Family Cars

Kia's evolution from affordable outsider to mainstream brand is complete, but can it now become a genuine premium offering? The new EV9 GT pushes the brand in terms of performance, luxury and price. We drive this new, opulent, six-seat SUV to find out how it stacks up as both an electric vehicle and a luxury brand alternative.

In early 2026 Geely did something it really needed to. It updated the EX5 electric mid-sized SUV with a bigger battery offering more driving range.That’s the car we're tested here, the EX5 Extended Range in top-of-the-range Inspire guise.Traditionally, model updates bring cosmetic changes like a different wheel design, restyled front bumper, a larger touchscreen inside, but Geely has addressed the biggest issue with the previous EX5 - the limited driving range.The previous EX5 had a smallish 60.22kWh battery which offered 410km of WLTP driving range for the Inspire, according to Geely.That’s pretty low compared to rivals such as the Leapmotor C10 which offers up to 510km. The updated EX5’s 68.39kWh battery has a range of up to 475km in the entry grade Complete and 450km in the Inspire.I asked Geely Australia why the difference in range and was told it comes down to the Inspire’s heavier weight (it has a big glass roof) and its larger wheels.The bigger battery is really the only change made to the model in this update and a cargo cover for the boot has been added plus a mode 2 charging cable.The Inspire lists for $45,990 before on-road costs, which is $4000 more than the Complete. Those prices are up by about $1000 compared to the previous model.Standard features are identical to the pre-update model and while the Inspire gets more, it doesn’t get much more. I think the Complete is the better buy for less money and more range with almost the same equipment.Both grades have LED headlights, proximity unlocking, 15.4-inch touchscreen and 10.2-inch instrument cluster, climate control, sat nav, wireless phone charging, power and heated front seats, vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-vehicle capability and selectable drive modes.The Inspire adds 19-inch alloy wheels (the Complete has 18s) 16-speaker Flyme stereo, power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, 256-colour ambient lighting, ventilated front seats with massaging function and front parking sensors.There’s nothing on the Inspire’s extra features list that seems essential to me. If anything the panoramic sunroof makes the cabin too hot in Aussie summer, power tailgates are too slow, and yes the stereo is good but the six-speaker unit in the entry grade is fine.Our car wears the new 'Jungle Green' paint which looks stunning when the sun catches and the interior was the 'Cloud White' which is a tone only available on the Inspire.The other standard interior colour for the Inspire is 'Midnight Black' and that’s the only colour offered on the Complete grade, too. The darker upholstery is probably the smarter choice if you have kids like me or wear fake tan like me, too.It’s a lovely cabin with comfortable and plush seats, and clean and uncluttered surfaces with a modern minimalist styling throughout. The big screen houses almost all controls and that is frustrating when it comes to changing the temperature or fan speed. Even the headlights are controlled through the screen.Fortunately speed displayed in the driver instrument cluster and in the clear head-up display, which is great for navigation.Cabin storage is excellent with an area under the floating centre console to store a handbag or small backpack. There are deep door pockets front and rear along with four cupholders. A large centre console bin is also good for stowing items away and under cover.The boot is sectioned into two layers with a total capacity of 410 litres which falls short of other electric mid-sized SUVs such as the Leapmotor C10 EV (581L).The EX5 is 4615mm long, making it about the same length as a Toyota RAV4 or Subaru Forester.The smooth exterior styling gives off a prestigious vibe, and while its not hugely different to other SUVs, I think it looks stylish and modern. Both EX5 grades are front-wheel drive with an electric motor which makes 160kW and 320Nm. While that’s not a huge power figure, acceleration in the Inspire is still decent with 0-100km/h coming in 7.6 seconds. That makes leaping out into traffic easy, while overtaking can be done with confidence.Most of the driving was done in the city and suburbs, along with my review test loop. After 301km of driving, the ride is impressively comfortable, but possibly overly cushioned. The dynamics are affected by body roll when pushing the vehicle harder into corners.A car like this won't often be driven that way though. The reason I do this is to see how stable it will be in an emergency situation that requires a quick lane change. It’s just not super agile and sporty, which isn’t on its to-do list, anyway.The EX5 is quiet, smooth, comfortable and easy to drive. I love the gear shifter mounted on the steering column stalk, which makes it easy to change from drive to reverse and back again.Visibility is excellent, the pedal feels good and the steering, while a little light and artificial feeling, is accurate. During my time with the EX5, my average energy consumption according to the tripmetre was 15.5kWh/100km. That's less than the 16.9kWh/100km Geely says you should see. I’m impressed with that. I normally exceed consumption claims.The maximum DC charging rate is 100kW which is fine but not particularly quick these days. This will allow the battery to be charged from 30-80 per cent in 20 minutes. The charging flap is next to the right front wheel guard.  

