburban areas was to tackle gravel or dirt carparks followed by grassed areas at local parks or sports fields.And the biggest challenge for utes and 4WDs? That’s parking in tight carparks and driving in poor weather conditions, followed by hitting a pothole.

Mitsubishi could be planning an all-out hybrid assault with its new Pajero 4WD and Triton ute.The Japanese brand is reportedly planning to make its Thai manufacturing facility a production and export hub for electrified vehicles. Mitsubishi builds the Triton ute in Thailand and will produce the coming Pajero there, too.Mitsubishi Motors Chairman and CEO Takao Kato made the announcement on a recent visit with the Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, according to Nikkei Asia.The Japanese carmaker’s Thai production facility will reportedly be focusing on producing electrified versions of the Triton ute, as well as the forthcoming Pajero SUV.This indicates that Mitsubishi could be fast-tracking electrified versions of both the Triton and Pajero. The former vehicle is currently only available with diesel engines and the latter hasn’t been revealed yet, but it’s expected to share componentry.Around the reveal of the current, sixth-generation Triton ute in 2023, Mitsubishi had claimed it was developing an electric version.In October 2025, Mitsubishi Engineering Fellow Kaoru Sawase told CarsGuide the Japanese carmaker is still looking to make an electrified version of the Triton, but it’ll now more likely have a hybrid powertrain.“Of course there’s a need to reduce CO2 emissions,” said Sawase.“So along with the flow of the times, there is a need to develop Triton HEV, so we are working on that.”“So first we have to work on hybrid, not the way of plug-in hybrid.“In the past, we have announced to launch the battery electric vehicle Triton. But now the reaction has shifted a little bit.“We are now trying to quickly launch the electrified vehicle.”It’s worth noting that Mitsubishi already makes electrified vehicles at its Thai manufacturing plant. These include the Xforce Hybrid, Xpander Hybrid and Xpander Cross Hybrid.There are currently no Mitsubishi plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) or electric vehicles (EVs) made in Thailand.Globally the Japanese carmaker has already committed to introducing 13 new models, including five hybrid and PHEV models, over the next five years.It’s unclear how many of these new electrified models will be produced in Thailand.Although diesel-powered vehicles are still incredibly popular in Thailand, the local government is looking to boost and incentivise the production of electric vehicles (EVs).This has already caught the attention of many Chinese carmakers who have set up Thai production hubs for export markets. Examples include BYD, Chery, GWM and MG.This pressure from the Thai government and the investment from Mitsubishi to introduce more Thai-made electrified vehicles may benefit its Australian arm if the vehicles produced launch locally.Mitsubishi did receive credits last year from the recently instated New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) in Australia for beating its fleet CO2 targets, however these targets are tightening every year.One of the few ways of reducing the company’s fleet CO2 emissions, besides buying credits from other carmakers, is by introducing more low-emissions vehicles, like hybrids and EVs.Mitsubishi already offers the Outlander PHEV and has remaining stock of the discontinued Eclipse Cross PHEV in Australia.The Japanese carmaker has also confirmed it will be launching an EV that has been co-developed with Taiwanese carmaker Foxtron in Australia before the end of 2026.At this stage Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed any other electrified vehicle launches in Australia yet.