Electric Cars

Toyota is in danger of being overtaken by BYD.By retreating upmarket, it also risks losing the loyalty of a generation of buyers, especially younger ones, destroying the bedrock of the brand’s success in Australia.Toyota is still the world leader and dominant force in Australia, but that could all fall apart if it gets complacent.Yes, Toyota has been number one every year since 2003, and remains the richest car company in the world after Tesla.But BYD and other Chinese brands like Chery are cutting its lunch.Toyota’s year-to-date (YTD) sales have tumbled 20 per cent, from 142,700 to 115,550 units, while market share has shrunken from 20 per cent to 16.3 per cent.In contrast, BYD’s YTD sales have jumped, from 28,000 to nearly 61,000 units while share has expanded from 3.9 per cent to 8.5 per cent.Toyota assumed its premium, hybrid-heavy strategy would prevail.But BYD’s cheaper electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEV) are both more affordable and available, while Chery, MG and others clean up in the sub-$30,000 drive-away classes that Toyota abandoned in 2024. Coincidence?Reportedly sitting on a $A96.5 billion war chest, Toyota can shore up customer loyalty by once again offering more-affordable vehicles that Australians want.Playing the long game, not the wrong game, the Japanese brand’s models already have the reputation for reliability, durability and quality required to remain number one.We understand. Today’s Yaris from $29,190 before on-road costs is measurably superior to its 2019 predecessor. But that’s a moot point for buyers who cannot stretch another $10,000-plus to own one.Here, then, are the Toyotas we reckon Australia needs right now.Although it is an all-new model in a segment Toyota has not bothered with for decades, the LandCruiser FJ is anything but ‘all-new’ underneath.Derived from the IMV architecture that is already two decades old beneath the HiLux, this compact SUV is a Thai-built body-on-frame, off-road-ready 4x4 with the Suzuki Jimny in its crosshairs.Surely that makes the LandCruiser FJ a natural for Australia?Well… no. The biggest drawback seems to be the equally ancient 2TR-FE I4 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that Toyota had to drop from the latest HiLux range due to non-compliance with our increasingly tough emissions.There is speculation galore about a hybrid alternative happening sometime in the future, and – if true – then that’s what we would expect a locally bound LandCruiser FJ to be powered by.It seems unfathomable Toyota would create an SUV with classic FJ40 retro design cues, yet not engineer a powertrain suitable for LandCruiser-obsessed Australia.As a BYD Atto 2 beater, this hybrid is a no-brainer.Japan’s second best-selling vehicle YTD after the Yaris/Yaris Cross duo on which it is based upon, Sienta is a portmanteau of siete, Spanish for ‘seven’, and ‘entertain’.And there-in lays this Toyota’s appeal.Essentially a Yaris MPV that majors on packaging, it features sliding doors and space for up to seven (hence the name), with the optional third-row seating ingeniously dropping underneath the middle bench for an instant big cavity.Along with Sienta’s eye-catching Fiat Panda-esque design and capable Yaris underpinnings, it is little wonder both hipsters and artificial-hip buyers alike have fallen for the tall-boy Toyota’s charms.Finally, a growing army of ex-Japan used imports here is further proof of concept.Developed and built by Toyota sub-brand Daihatsu (which markets it as Rocky – a tiny but tough off-roader in the style of the Suzuki Jimny), the Raize would slip in as an entry-level high-riding crossover.At round four metres long, this chunky, high-riding, monocoque-bodied urban crossover employs a unique, lower-cost architecture to help keep prices down in the South East Asian region, without scrimping on safety tech.This would make it ideal as a sub-$30,000 light SUV targeting the likes of the BYD Atto 1, Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV 3XO.Engine options include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol or 1.2-litre hybrid version.A podium seller in Japan this year, the Raize is another used import from appearing on Australian roads, and it’s not difficult to see why.The original Prius of 2001 was a toe-in-the-water exercise in Australia. Its 2003 and 2009 successors proved to be successful brand builders as hybrid pioneers.But the 2016 redesign was so insectoid in appearance that buyers were repelled en-masse, despite being the first of the vastly-improved TNGA-platform Toyotas available here.That’s why the company passed on the fifth iteration locally, but what subsequently surfaced remains one of the most beautiful modern hatchbacks of this decade.Nowadays, with the dramatic uptake of PHEV as well as hybrid vehicles, Toyota admits it is gunning for the Prius’ return as a result, but it may take a while yet.Great design is timeless and, even from $40,000 as a BYD Seal 6 PHEV rival, the latest Prius would attract plenty of non-traditional Toyota buyers.It seems inevitable that a Grand Kluger will eventually appear in Australia, but when is the big question.Built in the USA as the Grand Highlander, this is a larger and longer take on the existing Kluger/Highlander model that it has essentially usurped.Born to battle the ultra-successful Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade in North America, the grandest of Toyota’s on-road SUVs is a far-roomier – and prettier – big family hauler as a consequence.It is also soon to be joined by an unrelated, all-electric SUV taking over the regular Highlander name and production line – a decision that was clearly made before the current, anti-EV US administration came into power.This mean the days of the current Kluger as we know it in Australia seem to be numbered, with no hybrid replacement in sight – except for a right-hand drive version of the Grand Highlander.The perfect foil for the BYD Sealion 8 PHEV!

