Car News

Volkswagen appears to have a  monster hit on its hands, as buyers line-up to get their hands on its latest machine.The new Volkswagen ID.Polo electric hatchback has more than 30,000 pre-orders, according to AutoNews.The frantic rush of buyers trying to jump into a ID.Polo has overwhelmed the brands expectations, with customers now facing a 10 month wait.Volkswagen’s little electric car has just gone on sale in Europe, and it appears its success will mean any future Australian arrival could be pushed back to meet demand on the continent.The German brand’s new entry-level electric car will go head-to-head with the new wave of cut-price EVs from China, such as the MG4, BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora 5.It is priced from the equivalent of about $41,000 in Germany, so expect it to be more if it arrives Down Under.Volkswagen is offering three electric motor choices: 85kW, 99kW or 155kW. The German brand has also confirmed a 166kW GTI version, but it won’t launch until next year in Europe.Lower grade versions will use a 37kWh battery, offering a driving range of 329km (WLTP), while higher specifications get 454km (WLTP) of range from a 52kWh unit. Volkswagen has previously said the ID.Polo has a max charging rate of 105kW. The ID.Polo is spawning a range of electric cars including the Volkswagen ID.Cross little electric SUV, Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval.AutoNews also reported the ID.Cross had received very strong interest ahead of its arrival in European showrooms later this year.Skoda’s version of the ID.Polo, the Epiq, also has more than 35,000 orders.“The Epiq is generating very strong customer interest. We have clearly struck a nerve,” a Skoda spokesperson told Autonews.Cupra’s version, called Raval, also has a long wait list, with reports the Raval and Epiq orders stretch into May of 2027.Volkswagen has been struggling recently as sales in China, and of its first round of global electric cars, failed to fire.It has also experienced huge issues with its CARIAD software department, which has been losing billions of dollars.Volkswagen’s board has recently approved to cut 50,000 jobs, close several factories, cut half of the group’s models and even possibly delete the Seat brand.

Buyers are about to get their first look at the next wave of EVs coming to Australia. The 2026 Everything Electric Sydney event will showcase many of the latest EVs headed Down Under, and will have a record number of new examples on show.Many affordable Chinese plug-in hybrid and fully-electric cars will be available to look at, as well as some of the most anticipated new cars on their way to Australia. There will be plenty of new models put on show for the first time by Chery. Chery’s European-styled sub-brand Lepas will have two of its new models about to hit Aussie showrooms on display. The Lepas L6 electric mid-size SUV will be the brand’s first car put on sale in Australia, due in October 2026. Lepas will also show off its smaller L4 electric SUV that is expected to arrive Down Under in 2027. Chery’s adventure-focused sub-brand iCaur will introduce its V25 rugged SUV for the first time.The V25 is scheduled to arrive in early 2027 with a range-extender hybrid set-up to rival the plug-in hybrid Denza B5. Chery and Omoda Jaecoo will debut new models at the show as well, with more details to be revealed closer to the event. Zeekr will unveil its hugely-anticipated 7GT electric wagon publicly for the first time. The 7GT takes aim at Europe’s elite luxury models the Audi S5, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Earmarked for a late 2026 or early 2027 arrival, the 7GT will be the popular Chinese brand’s fourth model on sale Down Under. Geely will continue its new model surge in Australia, with the introduction of two SUVs to its line-up. The brand has not revealed any more specific details about what the models are. They will join the mid-sized fully-electric EX5 and plug-in hybrid Starray EM-i that have both experienced a positive sales return so far. Geely is on the up in Australia, with its methodical approach to introducing models seeing it claim solid sales results.GWM is another brand to have a strong presence at Everything Electric. The brand’s new-generation Haval H7 mid-size SUV will be on show, scheduled to launch Down Under later in 2026. It is expected to be available in both five- and seven-seater configurations, giving it a wider family appeal. GWM will also have a more affordable PHEV ute on display. The GWM Cannon PHEV is pitched as a cheaper and smaller sibling to the Cannon Alpha PHEV, and could undercut the confidently-selling BYD Shark 6. The Cannon PHEV is expected to officially launch in Australia in October 2026. MG’s U9 electric ute will be on display for the first time in New South Wales at the show. The U9 is one of few electric utes targeting the Australian market, along with the low-volume Toyota HiLux BEV. MG’s luxury sub-brand IM will put its LS9 large SUV on display. The LS9 is a six-seater SUV that provides competition for the popular Zeekr 9X. It could launch in Australia in later 2026 or early 2027. Hyundai will present its Staria Load Electric van for the first time in Australia. The Staria Load EV will join diesel- and hybrid-powered variants of the car already on sale. It will battle in an increasingly competitive electric van segment against the Kia PV5 and affordable Chinese rivals, including the LDV eDeliver 7. Forthing will show off an electric people mover that will launch in 2027. Forthing currently only sells its Taikon 5 mid-size SUV in Australia, available as a range-extender hybrid or fully-electric. Cadillac’s new Lyriq V performance SUV will be on show. It is the brand’s first of its V-Series, boasting as the fastest Cadillac ever. It will join the standard Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq SUVs Down Under in early 2027. Cadillac Lyriq-VChery and Omoda Jaecoo new models Forthing electric people moverTwo Geely SUVsGWM Haval H7 and Cannon PHEVHyundai Staria Load ElectriciCaur V25IM LS9Lepas L6 and L4MG U9 EVZeekr 7GT