Two new Nissan plug-in hybrids have been unveiled at the Auto China 2026 show in Beijing, one with an off-road bent and the other destined for the city.The Nissan Urban SUV PHEV Concept is fairly self-explanatory, but it’s the Terrano PHEV Concept that is sure to draw interest from Nissan fans.Both are due to be put into production within a year, with the Terrano “intended for selected global markets”.The Terrano nameplate will be familiar to many as the predecessor to the Nissan Pathfinder and SUV sibling to the Navara, and this new concept seems to have similar intentions.As a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV, the Terrano departs from its roots, seemingly as an SUV sibling to the new Nissan Frontier Pro.No concrete details have been confirmed aside from its PHEV status and its exterior design, but chances are it’ll have something like the Frontier Pro’s 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor, together good for “over 300kW of power and up to 800Nm”.Nissan says the “Terrano builds on Nissan's off-road heritage while addressing the dual needs of outdoor adventure and urban commuting”.True to this, Nissan’s concept for the SUV sits on particularly rugged off-road tyres and features roof racks with a side ladder, chunky side-steps, and a big spare tyre on the rear.Given Nissan Australia’s seemingly receptive approach to the Frontier Pro, the Terrano is a chance for the future.The Urban SUV PHEV Concept is, however, seemingly a China-only proposition at the moment, with the brand saying it’s “designed for young Chinese customers”.“Its design draws from philosophies of the NX8 and Nissan’s future SUV lineup, blending advanced electrification technology with urban daily driving performance.”There’s less indication for the details on this one, but Nissan says it also intends to launch “three additional NEV models in China within a year” as well as sending other new Chinese-built models like the N7 sedan and NX8 SUV to global markets.“China plays two distinct and important roles as Nissan’s three lead markets, alongside Japan and the United States,” says the brand in a statement.“First, China serves as a strong domestic market, delivering clear and compelling value for Chinese customers. Second, it functions as a global innovation and export hub, leveraging China’s innovation and speed to develop competitive technologies and products globally.”

One of the best-selling brands has just declared the car market has changed for good.Since the Iran war and the intermittent access to the Strait of Hormuz, the price of fuel, particularly in Australia, has skyrocketed.It has coincided with substantial increases in the purchase of electrified vehicles, arguably accelerating the transition towards an EV future.Hyundai, sister brand of Kia, has reported a 158 per cent supply increase for EVs in the second quarter of 2026, describing demand at an "unprecedented level”.Chinese brand Chery has also seen its electrified sales climb to around 70 per cent of all vehicles it sells. Kia is another brand reporting large EV sales increases, with a split of 40 per cent all-electric, 30 per cent hybrid and 30 per cent pure combustion. The brand's EV3 and EV5 SUVs have been the main cars boosting electric sales.There were nearly 16,000 electric vehicles sales in March 2026, almost double the same month last year. And pure-petrol sales continue to decline at an even faster rate than diesel.A key question surrounding this EV sales bump is whether heightened EV uptake will continue at the same rate, even after fuel prices decrease.This is a pertinent point given electric vehicles remain more expensive to purchase than petrol rivals.Kia Australia Chief Executive Officer Damien Meredith said the change to the car market since mid-March may be structural.“Yes, I think it's going to be somewhere between 30 and 40 per cent ,” Meredith told CarsGuide. “We measure it very closely, but it’s bouncing around a little bit. “I think certainly we’re not going back to their 8, 12 per cent share of the market. “That’s now above 20 per cent, but it could be above 30 per cent, so I think even if it went to 25 per cent that structural change is massive," he said.It is not just fuel prices which are driving an accelerated EV surge, with policy factors also contributing. Results for the 2025 performance period of the National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) were released earlier this year.It saw several brands receive hefty liabilities, which will turn into fines if they don’t meet their interim emissions value targets by next year.Electric vehicles have an interim emissions value of zero, meaning brands incur credits as opposed to liabilities on units sold.