Kia's all-new PV5 Cargo van brings sophisticated design and long driving range at an enticing price to Australia's expanding full-electric commercial van fleet, but is it a practical alternative to traditional diesel rivals?

Audi has dropped the price and beefed up the standard kit for its enticing new compact electric SUVThe Audi Q4 e-tron line-up has been tweaked with the addition of a 150kW entry model, updated interior design, tech enhancements and additional equipment.The new entry-grade Q4 e-tron is offered in traditional SUV wagon and swoopy Sportback form from $71,650, before on-road costs.That's more than $13,000 cheaper than the previous base model.All-wheel drive examples are now up to $24,000 cheaper, starting at $81,650.Crucially for buyers that means all Q4s now slip under the Fringe Benefits Tax exemption threshold, so they are even more enticing when sourced through a novated lease. Buyers will pay no Luxury Car Tax either, with the previous all-wheel drive versions slugged 33 cents per dollar over $90,000.Powered by a single electric motor sending 150kW/350Nm to the rear wheels it carries a 63kWh battery that supports DC fast charging of up to 160kW, delivering a 10 to 80 per cent in what Audi said is “as little as 27 minutes.”19-inch Aero Black alloy wheelsMatrix LED headlightsDigital DRLs (daytime running lights)Heated, auto-dimming and folding exterior mirrorsKeyless entry and startPower tailgate (with gesture control)Alloy roof rails (SUV only)Contrasting paint finish in blackBody colour wing mirror housingsLeather-trimmed steering wheel (with regen paddles)Leather-appointed upholsteryPower-adjustable, heated front seatsThree-zone climate controlAmbient lighting12.8-inch multimedia touchscreen11.9-inch digital driver displayEight-speaker audio (plus subwoofer)Digital radioApple CarPlay / Android AutoThree new exterior colours - Tambora Grey, Plasma Blue and Sage Green - have been added to the Q4 e-tron palette, joining the existing Pebble Grey, Mythos Black and Glacier White, while the interior features brushed aluminium inlays and door sill trims (illuminated at the front) and cooled inductive charging pads for mobile devices..Adaptive cruise controlSide assist (with exit warning and rear cross-traffic assist)Front cross-traffic assistSwerve and turn assistFront emergency brake assistTraffic sign recognition360-degree camera viewAt the same time the all-wheel drive Audi Q4 e-tron quattro features new electric motors claimed to deliver greater range and torque.Overall power output rises to 250kW with peak torque of 134Nm from the front motor and 545Nm at the rear, for claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.4 seconds.A larger 82kWh battery can now accept 185kW fast charging (up from 175 kW) for the same 27 minute 10 to 80 per cent charge claim as the single motor version. Claimed range is 494km for the SUV and 509km for the Sportback.S line exterior package (new bumpers, body colour grille with black mask and matt silver aluminium inlays)20-inch Audi Sport wheelsLeather appointed Sport front seatsBlack headliningStainless steel pedal coversAudi drive selectAugmented reality head-up displayA 12-inch passenger side screen is optional, giving the co-pilot access to navigation, media and entertainment functions. The new Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron quattro models are scheduled to hit local showrooms in the first half of 2027 and if you place an order for one of these new models before the end of 2026 Audi is including a six-year/90,000km service plan to sweeten the deal.Announcing the upgraded Q4 e-tron range Audi Australia Director Jeff Mannering said, “These new models see compelling pricing designed to provide customers with an unmatched offering in the premium segment, while still allowing them to take advantage of government EV incentives.”