Buyers can now get into a Polestar 4 for almost $5000 less than before in Australia.The rear motor variant will now start from $73,900 (before on-road costs), equating to a $4600 cut on the outgoing variant. Dual motor variants start from $81,750, which is $4610 less than previous examples on sale. The Polestar 4 is a premium rival to Australia’s best selling EV, the Tesla Model Y ($58,900). It also provides competition for the BMW iX3 ($89,900) and Porsche Macan ($129,800).The Polestar 4 is now available in an SUV body shape for the first time.SUV variants compliment the coupe, boasting a straight roofline and greater practicality.Polestar said the coupe features a recalibrated chassis with vibration- and roll-reducing dampers, as well as new spring and anti-roll bar settings. The brand also said the car offers more precise steering for a more controlled driving experience. The rear motor variant continues to produce 200kW and 343Nm, while the dual motor AWD boosts power to 400kW and 686Nm. The car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds. All variants are equipped with a 100kWh battery offering a driving range of up to 620km, but more powerful variants reduce range to less than 600km, all according to WLTP standards.  Inside, there is a 10.2-inch digital driver display and 15.4-inch central touchscreen, running on Google software. Buyers can option a heated steering wheel, power operated steering column and 12-way electrically-operated seats for an extra $1200. Dual motor coupe variants can be optioned with a performance pack that adds 22-inch wheels and Brembo brakes for $7200. To access the performance pack, buyers must purchase the plus pack ($6500). This includes a premium sound system, head-up display and power reclining rear seats, among other things. Polestar also announced its Formula 2030 concept to show off its future design direction on new models. Polestar provided limited details on what this new design will look like other than a silhouette of the concept car’s front. It keeps the same ‘dual blade’ headlights, while boasting what looks to be boxy proportions and sharp bonnet channels. The car has an aggressive stance, with wide fenders, a low ride height and subtle lower air intake vents. The new design direction will first feature on the Polestar 2 scheduled for launch in 2027, but expect more information before the end of this year.

Mitsubishi’s secret hybrid one-two punch has been exposed, with plans for a hybrid Pajero revealed.A senior Japanese executive told CarsGuide the company is advanced in developing two hybrid Pajero 4WDs.The company is working on a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version of the rugged new off-roader.This would give Mitsubishi some potent weapons in its arsenal to not only take on the mighty Toyota and Nissan off-roaders, but the new breed of Chinese 4WDs.Mitsubishi won’t be developing a diesel plug-in hybrid, similar to the one that will be fitted to the incoming Chery Stockman ute.Both will use a petrol engine, which will make the vehicle more attractive to the US and Middle Eastern markets, where diesel isn’t popular.The official also said there were concerns the displacement of the diesel engine in the Pajero would be insufficient, with big name rivals adding larger engines into their 4WDs.Mitsubishi’s new Pajero uses a turbocharged 2.4-litre diesel four-cylinder engine, which is an evolution of the motor found in the Triton ute, and makes 150kW and 480Nm.Adding hybrid or plug-in hybrid grunt would boost outputs and add more shove off the mark aiding acceleration and around town performance.Towing would likely be compromised due to the extra weight of the petrol-electric set-up, which would reduce the load-lugging capacity from the diesel version’s 3500kg limit.It is also expected this hybrid set-up would find its way into the Triton ute.This would give Mitsubishi a rival to new Chinese machines such as the BYD Shark 6 ute and Denza B5 4WD.This confirmation follows Mitsubishi Pajero Chief Product Specialist Itagaki Kunitoshi’s comments at a pre-briefing before the Pajero reveal.“Future electrification including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, we will consider in line with market conditions, customer needs, infrastructure and regulations of each country,” said Itagaki.“The all new Pajero is being launched with ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) only.“However, Mitsubishi Motors is actively conducting research and development in electrified ladder frame vehicles, including hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicle technologies for products such as Pajero and Triton in the future.”But it appears from the high-ranking official’s comments the dual hybrid assault plans are more advanced.Itagaki stated any electrified Pajero would be just as capable as customers have come to expect from the brand.“To meet Mitsubishi Motors standards future electrified models must not only deliver strong  on-road performance but also off-road capability, towing performance, durability or reliability expected of authentic Mitsubishi Motors vehicles."Ensuring the electrified models can maintain these characteristics while delivering the distinct Mitsubishi Motors driving experience requires further development," said Itagaki.Mitsubishi announced earlier this year it would spend almost half a billion dollars to upgrade its Thailand factory to build electrified vehicles.This is the same factory that produces the Triton and Pajero.The plan is to have the factory churning out electrified vehicles by the end of the decade, but expect a hybrid and plug-in hybrid Pajero sooner than that.