BYD's off-roader and SUV brand FangChengBao, whose vehicles are badged Denza in Australia, has broken its own ‘off-roaders and SUVs’ mould with the unveiling of a collection of striking new models on the opening day of this year’s Beijing motor show.The Formula X Coupe, a low-set, carbon-tubbed, aero-influenced sports car with strong hints of Aston Martin, Ferrari and McLaren around its exterior.The minimalist cockpit-style interior seats two with scissor doors a tip of the hat to Lamborghini. Production launch is scheduled for 2027.Alongside the X Coupe, the performance-focused Formula Jaguar S is offered in sedan and GT shooting brake, while the larger SL sedan leans more into a luxury specification. All three measure more than 5.0 metres end-to-end with a wheelbase in excess of 3.0m.Provisional timing for the Formula Jaguar S’s Chinese domestic market launch is the third quarter of this year.And then, the Formula Leopard S is a sleek, fastback-style sedan featuring partially-concealed door handles and dramatic 21-inch rims.Also at the show is the Denza Z, a sleek pure-electric 2+2 GT to be offered in hardtop, convertible and ‘track’ form.With combined output exceeding 745kW (1000hp) and claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in under two seconds it is scheduled to make its dynamic debut at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed this July.With design development led by former Alfa, Audi and Lamborghini styling guru Wolfgang Egger, the Denza Z features steer-by-wire, magnetic adaptive suspension and all-wheel drive.In launching the car, Denza has pledged a Nürburgring lap record campaign with a time possibly already recorded given prototypes were spotted testing at the famous German circuit regularly in 2025.

BYD has revealed two new flagship models at this year’s Beijing motor show.These are the 2026 BYD Sealion 08 SUV and Seal 08 sedan which shouldn’t be confused with the existing Sealion 8 and Seal sedan as they’re completely different vehicles.As reported by AutoHome, the Sealion 08 is available with either two- or three-rows of seating and measures in at 5115mm long, which is 100mm longer than a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.It’s understood it will be offered with both pure electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. The former will feature BYD’s second-generation version of its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade battery technology and offer up to 900km of range, according to CLTC testing.Other expected highlights include air suspension and a rear-wheel steering system.The Seal 08 on the other hand is a large sedan that measures in at 5150mm long, 1999mm wide and 1505mm tall, with a 3030mm wheelbase. This makes it larger than a BMW 5 Series sedan.Similarly to the Sealion 08, both EV and PHEV powertrains are on offer. The former also receives a second-generation LFP Blade battery and operates on an 800V electrical architecture, allowing flash charging.The all-wheel drive version is reported to offer over 480kW and have a 0-100km/h sprint time of less than 5.0 seconds.The PHEV version of the Seal 08 on the other hand has a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 115kW with an 200kW electric motor. No total system output has been detailed yet.The electric motor is fed by a 45.36kWh LFP battery pack and will offer over 400km of claimed electric range, according to lenient CLTC testing.Like the Sealion 08, the Seal 08 will offer a rear-wheel steering system that is aimed to reduce the turning circle at low speeds, but increase stability at higher speeds.At this stage it’s unclear whether the 2026 BYD Sealion 08 and Seal 08 will be offered in markets outside of China, or if right-hand drive versions are in the works.BYD only recently launched the Sealion 8 PHEV three-row SUV, as well as the Seal 06 PHEV sedan and wagon in Australia.