The Geely EX2 Inspire is the top-spec version of Geely’s entry into the small EV market, competing with the likes of the BYD Atto 1, GAC Aion UT and MG4.Starting from $30,990, before on-road costs, the Inspire is $4500 pricier than the base Complete but gains plenty of features. Standard on the EX2 regardless are: Auto LED headlights and tail-lightsPowered seat adjustment14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen 8.8-inch driver displayWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoUSB-A and USB-C portsFour-speaker sound systemDigital radioGeely connected servicesKeyless entry and startLED interior lightingFeatures added when you upgrade to the Inspire are: Coloured ambient interior lightingWireless phone chargingPower tailgateHeated front seats and steering wheelDecorative metallic trim Contrast black roofRain-sensing wipersIt’s 4135mm long, 1805mm wide and 1580mm tall, with a 2645mm wheelbase. There’s a segment-defying 450L of luggage space between the 375L boot and 75 under-bonnet storage or ‘frunk’.Upgraded from the Complete in terms of its drivetrain, the EX2 Inspire is powered by a 85kW/150Nm motor, mounted at the rear axle. Geely claims it is able accelerate from 0-100km/h in 11.5 seconds and it’s limited to 130km/h.A 47kW battery provides power, while the EX2 Inspire uses a claimed 15.5kWh/100km, which results in a driving range of 345km according to Geely. DC Charging is 80kW, while AC is just 6.2kW.Geely says it was designed with current ANCAP testing protocols in mind and expects a maximum five-star rating later this year, though this is yet to be determined. Regardless, the list of standard safety features in the 2026 EX2 includes:Seven airbagsOccupant sensor and reminderSurround-view camera Rear parking sensorsHigh-beam assistPedestrian alert (low speed)Traction and stability controlHill-descent controlAdaptive cruise controlFront- and rear-cross traffic alertFront and rear collision warningBlind-spot monitoring Driver monitoringEmergency lane-keepLane-change assistTraffic sign detectionGeely offers a seven-year, unlimited km warranty on the EX2, with eight years' coverage for the high-voltage battery.Roadside assistance for seven years is standard and the option to buy up to seven years' of prepaid servicing at $1642 also provides peace-of-mind, the latter saving you $410 compared to the $2052 it costs paying per service. Intervals are every 12 months or 20,000km.

Lamborghini is in the business of selling dreams, and those dreams don't include an electric car, according to Chief Executive Officer Stephan WinkelmannThe Italian brand won’t follow in the footsteps of Ferrari and release a fully-electric model any time soon, having walked back its plans for a fully-electric car earlier this year.Winkelmann told CarsGuide Lamborghini wanted to have an all-electric model by the end of this decade.This was likely to be inspired by the Lanzador concept revealed in 2023, but lacklustre demand has pushed back any EV plans.“We saw that our customers, they are not stepping into this idea , so they are saying we need a car with a combustion engine,” Winkelmann told CarsGuide. “It is also important to underline when you buy a Lamborghini, you don’t buy a Lamborghini because you’re moving from A to B on a daily basis.“We are not selling mobility, but we’re selling dreams.”Lamborghini has chosen to introduce another plug-in hybrid model instead, the Revuelto SV. It will be Lamborghini’s third PHEV model following the launch of the standard Revuelto and the Urus SUV.  Lamborghini hasn’t ruled out producing a fully-electric car in the future, but it has recalibrated its immediate focus to stay on petrol engines.Winkelman said the brand will pivot towards EVs when there is clear demand for them.“We were also ready to do so, but we constantly check the response of our actual and future customers and comparing them with the assumptions we had at the beginning of this decade,” Winkelman told CarsGuide. “We will be ready to do so, but the market is not, and we have to face the reality.” Ferrari and Lamborghini face the same EV conundrum.Both are synonymous with raw internal combustion power and iconic engine noise, but must now contend with an increasingly electrified car industry.Winkelmann said Lamborghini is taking its own approach to the future.“We have a different history, but we have a lot of the same customers, and everybody has to find his own way to succeed in the future,” Winkelmann told CarsGuide. “We look into the future and I think we have a consistent approach.”