Ford Australia has announced a move to a conditional seven-year warranty/unlimited km warranty, as of September 1, 2026.The confirmation was presented to media at a Ford Australia event called ‘Ford Uncovered’ at which the Blue Oval confirmed the 2027 Ford Bronco Basecamp, Transit City, Mustang Dark Horse T8-Spec and its Ford Pro commercial customer service.Ford owners will need to service their vehicles at a Ford dealer to access the seven-year guarantee. This puts them ahead of Toyota and Mazda, but behind Nissan, Mitsubishi and MG's 10 year conditional warranties and Kia and Hyundai's unconditional seven years offerings.Nissan, Mitsubishi and MG offer conditional ten-year warranties as long as servicing is undertaken at their service centres.Many brands from China including Chery, Geely and GWM all offer seven year warranties.At the Ford Uncovered event, executives confirmed three new models and variants as well as the new warranty, with President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand Fadi Mawal saying the brand intends to “show what’s next for our customers”.Director of Ford’s Customer Service Division Greg Davidson said the warranty applies to “all customers, all nameplates” retailed from September 1, as a “strong statement to customers that has their backs now for even longer”.“This is about giving Ford owners real confidence, not just in the vehicle they bought, but in the brand they bought into.”The warranty includes commercial customers who now have access to the Ford Pro ‘ecosystem’ in Australia, which allows them to use software to manage their work vehicle or fleet from servicing to finance.“That’s a century of trust earned, one repair, one service, one honest conversation at a time. Ford Pro builds on that legacy to keep commercial customers’ businesses moving,” Davidson added.Ford is now leaning on its 220-strong service centre network in Australia to keep its word on the extra two years of warranty for its customers.

Ford Australia has confirmed the future arrival of the Bronco SUV to Australia, but not as it has historically been known.The 2027 Ford Bronco Basecamp will arrive in Australia in the second half of 2027, with the model’s platform unrelated to the T6 Ranger-based Ford Bronco and Escape-based Bronco Sport SUV both available in the US.The Bronco Basecamp is, instead, a product of Ford’s joint venture with China's Jiangling Motors (JMC) and is available in China as the Ford Bronco New Energy.While Australian details are yet to be confirmed as global market development work continues, Ford confirmed the model would retain its EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) powertrain. This means a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine will act as a range extender to charge the 49kW battery. Ford estimates a driving range of around 800-900km.While not as rugged as the full-size Ford Bronco available in the US, the Basecamp still features an all-wheel drive system thanks to electric motors driving the wheels - the engine doesn’t directly power the wheels.While the Bronco Basecamp’s local launch is around a year away, Ford Australia confirmed the ‘camping’ capability of the Bronco is expected to be a big draw.The roof of the Outer Banks grade is able to pop up to allow more space inside, and a mattress designed to fit the cabin with the seats folded flat is available.Heated and cooled compartments are included, and 6.6kW onboard power means camping gear like cooktops, lights or other equipment is able to be run from the battery.Given the arguable failure of the most recent Ford Escape in Australia, the starting price for the Bronco Basecamp will need to be competitive - and it could be, given its Chinese origins.Ford will want the starting price to sit well below the larger Everest SUV’s entry point of around $60,000.A combination of 130kW and 180kW motors at the front and rear are used in the Chinese market EREV, but Ford engineers wouldn't confirm or hint at local outputs.A full-EV variant is also available in China, though it’s not being discussed openly as a possibility for Australia given Ford’s insistence that the EREV will suit Australian buyers.Ford Australia will confirm pricing and specifications closer to its H2 2027 launch.