China is coming for some of the world’s best off-roaders.GAC, which just launched in Australia, has whipped the covers off its new Yue 7 four-wheel drive.The 4WD was previously teased with the codenamed T75 prototype.It is a plug-in hybrid, which puts it on a collision course with new arrivals such as BYD’s Denza B5, as well as conventional diesel-powered favourites such as the Toyota Prado.Its styling resembles several well known 4WDs, with shades of Land Rover’s Defender, the new Toyota Prado and some newer Chinese options just as the Chery iCaur V27 and Jetour T2.It has a blocky, masculine style with chunky all-terrain tyres, a tailgate-mounted spare tyre as well as roof racks and other off-road accessories.Pixel-like headlights give off strong Hyundai Santa Fe vibes and flared wheel arches add to its muscular appearance.It also shows roof-mounted lidar hardware, which points to advanced safety and self driving features.Only the exterior was showcased at the show, with full details to be revealed closer to its third quarter launch.It is expected to use the same plug-in hybrid set-up as the E8 people mover, which combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor to make 274kW and 630Nm. This is matched to a circa-25kWh battery that can deliver an electric driving range of about 100km.It is believed this 4WD will spawn a ute, which would come to Australia.The ute is due in 2027 and the company’s local CEO Kevin Shu previously said it was likely we’d learn more about it at the Beijing show.

Volkswagen has broadened available powertrain options in two of its mainstay models with the introduction of full-hybrid versions of the Golf hatch and T-Roc small SUV.Scheduled for global release in the fourth quarter of this year the newcomers are ‘plugless’ hybrids powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine supported by a hybrid module consisting of two electric motors (one drive unit and the second acting as a generator), power electronics, a differential, single-speed transmission and an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch used to engage and disengage the combustion engine.VW said the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid have been designed to enable a higher proportion of pure-electric driving compared with existing ‘eTSI’ mild-hybrid variants and reduce charging complexity relative to plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.Final specs for the electric motors and lithium-ion battery are yet to be detailed for the prospective Toyota Corolla and Corolla Cross rivals but VW has confirmed both will be front-wheel drive only with three operating modes available.The electric motor will be engaged exclusively at low speeds. Then, in ‘Serial drive’ the combustion engine is decoupled to act as an additional generator for battery charging. And, as the name suggests, ‘Parallel drive’ puts the engine in the primary position at speeds at or above 60km/h with the electric drive motor in support as a ‘booster’ when accelerating.Three driving profiles - ‘Eco’, ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ also modulate maximum system output according to specific needs.Badged ‘eHybrid’ or GTE in more performance-focused variants, VW is positioning the new models as “a suitable drive solution for every usage scenario” in addition to its pure-electric ID. line-up.CarsGuide contacted Volkswagen Australia for comment on the potential for the new Golf and T-Roc hybrids joining the brand’s local range and a spokesperson said, "While Volkswagen Australia continues to assess future opportunities for the local market, we’re unable to confirm Australian availability or timing at this stage."