Buyers are about to get an exciting new ute from Ford. The Blue Oval is developing a ute model to add to its hugely popular Ford Bronco line-up, according to a report in AutoNews.The Bronco pick-up is due to launch in North America before 2030, and will join the likely Australian-bound Bronco hybrid coming next year.The Bronco has been a significant sales success in North America as a cheap off-roading rival to the Jeep Wrangler.This latest move from Ford will see the lifestyle off-roader take on the hotly-contested ute segment. Ford is looking to expand on the success of the Bronco name in North America by exporting it to global markets and introducing new variants.The Blue Oval has pivoted its focus away from EVs following substantial losses in the past year, and is now seeking different avenues. It suffered from extensive devaluation of its EV business due to low demand and high development costs, among other things.There is a monocoque, likely plug-in hybrid compact SUV Bronco being built in Spain for European buyers. A different Chinese-built electric and range-extender large SUV Bronco is earmarked for an Australian release in 2027.These variants differ from the Bronco and Bronco Sport off-roaders only available in North America.There is no official news on the Bronco ute’s future in Australia as details light-on at this stage. The ute will initially be built in the United States, meaning it will only come in left-hand drive for now, and future export plans have not been confirmed.Australia doesn't get the current North American Bronco because it's built in left-hand drive and its emissions-heavy turbo-petrol engines would incur fines under our regulations.Australia will instead receive the Bronco ‘New Energy’ range-extender hybrid and electric mid-size SUV in 2027, highlighting Ford’s interest in the name here. Any Bronco ute’s Australian launch likely hinges on whether its set-up will have hybrid power and will be built in right-hand drive.A spokesperson for Ford Australia said the brand would not comment on future production speculation.

Genesis has officially revealed its new GV90 flagship electric SUV ahead of its Australian launch in the first half of 2027.The Genesis GV90 is based on a new platform called Electric Mobility Prime (eMP) platform. It also features a level of luxury that moves the brand’s positioning much closer to Bentley and Rolls-Royce.Two new world-first features include B-pillarless coach doors that allow for one large opening with both the front and rear doors open, as well as a roof airbag that’s designed to deploy during roll-over accidents and protect occupants.Other highlight features that are a first for the Hyundai Motor Group include 180-degree swivelling first-row seats, monotube-type electronic controlled suspension, metal-coated heated glass that operates on a 48V system, as well as a dual e-LSD system on both the front and rear motors.There are two versions of this car available – the GV90 and GV90 Neolun – and both are powered by a dual-electric motor set-up with total system outputs of 490kW and 800Nm.It’s enough to send it from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds, depending on the variant. Top speed is 240km/h.The electric motors are fed by a 123.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is the largest fitted to any Hyundai Motor Group EV to date. It allows for up to 500km of range, depending on the configuration, according to internal testing.Peak charging rates haven’t been disclosed, but a 10-80 per cent charge is claimed to take as little as 22 minutes.The Genesis GV90 measures in at 5285mm long, 2030mm wide and up to 1825mm tall, with a 3245mm wheelbase. This makes it 225mm longer than the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and more on par with mammoth full-size SUVs like the GMC Yukon.Standard versions of the GV90 come with 22-inch alloy wheels, whereas Neolun versions come with larger 24-inch alloy wheels. A total of 16 exterior paint colours are available.At the front there is a V-shaped lighting signature as part of Genesis’ signature Two-Lines graphic motif, as well as a long bonnet.Around the side, beyond the large alloy wheels, GV90 Neolun variants receive the B-pillarless coach doors. Standard GV90 variants receive conventionally opening rear doors.At the back there are large body-colour sections, unique glass graphics and cutless rear lamps. There’s also a gooseneck hinge for the tailgate that conceals the mechanical parts when open.Standard versions of the GV90 come with either six or seven seats, whereas the Neolun variants come with either six or four seats. There are a total seven interior colourways, as well as multiple interior garnishes including real wood stone and wool cashmere trim.The Neolun versions receive 180-degree swivelling front-row seats, plus if you opt for the Executive Suite pack with four seats you get a built-in refrigerator, tables and a partition between the passenger and cargo sections.A highlight of the interior is a 23.6-inch OLED central display screen that can pop up an additional 90mm when parked, transforming it into a 24.6-inch display. There’s also a 25-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and interior ambient lighting.Additionally, the GV90 debuts Hyundai Motor Group’s new Pleos Connect multimedia software, which is based on the Android Automotive Operating System and allows for third-party apps to be downloaded via an app store.Other highlight interior features include a rotating crystal sphere controller, rotating shift-by-wire gear selector and a 25-inch head-up display.Genesis has confirmed the GV90 will launch in Australia in the first half of 2027.When it launches it won’t have any direct rivals that offer comparable levels of specification and an all-electric powertrain. The closest would be the likes of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.At this stage it’s unclear how much the GV90 will cost in Australia. The most expensive model currently is the Electrified G80 Signature at $156,418, before on-road costs, but the V8-powered Mercedes-Maybach GLS starts at $424,900, before on-road costs.Only 222 examples of the GV90 Neolun First Edition are being offered globally and they come with exclusive exterior and interior colourways, plus bespoke detailing. It’s unclear if any of these will come to Australia.