Audi's new A2 is a follow-up act 20 years in the making. This time around the A2 is a pure-electric e-tron model, claimed to be the most energy-efficient in the German brand’s history.Its predecessor, the compact, all-alloy people mover-style A2 hatch produced from 2000 to 2005 didn’t exactly catch fire in terms of sales thanks to a relatively high price and its upright, high-waisted design.But the all-new A2 e-tron is a more conventional crossover-style hatch with an ultra-slippery drag coefficient of 0.24.At global launch the car is offered across four power levels - 125kW, 140kW, 170kW and 240kW - matched with one of three batteries - 52, 61 or 84kWh. All are rear-wheel drive, powered by a single permanently excited synchronous motor. The entry-grade A2 e-tron 125kW has the 52kWh battery onboard and with an energy consumption rating of 13.7kWh/100km boasts a WLTP range of up to 423km.At the top end, the A2 e-tron 240kW is fitted with the largest 84kWh battery, consumes 14.2kWh/100km and has an official WLTP range figure of up to 630km.But the A2 e-tron 140kW fitted with an optional efficiency package has a WLTP-measured consumption of 12.8kWh/100km, making it “the most efficient Audi ever”.Tech highlights include (optional) bi-directional charging - Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) - DC fast-charging capacity of up to 183kW, Audi Assistant (with artificial intelligence) and the ‘Audi Connected Work’ suite including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams and an AI-based Work Agent.A standard 12.8-inch curved multimedia touchscreen is paired with an 11.9-inch cockpit display and the magnetic Fidlock fastening system is included to provide “smart organisation and modular storage solutions”.On the environmental front, Audi said, depending on configuration, the Audi A2 e-tron features more than 300 components made from recycled materials, including steel, aluminium and plastics. More than 100 components use post-consumer recycled materials and the car has been developed with end-of-life recycling and reuse as a key focus.Introducing the new A2 Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said, “The A2 e-tron is more than a new model: It represents Audi’s renewal. “It shows how we are rethinking premium for Europe: using resources more intelligently without compromising on quality, technology, or customer experience,” he said. European orders for the new A2 are already open with deliveries scheduled to begin in December.  In Germany, the A2 e-tron 125kW is priced from €38,200 (~A$61,600), rising to €51,200 (~A$82,600) for the A2 e-tron 240kW flagship.

A new Toyota RAV4 rival has just broken cover in China. The Nissan NX7 has been revealed in Chinese government filings as a new plug-in hybrid five-seat mid-size SUV. It will take on hybrid family SUV favourites the BYD Sealion 6 and Toyota RAV4, as well as the petrol-only Mazda CX-5. The car will launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, according to a report in Auto News. The NX7 is one of 10 new Nissan models to be revealed by 2027 from its Chinese partnership with Dongfeng.  Chinese government filings reveal the NX7 will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 73kW, paired with a 170kW electric motor. It's equipped with a 41kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, offering an electric driving range of 225km, according to more generous CLTC standards. There are limited specification details available at this stage, but it will have semi-hidden door handles and ride on either 18-inch or 19-inch wheels. It is a size up on the Toyota RAV4, boasting dimensions of 4785mm long, 1920mm wide, 1660mm tall, with a 2815mm wheelbase.The NX7 poses in a sporty stance, with a covert rear spoiler and sharp creases on the bonnet.Its exterior design incorporates boxy elements, while still having rounded features for an imposing look overall. Nissan’s Australian branch has not officially confirmed any details about the Nissan NX7’s future Down Under. The local branch has been contacted for comment to see if the NX7 will launch here.The car has not been confirmed for any export markets at this stage and will only be sold in China for now. Some of Nissan’s other Dongfeng partnership models have already been earmarked for an Australian introduction.The Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV ute, expected to be called the Navara Pro in Australia, should arrive in 2027, with the larger NX8 SUV also on the cards. The NX7 would provide a cheaper hybrid alternative to the Ariya electric SUV that starts from $49,990, drive-away currently. 

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.