Subaru’s Forester is one of the brand’s most important models. In fact, based purely on sales, it’s Subaru’s number-one seller, but it’s also a model that has helped bring new buyers to Subaru showrooms. And it’s been doing that for almost three decades.The model we’re looking at here is the 'SK' model, or fifth-gen version, sold here from 2018 to 2025 when it was replaced by the all-new sixth-gen.Gone was the turbocharged Forester XT option, and every member of the SK family (apart from the hybrid variant) was powered by the then-familiar 'FB' series of engines measuring 2.5 litres.The model line-up started with the base-model 2.5i, then moved to the 2.5i-L, then the 2.5i Premium and finally the 2.5i-S. The differences were in the level of standard equipment and safety gear, because mechanically, they were the same including the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s trademark all-wheel drive platform.The 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid was the odd one out, with less power and performance and a slight fuel economy advantage if you could be bothered. Is Subaru Forester a good car?The beauty of the Forester is that it combines all the good bits of an SUV (higher ride height, ease of access and all-wheel drive grip) with the convenience and practicality of a conventional station-wagon. The car could have been one big compromise, but never has been and those who bought one often pony up for a second or third Forester as the years pass. That’s how good the basic premise is.While it’s not an off-roader by any stretch, the Forester’s all-wheel drive and slightly better ground clearance give it great gravel-road abilities. This is part of the reason first responders such as country fire authorities and regional patient transport services absolutely love the Forester (and its Outback big brother).That all-wheel drive platform also infers a decent degree of safety, and that’s paired with a knee airbag and side-curtain airbags in every variant, as well as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and Subaru’s 'Eyesight' safety aids including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance and rear cross-traffic alert. That makes for a better-than-average safety deal and, in turn, makes the Forester a good choice for younger drivers who still need a decently sized wagon body. Subaru Forester reliabilityMany other manufacturers would kill for a reliability record and reputation to match Subaru’s. And while the Forester is not perfect, most owners seem to have a pretty good run with their Subarus, including the ability to turn the odometer past that expected of the opposition.The one proviso is the vehicle has been serviced absolutely by the book. The Subaru engine has lots of small oilways which can become clogged if the oil isn’t kept fresh and clean. Details like the condition of the rubber boots on the four driveshafts are crucial, too, so they’re not exactly maintenance-free. Then again, neither is any other car.The lack of a turbocharger on the Forester helps keeps things simple and unstressed and that’s always good for reliability.The hybrid’s more complex petrol-electric driveline imposes a few more complexities and EV battery-life can be a concern. A pre-purchase check of the EV battery pack is a good idea. Subaru Forester problemsThe bad old days of head gasket failures in Subaru engines were, unless you were really unlucky, a thing of the past by the time this model rolled around. The engine also uses life-of-engine timing chains instead of a rubber belt that needs periodic replacement.Early versions of the FB (Subaru’s in-house code-name) were sometimes guilty of excess oil consumption which was usually traced to either a poor Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve design or faulty piston rings. The good news is these issues had been addressed by the 2015 model-year, so a 2018 or later Forester shouldn’t be affected. We’d still check the car’s service history, however.Although CVTs have a somewhat less than stellar reputation in the trade, the Subaru unit has proven itself to be less troublesome than other brands. Some owners have complained about a jerkiness in the CVT in traffic and at low speeds, however.Beyond that, the big thing to watch for is the sort of trim and exterior damage often inflicted in the normal course of family-car duties. Car park dings should be easy to spot, milky drinks spilled between the seat cushions less so. Subaru Forester recallThe SK Forester has a pretty clean rap sheet when it comes to safety recalls. Some cars built in 2019 were recalled to replace a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve that could fail, and another batch of cars made between 2017 and 2020 were recalled to check the integrity of the bolts holding the rear stabiliser bar.A batch of cars built in 2018 and 2019 was recalled for a potential fuel pump failure that could stop the car in its tracks and some MY2023 cars were also recalled to check for faulty front driveshafts.You can find out more about these recalls by contacting a Subaru dealer and providing the car’s VIN, or online at www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/.  