Xpeng’s new mid-size ‘coupe’ SUV has been confirmed in Thailand ahead of the L03's Australian launch.Thanks to its imminent right-hand drive Thai launch, we now know some details of the the 2026 Xpeng L03 (called Mona L03 in China) we are likely to get.The segment-treading SUV, which has a more ‘coupe’ shape than some SUVs it will likely rival.XPeng has been dealing with something of a ‘relaunch’ in Australia as the Chinese headquarters roll out factory-backed operations in Australia, taking over from the former importer TrueEV.The L03 will join the G6 mid-size SUV and X9 people-mover to help bolster the line-up and compete with more established rivals.What is the XPeng L03?Likely to be classified as a mid-size SUV in Australia and rival the Geely EX5 or BYD Atto 3, the L03 is somewhat like a Polestar 2 in being sedan-shaped but SUV-sized.Coming in at 4650mm long, 1920mm wide and 1600mm tall, the L03 will launch in Thailand with an option of 58.3kWh or 71.2kWh LFP battery, the latter providing up to 520km of WLTP-tested range.A range-extender is available in China with a 1.5-litre engine producing 70kW, though in Thailand the more powerful variants have outputs of 183kW.Thanks to maximum 236kW DC charging, XPeng claims the L03 can undertake a 10-80 per cent charge in two minutes.A large panoramic roof, 15.6-inch central touchscreen and floating centre console with the increasingly standard wireless charging pads are key to the interior, much like many, many other EVs from China.

Brightly coloured SUVs for people who don’t like SUVs. That’s the sales pitch for the fourth (but by no means final) new brand from Chery Motors - Lepas.Due to open its first showrooms in October and start customer deliveries in November, Lepas will join Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo in the Chinese giant’s expanding Australian line-up.But why is Chery adding yet another brand? And how will Lepas, which will begin with the L6 electric SUV, fit in?We spoke with Chery Australia Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris during a ride-along in the L6 to understand why another brand is necessary.“ So Jaecoo is that urban, off-road, stylish urban off-road vehicle, Omoda is a much more futuristic/technology/fashion orientated customer, ”Harris explained."Lepas is going to be much more bold and distinctive and so the way that we've tried to summarise that is that we want to create a brand that has SUVs for non-SUV people, and so it's bold and distinctive and individualistic. That's the idea rather than off-road or futuristic if that makes sense?”According to Harris, bolder colours, such as the purple our pre-production L6 was finished in, will actually play a major role in defining Lepas.“Colour is going to play a big part in that and making it stand out,” he said.“I think the other thing that's really important and very different about Lepas specifically is that it's a new energy only brand. So we'll only have battery electric and plug-in hybrid.” The L6 EV will be the first model to arrive in Australia, followed shortly after by the smaller L4 and then the larger L8 and L9 SUVs by early 2027, with a smaller, yet-to-revealed L2 the final confirmed model for the local range.Both the L6 and L4 will be available with fully-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, which is also under consideration for the other models.Pricing hasn’t been revealed, but Harris indicated the L6, which is similar in size to the Jaecoo J5, will start at below $50,000. That is another key difference between Chery’s multi-brand approach and the legacy brands, with Omoda, Jaecoo and Lepas likely to overlap on price across the range.Harris explained why this strategy works for Chery as a group.“ So I think one of the differences in our approach to the brands is that established brands' way of thinking, because there are established brands that have multi-brand arrangements, they typically stack them on top of each other,” he said.“This one's volume, this one's kind of premium mainstream, this one's luxury, this one's a supercar. And they segment them and separate them really just by price. And in some of those examples, you could find the first three segments or first three layers of their brands, and they segment them by price, but a normal consumer can't tell the difference between the $80,000 or $90,000 one and the $40,000 one. The fit and finish and the standard is very similar on those.