Subaru Forester years to avoidNo one year is better than any other in the fifth-gen Forester, so buy on service history, kilometres and condition rather than build-year.But the one version we probably wouldn’t bother with is the hybrid. Frankly, it feels underpowered to drive and the extra complexity of the hybrid platform just isn’t borne out by the small fuel economy gain. Truth is, this is a mild-hybrid rather than a meaningful one and we’d go for the upmarket, conventional-driveline Forester with more standard equipment for the same money. Subaru Forester how many kilometresSubarus tend to keep on keeping on and the SK appears to continue that tradition. Search online, and you’ll find plenty of SK Foresters for sale with 250,000km or more showing, still with life left in them. Again however, this promise of useful life remaining is entirely dependent on that service record being intact and complete.  Subaru Forester best modelSince there’s less price difference between the base model and the upmarket versions now than when they were brand new, the temptation today is to opt for a fully-equipped model and enjoy the luxe bits for not much more money.Since there’s no real mechanical differences between the various non-hybrid versions that advice holds true and, at the same time, gets you into a car with more standard safety kit. That said, every SK Forester had all-wheel drive, seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and Subaru’s 'Eyesight' safety cameras, so even the base-model is hardly lacking.  Subaru Forester resale valuePrices for high-milers start at the mid-teens or even a bit less, but there’s probably better value to be had with an example with closer to 150,000km (or less) on board for around the high-teens or $20,000 mark.There’s also good value to be had by spending a closer to the high-20s or even $30,000 and looking for a later model Forester with around 50,000km showing on the odometer. At which point, you should be buying a car that will last the next decade or even more. Subaru Forester partsSubaru has about 120 accredited service centres across Australia, the vast majority of which are also dealerships. But a good independent workshop should be able to tackle pretty much any job on what is, after all, a fairly conventional car. Even the CVT shouldn’t trouble a transmission specialist.Parts are readily available from traditional outlets as well as an army of online sellers. Just be careful buying from offshore online sites you don’t know. Subaru Forester salesThe success of the Forester as a best-selling model for Subaru in Australia, means there are lots of them out there. In 2025 alone Subaru sold more than 15,000 Foresters so the car is well understood and in plentiful supply. In fact, a quick online check reveals there are literally thousands of Foresters for sale right now, many of them the SK model.

Jaecoo’s J5 small SUV has been a revelation for the brand since it hit the Australian market at the start of this year, flying up to be the brand’s best-selling car in its line-up.In just three months since its official launch, the electric version of the J5 has sold 1153 units.These figures have made it the eighth best-selling EV in the country for March, outselling the likes of the BYD Atto 1, Australia's cheapest EV on sale.The J5 has been subject to a staggered launch by Jaecoo, with the EV launching first, followed by the petrol variant due to hit showrooms in the coming weeks. There is also a plug-less hybrid version of the car expected to launch in the third quarter of this year. The introduction of a fully electric version of a car followed by a petrol variant is an unusual pathway in Australia. It seems to have worked a treat for Jaecoo, given the J5 EV's sales success.The plot thickens further now with the petrol J5 launching at a time when soaring fuel prices have boosted electric sales and pushed down petrol ones.Roughly 70 per cent of all orders for Chery vehicles currently are for electric and plug-in hybrid models.This means now might not be the best time to introduce a petrol model in a market favouring electric alternatives.According to Omoda Jaecoo Chief Commercial Officer Roy Munoz, the staggered launch of the J5 range was not by design.“It has exceeded my expectations and it is not lost on me that it is fuelled by the current economic crisis,” Munoz said. “I wish I could say that we planned everything. “It just happened to be that the EV was ready for our market first.”Munoz said there is still space in the market for petrol models, especially as they have a cheaper starting price than EVs generally. The petrol J5 is roughly $10,000 cheaper than the electric version at current drive-away pricing. “Electrification and new energy is definitely growing, but we can’t ignore the fact petrol is still probably the largest segment,” Munoz said. “There are a lot of customers who might not be ready for an EV.“We find that there is still a huge opportunity for petrol, which is why we’re very glad we are releasing this at this time.”Jaecoo plans to add a plug-less hybrid version of the J5 before the end of the year, which will complete the model’s line-up.There are no immediate plans to add a long-range version of the J5 EV to boost its current 402km WLTP driving range. The brand's attentions will turn to Omoda in the second half of this year.