“So our approach is less about pricing and much more about trying to create a unique brand image and a unique brand feeling. And, product is a big part of that and you can see quite a big difference in the design of our products across the brands. The idea is to try and have different brands that speak to different sub-sets of consumers.”Naturally that leads to the obvious question about the potential for Lepas to take costumes away from Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo. But Harris is ready to rebut that concern.“ So my short answer to that is no, I don't think there will be any,” he said.“And the reason why I say that is that we're very intentionally trying to target different customers, and those different customers consume their media and respond to different marketing messages than others do."That's not to say that all customers are going to fit squarely into the four boxes that we've created. There might be a little bit of overlap between the boxes, but the end goal is we reach a broader audience and reach more people.”One major difference between Lepas and the other three brands, beyond colours, is what’s underneath.The L6 rides on a different vehicle underpinnings than the others, which was developed at the company’s German design and engineering hub.Harris believes this will provide a meaningful difference between the Lepas range and what Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo can offer, with a more European-centric ride and handling program resulting in a different driving experience.But we’ll have to wait until we can jump from the passenger seat to the driver’s seat before we can pass judgement on that.

Geely has announced it plans to double exports as part of a recent earnings call as it seeks aggressive global growth to escape the perils of an extremely competitive Chinese domestic marketLi Shufu, the chairman of Geely Group, which also controls Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Lynk & Co and Zeekr, said the company would achieve these goals not through increased Chinese domestic production, but by increased global production.He said this was because “the world is undergoing a historic shift toward de-globalisation”, in reference to an increase in tariffs across the world that are restricting global trade.Geely Group plans to export 920,000 vehicles for the next financial year, which is more than double the amount of units it shipped last year, as reported by Nikkei Asia.To combat the rise of global tariffs, the company plans to build more cars in Europe, including at a Ford plant in Spain, and at existing Volvo factories, rather than expand production capacity at home.In addition, the company has expanded closer to Australia, including knockdown assembly in Indonesia, a plan to build Zeekrs at Proton facilities in Malaysia, and is said to be in talks to follow its rivals GWM and Chery in setting up manufacturing in Thailand.“De-globalisation” is a major problem for Chinese automakers, which are increasingly seeking higher profits in global markets to escape razor thin margins and shrinking sales in the hyper-competitive Chinese domestic market.Zeekr in particular has been an overperformer for Geely, significantly raising the average sale price of their vehicles. The company said in its most recent financial results that the 9X had become the best-selling car above the equivalent of $100,000 in China, and the brand had nearly doubled volume year-on-year.Australia is perhaps the ideal model for the Chinese giant’s growth aspirations, with both Geely and Zeekr experiencing explosive growth over the past year.Despite a slowly-but-surely new model approach compared to rivals like BYD and Chery, Geely is up over 500 per cent year-on-year and has already surpassed Volkswagen and Honda to become nearly on-par with once-favourites like Subaru and Nissan.Its model range thus far only consists of the EX5 and the related Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid mid-sizers, as well as the new EX2 hatchback. The company will launch the Camry-rivalling Emgrand sedan and a larger SUV in 2027.Zeekr will also expand on its model range, adding the much-hyped 8X large SUV and 9X flagship, both with plug-in hybrid power over the course of 2027. The 7GT electric wagon will be added before the end of 2026. All are expected to add significant volume for the brand.Geely will need to double its volume to challenge its best-selling Chinese rivals in Australia. Chery and MG that have each sold nearly 30,000 vehicles so far in 2026, as well as GWM that has sold over 30,000 units and BYD has crested the 60,000 unit mark, but it is tracking ahead of other new rivals like GAC, XPeng and Omaoda Jaecoo.One thing is clear though. With relatively high margins, success in challenging established players, and a solid array of new products due over the next year, we’ll be seeing a lot more Geelys and Zeekrs on Australian roads.